[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 174 (Friday, September 8, 1995)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 46936-46973]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-21408]




[[Page 46935]]

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Part III





Department of Commerce





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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration



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50 CFR Part 672 et al.



Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska; Groundfish Fishery of the Bering Sea 
and Aleutian Islands Area; Consolidate Recordkeeping and Reporting 
Requirements; Proposed Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 174 / Friday, September 8, 1995 / 
Proposed Rules   

[[Page 46936]]


DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Parts 672 and 675

[Docket No. 950727194-5194-01; I.D. 062795C]
RIN 0648-AG54


Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska; Groundfish Fishery of the 
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area; Consolidate Recordkeeping and 
Reporting Requirements

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

ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: NMFS proposes to remove and to consolidate several sections of 
regulations in parts 672 and 675; to simplify and streamline the 
remaining regulations, including the recordkeeping and reporting 
requirements; to consolidate area descriptions and coordinates into 
maps and tables; to consolidate codes, values, and descriptions into 
tables; and to correct errors and clarify vague text. These actions are 
intended to facilitate management of the groundfish fisheries and the 
enforcement of groundfish regulations. They are necessary to promote 
the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) for 
Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) and the Groundfish Fishery of 
the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area (BSAI).

DATES: Comments must be received on or before October 10, 1995.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be sent to Ronald J. Berg, Chief, Fisheries 
Management Division, Alaska Region, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 
99802, Attn: Lori J. Gravel, or be delivered to Federal Building, 
Fourth Floor, 709 West 9th Street, Juneau, AK. Comments on the 
collection-of-information requirements may be sent to the Office of 
Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) (0648-AG54), Washington, DC 20503 (Attn: NOAA Desk 
Officer), and to Patsy A. Bearden, Alaska Region, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, 
Juneau, AK 99802.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patsy A. Bearden, 907-586-7228.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Fishing for groundfish by U.S. vessels in 
the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the BSAI and the GOA is managed by 
NMFS according to the FMPs for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska and the 
Groundfish Fishery of the Bering Sea Aleutian Islands Area. The FMPs 
were prepared by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) 
under the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson 
Act) and are implemented by regulations governing the U.S. groundfish 
fisheries at 50 CFR parts 672 and 675. General regulations that also 
pertain to the U.S. fisheries appear at 50 CFR part 620.
    This action proposes amendments to regulations as follows: (1) 
Consolidate Sec. 675.2 into Sec. 672.2; Sec. 675.3 into Sec. 672.3; 
Sec. 675.4 into Sec. 672.4; and Sec. 675.5 into Sec. 672.5; (2) remove 
the requirement for the groundfish utilization survey at Sec. 672.5(d) 
and (e) and other outdated requirements; (3) update and replace 
Secs. 672.2, 672.3, 672.4 (including the Federal Fisheries Permit 
Application), and 672.5 (including logbooks, reports, and forms); (4) 
amend Secs. 672.7, 675.27, and Sec. 677.4; (5) revise the scientific 
term for steelhead trout at Secs. 672.20(e)(1) and 675.20(c)(1); (6) 
place all tables and figures currently found in part 675 in part 672, 
revised and renumbered, and add new tables and figures; (7) revise and 
insert references to tables and figures within the text of parts 672 
and 675; (8) revise and insert paragraph titles to several paragraphs 
in parts 672 and 675; (9) revise the time citation ``00:01 a.m.'' to 
read ``0001 hours'' in Secs. 672.20(a), 675.20(a), 672.23(f), and 
675.23(d); (10) revise GOA reporting area codes from 61, 62, 63, 64, 65 
to read 610, 620, 630, 640, and 650; (11) revise and insert references 
to GOA reporting areas; (12) add new GOA reporting area code 690 and 
new BSAI reporting area codes 300, 400, and 550; (13) place all 
reporting area codes and coordinates in maps and tables; and (14) 
divide most reporting areas into Alaska state waters and Federal waters 
for reporting purposes. A description of, and reasons for, these 
actions follow.

I. Consolidation of Regulations

    Although the GOA and BSAI have separate FMPs, much of the 
regulatory text for the two management areas is the same. NMFS proposes 
to remove duplicate text that is found also in part 672 (GOA management 
area) from several sections of part 675 (BSAI management area) and to 
replace the removed text with a cross reference to part 672. This 
action will shorten the regulations as well as simplify and clarify the 
text. Those sections affected would be: Section 675.2 into Sec. 672.2 
(Definitions); Sec. 675.3 into Sec. 672.3 (Relation to other laws); 
Sec. 675.4 into Sec. 672.4 (Permits); and Sec. 675.5 into Sec. 672.5 
(Recordkeeping and reporting).

II. Removal of Existing Regulations

    NMFS would remove outdated regulations that no longer apply to the 
groundfish fisheries. This action would shorten the regulatory text and 
create a simpler, more pertinent body of regulations.

A. Groundfish Utilization Surveys

    NMFS proposes to remove regulations at Sec. 672.5(d) and (e) that 
require completion of an annual groundfish utilization survey. The 
original purpose of the survey was to estimate domestic annual 
processing (DAP) groundfish utilization each year for purposes of 
allocating groundfish among foreign fishing, DAP, and joint-venture 
processing (JVP) operations. Since 1990, the groundfish fisheries have 
been fully domesticated, and foreign fishing and JVP operations have 
been discontinued. Groundfish utilization surveys are no longer needed. 
The time spent on the labor-intensive surveys by industry provides no 
useful guidance for annual projections of DAP harvest and production 
activity.

B. Text Within 675.27(g)

    NMFS proposes to remove regulations at Sec. 675.27(g), regarding 
the Western Alaska Community Development Program, Community Development 
Quota (CDQ) requirements, that are entitled ``CDQ fishing 
requirements,'' since these regulations are found in recordkeeping and 
reporting requirements at Sec. 672.5.

C. Logbooks

    1. Duration of Set or Trawl. NMFS proposes to remove recordkeeping 
and reporting requirements at Sec. 672.5 for Catcher Vessels and 
Catcher/Processors to record duration of set or trawl in the Catcher 
Vessel Daily Fishing Logbook (DFL) and Catcher/Processor Daily 
Cumulative Production Logbook (DCPL), respectively. This information 
can be obtained from the logbook through calculations of start and end 
times.
    2. Joint-venture Operation. The requirement to record in a DFL 
whether delivery by a Catcher Vessel was made to a foreign processor 
vessel in a joint-venture operation would be removed, since joint-
venture operations for groundfish no longer occur in the EEZ off 
Alaska.
    3. Number of Days Fishing Activity. The requirement to record the 
number of days that fishing activity was conducted and when fish were 
received would be removed from the weekly 

[[Page 46937]]
production report. This information, originally thought to provide 
effort information, did not result in useful information.

III. Revision of Regulations

    The need for existing recordkeeping and reporting requirements was 
discussed in the preamble to the proposed rule for Amendments 13 and 18 
to the FMPs (54 FR 36333, September 1, 1989). The recordkeeping and 
reporting requirements implemented under Amendments 13 and 18 (54 FR 
50386, December 6, 1989) subsequently were revised to repeal monthly 
product value reporting requirements (55 FR 34933, August 27, 1990). 
Additional revisions were published for public comment and implemented 
under a 1991 interim final rule (56 FR 9636, March 7, 1991). No 
comments were received on the interim final rule during the public 
review period.
    NMFS proposes to incorporate recommendations from the groundfish 
industry, NMFS management staff, and enforcement staff to reduce the 
reporting burden; to improve the format of the logbooks, reports, and 
forms; and to create a more effective, timely, and comprehensive 
collection of information to facilitate management of the groundfish 
fisheries in the EEZ off Alaska.

A. Revisions to Statistical and Reporting Areas

    1. Coordinates. The codes and coordinates for GOA and BSAI 
statistical and reporting areas would be presented in maps and tables 
(see Figures 1 and 3). This action would provide easy access to these 
data by allowing the reader to refer to one source for all statistical 
and reporting area coordinates.
    2. Three-digit GOA statistical and reporting area codes. Two-digit 
statistical and reporting area designations in the GOA would be changed 
to 3-digit designations by adding a zero to existing area numbers 
(e.g., reporting areas 61 through 65 would be designated as areas 610 
through 650, respectively) (see Figure 3). Since existing statistical 
and reporting areas associated with the BSAI are designated by 3-digit 
codes, revision of the GOA-associated designations to 3-digit 
statistical and reporting area codes would provide a uniform coding 
system for incorporation into computer databases.
    3. Bogoslof District, BSAI. A final rule implementing Amendment 17 
to the FMP for the Groundfish Fishery of the BSAI (57 FR 10430, March 
26, 1992) established Statistical Area 518 (the Bogoslof District) for 
purposes of managing the Aleutian Basin pollock stock. The coordinates 
published for the new area were incorrectly specified in the final 
rule. NMFS proposes to correct the error in the coordinates of 
Statistical Area 518 (see Figure 1).
    4. Division between BSAI and GOA Reporting Areas. The division 
between reporting areas associated with BSAI and GOA would be described 
in coordinates along the Alaska Peninsula and the Aleutian Islands (see 
Figures 1 and 3). Lack of this information has caused problems in 
groundfish catch reporting and in enforcement of regulations.
    5. New Reporting Areas. Generally, a reporting area includes a 
statistical area plus adjacent Alaska State waters and is identified by 
the same number used to identify the statistical area. NMFS proposes to 
add six reporting areas that do not follow that scheme (see Figures 1 
and 3).
    Two reporting areas would be added that are completely within 
Alaska State waters. Reporting area 649 (Prince William Sound) and 
reporting area 659 (inside waters of Southeast Alaska) would be 
established to allow inseason managers to differentiate reported 
sablefish and demersal shelf rockfish harvests that are managed under 
Alaska State groundfish quotas.
    Four additional reporting areas would be added that are completely 
outside the EEZ off Alaska--300, 400, 550, and 690--to allow 
differentiation of fish harvested in areas outside the EEZ.
    6. Corrections to Existing Statistical Areas. NMFS proposes that a 
code correction be made for two statistical areas, 511 and 522, that 
had already been assigned to two non-contiguous areas. This duplication 
was the result of the subdivision of a large area into smaller areas 
and inadvertence by not renumbering those areas. Statistical areas 508 
and 509 would replace the two areas 511, and statistical areas 523 and 
524 would replace the two areas 522. This action would result in more 
precise identification of the location of groundfish harvested in the 
BSAI.
    7. Distinction between Federal and State Portions of a Reporting 
Area. NMFS proposes to distinguish between Federal waters (statistical 
areas) and Alaska State waters in any reporting area. Two questions 
would be added in the DFL, Buying Station Daily Cumulative Logbook 
(DCL), DCPLs, Weekly Production Report (WPR), Daily Production Report 
(DPR), Buying Station Check-in/Check-out, and Mothership or Catcher/
Processor Check-in/Check-out Reports to request that the reader 
distinguish between Federal waters or Alaska State waters within any 
reporting area. This action would accommodate fee assessment of 
landings under the North Pacific Fisheries Research Plan (Research 
Plan) authorized by the Magnuson Act. Research Plan fee assessments 
would not apply to fish, except Pacific halibut, caught in Alaska State 
waters.

B. Figures and Tables

    NMFS proposes to clarify coordinates and descriptions of areas in 
various sections of parts 672 (GOA management area) and 675 (BSAI 
management area) and to use maps and tables. Existing figures and 
tables from both the GOA and BSAI would be renumbered, revised, and 
placed after the text of part 672. In-text tables would be removed from 
paragraph 672.24(d), presented in Figure 5b, and relocated after the 
text of part 672; in-text tables would be removed from paragraph 
672.24(e), presented in Table 6, and relocated after the text of part 
672. This action would codify and improve access to information needed 
for compliance with recording and reporting requirements in the 
following figures and tables:
    Figure 1--BSAI statistical and reporting areas; a--map, b--
coordinates of reporting areas;
    Figure 2--BSAI Catcher Vessel Operational Area (map includes 
coordinates);
    Figure 3--GOA statistical and reporting areas; a--map, b--
coordinates of reporting areas;
    Figure 4--Herring Savings Areas in the BSAI; a--map, b--coordinates 
of reporting areas and effective dates;
    Figure 5--Kodiak Island areas closed to trawls other than pelagic 
trawl gear; a--map, b--coordinates of reporting areas;
    Figure 6--Length overall of a vessel; and
    Figure 7--Location of trawl test areas in the GOA and the BSAI (map 
includes coordinates).
    Table 1--Product codes (new table; these codes were formerly 
referred to in the Product Recovery Rate (PRR) tables at Secs. 672.20 
and 675.20). The various products that may be made from groundfish are 
described here and are assigned a 2-digit product code. Product codes 
also are used to describe various types of discard; these often are 
referred to as discard products;
    Table 2--Species codes (new table). The various species of 
groundfish are listed in Table 2;
    Table 3--Product recovery rates for groundfish species 
(renumbered);
    Table 4--Bering Sea Subarea Steller Sea Lion Protection Areas 
(moved from text); 

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    Table 5--Aleutian Islands Subarea Steller Sea Lion Protection Areas 
(moved from text);
    Table 6--Gulf of Alaska Steller Sea Lion Protection Areas (moved 
from text);
    Table 7--Communities determined to be eligible to apply for 
Community Development Quotas (renumbered);
    Table 8--Harvest Zone Codes for Use with Product Transfer Reports 
and Vessel Activity Reports (new table);
    Table 9--Required Logbooks, Reports, and Forms (new table);
    Table 10--Gulf of Alaska, Retainable Percentages (renumbered); and
    Table 11--Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area, 
Retainable Percentages (renumbered).

C. Revisions to Logbooks, Reports, and Forms

    NMFS proposes to improve the format of existing logbooks, reports, 
and forms and to add a new logbook for Buying Stations, in addition to 
the following revisions:
    1. Metric tons. The required weight units used to record amounts of 
landings, product, and discards of groundfish and herring would be 
revised from ``pounds (lb) or nearest 0.1 metric ton (mt)'' to ``pounds 
(lb) or nearest 0.01 metric ton (mt)'' on all forms and logbooks. This 
change would allow NMFS to obtain catch data from processors that 
traditionally have smaller landings. Finer resolution in the database 
would increase the accuracy of inseason quota management actions.
    2. Daily Fishing Logbook (DFL). Recording the delivery date under 
Catch Delivery Information in the DFL would be required for use by NMFS 
Enforcement personnel. Other revisions to the DFL are proposed to 
improve the format of the logsheet and to record CDQ information.
    At-sea discard information would be required from Catcher Vessels, 
without increasing the paperwork burden, through the use of an 
additional blue sheet in the DFL that the operator turns in to the 
processor with the harvest.
    3. Daily Cumulative Production Logbook (DCPL)--a. Mothership or 
Catcher/Processor. The Catcher/Processor and Mothership DCPLs would be 
revised to improve the format of the logsheet and to record CDQ 
information.
    b. Shoreside Processor. The Shoreside Processor DCPL would be 
divided into two parts identified as Part I and Part II, to allow for a 
greater number of daily entries, particularly in the product section. 
This action would allow flexibility in the use of the logbook by 
different types and sizes of Shoreside Processors. Part I would include 
four subparts: Processor identification information, Catcher Vessel 
delivery information, landings information, and discarded species 
information.
    Part II would be used to record product information by week-ending 
date, management area, and species and product codes. Data would be 
recorded on one page for up to 3 weeks. This action would result in a 
more efficient page layout and a reduced reporting burden, since 
groundfish products would not be reported for separate reporting areas 
or gear types.
    Other revisions are proposed to improve the format of the logsheet 
and to record CDQ information.
    4. Buying Station Daily Cumulative Logbook (DCL). The operator or 
manager of a Buying Station would be required to maintain a DCL to 
record data about Catcher Vessel delivery and discards as well as 
Buying Station discards that occur after acceptance of the delivery 
from the Catcher Vessel and prior to delivery to a Mothership or 
Shoreside Processor. The proposed requirements for a Buying Station DCL 
would provide a defined procedure for a Mothership or Shoreside 
Processor to obtain data and report to NMFS any Catcher Vessel harvest 
and discard that is received, sorted, and delivered by a Buying 
Station.
    5. Product Transfer Report (PTR). The name of the Product Transfer 
Logbook (PTL) would be changed to Product Transfer Report (PTR) to give 
the form a more accurate name, because it is not a logbook. An addition 
would be made to the PTR to indicate whether the form is an original or 
revised report; this information would improve data entry speed and 
accuracy.
    a. Mothership or Catcher/Processor PTR. Each Mothership or Catcher/
Processor would be required to record the U.S. Coast Guard document 
number of the vessel on a PTR and collect additional identification 
information concerning transfer handling, destination, or receipt. The 
PTR would indicate whether a particular transfer forms the beginning or 
end of an audit period; whether a transfer is a complete or partial 
offload; and what amount and type of products remain on board after the 
transfer. These revisions are needed to simplify and improve the 
accuracy of audits of Motherships or Catcher/Processors by NMFS 
Enforcement personnel.
    A harvest zone designation (distinct from reporting or statistical 
area, see Table 8) would be added to the PTR to indicate whether 
groundfish were harvested in or outside of the EEZ off Alaska. This 
information is needed to complete requests for statistical reports from 
members of Congress and other Government officials. NMFS Enforcement 
and Management personnel would use the information recorded on the PTR 
to determine ownership of a product from its place of origin to its 
first destination.
    b. Shoreside Processor. The Shoreside Processor PTR would be 
revised to collect additional information concerning transfer handling, 
destination, or receipt.
    6. Check-in/Check-out Report--a. Mothership or Catcher/Processor. 
This form would be revised to determine intended primary and secondary 
target species. This information would provide fishery managers with an 
estimate of fishing effort for individual species in each reporting 
area and would enable them to better project fishery closures. 
Regulations also would be clarified to allow operators of Catcher/
Processors using hook-and-line or pot gear to be ``checked into'' 
several reporting areas if their gear is simultaneously fishing in 
those areas.
    A requirement would be added to record processor type, because 
vessels can function in more than one category. This information is 
needed by fishery managers for quota management purposes.
    Other revisions are proposed to improve the format of the form and 
to record CDQ information.
    b. Shoreside Processor. A Check-in/Check-out report would be 
required; it would supersede the existing requirement for a Shoreside 
Processor to check in through submittal of its first WPR. Each 
Shoreside Processor would submit a Check-in report before receipt of 
groundfish, either at the beginning of the fishing year or after 
submission of a Check-out report.
    Products from groundfish often are stored at the Shoreside 
Processor premises for a long time, along with stored products 
resulting from non-groundfish fisheries. Fish products that are not 
intended for storage are transferred from a Shoreside Processor 
directly to trucks. An accurate on-site groundfish product inventory 
and audit is therefore difficult to conduct. The Shoreside Processor 
Check-in/Check-out Report would be revised to record the amount of fish 
product held or stored at the time the Check-in report is filed. 
Enforcement personnel would be able to use this information to 
calculate product on hand at any time from records in the shoreside 
DCPL and PTRs.
    Other revisions are proposed to improve the format of the form and 
to record CDQ information. 

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    c. Buying Station. Each operator or manager of a Buying Station 
would be required to submit a Check-in Report prior to receipt of 
groundfish from Catcher Vessels; a Check-out Report would be required 
upon completion of delivery of all groundfish to a Mothership or 
Shoreside Processor. A separate Check-in or Check-out Report would be 
required from the Buying Station operator or manager for each Shoreside 
Processor or Mothership with which the Buying Station is associated. 
The proposed Buying Station Check-in/Check-out Report would yield 
additional effort information needed for quota management.
    7. Weekly Production Report (WPR). The current WPR would be 
replaced with two similar WPR forms, one for use by Shoreside 
Processors and another for use by Motherships or Catcher/Processors.
    a. Mothership or Catcher/Processor. Each Mothership or Catcher/
Processor would be required to record the fisheries permit number and 
the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) processor code, because 
both are necessary to identify a processor; a requirement is proposed 
to report the number of crew members at the end of each weekly 
reporting period--this information is needed by NMFS economists for 
national statistical reports; and a requirement is proposed to add the 
preprinted ADF&G fish ticket numbers that were issued to Catcher 
Vessels for each delivery made during the weekly reporting period. This 
information is needed by NMFS to make comparisons of processor-reported 
Federal and State data for reporting accuracy.
    Intended target information would be requested for the next weekly 
reporting period. This information would be used by NMFS to improve 
fishing effort projection for individual species.
    Two additions would be made to the WPR to improve data entry speed 
and accuracy, the first to indicate whether the form is an original or 
revised report, and the second to indicate the date the WPR is 
prepared.
    All references to ``retained products'' would be revised to read 
``product''. Other revisions are proposed to improve the format of the 
form and to record CDQ information.
    b. Shoreside Processor. Each Shoreside Processor would be required 
to record product data by management area (BSAI or GOA) rather than by 
reporting area. This would be used for enforcement purposes and for the 
collection of economic data for national statistical reports.
    8. Daily Production Report (DPR). NMFS would be authorized to 
require, through publication in the Federal Register, submittal of 
DPRs. The DPR is used when a fishery is expected to be of too short 
duration to be managed based on weekly reports. The product reporting 
section of the DPR would be revised to create separate sections for 
responses from Shoreside Processors or Motherships and Catcher/
Processors. The Shoreside Processor would report landings, as weighed 
before processing, in a section entitled, ``Shoreside Only Landings''. 
The Mothership and Catcher/Processor would report weight of products in 
a section entitled, ``Processor Vessel Only Products''. Within these 
columns, the following information would be recorded for each product: 
The product code; indication of ancillary, primary, or reprocessed 
product type; and weight in metric tons. Other revisions would be made 
to indicate whether a given DPR is an original or revised report and to 
record the date the form was prepared. This information is needed to 
ensure an accurate and complete database. Several questions would be 
added to request additional information about the processor's 
representative. Other revisions to the DPR are proposed to improve the 
format of the form and to record CDQ information.
    9. U.S. Vessel Activity Report (VAR). Existing regulations at 50 
CFR 299.5 require U.S. vessels fishing in the Russian economic zone 
(EZ) in joint ventures to submit a VAR prior to crossing the seaward 
boundary of the EEZ. The applicability of the VARs currently required 
under Sec. 299.5 would be expanded to require vessels to submit a VAR 
report to the Regional Director immediately prior to crossing the 
seaward boundary of the EEZ off Alaska or immediately prior to crossing 
the U.S./Canada international boundary between Alaska and British 
Columbia. The VAR would be used to augment existing recordkeeping and 
reporting requirements and would not replace the Check-in/Check-out 
reports or WPRs required under Sec. 672.5.
    NMFS has observed increased landings in U.S. ports of undocumented 
fish allegedly harvested from waters seaward of the EEZ off Alaska. 
NMFS is concerned that some portion of these landings may consist of 
fish illegally harvested in the EEZ off Alaska. Although the VAR 
requirements under Sec. 299.5 address this concern for U.S. vessels 
fishing in the Russian EZ, NMFS believes that better information must 
be obtained concerning U.S. fishing activities in waters outside the 
EEZ off Alaska in order to document the origin and quantity of fish 
that are brought into the EEZ.
    In light of the new requirements for distinguishing between 
groundfish fishing activity in state or Federal waters as well as 
pending international regulations for migratory species such as 
swordfish, the VAR would assist NMFS in tracking U.S. fishing vessels 
entering or leaving fishing grounds off Alaska from the coterminous 
United States and/or Hawaii.
    10. Designated Representative. Each owner, operator, or manager of 
each Catcher Vessel, Catcher/Processor, Mothership, Shoreside 
Processor, or Buying Station participating in, or receiving groundfish 
from, a groundfish fishery would be required to identify a contact 
person or representative prior to commencement of fishing or processing 
activities. Although the representative may complete the logbooks, the 
required reports and forms, or both, the owner, operator, and manager 
would remain responsible for accurate and timely completion of all 
reporting requirements. The operator or manager is not always present 
or available to complete the recordkeeping and reporting requirements. 
In some instances the logbooks are maintained on board a vessel while 
the reports and forms are submitted to NMFS by a person in an office 
hundreds of miles away. Identifying a representative prior to 
commencement of fishing activity ensures a smooth data flow between the 
industry and NMFS, allowing quota management to be accurate and timely.
    The name of the representative would be required to be reported on 
each logbook, WPR, DPR, PTR, Check-in/Check-out Report, and VAR (if 
applicable) and that the telephone number and facsimile number for that 
person also be provided. Proposed revisions to the recordkeeping 
requirements would standardize the text on all forms and logbooks to 
refer to that person as the representative.

D. Maintenance and Retention of Records

    NMFS proposes the following requirements for the benefit of 
Enforcement officers conducting audits of Catcher Vessels, Motherships, 
Catcher/Processors, Shoreside Processors, and Buying Stations. In order 
to conduct a thorough audit of fish products on board or on site, paper 
copies of all groundfish transactions must be accessible for 
inspection.
    1. Three-year retention period. The original (white) copy of all 
logbooks and a paper copy of all reports and forms submitted to NMFS 
required under amended Secs. 672.5 and 675.5 would be 

[[Page 46940]]
required to be retained for 3 years after the end of the fishing year 
during which the records were made. In addition, the Mothership and 
Shoreside Processor would be required to retain the original (white) 
copy of all DCLs from associated Buying Stations for 3 years, and the 
Buying Station would be required to retain the pink copy of all DCLs 
for 3 years.
    2. Retention during fishing year. The original (white) copy of all 
logbooks, a paper copy of all reports and forms submitted to NMFS, and 
the blue DFL logsheet received from Catcher Vessels required under 
amended Secs. 672.5 and 675.5 would be required to be kept on board a 
vessel or on site a Shoreside Processor or Buying Station until the end 
of the fishing year during which the records were made and for as long 
thereafter as fish or fish products recorded in the logbook, reports, 
and forms are retained.
    3. Inspection. The logbooks, reports, and forms required under 
amended Secs. 672.5 and 675.5 would be required to be made available 
for inspection upon the request of an authorized officer.
    4. Weekly reporting periods. As set out in regulations at 
Secs. 672.2 and 675.2, the current definition of a weekly reporting 
period is the period from 0001 hours Monday morning until 2359 hours 
the following Sunday night, Alaska local time (A.l.t.). NMFS has 
determined that this weekly reporting period does not allow sufficient 
time to obtain, process, and summarize weekly observer reports in the 
subsequent week. A reporting period from Sunday-through-Saturday would 
provide an additional day to process observer data, integrate these 
data with the WPRs received from the industry, and produce weekly catch 
reports. Therefore, the definition of the weekly reporting period would 
be changed to 0001 hours, A.l.t., Sunday morning until 2359 hours, 
A.l.t., the following Saturday night. The deadline for receipt of WPRs 
from Motherships, Catcher/Processors, and Shoreside Processors would 
remain Tuesday at 1200 hours, A.l.t.
    5. Inactive and active periods. The operator or manager would be 
required to account for each day of the fishing year by indicating 
active and inactive periods on the Catcher Vessel DFL, Catcher/
Processor DCPL, Mothership DCPL, Buying Station DCL, and Shoreside 
Processor DCPL. A single logbook page could be used to account for 
inactive periods of more than one day within a quarter.
    6. CDQ Information. The DFL, DCL, and DCPL would be used to account 
for groundfish harvested under the CDQ Program through the addition of 
questions on those logbooks, as well as on WPRs, DPRs, and Check-in/
Check-out reports to indicate CDQ information. The CDQ information 
would be transferred from the logbook by the manager or operator of a 
Mothership, Catcher/Processor, or Shoreside Processor to WPRs, DPRs, 
and Check-in/Check-out reports. This information is needed because CDQ 
quotas are managed on an individual basis, and because CDQ harvest 
information must be kept separate from other types of management 
quotas.
    7. Scientific name for steelhead trout. The scientific name for 
steelhead trout would be revised to read, ``Oncorhynchus mykiss'' in 
Secs. 672.20(e) and 675.20(c). The scientific community currently 
prefers this new term as a more precise description of steelhead trout.
    8. Time. The time citation ``00:01 a.m.'' in Secs. 672.20(a), 
675.20(a), 672.23, and 675.23 would be changed to read ``0001 hours'' 
to conform with the revised definition of fishing year.

Classification

    This proposed rule contains collection-of-information requirements 
subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act. OMB approval for the majority 
of this information has been obtained under OMB control numbers 0648-
0206 and 0213; additions and revisions to the collection have been 
submitted to OMB for approval. Additional burden would result from the 
requirements set forth for the new Buying Station DCL and Check-in/
Check-out report, and also from revisions to existing reports.
    An estimated additional response time for compliance with these new 
forms is expected to be between 25 minutes and 2.0 hours annually for 
the operator or manager of each processor or Buying Station and 27 
minutes for each Catcher Vessel operator. The additional annual burden 
to Shoreside Processors and Buying Stations to comply with requirements 
for Check-in/Check-out reports is estimated to average about 8 minutes 
and 6 minutes, respectively, for each Check-in or Check-out report. 
Revisions to the format of other logbooks and/or additions to 
information collected by logbooks are minimal and are not anticipated 
to significantly increase reporting burden to the industry. The 
requirements include: The U.S. Vessel Activities Report, 15 minutes; 
Weekly Production Report, 18 minutes; Daily Production Report, 10 
minutes; Processor Product Transfer Report, 11 minutes; and the Catcher 
Vessel Logbook, 15 minutes.
    The Assistant General Counsel for Legislation and Regulation of the 
Department of Commerce certified to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of 
the Small Business Administration that this proposed rule, if adopted, 
would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities. NMFS proposes to consolidate several sections of 
regulations in parts 672 and 675 by correcting errors, clarifying vague 
text, removing outdated requirements, as well as simplifying and 
streamlining the remaining regulations, including the recordkeeping and 
reporting requirements. All of the recommended revisions are designed 
to make the regulations easier for the public to use and to enhance the 
ability of NMFS to collect more accurate and timely groundfish data and 
to improve the management of the groundfish fisheries. To the extent 
that there will be additional burden for the industry, it will be minor 
when compared with the increased ease of use resulting from 
clarification, simplification, and streamlining.
    Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of 
this collection-of-information, including suggestions for reducing this 
burden, to NMFS and to OIRA, OMB (see ADDRESSES).
    This action has been determined to be not significant for purposes 
of E.O. 12866.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Parts 672 and 675

    Fisheries, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    Dated: August 15, 1995.
Gary Matlock,
Acting Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries 
Service.

    For the reasons set out in the preamble, 50 CFR parts 672 and 675 
are proposed to be amended as follows:

PART 672--GROUNDFISH OF THE GULF OF ALASKA

    1. The authority citation for part 672 continues to read as 
follows:

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

Subpart A--General

    2. In Sec. 672.1, paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 672.1  Purpose and scope.

    (a) Regulations in this part, along with parts 602, 620, 676, and 
677 of this chapter, implement the Fishery Management Plan for 
Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska.
* * * * *
    3. Section 672.2 is revised to read as follows: 

[[Page 46941]]



Sec. 672.2  Definitions.

    In addition to the definitions in the Magnuson Act and in 
Sec. 620.2 of this chapter, the terms used in this part have the 
following meanings:
    Active/inactive periods--(1) Active periods--(i) Catcher Vessel. An 
active period for a Catcher Vessel means a period of time when the 
Catcher Vessel is in a reporting area (except 300, 400, 550, or 690) or 
gear remains on the grounds in a reporting area (except 300, 400, 550, 
or 690) regardless of the vessel location.
    (ii) Shoreside Processor, Mothership, Catcher/Processor, and Buying 
Station. An active period for a Shoreside Processor, Mothership, 
Catcher/Processor, and Buying Station means a period of time when 
checked-in.
    (2) Inactive periods--(i) Catcher Vessel. An inactive period for a 
Catcher Vessel means any period which does not qualify as an active 
period.
    (ii) Shoreside Processor, Mothership, Catcher/Processor, or Buying 
Station. An inactive period for a Shoreside Processor, Mothership, 
Catcher/Processor, or Buying Station means a period of time when not 
checked-in.
    ADF&G means the State of Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
    Alaska local time (A.l.t.) means the current Alaska time, either 
daylight savings time or standard time.
    Alaska State waters means waters shoreward of the exclusive 
economic zone (EEZ) off Alaska.
    Aleutian Islands Subarea (AI) of the BSAI means that portion of the 
EEZ contained in Statistical Areas 541, 542, and 543 (see Figure 1 of 
this part).
    Authorized fishing gear means hook-and-line, jig, longline, 
longline pot, nonpelagic trawl, nontrawl, pelagic trawl, pot-and-line, 
and trawl; defined as follows:
    (1) Hook-and-line means a stationary, buoyed, and anchored line 
with hooks attached, or the taking of fish by means of such a device;
    (2) Jig means a single non-buoyed, non-anchored line with hooks 
attached, or the taking of fish by means of such a device;
    (3) Longline means a stationary, buoyed, and anchored line with 
hooks or two or more groundfish pots attached, or the taking of fish by 
means of such a device (see Sec. 672.24(b) or Sec. 675.24(b) of this 
chapter);
    (4) Longline pot means a stationary, buoyed, and anchored line with 
two or more pots attached, or the taking of fish by means of such a 
device;
    (5) Nonpelagic trawl means a trawl other than a pelagic trawl;
    (6) Nontrawl means hook-and-line, jig, longline, and pot-and-line 
gear;
    (7) Pelagic trawl means a trawl that:
    (i) Has no discs, bobbins, or rollers;
    (ii) Has no chafe protection gear attached to the foot rope or 
fishing line;
    (iii) Except for the small mesh allowed under paragraph (7)(ix) of 
this definition:
    (A) Has no mesh tied to the fishing line, head rope, and breast 
lines with less than 20 inches (50.8 cm) between knots, and has no 
stretched mesh size of less than 60 inches (152.4 cm) aft from all 
points on the fishing line, head rope, and breast lines and extending 
past the fishing circle for a distance equal to or greater than one 
half the vessel's length overall; or
    (B) Has no parallel lines spaced closer than 64 inches (162.6 cm), 
from all points on the fishing line, head rope, and breast lines and 
extending aft to a section of mesh, with no stretched mesh size of less 
than 60 inches (152.4 cm), extending aft for a distance equal to or 
greater than one half the vessel's length overall;
    (iv) Has no stretched mesh size less than 15 inches (38.1 cm) aft 
of the mesh described in paragraph (7)(iii) of this definition for a 
distance equal to or greater than one half the vessel's length overall;
    (v) Contains no configuration intended to reduce the stretched mesh 
sizes described in paragraphs (7)(iii) and (iv) of this definition;
    (vi) Has no flotation other than floats capable of providing up to 
200 lb (90.7 kg) of buoyancy to accommodate the use of a net-sounder 
device;
    (vii) Has no more than one fishing line and one foot rope for a 
total of no more than two weighted lines on the bottom of the trawl 
between the wing tip and the fishing circle;
    (viii) Has no metallic component except for connectors (e.g., 
hammerlocks or swivels) or net-sounder device aft of the fishing circle 
and forward of any mesh greater than 5.5 inches (14.0 cm) stretched 
measure;
    (ix) May have small mesh within 32 ft (9.8 m) of the center of the 
head rope as needed for attaching instrumentation (e.g., net-sounder 
device); and
    (x) May have weights on the wing tips;
    (8) Pot-and-line means a stationary, buoyed line with a single pot 
attached, or the taking of fish by means of such a device; and
    (9) Trawl means a conical-shaped net that is towed through the 
water for catching fish or other organisms. The net accumulates its 
catch in the closed, small end (usually called the cod end). This 
definition includes, but is not limited to, Danish and Scottish seines 
and otter trawls.
    Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI) means the 
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands subareas (see Figure 1 of this part).
    Bering Sea Subarea (BS) of the BSAI means that portion of the EEZ 
contained in Statistical Areas 508, 509, 512, 513, 514, 516, 517, 518, 
519, 521, 523, 524, and 530 (see Figure 1 of this part).
    Bogoslof District means that part of the Bering Sea Subarea 
contained in Statistical Area 518 (see Figure 1 of this part).
    Breast line means the rope or wire running along the forward edges 
of the side panels of a net, or along the forward edge of the side rope 
in a rope trawl.
    Buying Station means a person or vessel that receives unprocessed 
groundfish from a vessel for delivery at a different location to a 
Shoreside Processor or Mothership and that does not process those fish.
    Bycatch Limitation Zone 1 (Zone 1) means that part of the Bering 
Sea Subarea that is contained within the boundaries of Statistical 
Areas 508, 509, 512, and 516 (see Figure 1 of this part).
    Bycatch Limitation Zone 2 (Zone 2) means that part of the Bering 
Sea Subarea that is contained within the boundaries of Statistical 
Areas 513, 517, and 521 (see Figure 1 of this part).
    Catcher/Processor means a vessel that is used for catching fish and 
processing that fish.
    Catcher Vessel means a vessel that is used for catching fish and 
that does not process on board.
    Catcher Vessel Operational Area (CVOA) (see Figure 2 of this part 
and Sec. 675.22(g) of this chapter).
    Central Aleutian District means that part of the Aleutian Islands 
Subarea contained in Statistical Area 542 (see Figure 1 of this part).
    Community Development Plan (CDP) (applicable through December 31, 
1995) means a plan for a specific Western Alaska community or group of 
communities approved by the Governor of the State of Alaska and 
recommended to NMFS under Sec. 675.27 of this chapter.
    Community Development Quota (CDQ) (applicable through December 31, 
1995) means a Western Alaska community development quota for pollock 
assigned to an approved CDP. All CDQs, in the aggregate, equal one-half 
of 15 percent of the total allowable catch specified for pollock that 
is placed in reserve under Sec. 675.20(a)(3) of this chapter.
    Community Development Quota Program (CDQ program) (applicable 
through December 31, 1995) means the Western Alaska Community 

[[Page 46942]]
Development Program implemented under Sec. 675.27 of this chapter.
    Community Development Quota Reserve (CDQ reserve) (applicable 
through December 31, 1995) means one-half of 15 percent of the total 
allowable catch specified for pollock in each subarea or district that 
is placed in reserve under Sec. 675.20(a)(3) of this chapter.
    Daily reporting period or day is the period from midnight until the 
following midnight using Alaska local time (A.l.t.).
    Directed fishing means any fishing activity that results in the 
retention of an amount of a species or species group on board a vessel 
that is greater than the maximum retainable by catch amount for that 
species or species group as calculated under Sec. 672.20 (g) and (h) 
and Sec. 675.20 (h) and (i) of this chapter.
    Donut Hole means international waters of the Bering Sea outside the 
limits of the EEZ and Russian economic zone as depicted on the current 
edition of NOAA chart INT 813 Bering Sea (Southern Part).
    Eastern Aleutian District means that part of the Aleutian Islands 
Subarea contained in Statistical Area 541 (see Figure 1 of this part).
    Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) (see Sec. 620.2 of this chapter).
    Federal waters means waters within the EEZ off Alaska.
    Fish product weight means the weight of the fish product in pounds 
or to at least the nearest hundredth of a metric ton (0.01 mt). Fish 
product weight is based upon the number of production units and the 
weight of those units. Production units include pans, cartons, blocks, 
trays, cans, bags, and individual fresh or frozen fish. The weight of a 
production unit is the average weight of representative samples of the 
product, and may include additives but not packaging. Any allowance for 
water added cannot exceed 5 percent of the gross product weight (fish, 
additives, and water).
    Fishing activity (see definition for fishing in Sec. 620.2 of this 
chapter).
    Fishing circle means the circumference of a trawl intersecting the 
center point on a fishing line, and that is perpendicular to the long 
axis of a trawl.
    Fishing day (see part 676 of this chapter).
    Fishing line means a length of chain or wire rope in the bottom 
front end of a trawl to which the webbing or lead ropes are attached.
    Fishing month (see Sec. 672.26 or Sec. 675.26 of this chapter).
    Fishing trip: (1) For purposes of directed fishing calculations, 
see Sec. 672.20(h)(2) and Sec. 675.20(i)(2) of this chapter.
    (2) For purposes of pollock roe retention, see Sec. 672.20(i)(4) 
and Sec. 675.20(j)(5) of this chapter.
    Fishing year means the period of time beginning at 0001 hours, 
A.l.t., on January 1 and ending at 2359 hours, A.l.t., on December 31 
(see Sec. 672.23(a) and Sec. 675.23(a) of this chapter).
    Foot rope means a chain or wire rope attached to the bottom front 
end of a trawl and attached to the fishing line.
    Gear Deployment: (1) For trawl gear means where the trawl gear 
reaches the fishing level and begins to fish.
    (2) For jig/troll, hook-and-line, or longline gear means where the 
gear enters the water.
    (3) For pot-and-line gear means where the first pot enters the 
water.
    Gear Retrieval--(1) For trawl gear, gear retrieval means where 
retrieval of trawl cable commences.
    (2) For jig/troll gear, gear retrieval means where the jig/troll 
gear leaves the water.
    (3) For hook-and-line or longline pot gear, gear retrieval means 
where the last hook-and-line or longline pot gear of a set leaves the 
water, regardless of where the majority of the haul or set took place.
    (4) For pot-and-line gear, gear retrieval means where the last pot 
of a set leaves the water.
    Governor means the Governor of the State of Alaska.
    Groundfish means target species and the ``other species'' category, 
specified annually pursuant to Sec. 672.20(a)(1) or Sec. 675.20(a)(1) 
of this chapter.
    Gulf of Alaska (GOA) means that portion of the EEZ contained in 
Statistical Areas 610, 620, 630, 640, and 650 (see Figure 3 of this 
part).
    Head rope means a rope bordering the top front end of a trawl.
    Herring Savings Area means any of three areas in the BSAI presented 
in Figure 4 of this part (see also Sec. 675.21(c)(2) of this chapter 
for additional closure information):
    Inshore component (applicable through December 31, 1995) means that 
part of the U.S. groundfish fishery off Alaska that includes:
    (1) All shoreside processing operations;
    (2) All processor vessels that process, on a daily average during 
any weekly reporting period, less than 18 mt of Pacific cod harvested 
in the GOA and pollock in aggregate round weight equivalents, and are 
less than 125 ft (38.1 m) in length overall; and
    (3) All processor vessels in Alaska State waters (waters adjacent 
to the State of Alaska and shoreward of the EEZ) that process, at a 
single geographic location during a fishing year, pollock harvested in 
a directed fishery for pollock, or Pacific cod harvested in a directed 
fishery for Pacific cod in the GOA, and that submit a Check-in notice 
and weekly production report as required at Sec. 672.5(c). For purposes 
of this definition, a single geographic location will be determined by 
the geographic coordinates reported on a Check-in report submitted by 
the vessel operator when that vessel engages in a directed fishery for 
Pacific cod in the GOA or pollock for the first time in a fishing year.
    IPHC means International Pacific Halibut Commission (see part 301 
of this title).
    Joint venture processing (JVP) (see Sec. 611.2 of this chapter).
    Landing means off-loading fish.
    Length overall (LOA) of a vessel means the horizontal distance, 
rounded to the nearest foot, between the foremost part of the stem and 
the aftermost part of the stern, excluding bowsprits, rudders, outboard 
motor brackets, and similar fittings or attachments (see Figure 6 of 
this part).
    Logbook means Daily Cumulative Production Logbook (DCPL), Daily 
Cumulative Logbook (DCL), or a Daily Fishing Logbook (DFL) required by 
Sec. 672.5.
    Manager, with respect to any Shoreside Processor or Buying Station, 
means the individual responsible for the operation of the Shoreside 
Processor operation or Buying Station.
    Maximum sustainable yield (MSY) (see part 602 of this chapter).
    Mothership means a vessel that receives and processes groundfish 
from other vessels.
    Net-sounder device means a sensor used to determine the depth from 
the water surface at which a fishing net is operating.
    nm means nautical mile.
    Non-allocated or nonspecified species means those fish species, 
other than prohibited species, for which a TAC has not been specified 
(e.g., grenadier, prowfish, lingcod).
    Observer means any person certified under the NMFS Observer Plan 
(see part 676 of this chapter).
    Offshore component (applicable through December 31, 1995) means all 
processor vessels in the U.S. groundfish fisheries off Alaska not 
included in the definition of ``inshore component.''
    Optimum yield (OY) (see Sec. 672.20 and Sec. 675.20 of this 
chapter).
    ``Other species'' is a category that consists of groundfish species 
in each management area that are not specified 

[[Page 46943]]
as target species (see Sec. 672.20 and Sec. 675.20 of this chapter).
    Processing, or to process, means the preparation of fish to render 
it suitable for human consumption, industrial uses, or long-term 
storage, including but not limited to cooking, canning, smoking, 
salting, drying, freezing, or rendering into meal or oil, but does not 
mean icing, bleeding, heading, or gutting.
    Processor vessel means, unless otherwise restricted, any vessel 
that has been issued a Federal fisheries permit and that can be used 
for processing groundfish.
    Quarter or quarterly reporting period means one of four successive 
3-month periods during a calendar year, which begin at 0001 hours, 
A.l.t., on the first day of each quarter, and end at 2359 hours, 
A.l.t., on the last day of each quarter. The four quarters for each 
year are specified as follows:

1st quarter:January 1 through March 31
2nd quarter:April 1 through June 30
3rd quarter:July 1 through September 30
4th quarter:October 1 through December 31

    Regional Director means Director, Alaska Region, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
    Regulatory area means any of three areas of the EEZ in the GOA (see 
Figure 3 of this part) described as follows:
    (1) Eastern Regulatory Area means Statistical Areas 640 and 650.
    (2) Central Regulatory Area means Statistical Areas 620 and 630.
    (3) Western Regulatory Area means Statistical Area 610.
    Reporting area means any of the areas described in Figures 1 and 3 
of this part.
    Resident fisherman (see Sec. 675.27(d)(7) of this chapter).
    Round-weight equivalent means the weight of fish calculated by 
dividing the weight of the primary product made from that fish by the 
standard product recovery rate for that primary product as listed in 
Sec. 672.20(j), or, if not listed, the weight of fish calculated by 
dividing the weight of a primary product by the standard product 
recovery rate as determined using the best available evidence on a 
case-by-case basis.
    Set means a string of pots or hook-and-line gear or a group of pots 
that are deployed in a similar location with similar soak time.
    Shoreside Processor or shoreside processing operation, means any 
person or vessel that receives unprocessed groundfish, except Catcher/
Processors, Motherships, Buying Stations, restaurants, or persons 
receiving groundfish for use as bait or personal consumption.
    Southeast Outside District of the GOA means that part of the 
Eastern Regulatory Area contained in Statistical Area 650 (see Figure 3 
of this part).
    Statistical area means the part of any reporting area defined in 
Figures 1 and 3 of this part, contained in the EEZ.
    Steller Sea Lion Protection Areas (for BSAI, see Tables 4 and 5 of 
this part, Sec. 672.24(e), Sec. 227.12 of this title, and 
Sec. 675.24(f) of this chapter); for GOA, see Table 6 of this part).
    Stem means the foremost position of a vessel; a section of timber 
or cast, forged or rolled metal to which the sides of a vessel are 
united at the fore end with the lower end scarfed to the keel and the 
bowsprit, if one is present, resting on the upper end.
    Stern means the aftermost part of the vessel.
    Stretched mesh size means the distance between opposite knots of a 
four-sided mesh when opposite knots are pulled tautly to remove slack.
    Support vessel means any vessel that is used in support of other 
vessels regulated under this part and part 675 of this chapter, 
including, but not limited to, supplying a fishing vessel with water, 
fuel, provisions, fishing equipment, fish processing equipment or other 
supplies, or transporting processed fish. The term ``support vessel'' 
does not include processor vessels or tender vessels.
    Target species are those species or species groups, except the 
``other species'' category, for which a TAC is specified pursuant to 
Sec. 672.20(a) and Sec. 675.20(a) of this chapter.
    Tender Vessel means a vessel that is used to transport unprocessed 
fish received from another vessel to a Shoreside Processor, Mothership, 
or Buying Station.
    Total allowable catch (TAC) (see Sec. 672.20(a)(2) and 
Sec. 675.20(a)(2) of this chapter).
    Transfer includes any loading, offloading, shipment or receipt of 
any groundfish product, including quantities transferred inside or 
outside the EEZ, within any state's territorial waters, within the 
internal waters of any state, at any Shoreside Processor, or any 
offsite meal reduction plant.
    Trawl test areas (see Figure 7 of this part and Sec. 672.24(f) and 
Sec. 675.24(g) of this chapter).
    Vessel Activity Report (VAR) (see Sec. 672.5(c)(5)).
    Vessel operations category (see Sec. 672.4).
    Walrus Protection Areas (see Sec. 675.22(f) of this chapter).
    Weekly reporting period means a time period, which begins at 0001 
hours, A.l.t., Sunday morning (except during the first week of each 
year, when it starts on January 1) and ends at 2359 hours, A.l.t., the 
following Saturday night (except during the last week of each year when 
it ends on December 31).
    West Yakutat District of the GOA means that part of the Eastern 
Regulatory Area of the GOA contained in Statistical Area 640 (see 
Figure 3 of this part).
    Western Aleutian District means that part of the Aleutian Islands 
Subarea contained in Statistical Area 543 (see Figure 1 of this part).
    Wing tip means the point where adjacent breast lines intersect or 
where a breast line intersects with the fishing line.
    4. In Sec. 672.3, paragraphs (a) and (c) are revised to read as 
follows:


Sec. 672.3  Relation to other laws.

    (a) Foreign fishing. Regulations governing foreign fishing for 
groundfish in the GOA are set forth at Sec. 611.92 of this chapter. 
Regulations governing foreign fishing for groundfish in the BSAI are 
set forth at Sec. 611.93 of this chapter. Regulations governing U.S. 
nationals fishing in the Russian fisheries are set forth in part 299 of 
this title.
* * * * *
    (c) Domestic fishing for groundfish. Regulations governing the 
conservation and management of groundfish in the GOA for vessels of the 
United States are set forth at this part and parts 620, 676, and 677 of 
this chapter. Regulations governing the conservation and management of 
groundfish in the BSAI are set forth in this part and parts 620, 675, 
676, and 677 of this chapter.
* * * * *
    5. Section 672.4 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 672.4  Fisheries permit.

    (a) General. (1) No vessel of the United States may be used to fish 
for groundfish in the GOA or in the BSAI unless the owner first obtains 
a Federal fisheries permit for the vessel issued under this part, 
except as provided in paragraph (a)(2) of this section. A Federal 
fisheries permit is effective only until December 31 of the year in 
which it is issued. Fisheries permits are issued without charge.
    (2) Vessels of the United States that fish in the GOA or BSAI for 
any non-groundfish species, including but not limited to, halibut, 
crab, salmon, scallops, and herring, and that do not retain any bycatch 
of groundfish are not required to obtain a Federal fisheries permit 
issued under this part.
    (b) Federal Fisheries Permit Application--(1) Request for 

[[Page 46944]]
    application and permit. A person may obtain an application for a 
Federal fisheries permit required under paragraph (a) of this section 
from: National Marine Fisheries Service, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 
99802-1668, fax number: 907-586-7465.
    (2) Completed application. (i) A person may obtain the Federal 
fisheries permit required under paragraph (a) of this section by 
submitting a written permit application to the address given in 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section.
    (ii) The owner or operator of a vessel must answer each question on 
the permit application in the manner set forth in paragraph (c) of this 
section.
    (iii) The owner or operator must mail completed forms to the 
address given in paragraph (b)(1) of this section or fax completed 
forms to: (907)586-7313.
    (iv) The owner or operator must complete a separate application for 
each vessel or processor and must retain a copy of each completed or 
revised application.
    (v) The owner or operator must type or print legibly the 
information requested on the application.
    (3) Application deficiency. Upon receipt of an incomplete or 
improperly completed fisheries permit application, the Regional 
Director will notify the applicant of the deficiency in the permit 
application. If the applicant fails to correct the deficiency, the 
permit will not be issued. No permit will be issued to an applicant 
until a complete application is received.
    (c) Permit application contents. The owner or operator must record:
    (1) If application is for an amended permit, the current Federal 
Fisheries Permit number and information that has changed.
    (2) If for a vessel, the complete name and homeport (city and 
state) of the vessel; the ADF&G vessel number; the U.S. Coast Guard 
documentation number or Alaska registration number; the vessel's length 
overall and registered net tonnage; and the telephone, fax, and COMSAT 
(satellite communication) numbers used on board the vessel.
    (3) Shoreside processor information. If a shoreside processor, 
refer to Sec. 677.4(b) of this chapter.
    (4) Owner information. The owner of the vessel or shoreside 
processor must record the owner's name, permanent business mailing 
address, telephone and fax numbers; and the name of any company (other 
than the owner) that manages the operations of the vessel or shoreside 
processor.
    (5) Federal fisheries permit information. The owner must record:
    (i) The fishery or fisheries and the vessel operations category for 
which the permit would apply as set forth under paragraph (e) of this 
section and Sec. 672.2;
    (ii) If a Catcher Vessel or Catcher/Processor, the gear type(s) 
used for groundfish operations;
    (iii) If a Catcher Vessel, whether groundfish is retained only as 
bycatch from halibut, crab, or salmon fisheries; and whether sablefish 
(black cod) is the only groundfish targeted in the GOA.
    (6) Signature. The owner must sign and date the application.
    (d) Fisheries permit issuance. (1) Except as provided in subpart D 
of 15 CFR part 904, upon receipt of a properly completed permit 
application, the Regional Director will issue a fisheries permit 
required by paragraph (a) of this section.
    (2) The Regional Director will send the fisheries permit to the 
applicant along with the appropriate logbooks as provided under 
Sec. 672.5.
    (e) Vessel operations category. (1) A fisheries permit issued under 
paragraph (d)(1) of this section authorizes a vessel to conduct 
operations as a Catcher Vessel, Catcher/Processor, Mothership, Tender 
Vessel, or Support Vessel.
    (2) A vessel may be issued a fisheries permit as a support vessel 
or as any combination of the other four categories (Catcher Vessel, 
Catcher/Processor, Mothership, Tender Vessel). A vessel permitted as a 
Catcher Vessel, Catcher/Processor, Mothership, or Tender Vessel may 
also conduct all operations authorized for a support vessel.
    (f) Amended permit. (1) An owner or operator who applied for and 
received a fisheries permit under this section must notify the Regional 
Director, in writing, of any change in the information provided under 
paragraph (c) of this section within 10 days of the date of that 
change.
    (2) An application for an amended permit must be made on the permit 
application as set forth in paragraph (c) of this section.
    (3) If the application is for an amended fisheries permit required 
under paragraph (a) of this section and designates a change or addition 
of a vessel operations category, the amended permit must be on board 
the vessel before the new type of operations begins.
    (g) Duration. (1) A fisheries permit remains in effect through 
December 31 of the year for which it is issued unless it is revoked, 
suspended, or modified under 15 CFR part 904 (Civil Procedures), or 
unless it is surrendered or invalidated.
    (2) A fisheries permit is surrendered when the original permit is 
submitted to and received by NMFS Enforcement Office in Juneau.
    (h) Alteration. No person may alter, erase, or mutilate any 
fisheries permit issued under paragraph (a) of this section. Any 
fisheries permit that is intentionally altered, erased, or mutilated is 
invalid.
    (i) Transfer. A Fisheries permit issued under paragraph (a) of this 
section is not transferable or assignable and is valid only for the 
vessel for which it is issued.
    (j) Inspection. (1) An original fisheries permit issued under 
paragraph (a) of this section must be carried on board the vessel 
whenever the vessel is fishing. Photocopied or faxed copies are not 
considered originals.
    (2) A permit issued under paragraph (a) of this section must be 
presented for inspection upon the request of any authorized officer.
    (k) Sanctions. Procedures governing permit sanctions and denials 
are found at subpart D of 15 CFR part 904.
    (l) Condition. No person may use a vessel for which the Regional 
Director has issued a permit under paragraph (a) of this section to 
fish in the Donut Hole, or to possess fish in the EEZ that were caught 
in the Donut Hole, during the fishing year for which the permit is 
issued.
    (m) Moratorium permit. In addition to the Federal fisheries permit 
required by paragraph (a) of this section and any other permits that 
may be required by Federal or Alaska state regulations, a moratorium 
permit may be required by part 676 of this chapter for a vessel of the 
United States if the vessel is used to conduct directed fishing for 
moratorium groundfish species, as defined at Sec. 676.2 of this 
chapter, in the Gulf of Alaska or Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands 
management area.
    6. Section 672.5 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 672.5  Recordkeeping and reporting.

    (a) Applicability and general requirements--(1) Applicability. (i) 
Except as otherwise provided, this section applies to:
    (A) Any Catcher Vessel, Mothership, Catcher/Processor, or Tender 
Vessel, 5 net tons or larger, which is required to have a fisheries 
permit under Sec. 672.4; and
    (B) Any Shoreside Processor, Mothership, or Buying Station that 
receives groundfish from vessels required to have a fisheries permit 
under Sec. 672.4.
    (ii) A Shoreside Processor, Mothership, or Buying Station subject 
to recordkeeping and reporting requirements must report all groundfish 
and prohibited species received, including: 

[[Page 46945]]

    (A) Fish received from vessels not required to have a fisheries 
permit;
    (B) Fish received under contract for handling or processing for 
another processor.
    (2) Responsibility. The operator of a Catcher Vessel, Catcher/
Processor, Mothership, or Buying Station delivering to a Mothership 
(hereafter referred to as the operator) and the manager of a Shoreside 
Processor or Buying Station delivering to a Shoreside Processor 
(hereafter referred to as the manager) are each responsible for 
compliance with the applicable recordkeeping and reporting requirements 
of this section. In addition, the owner of a vessel, Shoreside 
Processor, or Buying Station must ensure that the operator, manager, or 
designated representative (see paragraph (b) of this section) complies 
with these requirements and is responsible for compliance.
    (3) Groundfish logbooks and forms. The Regional Director will 
prescribe and provide logbooks and forms required under this section as 
shown in Table 9 of this part. The operator or manager must use these 
logbooks and forms or obtain approval from the Regional Director to use 
electronic versions of the logbooks and forms.
    (4) Participant identification information. The operator or manager 
must record on all required records, reports, and logbooks:
    (i) The name of the Catcher Vessel, Catcher/Processor, Mothership, 
Shoreside Processor, or Buying Station as displayed in official 
documentation;
    (ii) If a vessel, the Federal Fisheries Permit number and ADF&G 
vessel number (if applicable);
    (iii) If a processor, the Federal Processor Permit number and ADF&G 
processor number;
    (iv) If a Buying Station, the name and ADF&G vessel number (if 
applicable) of the Buying Station; the name, ADF&G processor number, 
and Federal Processor Permit number of associated processor;
    (v) If a Shoreside Processor or land-based Buying Station, the 
geographic location of operations.
    (5) Representative identification. The name, daytime business 
telephone number (including area code), fax or TELEX number, and the 
COMSAT number (if applicable) of the representative;
    (6) Maintenance of records--(i) General. The operator or manager 
must maintain all records, reports, and logbooks in a legible, timely, 
and accurate manner; in English; if handwritten, in indelible ink; if 
computer-generated, a printed, paper copy; and based on Alaska local 
time.
    (ii) When applicable, the operator or manager must record in each 
report, form, and logbook the following information:
    (A) Page number. Number the pages in each logbook consecutively, 
beginning with page one and continuing throughout the logbook for the 
remainder of the fishing year, except that the manager of a Shoreside 
Processor must number the DCPL pages within Part I and Part II 
separately beginning with page one, etc.;
    (B) Date, presented as month-day-year;
    (C) Time, in military format to the nearest hour, A.l.t.;
    (D) Position Coordinates, latitude and longitude to the nearest 
second;
    (E) Reporting Area codes, given in Figures 1 and 3 of this part;
    (F) Species codes, each target species, the ``other species'' 
category, and prohibited species (see Secs. 672.20(e) and 675.20(c) of 
this chapter), using the species codes given in Table 2 of this part;
    (G) Original/Revised Report. If a report is the first one submitted 
to the Regional Director for a given date, gear type, and reporting 
area, ``ORIGINAL REPORT''. If report is a correction to a previously 
submitted report for a given date, gear type, and reporting area, 
``REVISED REPORT'';
    (H) Metric tons. The required weight units used to record amounts 
of landings, product, and discards of groundfish and herring must be 
recorded in pounds (lb) or to the nearest 0.01 mt on all forms and 
logbooks.
    (7) Active and inactive periods. The operator or manager must, in 
the DFL, DCL, or DCPL:
    (i) Account for each day of the fishing year by indicating active 
and inactive periods, as defined in Sec. 672.2;
    (ii) Use a separate logbook page for each day of an active period;
    (iii) Indicate on one page the first and last day of an inactive 
period;
    (iv) Fishing activity. The operator or manager must indicate all 
fishing activity, which is defined as follows:
    (A) If a Catcher Vessel, harvest or discard of groundfish;
    (B) If a Catcher/Processor, harvest, discard, or processing of 
groundfish;
    (C) If a Mothership or Shoreside Processor, receipt, discard, or 
processing of groundfish;
    (D) If a Buying Station, receipt, discard, or delivery of 
groundfish;
    (v) If in an active period and there is fishing activity, the 
operator or manager must record:
    (A) The gear type used to harvest the groundfish. If a Catcher 
Vessel or Catcher/Processor and using hook-and-line longline gear, the 
average number of hooks per skate;
    (B) The reporting area code where gear retrieval was completed; 
whether gear retrieval was in Federal or Alaska State waters;
    (C) If a Catcher Vessel, whether a NMFS-certified observer is on 
board the vessel. If a Catcher/Processor, Mothership, or Shoreside 
Processor, the number of NMFS-certified observers on board or on site;
    (D) The number of crew, except certified observer;
    (E) Whether harvest is under a CDQ program; if yes, the CDQ number;
    (F) If a Catcher Vessel or Buying Station, the name and ADF&G 
processor number of the Mothership or Shoreside Processor to which 
groundfish deliveries were made;
    (vi) If in an active period and there is no harvesting, discard, 
receipt, or processing of groundfish, the operator or manager must 
indicate ``NO FISHING ACTIVITY'' and briefly describe the reason.
    (8) Landings information. The manager of a Shoreside Processor 
must:
    (i) Record and report groundfish landings by species codes and 
product codes as defined in Tables 1 and 2 of this part for each 
reporting area, whether in Alaska State waters or Federal waters, gear 
type, and CDQ number;
    (ii) Record in the DCPL each day on the day such landings occur, 
the following additional information:
    (A) The daily combined scale weight of landings retained for 
processing from a Catcher Vessel or any associated Buying Station, in 
pounds or to at least the nearest 0.01 mt;
    (B) If more than one page is used during a weekly reporting period, 
the total amount of landings carried forward from the previous page;
    (C) At the end of each weekly reporting period, the cumulative 
total weight, calculated by adding the daily totals and total carried 
forward for that week;
    (iii) Summarize the DCPL for each weekly reporting period on a WPR 
or for each day on a DPR (if applicable). If there were no landings 
during a reporting period, write ``NO LANDINGS'' on the first row of 
the WPR landings section or under the DPR landings column for that day.
    (9) Product information. The operator or manager of a Catcher/
Processor, Mothership, or Shoreside Processor must, where required:
    (i) Record and report groundfish products by species codes, product 
codes, and product designations as 

[[Page 46946]]
defined in Tables 1 and 2 of this part for each reporting area, whether 
in Alaska State waters or Federal waters, gear type, and CDQ number;
    (ii) Record in the DCPL each day on the day such production occurs, 
the daily total, balance brought forward (except for Shoreside 
Processor), and cumulative total fish product weight (see Sec. 672.2) 
for each product of groundfish in pounds or to at least the nearest 
0.01 mt;
    (iii) Summarize the DCPL for each weekly reporting period on a WPR 
or for each day on a DPR (if applicable). If there was no production 
during a weekly reporting period, indicate ``NO PRODUCTION'' on the 
first row of the WPR production section or under the DPR products 
column for that day.
    (10) Discarded/donated species information. The manager or operator 
must, where required:
    (i) Record and report discards and donations by species codes and 
discard product codes as defined in Tables 1 and 2 of this part for 
each reporting area, whether in Alaska State waters or Federal waters, 
gear type, and CDQ number;
    (ii) Record the estimated daily total, balance brought forward, and 
cumulative total round fish weight in the DFL, DCL, or DCPL each day on 
the day such discards occur for each discard of groundfish species, 
groundfish species groups, and Pacific herring in pounds or to at least 
the nearest 0.01 mt;
    (iii) Record the estimated daily total, balance brought forward, 
and cumulative total numbers in the DFL, DCL, or DCPL each day on the 
day such discards occur for each discard of Pacific salmon, steelhead 
trout, Pacific halibut, king crab, and Tanner crab;
    (iv) Summarize the DCPL for each weekly reporting period on a WPR 
or for each day on a DPR (if applicable). If there were no discards 
during a reporting period, write ``NO DISCARDS'' on the first row of 
the WPR discard section or under the DPR discard column for that day.
    (v) Catcher Vessel discards/donations. (A) The operator must record 
in the DFL discards that occur prior to and during harvest and must 
submit the blue DFL logsheets (discards copy) to the Buying Station, 
Mothership, or Shoreside Processor receiving the harvest at the end of 
the weekly reporting period;
    (B) If a Catcher Vessel discards fish from an unsorted codend prior 
to delivery to a processor, the operator of the vessel must estimate 
and record in the DFL the amount and species composition of the 
discards made at sea (discard code 98);
    (vi) Buying Station discards/donations. (A) The operator or manager 
must record in the DCL on a daily basis on the day such discard occurs, 
all discards that occur after receipt of harvest from a Catcher Vessel 
and prior to delivery to a Mothership or Shoreside Processor;
    (B) If a blue DFL logsheet is received from a Catcher Vessel and 
contains reports of discards, the operator or manager must record in 
the DCL the discards on the day the DFL logsheet is received from the 
Catcher Vessel;
    (vii) Catcher/Processor discards/donations. The operator must 
record in the DCPL on the day such discard occurs all discards that 
occur prior to harvest, during harvest, and during processing;
    (viii) Mothership or Shoreside Processor discards/donations. (A) 
The operator or manager must record into the DCPL on a daily basis on 
the day such discard occurs, all discards that occur on site after 
receipt of groundfish, and all discards that occur during processing of 
groundfish;
    (B) If a blue DFL logsheet is received from a Catcher Vessel and 
discards are reported, the operator or manager must record in the DCPL 
the discards on the day the DFL logsheet is received from the Catcher 
Vessel;
    (C) If a yellow DCL logsheet is received from a Buying Station and 
discards are reported, the operator or manager must record in the DCPL 
the discards on the day the DCL logsheet is received from the Buying 
Station;
    (11) Contract processing. (i) The manager of a Shoreside Processor 
or operator of a Mothership who receives groundfish to be handled or 
processed under contract for another processor or business entity must 
report these fish to the Regional Director consistently throughout a 
fishing year using one of two methods:
    (A) Record landings (if applicable), discards, and products of 
contract-processed groundfish routinely in the DCPL without separate 
identification; or
    (B) Record landings (if applicable), discards, and products of 
contract-processed groundfish in a separate DCPL identified by the 
name, Federal Processor permit number, Federal Fisheries permit number 
(if applicable), and ADF&G Processor code of the associated business 
entity;
    (ii) If contract-processed groundfish records are kept separate 
from the routine DCPL, the operator or manager of the Mothership or 
Shoreside Processor must summarize and report that information on a WPR 
identified by the name, Federal Processor permit number, Federal 
Fisheries permit number (if applicable), and ADF&G Processor code of 
the associated business entity.
    (12) Alteration of records. (i) The operator, manager, or any other 
person may not alter or change any entry or record in a logbook except 
that an inaccurate or incorrect entry or record may be corrected by 
lining out the original and inserting the correction, provided that the 
original entry or record remains legible.
    (ii) No person except an authorized officer may remove any original 
page of any logbook.
    (13) Inspection of records. The operator or manager of a Catcher 
Vessel, Catcher/Processor, Mothership, or Shoreside Processor, must 
make all logbooks, reports, and forms required under paragraph (a)(3) 
of this section available for inspection upon the request of an 
authorized officer.
    (14) Submittal of logbooks, reports and forms--(i) Quarterly 
submittal of logbook. (A) The operator of a Catcher Vessel, Catcher/
Processor, Mothership, or the manager of a Shoreside Processor must 
submit the yellow logsheets on a quarterly basis to: NMFS Alaska 
Fisheries Science Center, Logbook Program, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, 
Building 4, Seattle, WA 98115.
    (B) The operator or manager must submit the yellow logsheets as 
follows: First quarter, by May 1 of that year; second quarter, by 
August 1 of that year; third quarter, by November 1 of that year; and 
fourth quarter, by February 1 of the following year.
    (ii) Submittal of reports and forms. Reports and forms may be 
submitted by the operator or manager by:
    (A) Using the NMFS printed form and faxing it to the fax number on 
the form; or
    (B) Transmitting a data file with required information and forms to 
NMFS by modem or satellite (specifically INMARSAT standards A, B, or 
C).
    (15) Record retention--(i) Original copy. (A) The operator of a 
Catcher Vessel, Catcher/Processor, or Mothership and the manager of a 
Shoreside Processor must retain the original (white) copy of all 
logbooks and a paper copy of all reports and forms, including those 
reports and forms that were originally submitted electronically:
    (1) On site until the end of the fishing year during which the 
records were made and for as long thereafter as fish or fish products 
recorded in the logbook, reports, and forms are retained;
    (2) For 3 years after the end of the fishing year during which the 
records were made; 

[[Page 46947]]

    (B) The operator or manager of a Buying Station must retain the 
original (white) copy of all DCLs required under paragraph (a)(2) of 
this section on site until the Buying Station has concluded receiving 
groundfish for a Shoreside Processor or Mothership and for as long as 
fish and fish products recorded in the DCL are retained by the Buying 
Station;
    (ii) Yellow DCL logsheet. When the operator of a Mothership or the 
manager of a Shoreside Processor submits on a quarterly basis to NMFS, 
the yellow DCL logsheets received from associated Buying Stations per 
paragraph (a)(14) of this section, the operator or manager must retain 
a photocopy of the yellow DCL logsheets until the original DCL is 
received from the associated Buying Station operator or manager.
    (iii) Blue DFL logsheet. The operator of a Mothership and the 
manager of a Shoreside Processor must retain the blue DFL logsheets 
(discard reports) through the last day of the fishing year during which 
the records were made.
    (iv) Pink DCL logsheet. The operator or manager of a Buying Station 
must retain the pink DCL logsheets for 3 years after the end of the 
fishing year during which the records were made.
    (16) Integration of Buying Station records. (i) The operator or 
manager of a Buying Station must maintain a separate DCL for each 
Shoreside Processor or Mothership to which the Buying Station delivers 
groundfish during a fishing year.
    (ii) The operator or manager of a Buying Station must submit upon 
delivery of catch, the yellow DCL logsheets, to the Shoreside Processor 
or Mothership to which it delivers groundfish, along with the blue DFL 
logsheets and ADF&G fish tickets or catch receipts for that delivery.
    (iii) Upon conclusion of receiving groundfish for a Shoreside 
Processor or Mothership, the Buying Station operator or manager must 
submit the original DCL to the Shoreside Processor manager or 
Mothership operator to which deliveries were made.
    (iv) If the Mothership operator or the Shoreside Processor manager 
receives fish from a Buying Station, the operator or manager must 
incorporate all of the DCL information into the DCPL.
    (b) Designated representative. The operator or manager of a Catcher 
Vessel, Mothership, Catcher/Processor, Shoreside Processor or Buying 
Station must identify one person to fill out and sign the logbook, 
complete the recordkeeping and reporting forms, or both, and to 
identify who will be the contact person for inquiries from NMFS. 
Designation of a representative under this paragraph does not relieve 
the owner, operator, or manager of responsibility for compliance with 
this part.
    (c) Catcher Vessel DFL and Catcher/Processor DCPL--(1) Requirement. 
(i) The operator of each Catcher Vessel or Catcher/Processor subject to 
this part must:
    (A) Answer each question on the DFL or DCPL in the manner set forth 
under paragraphs (c) (3) through (7) of this section; and
    (B) Submit the DFL or DCPL in the manner set forth under paragraphs 
(c)(2) and (a)(14), respectively, of this section.
    (ii) Pair trawl. If two Catcher Vessels are dragging a trawl 
between them (pair trawl), a separate DFL must be maintained by each of 
the vessels. Each vessel operator must log the amount of the catch 
retained by that vessel and any fish discarded by the vessel.
    (2) Time limit and submittal. (i) The operator must record in the 
DFL or DCPL, the time, position, and estimated groundfish catch weight 
within 2 hours after gear retrieval;
    (ii) The operator must record all other information required in the 
DFL or DCPL by noon of the day following gear retrieval if a Catcher 
Vessel or by noon of the day following completion of production if a 
Catcher/Processor;
    (iii) The operator of a Catcher Vessel must submit the blue DFL 
logsheets with delivery of the harvest to the operator or manager of 
the Buying Station, Mothership, or Shoreside Processor;
    (iv) Notwithstanding other time limits, the operator of a Catcher 
Vessel must record all information required in the DFL within 2 hours 
after the vessel's catch is offloaded;
    (3) The operator must record on each page:
    (i) Page number as defined at paragraph (a)(6)(i) of this section;
    (ii) The date;
    (iii) If a Catcher Vessel, the vessel name and ADF&G vessel 
registration number. If a Catcher/Processor, the name, ADF&G processor 
number, and Federal Processor number of the Catcher/Processor;
    (iv) The operator's signature;
    (v) Active/inactive period. Whether Catcher Vessel or Catcher/
Processor is in an active or inactive period as defined at paragraph 
(a)(7) of this section.
    (4) The operator must record the following for each haul or set:
    (i) Gear deployment. The number of haul or set, by sequence; begin 
time and position coordinates of gear deployment; average sea depth and 
average gear depth, recorded to the nearest meter or fathom.
    (ii) Gear retrieval. The date, time, and position coordinates of 
gear retrieval. If the vessel is using longline hook-and-line gear, the 
number of skates set. If the vessel is using longline pot or single pot 
gear, the total number of pots set.
    (iii) The estimated total round fish weight of the groundfish 
catch; and
    (iv) The species code of the intended target species from Table 2 
of this part.
    (5) The operator must record discard/donation information as 
defined at paragraph (a)(10) of this section.
    (6) If a Catcher Vessel, the operator must record:
    (i) The date of delivery.
    (ii) The name, ADF&G processor code, and ADF&G fish ticket 
number(s) provided by the manager or operator of the Mothership, 
Shoreside Processor, or Buying Station.
    (7) If a Catcher/Processor, the operator must record product 
information as set forth at paragraph (a)(9) of this section.
    (d) Buying station DCL--(1) Requirement. The operator or manager of 
each Buying Station subject to this part must:
    (i) Answer each question on the DCL in the manner set forth under 
paragraphs (d)(3) through (5) of this section; and
    (ii) Submit the DCL in the manner set forth under paragraphs (d)(2) 
and (a)(14), respectively, of this section.
    (2) Time limits. (i) The operator or manager must record entries in 
the DCL as to Catcher Vessel delivery information within 2 hours after 
completion of receipt of the groundfish.
    (ii) All other information required in the DCL must be recorded by 
noon of the day following the day the receipt of groundfish was 
completed or discard occurred.
    (3) The operator or manager must record for each page:
    (i) Page number as defined at paragraph (a)(6)(i) of this section;
    (ii) The date;
    (iii) The Buying Station name and, if a vessel, the ADF&G vessel 
number;
    (iv) The operator's or manager's signature.
    (v) Active/inactive period. Whether Buying Station is in an active 
or inactive period as defined at paragraph (a)(7) of this section.
    (vi) The name and ADF&G processor code of the Mothership or 
Shoreside Processor to which groundfish deliveries were made;
    (vii) The number of crew;
    (4) The operator or manager must record the following information 
for each delivery of groundfish:
    (i) The ADF&G fish ticket number issued to each Catcher Vessel 
delivering groundfish. If a fish ticket was not 

[[Page 46948]]
issued, the catch receipt number of the transaction;
    (ii) Whether blue DFL logsheets were received from Catcher Vessel;
    (iii) The time when receipt of groundfish catch was completed;
    (iv) The name and ADF&G vessel registration number of the Catcher 
Vessel delivering the groundfish;
    (v) The total groundfish delivery weight.
    (5) The operator or manager must record discard/donation 
information as defined at paragraph (a)(10) of this section.
    (e) Mothership DCPL--(1) Requirement. The operator of each 
Mothership subject to this part must:
    (i) Answer each question on the DCPL in the manner set forth under 
paragraphs (e) (3) through (6) of this section; and
    (ii) Submit the DCPL in the manner set forth under paragraphs 
(e)(2) and (a)(14), respectively, of this section.
    (2) Time limits. (i) The operator must record entries in the DCPL 
as to Catcher Vessel or Buying Station delivery information within 2 
hours after completion of the groundfish receipt.
    (ii) All other information required in the DCPL must be recorded by 
noon of the day following the day the catch receipt, discard, or 
production occurred.
    (3) The operator must record on each page:
    (i) Page number as defined at paragraph (a)(6) of this section;
    (ii) The date;
    (iii) The name, ADF&G processor number, and Federal Processor 
number;
    (iv) The operator's signature.
    (v) Whether Mothership is in an active or inactive period as 
defined at paragraph (a)(7) of this section.
    (4) The operator must record for each delivery:
    (i) Whether delivery is from a Catcher Vessel or a Buying Station;
    (ii) The name and ADF&G vessel registration number (if applicable) 
of the Catcher Vessel or Buying Station delivering the groundfish;
    (iii) The time and position coordinates of the Mothership when 
groundfish catch is received;
    (iv) The estimated total round fish weight of the groundfish catch;
    (v) The ADF&G fish ticket number issued to each Catcher Vessel 
delivering groundfish. If a fish ticket is not issued, record the catch 
receipt number of the transaction.
    (5) The operator must record discard/donation information as 
defined at paragraph (a)(10) of this section.
    (6) The operator must record product information as defined at 
paragraph (a)(9) of this section.
    (f) Shoreside Processor DCPL--(1) Requirement. The manager of each 
Shoreside Processor subject to this part must:
    (i) Answer each question on the DCPL in the manner set forth under 
paragraphs (f) (3) through (7) of this section;
    (ii) Submit the DCPL in the manner set forth under paragraphs 
(f)(2) and (a)(14), respectively, of this section.
    (2) Time limits--(i) The manager must record in the DCPL all 
Catcher Vessel or Buying Station delivery information within 2 hours 
after completion of the groundfish receipt.
    (ii) All other information required in the DCPL must be recorded by 
noon of the day following the day the catch receipt, discard, or 
production occurred.
    (3) Part I. The operator must record on each page:
    (i) Page number. If page is for an individual day, the date. If 
page is for 1 week, week-ending date. See also paragraph (a)(6)(i) of 
this section.
    (ii) Participant identification information as defined at paragraph 
(a)(4) of this section.
    (iii) The signature of the manager.
    (iv) Whether the Shoreside Processor is in an active or inactive 
period as defined at paragraph (a)(7) of this section.
    (4) Delivery information. The manager must record the following 
information for each delivery:
    (i) Date and time when receipt of groundfish catch was completed;
    (ii) Whether delivery is from Catcher Vessel or Buying Station;
    (iii) Whether blue DFL logsheets were submitted by Catcher Vessel;
    (iv) The name and ADF&G vessel registration number (if applicable) 
of the Catcher Vessel or Buying Station delivering the groundfish;
    (v) The total scale weight of groundfish delivery in pounds or to 
the nearest 0.01 mt;
    (vi) The ADF&G fish ticket number issued to the Catcher Vessel 
delivering groundfish. If a fish ticket is not issued, record the catch 
receipt number of the transaction.
    (5) Landings information (Part IC). The manager must record:
    (i) The date next to the appropriate day of the week (SUN through 
SAT);
    (ii) Landings information as defined at paragraph (a)(8) of this 
section.
    (6) Discarded/donated species information (Part ID). The manager 
must record:
    (i) The date next to the appropriate day of the week (SUN through 
SAT);
    (ii) Discard information as defined at paragraph (a)(10) of this 
section.
    (7) Part II. The manager must record:
    (i) Page numbers must be consecutive within Part II, beginning with 
page one for the first day product was produced after the start of the 
fishing year and continuing throughout the section for the remainder of 
the fishing year;
    (ii) The name, ADF&G processor code number, and Federal Processor 
number of Shoreside Processor;
    (iii) The signature of the manager.
    (iv) Product information. (A) The week-ending date;
    (B) The management area (BSAI or GOA);
    (C) The date next to the appropriate day of the week (SUN through 
SAT);
    (D) Product information as defined at paragraph (a)(9) of this 
section.
    (g) Groundfish product transfer report (PTR)--(1) Requirement. (i) 
The operator of a Mothership or Catcher/Processor or the manager of a 
Shoreside Processor must record each transfer of groundfish product on 
a separate PTR.
    (ii) The operator or manager must answer each question on the PTR 
in the manner set forth under paragraphs (g) (3) through (6) of this 
section for each transfer of groundfish or groundfish product and must 
submit the PTR in the manner set forth under paragraph (g)(2) of this 
section.
    (iii) Shoreside Processor transfer to offsite meal reduction plant. 
The manager of a Shoreside Processor must report on a PTR those fish 
products which are subsequently transferred to an offsite meal 
reduction plant;
    (iv) Transfer of groundfish for bait. The operator or manager must 
report on a PTR, daily sales or transfer of groundfish to vessels for 
bait. Individual sales of groundfish for bait purposes during a day may 
be aggregated when recording the amount of product leaving a facility 
that day.
    (2) Time limits and submittal. The operator or manager must:
    (i) Record all product transfer information on a PTR within 2 hours 
of the completion of the transfer;
    (ii) Submit a copy of each PTR to the Regional Director to fax 
number 907-586-7313 within 24 hours of completion of transfer.
    (3) The operator or manager must record on each page:
    (i) Whether an original or revised report, as defined at paragraph 
(a)(6) of this section;
    (ii) Page numbers must be numbered sequentially, with the first 
transfer of the fishing year as page 1 and continuing throughout the 
remainder of the fishing year;
    (iii) If product (including raw fish) is received, ``RECEIPT''. If 
product (including raw fish) is offloaded from a Mothership or Catcher/
Processor, 

[[Page 46949]]
``OFFLOAD''. If product (including raw fish) is shipped from a 
Shoreside Processor, ``SHIPMENT'';
    (iv) Representative identification information, as defined at 
paragraph (a)(5) of this section;
    (v) If a Catcher/Processor or Mothership, the participant 
identification information as defined at paragraph (a)(4) of this 
section and Coast Guard Documentation number. If a Shoreside Processor, 
the participant identification information as defined at paragraph 
(a)(4) of this section.
    (4) Transfer information. The operator or manager must record the 
following information for each transfer:
    (i) If another vessel is involved with the transfer, the name and 
call sign of the vessel receiving or delivering groundfish or 
groundfish products;
    (ii) If a Mothership or Catcher/Processor and the transfer takes 
place in port, the port of landing and country if a foreign location;
    (iii) If transfer is made to an agent, the agent's name. For 
purposes of this part, agent is defined as the transport company, the 
buyer, or the distributor;
    (iv) Intended first destination of product. (A) If an offload or 
shipment, the intended destination of vessel or agent receiving 
groundfish or groundfish product. If receipt, not applicable;
    (B) If an offload or shipment has several destinations, the primary 
or first intended destination;
    (C) If offload or shipment is going to a single agent and initial 
destination but requires loading on multiple vans, trucks, or airline 
flights, the transfer may be recorded on a single PTR page;
    (v) Date and time of product transfer--(A) Start date. The date and 
time the transfer starts;
    (B) Finish date. The date and time the transfer is completed:
    (1) If shipment is an individual van load or flight, the date and 
time when each shipment leaves the plant;
    (2) If shipment involves multiple vans or trucks, the date and time 
when loading of vans or trucks is completed for each day;
    (3) If shipment involves air freight, record date and time when the 
last air freight shipment of the day leaves the plant;
    (vi) Position transferred. If a Catcher/Processor or Mothership and 
transfer of product is made at sea, the transfer position coordinates.
    (5) Products and quantities offloaded, shipped, or received. (i) If 
a Catcher/Processor or Mothership, the Harvest Zone code of the area in 
which groundfish were harvested as defined in Table 8 of this part;
    (ii) The species code and product code for each product transferred 
as defined in Tables 1 and 2 of this part;
    (iii) The number of cartons or production units transferred;
    (iv) The average net weight of one carton for each species and 
product code in kilograms or pounds;
    (v) The total net weight (fish product weight, to the nearest 0.01 
mt) of the products transferred.
    (6) If a Catcher/Processor or Mothership, whether transfer is a 
total or partial offload. If partial offload, the total fish product 
weight, to the nearest 0.01 mt, of the products (by harvest zone, 
species and product codes) remaining on board after this transfer;
    (h) Check-in/Check-out report--(1) Requirement--(i) Check-in report 
(BEGIN Message). Before a Catcher/Processor commences harvest of 
groundfish in Alaska State or Federal waters of any reporting area 
except 300, 400, 550, or 690 or before a Mothership, Shoreside 
Processor or Buying Station commences receipt of groundfish from Alaska 
State or Federal waters of any reporting area except 300, 400, 550, or 
690, the operator or manager must answer each question on the Check-in/
Check-out report in the manner set forth under paragraphs (h)(3), 
(h)(4), and (h)(6) of this section; and must submit the Check-in/Check-
out report in the manner set forth under paragraph (h)(2) of this 
section.
    (ii) Check-out report (CEASE Message). (A) If a Catcher/Processor 
departs a reporting area or moves between Alaska State and Federal 
waters in a reporting area, and gear retrieval is complete from that 
area, the operator or manager must answer each question on a Check-out 
report in the manner set forth in paragraphs (h)(3), (h)(5), and (h)(6) 
of this section and must submit the Check-in/Check-out report in the 
manner set forth under paragraph (h)(2) of this section;
    (B) If a Mothership or Shoreside Processor, and groundfish receipt 
and processing are completed, the operator or manager must answer each 
question on a Check-out report in the manner set forth in paragraphs 
(h)(3), (h)(5), and (h)(6) of this section and must submit the Check-
in/Check-out report in the manner set forth under paragraph (h)(2) of 
this section;
    (iii) Transit between reporting areas. If a vessel is transiting 
through a reporting area and is not fishing or receiving fish, a Check-
in or Check-out report is not required from that area;
    (iv) Multiple vessel operations categories. If a Catcher/Processor 
is functioning simultaneously as a Mothership in the same reporting 
area, the operator must submit a separate Check-in report for each 
vessel operations category. Upon completion of each activity, the 
operator must submit a Check-out report for each vessel operations 
category.
    (2) Time limits and submittal--(i) Check-in report. (A) The 
operator of a Catcher/Processor must submit by fax a Check-in report 
(BEGIN message) to the Regional Director at fax number 907-586-7131 
before commencing any harvest of groundfish.
    (B) The operator or manager of a Mothership, Shoreside Processor, 
or Buying Station must submit by fax a Check-in report (BEGIN message) 
to the Regional Director at fax number 907-586-7131 before commencing 
any receipt of groundfish.
    (ii) Check-out report. (A) If a Catcher/Processor, Mothership, or 
Buying Station, the operator must submit by fax a Check-out report 
(CEASE message) to the Regional Director at fax number 907-586-7131 
within 24 hours after leaving either the Alaska State or Federal part 
of a reporting area.
    (B) If a Shoreside Processor, the manager must submit by fax a 
Check-out report (CEASE message) to the Regional Director at fax number 
907-586-7131 within 48 hours after the end of the applicable weekly 
reporting period that a Shoreside Processor ceases to process 
groundfish for the fishing year or has not processed groundfish for 
more than one weekly reporting period;
    (3) The operator or manager must record on each page:
    (i) Whether an original or revised report as defined at paragraph 
(a)(6) of this section;
    (ii) Participant identification information as defined at paragraph 
(a)(4) of this section;
    (iii) Representative identification information as defined at 
paragraph (a)(5) of this section;
    (iv) If a Mothership or Catcher/Processor, the processor type and 
gear type used to harvest the groundfish. If groundfish are received by 
a Mothership in the same reporting area from more than one gear type, 
or if groundfish are caught by a Catcher/Processor in the same 
reporting area using more than one gear type, the operator must submit 
a separate form for each gear type;
    (v) Whether harvest is under a CDQ Program; if yes, the CDQ number;
    (vi) If a Buying Station, the number of crew on the last day of the 
reporting week.
    (4) BEGIN Message. The operator or manager must record:
    (i) If a Catcher/Processor, date and time that gear is deployed. If 
a 

[[Page 46950]]
Mothership, date and time that receipt of groundfish begins;
    (ii) If a Catcher/Processor, position coordinates where gear is 
set. If a Mothership, position coordinates where groundfish receipt is 
begun;
    (iii) If a Catcher/Processor, the reporting area code of gear 
deployment and whether gear deployment was in Federal or Alaska State 
waters. If a Mothership or Buying Station, the reporting area code 
where groundfish receipt begins and whether receipt of groundfish 
occurred in Federal or Alaska State waters;
    (iv) If a Shoreside Processor, the date receipt of groundfish will 
begin; whether checking in for first time in fishing year or checking 
in to restart receipt and processing of groundfish after filing a 
Check-out report;
    (v) If a Mothership or Catcher/Processor, the primary and secondary 
species expected to be harvested. If a Buying Station, the intended 
primary target expected to be harvested. A change in intended target 
species within the same reporting area does not require a new BEGIN 
message.
    (5) CEASE Message. The operator or manager must report:
    (i) If a Mothership or Catcher/Processor, the date, time and 
position coordinates where the vessel departed the reporting area or 
moved to Federal waters from Alaska State waters within a reporting 
area, or vice versa;
    (ii) If a Shoreside Processor or Buying Station, the date that 
receipt of groundfish ceased.
    (6) Fish or fish product held at plant. If a Shoreside Processor, 
the weight of the fish or fish products in pounds or to the nearest 
0.01 mt by species and product codes.
    (i) Weekly production report (WPR)--(1) Requirement. (i) The 
operator or manager of a Mothership, Catcher/Processor, or Shoreside 
Processor must answer each question on the WPR in the manner set forth 
in paragraphs (i)(3) through (i)(7) of this section for any week the 
Mothership, Catcher/Processor, or Shoreside Processor is checked in 
pursuant to paragraph (h)(1)(i) of this section and must submit a WPR 
in the manner set forth in paragraph (i)(2) of this section.
    (ii) Multiple vessel operations categories. The operator of a 
vessel that is authorized to conduct operations as both a Catcher/
Processor and as a Mothership must submit separate WPRs to report 
production and discard as a Catcher/Processor and production and 
discard as a Mothership.
    (2) Time limits and submittal. The operator or manager must submit 
a WPR to the Regional Director at fax number 907-586-7131 by 1200 
hours, A.l.t., on Tuesday, following the end of the applicable weekly 
reporting period.
    (3) The operator or manager must record on each page:
    (i) Whether an original or revised report, defined at paragraph 
(a)(6) of this section;
    (ii) Participant identification information as defined at paragraph 
(a)(4) of this section;
    (iii) Representative identification information as defined at 
paragraph (a)(5) of this section and date WPR was completed;
    (iv) If a Mothership or Catcher/Processor, the processor type and 
gear type used to harvest the groundfish;
    (v) Whether harvest is under a CDQ Program; if yes, the CDQ number;
    (vi) The week-ending date;
    (vii) The primary and secondary target codes for next week;
    (viii) If a Mothership or Catcher/Processor, the number of crew on 
last day of reporting week.
    (4) Landings information. If a Shoreside Processor, see landings 
information requirement at paragraph (a)(8) of this section.
    (5) Discarded/Donated Species Information (Part ID). For discard/
donate information requirement, see paragraph (a)(10) of this section.
    (6) Product information. For product information requirement, see 
at paragraph (a)(9) of this section.
    (7) Catcher Vessel delivery information. If ADF&G fish tickets are 
issued by the Mothership or Shoreside Processor, list the fish ticket 
numbers issued to Catcher Vessels for the weekly reporting period.
    (j) Daily Production Report (DPR)--(1) Notice. If the Regional 
Director determines that DPRs are necessary to avoid exceeding a 
groundfish TAC or prohibited species bycatch allowance, NMFS may 
require submission of DPRs for reporting one or more specific species, 
in addition to a WPR. NMFS will publish a document in the Federal 
Register specifying the fisheries that require DPRs and the effective 
dates that submittal of DPRs is required.
    (2) Requirement. (i) If a Catcher/Processor, Mothership, or 
Shoreside Processor is checked-in to the specified reporting area and 
is harvesting, receiving, processing, or discarding the specified 
species, or is receiving reports from a Catcher Vessel of discard at 
sea of the specified species, the operator or manager must submit a 
DPR.
    (ii) The operator of a Mothership or Catcher/Processor or manager 
of a Shoreside Processor must:
    (A) Answer each question on the DPR in the manner set forth in 
paragraphs (j)(4) through (7) of this section;
    (B) Submit the DPR in the manner set forth in paragraph (j)(3) of 
this section;
    (C) Use a separate DPR for each gear type, processor type, and CDQ 
number.
    (3) Time limit and submittal. The operator or manager must submit a 
DPR by fax to the Regional Director at fax number 907-586-7131 by 1200 
hours, A.l.t., the day following each day of landings, discard, or 
production.
    (4) The operator or manager must record on each page:
    (i) Whether an original or revised report as defined at paragraph 
(a)(6) of this section;
    (ii) Participant identification information as defined at paragraph 
(a)(4) of this section and processor type;
    (iii) Representative identification information as defined at 
paragraph (a)(5) of this section;
    (iv) The gear type used to harvest the groundfish, date received 
landings, and Federal reporting area where landings were harvested;
    (v) Whether harvest is under a CDQ Program; if yes, the CDQ number.
    (5) Landing information. If a Shoreside Processor, see landings 
information requirement at paragraph (a)(8) of this section.
    (6) Product information. If a Mothership or Catcher/ Processor, see 
product information requirement at paragraph (a)(9) of this section.
    (7) Discard/donate information. For discard/donate information 
requirement, see paragraph (a)(10) of this section.
    (k) U.S. Vessel Activity Report (VAR)--(1) Requirement. The 
operator of a Catcher Vessel, a Catcher/Processor, or a Mothership 
regulated under this part that crosses the seaward boundary of the EEZ 
off Alaska or crosses the U.S./Canada international boundary between 
Alaska and British Columbia must answer each question on the VAR in the 
manner set forth in paragraphs (k)(3) and (4) of this section and must 
submit a VAR in the manner set forth in paragraph (k)(2) of this 
section.
    (2) Time limits and submittal. The operator must submit a VAR by 
fax to NMFS Alaska Enforcement Division at fax number 907-586-7313 
before the vessel crosses the seaward boundary of the EEZ off Alaska or 
the U.S./Canada international boundary between Alaska and British 
Columbia.
    (3) The operator must record on each page:
    (i) Whether an original or revised report as defined at paragraph 
(a)(6) of this section;
    (ii) Participant identification information as defined at paragraph 
(a)(4) of this section;
    (iii) Representative identification information as defined at 
paragraph 

[[Page 46951]]
(a)(5) of this section and date VAR was completed;
    (iv) If vessel is crossing into the seaward boundary of the EEZ off 
Alaska or crossing the U.S./Canada International boundary between 
Alaska and British Columbia, the operator must indicate return report. 
If vessel is crossing out of the seaward boundary of the EEZ off Alaska 
or crossing the U.S./Canada International boundary between Alaska and 
British Columbia into Canadian waters, the operator must indicate 
depart report.
    (v) Port of landing;
    (vi) Whether vessel is returning from fishing or departing to fish 
in the Russian Zone;
    (vii) Date and time vessel will cross the EEZ off Alaska or the 
U.S./Canada international boundary between Alaska and British Columbia;
    (viii) Latitude and longitude at the point of crossing the EEZ off 
Alaska or U.S./Canada international boundary between Alaska and British 
Columbia.
    (4) Fish or fish product on board the vessel when crossing the EEZ 
off Alaska or U.S./Canada international boundary. (i) The Harvest Zone 
code of the area in which groundfish were harvested as defined in Table 
8 of this part;
    (ii) The species code and product code for each species on board as 
defined in Tables 1 and 2 of this part;
    (iii) The fish product weight of products on board in pounds or to 
the nearest 0.01 mt.
    7. In Sec. 672.7, paragraphs (p) and (q) are added to read as 
follows:


Sec. 672.7  Prohibitions.

* * * * *
    (p) Fail to comply with or fail to ensure compliance with 
requirements at Sec. 672.5.
    (q) Use a Catcher Vessel or Catcher/Processor as a Tender Vessel 
before offloading all groundfish or groundfish product harvested or 
processed by that vessel.

Subpart B--Management Measures

    8. Section 672.20, paragraphs (a)(1), (e)(1), and the headings for 
paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2)(i), (c)(2)(ii), and (h)(2), and paragraphs 
(i)(4), and (j) are revised; headings for paragraphs (c)(1)(i)(A), 
(i)(1), (i)(2), (i)(3), and (i)(6) are added; paragraphs (g)(1) and 
(g)(3) are amended by revising the words, ``Table 2 to this section'' 
to read ``Table 10 of this part''; and tables 1 and 2 to the section 
are removed. The revised and added text reads as follows:


Sec. 672.20  General limitations.
    (a) * * * (1) Optimum yield (OY). The OY for the fishery regulated 
by this section and by Sec. 611.92 of this chapter is a range of 
116,000 to 800,000 mt for target species and the ``other species'' 
category in the GOA, to the extent this amount can be harvested 
consistently with this part and part 611 of this chapter, plus the 
amounts of ``non-specified species'' taken incidentally to the harvest 
of target species and the ``other species'' category. The species 
categories are defined in Table 1 of the specifications as provided in 
paragraph (c)(1) of this section.
* * * * *
    (c) * * * (1) Proposed specifications, interim harvest limits, and 
final specifications. 
    (i) * * *
    (A) Proposed specifications. * * *
    (2) * * * (i) Directed fishing allowance--Applicable after December 
31, 1995. * * *
    (ii) Directed fishing allowance--Applicable through December 31, 
1995. * * *
* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (1) Prohibited species, for the purpose of this part, means any of 
the species of Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.), steelhead trout 
(Oncorhynchus mykiss), Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis), 
Pacific herring (Clupea harengus pallasi), king crab (Paralithodes spp. 
and Lithodes spp.), and Tanner crab (Chionoecetes spp.) caught by a 
vessel regulated under this part while fishing for groundfish in the 
GOA, unless retention is authorized by other applicable laws, including 
the Pacific Halibut Fishery Regulations (part 301 of this title).
* * * * *
    (h) * * *
    (2) Fishing trip. * * *
* * * * *
    (i) * * *
    (1) Pollock roe. * * *
    (2) Primary product. * * *
    (3) Pollock product recovery rates. * * *
    (4) Fishing trip. For purposes of this paragraph, a fishing trip is 
defined as set forth under paragraph (h)(2) of this section.
* * * * *
    (6) Primary pollock product. * * *
* * * * *
    (j) Standard product types and standard product recovery rates 
(PRR's)--(1) Calculating round-weight equivalents from standard PRRs. 
Round-weight equivalents for groundfish products are calculated using 
the product codes and standard PRRs specified in Table 3 of this part.
    (2) Adjustments to Table 3 of this part. The Regional Director may 
adjust standard PRRs and product types specified in Table 3 of this 
part if he determines that existing standard PRRs are inaccurate or if 
new product types are developed.
    (3) Procedure. Adjustments to any standard PRR listed in Table 3 of 
this part that are within and including 15 percent of that standard PRR 
may be made without providing notice and opportunity for prior public 
comment. Adjustments of any standard PRR during a calendar year, when 
aggregated with all other adjustments made during that year, will not 
exceed 15 percent of the standard PRR listed in Table 3 of this part at 
the beginning of that calendar year, and no new product type will be 
announced until NMFS publishes the proposed adjustment and/or new 
product type in the Federal Register and provides the public with at 
least 30 days opportunity for public comment. Any adjustment of a PRR 
that acts to further restrict the fishery will not be effective until 
30 days after the date of publication in the Federal Register. If NMFS 
makes any adjustment or announcement without providing a prior notice 
and opportunity for prior public comment, the Regional Director will 
receive public comments on the adjustment or announcement for a period 
of 15 days after its publication in the Federal Register.
    9. Section 672.23 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 672.23  Seasons.

    (a) Fishing year. Fishing for groundfish is authorized from 0001 
hours, A.l.t., January 1, through 2359 hours, A.l.t., December 31, 
subject to the other provisions of this part, except as provided in 
paragraphs (c) through (f) of this section.
    (b) Time of openings and closures. The time of all openings and 
closures of fishing seasons other than the beginning and end of the 
calendar fishing year is 1200 hours A.l.t.
    (c) Directed fishing for trawl rockfish. Directed fishing for 
rockfish of the genera Sebastes and Sebastolobus with trawl gear is 
authorized from 1200 hours, A.l.t., on the first day of the third 
quarterly reporting period of a fishing year, through 2359 hours, 
A.l.t. December 31, subject to other provisions of this part.
    (d) Opening date for trawl groundfish. Notwithstanding other 
provisions of this part, fishing for groundfish with trawl gear in the 
Gulf of Alaska is prohibited from 0001 hours, A.l.t. on January 1 
through 1200 hours, A.l.t., January 20.
    (e) Directed fishing for pollock. Subject to other provisions of 
this part, 

[[Page 46952]]
directed fishing for pollock in the Western and Central Regulatory 
Areas is authorized: From 0001 hours, A.l.t., January 1, through 1200 
hours, A.l.t., April 1; from 1200 hours, A.l.t., June 1, through 1200 
hours, A.l.t., July 1; from 1200 hours, A.l.t., July 1, through 1200 
hours A.l.t., October 1; and from 1200 hours A.l.t., October 1, through 
2359 hours, A.l.t., December 31.
    10. In Sec. 672.24, paragraphs (d)(3) and (d)(4) are redesignated 
as paragraphs (d)(4) and (d)(5), respectively; headings for paragraphs 
(c)(4), newly redesignated (d)(4), newly redesignated (d)(5), and 
(f)(3) are added; paragraph (d)(3) is added; headings of paragraphs (a) 
and (b) are revised; and the heading of paragraph (d), and paragraphs 
(d)(1), (d)(2), (e), (f)(4), and (f)(5) are revised to read as follows:
Sec. 672.24  Gear limitations.

    (a) Marking of gear--longline marker buoys. * * *
    (b) Gear restrictions--pots. * * *
    (c) * * *
    (4) Longline pot gear. * * *
    (d) Trawls other than pelagic trawls--Kodiak Island--(1) Type I 
Closures. No person may trawl in waters of the EEZ within the vicinity 
of Kodiak Island, as shown in Figure 5 of this part as Type I areas, 
from a vessel having any trawl other than a pelagic trawl either 
attached or on board.
    (2) Type II Closures. From February 15 to June 15, no person may 
trawl in waters of the EEZ within the vicinity of Kodiak Island, as 
shown in Figure 5 of this part as Type II areas, from a vessel having 
any trawl other than a pelagic trawl either attached or on board.
    (3) Type III Closures. Type III areas are open to any trawl other 
than a pelagic trawl gear year round.
    (4) Net-sounder device. * * *
    (5) Footrope of the trawl. * * *
    (e) Steller sea lion protection areas--(1) Year-round closures. 
Trawling is prohibited in the GOA within 10 nm of the 14 Steller sea 
lion rookeries designated in Table 6a of this part.
    (2) Seasonal closures. During January 1 through April 15, or a date 
earlier than April 15, if adjusted under Sec. 675.20(a)(8) of this 
chapter trawling is prohibited in the GOA within 20 nm of each of the 
three Steller sea lion rookeries presented in Table 6b of this part.
    (f) * * *
    (3) Test area criteria. * * *
    (4) Kodiak Test Area. Trawl gear testing is allowed in an area 
(Figure 7 of this part) bounded by straight lines connecting the 
following coordinates in the order listed at all times:


W. longitude                         N. latitude                        
                                                                        
152 deg. 02'                         57 deg. 37'                        
151 deg. 25'                         57 deg. 37'                        
151 deg. 25'                         57 deg. 23'                        
152 deg. 02'                         57 deg. 23'                        
152 deg. 02'                         57 deg. 37'                        
                                                                        

    (5) Sand Point Test Area. Trawl gear testing is allowed in an area 
(Figure 7 of this part) bounded by straight lines connecting the 
following coordinates in the order listed at all times:


W. longitude                         N. latitude                        
                                                                        
161 deg. 00'                         54 deg. 50'                        
160 deg. 30'                         54 deg. 50'                        
160 deg. 30'                         54 deg. 35'                        
161 deg. 00'                         54 deg. 35'                        
161 deg. 00'                         54 deg. 50'                        
                                                                        


    11. Part 672 is amended by adding a new heading and Tables 1 
through 11 at the end of the part preceding the figures to part 672 to 
read as follows:
Tables--Part 672

                         Table 1.--Product Codes                        
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      Fish product code/description                     
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Whole fish/food fish.                                                
2. Whole fish/bait. Processed for bait.                                 
3. Bled only. Throat, or isthmus, slit to allow blood to drain.         
4. Gutted only. Belly slit and viscera removed.                         
6. Head and gutted, with roe.                                           
7. Headed and gutted, Western cut. Head removed just in front of the    
 collar bone, and viscera removed.                                      
8. Headed and gutted, Eastern cut. Head removed just behind the collar  
 bone, and viscera removed.                                             
10. Headed and gutted, tail removed. Head removed usually in front of   
 collar bone, and viscera and tail removed.                             
11. Kirimi. Head removed either in front or behind the collar bone,     
 viscera removed, and tail removed by cuts perpendicular to the spine,  
 resulting in a steak.                                                  
12. Salted and split. Head removed, belly slit, viscera removed, fillets
 cut from head to tail but remaining attached near tail. Product salted.
13. Wings. On skates, side fins are cut off next to body.               
14. Roe. Eggs, either loose or in sacs, or skeins.                      
15. Pectoral girdle. Collar bone and associated bones, cartilage and    
 flesh.                                                                 
16. Heads. Heads only, regardless where severed from body.              
17. Cheeks. Muscles on sides of head.                                   
18. Chins. Lower jaw (mandible), muscles, and flesh.                    
19. Belly. Flesh in region of pelvic and pectoral fins and behind head. 
20. Fillets with skin and ribs. Meat and skin with ribs attached, from  
 sides of body behind head and in front of tail.                        
21. Fillets with skin, no ribs. Meat and skin with ribs removed, from   
 sides of body behind head and in front of tail.                        
22. Fillets with ribs and no skin. Meat with ribs with skin removed,    
 from sides of body behind head and in front of tail.                   
23. Fillets, skinless/boneless. Meat with both skin and ribs removed,   
 from sides of body behind head and in front of tail.                   
24. Deep-skin fillet. Meat with skin, adjacent meat with silver lining, 
 and ribs removed from sides of body behind head and in front of tail,  
 resulting in thin fillets.                                             
30. Surimi. Paste from fish flesh and additives.                        
31. Minced. Ground flesh.                                               
32. Fish meal. Meal from fish and fish parts, including bone meal.      
33. Fish oil. Rendered oil.                                             
34. Milt. (in sacs, or testes).                                         
35. Stomachs. Includes all internal organs.                             
36. Octopus/squid mantles. Flesh after removal of viscera and arms.     
37. Butterfly, no backbone, Head removed, belly slit, viscera and most  
 of backbone removed; fillets attached.                                 
39. Bones (if meal, report as 32).                                      
86. Donated Salmon. Includes salmon retained and donated under Salmon   
 Donation Program.                                                      
97. Other retained product.                                             
                                                                        

[[Page 46953]]
                                                                        
                          Discard Product Codes                         
                                                                        
92. Discard, bait. Whole fish used as bait on board vessel.             
94. Discard, consumption. Fish or fish products eaten on board or taken 
 off the vessel for personal use.                                       
96. Previously discarded fish (decomposed) taken with trawl gear in     
 current fishing efforts. Discarded.                                    
98. Discard, at sea. Whole groundfish and prohibited species discarded  
 by catcher vessels, Catcher/Processors, Motherships, or Buying Stations
 delivering to Motherships.                                             
99. Discard, dockside. Discard after delivery and before processing;    
 Discard, at plant. In-plant discard of whole groundfish and prohibited 
 species by Shoreside Processors and Buying Stations delivering to      
 Shoreside Processors before and during processing.                     
M99  Discard, off site meal reduction plant. Discarded fish that are    
 transferred to any off site facility for reduction to fish meal, fish  
 oil and/or discard at sea.                                             
                                                                        
                           Product Designation                          
                                                                        
A  Ancillary. Product made in addition to a primary product from the    
 same fish.                                                             
P  Primary. Product made from each fish with the highest recovery rate. 
R  Reprocessed. Product that results from processing a previously       
 reported product.                                                      
------------------------------------------------------------------------



                         Table 2--Species Codes                         
------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Code                                Species                     
------------------------------------------------------------------------
110.................  Pacific cod.                                      
120.................  Miscellaneous flatfish (all flatfish without      
                       separate codes).                                 
121.................  Arrowtooth flounder and/or Kamchatka flounder.    
122.................  Flathead sole.                                    
123.................  Rock sole.                                        
124.................  Dover sole.                                       
125.................  Rex sole.                                         
126.................  Butter sole.                                      
127.................  Yellowfin sole.                                   
128.................  English sole.                                     
129.................  Starry flounder.                                  
131.................  Petrale sole.                                     
132.................  Sand sole.                                        
133.................  Alaska Plaice flounder.                           
134.................  Greenland turbot.                                 
135.................  Greenstripe rockfish.                             
136.................  Northern rockfish.                                
137.................  Bocaccio rockfish.                                
138.................  Copper rockfish.                                  
141.................  Pacific ocean perch (S. alutus only).             
142.................  Black rockfish.                                   
143.................  Thornyhead rockfish (all Sebastolobus species).   
145.................  Yelloweye rockfish.                               
146.................  Canary rockfish.                                  
147.................  Quillback rockfish.                               
148.................  Tiger rockfish.                                   
149.................  China rockfish.                                   
150.................  Rosethorn rockfish.                               
151.................  Rougheye rockfish.                                
152.................  Shortraker rockfish.                              
153.................  Redbanded rockfish.                               
154.................  Dusky rockfish.                                   
155.................  Yellowtail rockfish.                              
156.................  Widow rockfish.                                   
157.................  Silvergray rockfish.                              
158.................  Redstripe rockfish.                               
159.................  Darkblotched rockfish.                            
160.................  Sculpins.                                         
166.................  Sharpchin rockfish.                               
167.................  Blue rockfish.                                    
175.................  Yellowmouth rockfish.                             
176.................  Harlequin rockfish.                               
177.................  Blackgill rockfish.                               
178.................  Chilipepper rockfish.                             
179.................  Pygmy rockfish.                                   
181.................  Shortbelly rockfish.                              
182.................  Splitnose rockfish.                               
183.................  Stripetail rockfish.                              
184.................  Vermilion rockfish.                               
185.................  Aurora rockfish.                                  
193.................  Atka mackerel.                                    

[[Page 46954]]
                                                                        
270.................  Pollock.                                          
510.................  Smelt.                                            
511.................  Eulachon.                                         
516.................  Capelin.                                          
689.................  Sharks.                                           
700.................  Skates.                                           
710.................  Sablefish.                                        
870.................  Octopus.                                          
875.................  Squid.                                            
                                                                        
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Group Codes. These group codes may be used if individual species cannot
                             be identified.                             
                                                                        
------------------------------------------------------------------------
144.................  Slope rockfish (aurora, blackgill, Bocaccio,      
                       redstripe, silvergray, chilipepper, darkblotched,
                       greenstriped, harlequin, pygmy, shortbelly,      
                       splitnose, stripetail, vermillion, yellowmouth,  
                       sharpchin).                                      
168.................  Demersal shelf rockfish (china, copper, quillback,
                       rosethorn, tiger, yelloweye, canary).            
169.................  Pelagic shelf rockfish (blue, dusky, yellowtail,  
                       widow).                                          
171.................  Shortraker/rougheye rockfish.                     
                                                                        
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Prohibited Species Coees                        
                                                                        
------------------------------------------------------------------------
000.................  Unspecified salmon.                               
200.................  Pacific halibut.                                  
235.................  Pacific herring.                                  
410.................  Salmon, Chinook.                                  
420.................  Salmon, Sockeye.                                  
430.................  Salmon, Coho.                                     
440.................  Salmon, Pink.                                     
450.................  Salmon, Chum.                                     
540.................  Steelhead trout.                                  
920.................  Unspecified king crab.                            
921.................  Red king crab.                                    
922.................  Blue king crab.                                   
923.................  Gold/brown king crab.                             
930.................  Unspecified tanner crab.                          
931.................  Bairdi tanner crab.                               
932.................  Opilio tanner crab.                               
------------------------------------------------------------------------



                  Table 3.--Product Recovery Rates for Groundfish Species Referenced in 50 CFR 672.20(a)(1)  and/or 50 CFR 675.20(a)(1)                 
                                                                                                                                                        
                                                                                             Product code                                               
                                             -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            FMP species              Species   Whole    Whole                       H&G      H&G      H&G                                               
                                       code     food     bait     Bled    Gutted    with   western  eastern  H&G w/o   Kirimi   Salted   Wings     Roe  
                                                fish     fish                       roe      cut      cut      tail            & split                  
                                                    1        2        3        4        6        7        8       10       11       12       13       14
                                                                                                                                                        
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PACIFIC CODE.......................      110     1.00     1.00     0.98     0.85     0.63     0.57     0.47     0.44  .......     0.45  .......     0.05
ARROWTOOTH FLOUNDER................      121     1.00     1.00     0.98     0.90     0.80     0.72     0.65     0.62     0.48  .......  .......     0.08
ROCKFISH\1\........................  .......     1.00     1.00     0.98     0.88  .......     0.60     0.50  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......
SCULPINS...........................      160     1.00     1.00     0.98     0.87  .......     0.50     0.40  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......
ATKA MACKEREL......................      193     1.00     1.00     0.98     0.87     0.67     0.64     0.61  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......
POLLOCK............................      270     1.00     1.00     0.98     0.80     0.70     0.65     0.56     0.50  .......  .......  .......     0.04
SMELTS.............................      510     1.00     1.00     0.98     0.82  .......     0.71  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......
EULACHON...........................      511     1.00     1.00     0.98     0.82  .......     0.71  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......
CAPELIN............................      516     1.00     1.00     0.98     0.89  .......     0.78  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......
SHARKS.............................      689     1.00     1.00     0.98     0.83  .......     0.72  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......
SKATES.............................      700     1.00     1.00     0.98     0.90  .......  .......     0.32  .......  .......  .......     0.32  .......
SABLEFISH..........................      710     1.00     1.00     0.98     0.89     0.68     0.63     0.50  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......
OCTOPUS............................      870     1.00     1.00     0.98     0.69  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......
Target species categories only at                                                                                                                       
 50 CFR 672.20(a):                                                                                                                                      
    DEEP WATER FLATFISH............      118     1.00     1.00     0.98     0.90     0.80     0.72     0.65     0.62     0.48  .......  .......     0.08
    FLATHEAD SOLE..................      122     1.00     1.00     0.98     0.90     0.80     0.72     0.65     0.62     0.48  .......  .......     0.08
    REX SOLE.......................      125     1.00     1.00     0.98     0.90     0.80     0.72     0.65     0.62     0.48  .......  .......     0.08
    SHALLOW WATER FLATFISH.........      119     1.00     1.00     0.98     0.90     0.80     0.72     0.65     0.62     0.48  .......  .......     0.08
THORNYHEAD ROCKFISH................      143     1.00     1.00     0.98     0.88     0.55     0.60     0.50  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......
Target species categories only at                                                                                                                       
 50 CFR 675.20(a):                                                                                                                                      
    OTHER FLATFISH.................      120     1.00     1.00     0.98     0.90     0.80     0.72     0.65     0.62     0.48  .......  .......     0.08
    ROCK SOLE......................      123     1.00     1.00     0.98     0.90     0.80     0.72     0.65     0.62     0.48  .......  .......     0.08
    YELLOWFIN SOLE.................      127     1.00     1.00     0.98     0.90     0.80     0.72     0.65     0.62     0.48  .......  .......     0.08

[[Page 46955]]
                                                                                                                                                        
    GREENLAND TURBOT...............      134     1.00     1.00     0.98     0.90     0.80     0.72     0.65     0.62     0.48  .......  .......     0.08
    SQUID..........................      875     1.00     1.00     0.98     0.69  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......



                                                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                                        
                                                                                         Product code                                                   
                                    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        FMP species         Species                                                Fillets  Fillets  Fillets   Fillets   Fillets                        
                              code   Pectroal   Heads    Cheeks   Chins    Belly    w/skin  skin on   w/ribs  skinless/    deep    Surimi   Mince   Meal
                                      girdle                                        & ribs  no ribs  no skin   boneless    skin                         
                                           15       16       17       18       19       20       21       22        23        24       30      31     32
                                                                                                                                                        
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PACIFIC COD...............      110      0.05  .......     0.05  .......     0.01     0.45     0.35     0.25      0.25   .......     0.15     0.5   0.17
ARROWTOOTH FLOUNDER.......      121  ........  .......  .......  .......  .......     0.32     0.27     0.27      0.22   .......  .......  ......   0.17
ROCKFISH..................  .......  ........     0.15     0.05     0.05     0.10     0.40     0.30     0.33      0.25   .......  .......  ......   0.17
SCULPINS..................      160  ........  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......  .........  .......  .......  ......   0.17
ATKA MACKEREL.............      193  ........  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......  .........  .......     0.15  ......   0.17
POLLOCK...................      270  ........     0.15  .......  .......  .......  .......     0.35     0.30      0.30      0.21  \2\ 0.1               
                                                                                                                                        6    0.22   0.17
SMELTS....................      510  ........  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......     0.38  .......  .........  .......  \3\ 0.1               
                                                                                                                                        7  ......   0.22
EULACHON..................      511  ........  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......     0.38  .......  .........  .......  .......  ......   0.22
CAPELIN...................      516  ........  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......  .........  .......  .......  ......   0.22
SHARKS....................      689  ........  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......     0.30     0.30      0.25   .......  .......  ......   0.17
SKATES....................      700  ........  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......  .........  .......  .......  ......   0.17
SABLEFISH.................      710  ........  .......     0.05  .......  .......     0.35     0.30     0.30      0.25   .......  .......  ......   0.22
OCTOPUS...................      870  ........  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......  .........  .......  .......  ......   0.17
Target species categories                                                                                                                               
 only at 50 CFR 672(a):                                                                                                                                 
    DEEP WATER FLATFISH...      118  ........  .......  .......  .......  .......     0.32     0.27  .......      0.22   .......  .......  ......   0.17
    FLATHEAD SOLE.........      122  ........  .......  .......  .......  .......     0.32     0.27     0.27      0.22   .......  .......  ......   0.17
    REX SOLE..............      125  ........  .......  .......  .......  .......     0.32     0.27     0.27      0.22   .......  .......  ......   0.17
    SHALLOW WATER FLATFISH      119  ........  .......  .......  .......  .......     0.32     0.27     0.27      0.22   .......  .......  ......   0.17
    THORNYHEAD ROCKFISH...      143  ........     0.20     0.05     0.05     0.05     0.40     0.30     0.35      0.25   .......  .......  ......   0.17
Target species categories                                                                                                                               
 only at 50 CFR 675.20(a):                                                                                                                              
    OTHER FLATFISH........      120  ........  .......  .......  .......  .......     0.32     0.27     0.27      0.22   .......  .......  ......   0.17
    ROCK SOLE.............      123  ........  .......  .......  .......  .......     0.32     0.27     0.27      0.22   .......  .......  ......   0.17
    YELLOWFIN SOLE........      127  ........  .......  .......  .......  .......     0.32     0.27     0.27      0.22   .......     0.18  ......   0.17
    GREENLAND TURBOT......      134  ........  .......  .......  .......  .......     0.32     0.27     0.27      0.22   .......  .......  ......   0.17
    SQUID.................      875  ........  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......  .........  .......  .......  ......   0.17


                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                
                                                                       Species code                             
                                        ------------------------------------------------------------------------
         FMP species            Product                                          Butterfly                      
                                 code       Oil      Milt    Stomachs   Mantles   backbone  Decomposed  Discards
                                                                                  removed      fish             
                                               33        34        35        36         37         96    92, 94,
                                                                                                         98, 99,
                                                                                                             M99
                                                                                                                
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PACIFIC COD..................       110  ........  ........  ........  ........       0.43       0.00       1.00
ARROWTOOTH FLOUNDER..........       121  ........  ........  ........  ........  .........       0.00       1.00
ROCKFISH.....................  ........  ........  ........  ........  ........  .........       0.00       1.00
SCULPINS.....................       160  ........  ........  ........  ........  .........       0.00       1.00
ATKA MACKEREL................       193  ........  ........  ........  ........  .........       0.00       1.00
POLLOCK......................       270  ........  ........  ........  ........       0.43       0.00       1.00
SMELTS.......................       510  ........  ........  ........  ........  .........       0.00       1.00
EULACHON.....................       511  ........  ........  ........  ........  .........       0.00       1.00
CAPELIN......................       516  ........  ........  ........  ........  .........       0.00       1.00
SHARKS.......................       689  ........  ........  ........  ........  .........       0.00       1.00
SKATES.......................       700  ........  ........  ........  ........  .........       0.00       1.00
SABLEFISH....................       710  ........  ........  ........  ........  .........       0.00       1.00
OCTOPUS......................       870  ........  ........  ........      0.85       1.00       0.00       1.00
Target species categories                                                                                       
 only at 50 CFR 672.20(a):                                                                                      
    DEEP WATER FLATFISH......       118  ........  ........  ........  ........  .........       0.00       1.00
    FLATHEAD SOLE............       122  ........  ........  ........  ........  .........       0.00       1.00
    REX SOLE.................       125  ........  ........  ........  ........  .........       0.00       1.00
    SHALLOW WATER FLATFISH...       119  ........  ........  ........  ........  .........       0.00       1.00
    THORNYEAD ROCKFISH.......       143  ........  ........  ........  ........  .........       0.00       1.00
Target species categories                                                                                       
 only at 50 CFR 675.20(a):                                                                                      

[[Page 46956]]
                                                                                                                
    OTHER FLATFISH...........       120  ........  ........  ........  ........  .........       0.00       1.00
    ROCK SOLE................       123  ........  ........  ........  ........  .........       0.00       1.00
    YELLOWFIN SOLE...........       127  ........  ........  ........  ........  .........       0.00       1.00
    GREENLAND TURBOT.........       134  ........  ........  ........  ........  .........       0.00       1.00
    SQUID....................       875  ........  ........  ........      0.75       1.00       0.00       1.00
\1\ Rockfish means all species of Sebastes, and Sebastolobus.                                                   
\2\ Standard pollock surimi rate during January through June.                                                   
\3\ Standard pollock surimi rate during July through December.                                                  



                                             Table 4.--Bering Sea Subarea Steller Sea Lion Protection Areas                                             
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   From                                                     To                          
                 Island                  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Latitude                    Longitude                   Latitude                    Longitude        
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 3-nm NO TRANSIT ZONES described at 50 CFR 227.12(a)(2)                                                 
                                                                                                                                                        
                                            a. Year-round Trawl Closures (Trawling Prohibited Within 10 nm)                                             
                                                                                                                                                        
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sea Lion Rocks..........................  55 deg.28.0' N              163 deg.12.0' W                                                                   
Ugamak Island...........................  54 deg.14.0' N              164 deg.48.0' W             54 deg.13.0' N              164 deg.48.0' W           
Akun Island.............................  54 deg.18.0' N              165 deg.32.5' W             54 deg.18.0' N              165 deg.31.5' W           
Akutan Island...........................  54 deg.03.5' N              166 deg.00.0' W             54 deg..05.5' N             166 deg.05.0' W           
Bogoslof Island.........................  53 deg.56.0' N              168 deg.02.0' W                                                                   
Ogchul Island...........................  53 deg.00.0' N              168 deg.24.0' W                                                                   
Adugak Island...........................  52 deg.55.0' N              169 deg.10.5' W                                                                   
Walrus Island...........................  57 deg.11.0' N              169 deg.56.0' W                                                                   
                                                                                                                                                        
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     b. Seasonal Trawl Closures (During January 1 through April 15, or a date earlier than April 15, if adjusted under 50 CFR 672.30(a)(8), Trawling    
                                                                Prohibited Within 20 nm)                                                                
                                                                                                                                                        
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sea Lion Rocks..........................  55 deg.28.0' N              163 deg.12.0' W                                                                   
Akun Island.............................  54 deg.18.0' N              165 deg.32.5' W             54 deg.18.0' N              165 deg.31.5' W           
Akutan Island...........................  54 deg.03.5' N              166 deg.00.0' W             54 deg.05.5' N              166 deg.05.0' W           
Ugamak Island...........................  54 deg.14.0' N              164 deg.48.0' W             54 deg.13.0' N              164 deg.48.0' W           
Seguam Island...........................  52 deg.21.0' N              172 deg.35.0' W             52 deg.21.0' N              172 deg.33.0' W           
Agligadak Island........................  52 deg.06.5' N              172 deg.54.0' W                                                                   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: The bounds of each rookery extend in a clockwise direction from the first set of geographic coordinates, along the shoreline at mean lower low    
  water, to the second set of coordinates; if only one set of geographic coordinates is listed, the rookery extends around the entire shoreline of the  
  island at mean lower low water.                                                                                                                       


                                          Table 5.--Aleutian Islands Subarea Steller Sea Lion Protection Areas                                          
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   From                                                     To                          
                 Island                  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Latitude                    Longitude                   Latitude                    Longitude        
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 3-nm NO TRANSIT ZONES described at 50 CFR 227.12(a)(2)                                                 
                                                                                                                                                        
                                             a. Year-round Trawl Closures (Trawling Prohibited Within 10 nm)                                            
                                                                                                                                                        
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yunaska Island..........................  52 deg.42.0' N              170 deg.38.5' W             52 deg.41.0' N              170 deg.34.5' W           
Seguam Island...........................  52 deg.21.0' N              172 deg.35.0' W             52 deg.21.0' N              172 deg.33.0' W           
Agligadak Island........................  52 deg.06.5' N              172 deg.54.0' W             ..........................  ..........................
Kasatochi Island........................  52 deg.10.0' N              175 deg.31.0' W             52 deg.10.5' N              175 deg.29.0' W           
Adak Island.............................  51 deg.36.5' N              176 deg.59.0' W             51 deg.38.0' N              176 deg.59.5' W           
Gramp Rock..............................  51 deg.29.0' N              178 deg.20.5' W             ..........................  ..........................
Tag Island..............................  51 deg.33.5' N              178 deg.34.5' W             ..........................  ..........................
Ulak Island.............................  51 deg.20.0' N              178 deg.57.0' W             51 deg.18.5' N              178 deg.59.5' W           
Semisopochnoi...........................  51 deg.58.5' N              179 deg.45.5' E             51 deg.57.0' N              179 deg.46.0' E           
Semisopochnoi...........................  52 deg.01.5' N              179 deg.37.5' E             52 deg.01.5' N              179 deg.39.0' E           
Amchitka Island.........................  51 deg.22.5' N              179 deg.28.0' E             51 deg.21.5' N              179 deg.25.0' E           
Amchitka Is/Column Rocks................  51 deg.32.5' N              178 deg.49.5' E             ..........................  ..........................
Ayugadak Point..........................  51 deg.45.5' N              178 deg.24.5' E             ..........................  ..........................
Kiska Island............................  51 deg.57.5' N              177 deg.21.0' E             51 deg.56.5' N              177 deg.20.0' E           
Kiska Island............................  51 deg.52.5' N              177 deg.13.0' E             51 deg.53.5' N              177 deg.12.0' E           

[[Page 46957]]
                                                                                                                                                        
Buldir Island...........................  52 deg.20.5' N              175 deg.57.0' E             52 deg.23.5' N              175 deg.51.0' E           
Agattu Is./Gillion Pt...................  52 deg.24.0' N              173 deg.21.5' E             ..........................  ..........................
Agattu Island...........................  52 deg.23.5' N              173 deg.43.5' EW            52 deg.22.0' N              173 deg.41.0' E           
Attu Island.............................  52 deg.54.5' N              172 deg.28.5' E             52 deg.57.5' N              172 deg.31.5' E           
                                                                                                                                                        
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     b. Seasonal Trawl Closures (During January 1 through April 15, or a date earlier than April 15, if adjusted under 50 CFR 675.20(a)(8). Trawling    
                                                                Prohibited Within 20 nm)                                                                
                                                                                                                                                        
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seguam Island...........................  52 deg.21.0' M              172 deg.35.0' W             52 deg.21.0' N              172 deg.33.0' W           
Agligadak Island........................  52 deg.06.5' N              172 deg.54.0' W             ..........................  ..........................
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Each rookery extends in a clockwise direction from the first set of geographic coordinates, along the shoreline at mean lower low water, to the   
  second set of coordinates; if only one set of geographic coordinates is listed, the rookery extends around the entire shoreline of the island at mean 
  lower low water.                                                                                                                                      



                                               Table 6.--Gulf of Alaska Steller Sea Lion Protection Areas                                               
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   From                                                     To                          
                 Island                  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Latitute                    Longitude                   Latitude                    Longitude        
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 3-nm NO TRANSIT ZONES described at 50 CFR 227.12(a)(2)                                                 
                                                                                                                                                        
                                             a. Year-round Trawl Closures (Trawling Prohibited Within 10 nm)                                            
                                                                                                                                                        
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outer Island............................  59 deg.20.5' N              150 deg.23.0' W             59 deg.21.0' N              150 deg.24.5' W           
Sugarload Island........................  58 deg.53.0' N              152 deg.02.0' W             ..........................  ..........................
Marmot Island...........................  58 deg.14.5' N              151 deg.47.5' W             58 deg.10.0' N              151 deg.51.0' W           
Chirikof Island.........................  55 deg.46.5' N              155 deg.39.5' W             55 deg.46.5' N              155 deg.43.0' W           
Chowiet Island..........................  56 deg.00.5' N              156 deg.41.5' W             56 deg.00.5' N              156 deg.42.0' W           
Atkins Island...........................  55 deg.03.5' N              159 deg.18.5' W             ..........................  ..........................
Chernabura Island.......................  54 deg.47.5' N              159 deg.31.0' W             54 deg.45.5' N              159 deg.33.5' W           
Pinnacle Rock...........................  54 deg.46.0' N              161 deg.46.0' W             ..........................  ..........................
Clubbing Rocks-N........................  54 deg.43.0' N              162 deg.26.5' W             ..........................  ..........................
Clubbing Rocks-S........................  54 deg.42.0' N              162 deg.26.5' W             ..........................  ..........................
Ugamak Island...........................  54 deg.14.0' N              164 deg.48.0' E             54 deg.13.0' N              164 deg.48.0' W           
Akun Island.............................  54 deg.18.0' N              165 deg.32.5' W             54 deg.18.0' N              165 deg.31.5' W           
Akutan Island...........................  54 deg.03.5' N              166 deg.00.0' W             54 deg.05.5' N              166 deg.05.0' W           
Ogchul Island...........................  53 deg.00.0' N              168 deg.24.0' W             ..........................  ..........................
                                                                                                                                                        
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     b. Seasonal Trawl Closures (During January 1 through April 15, or a date earlier than April 15, if adjusted under 50 CFR 672.30(a)(8). Trawling    
                                                                Prohibited Within 20 mn)                                                                
                                                                                                                                                        
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Akun I..................................  54 deg.18.0' N              165 deg.32.5' W             54 deg.18.0' N              165 deg.31.5' W           
Akutan I................................  54 deg.03.5' N              166 deg.00.0' W             54 deg.05.5' N              166 deg.05.0' W           
Ugamak I................................  54 deg.14.0' N              164 deg.48.0' W             54 deg.13.0' N              164 deg.48.0' W           
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: The bounds of each rookery extend in a clockwise direction from the first set of geographic coordinates, along the shoreline at mean lower low    
  water, to the second set of coordinates; if only one set of geographic coordinates is listed, the rookery extends around the entire shoreline of the  
  island at mean lower low water.                                                                                                                       

      

                                                                                                                                                        

[[Page 46958]]
 Table 7.--Communities Determined to be Eligible to Apply for Community 
                           Development Quotas                           
   [Other communities may also be eligible, but do not appear on this   
                                 table.]                                
                                                                        
                                                                        
Aleutian Region:                                                        
    1. Atka.                                                            
    2. False Pass.                                                      
    3. Nelson Lagoon.                                                   
    4. Nikolski.                                                        
    5. St. George.                                                      
    6. St. Paul.                                                        
Bering Strait:                                                          
    1. Brevig Mission.                                                  
    2. Diomede/Inalik.                                                  
    3. Elim.                                                            
    4. Gambell.                                                         
    5. Golovin.                                                         
    6. Koyuk.                                                           
    7. Nome.                                                            
    8. Savoonga.                                                        
    9. Shaktoolik.                                                      
    10. St. Michael.                                                    
    11. Stebbins.                                                       
    12. Teller.                                                         
    13. Unalakleet.                                                     
    14. Wales.                                                          
    15. White Mountain.                                                 
Bristol Bay:                                                            
    1. Alegnagik.                                                       
    2. Clark's Point.                                                   
    3. Dillingham.                                                      
    4. Egegik.                                                          
    5. Ekuk.                                                            
    6. Manokotak.                                                       
    7. Naknek.                                                          
    8. Pilot Point/Ugashi.                                              
    9. Port Heiden/Meschick.                                            
    10. South Naknek.                                                   
    11. Sovonoski/King Salmon.                                          
    12. Togiak.                                                         
    13. Twin Hills.                                                     
Southwest Coastal Lowlands:                                             
    1. Alakanuk.                                                        
    2. Chefornak.                                                       
    3. Chevak.                                                          
    4. Eek.                                                             
    5. Emmonak.                                                         
    6. Goodnews Bay.                                                    
    7. Hooper Bay.                                                      
    8. Kipnuk.                                                          
    9. Kongiganak.                                                      
    10. Kotlik.                                                         
    11. Kwigillingok.                                                   
    12. Mekoryuk.                                                       
    13. Newtok.                                                         
    14. Nightmute.                                                      
    15. Platinum.                                                       
    16. Quinhagak.                                                      
    17. Scammon Bay.                                                    
    18. Sheldon's Point.                                                
    19. Toksook Bay.                                                    
    20. Tununak.                                                        
    21. Tuntutuliak.                                                    


      

                                                                        

[[Page 46959]]
 Table 8.--Harvest Zone Codes for Use With Product Transfer Reports and 
                         Vessel Activity Reports                        
------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Harvest zone                          Description                
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A.........................  EEZ of Alaska.                              
D.........................  Donut Hole.                                 
F.........................  Foreign Waters Other than Russia.           
I.........................  International Waters other than Donut Hole  
                             and Seamounts.                             
R.........................  Russian waters.                             
S.........................  Seamounts in International waters.          
U.........................  U.S. EEZ other than Alaska.                 
------------------------------------------------------------------------



                          Table 9.--Required Logbooks, Reports and Forms From Participants in the Federal Groundfish Fisheries                          
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Name of logbook form                Catcher-vessel       Catcher-processor        Mothership        Shoreside processor     Buying station   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Fishing Logbook (DFL)...............  YES.................  NO..................  NO..................  NO..................  NO                  
Daily Cumulative Production Logbook (DCPL)  NO..................  YES.................  YES.................  YES.................  NO                  
Daily Cumulative Logbook (DCL)............  NO..................  NO..................  NO..................  NO..................  YES                 
Check-in/check-out Report.................  NO..................  YES.................  YES.................  YES.................  YES                 
U.S. Vessel Activity Report (VAR).........  YES.................  YES.................  YES.................  NO..................  NO                  
Weekly Production Report (WPR)............  NO..................  YES.................  YES.................  YES.................  NO                  
Daily Production Report (DPR) \1\.........  NO..................  YES.................  YES.................  YES.................  NO                  
Product Transfer Report (PTR).............  NO..................  YES.................  YES.................  YES.................  NO                  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ When required by Regional Director.                                                                                                                 


                                      Table 10.--Gulf of Alaska Retainable Percentages Referenced in 50 CFR 672.20                                      
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                 Bycatch species \1\                                                    
                           -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Basis species \1\                  Pacific      Deep      Rex    Flathead   Shallow                          Aggregated    DSR      Atka     Other 
                             Pollock      cod      flatfish    sole     sole    flatfish  Arrowtooth  Sablefish    rockfish     SEEO   mackerel  species
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------\2\--------\3\---------------------
Pollock...................     \4\ na         20         20       20        20        20         35          1           5         10        20       20
Pacific cod...............         20     \4\ na         20       20        20        20         35          1           5         10        20       20
Deep-water flatfish.......         20         20     \4\ na       20        20        20         35         15          15          1        20       20
Rex sole..................         20         20         20   \4\ na        20        20         35         15          15          1        20       20
Flathead sole.............         20         20         20       20        20    \4\ na         35          1           5         10        20       20
Shallow-water flatfish....         20         20         20       20        20    \4\ na         35          1           5         10        20       20
Arrowtooth................          0          0          0        0         0         0     \4\ na          0           0          0         0        0
Sablefish.................         20         20         20       20        20        20         35     \4\ na          15          1        20       20
Pacific Ocean Perch.......         20         20         20       20        20        20         35         15          15          1        20       20
Shortraker/rougheye.......         20         20         20       20        20        20         35         15          15          1        20       20
Other rockfish............         20         20         20       20        20        20         35         15          15          1        20       20
Northern rockfish.........         20         20         20       20        20        20         35         15          15          1        20       20
Pelagic rockfish..........         20         20         20       20        20        20         35         15          15          1        20       20
DSR-Southeast Outside.....         20         20         20       20        20        20         35         15          15     \4\ na        20       20
Thornyhead................         20         20         20       20        20        20         35         15          15          1        20       20
Atka mackerel.............         20         20         20       20        20        20         35          1           5         10    \4\ na       20
Other species.............         20         20         20       20        20        20         35          1           5         10        20   \4\ na
Aggregated amount non-                                                                                                                                  
 groundfish species.......         20         20         20       20        20        20         35          1           5         10        20       20
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ For definition of species, see Table 1 of the Gulf of Alaska groundfish specifications.                                                             
\2\ Aggregated rockfish means rockfish of the general Sebastes and Sebastolobus except in the southeast Outside District where demersal shelf rockfish  
  (DSR) is a separate category.                                                                                                                         
\3\ SEEO--Southeast Outside District.                                                                                                                   
\4\ na = not applicable.                                                                                                                                

      

                                                                                                                                                        

[[Page 46960]]
                     Table  11.--Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area Retainable Percentages Referenced in 50 CFR 675.20                     
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                               Bycatch species \1\                                                      
                        --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Basis Species \1\              Pacific    Atka     Arrow-  Yellowfin    Other     Rock   Flathead  Greenland              Aggregated           Other 
                         Pollock    cod    mackerel   tooth      sole    flatfish    sole     sole      turbot   Sablefish    rockfish    Squid  species
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------\2\---------------------
Pollock................   \3\ na       20        20       35        20         20       20        20         1          1           5        20       20
Pacific cod............       20   \3\ na        20       35        20         20       20        20         1          1           5        20       20
Atka Mackerel..........       20       20    \3\ na       35        20         20       20        20         1          1           5        20       20
Arrow-.................                                                                                                                                 
  tooth................        0        0         0   \3\ na         0          0        0         0         0          0           0         0        0
Yellowfin sole.........       20       20        20       35    \3\ na         35       35        35         1          1           5        20       20
Other flatfish.........       20       20        20       35        35     \3\ na       35        35         1          1           5        20       20
Rocksole...............       20       20        20       35        35         35   \3\ na        35         1          1           5        20       20
Flathead sole..........       20       20        20       35        35         35       35    \3\ na        35         15          15        20       20
Greenland turbot.......       20       20        20       35        20         20       20        20    \3\ na         15          15        20       20
Sablefish..............       20       20        20       35        20         20       20        20        35     \3\ na          15        20       20
Other rockfish.........       20       20        20       35        20         20       20        20        35         15          15        20       20
Other red rockfish-BS..       20       20        20       35        20         20       20        20        35         15          15        20       20
Pacific Ocean perch....       20       20        20       35        20         20       20        20         5         15          15        20       20
Sharpchin/Northern-AI..       20       20        20       35        20         20       20        20        35         15          15        20       20
Shortraker/Rougheye-AI.       20       20        20       35        20         20       20        20        35         15          15        20       20
Squid..................       20       20        20       35        20         20       20        20         1          1           5    \3\ na       20
Other species..........       20       20        20       35        20         20       20        20         1          1           5        20   \3\ na
Aggregated amount non-                                                                                                                                  
 groundfish species....       20       20        20       35        20         20       20        20         1          1           5        20       20
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ For definition of species, see Table 1 of the Bering Sea and Aleutian islands groundfish specifications.                                            
\2\ Aggregated rockfish of the genera Sebastes and Sebastolobus.                                                                                        
\3\ na=not applicable.                                                                                                                                  


    12. Part 672 is amended by revising the figures to the part to read 
as follows:

    FIGURES--PART 672

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[[Page 46962]]
    Figure 1b.--BSAI Statistical and Reporting Areas; Coordinates of    
                             Reporting Areas                            
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Code                              Description                          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
300...  Russian waters. Those waters inside the Russian 200 mile limit  
         as described in the current editions of NOAA chart INT 813     
         Bering Sea (Southern Part) and NOAA chart INT 814 Bering Sea   
         (Northern Part).                                               
400...  Chukchi Sea. North of a diagonal line between 66 deg.00' N, 169 
         deg.42.5' W (Cape Dezhneva, Russia); and 65 deg.37' N, 168     
         deg.7.5 deg. W (Cape Prince of Wales, Alaska) and to the limits
         of the U.S. EEZ as described in the current edition of NOAA    
         chart INT 814 Bering Sea (Northern Part).                      
508...  South of 58 deg.00' N between the intersection of 58 deg.00'    
         North lat with the Alaska Peninsula and 160 deg.00' W long.    
509...  South of 58 deg.00' N lat between 163 deg.00' W long and 165    
         deg.00' W long.                                                
512...  South of 58 deg.00' N lat, north of the Alaska Peninsula between
         160 deg.00' W long and 162 deg.00' W long.                     
513...  Between 58 deg.00' N lat and 56 deg.30' N. lat, and between 165 
         deg.00' W long and 170 deg.00' W long.                         
514...  North of 58 deg.00' N to the southern boundary of the Chukchi   
         Sea, area 400, and east of 170 deg.00' W long.                 
516...  South of 58 deg.00' N lat, north of the Alaska Peninsula, and   
         between 162 deg.00' and 163 deg.00' W long.                    
517...  South of 56 deg.30' N lat, between 165 deg.00' W long and 170   
         deg.00' W long; and north of straight lines between: 54 deg.30'
         N lat, 165 deg.00' W long,                                     
          54 deg.30' N lat, 167 deg.00' W long, and                     
          55 deg.46' N lat, 170 deg.00' W long.                         
518...  Bogoslof District: South of a straight line between 55 deg.46' N
         lat, 170 deg.00' W long and 54 deg.30' N lat, 167 deg.00' W    
         long, and between 167 deg.00' W long and 170 deg.00' W long,   
         and north of the Aleutian Island and straight lines between the
         islands connecting the following coordinates in the order      
         listed:                                                        
          52 deg.49.2' N, 169 deg.40.4' W.                              
          52 deg.49.8' N, 169 deg.06.3' W.                              
          53 deg.23.8' N, 167 deg.50.1' W.                              
          53 deg.18.7' N, 167 deg.51.4' W.                              
519...  South of a straight line between 54 deg.30' N lat, 167 deg.00' W
         long and 54 deg.30' N lat, 164 deg.54' W long; east of 167     
         deg.00' W long; west of Unimak Island; and north of the        
         Aleutian Islands and straight lines between the islands        
         connecting the following coordinates in the order listed:      
          53 deg.59.0' N, 166 deg.17.2' W.                              
          54 deg.02.9' N, 166 deg.03.0' W.                              
          54 deg.07.7' N, 165 deg.40.6' W.                              
          54 deg.08.9' N, 165 deg.38.8' W.                              
          54 deg.11.9' N, 165 deg.23.3' W.                              
          54 deg.23.9' N, 164 deg.42.0' W.                              
521...  The area bounded by straight lines connecting the following     
         coordinates in the order listed:                               
          55 deg.46' N, 170 deg.00' W,                                  
          59 deg.25' N, 179 deg.20' W,                                  
          60 deg.00' N, 179 deg.20' W,                                  
          60 deg.00' N, 171 deg.00' W,                                  
          58 deg.00' N, 171 deg.00' W,                                  
          58 deg.00' N, 170 deg.00' W,                                  
          55 deg.46' N, 170 deg.00' W,                                  
523...  The area bounded by straight lines connecting the following     
         coordinates in the order listed:                               
          59 deg.25' N, 179 deg.20' W;                                  
          55 deg.46' N, 170 deg.00' W;                                  
          55 deg.00' N, 170 deg.00' W;                                  
          55 deg.00' N, 180 deg.00' W;                                  
        and north to the limits of the US EEZ as described in the       
         current edition of NOAA chart INT 813 Bering Sea (Southern     
         Part).                                                         
524...  The area west of 170 deg.00' W bounded south by straight lines  
         connecting the following coordinates in the order listed:      
          58 deg.00' N, 170 deg.00' W                                   
          58 deg.00' N, 171 deg.00' W;                                  
          60 deg.00' N, 171 deg.00' W;                                  
          60 deg.00' N, 179 deg.20' W;                                  
          59 deg.25' N, 179 deg.20' W                                   
        and to the limits of the US EEZ as described in the current     
         edition of NOAA chart INT 813 Bering Sea (Southern Part).      
530...  The area north of 55 deg.00' N lat and west of 180 deg.00' W    
         long to the limits of the US EEZ as described in the current   
         edition of NOAA chart INT 813 Bering Sea (Southern Part)       
541...  Eastern Aleutian District. The area south of 55 deg.00' N lat,  
         west of 170 deg.00' W long, and east of 177 deg.00' W long and 
         bounded on the south by the limits of the US EEZ as described  
         in the current editions of NOAA chart INT 813 Bering Sea       
         (Southern Part) and NOAA chart 530 (San Diego to Aleutian      
         Islands and Hawaiian Islands).                                 
542...  Central Aleutian District. The area south of 55 deg.00' N lat,  
         west of 177 deg.00' W long, and east of 177 deg.00' E long and 
         bounded on the south by the limits of the US EEZ as described  
         in the current editions of NOAA chart INT 813 Bering Sea       
         (Southern Part) and NOAA chart 530 (San Diego to Aleutian      
         Islands and Hawaiian Islands)                                  
543...  Western Aleutian district. The area south of 55 deg.00' N lat   
         and west of 177 deg.00' E long, and bounded on the south and   
         west by the limits of the US EEZ as described in the current   
         editions of NOAA chart INT 813 Bering Sea (Southern Part) and  
         NOAA chart 530 (San Diego to Aleutian Islands and Hawaiian     
         Islands)                                                       
550...  Donut Hole. International waters of the Bering Sea outside the  
         limits of the EEZ and Russian economic zone as depicted on the 
         current edition of NOAA chart INT 813 Bering Sea (Southern     
         Part).                                                         
        Statistical Area. A statistical area is the part of a reporting 
         area contained in the EEZ.                                     
------------------------------------------------------------------------



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[[Page 46964]]
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[[Page 46965]]
 Figure 3b.--Gulf of Alaska Statistical and Reporting Areas; Coordinates
                           of Reporting Areas                           
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Code                              Description                          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
610...  Western Regulatory Area, Shumagin District. Along the south side
         of the Aleutian Islands and straight lines between the islands 
         and the Alaska Peninsula connecting the following coordinates  
         in the order listed:                                           
          52 deg.49.2' N, 169 deg.40.4' W;                              
          52 deg.49.8' N, 169 deg.06.3' W;                              
          53 deg.23.8' N, 167 deg.50.1' W;                              
          53 deg.18.7' N, 167 deg.51.4' W;                              
          53 deg.59.0' N, 166 deg.17.2' W;                              
          54 deg.02.9' N, 166 deg.03.0' W;                              
          54 deg.07.7' N, 165 deg.40.6' W;                              
          54 deg.08.9' N, 165 deg.38.8' W;                              
          54 deg.11.9' N, 165 deg.23.3' W;                              
          54 deg.23.9' N, 164 deg.44.0' W; and                          
        southward to the limits of the US EEZ as described in the       
         current editions of NOAA chart INT 813 (Bering Sea, Southern   
         Part) and NOAA chart 500 (West Coast of North America, Dixon   
         Entrance to Unimak Pass), between 170 deg.00' W long and 159   
         deg.00' W long.                                                
620...  Central Regulatory Area, Chirikof District. Along the south side
         of the Alaska Peninsula, between 159 deg.00' W long and 154    
         deg.00' W long, and southward to the limits of the US EEZ as   
         described in the current edition of NOAA chart 500 (West Coast 
         of North America, Dixon Entrance to Unimak Pass).              
630...  Central Regulatory Area, Kodiak District. Along the south side  
         of continental Alaska, between 154 deg.00' W long and 147      
         deg.00' W long, and southward to the limits of the US EEZ as   
         described in the current edition of NOAA chart 500 (West Coast 
         of North America, Dixon Entrance to Unimak Pass). Excluding    
         area 649.                                                      
640...  Eastern Regulatory Area, West Yakutat District. Along the south 
         side of continental Alaska, between 147 deg.00' W long and 140 
         deg.00' W long, and southward to the limits of the US EEZ, as  
         described in the current edition of NOAA chart 500 (West Coast 
         of North America, Dixon Entrance to Unimak Pass). Excluding    
         area 649.                                                      
649...  Prince William Sound. Includes those waters of the State of     
         Alaska inside the base line as specified in Alaska State       
         regulations at 5 AAC 28.200.                                   
650...  Eastern Regulatory Area, Southeast Outside District. East of 140
         deg.00' W long and southward to the limits of the US EEZ as    
         described in the current edition of NOAA chart 500 (West Coast 
         of North America, Dixon Entrance to Unimak Pass). Excluding    
         area 659.                                                      
659...  Southeast Inside District. As specified in Alaska State         
         regulations at 5 AAC 28.105 (a)(1) and (2).                    
690...  Gulf of Alaska outside the U.S. EEZ as described in the current 
         editions of NOAA chart INT 813 (Bering Sea, Southern Part) and 
         NOAA chart 500 (West Coast of North America, Dixon Entrance to 
         Unimak Pass).                                                  
        Statistical Area. A statistical area is the part of a reporting 
         area contained in the EEZ.                                     
------------------------------------------------------------------------



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[[Page 46967]]
       Figure 4b.--Herring Savings Areas in the BSAI; Coordinates       
------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Name                    Description and effective date       
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summer Herring Savings     That part of the Bering Sea subarea that is  
 Area 1.                    south of 57 deg. N. latitude and between 162
                            deg. and 164 deg. W. longitude from 1200    
                            hours, A.l.t., June 15 through 1200 hours,  
                            A.l.t. July 1 of a fishing year.            
Summer Herring Savings     That part of the Bering Sea subarea that is  
 Area 2.                    south of 56 deg.30' N. latitude and between 
                            164 deg. and 167 deg. W. longitude from 1200
                            hours, A.l.t., July 1 through 1200 hours,   
                            A.l.t. August 15 of a fishing year.         
Winter Herring Savings     That part of the Bering Sea subarea that is  
 Area.                      between 58 deg. and 60 deg. N. latitude and 
                            between 172 deg. and 175 deg. W. longitude  
                            from 1200 hours, A.l.t., September 1 of the 
                            current fishing year through 1200 hours,    
                            A.l.t. March 1 of the succeeding fishing    
                            year.                                       
------------------------------------------------------------------------



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[[Page 46969]]
                  Figure 5b--Kodiak Island Areas Closed to Non-pelagic Trawl Gear; Coordinates                  
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Name and                                                                                                    
 description of      North latitude/West longitude                          Reference point                     
 reference area                                                                                                 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alitak Flats and Towers Areas--All waters of Alitak Flats and the Towers Areas enclosed by a line connecting the
 following 7 points in the order listed:                                                                        
    a...........  56 deg.59'4'' 154 deg.31'1''         Low Cape.                                                
    b...........  57 deg.00'0'' 155 deg.00'0''                                                                  
    c...........  56 deg.17'0'' 155 deg.00'0''                                                                  
    d...........  56 deg.17'0'' 153 deg.52'0''                                                                  
    e...........  56 deg.33'5'' 153 deg.52'0''         Cape Sitkinak.                                           
    f...........  56 deg.54'5'' 153 deg.32'5''         East point of Twoheaded Island.                          
    g...........  56 deg.56'0'' 153 deg.35'5''         Kodiak Island, thence, along the coastline of Kodiak     
                                                        Island until intersection of Low Cape.                  
    a...........  56 deg.59'4'' 154 deg.31'1''         Low Cape.                                                
Marmot Flats Area--All waters enclosed by a line connecting the following five points in the clockwise order    
 listed:                                                                                                        
    a...........  58 deg.00'0'' 152 deg.30'0''                                                                  
    b...........  58 deg.00'0'' 151 deg.47'0''                                                                  
    c...........  57 deg.37'0'' 151 deg.47'0''                                                                  
    d...........  57 deg.37'0'' 152 deg.10'1''         Cape Chiniak, then along the coastline of Kodiak Island  
                                                        to North Cape.                                          
    e...........  57 deg.54'5'' 152 deg.30'0''                                                                  
    a...........  58 deg.00'0'' 152 deg.30'0''                                                                  
Chirikof Island Area--All waters surrounding Chirikof Island enclosed by a line connecting the following four   
 points in the counter-clockwise order listed:                                                                  
    a...........  56 deg.07'0'' 155 deg.13'0''                                                                  
    b...........  56 deg.07'0'' 156 deg.00'0''                                                                  
    c...........  55 deg.41'0'' 156 deg.00'0''                                                                  
    d...........  55 deg.41'0'' 155 deg.13'0''                                                                  
    a...........  56 deg.07'0'' 155 deg.13'0''                                                                  
Barnabas Area--All waters enclosed by a line connecting the following six points in the counter clockwise order 
 listed:                                                                                                        
    a...........  57 deg.00'0'' 153 deg.18'0''         Black Point.                                             
    b...........  56 deg.56'0'' 153 deg.09'0''                                                                  
    c...........  57 deg.22'0'' 152 deg.18'5''         South Tip of Ugak Island.                                
    d...........  57 deg.23'5'' 152 deg.17'5''         North Tip of Ugak Island.                                
    e...........  57 deg.25'3'' 152 deg.20'0''         Narrow Cape, thence, along the coastline of Kodiak       
                                                        Island.                                                 
    f...........  57 deg.04'2'' 153 deg.30'0''         Cape Kasick to.                                          
    a...........  57 deg.00'0'' 153 deg.18'0''         Black Point, including inshore waters.                   
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PART 675--GROUNDFISH OF THE BERING SEA AND ALEUTIAN ISLANDS AREA

    13. The authority citation for part 675 continues to read as 
follows:

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

Subpart A--General

    14. In Sec. 675.1, paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 675.1  Purpose and scope.

    (a) Regulations in this part, along with parts 620, 672, 676, and 
677 of this chapter implement the Fishery Management Plan for 
Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area.
* * * * *
    15. Section 675.2 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 675.2  Definitions.

    Definitions for this section are located in Sec. 672.2 of this 
chapter.
    16. Section 675.3 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 675.3  Relation to other laws.

    Regulations for this section are located in Sec. 672.3 of this 
chapter.
    17. Section 675.4 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 675.4  Permits.

    Fisheries permit requirements for vessels fishing for groundfish in 
the BSAI are located at Sec. 672.4 of this chapter.
    18. Section 675.5 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 675.5  Recordkeeping and reporting.

    Recordkeeping and reporting requirements regulated under this part 
and Sec. 672.4 of this chapter are located at Sec. 672.5 of this 
chapter.
    19. In Sec. 675.7, paragraph (a) is revised, and paragraphs (q) and 
(r) are added to read as follows:


Sec. 675.7  Prohibitions.

* * * * *
    (a) Fish for groundfish in the BSAI with a vessel of the United 
States that does not have on board a valid permit issued under 
Sec. 672.4 of this chapter.
* * * * *
    (q) Fail to comply with or fail to ensure compliance with 
requirements at Sec. 672.5 of this chapter.
    (r) Use a Catcher Vessel or Catcher/Processor as a Tender Vessel 
before offloading all groundfish or groundfish product harvested or 
processed by that vessel.

Subpart B--Management Measures

    20. In Sec. 675.20, paragraphs (a)(1) and (c)(1) are revised; 
headings for paragraphs (a)(8) through (a)(12), (d), (j)(1), and (j)(2) 
are added; heading for paragraph (i)(2) is revised; paragraphs (h)(1) 
and (h)(3) are amended by revising the words, ``Table 1 to this 
section'' to read ``Table 11 of part 672,'' and Table 1 to Sec. 675.20 
is removed. The revised and added text reads as follows:


Sec. 675.20  General limitations.

    (a) * * *
    (1) Optimum yield (OY). The OY for the fishery regulated by this 
section and by Sec. 611.93 of this chapter is a range of 1.4 to 2.0 
million mt for target species and the ``other species'' category in the 
BSAI, to the extent this amount can be harvested consistently with this 
part and part 611 of this chapter, plus the amounts of ``non-specified 
species'' taken incidentally to the harvest of target species and the 
``other species'' category. The species categories are defined in Table 
1 of the specifications as provided in paragraph (a)(7) of this 
section.
* * * * *
    (8) Directed fishing allowance. * * *
    (9) Prohibited species closure. * * *
    (10) Overfishing closure. * * *
    (11) JVP or TALFF prohibitions. * * *
    (12) Factors to be considered. * * *
* * * * *
    (c) * * * (1) Prohibited species, for the purpose of this part, 
means any of the species of Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.), 
steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus 
stenolepis), Pacific herring (Clupea harengus pallasi), king crab 
(Paralithodes spp. and Lithodes spp.), and Tanner crab (Chionoecetes 
spp.) caught by a vessel regulated under this part while fishing for 
groundfish in the BSAI, unless retention is authorized by other 
applicable law, including the Pacific Halibut Fishery Regulations (part 
301 of this title).
* * * * *
    (d) Winter Halibut Savings Area. * * *
* * * * *
    (i) * * *
    (2) Fishing trip. * * *
* * * * *
    (j) * * *
    (1) Pollock roe. * * *
    (2) Primary product. * * *
* * * * *
    21. In Sec. 675.21, headings are added to paragraphs (a)(1) through 
(a)(6), and (b)(4), to read as follows:


Sec. 675.21  Prohibited species catch (PSC) limitations.

    (a) * * *
    (1) Red king crab, Zone 1. * * *
    (2) Tanner crab, Zone 1. * * *
    (3) Tanner crab, Zone 2. * * *
    (4) Pacific halibut, trawl. * * *
    (5) Pacific herring. * * *
    (6) Pacific halibut, non-trawl. * * *
    (b) * * *
    (4) Bycatch allowances and seasonal apportionments. * * *
* * * * *
    22. In Sec. 675.22, paragraph (a) is revised and headings are added 
to paragraphs (b) through (f) to read as follows:


Sec. 675.22   Time and area closures.

    (a) Year-round closures, Area 512. No fishing with trawl gear is 
allowed at any time in that part of Zone 1 in the Bering Sea subarea 
that is south of 58 deg.00' N. lat. and between 160 deg.00' W. long. 
and 162 deg.00' W. long. (see Figure 1 of part 672), except as 
described in paragraph (c) of this section.
    (b) Seasonal closures, Area 516. * * *
    (c) Partial closures, Area 512. * * *
    (d) Partial closures, Area 516. * * *
    (e) Red king crab closures. * * *
    (f) Walrus Protection Areas. * * *
* * * * *
    23. In Sec. 675.23, paragraph (a) and (d) are revised and headings 
are added to paragraphs (b) and (c) to read as follows:


Sec. 675.23  Seasons.

    (a) Fishing year. Fishing for groundfish in the subareas and 
statistical areas of the BSAI is authorized from 0001 hours, A.l.t., 
January 1, through 2359 hours, A.l.t., December 31, subject to the 
other provisions of this part, except as provided in paragraphs (c) 
through (e) of this section.
    (b) Time of openings and closures. * * *
    (c) Directed fishing for arrowtooth flounder and Greenland turbot. 
* * *
    (d) Trawl gear prohibition, BSAI. Notwithstanding other provisions 
of this part, fishing for groundfish with trawl gear in the BSAI is 
prohibited from 0001 hours, A.l.t. on January 1, through 1200 hours, 
A.l.t., January 20.
* * * * *
    24. In Sec. 675.24, paragraph (a) is revised; paragraph (e) is 
removed; paragraphs (f) through (h) are redesignated as paragraphs (e) 
through (g), respectively; headings are added to paragraphs (c)(1), 
(c)(2), (c)(3), (d)(1), (d)(2), and newly redesignated paragraphs 
(f)(2) and (f)(3); the heading for paragraph (b) is revised; and newly 
designated paragraphs (e) and (f)(4) are revised to read as follows:


Sec. 675.24  Gear limitations.

    (a) Marking of gear. (1) All longline marker buoys carried on board 
or used 

[[Page 46973]]
by vessels regulated under this part shall be marked with at least one 
of the following:
    (i) The vessel's name; and
    (ii) The vessel's fisheries permit number; or
    (iii) The vessel's registration number.
    (2) Marking shall be in characters at least 4 inches (10.2 cm) in 
height and one-half inch (1.3 cm) in width, in a contrasting color 
visible above the water line, and shall be maintained in good 
condition.
    (b) Gear restrictions--pots.
* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (1) Sablefish. * * *
    (2) Pollock. * * *
    (3) Longline pot gear. * * *
    (d) * * *
    (1) Directed fishing closures. * * *
    (2) PSC closures. * * *
* * * * *
    (e) Steller sea lion protection areas--(1) Bering Sea Subarea and 
Bogoslof District--(i) Year-round closures. Trawling is prohibited 
within 10 nm of each of the eight Steller sea lion rookeries shown in 
Table 4a of part 672 of this title.
    (ii) Seasonal closures. During January 1 through April 15, or a 
date earlier than April 15 if adjusted under Sec. 675.20(a)(8), 
trawling is prohibited within 20 nm of each of the six Steller sea lion 
rookeries shown in Table 4b of part 672 of this title.
    (2) Aleutian Islands Subarea--(i) Year-round closures. Trawling is 
prohibited within 10 nm of each of the 19 Steller sea lion rookeries 
shown in Table 5a of part 672 of this chapter.
    (ii) Seasonal closures. During January 1 through April 15, or a 
date earlier than April 15 if adjusted under Sec. 675.20(a)(8), 
trawling is prohibited within 20 nm of each of the two Steller sea lion 
rookeries shown in Table 5b of part 672 of this chapter.
    (f) Trawl gear testing areas. * * *
    (2) Test area conditions. * * *
    (3) Test area criteria. * * *
    (4) Bering Sea Testing Area. Trawl gear testing is allowed in an 
area (Figure 7 of part 672 of this chapter) bounded by straight lines 
connecting the following coordinates in the order listed, at all times:

W. longitude                      N. latitude                           
167 deg. 00'                      55 deg. 00'                           
166 deg. 00'                      55 deg. 00'                           
166 deg. 00'                      54 deg. 40'                           
167 deg. 00'                      54 deg. 40'                           
167 deg. 00'                      55 deg. 00'                           
                                                                        

* * * * *
    25. Section 675.27 is amended by removing table 1 at the end of 
Sec. 675.27; revising paragraph (d)(2) introductory text and paragraph 
(g); and by adding headings to paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), (c)(1), 
(c)(2), (e)(1) through (e)(4), and (f)(1) through (f)(3) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 675.27  Western Alaska Community Development Quota Program 
(applicable through December 31, 1995).

    (a) * * *
    (1) Compliance. * * *
    (2) Public hearing. * * *
* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (1) Consistent with criteria. * * *
    (2) Not consistent with criteria. * * *
    (d) Evaluation criteria. * * *
    (2) Prior to approval of a CDP recommended by the Governor, NMFS 
will review the Governor's findings to determine that each community 
that is part of a CDP is listed on Table 7 of part 672 of this chapter 
or meets the following criteria for an eligible community:
* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (1) Annual reports. * * *
    (2) Increase in CDQ allocation. * * *
    (3) Amendment to a CDP. * * *
    (4) Reaching CDQ allocation. * * *
    (f) * * *
    (1) Recommendation of       Governor. * * *
    (2) Non-compliance. * * *
    (3) Review of allocation. * * *
    (g) CDQ fishing requirements. Recordkeeping and reporting 
requirements are set out at Sec. 672.5 of this chapter.
* * * * *

PART 675--[AMENDED]

    26. Part 675 is amended by removing the heading ``Figures--Part 
675'' and the figures at the end of the part.

[FR Doc. 95-21408 Filed 9-7-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-W