[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 244 (Wednesday, December 18, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 66723-66735]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-31852]


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DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice 2480]


Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific 
Affairs; Conservation Measures for Antarctic Fishing Under the Auspices 
of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living 
Resources

AGENCY: Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific 
Affairs, State.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: At its Fifteenth Meeting in Hobart, Tasmania, October 21 to 
November 1, 1996, the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic 
Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), of which the United States is a 
member, adopted conservation measures, pending countries' approval, 
pertaining to fishing in the CCAMLR Convention Area in Antarctic 
waters. These were agreed upon in accordance with Article IX of the 
Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources. 
The measures restrict overall catches of certain species of fish, 
prohibit the taking of certain species of fish, list the fishing 
seasons, define the reporting requirements, and specify measures that 
must be taken to minimize the incidental taking of non-target species. 
This notice lists the conservation measures adopted at the Fifteenth 
meeting of CCAMLR and the conservation measures remaining in force from 
previous years which are not otherwise addressed by U.S. regulations 
(see Supplementary Information). Therefore, this notice together with 
the U.S. regulations referenced under Supplementary Information provide 
a comprehensive register of all U.S. obligations under CCAMLR.

DATE: Persons wishing to comment on the measures or desiring more 
information should submit written comments on or before January 17, 
1997.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Erica Keen, Division of Polar Affairs, 
Office of Oceans Affairs (OES/OA/PA), Room 5805, Department of State, 
Washington, DC 20520, (202) 647-3262.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Individuals interested in CCAMLR should also 
see Federal Register Vol. 61, No. 130, Friday July 5, 1996 15 CFR part 
902, Subpart G--Antarctic Marine Living Resources, and; CFR Chapter 
III--International Fishing and Related Activities, part 300--
International Fisheries Regulations, Subpart A--General; Subpart B--
High Seas Fisheries; and Subpart G--Antarctic Marine Living Resources 
for other regulatory measures related to conservation and management in 
the CCAMLR Convention area. These regulations give effect to CCAMLR 
Conservation Measures which are not expected to change from year to 
year and describe the process for regulating U.S. fishing in the 
Convention area. The regulations include sections on: Purpose and 
scope; Definitions; Relationship to other treaties, conventions, laws 
and regulations; Procedure for according protection to CCAMLR Ecosystem 
Monitoring Program Sites; Scientific research; Initiating a new 
fishery; Exploratory fisheries; Reporting and record keeping 
requirements; Vessel and gear identification; Gear disposal; Mesh size; 
Harvesting permits; Import permits; Appointment of a designated 
representative; Prohibitions; Facilitation of enforcement and 
inspection; and Penalties.

Conservation Measures Adopted at the Fifteenth Meeting of the 
Commission on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources 
(CCAMLR XV)

    At its Fifteenth Annual Meeting in Hobart, Tasmania, October 21 to 
November 1, 1996, the Commission on the Conservation of Antarctic 
Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) revised several of its previously 
adopted Conservation Measures and adopted the additional measures, as 
follows:

Conservation Measures 29/XV1, 2

Minimization of the Incidental Mortality of Seabirds in the Course of 
Longline Fishing or Longline Fishing Research in the Convention Area
The Commission
    Noting the need to reduce the incidental mortality of seabirds 
during longline fishing by minimizing their attraction to fishing 
vessels and by preventing them from attempting to seize baited hooks, 
particularly during the period when the lines are set,
    Adopts the following measures to reduce the possibility of 
incidental mortality of seabirds during longline fishing.
    1. Fishing operations shall be conducted in such a way that the 
baited hooks sink as soon as possible after they are put in the 
water\3\. Only thawed bait shall be used.
    2. Longlines shall be set at night only (i.e. during the hours of 
darkness between the times of nautical twilight4, 5). During 
longline fishing at night, only the minimum ship's lights necessary for 
safety shall be used.
    3. The dumping of offal shall be avoided as far as possible while 
longlines are being set or hauled; if discharge of offal is 
unavoidable, this discharge shall take place on the opposite side of 
the vessel to that where longlines are set or hauled.
    4. Every effort should be made to ensure that birds captured alive 
during longlining are released alive and that wherever possible hooks 
are removed without jeopardizing the life of the bird concerned.
    5. A streamer line designed to discourage birds from settling on 
baits during deployment of longlines shall be towed. Specification of 
the streamer line and its method of deployment is given in the Appendix 
to this Measure. Details of the construction relating to the number of 
placement of swivels may be varied so long as the effective sea surface 
covered by the streamers is no less than that covered by the currently

[[Page 66724]]

specified design. Details of the device dragged in the water in order 
to create tension in the line may also be varied.
    6. Other variations in the design of streamer lines may be tested 
on vessels carrying two observers, at least one appointed in accordance 
with the CCAMLR Scheme of International Scientific Observation, 
providing that all other elements of this Conservation measure are 
complied with.\6\

    \1\ Except for waters adjacent to the Kerguelen and Crozet 
Islands.
    \2\ Except for waters adjacent to the Prince Edwards Islands.
    \3\ For vessels using the Spanish method of longline fishing, 
weights should be released before line tension occurs; wherever 
possible weights of at least 6 kg mass should be used, spaced at 20 
m intervals.
    \4\ The exact time of nautical twilight are set forth in the 
Nautical Almanac tables for the relevant latitude, local time and 
date. All times whether for ship operations or observer reporting 
shall be referenced to GMT.
    \5\ Wherever possible, setting of lines should be completed at 
least three hours before sunrise (to reduce loss of bait to/catches 
of white-chinned petrels).
    \6\ The streamer lines under test should be constructed and 
operated taking full account of the principles set out in WG-IMALF-
94/19 (available from the CCAMLR Secretariat); testing should be 
carried out independently of actual commercial fishing and in a 
manner consistent with the spirit of Conservation Measure 65/XII.

Appendix to Conservation Measure 29/XV

    1. The Streamer line is to be suspended at the stern from a point 
approximately 4.5 m above the water and such that the line is directly 
above the point where the baits hit the water.
    2. The streamer line is to be approximately 3 mm diameter, have a 
minimum length of 150 m and have a device at the end to create tension 
so that the main line streams directly behind the ship even in cross 
winds.
    3. At 5 m intervals commencing from the point of attachment to the 
ship five branch streamers each comprising two strands of approximately 
3 mm diameter cord should be attached. The length of the streamer 
should range between approximately 3.5 m nearest the ship to 
approximately 1.25 m for the fifth streamer. When the streamer line is 
deployed the branch streamers should reach the sea surface and 
periodically dip into it as the ship heaves. Swivels should be placed 
in the streamer line at the towing point, before and after the point of 
attachment of each branch streamer and immediately before any weight 
placed on the end of the streamer line. Each branch streamer should 
also have a swivel at its attachment to the streamer line.

BILLING CODE 4710-09-M
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN18DE96.000

BILLING CODE 4710-09-C

Conservation Measure 63/XV

Regulation of the Use and Disposal of Plastic Packaging Bands on 
Fishing Vessels.
The Commission
    Recollecting that for many years it has received evidence from the 
Scientific Committee that substantial numbers of Antarctic fur seals 
have been entangled and killed in plastic packaging bands in the 
Convention Area.
    Noting that, despite the recommendation of CCAMLR and the 
provisions of the marpol Convention and its Annexes which prohibit the 
jettisoning of all plastics at sea, substantial entanglement of fur 
seals is still continuing.
    Recognizing that the bait boxes used on fishing vessels in 
particular and other packages in general need not be secured by plastic 
packaging bands because suitable alternatives exist.
    Agrees to adopt the following Conservation Measure, to reduce the 
incidental mortality of Antarctic fur seals due to entanglement, in 
accordance with Article IX of the Convention.
    1. The use of fishing vessels of plastic packaging bands to secure 
bait boxes shall be prohibited.
    2. The use of other plastic packaging bands for other purposes on 
fishing vessels which do not use on-board incinerators (closed systems) 
shall be prohibited.
    e. Any packaging bands, once removed from packages, shall be cut, 
so that they do not form a continuous loop and at the earliest 
opportunity burned in the on-board incinerator.
    4. Any plastic residue shall be stored on board the vessel until 
reaching port and in no case discarded at sea.

[[Page 66725]]

Conservation Measure 90/XV

    Experimental Harvest Regime for the Crab Fishery in Statistical 
Subarea 48.3 for the Seasons 1996/97 and 1997/98
    The following measures apply to all crab fishing within Statistical 
Subarea 48.3 for the 1996/97 and 1997/98 fishing seasons. Every vessel 
participating in the crab fishery in Subarea 48.3 shall conduct fishing 
operations in accordance with an experimental harvest regime as 
outlined below:
    1. The experimental harvest regime shall consist of at least two 
phases. Each vessel participating in the fishery shall complete all of 
the phases. Phase 1 shall be conducted during the first season that a 
vessel participates in the experimental harvest regime. Phase 2, and 
any additional phases, shall be completed in the next season of 
fishing.
    2. Vessels shall conduct Phase 1 of the experimental harvest regime 
at the start of their first season participation in the crab fishery. 
For the purposes of Phase 1, the following conditions shall apply:
    (i) Phase 1 shall be defined as a vessel's first 200,000 pot hours 
of effort at the start of its first fishing season;
    (ii) Every vessel conducting Phase 1 shall expend its first 200,000 
pot hours of effort within a total area delineated by twelve blocks of 
0.5; latitude by 1.0; longitude. For the purposes of this Conservation 
Measure, these blocks shall be numbered A to L. In Annex 90/A, the 
blocks are illustrated (Figure 1), and the geographic position is 
denoted by the coordinates of the northeast corner of the block. For 
each string, pot hours shall be calculated by taking the total number 
of pots on the string and multiplying that number by the soak time (in 
hours) for that string. Soak time shall be defined for each string as 
the time between start of setting and start of hauling;
    (iii) Vessels shall not fish outside the area delineated by the 
0.5 deg. latitude by 1.0 deg. longitude blocks prior to completing 
Phase 1;
    (iv) During Phase 1, vessels shall not expend more than 30,000 pot 
hours in any single block of 0.5 deg. latitude by 1.0 deg. longitude.
    (v) If a vessel returns to port before it has expended 200,000 pot 
hours in Phase 1, the remaining pot hours shall be expended before it 
can be considered that the vessel has completed Phase 1; and
    (vi) After completing 200,000 pot hours of experimental fishing, it 
shall be considered that vessels have completed Phase 1 and shall 
commence fishing in a normal fashion.
    3. Normal fishing operations shall be conducted in accordance with 
the regulations set out in Conservation Measure 104/XV.
    4. For the purposes of implementing normal fishing operations after 
Phase 1 of the experimental harvest regime, the Ten-day Catch and 
Effort Reporting System set out in Conservation Measure 61/XII shall 
apply.
    5. Vessels shall conduct Phase 2, and any additional phases, of the 
experimental harvest regime during their second season of participation 
in the crab fishery. If any vessel initiates Phase 1 of the 
experimental harvest regime during the 1996/97 or 1997/98 fishing 
seasons, the Scientific Committee, and its Working Group on Fish Stock 
Assessment, shall advise the Commission on an appropriate experimental 
harvest strategy, Phase 2, for the following fishing season. This 
advice shall include provisions for:
    (i) Requiring each vessel to expend approximately one month of 
experimental fishing effort during its second season of participation 
in the experimental harvest regime; and
    (ii) A data collection and submission policy appropriate to the 
experimental fishing strategy that is being recommended.
    6. Data collected during the experimental harvest regime in both 
Phase 1 and Phase 2 up to 30 June in any split-year shall be submitted 
to CCAMLR by 31 August of the following split-year.
    7. Vessels that complete all phases of the experimental harvest 
regime shall not be required to conduct experimental fishing in future 
seasons. However, these vessels shall abide by the guidelines set forth 
in Conservation Measure 104/XV.
    8. Fishing vessels shall participate in the experimental harvest 
regime independently (e.g. vessels may not cooperate to complete phases 
of the experiment).
    9. Crabs captured during the experimental harvest regime shall be 
considered part of the prevailing TAC for the current fishing season 
(e.g. for 1996/97, experimental catches shall be considered part of the 
1,600-ton TAC outlined in Conservation Measure 104/XV).
    10. All vessels participating in the experimental harvest regime 
shall carry at least one scientific observer onboard during all fishing 
activities.
    11. The experimental harvest regime shall be instituted for a 
period of two split-years (1996/97 and 1997/98), and the details of the 
regime may be revised by the Commission during this period of time. 
Fishing vessels that begin experimental fishing in the 1997/98 season 
must complete the regime during the 1998/00 season.
Annex 90/A,--Locations of Fishing Areas for the Experimental Harvest 
Regime of the Exploratory Crab Fishery
BILLING CODE 4710-09-M

[[Page 66726]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN18DE96.001


BILLING CODE 4710-09-C

    Figure 1: Operations area for Phase 1 of the experimental harvest 
regime for the crab fishery in Subarea 48.3.

Conservation Measure 99/XV

New Fishery for Martialia hyadesi in Statistical Subarea 48.3 in the 
1996/97 Season
The Commission
    Welcoming the notification of the Republic of Korea and the UK of 
their intention to conduct a new fishery in Statistical Subarea 48.3 
for Martialia hyadesi in the 1996/97 season, adopts the following 
Conservation Measure in accordance with Conservation Measure 31/x:
    1. Fishing for Martialia hyadesi in Statistical Subarea 48.3 shall 
be limited to the new fishery by the Republic of Korea and the UK. The 
catch shall be limited to 2,500 tons.
    2. For the purposes of this new fishery, the fishing season is 
defined as the period between November 2, 1996 and the end of the 
Commission meeting in 1997.
    3. For the purposes of implementing this Conservation Measure:
    (i) The Ten-day Catch and Effort Reporting System, as set out in 
Conservation Measure 61/XII shall apply;
    (ii) The data required to complete the CCAMLR standard fine-scale 
catch and effort data form for squid jig fisheries (Form C3, latest 
version) shall be reported from each vessel. These data shall include 
numbers of seabirds and marine mammals of each species caught and 
released or killed. These data shall be reported to CCAMLR by August 
31, 1997 for catches taken prior to July 31, 1997; and
    (iii) Data on catches taken between July 31, 1997 and August 31, 
1997 shall be reported to CCAMLR by September 30, 1997 so that the data 
will be available to the 1997 meeting of the Working Group on Fish 
Stock Assessment.
    4. Each vessel participating in the new fishery for Martialia 
hyadesi during the 1996/97 season shall have a scientific observer on 
board, if possible appointed according to the CCAMLR Scheme of 
International Scientific Observation.

Conservation Measure 100/XV

    Prohibition of Directed Fishery on Gobionotothen gibberifrons, 
Chaenocephalus aceratus, Pseudochaenichtys georgianus, Lepidonotothen 
squamifrons and Patagonotothen guntheri in Statistical Subarea 48.3 for 
the 1996/97 Season.
    This Conservation Measure is adopted in accordance with 
Conservation Measure 7/V:
    Directed fishing on Gobionotothen gibberifrons, Chaenocephalus 
aceratus, Pseudochaenichthys georgianus, Lepidonotothen squamifrons and 
Patagonotothen guntheri in Statistical Subarea 48.3 is prohibited in 
the 1996/97 season, defined as the period from November 2, 1996 to the 
end of the Commission meeting in 1997.

Conservation Measure 101/XV

    Catch Limit on Dissostichus eleginoides in Statistical Subarea 48.4 
for the 1996/97 Season.
    1. Statistical Subarea 48.4 in the 1996/97 season shall be limited 
to 28 tons.
    2. The total catch of Dissostichus eleginoides for the purposes of 
the Fishery for Dissostichus eleginoides in Statistical Subarea 48.4, 
the 1996/97 fishing season is defined as the period from March 1 to 
August 31, 1997, or until the TAC for Dissostichus eleginoides in 
Subarea 48.4 is reached, or until the TAC for Dissostichus eleginoides 
in Subarea 48.3, as specified

[[Page 66727]]

in Conservation Measure 102/XV is reached, whichever is sooner.
    3. Each vessel participating in the Dissostichus eleginoides 
fishery in Statistical Subarea 48.4 in the 1996/97 season shall have at 
least one scientific observer, including one appointed in accordance 
with the CCAMLR Scheme of International Scientific Observation, on 
board throughout all fishing activities within the fishing period.
    4. For the purpose of implementing this Conservation Measure:
    (i) The Five-day Catch and Effort Reporting System set out in 
Conservation Measure 51/XII shall apply in the 1996/97 season, 
commencing on March 1, 1997; and
    (ii) The Monthly Fine-scale Effort and Biological Data Reporting 
System set out in Conservation Measure 117/XV shall apply in the 1996/
97 season, commencing on March 1, 1997.
    5. Directed fishing shall be by longlines only. The use of all 
other methods of directed fishing for Dissostichus eleginoides in 
Statistical Subarea 48.4 shall be prohibited.

Conservation Measure 102/XV

Limits on the Fishery for Dissostichus eleginoides in Statistical 
Subarea 48.3 for the 1996/97 Season
    This Conservation Measure is adopted in accordance with 
Conservation Measure 7/V:
    1. The total catch of Dissostichus eleginoides in Statistical 
Subarea 48.3 in the 1996/97 season shall be limited to 5,000 ton.
    2. For the purposes of the fishery for Dissostichus eleginoides in 
Statistical Subarea 48.3, the 1996/97 fishing season is defined as the 
period from March 1 to August 31 1997, or until the TAC is reached, 
whichever is the sooner.
    3. Each vessel participating in the Dissostichus eleginoides 
fishery in Statistical Subarea 48.3 in the 1996/97 season shall have at 
least one scientific observer, including one appointed in accordance 
with the CCAMLR Scheme of International Scientific Observation, on 
board throughout all fishing activities within the fishing period.
    4. For the purpose of implementing this Conservation Measure:
    (i) The Five-day Catch and Effort Reporting System set out in 
Conservation Measure 51/XII shall apply in the 1996/97 season, 
commencing on March 1, 1997; and
    (ii) The Monthly Fine-scale Effort and Biological Data Reporting 
System set out in Conservation Measure 117/XV shall apply in the 1996/
97 season, commencing on March 1, 1997.
    5. Directed fishing shall be by longlines only. The use of all 
other methods of directed fishing for Dissostichus eleginoides in 
Statistical Subarea 48.3 shall be prohibited.

Conservation Measure 103/XV

Precautionary tac for Electrona carlsbergi in Statistical Subarea 48.3 
for the 1996/97 Season
    This Conservation Measure is adopted in accordance with 
Conservation Measure 7/V:
    1. For the purposes of this Conservation Measure the fishing season 
for Electrona carlsbergi is defined as the period from November 2, 1996 
to the end of the Commission meeting in 1997.
    2. The total catch of Electrona carlsbergi in the 1996/97 season 
shall not exceed 109,000 tons in Statistical Subarea 48.3.
    3. In addition, the total catch of Electrona carlsbergi in the 
1996/97 season shall not exceed 14,500 ton in the Shag Rocks region, 
defined as the area bounded by 52;30 deg. S, 40;W; 52;30 deg. S, 44;W; 
54;30 deg. S, 40;W and 54;30 deg. S, 44;W.
    4. In the event that the catch of Electrona carlsbergi is expected 
to exceed 20,000 tons in the 1996/97 season, a survey of stock biomass 
and age structure shall be conducted during that season by the 
principal fishing nations involved. A full report of this survey 
including data on stock biomass (specifically including area surveyed, 
survey design and density estimates), age structure and the biological 
characteristics of the by-catch shall be made available in advance for 
discussion at the 1997 meeting of the Working Group on Fish Stock 
Assessment.
    5. The directed fishery for Electrona carlsbergi in Statistical 
Subarea 48.3 shall close if the by-catch of any of the species named in 
Conservation Measure 95/XIV reaches its by-catch limit or if the total 
catch of Electrona carlsbergi reaches 109,000 tons, whichever comes 
first.
    6. The directed fishery for Electrona carlsbergi in the Shag Rocks 
region shall close if the by-catch of any of the species named in 
Conservation Measure 95/XIV reaches its by-catch limit or if the total 
catch of Electrona carlsbergi reaches 14,500 tons, whichever comes 
first.
    7. If, in the course of the directed fishery for Electrona 
carlsbergi, the catch of any one haul of any species other than the 
target species exceeds 5% of the total catch by weight, the fishing 
vessel shall move to another fishing location at least 5 n miles 
distant.\1\ The fishing vessel shall not fish within 5 n miles of the 
location in which the catch of species, other than the target species, 
exceeded 5%, for a period of at least five days.\2\
    8. For the purpose of implementing this Conservation Measure:
    (i) The Catch Reporting System set out in Conservation Measure 40/X 
shall apply in the 1996/97 season; and
    (ii) The Monthly Fine-scale Effort and Biological Data Reporting 
System set out in Conservation Measure 117/XV shall also apply in the 
1996/97 season. For the purposes of Conservation Measure 117/XV, the 
target species is Electrona carlsbergi, and by-catch species are 
defined as any cephalopod, crustacea or fish species other than 
Electrona carlsbergi. For the purpose of paragraph 6(ii) of 
Conservation Measure 117/XV a representative sample shall be a minimum 
of 500 fish.

    \1\ This provision is adopted pending the adoption of a more 
appropriate definition of a fishing locations by the Commission.
    \2\ The specified period is adopted in accordance with the 
reporting period specified in Conservation Measure 51/XII, pending 
the adoption of a more appropriate period by the Commission.

Conservation Measure 104/XV

Limits on the Crab Fishery in Statistical Subarea 48.3 in the 1996/97 
Season
    The following Conservation Measure is adopted in accordance with 
Conservation Measure 7/V:
    1. The crab fishery is defined as any commercial harvest activity 
in which the target species is any member of the crab group (Order 
Decapoda, Suborder Reptantia).
    2. In Statistical Subarea 48.3, the crab fishing season is defined 
as the period from 2 November 1996 to end of the Commission meeting in 
1997, or until the TAC is reached, whichever is sooner.
    3. The crab fishery shall be limited to one vessel per Member.
    4. The total catch of crab from Statistical Subarea 48.3 shall not 
exceed 1,600 tons during the 1996/97 crab fishing season.
    5. Each Member intending to participate in the crab fishery shall 
notify the CCAMLR Secretariat at least three months in advance of 
starting fishing of the name, type, size, registration number, radio 
call sign, and research and fishing operations plan of the vessel that 
the Member has authorized to participate in the crab fishery.
    6. All vessels fishing for crab shall report the following data to 
CCAMLR by August 31, 1997 for crabs caught prior to July 31, 1997:

[[Page 66728]]

    (i) The location, date, depth, fishing effort (number and spacing 
of pots and soak time), and catch (numbers and weight) of commercially 
sized crabs (reported on as fine a scale as possible, but no coarser 
than 0.5; latitude by 1.0; longitude) for each 10-day period;
    (ii) The species, size, and sex of a representative subsample of 
crab sampled according to the procedure set out in Annex 104/A (between 
35 and 50 crabs shall be sampled every day from the line hauled just 
prior to noon) and by-catch caught in traps; and
    (iii) Other relevant data, as possible, according to the 
requirements set out in Annex 104/A.
    7. For the purposes of implementing this Conservation Measure, the 
Ten-day Catch and Effort Reporting System set out in Conservation 
Measure 61/XII shall apply.
    8. Data on catches taken between July 31, 1997 and August 31, 1997 
shall be reported to CCAMLR by September 30, 1997 so that the data will 
be available to the Working Group on Fish Stock Assessment.
    9. Crab fishing gear shall be limited to the use of crab pots 
(traps). The use of all other methods of catching crabs (e.g., bottom 
trawls) shall be prohibited.
    10. The crab fishery shall be limited to sexually mature male 
crabs--all female and undersized male crabs caught shall be released 
unharmed. In the case of Paralomis spinosissima and P. formosa, males 
with a minimum carapace width of 102 mm and 90 mm, respectively, may be 
retained in the catch.
    11. Crab processed at sea shall be frozen as crab sections (minimum 
size of crabs can be determined using crab sections).

Annex 104/A

Data Requirements on the Crab Fishery in Statistical Subarea 48.3
    Catch and Effort Data: Cruise Descriptions: Cruise code, vessel 
code, permit number, year.
    Pot Descriptions: Diagrams and other information, including pot 
shape, dimensions, mesh size, funnel position, aperture and 
orientation, number of chambers, presence of an escape port.
    Effort Descriptions: Date, time, latitude and longitude of the 
start of the set, compass bearing of the set, total number of pots set, 
spacing of pots on the line, number of pots lost, depth, soak time, 
bait type.
    Catch Descriptions: Retained catch in numbers and weight, by-catch 
of all species (see Table 1), incremental record number for linking 
with sample information.

 Table 1.--Data Requirements for By-Catch Species in the Crab Fishery in
                        Statistical Subarea 48.3.                       
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Species                         Data requirements     
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dissostichus eleginoides..................  Numbers and estimated total 
                                             weight.                    
Notothenia rossii.........................  Numbers and estimated total 
                                             weight.                    
Other Species.............................  Estimated total weight.     
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Biological Data: For these data, crabs are to be sampled from the 
line hauled just prior to noon, by collecting the entire contents of a 
number of pots spaced at intervals along the line so that between 35 
and 50 specimens are represented in the subsample.
    Cruise Descriptions: Cruise code, vessel code, permit number.
    Sample Descriptions: Date, position at start of the set, compass 
bearing of the set, line number.
    Data: Species, sex, length of at least 35 individuals, presence/
absence of rhizocephalan parasites, record of the destination of the 
crab (kept, discarded, destroyed), record of the pot number from which 
the crab comes.

Conservation Measure 105/XV

    Limitation of Total Catch of Lepidonotothen squamifrons in 
Statistical Division 58.4.4 (Ob and Lena Banks) in the 1996/97 Season.
The Commission
    Noting the intention of Ukraine to undertake a scientific survey of 
the design approved by the Scientific Committee in 1994 (CCAMLR-XIII, 
paragraphs 8.52 and 8.53) during the 1996/97 season,
    Adopts the following Conservation Measure:
    1. The total catch of Lepidonotothen squamifrons in Statistical 
Division 58.4.4 in the 1996/97 season shall be limited to 1 150 tons, 
and shall be made up of 715 tons on Lena Bank and 435 tons on Ob Bank.
    2. For the purposes of this conservation measure the 1996/97 season 
is defined as the period from November 2, 1996 to the end of the 
Commission meeting in 1997.
    3. For the purpose of implementing this Conservation Measure: (i) 
The Five-Day Catch and Effort Reporting System set out in Conservation 
Measure 51/XII shall apply in the 1996/97 season commencing on November 
2, 1996;
    (ii) The Monthly Fine-Scale Effort and Biological Data Reporting 
System set out in Conservation Measure 117/XV shall apply for the 
target species Lepidonotothen squamifrons, and the by-catch species 
Dissostichus eleginoides in the 1996/97 season, commencing on November 
2, 1996;
    (iii) Age frequency, length frequency and age/length keys for 
Lepidonotothen squamifrons, Dissostichus eleginoides and any other 
species forming a significant part of the catch shall be collected and 
reported to each annual meeting of the Working Group on Fish Stock 
Assessment for each Bank separately on forms B2 and B3; and
    (iv) The fishery for Lepidonotothen squamifrons shall be subject to 
review at the 1997 annual meetings of the Scientific Committee and the 
Commission.
    4. Each vessel participating in the fishery in Statistical Division 
58.4.4 in the 1996/97 season shall have a scientific observer, 
appointed in accordance with the Scheme of International Scientific 
Observation of CCAMLR, on board throughout all fishing activities 
within the fishing period.

Conservation Measure 106/XV

    Precautionary Catch Limitation on Euphausia superba in Statistical 
Division 58.4.1.
    The total catch of Euphausia superba in Statistical Division 58.4.1 
shall be limited to 775,000 tons in any fishing season. A fishing 
season begins on July 1, and finishes on June 30, the following year.
    This limit shall be kept under review by the Commission, taking 
into account the advice of the Scientific Committee. For the purposes 
of implementing this Conservation Measure, the catches shall be 
reported to the Commission on a monthly basis.

Conservation Measure 107/XV

    Limitation of the Total Catch of Champsocephalus gunnari in 
Statistical Subarea 48.3 in the 1996/97 Season.
    The Commission adopted this Conservation Measure in accordance with 
Conservation Measure 7/v:
    1. The total catch of Champsocephalus gunnari in the 1996/97 season 
shall not exceed 13,000 tons in Statistical Subarea 48.3.
    2. The fishery for Champsocephalus gunnari in Statistical Subarea 
48.3 shall close if the by-catch of any of the species listed in 
Conservation Measure 95/XIV reaches its by-catch limit or if the total 
catch of Champsocephalus gunnari reaches 13,000 tons, whichever comes 
first.
    3. If, in the course of the directed fishery for Champsocephalus 
gunnari, the by-catch in any one haul of any of the species named in 
Conservation

[[Page 66729]]

Measures 95/XIV exceeds 5% of the total weight by catch, the fishing 
vessel shall move to another location at least 5n miles distant.\1\ The 
fishing vessel shall not return to the location where the by-catch 
exceeded 5%, for a period of at least five days.\2\
    4. The use of bottom trawls in the directed fishery for 
Champsocephalus gunnari in Statistical Subarea 48.3 is prohibited.
    5. The fishery for Champsocephalus gunnari in Statistical Subarea 
48.3 shall be closed from May 1, 1997 until the end of the Commission 
meeting in 1997.
    6. Any vessel of any Member intending to participate in the 
directed fishery for Champsocephalus gunnari in Statistical Subarea 
48.3 during the 1996/97 season shall be required to undertake a 
scientific survey carried out in accordance with the survey design 
specified in the Draft Manual for Bottom Trawl Surveys in the 
Convention Area (SC-CCAMLR-XI, Annex 5, Appendix H, Attachment E). A 
list of proposed trawl survey stations shall be transmitted to the 
Executive Secretary at least one month before the start of the survey.
    7. Each vessel participating in the directed fishery for 
Champsocephalus gunnari in Subarea 48.3 in the 1996/97 season shall 
have a scientific observer, appointed in accordance with the CCAMLR 
Scheme of International Scientific Observation, on board throughout all 
fishing activities within the fishing period.
    8. For the purpose of implementing paragraphs 1 and 2 of this 
Conservation Measure:
    (i) The Five-day Catch and Effort Reporting System set out in 
Conservation Measure 51/XII shall apply in the 1996/97 season; and
    (ii) The Monthly Fine-scale Effort and Biological Data Reporting 
System set out in Conservation Measure 117/XV shall apply for 
Champsocephalus gunnari.

    \1\ This provision is adopted pending the adoption of a more 
appropriate definition of a fishing location by the Commission.
    \2\ The specified period is adopted in accordance with the 
reporting period specified in Conservation Measure 51/XII, pending 
the adoption of a more appropriate period by the Commission.

Conservation Measure 109/XV

    Limits on the fishery for Dissostichus eleginoides in Statistical 
Division 58.5.2 for the 1996/97 Season.
    1. The total catch of Dissostichus eleginoides in Statistical 
Division 58.5.2 in the 1996/97 season shall not exceed 3,800 tons.
    2. For the purposes of this fishery, the 1996/97 season is defined 
as the period from November 2, 1996 to August 31, 1997, or until the 
TAC is reached, whichever is the sooner.
    3. The TAC may only be taken by trawling.
    4. Each vessel participating in the Dissostichus eleginoides 
fishery in Statistical Division 58.5.2 in the 1996/97 season shall have 
at least one scientific observer, and may include one appointed in 
accordance with the CCAMLR Scheme of International Scientific 
Observation, on board throughout all fishing activities within the 
fishing period.
    5. For the purpose of implementing this Conservation Measure:
    (i) The Ten-day Catch and Effort Reporting System set out in 
Conservation Measure 61/XII; and
    (ii) The Monthly Fine-scale Effort and Biological Data Reporting 
System set out in Conservation Measure 17/XV, shall apply in the 1996/
97 fishing season.
    (iii) If, in the course of a directed fishery for Dissostichus 
eleginoides, the by-catch in any one haul of any of the species 
Lepidonotothen squamifrons, Notothenia rossii, Channichthys 
rhinoceratus or Bathyraja spp. exceeds 5% of the total catch by weight, 
the fishing vessel shall move to another fishing location at least 5 n 
miles distant.\1\ The fishing vessel shall not return to the location 
where the by-catch exceeded 5% for a period of at least five days.\2\
    (iv) Catches of other species not specified above, shall not exceed 
50 tons, as set out in Conservation Measure 111/XIV.
    (v) The total number and weight of Dissostichus eleginoides 
discarded, including those with the ``jellymeat'' condition, shall be 
reported. These fish will count towards the total allowable catch.

    \1\ This provision is adopted pending the adoption of a more 
appropriate definition of a fishing location by the Commission.
    \2\ The specified period is adopted in accordance with the 
reporting period specified in Conservation Measure 51/XII, pending 
the adoption of a more appropriate period by the Commission.

Conservation Measure 110/XV

    Precautionary Catch Limits on Champsocephalus gunnari in 
Statistical Division 58.5.2.
    1. In accordance with the management advice of the 1994 meeting of 
the Scientific Committee a precautionary TAC of 311 tons in the 1996/97 
season shall be set for Champsocephalus gunnari in Division 58.5.2.
    2. For the purpose of this fishery on Champsocephalus gunnari,  the 
1996/97 season is defined as the period from November 2, 1996 to August 
31, 1997, or until the TAC is reached, whichever is the sooner.
    3. The TAC may only be taken by trawling.
    4. If, in any haul, more than 10% of Champsocephalus gunnari are 
smaller than 28 cm total length, the fishing vessel shall move to 
another fishing location at least 5 n miles distant.\1\ The fishing 
vessel shall not return to the location where catch of small 
Champsocephalus gunnari exceeded 10% for a period of at least five 
days.\2\
    5. Each vessel participating in the Champsocephalus gunnari fishery 
in Statistical Division 58.5.2 in the 1996/97 season shall have at 
least one scientific observer, and may include one appointed in 
accordance with the CCAMLR Scheme of International Scientific 
Observation, on board throughout all fishing activities within the 
fishing period.
    6. For the purpose of implementing this Conservation Measure:
    (i) The Ten-day Catch and Effort Reporting System set out in 
Conservation Measure 61/XII; and
    (ii) The Monthly Fine-scale Effort and Biological Data Reporting 
System set out in Conservation Measure 117/XV, shall apply in the 1996/
97 fishing season.
    7. If, in the course of a directed fishery for Champsocephalus 
gunnari, the by-catch in any one haul of any of the species 
Lepidonotothen squamifrons, Notothenia rossii, Channichthys 
rhinoceratus or Bathyraja spp. exceeds 5% of the total catch by weight, 
the fishing vessel shall move to another fishing location at least 5 n 
miles distant.\1\ The fishing vessel shall not return to the location 
where the by-catch exceeded 5%, for a period of at least five days.\2\
    8. Catches of other species not specified above shall not exceed 50 
tons, as set out in Conservation Measure 111/XV.
    9. The catch limit of Champsocephalus gunnari shall be kept under 
review by the Commission, taking into account the advice of the 
Scientific Committee.

    \1\ The provision is adopted pending the adoption of a more 
appropriate definition of a fishing location by the Commission.
    \2\ The specified period is adopted in accordance with the 
reporting period specified in Conservation Measure 51/XII, pending 
the adoption of a more appropriate period by the Commission.

[[Page 66730]]

Conservation Measure 111/XV

New Fishery in Statistical Division 58.5.2 in the 1996/97 Season for 
Deep-water Species
The Commission
    Welcoming the notification of Australia of its intention to conduct 
a new fishery in the 1996/97 season in Statistical Division 58.5.2 for 
deep-water species, not covered by Conservative Measures 109/XV and 
110/XV,
    Noting that no other Member has notified the Commission of the 
intent to establish a new fishery for these species in this Statistical 
Division,
    Adopts the following Conservation Measure in accordance with 
Conservation Measure 31/X:
    1. The new fishery by Australia for deep-water species, not covered 
by Conservation Measures 109/XV and 110/XV, shall be limited to 50 tons 
for each species. The fishery shall be conducted by trawling only.
    2. For the purposes of this new fishery, the fishing season is 
defined as the period from November 2, 1996 to August 31, 1997.
    3. Each vessel participating in this new fishery in Statistical 
Division 58.5.2 in the 1996/97 season shall have at least one 
scientific observer appointed in accordance with the CCAMLR Scheme of 
International Observation on board throughout all fishing activities 
within the fishing period.
    4. For the purpose of implementing this Conservation Measure:
    (i) The Ten-day Catch and Effort Reporting System, as set out in 
Conservation Measure 61/XII; and
    (ii) The Monthly Fine-scale Effort and Biological Data Reporting 
System set out in Conservation Measure 117/XV, shall apply in the 1996/
97 fishing season.
    5. If the by-catch in any one haul of any of the species 
Lepidonotothen squamifrons, Notothenia rossii, Channichthys 
rhinoceratus or Bathyraja spp. exceeds 5% of the total catch by weight, 
the fishing vessel shall move to another fishing location at least 5 n 
miles distant.\1\ The fishing vessel shall not return to the location 
where the by-catch exceeded 5%, for a period of at least five days.\2\

    \1\ This provision is adopted pending the adoption of a more 
appropriate definition of a fishing location by the Commission.
    \2\ The specified period is adopted in accordance with the 
reporting period specified in Conservation Measure 51/XII, pending 
the adoption of a more appropriate period by the Commission.

Conservation Measure 112/XV

    General Measure for New Fisheries for Dissostichus Species in the 
Convention Area for the 1996/97 Season
The Commission
    Noting need for the distribution of fishing effort and appropriate 
catch levels in fine-scale rectangles in these new fisheries,

adopts the following Conservation Measure in accordance with 
Conservation Measure 32/X:
    1. Fishing should take place over as large a geographical and 
bathymetric range as possible to obtain the information necessary to 
determine fishery potential and to avoid over-concentration of catch 
and effort. To this end, fishing in any fine-scale rectangle \1\ shall 
cease when the reported catch reaches 100 tons and that rectangle shall 
be closed to fishing for the remainder of the season. Fishing in any 
fine-scale rectangle shall be restricted to one vessel at any one time.
    2. In order to give effect to paragraph (1) above:
    (i) The precise geographic position of the mid-point between the 
start and end of the haul/line shall be determined using appropriate 
means;
    (ii) Catch and effort information for each species by fine-scale 
rectangle shall be reported to the Executive Secretary every five days 
using the Five-Day Catch and Effort Reporting System set out in 
Conservation Measure 51/XII; and
    (iii) The Secretariat shall notify Contracting Parties 
participating in these fisheries when the total catch for Dissostichus 
eleginoides and D. mawsoni combined in any fine-scale rectangle exceeds 
100 tons.
    3. Any new fishery for Dissostichus species in the 1996/97 season 
shall be deemed to have demonstrated commercial potential if catches in 
the Statistical Subarea or Divisions concerned reach 1,980 tons. In 
this event, the fishery shall be closed and the provisions of 
Conservation Measure 65/XII shall apply.
    4. The by-catch of any species in the new fisheries for 
Dissostichus spp. other than Dissostichus eleginoides and D. mawsoni in 
the Statistical Subareas and Divisions concerned shall not exceed 50 
tons.
    5. Each vessel participating in the new fisheries for Dissostichus 
species during the 1996/97 season shall have on board at least one 
scientific observer, appointed in accordance with the CCAMLR Scheme of 
International Scientific Observation, throughout all fishing activities 
within the fishing season.\2\
    6. The total number of weight of Dissostichus eleginoides and D. 
mawsoni discarded, including those with the ``jellymeat'' condition, 
shall be reported.
    7. For the purpose of implementing this Conservation Measure the 
Monthly Fine-scale Effort and Biological Data Reporting System set out 
in Conservation Measure 117/XV shall apply in the 1996/97 season.
    8. Monthly effort and biological data shall be reported in 
accordance with Conservation Measure 40/X. By-catch species are defined 
as any cephalopod, crustacean or fish species other than Dissostichus 
species.

    \1\ A fine-scale rectangle is defined as an area of 0.5 deg. 
latitude by 1 deg. longitude with respect to the northwest corner of 
the Statistical Subarea or Division. The identification of each 
rectangle is by the latitude of its northernmost boundary and the 
longitude of the boundary closest to 0 deg..
    \2\ In respect of this provision, South Africa reserves its 
right to carry only national observers in the waters adjacent to the 
Prince Edward Islands.

Conservation Measure 113/XV

New Fishery for Dissostichus eleginoides and D. mawsoni in Statistical 
Division 58.4.3 in the 1996/97 Season
The Commission
    Welcoming the notification of Australia and South Africa of their 
intention to conduct new fisheries in Statistical Division 58.4.3 for 
Dissostichus eleginoides and D. mawsoni in the 1996/97 season,
    Adopts the following Conservation Measure in accordance with 
Conservation Measure 31/X:
    1. Fishing for Dissostichus eleginoides and D. mawsoni in 
Statistical Division 58.4.3 shall be limited to the new fisheries by 
Australia and South Africa.
    2. Fishing shall cease in Statistical Division 58.4.3 if the 
commercial potential is demonstrated in accordance with the definition 
given in Conservation Measure 112/XV, paragraph 3.
    3. For the purposes of these new fisheries, the fishing season for 
longlining is defined as the period from 1 March 1997 until 31 August 
1997. The fishing season for trawling commences on 2 November 1996 and 
ends on 31 August 1997.
    4. The directed fisheries for the above species shall be carried 
out in accordance with Conservation Measures 112/XV and 117/XV.

[[Page 66731]]

Conservation Measure 114/XV

New Fishery for Dissostichus eleginoides and D. mawsoni in Statistical 
Subarea 48.6 in the 1996/97 Season
The Commission
    Welcoming the notification of South Africa of its intention to 
conduct a new fishery in Subarea 48.6 for Dissostichus eleginoides and 
D. mawsoni in the 1996/97 season,
    Adopts the following Conservation Measure in accordance with 
Conservation Measure 31/X:
    1. Fishing for Dissostichus eleginoides and D. mawsoni in 
Statistical Subarea 48.6 shall be limited to the new fishery by South 
Africa. The fishery shall be conducted by longlining only.
    2. Fishing shall cease in Statistical Subarea 48.6 if the 
commercial potential is demonstrated in accordance with the definition 
given in Conservation Measure 112/XV, paragraph 3.
    3. For the purposes of this new fishery, the fishing season is 
defined as the period from 1 March 1997 until 31 August 1997.
    4. The directed fishery for the above species shall be carried out 
in accordance with Conservation Measures 112/XV and 117/XV.

Conservation Measure 115/XV

New Fishery for Dissostichus eleginoides and D. mawsoni in Statistical 
Subareas 88.1 and 88.2 in the 1996/97 Season
The Commission
    Welcoming the notification of New Zealand of its intention to 
conduct a new fishery in Statistical Subareas 88.1 and 88.2 for 
Dissostichus eleginoides and D. mawsoni species in the 1996/97 season,
    Adopts the following Conservation Measure in accordance with 
Conservation Measure 31/X:
    1. Fishing for Dissostichus eleginoides and D. mawsoni in 
Statistical Subareas 88.1 and 88.2 shall be limited to the new fishery 
by New Zealand. The fishery shall be conducted by longlining only.
    2. Fishing shall cease in Statistical Subareas 88.1 and 88.2 if the 
commercial potential is demonstrated in accordance with the definition 
given in Conservation Measure 112/XV, paragraph 3.
    3. For the purposes of this new fishery, the fishing season is 
defined as the period from 15 February until 31 August 1997.
    4. The directed fisheries for the above species shall be carried 
out in accordance with Conservation Measures 112/XV and 117/XV.

Conservation Measure 116/XV 1,2

New Fisheries for Dissostichus eleginoides and D. mawsoni in 
Statistical Subareas 58.6, 58.7 and Statistical Division 58.4.4 in the 
1996/97 Season.
The Commission
    Welcoming the notification of South Africa of its intention to 
conduct new fisheries in Statistical Subareas 58.6, 58.7 and Division 
58.4.4 for Dissostichus eleginoides and D. mawsoni in the 1996/97 
season,
    adopts the following Conservation Measure in accordance with 
Conservation Measure 31/X:
    1. Fishing for Dissostichus eleginoides and D. mawsoni in 
Statistical Subareas 58.6, 58.7 and Division 58.4.4 shall be limited to 
the new fisheries by South Africa. These fisheries shall be conducted 
by longlining only.
    2. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 3 of Conservation 
Measure 112/XV, in Statistical Subareas 58.6 and 58.7 any new fishery 
for Dissostichus in the 1996/97 season shall be deemed to have 
demonstrated commercial potential if catches in the Statistical 
Subareas concerned reach 2,200 tons. In this event, the fishery shall 
be closed and the provisions of Conservation Measure 65/XII shall 
apply.
    3. Fishing shall cease in Division 58.4.4 if commercial potential 
is demonstrated in accordance with the definition given in Conservation 
Measure 112/XV, paragraph 1.
    4. For the purposes of this new fishery, the fishing season is 
defined as the period from 1 March until 31 August 1997.
    5. The directed fisheries for the above species shall be in 
accordance with Conservation Measures 112/XV and 117/XV except as 
foreseen in paragraph 2 above.

    \1\ For the purposes of this Conservation Measure South Africa 
has chosen to include the waters adjacent to the Prince Edward 
Islands.
    \2\ Except for the waters adjacent to the Crozet Islands.

Conservation Measure 117/XV \1\ \2\

Monthly Fine-Scale Effort and Biological Data Reporting System for 
Trawl and Longline Fisheries
    This Conservation Measure is adopted in accordance with 
Conservation Measure 7/V, where appropriate.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Except for waters adjacent to the Kerguelen and Crozet 
Islands
    \2\ Except for waters adjacent to the Prince Edward Islands
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    This Conservation Measure is envoked by the Conservation Measures 
to which it is attached.
    1. Specification of ``target species'' and ``by-catch species'' 
referred to in this Conservation Measure shall be made in the 
Conservation Measure to which it is attached.
    2. At the end of each month each Contracting Party shall obtain 
from each of its vessels the data required to complete the CCAMLR fine-
scale catch and effort data form (trawl fisheries Form C1, latest 
version or longline fisheries Form C2, latest version). It shall 
transmit those data in the specified format to the Executive Secretary 
not later than the end of the following month.
    3. The catch of all target and by-catch species must be reported by 
species.
    4. The numbers of seabirds and marine mammals of each species 
caught and released or killed must be reported.
    5. At the end of each month each Contracting Party shall obtain 
from each of its vessels representative samples of length composition 
measurements of the target species and by-catch species from the 
fishery (Form B2, latest version). It shall transmit those data in the 
specified form to the Executive Secretary not later than the end of the 
following month.
    6. For the purpose of implementing this Conservation Measure:
    (i) Length measurements of fish should be of total length to the 
nearest centimeter below;
    (ii) Representative samples of length composition should be taken 
from a single fine-scale grid rectangle (0.5 deg. latitude by 1 deg. 
longitude). In the event the vessel moves from one fine-scale grid 
rectangle to another during the course of a month, then separate length 
compositions should be submitted for each fine-scale grid rectangle.
    7. Should a Contracting Party fail to transmit the fine-scale catch 
and effort data or length composition data to the Executive Secretary 
in the appropriate form by the deadline specified in paragraphs 2 and 
5, the Executive Secretary shall issue a reminder to the Contracting 
Party. If at the end of a further two months those data have still have 
been provided, the Executive Secretary shall notify all Contracting 
parties of the closure of the fishery to vessels of the Contracting 
Party which has failed to supply the data as required.

Conservation Measures Still in Force Which Are Not Addressed by U.S. 
Regulations

    At its Fifteenth Annual Meeting, CCAMLR also agreed that 
Conservation Measures 2/III, 3/IV, 4/V, 5/V, 6/V, 7/V,

[[Page 66732]]

18/XIII, 19/IX, 30/X, 31/X, 32/X, 40/X, 45/XIV, 51/XII, 61/XII, 62/XI, 
64/XIII, 65/XII, 72/XII, 73/XII, 82/XIII AND 95/XIV should remain in 
force for the 1996/97 fishing season (defined as November 2, 1996 
through November 7, 1997). These Conservation Measures were noticed in 
the Federal Register in the years in which they were adopted. They have 
been agreed to by the United States, after public comment, and cannot 
be modified. However, since the requirements of Conservation Measures 
2/III, 3/IV, 5/V, 6/V, 7/V, 30/X, 31/X, 32/X, 40/X, 45/XIV, 51/XII, 61/
XII, 65/XII, 72/XII, 73/XII and 95/XIV are not included in U.S. 
regulations, they are included in this Federal Register notice.

Conservation Measure 2/III

    Mesh Size (As Amended in accordance with Conservation Measure 19/
IX)
    1. The use of pelagic and bottom trawls having the mesh size in any 
part of a trawl less than indicated is prohibited for any directed 
fishery for:

Notothenia rossii, Dissostichus eleginoides--120 mm
Gobionotothen gibberifrons, Notothenia kempi, Lepidonotothen 
squamifrons--80 mm
    2. It is prohibited to use any means or device which would obstruct 
or diminish the size of the meshes.
    3. This Conservation Measure does not apply to fishing conducted 
for scientific research purposes.
    4. This Measure will apply as of 1 September 1985.

Conservation Measure 3/IV

Prohibition of Directed Fishery on Notothenia rossii around South 
Georgia (Statistical Subarea 48.3)
    1. Directed fishing on Notothenia rossii around South Georgia 
(Statistical Subarea 48.3) is prohibited.
    2. By-catches of Notothenia rossii in fisheries directed to other 
species shall be kept to the level allowing the optimum recruitment to 
the stock.

Conservation Measure 5/V \1\

Prohibition of Directed Fishery on Notothenia rossii in the Peninsula 
Area (Statistical Subarea 48.1)
    The Commission hereby adopts the following Conservation Measure in 
accordance with Article IX of the Convention: Directed fishing on 
Notothenia rossii in the Peninsula Area (Statistical Area 48.1) is 
prohibited.
    By-catches of Notothenia rossii in fisheries directed to other 
species shall be kept to the level allowing the optimum recruitment to 
the stock.
    By-catches of Notothenia rossii in fisheries directed to other 
species shall be kept to the level allowing the optimum recruitment to 
the stock.

    \1\ This Conservation Measure remains in force, but is currently 
encompassed within the provisions in Conservation Measure 72/XII.

Conservation Measure 6/V \1\

Prohibition of Directed Fishery on Notothenia rossii around South 
Orkneys (Statistical Subarea 48.2).
    The Commission hereby adopts the following Conservation Measure in 
accordance with Article IX of the Convention: Directed fishing on 
Notothenia rossii around South Orkneys (Statistical Subarea 48.2) is 
prohibited. By-catches of Notothenia rossii in fisheries directed to 
other species shall be kept to the level allowing the optimum 
recruitment to the stock.

    \1\ This Conservation Measure remains in force, but is currently 
encompassed within the provisions in Conservation Measure 73/XII.

Conservation Measure 7/V

Regulation of Fishing around South Georgia (Statistical Subarea 48.3)
    Without prejudice to other Conservation Measures adopted by the 
Commission, for species upon which fisheries are permitted around South 
Georgia (Statistical Subarea 48.3), the Commission shall, at its 1987 
Meeting, adopt limitations on catch, or equivalent measures binding for 
the 1987/88 season.
    Such limitations of catch or equivalent measures shall be based 
upon the advice of the Scientific Committee, taking into account any 
data resulting from fishery surveys around South Georgia. For each 
fishing season after 1987/88, the Commission shall establish such 
limitations or other measures, as necessary, around South Georgia on a 
similar basis at the meeting of the Commission immediately preceding 
that season.

Measure 30/X \1\

Net Monitor Cables
    The use of net monitor cables on harvesting vessels in the CCAMLR 
Convention Area is prohibited from the 1994/95 fishing season.

    \1\ Except for water adjacent to the Kerguelen and Crozet 
Islands.

Conservation Measure 31/X \1\ \2\

Notification That Members are Considering Initiating a New Fishery
    The Commission,
    Recognizing that in the past, Antarctic fisheries have been 
initiated in the Convention Area before sufficient information was 
available upon which to base management advise,
    Noting that in recent years new fisheries have started without 
adequate information being available to evaluate either the fishery 
potential or the possible impacts on the target stocks or species 
dependent on them,
    Believing that without prior notification of a new fishery, the 
Commission is unable to fulfill its function under Article IX,

hereby adopts the following Conservation Measure in accordance with 
Article IX of the convention:
    1. A new fishery, for the purposes of this Conservation measure, is 
a fishery on a species using a particular fishing method in a 
statistical subarea for which:
    (1) Information on distribution, abundance, demography, potential 
yield and stock identity from comprehensive research/surveys or 
exploratory fishing have not been submitted to CCAMLR; or
    (ii) Catch and effort data have never been submitted to CCAMLR; or
    (iii) Catch and effort data from the two most recent seasons in 
which fishing occurred have not been submitted to CCAMLR.
    2. A Member intending to develop a new fishery shall notify the 
Commission not less than three months in advance of the next regular 
meeting of the Commission, where the matter shall be considered. the 
Member shall not initiate a new fishery pending the process specified 
in paragraphs 4 and 5 below.
    3. The notification shall be accompanied by as much of the 
following information as the Member is able to provide:
    (i) The nature of the proposed fishery including target species, 
methods of fishing, proposed region and any minimum level of catches 
that would be required to develop a viable fishery;
    (ii) Biological information from comprehensive research/survey 
cruises, such as distribution, abundance, demographic data and 
information on stock identity;
    (iii) Details of dependent and associated species and the 
likelihood of them being affected by the proposed fishery; and
    (iv) Information from other fisheries in the region or similar 
fisheries elsewhere that may assist in the valuation of potential 
yield.
    4. The information provided in accordance with paragraph 3, 
together with any other relevant information,

[[Page 66733]]

shall be considered by the Scientific Committee, which shall then 
advise the Commission.
    5. After its review of the information on the proposed new fishery, 
taking full account of the recommendations and the advice of the 
Specific Committee, the Commission may then take such action as it 
deems necessary.

    \1\ Except for waters adjacent to the Kerguelen and Crozet 
Islands.
    \2\ Except for waters adjacent to the Prince Edward Islands.

Conservation Measure 32/X

Precautionary Catch Limitations on Euphausia superba in Statistical 
Area 48
    The total catch of Euphausia superba in Statistical Area 48 shall 
be limited to 1.5 million tons in any fishing season. A fishing season 
begins on 1 July and finishes on 30 June of the following year.
    This limit shall be kept under review by the Commission, taking 
into account the advice of the scientific Committee. Precautionary 
limits to be agreed by the Commission on the basis of advice of the 
Scientific Committee shall be applied to subareas, or on such other 
basis as the Scientific Committee may advise, if the total catch in 
Statistical Subareas 48.1, 48.2 and 48.3 in any fishing season exceeds 
620,000 tons.
    For the purpose of implementing this Conservation Measure the 
catches shall be reported to the Commission on a monthly basis.

Conservation Measure 40/X

Monthly Catch and Effort Reporting System
    This Conservation Measure is adopted in accordance with 
Conservation Measure 7/V where appropriate:
    1. For the purposes of this Catch and Effort Reporting System the 
reporting period shall be defined as one calendar month.
    2. At the end of each reporting period, each Contracting Party 
shall obtain from each of its vessels its total catch and total days 
and hours fished for that period and shall, by cable or telex, transmit 
the aggregated catch and days and hours fished for its vessels so as to 
reach the Executive Secretary not later than the end of the next 
reporting period.
    3. Such reports shall specify the month to which each report 
refers.
    4. Immediately after the deadline has passed for receipt of the 
reports for each period, the Executive Secretary shall notify all 
Contracting Parties of the total catch taken during the reporting 
period, the total aggregate catch for the season to date together with 
an estimate of the date upon which the total allowable catch is likely 
to be reached for that season. The estimate shall be based on a 
projection forward of the trend in daily catch rates, obtained using 
linear regression techniques from a number of the most recent catch 
reports.
    5. In the case of finfish, if the estimated date of completion of 
the TAC is within one reporting period of the date on which the 
Secretariat received the report of the catches, the Executive Secretary 
shall inform all Contracting Parties that the fishery will close on 
that estimated day or on the day on which the report was received, 
whichever is the later.

Conservation Measure 45/XIV

Precautionary Catch Limitation on Euphausia superba in Statistical 
Division 58.4.2
    The total catch of Euphausia Superba in Statistical Division 58.4.2 
shall be limited to 450,000 tons in any fishing season. A fishing 
season begins on 1 July and finishes on 30 June of the following year.
    This limit shall be kept under review by the Commission, taking 
into account the advice of the Scientific Committee.
    For the purposes of implementing this Conservation Measure, the 
catches shall be reported to the Commission on a monthly basis.

Conservation Measure 51/XII

Five-day Catch and Effort Reporting System
    This Conservation Measure is adopted in accordance with 
Conservation Measure 7/V where appropriate:
    1. For the purposes of this Catch and Effort Reporting System the 
calendar month shall be divided into six reporting periods, viz: day 1 
to day 5, day 6 to day 10, day 11 to day 15, day 16 to day 20, day 21 
to day 25 and day 26 to the last day of the month. These reporting 
periods are hereinafter referred to as periods A, B, C, D, E and F.
    2. At the end of each reporting period, each Contracting Party 
shall obtain from each of its vessels its total catch and total days 
and hours fished for that period and shall, by cable, telex or 
facsimile, transmit the aggregated catch and days and hours fished for 
its vessels so as to reach the Executive Secretary not later than the 
end of the next reporting period. In the case of longline fisheries, 
the number of hooks shall also be reported.
    3. A report must be submitted by every Contracting Party taking 
part in the fishery for each reporting period for the duration of the 
fishery even if no catches are taken.
    4. The catch of all species, including by-catch species, must be 
reported.
    5. Such reports shall specify the month and reporting period (A, B, 
C, D, E or F) to which each report refers.
    6. Immediately after the deadline has passed for receipt of the 
reports for each period, the Executive Secretary shall notify all 
Contracting Parties engaged in fishing activities in the area, of the 
total catch taken during the reporting period, the total aggregate 
catch for the season to date together with an estimate of the date upon 
which the total allowable catch is likely to be reached for that 
season. The estimate shall be based on a projection forward of the 
trend in daily catch rates, obtained using linear regression techniques 
from a number of the most recent catch reports.
    7. At the end of every six reporting periods, the Executive 
Secretary shall inform all Contracting Parties of the total catch taken 
during the six most recent reporting periods, the total aggregate catch 
for the season to date together with an estimate of the date upon which 
the total allowable catch is likely to be reached for that season.
    8. If the estimated date of completion of the TAC is within five 
days of the date on which the Secretariat received the report of the 
catches, the Executive Secretary shall inform all Contracting Parties 
that the fishery will close on that estimated day or on the day on 
which the report was received, whichever is the later.

Conservation Measure, 61/XII

Ten-day Catch and Effort Reporting System
    This Conservation Measure is adopted in accordance with 
Conservation Measure 7/V where appropriate:
    1. For the purposes of this Catch and Effort Reporting System the 
calendar month shall be divided into three reporting periods, viz: day 
1 to day 10, day 11 to day 20, day 21 to the last day of the month. 
These reporting periods are hereinafter referred to as periods A, B and 
C.
    2. At the end of each reporting period, each Contracting Party 
shall obtain from each of its vessels its total catch and total days 
and hours fished for that period and shall, by cable, telex or 
facsimile, transmit the aggregated catch and days and hours fished for 
its vessels so as to reach the Executive Secretary not later than the 
end of the next reporting period. In the case of long line fisheries, 
the number of hooks shall also be reported.
    3. A report must be submitted by every Contracting Party taking 
part in

[[Page 66734]]

the fishery for each reporting period for the duration of the fishery 
even if no catches are taken.
    4. The retained catch of all species and by-catch species, must be 
reported.
    5. Such reports shall specify the month and reporting period (A, B 
and C) to which each report refers.
    6. Immediately after the deadline has passed for receipt of the 
reports for each period, the Executive Secretary shall notify all 
Contracting Parties engaged in fishing activities in the area, of the 
total catch taken during the reporting period, the total aggregate 
catch for the season to date together with an estimate of the date upon 
which the total allowable catch is likely to be reached for that 
season. The estimate shall be based on a projection forward of the 
trend in daily catch rates, obtained using linear regression techniques 
from a number of the most recent catch reports.
    7. At the end of every three reporting periods, the Executive 
Secretary shall inform all Contracting Parties of the local catch taken 
during the three most recent reporting periods, the total aggregate 
catch for the season to date together with an estimate of the date upon 
which the total allowable catch is likely to be reached for that 
season.
    8. If the estimated date of completion of the TAC is within ten 
days of the date on which the Secretariat received the report of the 
catches, the Executive Secretary shall inform all Contracting Parties 
that the fishery will close on that estimated day or on the day on 
which the report was received, whichever is the later.

Conservation Measure 65/XII 1.2

Exploratory Fisheries
    The Commission,
    Recognizing that in the past, some Antarctic fisheries had been 
initiated and subsequently expanded in the Convention Area before 
sufficient information was available upon which to base management 
advice, and
    Agreeing that exploratory fishing should not be allowed to expand 
faster than the acquisition of information necessary to ensure that the 
fishery can and will be conducted in accordance with the principles set 
forth in Article II, hereby adopts the following Conservation Measure 
in accordance with Article IX of the Convention:
    1. For the purposes of this Conservation Measure, exploratory 
fisheries are defined as follows
    (i) An exploratory fishery shall be defined as a fishery that was 
previously classified as a `new fishery', as defined by Conservation 
Measure 31/X;
    (ii) An exploratory fishery shall continue to be classified as such 
until sufficient information is available:
    (a) To evaluate the distribution, abundance, and demography of the 
target species, leading to an estimate of the fishery's potential 
yield,
    (b) To review the fishery's potential impacts on dependent and 
related species, and
    (c) To allow the Scientific Committee to formulate and provide 
advice to the Commission on appropriate harvest catch levels, as well 
as effort levels and fishing gear, where appropriate.
    2. To ensure that adequate information is made available to the 
Scientific Committee for evaluation, during the period when a fishery 
is classified as exploratory:
    (i) The Scientific Committee shall develop (and update annually as 
appropriate) a Data Collection Plan, which will identify the data 
needed and describe the actions necessary to obtain the relevant data 
from the exploratory fishery;
    (ii) Each Member active in the fishery shall annually (by the 
specified date) submit to CCAMLR the data specified by the Data 
Collection Plan developed by the Scientific Committee;
    (iii) Each Member active in the fishery or intending to authorize a 
vessel to enter the fishery shall annually prepare and submit to CCAMLR 
by a specified date a Research and Fishery Operations plan for review 
by the Scientific Committee and the Commission;
    (iv) Prior to any Member authorizing its vessels to enter an 
exploratory fishery that is already in progress, that Member shall 
notify the Commission not less than three months in advance of the next 
regular meeting of the Commission, and the Member shall not enter the 
exploratory fishery until the conclusion of that meeting;
    (v) It the data specified in the Data Collection Plan have not been 
submitted to CCAMLR for the most recent season in which fishing 
occurred, continued exploratory fishing by the Member which failed to 
report its data shall be prohibited until the relevant data have been 
submitted to CCAMLR and the Scientific Committee has been allowed an 
opportunity to review the data;
    (vi) Fishing capacity and effort shall be limited by a 
precautionary catch limit at a level not substantially above that 
necessary to obtain the information specified in the Data Collection 
Plan and required to make the evaluations outlined in paragraph 1(ii);
    (vii) The name, type, size, registration number, and radio call 
sign of each vessel participating in the exploratory fishery shall be 
registered with the CCAMLR Secretariat at least three months in advance 
of starting fishing each season; and
    (viii) Each vessel participating in the exploratory fishery shall 
carry a scientific observer to ensure that data are collected in 
accordance with the agreed Data Collection Plan, and to assist in 
collecting biological and other relevant data.
    3. The Data Collection Plan to be formulated and updated by the 
Scientific Committee shall include, where appropriate:
    (i) A description of the catch, effort, and related biological, 
ecological, and environmental data required to undertake the 
evaluations described in paragraph 1(ii) and the date by which such 
data are to be reported annually to CCAMLR;
    (ii) A plan for directing fishing effort during the exploratory 
phase to permit the acquisition of relevant data to evaluate the 
fishery potential and the ecological relationships among harvested, 
dependent, and related populations and the likelihood of adverse 
impacts; and
    (iii) A evaluation of the time-scales involved in determining the 
responses of harvested, dependent, and related populations to fishing 
activities.
    4. Research and Fishing Operations plans to be prepared by Members 
participating or intending to participate in the exploratory fishery 
shall include as much of the following information as the Member is 
able to provide:
    (i) A description of how the Member's activities will comply with 
the Data Collection Plan developed by the Scientific Committee;
    (ii) The nature of the exploratory fishery, including target 
species, methods of fishing, proposed region and maximum catch levels 
proposed for the forth corning season;
    (iii) Biological information from comprehensive research/survey 
cruises, such as distribution, abundance, demographic data, and 
information on stock identity;
    (iv) Details of dependent and related species and the likelihood of 
them being affected by the proposed fishery; and
    (v) Information from other fisheries in the region or similar 
fisheries elsewhere that may assist in the evaluation of potential 
yield.

    \1\ Except for waters adjacent to the Kerguelen and Crozet 
Islands.
    \2\ Except for water adjacent to the Prince Edward Islands.

[[Page 66735]]

Conservation Measure 72/XII

Prohibition of Directed Fishing for Finfish in Statistical Subarea 48.1
    Taking of finfish, other than for scientific research purposes, is 
prohibited in Statistical Subarea 48.1 from 6 November 1993 until at 
least such time that a survey of stock biomass is carried out, its 
results reported to and analyzed by the Working Group on Fish Stock 
Assessment and a decision that the fishery be re-opened is made by the 
Commission based on the advice of the Scientific Committee.

Conservation Measure 73/XII

Prohibition of Directed Fishing for Finfish in Statistical Subarea 48.2
    Taking of finfish, other than for scientific research purposes, is 
prohibited in Statistical Subarea 48.2 from 6 November 1993 until at 
least such time that a survey of stock biomass is carried out, its 
results reported to and analyzed by the Working Group on Fish Stock 
Assessment and a decision that the fishery be re-opened is made by the 
Commission based on the advice of the Scientific Committee.

Conservation Measure 95/XIV

Limitation of the By-catch of Gobinonotothen gibberifrons, 
Chaenocephalus aceratus, Pseudochaenichthys georgianus, Notothenia 
rossii and Lepidonotothen squamifrons in Statistical Subarea 48.3
    This Conservation Measure is adopted in accordance with 
Conservation Measure 7/V:
    In any directed fishery in Statistical Subarea 48.3 in any fishing 
season, the by-catch of Gobinonotothen gibberifrons shall not exceed 
1,470 tons; the by-catch of Chaenocephalus aceratus shall not exceed 
2,200 tons; and the by-catch of Pseudochaenichthys georgianus, 
Notothenia rossii and Lepidonotothen squamifrons shall not exceed 300 
tons each. These limits shall be kept under review by the Commission 
taking into account the advice of the Scientific Committee.

    Dated: December 11, 1996.
R. Tucker Scully,
Director, Office of Oceans Affairs.
[FR Doc. 96-31852 Filed 12-17-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-09-M