[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 172 (Friday, September 4, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47348-47389]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: X98-10904]



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Part II





Department of Commerce





_______________________________________________________________________



National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration



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50 CFR Part 679



Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska: Recordkeeping and 
Reporting Requirements Revisions; Final Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 172 / Friday, September 4, 1998 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 47348]]



DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 679

[Docket No. 980112009-8196-02; I.D. 110697B]
RIN 0648-AK36


Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Revisions to 
Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: NMFS revises permiting, recordkeeping, and reporting 
requirements for fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) off 
Alaska. The revisions made by this rule clarify and simplify existing 
text, facilitate management of the fisheries, promote compliance with 
the regulations, and facilitate enforcement efforts. This action is 
intended to further the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management 
Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska and the Fishery Management 
Plan for the Groundfish Fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands 
Area (FMPs).

DATES: Effective October 5, 1998, except for Sec. 679.5(l)(2)(vi), 
which contains information collection requirements that have not been 
approved by the Office of Management and Budget. NMFS will publish a 
document in the Federal Register announcing the effective date.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patsy A. Bearden, 907-586-7228, or 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    NMFS manages the groundfish fisheries in the EEZ off Alaska 
according to the FMPs prepared by the North Pacific Fishery Management 
Council (Council) under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), 16 U.S.C., 1801 
et seq. The FMPs are implemented by regulations at 50 CFR part 679. 
General regulations that also pertain to these fisheries appear in 
subpart H of 50 CFR part 600.
    On February 19, 1998, NMFS published proposed revisions to several 
sections of the implementing regulations for these FMPs that pertain to 
permitting, recordkeeping, and reporting (63 FR 8389). While some of 
the proposed revisions were substantive, most were technical edits and 
clarifications of definitions. Most of these changes were needed to 
simplify the language. A description of these revisions and their 
justification are presented in the preamble to the proposed rule. 
Public comment was invited through March 6, 1998. No letters of comment 
were received by the end of the comment period.
    A description of the substantive changes follows:
    ADF&G Fish Tickets. The regulations require all motherships to 
submit ADF&G fish tickets.
    Groundfish as bait. This regulation formalizes a policy into 
regulations that has been in effect since 1992 by adding an exemption 
from R&R requirements. A catcher vessel that participates in a crab 
fishery and that takes groundfish in non-groundfish pot gear for use as 
bait on board that vessel is not required to comply with recordkeeping 
and reporting requirements if the bait is neither transferred nor sold.
    Product Transfer Report. This regulation requires that motherships 
and shoreside processors receiving groundfish product documented on a 
product transfer report (PTR) for subsequent reprocessing must record 
the resultant reprocessed product in their DCPL to fully account for 
groundfish product inventory and report the reprocessed product to NMFS 
on a WPR. The submittal deadline for the PTR is revised.
    Logsheet Maintenance and Storage. The final rule revises the 
logsheet submittal instructions to indicate that the logbooks must now 
be submitted to NOAA Enforcement Division in Juneau, AK, and to 
indicate the new address in the regulations.
    Although no written comments on the proposed rule were received, 
many oral comments were received by NMFS staff during recordkeeping and 
reporting discussions at two meetings and two workshops held in 
Seattle, WA, and in Anchorage, AK. These comments pointed out the need 
for additional nonsubstantive changes to the regulations, which have 
been incorporated in the final rule. Those comments that recommended 
substantive changes will be included in the 1999 recordkeeping and 
reporting proposed rule, as appropriate (e.g., how to document 
``pumping'' of fish; develop a new discard category for adulterated 
fish; develop secondary product code level that defines condition of 
end product (i.e., frozen blocks, grades of surimi), add community 
development quota (CDQ) delivery number to logbooks, and develop 
combined NMFS/International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) logbook 
for fixed gear).

Changes to the Final Rule From the Proposed Rule

    The final rule includes the following changes from the proposed 
rule.

Figures

    Figure 14, Scallop Registration Areas, is removed in compliance 
with 63 FR 38501 published July 27, 1998, which removed scallops off 
Alaska from Federal management. Figures 15 and 16 are designated as 
Figures 14 and 15, respectively.

Catcher Vessel Operating Area (CVOA)

    Figures 2 and 9 to part 679 are revised to correct an error that 
occurred in the printing of the coordinates for the CVOA. These 
coordinates are corrected from ``168 deg.'' to read ``167 deg.30'.''

Chinook Salmon Savings Area of the CVOA

    Figure 8a to part 679 is revised to add numbers to the three 
separate salmon savings areas to clarify the coordinates presented in 
Figure 8b to part 679.

Tables

    Table 1--Product codes. NMFS continues to strive for standard 
definitions of species and product codes with ADF&G for simplicity of 
recording by the fishing industry and for comparisons and summaries of 
the agencies' databases. Table 1 to part 679 is revised as follows:
    Product code 02. The definition of code 02 is revised to read: 
``Whole fish/bait. Processed for bait. Sold.''
    Product code 92. Code 92 is revised to read: ``Whole fish/onboard 
bait. Whole fish used as bait on board vessel. Not sold.''
    Product code 32. The definition of code 32 is clarified to read 
``Fish meal. Meal from whole fish or fish parts; includes bone meal.'' 
Product code 32 may be either a primary or ancillary product and is 
used when meal is created from whole fish or fish byproducts by an 
onsite processor. The distinction between meal made from whole fish or 
fish parts under code 32 is indicated through the use of product 
designations A, meaning ancillary (made from parts) or P, meaning 
primary (made from whole fish).
    Product code 33. The definition of code 33 is clarified to read: 
``Fish oil. Rendered oil from whole fish or fish parts.''
    Product codes 41 and M99. Paragraph 679.5(g)(1)(ii) and Table 1 to 
part 679

[[Page 47349]]

are revised to remove code M99 and to replace it with a new product 
code 41, ``whole fish destined for offsite fish meal production.'' The 
ADF&G fish ticket data base is set up to use 2-digit numeric codes and 
cannot use M99. Code M99 originally was set up by NMFS for use by 
shoreside processors in Kodiak, AK, that transferred product to the 
meal plant in Kodiak. Since the implementation of the increased 
retention/increased utilization program (IR/IU), motherships and 
catcher/processors, as well as other shoreside processors, are 
transferring product to offsite facilities for meal production in 
locations other than Kodiak, and a new code is needed to describe this 
activity.
    Product code 86. The title of code 86 is revised from ``Donated 
salmon'' to ``Donated prohibited species,'' and the definition is 
revised to read: ``Pacific salmon or Pacific halibut, otherwise 
required to be discarded, that is donated to charity under a NMFS-
authorized program.'' This change is necessary to accommodate the 
addition by NMFS of a halibut donation program and other future 
programs.
    Product codes 94 and 95. Code 94, currently used for consumption of 
fish, is eliminated. Code 95 is added to read ``Whole fish/personal 
use, consumption. Fish or fish products eaten on board or taken off the 
vessel for personal use. Not sold or utilized as bait.'' Historically, 
NMFS used code 95 to mean discards made by a shoreside processor after 
receipt of groundfish from a catcher vessel but prior to production. 
This discard procedure was later incorporated into code 99 to mean 
discard at any time by a shoreside processor, and code 95 was not used 
by NMFS for several years.
    ADF&G historically used code 95 to mean personal consumption of 
fish but NMFS used code 94 to mean personal consumption of fish. 
Because the use of the two codes to mean the same procedure caused 
confusion within the fishing industry, NMFS adopts ADF&G's use of code 
95 to mean personal consumption of fish.
    Product code 99. The definition of code 99 is clarified to read 
``Discard, onshore. Discard after delivery and before processing by 
Shoreside Processors and Buying Stations delivering to Shoreside 
Processors and in-plant discard of whole groundfish and prohibited 
species during processing.''
    Product Designation R. The definition of product designation R is 
revised in Table 1 to part 679 to include not only product that is 
reprocessed, but also product that is rehandled. Rehandled product is 
fish that is not processed but is handled in some manner before 
shipment, such as packed in totes of ice.
    Reorder codes. Table 1 to part 679 is revised by reordering the 
placement of codes so that codes describing whole fish are grouped 
together. An instructive note is added to this grouping to indicate 
that round weights must be recorded for these codes rather than product 
weight.
    Table 2--Species codes. Table 2 to part 679 is updated to include 
the Latin family names (codes 207, 208, 210, 511, 516, 772, 774) and 
one order name (code 800) for the species identified as forage fish in 
a final rule published in the Federal Register (63 FR 13009, March 17, 
1998).
    Species code 135 is corrected from ``greenstripe rockfish'' to read 
``greenstriped rockfish,'' which is the correct common name for this 
species as used in the specifications, fishery management plans, and 
fish reference books.
    Table 3--Product recovery rates for groundfish species and 
conversion rates for Pacific halibut. The footnotes of Table 3 to part 
679 are updated regarding removal of black rockfish and blue rockfish 
from Gulf of Alaska (GOA) FMP management, as published in the Federal 
Register (63 FR 11167, March 6, 1998).
    Alignment for the row containing FMP species, Bering Sea & Aleutian 
Islands Area (BSAI) Greenland turbot, is corrected. Starting with 
species code 134, values for columns 1 through 12 move left one column.
    Alignment for the row containing FMP species, BSAI Yellowfin sole, 
is corrected. Values for columns 21 through 31 move left one column.
    The title for column 1 is revised from ``Whole food fish 1'' to 
read ``Whole fish 1, 2, 41, 92, and 94,'' and column 2 is removed. All 
of the codes in revised column 1 describe whole fish product with the 
same product recovery rate (PRR) value. The different codes describe 
different uses of the whole fish product. Additionally, codes 92 and 
94, describing discard codes, are removed from the last column and 
added to column 1 because these codes describe product rather than 
discards. Code M99 is removed from the last column because this code is 
replaced with code 41. Code 41 is added to column 1 because it is a 
whole fish product. Due to these revisions, the last column, 
``Discards,'' includes only codes 98 and 99--whole fish discards.
    Regulatory text published in the Federal Register (62 FR 60667, 
November 12, 1997) introduced ice and slime values for product codes 5, 
51, 54, 55, 57, and 58; however, codes 05 and 55 were inadvertently 
omitted from Table 3 to part 679 in that rule. The recordkeeping and 
reporting proposed rule included those codes in Table 3 to part 679. 
NMFS did approve the ice and slime values for product codes 05 and 55 
and this final rule corrects their omission from Table 3 to part 679.
    Alignment for the row containing FMP species, Skates, is corrected. 
Values for columns 7 and 12 move right one column.
    Values for FMP species under column 14, Roe, are added. These 
values were inadvertently omitted from the proposed rule but were 
previously established by other final rules. A value of 0.08 is added 
for FMP species 118, 119, 120, 122, 123, 125, 127, and 134.
    A footnote is added to explain that the product weight of 
groundfish is divided by a PRR to obtain round weight, and the round 
weight of halibut is multiplied by the conversion rate to obtain 
product weight.
    Table 7--Communities determined to be eligible to apply for 
community development quotas. Table 7 to part 679 is revised to correct 
the spelling of a community from ``Ugashi'' to ``Ugashik.''
    Tables 10 and 11--Current GOA retainable percentages and current 
BSAI retainable percentages. Tables 10 and 11 to part 679 are updated 
to include changes published in the Federal Register (63 FR 13009, 
March 17, 1998) that add ``aggregate forage fish'' species as a bycatch 
species.
    Table 10 to part 679 is updated to include changes to the footnotes 
regarding rockfish published in the Federal Register (63 FR 11167, 
March 6, 1998).
    Table 11 to part 679 is updated to include the addition of 
shortraker/rougheye rockfish in the Aleutian Islands as a bycatch 
species published in the Federal Register (63 FR 15334, March 31, 
1998).

Reporting Areas

    COBLZ or RKCSA area. Paragraphs at Sec. 679.5(a) are revised to 
clarify recording requirements for C. opilio Bycatch Limitation Zone 
(COBLZ) or Red King Crab Savings Area (RKCSA) entries:
    Paragraph (a)(7)(v)(B) is revised to include a cross reference to 
Figures 1 and 3 to part 679, which describe reporting areas of the GOA 
and BSAI.
    Paragraph (a)(7)(v)(B)(1) is added to clarify what must be reported 
when a haul or set occurs in more than one reporting area. Paragraph 
(a)(7)(v)(B)(1) is redesignated and revised by dividing the two 
sentences of the paragraph into paragraphs (a)(7)(v)(B)(2) and 
(a)(7)(v)(B)(2)(i);

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    Paragraph (a)(7)(v)(B)(2)(ii) is added to clarify instructions on 
recording the COBLZ or RKCSA areas on a WPR.
    Paragraph (a)(7)(v)(B)(2) is redesignated as (3) and revised to 
clarify instructions on recording the COBLZ or RKCSA areas on a check-
in/check-out report.
    Because the COBLZ and RKCSA areas instructions are very detailed in 
paragraph (a)(7), redundant text was removed from paragraphs (a)(8)(i), 
(a)(9)(i), and (a)(10)(i)(A).

Recording Weight

    Paragraphs at Sec. 679.5 are revised to clarify recording 
requirements for weight information:
    Paragraph (a)(6)(iii)(H) is removed as redundant, since weight 
reporting information is found at (a)(8)(i)(B), (8)(ii)(A) and (B), 
(9)(i)(B), (9)(ii)(A) and (B), (10)(i)(B), and (10)(ii)(A) through (D).
    Paragraphs (a)(8)(ii)(A), (a)(9)(ii)(A), and (a)(10)(ii)(A) are 
revised to clarify that the accuracy required for reporting is to the 
nearest pound (lb) and that the appropriate units of weight must be 
indicated with a check mark in the appropriate box whether records are 
in lb or in metric tons.
    Paragraphs (c)(2)(i)(A) and (ii)(A) are revised to synchronize the 
estimate of total catch weight of groundfish between the regulatory 
text and the logbooks.
    Paragraph (g)(3)(iii)(E) is revised to add a cross reference to 
paragraph 679.5(a)(9)(i).

Definitions--Section 679.2

    Added Definitions. Definitions are added for the terms, ``Primary 
product,'' ``Reprocessed or rehandled product,'' and ``Unsorted 
codend.''
    Revised Definitions. The definition for the term ``Fishing trip'' 
is revised by adding titles to definition paragraphs (1), (2), and (3); 
and by revising text of paragraph (3) by changing the words ``part E'' 
to read ``subpart E.''
    The term ``Transfer'' is revised to clarify two uses of the term: 
For purposes of groundfish fisheries of the GOA and BSAI and for 
purposes of the IFQ/CDQ fisheries.
    Removed Definition. The definition for ``Processor'' is removed 
because this term is a vestige of the Observer Research Plan, not 
applicable for other regulatory uses, and confusing to the industry.

Applicability, Federal Fisheries Permit--Section 679.5(a)(1)

    The paragraph title ``Exemption for vessels less than 60 ft LOA'' 
is added to paragraph (a)(1)(iii) for format consistency because the 
other exemption under this paragraph was given a title in the proposed 
rule.
    Paragraph (a)(1)(iv)(D) is removed as not applicable to Federal 
regulations.

Responsibility--Section 679.5(a)(3)

    Paragraph (a)(3)(iii) is revised to clarify a requirement that the 
logbook be signed by noon of the day following the week-ending date of 
the weekly reporting period.

Participant Identification Information--Section 679.5(a)(5)

    Paragraph (a)(5)(v) is removed since the information ``geographic 
location of operations'' is no longer required. Paragraphs (a)(5)(vi) 
through (viii) are redesignated as (a)(5)(v) through (vii).
    Redesignated paragraph (a)(5)(vi) is revised to clarify the 
recording of representative information on logbooks and forms.

Maintenance of Records--Section 679.5(a)(6)

    Duplication occurred often in the current regulatory text of 
paragraphs (a)(7), (a)(8), and (a)(9). To avoid the confusion that 
often results from duplication, several paragraphs are removed or 
revised for economy of space.
    Page numbering. Paragraph (a)(6)(iii)(A) is revised to include 
instructions on numbering pages through two or more logbooks per year. 
Page numbers are to be consecutive from one logbook to the next, so the 
new logbook will start with the page number that follows consecutively 
the last page number of the first logbook.
    Date. Paragraph (a)(6)(iii)(B) is revised to combine the text of 
four paragraphs concerning catcher vessel and shoreside processor date 
information in two different locations on the logsheet.
    Processor type. Paragraph (a)(6)(iii)(I) is removed as redundant, 
because processor type information is required at paragraph 
(h)(3)(i)(E) for a mothership or catcher/processor check-in/check-out 
report, at paragraph (i)(3) for the WPR, and at paragraph (j)(4) for 
the daily production report (DPR).
    Reporting area. Paragraph (a)(6)(iii)(E) is removed as redundant 
because reporting area information is required at paragraph 
(a)(7)(v)(B).
    Species codes. Paragraph (a)(6)(iii)(F) is removed as redundant 
because species code information is required at paragraphs 
(a)(8)(i)(A), (a)(9)(i)(A), and (a)(10)(i)(A).
    Original/revised report. Paragraph (a)(6)(iii)(G) is redesignated 
as paragraph (a)(6)(iii)(E) because current paragraphs (E) and (F) are 
removed for the reasons stated above. Newly designated paragraph 
(a)(6)(iii)(E) is revised to exempt the DFL, DCL, or DCPL, since these 
logbooks do not have this data requirement.

Active and Inactive Periods--Section 679.5(a)(7)

    Paragraph (a)(7) is reconstructed to integrate regulatory text from 
several sections into this one section, to group similar topics 
together, to remove duplicate text, to add paragraph titles for visual 
clarity, and to create format consistency in regulatory text in order 
to increase readability.
    Paragraph titles are added to paragraphs (a)(7)(i) through (7)(vi) 
and (a)(7)(v)(A) through (E).
    Paragraphs (a)(7)(i), (iii), (iv), and (vi)(A) through (D) are 
revised to specify the requirement is for entries in the DFL, DCL, and 
DCPL.
    Paragraph (a)(7)(v)(C) is revised to clarify the requirement to 
record number of observers.
    Inactive period. Paragraph (a)(14)(i)(B) is redesignated as 
paragraph (a)(7)(iii)(B), and paragraph (a)(7)(iii) is now paragraph 
(a)(7)(iii)(A).
    Gear type. Paragraph (a)(7)(v)(A)(2) is revised to be consistent in 
format with the other paragraphs of this section.
    Paragraph (a)(7)(v)(A)(4) is revised to incorporate requirements 
for both a catcher/processor and a mothership when more than one gear 
type is used to harvest groundfish in the same reporting area.
    A new paragraph (a)(7)(v)(A)(5) is added to clarify that a 
shoreside processor can use the gear type ``PTR TRANSFER'' in the DCPL, 
but cannot record this gear type in a WPR.
    Delivery information. Paragraph (a)(7)(v)(F), which describes 
buying station delivery information, is redesignated as (a)(15)(x) and 
revised to remove duplicate text.
    Active, no fishing activity. Paragraph (a)(7)(vi) is redesignated 
as paragraph (a)(7)(vi)(A), and a paragraph title is added. Paragraphs 
(a)(7)(vii) through (ix) are redesignated as (a)(7)(vi)(B) through (D), 
and paragraph titles are added.

Landings Information--Section 679.5(a)(8)

    Paragraph titles are added to paragraphs (a)(8)(i) and (a)(8)(ii).
    Paragraph (a)(8)(i) is redesignated as paragraph (a)(8)(i)(A).
    Paragraphs (i)(3)(ii) and (j)(4)(ii) are combined and redesignated 
as paragraph (a)(8)(i)(B) to clarify requirements for reporting 
landings on a WPR and DPR.

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    Paragraph (a)(8)(iii), which provides requirements for reporting 
``no landings,'' is redesignated as (a)(8)(i)(C).
    Introductory paragraph (a)(8) is redesignated as introductory 
paragraph (a)(8)(i).
    Paragraph (a)(8)(ii) is revised to remove time-limit language that 
is required at paragraph (f)(2).
    Paragraph (a)(8)(ii)(A) is revised to clarify that daily landings, 
if recorded in lb, must be recorded to the nearest lb, or to at least 
the nearest 0.001 mt, and to indicate with a check mark in the 
appropriate box whether records are in lbs or in metric tons.
    Paragraph (a)(8)(ii)(B) is removed, because the format of the 
shoreside processor DCPL currently allows for records for one weekly 
reporting period to appear on one page, if all factors are the same.
    Paragraph (a)(8)(ii)(C) is revised to clarify calculation 
requirements and is redesignated as paragraph (a)(9)(ii)(B).
    Paragraph titles are added to paragraphs (a)(8)(ii)(A) and (B).

Product Information--Section 679.5(a)(9)

    Paragraph (a)(9)(i) is redesignated as (a)(9)(i)(A) and is revised 
by removing the text ``whether in Alaska State waters or Federal 
waters'' and by adding the text ``COBLZ or RKCSA area if applicable 
under paragraph (a)(7)(v)(B) of this section.''
    Introductory paragraph (a)(9) is redesignated as (a)(9)(i) and is 
revised. The words ``where required'' are removed because the paragraph 
is reorganized so that each paragraph addresses a separate requirement.
    Paragraphs (g)(3)(iii)(E), (i)(3)(iv) and (j)(4)(iii) are combined 
and redesignated as paragraph (a)(9)(i)(B) to clarify requirements for 
reporting product information on a WPR or DPR or products shipped or 
received on a PTR.
    Paragraph (a)(9)(ii) is redesignated as (a)(9)(ii)(A).
    A new introductory paragraph (a)(9)(ii) is added.
    Paragraph (a)(9)(v), which provides requirements for reporting ``no 
production,'' is redesignated as (a)(9)(i)(C).
    Paragraph (a)(9)(iii) is redesignated as (a)(9)(ii)(B) and revised 
to clarify calculation of cumulative total weight.
    Paragraph (a)(9)(iv) is redesignated as (a)(9)(iii).

Discard or Donate Information--Section 679.5(a)(10)

    Introductory paragraph (a)(10) is added.
    Paragraph (a)(10)(i)(A) is revised to include a cross reference to 
prohibited species information.
    Paragraph (a)(10)(i)(B), which provides requirements for reporting 
no discards or donations, is redesignated as (a)(10)(i)(C).
    A new paragraph (a)(10)(i)(B) is added, which incorporates various 
regulatory requirements for reporting discards or donations on a WPR or 
DPR that also appear in the logbook instruction manuals and on the WPR 
and DPR.
    Paragraph (a)(10)(ii)(A) is incorporated into (c) introductory 
paragraph.
    Paragraph (a)(10)(ii)(B) is redesignated as (c)(6)(i).
    Paragraph (a)(10)(ii)(C) is redesignated as (c)(6)(ii).
    Paragraphs (a)(10)(i)(C)(1) through (3) are redesignated as 
(a)(10)(ii)(A) through (C).
    Paragraphs (a)(10)(ii)(A) and (B) are revised to emphasize discard 
or donation weight accuracy requirements and to clarify that the 
cumulative summaries for the weekly reporting period are to be by 
species, reporting area, gear type, COBLZ or RKCSA area if applicable, 
and CDQ number. Also the instruction to make a check mark in the box to 
indicate lb or metric tons is added from the instructions on the 
logsheets.
    Paragraph (a)(10)(i)(C)(4) is redesignated as (a)(10)(ii)(D).
    Paragraph titles are added to (a)(10)(ii)(A) through (D).
    Paragraph (a)(10)(iii)(B) is removed as redundant, since the same 
information is found at (d)(2)(ii).
    Paragraph (a)(10)(iii)(C) is redesignated as (d)(2)(ii)(B), which 
presents time limits for submittal of the blue discard DFL copy and is 
clarified.
    Paragraph (a)(10)(iv) is removed as redundant since the same 
information is found at (c)(2)(ii)(B).
    Paragraph (a)(10)(v)(A) is removed as redundant since the same 
information is found at (e)(1)(ii).
    Paragraph (a)(10)(v)(B) is removed as redundant since the same 
information is found at (a)(10)(ii).
    Paragraphs (a)(10)(v)(C) through (E) are redesignated as 
(e)(2)(iii)(A) through (C) and (f)(2)(iii)(A) through (C).

Contract processing--Section 679.5(a)(11)

    Paragraph (a)(11) is revised to require that either a fisheries 
permit or a processor permit number must be recorded rather than both 
and to add notations that a WPR or DPR are maintained in the same 
manner as the DCPLs.
    The information contained in paragraph (a)(11)(ii) is integrated 
into (a)(11)(i)(A) and (B), and paragraph (a)(11)(ii) is removed.

Submittal, Retention, and Distribution of Logbooks and Forms--Section 
679.5(a)(14)

    In response to industry's, U.S. Coast Guard's, and NMFS 
Enforcement's requests for a simpler procedure for logbook distribution 
requirements, paragraph (a)(14) is revised to consolidate materials 
from paragraphs (a)(14), (a)(15), and (a)(16) and from several other 
sections of the regulations. This consolidation provides instructions 
on logbook and forms submittal, records retention, and integration of 
buying station records. In addition, duplicate text is removed from the 
regulations. Paragraphs (a)(15) and (a)(16) are removed.
    The titles of paragraphs (a)(14) and (a)(14)(i) are revised to 
change the words ``reports and forms'' to read ``forms,'' because there 
are no reports due to NMFS other than forms.
    Descriptions of logbooks are added and a requirement is revised to 
clarify that, if a catcher vessel delivers an unsorted codend, the 
catcher vessel's blue DFL copy should be removed from the logbook and 
discarded.

Delivery Information--Buying Station, Mothership, and Shoreside 
Processor--Section 679.5(a)(15)

    In response to requests for a simpler procedure for delivery 
information requirements, a new paragraph (a)(15) is added to 
consolidate delivery information requirements for buying stations, 
motherships, and shoreside processors by combining delivery text from 
(d)(2)(ii)--buying station, (e)(2)--mothership, and (f)(2)--shoreside 
processor. Additionally, redundant text is removed from the 
regulations, and paragraph (a)(15)(ii) is added to clarify 
documentation requirements for transfer of groundfish products between 
processors.

Catcher Vessel DFL and Catcher/Processor DCPL--Section 679.5(c)

    Introductory paragraph (c) is added.
    The titles of paragraphs (c)(2)(i) and (c)(2)(ii) are revised to 
add references to DFL and DCPL, respectively.
    Paragraph (c)(2)(i)(D) is revised to change the cross reference to 
a discard exemption paragraph from (a)(10)(ii)(B) to (c)(6)(i).
    Paragraph (c)(5) is revised to specify that the requirements in 
this paragraph are for vessels using fixed gear.
    Paragraphs (c)(5)(i) and (ii) are revised to clarify that IFQ 
information is recorded in the DFL in two categories: (1) 
identification of permits and (2) landings.
    Paragraph (c)(6) is added, incorporating information from

[[Page 47352]]

paragraph (a)(10) and is clarified to indicate that the blue DFL copy 
should be removed and discarded if catcher vessel delivery is an 
unsorted codend.

Buying Station DCL--Section 679.5(d)

    Paragraphs (d)(2)(i) and (ii) are incorporated into paragraph 
(a)(15).
    Paragraph (d)(1) is redesignated as (d)(2).
    Paragraph (d)(1)(i) is redesignated as (d)(2)(i) and is revised to 
simplify regulatory language regarding delivery information.
    Paragraph (d)(1)(ii) is split and redesignated as (d)(2)(ii), 
incorporating language regarding discard or donation time-limit 
information, and as (d)(2)(iii) incorporating time-limit language 
regarding recording of all other information.
    New paragraph (d)(2)(ii) is revised to incorporate discard or 
donation information found in paragraph (a)(10)(iii) and in the 1998 
instruction manual.
    A new paragraph (d)(1) is added to provide recording requirements 
for discard or donation information specific to a buying station, 
formerly paragraph (a)(10)(iii)(A).

Mothership DCPL--Section 679.59(e)

    Paragraph (e)(2) is incorporated into (a)(15).
    Paragraph (e)(1) is redesignated as (e)(2).
    A new paragraph (e)(1) is added to attain structural uniformity 
with other sections of the regulations and to incorporate discard or 
donation recording requirements specific to a mothership found in 
paragraph (a)(10)(v).
    Redesignated paragraph (e)(2)(i) is revised to provide an exemption 
from recording IR/IU species information in logbooks within the time 
limit of 2 hours after receipt of each groundfish delivery. This time 
limit was not intended to apply to these species, but, by placement in 
the logbook format, the IR/IU was unintentionally included in the 2-
hour time limit.
    Redesignated paragraph (e)(2)(ii) is revised to incorporate a time 
limit for recording product information formerly found in paragraph 
(a)(9)(ii).
    Paragraph (e)(2)(iii) is added to incorporate a time limit for 
recording discard or donation information formerly found in paragraphs 
(a)(10)(v)(A) and (a)(16)(iv) and to clarify the existing intention 
that catcher vessel and buying station discard or donation information 
be incorporated into the mothership DCPL within existing time limits.
    Paragraph (e)(2)(iv) is added to incorporate a time limit for 
recording all other information formerly found in paragraph (e)(1)(ii).

Shoreside Processor DCPL--Section 679.5(f)

    Paragraph (f)(2)(i) is incorporated into (a)(15).
    Paragraph (f)(1) is redesignated as (f)(2), and an introductory 
paragraph is added.
    Paragraphs (f)(1)(i) and (ii) are redesignated as (f)(2)(i) and 
(ii), respectively, and redesignated paragraph (f)(2)(ii) is revised to 
separate recording requirements for discard or donation information 
specific to a shoreside processor that was formerly found in paragraphs 
(a)(8)(ii), (a)(9)(ii), and (f)(1)(ii).
    Paragraph (f)(2)(iii) is added to incorporate a time limit for 
recording discard or donation information that was formerly found in 
paragraphs (f)(1)(ii), (a)(10)(v)(A), and (a)(16)(iv) and to clarify 
the existing intention that catcher vessel and buying station discard 
or donation information be incorporated into the shoreside processor 
DCPL within existing time limits.
    Paragraph (f)(2)(iv) is added to incorporate a time limit for 
recording all other information formerly found in paragraph (f)(1)(ii).

Product Transfer Report (PTR)--Section 679.5(g)

    Paragraph (g)(1)(i) is redesignated as (g)(1) and is revised to 
clarify that a PTR is required for transfer of donated prohibited 
species and to reference existing exemptions to the PTR requirement.
    Paragraphs (g)(1)(ii) and (iii) are redesignated as (g)(1)(i) and 
(ii), respectively.
    Redesignated paragraph (g)(1)(i) is revised to replace code M99 
(defined as ``discard, offsite transfer. Discarded fish that are 
transferred to any offsite facility for reduction to fish meal or fish 
oil'') with code 41 (defined as ``whole fish/destined for offsite fish 
meal production''). Paragraph (g)(1)(i) is further revised to clarify 
that a PTR is not required for transfer of code 41 groundfish products 
or of code 99 discards.
    Paragraph (g)(1) is revised to clarify and simplify PTR 
requirements and to remove the requirement for completion of one PTR 
for each transfer of groundfish in the specific cases of daily 
aggregated bait sales (paragraph (g)(1)(ii)) and daily aggregated over-
the-counter sales for human consumption (paragraph (g)(1)(iii)). This 
removal of the requirement is accompanied by revision or addition of 
the following paragraphs that address the recording of aggregated bait 
transfer or over-the-counter sales on a PTR: (g)(3)(ii)(C)(2) and (3) 
to integrate specific requirements for recording ``agent;'' 
(g)(3)(ii)(D)(4) and (5) to integrate specific requirements for 
recording ``intended first destination;'' (g)(3)(ii)(E)(1)(i) and (ii) 
and (g)(3)(ii)(E)(2)(iv) and (v) to include former paragraph 
(g)(1)(iii) for recording start and finish ``date and time of product 
transfer.''
    Paragraph (g)(1)(iv) is added to remove the requirement for 
completion of a PTR for each transfer of IFQ or CDQ sablefish in the 
specific case of a processor operator or manager that is also an IFQ 
registered buyer. This change relieves a duplicate reporting burden.
    Paragraph (g)(2)(iii) is added to clarify that a PTR copy does not 
accompany a groundfish shipment or an offload.
    Paragraph (g)(3)(i) is revised to achieve uniform paragraph 
structure within the regulations and to include cross references to 
paragraphs 679.5(a) and (b).
    Paragraphs (g)(3)(i)(A) and (D) are removed, since this information 
has been included in paragraphs (a)(6)(iii)(E) and (a)(5)(vi), 
respectively.
    Paragraphs (g)(3)(i)(B), (C), and (E) are redesignated as 
(g)(3)(i)(A) through (C), respectively.
    Paragraph (g)(3)(i)(C) is revised to remove reference to 
participation information found at paragraph (a)(5).
    Paragraph (g)(3)(ii)(C) is revised to remove ``transport company'' 
from the definition of the term ``Agent'' so that the term refers only 
to ``buyer or distributor.'' This change allows NMFS to determine the 
name of the processor or the buying station receiving the shipment.
    Paragraphs (g)(3)(ii)(E)(1) and (2) are revised to add a cross 
reference to exceptions.
    A title is added to paragraphs (g)(3)(ii)(E)(1) through (3) for 
clarity and uniform paragraph structure.
    Paragraph (g)(3)(ii)(E)(2)(ii) is revised to add the words ``of the 
day'' between ``truck'' and ``leaves.''
    Paragraph (g)(3)(ii)(E)(2)(iii) is revised to remove a cross 
reference to paragraph (a)(6)(iii).
    Paragraph (g)(3)(ii)(F) is revised to require that ``position 
coordinates'' be more accurately defined in terms of latitude and 
longitude in degrees and minutes as stated in the instruction manual.

[[Page 47353]]

Check-in/Check-out Report--Section 679.5(h)

    Paragraphs (h)(2)(i)(B)(i) and (ii) and (h)(2)(ii)(B)(i) and (ii) 
are redesignated as (h)(2)(i)(B)(1) and (2) and (h)(2)(ii)(B)(1) and 
(2), respectively, to correct paragraph designations.
    Paragraphs (h)(3)(i)(A)(5) and (h)(3)(i)(B)(5) are added to request 
processor type. This information was formerly included in paragraph 
(h)(3)(i)(D) before the proposed rule revisions.
    The terms ``date,'' ``time,'' and ``position coordinates'' are 
removed throughout Sec. 679.5(h), and the terms ``date (month-day-
year),'' ``time (to the nearest hour, A.l.t.),'' and ``latitude and 
longitude of position in degrees and minutes'' are added to clarify 
these terms.

Weekly Production Report--Section 679.5(i)

    Paragraph (i)(3) is revised to reformat the paragraph and to 
request processor type. This information was formerly included in 
paragraph (i)(3)(i)(D) before the proposed rule revisions.
    Paragraphs (i)(3)(ii) through (iv) are consolidated, respectively, 
into paragraphs (a)(8) through (10).
    Paragraph (i)(3)(v) is consolidated into paragraph (a)(15).

Daily Production Report--Section 679.5(j)

    Paragraph (j)(4) is revised to request processor type.
    Paragraphs (j)(4)(i) through (iii) are consolidated into paragraphs 
(a)(8) through (10), respectively.

U.S. Vessel Activity Report--Section 679.5(k)

    Paragraphs (k)(2)(i)(A) through (C) are consolidated, respectively, 
into paragraphs (a)(6)(iii)(E), (a)(5), and (a)(5)(vi).
    The requirement, formerly at paragraph (k)(2)(i)(C), for recording 
the date the VAR was completed is removed because this no longer 
appears on the VAR.
    Paragraphs (k)(2)(i)(D) through (I) are redesignated as 
(k)(2)(i)(A) through (F).
    A sentence is added at the end of both redesignated paragraphs 
(k)(2)(i)(A) and (B) to clarify the terms ``return'' and ``depart,'' 
respectively.
    Redesignated paragraph (k)(2)(i)(C) is revised to clarify the 
recording of ``port of landing.''
    Redesignated paragraph (k)(2)(i)(E) is revised to clarify that the 
time is recorded in Greenwich mean time.
    Redesignated paragraph (k)(2)(i)(F) is revised to clarify the 
recording of latitude and longitude of position.

IFQ Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements--Section 679.5(l)

    This section is reorganized to clarify the requirements.
    The term that means NMFS Enforcement Division, Alaska Region in 
Juneau, Alaska, is standardized to read ``NMFS Enforcement, Juneau,'' 
wherever it appears.
    Some requirements on the back of the Registered Buyer Permit that 
were referred to in regulations are moved into regulatory text.
    Introductory paragraph (l) is revised by adding types of reports 
discussed in the section.
    The title to paragraph (l)(1) is revised to read ``Prior Notice of 
IFQ Landing.''
    The title of paragraph (l)(1)(i) is revised to read 
``Applicability.''
    Paragraph (l)(1)(i)(A) is redesignated as (l)(1)(ii), the title 
``time limits'' is added; and the word ``notification'' is replaced 
with ``prior notice.''
    Paragraph (l)(1)(i)(B) is redesignated as (l)(1)(iii), the title 
``information required'' is added; the word ``notification'' is 
replaced with ``prior notice''; and the words ``to whom the IFQ halibut 
or IFQ sablefish will be landed'' are replaced with ``who will be 
responsible for completion and submission of the IFQ landing 
report(s).''
    Paragraph (l)(1)(i)(C) is redesignated as (l)(1)(iv); a title 
``Exemption'' is added; the word ``IFQ'' is added before the word 
``weight''; and a cross reference is corrected to read 
Sec. 679.42(c)(2).
    Paragraph (l)(1)(i)(D) is redesignated as (l)(1)(v), and the title 
``Revision to prior notice'' is added.
    Paragraph (l)(1)(ii) is redesignated as (l)(2) and the title is 
revised to read ``Landing report.''
    Paragraph (l)(1)(ii)(A) is redesignated as (l)(2)(i) and the title 
``Applicability'' is added.
    A new paragraph (l)(2)(ii) is added with the title ``Electronic 
reporting.''
    A new paragraph (l)(2)(ii)(A) is added from the back of the 
Registered Buyer Permit, the first three sentences from the first 
paragraph under the title ``Manner of reporting; the first term 
``NMFS'' is replaced with ``NMFS Enforcement, Juneau'' and the second 
and third ``NMFS'' are replaced with ``NMFS, Alaska Region;'' the terms 
``local NMFS Enforcement Clearing Officer'' are replaced with 
``clearing officer'' to standardize the term.
    A new paragraph (l)(2)(ii)(B) is added from the back of the 
Registered Buyer Permit, the second sentence from the second paragraph 
under the title ``Manner of reporting.''
    A new paragraph (l)(2)(ii)(C) is added from the back of the 
Registered Buyer Permit, the third paragraph under the title ``Manner 
of reporting;'' the first sentence is reorganized; the words ``until 
the IFQ account(s) is properly debited'' are added; the word 
``properly'' is added before the word ``debited'' in the second and 
third sentences; and the words ``pursuant to paragraph (l)(7) of this 
section'' are added to the last sentence.
    New paragraphs (l)(2)(iii) and (iii)(A) are added from the back of 
the Registered Buyer Permit; the last sentence of the first paragraph 
under the title ``Manner of reporting;'' the words ``pursuant to 
paragraph (l)(2)(ii) of this section'' are added after the word 
``granted''; and the word ``Once'' is replaced by ``If'' at the 
beginning of the first paragraph.
    A new paragraph (l)(2)(iii)(B) is added from the manual landing 
report to indicate required signatures.
    Paragraph (l)(1)(ii)(B) is redesignated as (l)(2)(iv); the title 
``Time limits and submittals'' is added; and the word ``IFQ'' is added 
before the words ``cardholder'' and ``cardholder's.''
    Paragraphs (l)(1)(ii)(B)(1) and (B)(2) are renumbered to 
(l)(2)(iv)(A)(1) and (2), respectively; paragraph (l)(2)(iv)(A)(2) is 
revised by adding the word ``IFQ'' before the word ``weight;'' the 
cross reference is corrected to read Sec. 679.42(c)(2).
    A new paragraph (l)(2)(iv)(B)) is added from the back of the 
Registered Buyer Permit, last part of the first sentence of the second 
paragraph under the title ``Manner of reporting;'' the words ``and the 
IFQ accounts properly debited as defined in paragraph (l)(2)(ii)(C) of 
this section'' are added after the word ``completed;'' and the words 
``offload of IFQ landing'' are changed to read ``IFQ landing.''
    Paragraph (l)(1)(iii)(A) is redesignated as (l)(2)(v).
    Paragraph (l)(1)(iii)(B) is redesignated as (l)(3)(i)(C).
    Paragraph (l)(1)(iv) is redesignated as (l)(2)(vi) and is revised 
by removing ``product type landed'' and ``scale weight of the product 
at the time of landing'' and by adding ``the harvesting vessel's ADF&G 
number; the Alaska State fish ticket number(s) for the landing; the 
ADF&G statistical area of harvest by the IFQ cardholder; if ADF&G 
statistical area is bisected by a line dividing two IFQ regulatory 
areas, the IFQ regulatory area of harvest reported by the IFQ 
cardholder; for each ADF&G statistical area of harvest reported by the 
IFQ cardholder, the product code landed and initial accurate scale 
weight made at the time offloading

[[Page 47354]]

commences for IFQ species sold and retained.''
    Paragraph (l)(2) is redesignated as (l)(3), and the title is 
revised to read ``Shipment report.''
    Paragraphs (l)(2)(i) and (l)(2)(i) (A) and (B) are consolidated and 
redesignated as (l)(3)(i) and (l)(3)(i)(A) respectively, and, the title 
of (l)(3)(i) is revised to read ``Requirement.''
    A new paragraph (l)(3)(i)(B) is added from the back of the 
Registered Buyer Permit, fourth paragraph under the title ``Manner of 
reporting'' is revised by changing the words ``of IFQ species commenced 
to leave the landing site'' to read ``commenced.''
    Paragraph (l)(2)(i)(C) is redesignated as (l)(3)(i)(C), and 
paragraph (l)(2)(i)(D) is redesignated as (l)(3)(iii).
    Paragraph (l)(2)(ii)(A) is removed since the requirements in the 
back of the Registered Buyer are incorporated into the regulations with 
this final rule.
    Paragraph (l)(2)(ii)(B) is redesignated as (l)(3)(ii); a title is 
added to read ``Information required.''
    Paragraph (l)(2)(ii)(C) is removed as duplicate.
    Paragraphs (l)(2)(iii), (iii)(A), (iii)(B), and (iii)(C) are 
removed as duplicates.
    Paragraph (l)(2)(iv)(C) is redesignated as (l)(3)(iv); a title is 
added to read ``Dockside sale;'' the words ``A registered buyer 
conducting dockside sales must issue in lieu of a shipment report'' are 
added at the beginning of the sentence; and the words ``through a 
dockside sale'' are removed.
    Paragraphs (l)(2)(iv)(A), (B), and (D) are removed as duplicate.
    Paragraph (l)(2)(v) is redesignated as (l)(4), and the title is 
revised to read ``Transshipment authorization.''
    Paragraph (l)(3) is redesignated as (l)(5); the title is revised to 
read ``Vessel clearance;'' and the words ``the clearing'' are replaced 
with ``a clearing.''
    Paragraph (l)(3)(i) is redesignated as (l)(5)(i), and the words ``a 
person'' are replaced with ``the vessel operator'' to clarify the 
requirement.
    A new paragraph title ``Location of clearance'' is added as 
(l)(5)(iii).
    Paragraph (l)(3)(ii) is redesignated as (l)(5)(iii)(A); the words 
``A vessel obtaining prelanding written clearance'' are replaced with 
``A vessel operator intending to obtain a prelanding written clearance 
for the vessel;'' and the word ``first'' is added before the word 
``provide.''
    Paragraph (l)(3)(iii) is redesignated as (l)(5)(iii)(B), and the 
title is revised to read ``State other than Alaska, Departure report.''
    Paragraph (l)(3)(iii)(A) is redesignated as (l)(5)(iii)(B)(1).
    Paragraph (l)(3)(iii)(B) is redesignated as (l)(5)(iii)(B)(2) and a 
title is added.
    Paragraph (l)(3)(iv) is redesignated as (l)(5)(iii)(C); and the 
article ``a'' is added between ``obtain'' and ``vessel.''
    Paragraph (l)(3)(v) is redesignated as (l)(5)(iv)(D).
    Title for paragraph (l)(3)(vi) is removed.
    Paragraph (l)(3)(vi)(A) is redesignated as (l)(5)(ii)(A).
    Paragraph (l)(3)(vi)(C) is redesignated as (l)(5)(ii)(B).
    Paragraph (l)(3)(vi)(B) is redesignated as (l)(5)(iv), and a title 
is added to read ``Permits and cards.''
    Paragraphs (l)(3)(vii) and (viii) are redesignated as (l)(5) (v) 
and (vi).

Consolidated Weekly ADF&G Fish Tickets From Motherships--Section 
679.5(m)

    Paragraphs (m)(2)(i), (m)(2)(i)(A), and (m)(2)(iv)(F) are revised 
to clarify that the permit referred to is a Commercial Fisheries Entry 
Commission, or a CFEC, permit.
    Paragraph (m)(3)(ii) is revised to clarify that a fax copy of the 
fish ticket from motherships is unacceptable. This clarification 
conforms with ADF&G regulations for submittal of fish tickets.

Prohibited Species Bycatch Management--Section 679.21

    Paragraph (e)(7)(iv) is revised to correct a cross reference from 
(e)(3) to (e)(4) in two places.

Closures--Section 679.22

    Paragraph (a)(3) is revised to correct a cross reference from 
paragraph 679.21(e)(3)(ii)(B) to 679.21(e)(4)(ii)(B).
    Paragraph (a)(5) is revised to add a cross reference to Figure 2--
CVOA.
    Paragraph (a)(6) is revised to add the article ``the'' immediately 
before ``Pribilof Island Area Habitat Conservation Zone.''
    Paragraph (h) is added as a cross reference to forage fish closures 
at Sec. 679.20(i)(3).

Seasons--Section 679.23

    The Federal Register instructional text at paragraph 10 in the 
proposed regulatory text omitted an instruction to revise paragraph 
(g)(3). Therefore, the instructional text is revised.
Classification
    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required 
to respond to nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to 
comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of 
the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) unless that collection of information 
displays a currently valid OMB control number.
    This rule contains collection-of-information requirements subject 
to the PRA. The estimated response times shown include the time to 
review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain 
the data needed, and complete and review the collection of information. 
The collections of information have been approved by the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB), under OMB Control Numbers 0648-0206 and 
0648-0213. OMB Control Number 0648-0272 has been approved except for 
four data elements. See paragraphs below for details. Public comment is 
sought regarding: Whether these proposed data elements are necessary 
for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including 
whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of 
the burden estimate; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity 
of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of 
the collection of information, including through the use of automated 
collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Send 
comments on these or any other aspects of the collections of 
information to Sue Salveson, Assistant Administrator, Sustainable 
Fisheries Division, NMFS, Alaska Region, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 
99802, Attn: Lori Gravel, or deliver to Federal Building, Fourth Floor, 
709 West 9th Street, Juneau, AK, Attn: Lori Gravel, and to OMB at the 
Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and 
Budget, Washington, DC. 20503 (Attention: NOAA Desk Officer).
    1. Approved under 0648-0206--Alaska permits. There are no new forms 
or revisions to forms. The information collection requirements for the 
Federal processor permit are repeated in this rule and have an 
estimated response time of 0.33 hour per response.
    2. Approved under 0648-0213--Alaska Region Logbook Family of Forms. 
Revisions to existing logbooks and forms have the following effects: 
Estimated time for an operator of a catcher vessel with fixed gear to 
complete a DFL decreases from 0.38 hour per response to 0.30 hour per 
response; estimated time for an operator of a catcher vessel with gear 
other than fixed gear to complete a DFL decreases from 0.37 hour per 
response to 0.30 hour per response; estimated time for an operator of a 
catcher/processor with fixed gear to complete a catcher/processor DCPL 
decreases from 0.58 hour per response to 0.50 hour per response; 
estimated time for an operator of a catcher/processor with gear other 
than fixed gear to complete a catcher/processor DCPL decreases from 
0.56 hour per response to 0.50 hour per

[[Page 47355]]

response; estimated time for an operator of a mothership to complete a 
mothership DCPL decreases from 0.55 hour per response to 0.52 hour per 
response; estimated time for a manager of a shoreside processor to 
complete a shoreside processor DCPL decreases from 0.45 hour per 
response to 0.40 hour per response; estimated time for a manager or 
operator of a buying station to complete a buying station DCL decreases 
from 0.42 hour per response to 0.38 hour per response; estimated time 
for a manager or operator of a processor to complete a WPR decreases 
from 0.30 hour per response to 0.28 hour per response; estimated time 
for a manager or operator of a processor to complete a DPR increases 
from 0.17 hour per response to 0.18 hour per response; estimated time 
for a manager or operator of a processor to complete a check-in/check-
out report decreases from 0.13 hour per response to 0.12 hour per 
response for vessel processors and remains constant at 0.13 hour per 
response for shoreside processors; estimated time for a manager or 
operator of a buying station to complete a check-in/check-out report 
decreases from 0.10 hour per response to 0.08 hour per response; 
estimated time for an operator of a vessel to complete a VAR decreases 
from 0.25 hour per response to 0.23 hour per response; removal of 
voluntary submittal of an ADF&G Alaska Commercial Operator's Annual 
Report results in a decrease of 6 hours per response; addition of the 
requirement for motherships to submit ADF&G fish tickets results in an 
increase of 0.58 hour per response.
    The estimated times for completion were printed incorrectly in the 
shoreside processor, mothership, catcher vessel, catcher/processor, and 
buying station logbooks, and represent a longer estimated time than is 
approved under OMB control number 0648-0213. Refer to the inside cover 
of the instruction manuals for the correct time estimates that agree 
with those given above.
    3. Approved under 0648-0272--IFQs for Pacific halibut and 
sablefish. There are no new forms. A request has been submitted to the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval of addition of the 
following data elements to the landings report (Sec. 679.5(l)(2)(v): 
harvesting vessel's ADF&G number; Alaska State fish ticket number for 
the landing; ADF&G statistical area of the harvest reported by the IFQ 
cardholder; if ADF&G statistical area is bisected by a line dividing 
two IFQ regulatory areas, the IFQ regulatory area of harvest reported 
by the IFQ cardholder. The information collection requirements for the 
IFQ Program are repeated in this rule and have the following response 
times: prior notice of landing (0.20 hour per response); landings 
report (0.20 hour per response); shipment report (0.20 hour per 
response); transshipment notice (0.10 hour per response); and vessel 
clearance (0.10 hour per response).
    This action has been determined to be not significant for purposes 
of E.O. 12866. This determination is based on the information gathered 
within the Regulatory Impact Review prepared for regulatory amendments 
to recordkeeping and reporting requirements (November 14, 1997) and on 
a finding of non-significance made for proposed rulemaking.
    The Assistant General Counsel of the Department of Commerce 
certified to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business 
Administration that this rule will not have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities. No comments were 
received regarding this certification. As a result, a regulatory 
flexibility analysis was not prepared.

List of Subjects in 50 Part CFR 679

    Alaska, Fisheries, Recordkeeping and reporting requirements.

    Dated: August 13, 1998.
Rolland A. Schmitten,
Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries 
Service.
    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, 50 CFR part 679 is 
amended as follows:

PART 679--FISHERIES OF THE EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE OFF ALASKA

    1. The authority citation for 50 CFR part 679 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq., 1801 et seq., and 3631 et seq.

    2. In Sec. 679.2, the definition for ``processor'' is removed; the 
definitions for ``C. Opilio Crab Bycatch Limitation Zone (COBLZ),'' 
``Manager,'' ``Reporting area,'' and ``Transfer'' are revised; the 
definition of ``Fishing trip'' is amended by adding headings to 
paragraph (1) and (2) and revising the introductory text of paragraph 
(3), and definitions for ``Ancillary product,'' ``Bled codend,'' 
``Catch,'' ``Central Gulf or GOA Central Regulatory Area,'' ``Deep 
water flatfish,'' ``Discard,'' ``Eastern Gulf or GOA Eastern Regulatory 
Area,'' ``Groundfish product or fish product,'' ``Other flatfish,'' 
``Other red rockfish,'' ``Other rockfish,'' ``Primary product,'' 
``Reprocessed or rehandled product,'' ``Retain on board,'' ``Shallow 
water flatfish,'' ``Unsorted codend,'' and ``Western Gulf or GOA 
Western Regulatory Area'' are added in alphabetical order to read as 
follows:


Sec. 679.2  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Ancillary product means a product, such as meal, heads, internal 
organs, pectoral girdles, or any other product that may be made from 
the same fish as the primary product.
* * * * *
    Bled codend means a form of discard by vessels using trawl gear 
wherein some or all of the fish are emptied into the sea from the net 
before fish are brought fully on board.
* * * * *
    Catch (see 50 CFR 600.10.)
* * * * *
    Central Gulf or GOA Central Regulatory Area means that portion of 
the GOA EEZ that is contained in Statistical Areas 620 and 630 (see 
Figure 3 to this part).
* * * * *
    C. Opilio Crab Bycatch Limitation Zone (COBLZ) (see Sec. 679.21(e) 
and Figure 13 to this part.
* * * * *
    Deep water flatfish (see annual final specifications published in 
the Federal Register pursuant to Sec. 679.20(c).)
* * * * *
    Discard (see Sec. 600.10.)
* * * * *
    Eastern Gulf or GOA Eastern Regulatory Area means the Reporting 
Areas 649 and 659 and that portion of the GOA EEZ that is contained in 
Statistical Areas 640 and 650 (see Figure 3 to this part).
* * * * *
    Fishing trip means:
    (1) Groundfish directed fishing closures or the IR/IU Program. * * 
*
    (2) IFQ program. * * *
    (3) Groundfish observer program. With respect to subpart E of this 
part, one of the following periods:
* * * * *
    Groundfish product or fish product means any species product listed 
in Tables 1 and 2 to this part, excluding the prohibited species listed 
in Table 2 to this part.
* * * * *
    Manager, with respect to any shoreside processor or land-based 
buying station, means the individual responsible for the operation of 
the shoreside processor or land-based buying station.
* * * * *
    Other flatfish (see annual final specifications published in the 
Federal Register pursuant to Sec. 679.20(c).)

[[Page 47356]]

    Other red rockfish (see annual final specifications published in 
the Federal Register pursuant to Sec. 679.20(c); see also ``rockfish'' 
at Sec. 679.2.)
    Other rockfish (see annual final specifications published in the 
Federal Register pursuant to Sec. 679.20(c); see also ``rockfish'' at 
Sec. 679.2.)
* * * * *
    Primary product means a product, such as fillets, made from each 
fish, with the highest recovery rate (see Table 1 to this part).
* * * * *
    Reporting area (see Figures 1 and 3 to this part) means:
    (1) An area that includes a statistical area of the EEZ off Alaska 
and any adjacent waters of the State of Alaska;
    (2) The reporting areas 300, 400, 550, and 690, which do not 
contain EEZ waters off Alaska or Alaska state waters; or
    (3) Reporting areas 649 and 659, which contain only waters of the 
State of Alaska.
    Reprocessed or rehandled product means a product, such as meal, 
that results from processing a previously reported product or from 
rehandling a previously reported product (see Table 1 to this part).
    Retain on board (see Secs. 600.10 and 679.27 of this chapter.)
* * * * *
    Shallow water flatfish (see annual final specifications published 
in the Federal Register pursuant to Sec. 679.20(c).)
* * * * *
    Transfer means:
    (1) Groundfish fisheries of the GOA and BSAI. Any loading, 
offloading, shipment or receipt of any groundfish product by a 
mothership, catcher/processor, or shoreside processor, 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 at any offsite meal reduction plant.
    (2) IFQ/CDQ fisheries. 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 at any 
offsite meal reduction plant.
* * * * *
    Unsorted codend is a codend of groundfish that is not brought on 
board a catcher vessel and that is delivered to a mothership or 
shoreside processor without the potential for sorting. No other 
instance of catcher vessel harvest is considered an ``unsorted 
codend.'' All other catch that does not meet this definition is 
considered ``presorted'' whether or not sorting occurs.
* * * * *
    Western Gulf or GOA Western Regulatory Areas means that portion of 
the GOA EEZ that is contained in Statistical Area 610 (see Figure 3 to 
this part).
* * * * *
    3. In Sec. 679.3, paragraph (b) is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 679.3  Relation to other laws.

* * * * *
    (b) Domestic fishing for groundfish. (1) The conservation and 
management of groundfish in waters of the territorial sea and internal 
waters of the State of Alaska are governed by the Alaska Administrative 
Code at 5 AAC Chapter 28 and by the Alaska Statutes at Title 16.
    (2) Alaska Administrative Code (5 AAC 39.130) governs reporting and 
permitting requirements using ADF&G ``Intent to Operate'' and ``Fish 
Tickets.''
* * * * *
    4. In Sec. 679.4, paragraph (f)(1) is amended by removing the final 
``s'' from the word ``States'' that follows the word ``Alaska;'' and 
new paragraphs (i) and (j) are added to read as follows:


Sec. 679.4  Permits.

* * * * *
    (i) Experimental fisheries permits. (See Sec. 679.6.)
    (j) Salmon donation program permits. (See Sec. 679.26(a)(3).)
    5. Section 679.5 is amended by revising paragraphs (a) through (l) 
and by adding paragraph (m) to read as follows:


Sec. 679.5  Recordkeeping and reporting.

    (a) General requirements--(1) Applicability, Federal fisheries 
permit. Except as provided in paragraphs (a)(1)(iii) and (iv) of this 
section, the following participants must comply with the recordkeeping 
and reporting requirements of this section:
    (i) Any catcher vessel, mothership, catcher/processor, or tender 
vessel, 5 net tons or larger, that is required to have a Federal 
fisheries permit under Sec. 679.4.
    (ii) Any shoreside processor, mothership, or buying station that 
receives groundfish from vessels issued a Federal fisheries permit 
under Sec. 679.4. A shoreside processor, mothership, or buying station 
subject to recordkeeping and reporting requirements must report all 
groundfish and prohibited species received, including:
    (A) Fish received from vessels not required to have a Federal 
fisheries permit.
    (B) Fish received under contract for handling or processing for 
another processor.
    (iii) Exemption for vessels less than 60 ft LOA. A catcher vessel 
less than 60 ft (18.3 m) LOA is not required to comply with 
recordkeeping and reporting requirements contained in Sec. 679.5(a) 
through (j).
    (iv) Exemption for groundfish used as crab bait. (A) Owners or 
operators of catcher vessels who take groundfish in crab pot gear for 
use as crab bait on board their vessels while participating in an open 
season for crab, and the bait is neither transferred nor sold, are 
exempt from Federal recordkeeping and reporting requirements contained 
in paragraphs (a) through (j) of this section.
    (B) This exemption does not apply to fishermen who:
    (1) Catch groundfish for bait during an open crab season and sell 
that groundfish or transfer it to another vessel, or
    (2) Participate in a directed fishery for groundfish using any gear 
type during periods that are outside an open crab season for use as 
crab bait on board their vessel.
    (C) No groundfish species listed by NMFS as ``prohibited'' in a 
management or regulatory area may be taken in that area for use as 
bait.
    (2) Applicability, Federal processor permit. Any shoreside 
processor or vessel operating solely as a mothership in Alaska State 
waters that retains groundfish is responsible for complying with the 
applicable recordkeeping and reporting requirements of this section.
    (3) Responsibility. (i) The operator of a catcher vessel, catcher/
processor, mothership, or buying station receiving from a catcher 
vessel and delivering to a mothership (hereafter referred to as the 
operator) and the manager of a shoreside processor or buying station 
receiving from a catcher vessel and delivering to a shoreside processor 
(hereafter referred to as the manager) are each responsible for 
complying with the applicable recordkeeping and reporting requirements 
of this section.
    (ii) The owner of a vessel, shoreside processor, or buying station 
is responsible for compliance and must ensure that the operator, 
manager, or representative (see paragraph (b) of this section) complies 
with the requirements given in paragraph (a)(3)(i).
    (iii) The signature of the owner, operator, or manager on the DFL, 
DCL, or DCPL is verification of acceptance of the responsibility 
required in paragraphs (a)(3)(i) and (ii) and must be

[[Page 47357]]

signed by noon of the day following the week-ending date of the weekly 
reporting period.
    (4) Groundfish logbooks and forms. The Regional Administrator will 
prescribe and provide groundfish logbooks and forms required under this 
section as shown in Table 9 to this part. The operator or manager must 
use these logbooks and forms or obtain approval from the Regional 
Administrator to use electronic versions of the logbooks and forms.
    (5) Participant identification information. The operator or manager 
must record on all required records, reports, and logbooks, as 
appropriate:
    (i) The name of the catcher vessel, catcher/processor, mothership, 
shoreside processor, or buying station as displayed in official 
documentation.
    (ii) If a catcher vessel, the Federal fisheries permit number and 
ADF&G vessel number.
    (iii) If a shoreside processor, the Federal processor permit number 
and ADF&G processor number.
    (iv) If a buying station, the name and ADF&G vessel number (if a 
vessel) of the buying station, and the name, ADF&G processor code, and 
Federal processor permit number of associated shoreside processor, or 
the Federal fisheries permit number of the associated mothership.
    (v) Except for a DFL, DCL, or DCPL, the following information 
describing a representative's identification: the representative's 
name, daytime business telephone number (including area code), and fax 
or telex number. In addition, if completing a DPR, a VAR, or a 
mothership or catcher/processor PTR or check-in/check-out report, the 
representative's COMSAT number.
    (vi) If a mothership or catcher/processor, the ADF&G processor code 
and Federal fisheries permit number.
    (vii) Signature of owner, operator, or manager (see paragraph 
(a)(3)).
    (6) Maintenance of records. (i) 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, in a printed paper copy; and based on A.l.t.
    (ii) The operator or manager must account for each day of the 
fishing year in the logbook, starting with January 1 and ending with 
December 31. Time periods must be recorded consecutively in the 
logbook.
    (iii) When applicable, the operator or manager must record in each 
report, form, and logbook the following information:
    (A) Page number. (1) Except as provided in paragraph 
(a)(6)(iii)(A)(2) of this section, the operator or manager must number 
the pages in each logbook consecutively, beginning with page 1 and 
continuing throughout the logbook for the remainder of the fishing 
year. If more than one logbook is used in a fishing year, the page 
numbers should follow the consecutive order of the previous logbook.
    (2) The manager of a shoreside processor must number the DCPL pages 
within Part I and Part II separately, beginning with page 1.
    (B) Date, presented as month-day-year.
    (1) If a catcher vessel and the logsheet contains records for more 
than one day, enter the first day of the logsheet at the top of the 
logsheet and the date of each day in the ``catch'' and ``discard/
donate'' sections of the DFL.
    (2) If a shoreside processor, enter the week-ending date of the 
weekly reporting period at the top of the logsheet and the date of each 
day of the week in the ``landings'' and ``discard/donate'' sections of 
the DCPL.
    (C) Time, in military format to the nearest hour, A.l.t.
    (D) Position coordinates, latitude and longitude to the nearest 
minute (optional: record to the nearest second or fraction of minute).
    (E) Original/revised report. Except for a DFL, DCL, or DCPL, if a 
report is the first one submitted to the Regional Administrator for a 
given date, gear type, and reporting area, the report should be 
labeled, ``ORIGINAL REPORT.'' If a report is a correction to a 
previously submitted report for a given date, gear type, and reporting 
area, the report should be labeled, ``REVISED REPORT.''
    (7) Active and inactive periods--(i) Each day of fishing year. 
Account for each day of the fishing year in the DFL, DCL, or DCPL by 
checking the appropriate box to indicate active and inactive periods as 
defined under Sec. 679.2.
    (ii) Separate logsheet. (A) If a mothership, catcher/processor, or 
buying station, use a separate logbook page for each day of an active 
period.
    (B) If a catcher vessel, use a separate logbook page for each day 
or use one logbook page for up to 7 days.
    (C) If a shoreside processor, use a separate logbook page for each 
day or use one logbook page for up to 7 days.
    (iii) Inactive period. (A) Indicate in the DFL, DCL, or DCPL on one 
logbook page the first and last day of an inactive period.
    (B) During an inactive period that extends across two or more 
successive quarters, the operator or manager must complete two 
logsheets: The one to indicate the last day of the first inactive 
quarter and the next page to indicate the first day of the second 
inactive quarter.
    (iv) Fishing activity. Indicate in the DFL, DCL, or DCPL all 
fishing activity, which is defined for each type of vessel 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) Active and conducting fishing activity. If in an active period 
and conducting fishing activity, the operator or manager must record in 
the DFL, DCL, or DCPL:
    (A) Gear type. The gear type used to harvest the groundfish.
    (1) If a catcher vessel or catcher/processor and using hook-and-
line gear, the average number of hooks per skate.
    (2) If a mothership or shoreside processor and groundfish shipment 
is received from a different processor through the use of a PTR, circle 
``PTR TRANSFER.''
    (3) If gear type is not an authorized fishing gear, circle 
``OTHER.''
    (4) If a mothership and groundfish are received in the same 
reporting area but were harvested with more than one gear type or if a 
catcher/processor and groundfish were caught in the same reporting area 
using more than one gear type, the operator must use a separate page in 
the DCPL for each gear type and must submit a separate check-in/check-
out report, DPR (if required), and WPR for each gear type.
    (5) If a shoreside processor and groundfish are received from the 
same reporting area but were harvested with more than one gear type, 
the manager must:
    (i) Use a separate page in the DCPL for each gear type.
    (ii) Except for gear type ``PTR TRANSFER,'' submit a separate 
check-in/check-out report, DPR (if required), and WPR for each gear 
type. The manager must not use the gear type ``PTR TRANSFER'' on a WPR.
    (B) Reporting Area. The reporting area code where gear retrieval 
was completed (see Figures 1 and 3 to this part).
    (1) If a haul or set occurs in more than one reporting area, record 
the reporting area code where gear retrieval was completed, regardless 
of where the majority of the haul or set took place.
    (2) If a catcher vessel or catcher/processor using trawl gear, 
record whether catch was harvested in the COBLZ or in the RKCSA.

[[Page 47358]]

    (i) If recording in DFL or DCPL, use two separate pages, the first 
to record the information from the reporting area that includes the 
COBLZ or RKCSA and the second to record the information from the 
reporting area that does not include the COBLZ or RKCSA.
    (ii) If recording on a WPR, use two separate columns to record the 
part of the same reporting area that includes the COBLZ or RKCSA and 
the part that does not include the COBLZ or RKCSA.
    (3) If a catcher/processor using trawl gear and recording on a 
check-in/check-out report, the operator must submit a separate check-
in/check-out report to record the part of the same reporting area that 
includes the COBLZ or RKCSA and the part that does not include the 
COBLZ or RKCSA area.
    (C) Observers. Except for a buying station, the number of observers 
aboard or on site.
    (D) Number of crew. Except for a shoreside processor, the number of 
crew, excluding certified observer(s), on the last day of the weekly 
reporting period.
    (E) CDQ. Whether harvest is under a CDQ program; if yes, record the 
CDQ number. If fishing under more than one CDQ number, use a separate 
page for each.
    (vi) Active, no fishing activity--(A) Catcher vessel. If a catcher 
vessel, in an active period, and not harvesting or discarding 
groundfish, the operator must check ``ACTIVE, NOT FISHING'' in the DFL 
and briefly describe the reason.
    (B) Catcher/processor. If a catcher/processor, in an active period, 
and not harvesting, discarding, or processing groundfish, the operator 
must record ``ACTIVE, NOT FISHING'' in the DCPL and briefly describe 
the reason.
    (C) Mothership or shoreside processor. If a mothership or shoreside 
processor, in an active period, and not receiving, discarding, or 
processing groundfish, the operator or manager must record ``NO 
RECEIVING OR PROCESSING ACTIVITY'' in the DCPL and briefly describe the 
reason.
    (D) Buying station. If a buying station, in an active period, and 
not receiving, discarding, or delivering groundfish, the operator or 
manager must record ``NO RECEIVING OR DELIVERING ACTIVITY'' in the DCL 
and briefly describe the reason.
    (8) Landings information--(i) General. The manager of a shoreside 
processor must:
    (A) Record and report groundfish landings by species codes and 
product codes as defined in Tables 1 and 2 to this part for each 
reporting area, gear type, COBLZ or RKCSA area if applicable under 
paragraph (a)(7)(v)(B) of this section, and CDQ number.
    (B) If recording landings on a WPR or DPR, report each groundfish 
landing only in metric tons to at least the nearest 0.001 mt.
    (C) If no landings occurred, write ``NO LANDINGS'' for that day.
    (ii) DCPL. The manager of a shoreside processor must record in the 
DCPL:
    (A) Daily landings. The daily combined scale weight of landings 
retained for processing from a catcher vessel or from any associated 
buying station, to the nearest lb or to at least the nearest 0.001 mt. 
Use a check mark in the appropriate box to indicate whether records are 
in lbs or in metric tons.
    (B) Weekly landings. At the end of each weekly reporting period, 
enter for each species and product code the cumulative total scale 
weight of landings for that week, summarized separately by reporting 
area, gear type, COBLZ or RKCSA area if applicable under paragraph 
(a)(7)(v)(B) of this section, and CDQ number. The cumulative total 
weight is calculated by adding the daily totals for that week.
    (9) Product Information--(i) General. The operator of a catcher/
processor or mothership or the manager of a shoreside processor must:
    (A) Record and report groundfish products by species codes, product 
codes, and product designations as defined in Tables 1 and 2 to this 
part for each reporting area, gear type, COBLZ or RKCSA area if 
applicable under paragraph (a)(7)(v)(B) of this section, and CDQ 
number.
    (B) If recording products on a WPR or DPR or recording products 
shipped or received on a PTR, the operator or manager must report each 
groundfish product only in metric tons to at least the nearest 0.001 
mt.
    (C) If no production occurred, write ``NO PRODUCTION'' for that 
day.
    (ii) DCPL. The operator or manager must record in the DCPL:
    (A) Daily production. The daily total, balance brought forward 
(except for shoreside processors), and cumulative total fish product 
weight for each groundfish product to the nearest lb or to at least the 
nearest 0.001 mt. Use a check mark in the appropriate box to indicate 
whether records are in lbs or in metric tons.
    (B) Weekly production. At the end of each weekly reporting period, 
enter for each species and product code the cumulative total fish 
product weight for each groundfish product to the nearest lb or to at 
least the nearest 0.001 mt, summarized separately by reporting area, 
gear type, COBLZ or RKCSA area if applicable under paragraph 
(a)(7)(v)(B) of this section, and CDQ number. The cumulative total fish 
product weight is calculated by adding the daily totals and total 
carried forward (except for a Shoreside Processor DCPL) for that week.
    (iii) Beginning of weekly reporting period. At the beginning of 
each weekly reporting period, the amount is zero, and nothing shall be 
carried forward from the previous weekly reporting period.
    (10) Discarded or donated species information. The operator or 
manager must record or report discards or donations as follows:
    (i) General. (A) Record and report prohibited species (see 
Sec. 679.21(b)) and groundfish discards or donations by species and 
product codes as defined in Tables 1 and 2 to this part for each 
reporting area, gear type, COBLZ or RKCSA area if applicable under 
paragraph (a)(7)(v)(B) of this section, and CDQ number.
    (B) If recording discards or donations on a WPR or DPR, the manager 
or operator must record:
    (1) The weekly cumulative total discard or donation for each 
species and product code of groundfish species, groundfish species 
group, or Pacific herring in metric tons to at least the nearest 0.001 
mt.
    (2) The weekly cumulative total estimated numbers of discard or 
donation for each species and product code of Pacific salmon, steelhead 
trout, halibut, king crab, and Tanner crab.
    (C) If there were no discards or donations, write ``NO DISCARDS,'' 
``0,'' or ``ZERO'' for that day.
    (ii) Logbook--(A) Groundfish and herring. For each discard or 
donation of groundfish, groundfish species groups, and Pacific herring, 
record in the DCPL, DCL, or DFL the date of discard, the estimated 
daily total, balance brought forward (except for shoreside processor 
DCPL), and cumulative total estimated fish discards or donations weight 
to the nearest lb or to at least the nearest 0.001 mt for each fishing 
trip. Use a check mark in the appropriate box to indicate whether 
records are in lbs or in metric tons.
    (B) Prohibited species other than herring. For each discard or 
donation of Pacific salmon, steelhead trout, halibut, king crab, and 
Tanner crab, record in the DFL, DCL, or DCPL, the date of discard, the 
estimated daily total, balance brought forward (except for shoreside 
processor DCPL), and cumulative total estimated numbers for discards or 
donations for each fishing trip.
    (C) Cumulative totals. At the end of each fishing trip, calculate 
the

[[Page 47359]]

cumulative total by adding the daily total and balance forward (except 
for a Shoreside Processor DCPL), summarized separately by reporting 
area, gear type, COBLZ or RKCSA area if applicable under paragraph 
(a)(7)(v)(B) of this section, and CDQ number.
    (D) Beginning of weekly reporting period. At the beginning of each 
weekly reporting period, the amount is zero, and nothing shall be 
carried forward from the previous weekly reporting period.
    (11) Contract processing. 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 Administrator consistently throughout 
a fishing year using one of the following two methods:
    (i) Combined records. Record landings (if applicable), discards, 
and products of contract-processed groundfish routinely in the DCPL, 
WPR, or DPR without separate identification; or
    (ii) Separate records. Record landings (if applicable), discards, 
and products of contract-processed groundfish in a separate DCPL, WPR, 
or DPR identified by the name, Federal processor permit number or 
Federal fisheries permit number, 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 must make all 
logbooks, reports, and forms required under this section available for 
inspection upon the request of an authorized officer.
    (14) Submittal, retention, and distribution of logbooks and forms--
(i) Submittal of forms. Forms other than logbooks and mothership fish 
tickets 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).
    (ii) Submittal of logbooks. (A) For recordkeeping and reporting in 
the groundfish fisheries of the EEZ off Alaska, the operator of a 
catcher vessel, mothership, catcher/processor, or of a buying station 
delivering to a mothership, or the manager of a shoreside processor or 
of a buying station delivering to a shoreside processor is required to 
use the logbooks issued per paragraph (a)(4) of this section, retain 
the logbooks per paragraph (a)(14)(vii) of this section, and submit the 
logbooks and logsheets to NMFS per paragraphs (a)(14)(iv), (v), and 
(vi) of this section.
    (B) The operator or manager of a buying station must maintain a 
separate DCL for each mothership or shoreside processor to which the 
buying station delivers groundfish during a fishing year.
    (iii) Logbook descriptions. The copy sets of each logbook are 
described below:
    (A) Catcher vessel DFL. White, blue, and yellow copies.
    (B) Catcher/processor DCPL. White and yellow copies.
    (C) Mothership DCPL. White and yellow copies.
    (D) Shoreside processor DCPL. White and yellow copies.
    (E) Buying station DCL. White, pink, and yellow copies.
    (iv) Logsheet distribution and retention. The operator or manager 
must distribute or retain the multiple copies of each logsheet as 
follows:
    (A) White, original logsheet. The white copy remains permanently in 
the logbook.
    (B) Yellow logsheet--(1) DFL or DCPL. The yellow DFL or DCPL copy 
is submitted to NMFS per paragraphs (a)(14) (v) and (vi) of this 
section.
    (2) DCL--(I) Buying station. The operator or manager of a buying 
station must submit upon delivery of catch the yellow DCL copy to the 
associated mothership or shoreside processor, along with the ADF&G fish 
tickets for that delivery.
    (ii) Mothership or shoreside processor. The operator or manager of 
the associated mothership or shoreside processor receiving a delivery 
from a buying station must submit the yellow DCL copy to NMFS per 
paragraphs (a)(14)(v) and (vi) of this section after photocopying each 
DCL yellow copy. The manager or operator of the associated mothership 
or shoreside processor must retain these photocopies until the original 
DCL is received from the associated buying station at the conclusion of 
fishing or no later than February 1 of the following fishing year.
    (C) Blue discard logsheet, DFL--(1) Catcher vessel. Except when 
delivering an unsorted codend (see paragraph (c)(6)(i) of this 
section), the operator of a catcher vessel must submit the blue DFL 
copy to the buying station, mothership, or shoreside processor that 
receives the groundfish harvest.
    (2) Buying station. The operator or manager of a buying station 
must submit upon delivery of catch to an associated mothership or 
shoreside processor any blue DFL copies received from catcher vessels 
delivering groundfish to the buying station.
    (3) Mothership or shoreside processor. The operator of a mothership 
or the manager of a shoreside processor must retain the blue DFL copies 
submitted by operators of catcher vessels through the last day of the 
fishing year during which the records were made.
    (D) Pink logsheet, DCL. The operator or manager of a buying station 
must retain the pink DCL copies for each associated mothership or 
shoreside processor for 3 years after the end of the fishing year 
during which the records were made.
    (v) Logsheet submittal address. The yellow copies described in 
paragraph (a)(14)(iv)(B) of this section must be submitted on a 
quarterly basis to: NMFS Office of Enforcement, Alaska Region Logbook 
Program, P.O. Box 21767, Juneau, AK 99802-1767.
    (vi) Yellow logsheet submittal schedule. The yellow copies 
described in paragraph (a)(14)(iv)(B) of this section must be submitted 
to NMFS on the following schedule: Yellow copies from the first 
quarter, by May 1 of that fishing year; yellow copies from the second 
quarter, by August 1 of that fishing year; yellow copies from the third 
quarter, by November 1 of that fishing year; and yellow copies from the 
fourth quarter, by February 1 of the following fishing year.
    (vii) Retention of logbooks and forms. (A) The operator of a 
catcher vessel must retain the original (white) copy of all DFLs per 
paragraph (a)(14)(vii)(E) of this section.
    (B) The operator of a catcher/processor or mothership or the 
manager of a shoreside processor must retain the white copy of all 
DCPLs per paragraph (a)(14)(vii)(E) of this section.
    (C) The operator of a mothership or the manager of a shoreside 
processor must retain the white copy of the DCL from each associated 
buying station per paragraph (a)(14)(vii)(E) of this section.
    (D) The operator of a catcher/processor or mothership or the 
manager of a shoreside processor must retain a paper copy of all forms 
submitted to NMFS, including those forms that were originally submitted 
electronically per paragraph (a)(14)(vii)(E) of this section.

[[Page 47360]]

    (E) The operator of a catcher/processor or mothership or the 
manager of a shoreside processor must make the logbook copies and paper 
forms required in paragraphs (a)(14)(vii)(A) through (D) of this 
section available for inspection by an authorized officer:
    (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 logbooks and forms are retained.
    (2) For 3 years after the end of the fishing year during which the 
records were made.
    (15) Delivery information for buying station, mothership, and 
shoreside processor. The operator of a mothership or buying station 
delivering to a mothership or the manager of a shoreside processor or 
buying station delivering to a shoreside processor must record the 
following information in the ``delivery information section'' of the 
Buying Station DCL, Mothership DCPL, or Shoreside Processor DCPL:
    (i) If groundfish delivery was made by a catcher vessel or buying 
station, write ``CV'' or ``BS,'' respectively.
    (ii) If groundfish delivery was made by another processor, record:
    (A) A dash (--) in the CV/BS column, in the receive/discard column, 
and in the fish ticket column.
    (B) Name and ADF&G code of the processor that delivered the 
groundfish.
    (C) Time the delivery was completed.
    (D) Estimated total round weight of the groundfish. Option: record 
actual weights by species, if known.
    (iii) If groundfish delivery is from a catcher vessel, whether the 
blue DFL copies were submitted at time of delivery. If not submitted, 
record the response ``NO'' and a ``P'' to indicate the catcher vessel 
does not have a Federal fisheries permit; an ``L'' to indicate the 
catcher vessel is under 60 ft (18.3 m) length overall (LOA); or a ``U'' 
to indicate the catcher vessel delivered an unsorted codend. If a 
catcher vessel is under 60 ft (18.3 m) LOA and also does not have a 
Federal fisheries permit, record a ``P.''
    (iv) Name and ADF&G vessel number (if applicable) of the catcher 
vessel or buying station delivering the groundfish.
    (v) Date and time (to the nearest hour, A.l.t.) when receipt of 
groundfish catch is completed.
    (vi) If a mothership, latitude and longitude (to the nearest 
minute) of the mothership position when the groundfish catch is 
received. Option: Record to nearest second or fraction of minute.
    (vii) Estimated total groundfish delivery weight of the groundfish 
catch to the nearest lb or to the nearest mt.
    (viii) ADF&G fish ticket numbers issued to catcher vessels for the 
weekly reporting period, including the fish ticket numbers issued by an 
associated buying station.
    (ix) If a shoreside processor and located in a state other than 
Alaska, the manager must record the fish ticket number issued through 
that state. If a state fish ticket system is unavailable, the manager 
must record the catch receipt number.
    (x) If a buying station, the name and ADF&G processor code of the 
associated mothership or shoreside processor to which groundfish 
deliveries were made.
    (b) Representative. The operator of a catcher vessel, mothership, 
catcher/processor, or buying station delivering to a mothership or 
manager of a shoreside processor or buying station delivering to a 
shoreside processor may identify one person to fill out and sign the 
logbook, to complete the recordkeeping and reporting forms, and to 
identify 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 under paragraph 
(a)(3) of this section.
    (c) Catcher vessel DFL and catcher/processor DCPL. In addition to 
requirements described in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, the 
operator of a catcher vessel or catcher/processor must record:
    (1) Pair trawls. If two catcher vessels are dragging a trawl 
between them (pair trawl), a separate DFL must be maintained by each 
vessel. 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) Catcher vessel DFL. The operator 
of a catcher vessel must record in the DFL:
    (A) The time, position, and estimated total catch weight of 
groundfish within 2 hours after gear retrieval.
    (B) Discard or donation information as described at paragraph 
(a)(10) of this section each day on the day they occur; all other 
information required in the DFL by noon of the day following gear 
retrieval.
    (C) Notwithstanding other time limits, all information required in 
the DFL within 2 hours after the vessel's catch is offloaded.
    (D) Except as provided at paragraph (c)(6)(i) of this section, 
within 2 hours of completion of catch delivery information, the 
operator must submit the blue DFL copies with delivery of the harvest 
to the operator of a mothership or a buying station delivering to a 
mothership, or to the manager of a shoreside processor or buying 
station delivering to a shoreside processor.
    (ii) Catcher/processor DCPL. The operator of a catcher/processor 
must record in the DCPL, for each haul or set:
    (A) The time, position, and estimated total catch weight of 
groundfish within 2 hours after gear retrieval.
    (B) Product and discard or donation information as described at 
paragraphs (a)(9) and (a)(10) of this section each day on the day they 
occur; all other information required in the DCPL by noon of the day 
following completion of production.
    (C) Notwithstanding other time limits, record all information 
required in the DCPL within 2 hours after the vessel's catch is 
offloaded.
    (3) Haul/set information. In addition to requirements described in 
paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, the operator of a catcher 
vessel or catcher/processor must record the following information for 
each haul or set:
    (i) The number of haul or set, sequentially by year;
    (ii) If the vessel is using 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 date (month-day-year), begin time (to the nearest hour) 
and position coordinates (to the nearest minute) of gear deployment;
    (iv) The date (month-day-year), end time (to the nearest hour), and 
position coordinates (to the nearest minute) of gear retrieval;
    (v) The average sea depth and average gear depth, recorded to the 
nearest meter or fathom;
    (vi) The estimated total round catch weight of the groundfish catch 
in lbs or to the nearest mt. If fishing in IFQ halibut fishery, enter 
the estimated total weight of groundfish bycatch;
    (vii) The round catch weight of pollock and Pacific cod;
    (viii) If fishing in an IFQ fishery, the estimated round catch 
weight of IFQ sablefish;
    (ix) If fishing in an IFQ fishery, the round catch weight of 
rockfish and Pacific cod; and
    (x) When fishing in an IFQ fishery and the fishery for Pacific cod 
or rockfish is closed to directed fishing in that reporting area as 
described in Sec. 679.20, the operator must record up to and including 
the maximum retainable bycatch amount for Pacific cod or rockfish as 
defined in Table 10 or 11 to this part; quantities over this amount 
must be recorded in the discard or donation section.

[[Page 47361]]

    (4) Catcher vessel delivery information. The operator of a catcher 
vessel must record:
    (i) The date of delivery.
    (ii) The name, ADF&G processor code, and ADF&G fish ticket 
number(s) provided by the operator of the mothership or of the buying 
station delivering to a mothership, or by the manager of a shoreside 
processor or of a buying station delivering to a shoreside processor.
    (5) IFQ data. The operator of a catcher vessel or catcher/processor 
using fixed gear must record IFQ information as follows:
    (i) IFQ Identification. (A) Check ``YES'' or ``NO'' to record if 
persons aboard have authorized IFQ permits.
    (B) If ``YES,'' record the following:
    (1) Vessel operator's (captain's) name and IFQ permit number, if 
any.
    (2) Name of each IFQ holder aboard the vessel and each holder's IFQ 
permit number.
    (ii) IFQ landings. If IFQ landings are made, the operator must 
record the following:
    (A) Month and day of landing.
    (B) Name of registered buyer.
    (C) Name of unloading port.
    (6) Discard or donation information, catcher vessel. In addition to 
the requirements in paragraph (a)(10) of this section, the operator of 
a catcher vessel must record in the DFL:
    (i) Unsorted codends. If deliveries to a mothership or shoreside 
processor are unsorted codends, the catcher vessel is exempt from 
recording discards in the DFL and from submittal of the blue DFL copy 
(discards copy) for that delivery (see paragraph (a)(14)(iv)(C) of this 
section). The operator must check the box entitled ``unsorted codend'' 
and must remove and discard the blue DFL copy.
    (ii) Presorted delivery. Except as provided at Sec. 679.27(d), if 
the deliveries of a catcher vessel are presorted at sea or if the 
catcher vessel has ``bled'' a codend prior to delivery to a mothership, 
shoreside processor, or buying station, the operator must:
    (A) Check the ``presorted delivery'' box.
    (B) Enter the estimated amount of discards or donations by species 
in the DFL.
    (d) Buying station DCL--(1) General. In addition to requirements 
described in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, the operator or 
manager of a buying station must record discard or donation information 
in the DCL that:
    (i) Are reported on a blue DFL copy by a catcher vessel delivering 
to a buying station.
    (ii) Occur after receipt of harvest from a catcher vessel.
    (iii) Occur prior to delivery of harvest to a mothership or 
shoreside processor.
    (2) Time limits. The operator or manager of a buying station must 
record:
    (i) Catcher vessel ``delivery information'' within 2 hours after 
completion of receipt of each groundfish delivery.
    (ii) Discard or donation information as described at paragraph 
(a)(10) of this section:
    (A) Each day on the day discards or donations occur:
    (1) After receipt of harvest from a catcher vessel is completed; 
and
    (2) Prior to delivery of harvest to a mothership or shoreside 
processor.
    (B) On the day the blue DFL copy is received from a catcher vessel 
delivering groundfish to the buying station;
    (iii) All other information required in the DCL by noon of the day 
following the day the receipt of groundfish was completed.
    (e) Mothership DCPL--(1) General. In addition to requirements 
described in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, the operator of a 
mothership must record discard or donation information in the DCPL 
that:
    (i) Is reported on a blue DFL copy by a catcher vessel or on a 
yellow DCL copy by a buying station delivering groundfish to a 
mothership.
    (ii) Occurs on site after receipt of groundfish from a catcher 
vessel or buying station.
    (iii) Occurs during processing of groundfish.
    (2) Time limits. The operator of a mothership must record:
    (i) Except for records of round weight catch for IR/IU species 
pollock and Pacific cod, ``delivery information'' in the DCPL within 2 
hours after receipt of each groundfish delivery.
    (ii) Product information as described at paragraph (a)(9) of this 
section each day on the day they occur.
    (iii) Discard or donation information as described at paragraphs 
(a)(10) and (e)(1) of this section:
    (A) Each day on the day they occur:
    (1) On site after receipt of groundfish from a catcher vessel.
    (2) During processing of groundfish.
    (B) On the day the blue DFL copy is received from a catcher vessel 
delivering groundfish to the mothership.
    (C) On the day the yellow DCL copy is received from a buying 
station delivering groundfish to a mothership.
    (iv) All other information required in the DCPL by noon of the day 
following the day of production completion.
    (f) Shoreside processor DCPL--(1) General. In addition to 
requirements described in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, the 
manager of a shoreside processor must record in the DCPL:
    (i) The management area (BSAI or GOA) for the product where the 
groundfish was harvested on each section of the Part II logsheet.
    (ii) Discard or donation information in the DCPL that:
    (A) Is reported on a blue DFL copy by a catcher vessel or on a 
yellow DCL copy by a buying station delivering groundfish to a 
mothership.
    (B) Occurs on site after receipt of groundfish from a catcher 
vessel or buying station.
    (C) Occurs during processing of groundfish.
    (2) Time limits. The manager of a shoreside processor must record:
    (i) All catcher vessel or buying station ``delivery information'' 
within 2 hours after completion of receipt of each groundfish delivery.
    (ii) Landings and product information as described at paragraphs 
(a)(8) and (a)(9), respectively, of this section each day on the day 
they occur.
    (iii) Discard or donation information as described at paragraph 
(a)(10) of this section:
    (A) Each day on the day they occur:
    (1) On site after receipt of groundfish from a catcher vessel.
    (2) During processing of groundfish.
    (B) On the day the blue DFL copy is received from a catcher vessel 
delivering groundfish to a shoreside processor.
    (C) On the day the yellow DCL copy is received from a buying 
station delivering groundfish to a shoreside processor.
    (iv) All other information required in the DCPL by noon of the day 
following the day of production completion.
    (g) Groundfish Product Transfer Report (PTR)--(1) Requirement. 
Except as provided in paragraphs (g)(1) (i) through (iv) of this 
section, the operator of a mothership or catcher/processor or the 
manager of a shoreside processor must record each transfer of 
groundfish product or donated prohibited species on a separate PTR.
    (i) Product codes 41 and 99. The operator or manager does not 
report those fish products, defined as product code 41 in Table 1 to 
this part, that are destined for offsite fish meal production or those 
fish products, defined as product code 99 in Table 1 to this part that 
are subsequently transferred for discard at sea.
    (ii) Bait sales. The operator or manager may aggregate individual 
sales or transfers of groundfish to vessels for bait purposes during a 
day onto one PTR when recording the amount of such bait product leaving 
a facility that day.

[[Page 47362]]

    (iii) Over-the-counter groundfish sales. The operator or manager 
may aggregate individual over-the-counter sales of groundfish for human 
consumption in quantities less than 10 lb (0.0045 mt) per sale during a 
day onto one PTR when recording the amount of such over-the-counter 
product leaving a facility that day.
    (iv) IFQ registered buyer. If the operator of a mothership or 
catcher/processor or the manager of a shoreside processor possesses a 
registered buyer permit issued per Sec. 679.4(d)(2), the operator or 
manager is not required to submit a PTR to document shipment of IFQ or 
CDQ sablefish product. However, a shipment report as described at 
paragraph (l)(3) of this section is required for each shipment of IFQ 
or CDQ sablefish product.
    (2) Time limits and submittal. The operator of a mothership or 
catcher/processor or manager of a shoreside processor must:
    (i) Record all product transfer information on a PTR within 2 hours 
of the completion of the transfer.
    (ii) Submit by fax a copy of each PTR to the NMFS Alaska 
Enforcement Division by 1200 hours, A.l.t., on the Tuesday following 
the end of the applicable weekly reporting period in which the transfer 
occurred.
    (iii) A PTR is not required to accompany a shipment or offload.
    (3) Information required--(i) General. In addition to requirements 
described in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, the operator of a 
mothership or catcher/processor or the manager of a shoreside processor 
must record on a PTR:
    (A) Page numbers must be numbered consecutively, starting with the 
first transfer of the fishing year as page 1 and continuing throughout 
the remainder of the fishing year.
    (B) ``RECEIPT,'' if product (including raw fish) is received; 
``OFFLOAD,'' if product (including raw fish) is offloaded from a 
mothership or catcher/processor; ``SHIPMENT,'' if product (including 
raw fish) is shipped from a shoreside processor.
    (C) If a catcher/processor or mothership, the USCG documentation 
number.
    (ii) Transfer information. The operator of a catcher/processor or 
mothership or manager of a shoreside processor must record on each page 
the following information for each transfer:
    (A) Vessel name. If another vessel is involved with the transfer, 
the name and call sign of the vessel receiving or delivering groundfish 
or groundfish products.
    (B) Port of landing. If a mothership or catcher/processor and the 
transfer takes place in port, the port of landing and country, if a 
foreign location.
    (C) Agent. (1) Except as provided in paragraphs (g)(3)(ii)(C)(2) 
and (g)(3)(ii)(C)(3) of this section, enter the agent's name, which, 
for purposes of this section, is defined as the buyer or the 
distributor.
    (2) If groundfish bait transfer or sales are aggregated onto a PTR 
for a given day as described at paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this section, 
enter ``fishing vessels.''
    (3) If groundfish over-the-counter sales are aggregated onto a PTR 
for a given day as described at paragraph (g)(1)(iii) of this section, 
enter ``over-the-counter sales.''
    (D) Intended first destination of product. (1) If an offload or 
shipment, the intended destination of the vessel or agent receiving the 
groundfish or groundfish product.
    (2) If an offload or shipment has several destinations, the first 
intended destination.
    (3) If offload or shipment has a single destination but requires 
loading on multiple vans, trucks, or airline flights, the transfer may 
be recorded on a single PTR page.
    (4) If groundfish bait sales are aggregated onto a PTR for a given 
day as described at paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this section, enter 
``bait.''
    (5) If groundfish over-the-counter sales are aggregated onto a PTR 
for a given day as described at paragraph (g)(1)(iii) of this section, 
enter ``over-the-counter sales.''
    (E) Date and time of product transfer--(1) Start. Except as 
provided in paragraphs (g)(3)(ii)(E)(1)(i) and (ii) of this section, 
the date and time, as described in paragraph (a)(6)(iii) of this 
section the transfer starts.
    (i) Bait sales. If groundfish bait sales are aggregated onto a PTR 
for a given day, the transfer start time is the time of the first bait 
sale.
    (ii) Over-the-counter sales. If groundfish over-the-counter sales 
are aggregated onto a PTR for a given day, the transfer start time is 
the time of the first over-the-counter sale.
    (2) Finish. Except as provided in paragraphs (g)(3)(ii)(E)(2)(i) 
through (v) of this section, the date and time, as described in 
paragraph (a)(6)(iii) of this section, the transfer is completed.
    (i) Individual van or flight. If shipment is an individual van load 
or flight, the date and time when each shipment leaves the plant.
    (ii) Multiple vans or trucks. If shipment involves multiple vans or 
trucks, record date and time when the last van or truck of the day 
leaves the plant.
    (iii) Multiple airline flights. If shipment involves multiple 
airline flights, record date and time when the last airline flight 
shipment of the day leaves the plant.
    (iv) Bait sales. If PTR is for aggregated groundfish bait sales for 
a given day, the transfer finish time is the time of the last bait 
sale.
    (v) Over-the-counter sales. If PTR is for aggregated groundfish 
over-the-counter sales for a given day, the transfer finish time is the 
time of the last over-the-counter sale.
    (F) Position transferred. If a catcher/processor or mothership and 
transfer of product is made at sea, the latitude and longitude of the 
transfer position in degrees and minutes.
    (iii) Products and quantities offloaded, shipped, or received. The 
operator of a catcher/processor or mothership or manager of a shoreside 
processor must record the following information:
    (A) If a catcher/processor or mothership, the harvest zone code of 
the area in which groundfish were harvested as defined in Table 8 to 
this part.
    (B) The species code and product code for each product transferred 
as defined in Tables 1 and 2 to this part.
    (C) The number of cartons or production units transferred.
    (D) The average net weight of one carton for each species and 
product code in kilograms or lbs.
    (E) The total net weight (fish product weight, to the nearest 0.001 
mt) of the products transferred.
    (iv) Total or partial offload. If a catcher/processor or 
mothership, whether the transfer is a total or partial offload. If 
partial offload, the total fish product weight, to the nearest 0.001 
mt, of the products (by harvest zone, species and product codes) 
remaining on board after this transfer.
    (h) Check-in/check-out report--(1) Applicability--(i) 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.
    (ii) Multiple vessel operations categories--(A) Check-in report. 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.
    (B) Check-out report. 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 (BEGIN 
message)--(A)

[[Page 47363]]

Catcher/processor--(1) Using hook-and-line or pot gear. (i) Before the 
operator of a catcher/processor using hook-and-line or pot gear sets 
gear for groundfish in any reporting area except 300, 400, 550, or 690, 
the operator must submit a check-in report (BEGIN message) by fax to 
the Regional Administrator.
    (ii) The operator of a catcher/processor using hook-and-line or pot 
gear may be checked-in to more than one area simultaneously.
    (2) Using other than hook-and-line or pot gear. (i) Before the 
operator of a catcher/processor using other than hook-and-line or pot 
gear commences fishing for groundfish in any reporting area except 300, 
400, 550, or 690, the operator must submit a check-in report (BEGIN 
message) by fax to the Regional Administrator.
    (ii) The operator of a catcher/processor using other than hook-and-
line or pot gear may be checked-in to only one area at a time.
    (B) Mothership, shoreside processor, buying station. (1) Before a 
mothership, shoreside processor, or buying station commences receipt of 
groundfish from any reporting area except 300, 400, 550, or 690, the 
operator or manager must submit a check-in report (BEGIN message) by 
fax to the Regional Administrator.
    (2) The operator of a mothership may be checked into more than one 
area simultaneously.
    (C) Directed fishing under a CDQ allocation. The operator must 
submit by fax a check-in report to the Regional Administrator prior to 
directed fishing for each CDQ allocation.
    (ii) Check-out report (CEASE message)--(A) Catcher/processor--(1) 
Using hook-and-line or pot gear. (i) If a catcher/processor using hook-
and-line or pot gear departs a reporting area and gear retrieval is 
complete from that area, the operator must submit by fax a check-out 
report to the Regional Administrator within 24 hours after departing a 
reporting area.
    (ii) If a catcher/processor using hook-and-line or pot gear is 
checked-in to multiple reporting areas, the operator must submit a 
check-out report for each reporting area by fax.
    (2) Using other than hook-and-line or pot gear. If a catcher/
processor using other than hook-and-line or pot gear departs a 
reporting area, the operator must submit by fax a check-out report to 
the Regional Administrator within 24 hours after departing a reporting 
area but prior to checking-in another reporting area.
    (B) Mothership or buying station delivering to a mothership. (1) If 
a mothership or buying station delivering to a mothership completes 
receipt of groundfish, the operator must submit a check-out report by 
fax to the Regional Administrator within 24 hours after departing a 
reporting area.
    (2) If a mothership is checked-in to multiple reporting areas, the 
operator must submit a check-out report for each reporting area by fax.
    (C) Shoreside processor. If a shoreside processor, the manager:
    (1) Must submit a check-out report by fax to the Regional 
Administrator within 48 hours after the end of the applicable weekly 
reporting period that a shoreside processor ceases to process 
groundfish for the fishing year.
    (2) May submit a check-out report by fax to the Regional 
Administrator when receipt or processing of groundfish is temporarily 
halted during the fishing year for a period of at least two weekly 
reporting periods.
    (D) Buying station delivering to a shoreside processor. If a land-
based buying station delivering to a shoreside processor, the manager:
    (1) Must submit a check-out report by fax to the Regional 
Administrator within 24 hours after delivery of groundfish ceases for 
the fishing year.
    (2) May submit a check-out report by fax to the Regional 
Administrator when receipt of groundfish is temporarily halted during 
the fishing year for a period of at least two weekly reporting periods.
    (E) End of fishing year. If a check-out report has not previously 
been submitted during a fishing year, the operator or manager must 
submit a check-out report at the end of that fishing year, December 31.
    (F) Directed fishing under a CDQ allocation. The operator must 
submit a check-out report by fax to the Regional Administrator within 
24 hours after directed fishing for each species under each CDQ 
allocation has ceased.
    (3) General information. In addition to requirements described in 
paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, the operator of a catcher/
processor, mothership, or of a buying station delivering to a 
mothership or the manager of a shoreside processor or buying station 
delivering to a shoreside processor must record:
    (i) BEGIN message--(A) Mothership. (1) Date (month-day-year) and 
time (to the nearest hour, A.l.t.) that receipt of groundfish begins.
    (2) Latitude and longitude of position in degrees and minutes where 
groundfish receipt begins.
    (3) Reporting area code where groundfish receipt begins and whether 
mothership is receiving groundfish in the COBLZ or RKCSA area.
    (4) Primary and secondary species expected to be received the 
following week. A change in intended target species within the same 
reporting area does not require a new BEGIN message.
    (5) Whether acting as a mothership or catcher/processor.
    (B) Catcher/processor. (1) Date (month-day-year) and time (to the 
nearest hour, A.l.t.) that gear is deployed.
    (2) Latitude and longitude of position in degrees and minutes where 
gear is set.
    (3) Reporting area code where gear deployment begins and whether 
catcher/processor is located in the COBLZ or RKCSA area.
    (4) Primary and secondary species expected to be harvested the 
following week. A change in intended target species within the same 
reporting area does not require a new BEGIN message.
    (5) Whether acting as a mothership or catcher/processor.
    (C) Shoreside processor. (1) Date (month-day-year) the facility 
will begin to receive groundfish.
    (2) Whether checking in for the first time at the beginning of the 
fishing year or checking in to restart receipt and processing of 
groundfish after filing a check-out report.
    (D) Buying station. (1) If delivering to a mothership, reporting 
area code where groundfish receipt begins.
    (2) Date (month-day-year) facility will begin to receive 
groundfish.
    (3) Whether checking in at the beginning of the fishing year or 
checking in to restart after filing a check-out report.
    (4) Intended primary target species expected to be received the 
following week. A change in intended target species within the same 
reporting area does not require a new BEGIN message.
    (ii) CEASE message--(A) Mothership. Date (month-day-year), time (to 
the nearest hour, A.l.t.), and latitude and longitude of position in 
degrees and minutes where the last receipt of groundfish was made.
    (B) Catcher/processor. Date (month-day-year), time (to the nearest 
hour, A.l.t.), and latitude and longitude of position in degrees and 
minutes where the vessel departed the reporting area.
    (C) Shoreside processor. Date (month-day-year) that receipt of 
groundfish ceased.
    (D) Buying station. (1) If delivering to a mothership, date (month-
day-year), time (to the nearest hour, A.l.t.), and latitude and 
longitude of position in degrees and minutes where the vessel departed 
the reporting area.
    (2) If delivering to a shoreside processor, date (month-day-year) 
that receipt of groundfish ceased.

[[Page 47364]]

    (iii) Fish or fish product held at plant. The manager of a 
shoreside processor must report the weight of all fish or fish products 
held at the plant in lbs or to the nearest 0.001 mt by species and 
product codes on each check-in report and on each check-out report.
    (i) Weekly Production Report (WPR)--(1) Applicability.
    (i) The operator of a catcher/processor or mothership or the 
manager of a shoreside processor must submit a WPR for any week the 
mothership, catcher/processor, or shoreside processor is checked in 
pursuant to paragraph (h)(2)(i) of this section.
    (ii) 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 by fax to the Regional Administrator by 1200 hours, A.l.t., on 
the Tuesday following the end of the applicable weekly reporting 
period.
    (3) Information required. In addition to requirements described in 
paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, the operator of a catcher/
processor or mothership, or manager of a shoreside processor must 
record:
    (i) The date (month-day-year) the WPR was completed.
    (ii) The primary and secondary target codes for the following week.
    (iii) If a mothership or catcher/processor, record the processor 
type.
    (j) Daily Production Report (DPR)--(1) Notification. If the 
Regional Administrator determines that DPRs are necessary to avoid 
exceeding a groundfish TAC or prohibited species bycatch allowance, 
NMFS may require submission of DPRs from motherships, catcher/
processors, and shoreside processors for reporting one or more 
specified species, in addition to a WPR. NMFS will publish notification 
in the Federal Register specifying the fisheries that require DPRs and 
the dates that submittal of DPRs are required.
    (2) Applicability. (i) If a catcher/processor or mothership 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 must submit a DPR.
    (ii) If a shoreside processor is receiving, processing, or 
discarding the specified species or is receiving reports from a catcher 
vessel of discard at sea of the specified species, the manager must 
submit a DPR.
    (iii) The operator of a catcher/processor or mothership or the 
manager of a shoreside processor must 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 Administrator by 1200 hours, A.l.t., the day 
following each day of landings, discard, or production.
    (4) Information required. In addition to requirements described in 
paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, the operator of a catcher/
processor or mothership, or the manager of a shoreside processor must 
record the processor type.
    (k) U.S. Vessel Activity Report (VAR)--(1) Applicability. The 
operator of a catcher vessel, catcher/processor, or of a mothership 
regulated under this part must submit a VAR by fax to NMFS Alaska 
Enforcement Division, Juneau, AK, before the vessel crosses the seaward 
boundary of the EEZ off Alaska or crosses the U.S.-Canadian 
international boundary between Alaska and British Columbia.
    (2) Information required--(i) General. In addition to requirements 
described in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, the operator of 
each catcher vessel, catcher/processor, or mothership must record:
    (A) If the vessel is crossing into the seaward boundary of the EEZ 
off Alaska or crossing the U.S.-Canadian international boundary between 
Alaska and British Columbia into U.S. waters, the operator must 
indicate a ``return'' report. ``Return,'' for purposes of this 
paragraph, means coming back to Alaska.
    (B) If the vessel is crossing out of the seaward boundary of the 
EEZ off Alaska or crossing the U.S.-Canadian international boundary 
between Alaska and British Columbia into Canadian waters, the operator 
must indicate a ``depart'' report. ``Depart,'' for purposes of this 
paragraph, means leaving Alaska.
    (C) Port of landing. If no fish on board, indicate first 
destination.
    (D) Whether the vessel is returning from fishing or departing to 
fish in the Russian Zone.
    (E) Date (month-day-year) and time (Greenwich mean time) the vessel 
will cross the seaward boundary of the EEZ off Alaska or the U.S.-
Canadian international boundary between Alaska and British Columbia.
    (F) Latitude and longitude of position in degrees and minutes at 
the point of crossing the seaward boundary of the EEZ off Alaska or 
U.S.-Canadian international boundary between Alaska and British 
Columbia.
    (ii) Fish or fish products. The operator of a catcher vessel, 
catcher/processor, or mothership must record the fish or fish products 
on board the vessel when crossing the seaward boundary of the EEZ off 
Alaska or U.S.-Canadian international boundary as follows:
    (A) The harvest zone code of the area in which groundfish were 
harvested as defined in Table 8 to this part.
    (B) The species code and product code for each species on board as 
defined in Tables 1 and 2 to this part.
    (C) The fish product weight of products on board in lbs or to the 
nearest 0.001 mt.
    (l) IFQ recordkeeping and reporting requirements. In addition to 
the recordkeeping and reporting requirements in this section and as 
prescribed in the annual management measures published in the Federal 
Register pursuant to Sec. 300.62 of chapter III of this title, the 
following IFQ reports are required, when applicable: prior notices of 
landing, landing report, shipment report, transshipment authorization, 
vessel clearance report, and departure report.
    (1) Prior notice of IFQ landing--(i) Applicability. Except as 
provided in paragraph (l)(1)(iv) of this section, the operator of any 
vessel making an IFQ landing must notify the NMFS Enforcement, Juneau, 
no fewer than 6 hours before landing IFQ halibut or IFQ sablefish, 
unless permission to commence an IFQ landing within 6 hours of 
notification is granted by a clearing officer.
    (ii) Time limits. Prior notice of an IFQ landing must be made to 
the toll-free telephone number specified on the IFQ permit between the 
hours of 0600 hours, A.l.t., and 2400 hours, A.l.t.
    (iii) Information required. Prior notice must include the 
following: Name of the registered buyer(s) who will be responsible for 
completion and submission of the IFQ Landing Report(s); the location of 
the landing; vessel identification; estimated weight of the IFQ halibut 
or IFQ sablefish that will be landed; identification number(s) of the 
IFQ card(s) that will be used to land the IFQ halibut or IFQ sablefish; 
and the date and time that the landing will take place.
    (iv) Exemption. The operator of a category B, C, or D vessel, as 
defined at Sec. 679.40(a)(5), making an IFQ landing of IFQ halibut of 
500 lb (0.227 mt) or less of IFQ weight determined pursuant to 
Sec. 679.42(c)(2) and concurrent with a legal landing of salmon is 
exempt from the prior notice of landing required by this section.
    (v) Revision to prior notice. The operator of any vessel wishing to 
land

[[Page 47365]]

IFQ halibut or IFQ sablefish before the date and time reported in the 
prior notice or later than 2 hours after the date and time reported in 
the prior notice must submit a new prior notice of IFQ landing as 
described in paragraphs (l)(1)(i) through (iii) of this section.
    (2) Landing report--(i) Applicability. A registered buyer must 
report an IFQ landing within 6 hours after all such fish are landed and 
prior to shipment or departure of the delivery vessel from the landing 
site.
    (ii) Electronic landing report. (A) Electronic landing reports must 
be submitted to NMFS Enforcement, Juneau, using magnetic strip cards 
issued by NMFS, Alaska Region, and transaction terminals and printers 
driven by custom-designed software, as provided and/or specified by 
NMFS, Alaska Region. It is the responsibility of the registered buyer 
to locate or procure a transaction terminal and report as required. 
Waivers from the electronic reporting requirement can only be granted 
in writing on a case-by-case basis by a local clearing officer.
    (B) The IFQ cardholder must initiate a landing report by using his 
or her own magnetic card and personal identification number (PIN).
    (C) Once landing operations have commenced, the IFQ cardholder and 
the harvesting vessel may not leave the landing site until the IFQ 
account is properly debited. The offloaded IFQ species may not be moved 
from the landing site until the IFQ landing report is received by NMFS 
Enforcement, Juneau, and the IFQ cardholder's account is properly 
debited. A properly concluded transaction terminal receipt or manual 
landing report receipt received by fax from NMFS Enforcement, Juneau, 
constitutes confirmation that NMFS received the landing report and that 
the cardholder's account was properly debited. After the registered 
buyer enters the landing data in the transaction terminal and a receipt 
is printed, the IFQ cardholder must sign the receipt. Legible copies of 
the receipt must be retained by both the registered buyer and the IFQ 
cardholder pursuant to paragraph (l)(7) of this section.
    (iii) Manual landing report. (A) If a waiver has been granted 
pursuant to paragraph (l)(2)(ii) of this section, manual landing 
instructions must be obtained from NMFS Enforcement, Juneau, at (800) 
304-4846 or (907) 586-7163. Completed manual landing reports must be 
submitted by fax to NMFS Enforcement, Juneau, at (907) 586-7313.
    (B) The manual landing report must be signed by the registered 
buyer, the IFQ cardholder, and the NMFS representative to show that the 
IFQ cardholder's account was properly debited.
    (iv) Time limits and submittals. (A) An IFQ landing may commence 
only between 0600 hours, A.l.t., and 1800 hours, A.l.t., unless:
    (1) Permission to land at a different time is granted in advance by 
a clearing officer; or
    (2) IFQ halibut of 500 lb (0.227 mt) or less of IFQ weight 
determined pursuant to Sec. 679.42(c)(2) is landed concurrently with a 
legal landing of salmon by a category B, C, or D vessel, as defined at 
Sec. 679.40(a)(5).
    (B) An IFQ landing report must be completed and the IFQ account(s) 
properly debited, as defined in paragraph (l)(2)(ii)(C) of this 
section, within 6 hours after the completion of the IFQ landing.
    (v) Landing verification and inspection. Each IFQ landing and all 
fish retained on board the vessel making an IFQ landing are subject to 
verification, inspection, and sampling by authorized officers, clearing 
officers, or observers. Each IFQ halibut landing is subject to sampling 
for biological information by persons authorized by the IPHC.
    (vi) Information required. The registered buyer must enter accurate 
information contained in a complete IFQ landing report as follows: 
Date, time, and location of the IFQ landing; name and permit number of 
the IFQ card holder and registered buyer; the harvesting vessel's ADF&G 
number; the Alaska State fish ticket number(s) for the landing; the 
ADF&G statistical area of harvest reported by the IFQ cardholder; if 
ADF&G statistical area is bisected by a line dividing two IFQ 
regulatory areas, the IFQ regulatory area of harvest reported by the 
IFQ cardholder; for each ADF&G statistical area of harvest reported by 
the IFQ cardholder, the product code landed and initial accurate scale 
weight made at the time offloading commences for IFQ species sold and 
retained.
    (3) Shipment report--(i) Requirement. Each registered buyer, other 
than those conducting dockside sales must:
    (A) Complete a written shipment report for each shipment or 
transfer of IFQ halibut and IFQ sablefish from that registered buyer 
before the fish leave the landing site.
    (B) Assure that a shipment report is submitted to, and received by, 
NMFS Enforcement, Juneau, by fax to (907) 586-7313 or mail to P.O. Box 
21767, Juneau, AK 99802-1767, within 7 days of the date shipment 
commenced.
    (C) Assure that a copy of the shipment report or a bill of lading 
containing the same information accompanies the shipment of IFQ species 
from the landing site to the first destination beyond the location of 
the IFQ landing.
    (ii) Information required. A shipment report must specify the 
following: Species and product type being shipped, number of shipping 
units, fish product weight, names of the shipper and receiver, names 
and addresses of the consignee and consignor, mode of transportation, 
and intended route.
    (iii) Revision to shipment report. Each registered buyer must 
ensure that, if any information on the original Shipment Report changes 
prior to the first destination of the shipment, a revised shipment 
report is submitted to NMFS Enforcement, Juneau, clearly labeled 
``Revised Shipment Report'' and that the revised shipment report be 
received by NMFS Enforcement, Juneau, within 7 days of the change.
    (iv) Dockside sale or outside landing--(A) Dockside sale.(1) A 
registered buyer conducting dockside sales must issue a receipt in lieu 
of a shipment report, that includes the date of sale or transfer, the 
registered buyer permit number, and the fish product weight of the IFQ 
sablefish or halibut transferred to each individual receiving IFQ 
halibut or IFQ sablefish.
    (2) A person holding a valid IFQ permit, IFQ card, and registered 
buyer permit may conduct a dockside sale of IFQ halibut or IFQ 
sablefish to a person who has not been issued a registered buyer 
permit.
    (B) Outside landing. A person holding a valid IFQ permit, IFQ card, 
and registered buyer permit may conduct an IFQ landing outside an IFQ 
regulatory area or the State of Alaska to a person who does not hold a 
registered buyer permit.
    (C) Landing report. The person making such an IFQ landing as 
described in paragraph (l)(3)(iv)(A) or (B) of this section must submit 
an IFQ landing report in the manner prescribed in paragraph (l)(2) of 
this section before any fish are sold, transferred, or removed from the 
immediate vicinity of the vessel with which they were harvested.
    (4) Transshipment authorization. No person may transship processed 
IFQ halibut or IFQ sablefish between vessels without authorization by a 
clearing officer. Authorization from a clearing officer must be 
obtained for each instance of transshipment at least 24 hours before 
the transshipment is intended to commence. Requests for authorization 
must specify the date and location of the transshipment.

[[Page 47366]]

    (5) Vessel clearance--(i) Applicability. The vessel operator who 
makes an IFQ landing at any location other than in an IFQ regulatory 
area or in the State of Alaska must obtain prelanding written clearance 
of the vessel from a clearing officer and provide the weight of IFQ 
halibut and IFQ sablefish on board to the clearing officer.
    (ii) Responsibility. (A) A vessel operator must land and report all 
IFQ species on board at the same time and place as the first landing of 
any species harvested during an IFQ fishing trip.
    (B) A vessel operator having been granted a vessel clearance must 
submit an IFQ landing report, required under this section, for all IFQ 
halibut, IFQ sablefish and products thereof that are on board the 
vessel at the first landing of any fish from the vessel.
    (iii) Location of clearance--(A) State of Alaska. The vessel 
operator that obtains prelanding written clearance for the vessel at a 
port in the State of Alaska must obtain that clearance prior to 
departing the waters of the EEZ adjacent to the jurisdictional waters 
of the State of Alaska, the territorial sea of the State of Alaska, or 
the internal waters of the State of Alaska.
    (B) State other than Alaska, Departure Report. (1) A vessel 
operator intending to obtain a prelanding written clearance for the 
vessel at a port in a state other than Alaska must first provide a 
departure report to NMFS Enforcement, Juneau, prior to departing the 
waters of the EEZ adjacent to the jurisdictional waters of the State of 
Alaska, the territorial sea of the State of Alaska, or the internal 
waters of the State of Alaska.
    (2) Information required. The departure report must include the 
weight of the IFQ halibut or IFQ sablefish on board and the intended 
date and time the vessel will obtain prelanding written clearance at 
that port in a state other than Alaska.
    (C) Foreign port other than Canada. A vessel operator who lands IFQ 
species in a foreign port must first obtain a vessel clearance from a 
clearing officer located at a primary port in the State of Alaska as 
described in paragraph (l)(5)(vi) of this section.
    (D) Canadian ports. No person shall make an IFQ landing in Canada 
other than at the ports of Port Hardy, Prince Rupert, or Vancouver, 
British Columbia.
    (iv) Permits and cards. A vessel operator obtaining a vessel 
clearance must have a registered buyer permit and one or more IFQ 
cardholders on board with IFQ holdings equal to or greater than all IFQ 
halibut and IFQ sablefish on board.
    (v) Inspection. A vessel for which a vessel operator is seeking 
clearance is subject to inspection of all fish, logbooks, permits, and 
other documents on board the vessel at the discretion of the clearing 
officer.
    (vi) Primary ports. Unless specifically authorized on a case-by-
case basis, vessel clearances will be issued only by clearing officers 
at the following primary ports:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Port                  North latitude      West longitude  
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Akutan..........................  54 deg.08'05''     165 deg.46'20''    
Bellingham......................  48 deg.45'04''     122 deg.30'02''    
Cordova.........................  60 deg.33'00''     145 deg.45'00''    
Craig...........................  55 deg.28'30''     133 deg.09'00''    
Dutch Harbor/Unalaska...........  53 deg.53'27''     166 deg.32'05''    
Excursion Inlet.................  58 deg.25'00''     135 deg.26'30''    
Homer...........................  59 deg.38'40''     151 deg.33'00''    
Ketchikan.......................  55 deg.20'30''     131 deg.38'45''    
King Cove.......................  55 deg.03'20''     162 deg.19'00''    
Kodiak..........................  57 deg.47'20''     152 deg.24'10''    
Pelican.........................  57 deg.57'30''     136 deg.13'30''    
Petersburg......................  56 deg.48'10''     132 deg.58'00''    
St. Paul........................  57 deg.07'20''     170 deg.16'30''    
Sand Point......................  55 deg.20'15''     160 deg.30'00''    
Seward..........................  60 deg.06'30''     149 deg.26'30''    
Sitka...........................  57 deg.03'         135 deg.20'        
Yakutat.........................  59 deg.33'         139 deg.44'        
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (6) Record retention. A copy of all reports and receipts required 
by this section must be retained by registered buyers and be made 
available for inspection by an authorized officer or a clearing officer 
for a period of 3 years.
    (m) Consolidated weekly ADF&G fish tickets from motherships--(1) 
Requirement. In addition to requirements described in paragraphs (a) 
and (b) of this section, the operator of a mothership must ensure that 
the combined catch for each catcher vessel is summarized at the end of 
each weekly reporting period by species on a minimum of one ADF&G 
groundfish fish ticket when the mothership receives any groundfish from 
a catcher vessel that is issued a Federal fisheries permit under 
Sec. 679.4. (An ADF&G fish ticket is further described (see Sec. 679.3) 
at Alaska Administrative Code, 5 AAC Chapter 39.130).
    (2) Information required. (i) The operator of a mothership must 
ensure that the following information is imprinted or written legibly 
on the consolidated weekly ADF&G fish ticket from the catcher vessel 
operator's State of Alaska, Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission 
(CFEC) permit card in order to describe the CFEC permit holder:
    (A) Vessel name. Name of the catcher vessel delivering the 
groundfish.
    (B) Name. Name of CFEC permit holder. If more than one operator is 
on the same vessel during the same weekly reporting period, complete a 
fish ticket for each operator.
    (C) Permit number. CFEC permit number.
    (D) ADF&G No. ADF&G catcher vessel number.
    (ii) The operator of a mothership must ensure that the following 
information is imprinted or written legibly on the consolidated weekly 
ADF&G fish ticket from the mothership's CFEC processor plate card in 
order to describe the mothership:
    (A) Processor code. ADF&G processor code of mothership.
    (B) Company. Identification of mothership.
    (iii) The operator of a mothership must record on the consolidated 
weekly ADF&G groundfish fish ticket the following information obtained 
from the catcher vessel operator:
    (A) ADF&G No. The ADF&G number of the catcher vessel delivering 
fish to the mothership, if the catcher vessel is different from the 
vessel identified in the CFEC permit card.
    (B) Date landed. The week-ending date of the weekly reporting 
period during which the mothership received the groundfish from the 
catcher vessel.
    (C) Port of landing or vessel transshipped to. ``FLD,'' a code 
which means floating processor.
    (D) Type of gear used. Write in one of the following gear types 
used by the catcher vessel to harvest groundfish received:
    (1) Hook and line.
    (2) Pot.
    (3) Nonpelagic trawl.
    (4) Pelagic trawl.
    (5) Jig/troll.
    (6) Other.
    (iv) The operator of a mothership is responsible for ensuring that 
the following information is recorded on an ADF&G fish ticket for each 
catcher vessel:
    (A) Code. Species code for each species from Table 2 to this part, 
except species codes 144, 168, 169, or 171.
    (B) Statistical area. ADF&G 6-digit statistical area in which 
groundfish were harvested. If more than the allowed eight statistical 
areas per fish ticket is exceeded in a weekly reporting period, 
complete a second fish ticket. These statistical areas are defined in a 
set of charts obtained at no charge from Alaska Commercial Fisheries 
Management & Development Division, Department of Fish and Game, 211 
Mission Road, Kodiak, AK, 99615-6399.
    (C) Condition code. The product code from Table 1 to this part 
which describes the condition of the fish received by the mothership 
from the

[[Page 47367]]

catcher vessel. In most cases, this will be product code 1, whole fish.
    (D) Pounds. The landed weight of each species to the nearest lb.
    (E) Permit holder's signature. The signature of the catcher vessel 
CFEC permit holder.
    (F) Fish received by. The signature of the mothership operator.
    (3) Time limit and submittal. (i) The operator of a mothership must 
complete the consolidated weekly ADF&G groundfish fish ticket for each 
catcher vessel by 1200 hours, A.l.t., on Tuesday following the end of 
the applicable weekly reporting period.
    (ii) The operator of a mothership must submit the original 
consolidated weekly ADF&G groundfish fish tickets (fax copy is not 
acceptable) to Alaska Commercial Fisheries Management & Development 
Division, Department of Fish and Game, 211 Mission Road, Kodiak, AK, 
99615-6399, within 30 days after landings are received.
    6. In Sec. 679.7, paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) and the heading of 
paragraph (a)(5) are revised and paragraphs (a)(15) and (a)(16) are 
added to read as follows:


Sec. 679.7 Prohibitions.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (1) Federal fisheries permit. Fish for groundfish in the GOA or 
BSAI with a vessel of the United States that does not have on board a 
valid Federal fisheries permit issued pursuant to Sec. 679.4.
    (2) Inseason action or adjustment. Conduct any fishing contrary to 
notification of inseason action or adjustment issued under Sec. 679.20, 
Sec. 679.21, or Sec. 679.25.
* * * * *
    (5) Prohibited species bycatch rate standard. * * *
* * * * *
    (15) Federal Processor Permit. Receive or process groundfish 
harvested in the GOA or BSAI by a shoreside processor or vessel of the 
United States operating solely as a mothership in Alaska State waters 
that does not have on site a valid Federal processor permit issued 
pursuant to Sec. 679.4(f).
    (16) Retention of groundfish bycatch species. Exceed the maximum 
retainable groundfish bycatch amount established under Sec. 679.20(e).
* * * * *
    7. In Sec. 679.20, paragraphs (d)(1)(ii)(A), (g)(2)(iii), and 
(g)(3) introductory text are revised to read as follows:


Sec. 679.20 General limitations.

* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (ii) * * *
    (A) Inseason adjustments. The category allocations or 
apportionments established under paragraph (c) of this section may be 
revised by inseason adjustments, as defined at Sec. 679.25, for a given 
species or species group or pollock allowance, as identified by 
regulatory area, subarea, or district, and, if applicable, as further 
identified by gear type.
* * * * *
    (g) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (iii) The primary pollock product must be distinguished from 
ancillary pollock products in the DCPL required under Sec. 679.5(a)(9).
    (3) Pollock product recovery rates (PRRs). Use the product types 
and standard PRRs for pollock found in Table 3 to this part to 
calculate round-weight equivalents for pollock for purposes of this 
paragraph (g):
* * * * *
    8. In Sec. 679.21, paragraphs (e)(7)(iv)(B), (e)(7)(vii)(B), and 
(e)(7)(viii)(B) are removed, and paragraphs (e)(7)(iv)(A), 
(e)(7)(vii)(A), and (e)(7)(viii)(A) are redesignated as paragraphs 
(e)(7)(iv), (e)(7)(vii), and (e)(7)(viii), respectively, and revised to 
read as follows:


Sec. 679.21   Prohibited species bycatch management.

* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (7) * * *
    (iv) COBLZ. Except as provided in paragraph (e)(7)(i) of this 
section, if, during the fishing year, the Regional Administrator 
determines that U.S. fishing vessels participating in any of the trawl 
fishery categories listed in paragraphs (e)(3)(iv)(B) through (F) of 
this section will catch the COBLZ bycatch allowance, or seasonal 
apportionment thereof, of C. Opilio specified for that fishery category 
under paragraph (e)(3) of this section, NMFS will publish in the 
Federal Register the closure of the COBLZ, as defined in Figure 13 to 
this part, to directed fishing for each species and/or species group in 
that fishery category for the remainder of the year or for the 
remainder of the season.
* * * * *
    (vii) Chum salmon. If the Regional Administrator determines that 
42,000 non-chinook salmon have been caught by vessels using trawl gear 
during August 15 through October 14 in the CVOA, defined under 
Sec. 679.22(a)(5) and in Figure 2 to this part, NMFS will prohibit 
fishing with trawl gear for the remainder of the period September 1 
through October 14 in the Chum Salmon Savings Area as defined in Figure 
9, to this part.
    (viii) Chinook salmon. When the Regional Administrator determines 
that 48,000 chinook salmon have been caught by vessels using trawl gear 
in the BSAI during the time period from January 1 through April 15, 
NMFS will prohibit fishing with trawl gear for the remainder of that 
period within the Chinook Salmon Savings Area as defined in Figure 8 to 
this part.
* * * * *
    9. In Sec. 679.22, paragraphs (a)(3), (a)(5)(i), (a)(6), and (a)(9) 
are revised; in paragraphs (a)(7)(ii), (a)(8)(ii), and (b)(2)(ii) the 
cross-reference ``Sec. 679.20'' is changed to read ``Sec. 679.20(d);'' 
a new heading is added to paragraph (a)(10); and a new paragraph (i) is 
added to read as follows:


Sec. 679.22   Closures.

    (a) * * *
    (3) Red King Crab Savings Area (RKCSA). Directed fishing for 
groundfish by vessels using trawl gear other than pelagic trawl gear is 
prohibited at all times, except as provided at 
Sec. 679.21(e)(4)(ii)(B), in that part of the Bering Sea subarea 
defined as RKCSA in Figure 11 to this part.
* * * * *
    (5) * * *
    (i) Inshore component. The CVOA (see Figure 2 to this part) is 
established annually from the beginning of the second season of 
directed fishing for pollock defined at Sec. 679.23(e) until either the 
date that NMFS determines that the pollock quota for processing by the 
inshore component has been harvested, or December 31, whichever is 
earlier.
* * * * *
    (6) Pribilof Island Area Habitat Conservation Zone. Trawling is 
prohibited at all times in the area defined in Figure 10 to this part 
as the Pribilof Island Area Habitat Conservation Zone.
* * * * *
    (9) Nearshore Bristol Bay Trawl Closure. Directed fishing for 
groundfish by vessels using trawl gear in Bristol Bay, as described in 
the current edition of NOAA chart 16006, is closed at all times in the 
area east of 162 deg.00' W. long., except that the Nearshore Bristol 
Bay Trawl Area defined in Figure 12 to this part is open to trawling 
from 1200 hours A.l.t., April 1 to 1200 hours A.l.t., June 15 of each 
year.
    (10) Chum Salmon Savings Area. * * *
* * * * *
    (i) Forage fish closures. See Sec. 679.20(i)(3).

[[Page 47368]]

    10. In Sec. 679.23, the headings of paragraphs (a), (d), and (e) 
and paragraph (g)(3) are revised and the term ``Western Alaska 
Community Development Quota'' is replaced with ``CDQ'' in paragraphs 
(e)(2)(ii) (C) and (D) to read as follows.


Sec. 679.23  Seasons.

    (a) Groundfish, general. * * *
* * * * *
    (d) GOA groundfish seasons. * * *
    (e) BSAI groundfish seasons. * * *
* * * * *
    (g) * * *
    (3) Catches of sablefish in excess of the maximum retainable 
bycatch amounts and catches made without IFQ must be treated in the 
same manner as prohibited species as defined at Sec. 679.21(b).
    11. In Sec. 679.41, the section heading is revised, and the 
headings to paragraphs (e)(1) through (3) are added to read as follows:


Sec. 679.41  Transfer of quota shares and IFQ.

* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (1) General. * * *
    (2) Sablefish. * * *
    (3) Halibut. * * *
    12. In Sec. 679.42, paragraphs (c)(1)(iv), (c)(2) introductory 
text, and (c)(2)(ii) are revised and a heading is added to paragraph 
(c)(2)(i) to read as follows:


 679.42  Limitations on use of QS and IFQ.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (iv) Sign the IFQ landing report required by 
Secs. 679.5(l)(2)(ii)(C) and (iii)(B).
    (2) The scale weight of the halibut or sablefish product actually 
measured at the time of landing, required by Sec. 679.5(l)(2)(vi) to be 
included in the IFQ landing report, shall be the only source of 
information used by NMFS to debit an IFQ account. An IFQ account will 
be debited as follows:
    (i) Sablefish product. * * *
    (ii) Halibut product. For halibut product, multiplying the scale 
weight at the time of landing by the conversion factor found in Table 3 
to this part that corresponds to the product code reported in the IFQ 
landing report.
* * * * *
    13. In part 679, Tables 1, 2, 3, 7, 10, and 11 to this part and 
Figures 2 and 7 to this part are revised and Figures 8 through 15 to 
this part are added to read as follows:

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Figure 15 to Part 679. Regulatory Areas for the Pacific Halibut 
Fishery b. Coordinates

Area 2A includes all waters off the states of California, Oregon, and 
Washington;
Area 2B includes all waters off British Columbia;
Area 2C includes all waters off Alaska that are east of a line running 
340 deg. true from Cape Spencer Light (58 deg.11'57'' N. lat., 
136 deg.38'18'' W. long.) and south and east of a line running 205 deg. 
true from said light;
Area 3A includes all waters between Area 2C and a line extending from 
the most northerly point on Cape Aklek (57 deg.41'15'' N. lat., 
155 deg.35'00'' W. long.) to Cape Ikolik (57 deg.17'17'' N. lat., 
154 deg.47'18'' W. long.), then along the Kodiak Island coastline to 
Cape Trinity (56 deg.44'50'' N. lat., 154 deg.08'44'' W. long.), then 
140 deg. true;
Area 3B includes all waters between Area 3A and a line extending 
150 deg. true from Cape Lutke (54 deg.29'00'' N. lat., 164 deg.20'00'' 
W. long.) and south of 54 deg.49'00'' N. lat. in Isanotski Strait;
Area 4A includes all waters in the GOA west of Area 3B and in the 
Bering Sea west of the closed area defined below that are east of 
172 deg.00'00'' W. long. and south of 56 deg.20'00'' N. lat.;
Area 4B includes all waters in the Bering Sea and the GOA west of Area 
4A and south of 56 deg.20'00'' N. lat.;
Area 4C includes all waters in the Bering Sea north of Area 4A and 
north of the closed area defined below which are east of 
171 deg.00'00'' W. long., south of 58 deg.00'00'' N. lat., and west of 
168 deg.00'00'' W. long.;
Area 4D includes all waters in the Bering Sea north of Areas 4A and 4B, 
north and west of Area 4C, and west of 168 deg.00'00'' W. long.;
Area 4E includes all waters in the Bering Sea north and east of the 
closed area defined below, east of 168 deg.00'00'' W. long., and south 
of 65 deg.34'00'' N. lat.
Closed areas
    All waters in the Bering Sea north of 54 deg.49'00'' N. lat. in 
Isanotski Strait that are enclosed by a line from Cape Sarichef Light 
(54 deg.36'00'' N. lat., 164 deg.55'42'' W. long.) to a point at 
56 deg.20'00'' N. lat., 168 deg.30'00'' W. long.; thence to a point at 
58 deg.21'25'' N. lat., 163 deg.00'00'' W. long.; thence to Strogonof 
Point (56 deg.53'18'' N. lat., 158 deg.50'37'' W. long.); and then 
along the northern coasts of the Alaska Peninsula and Unimak Island to 
the point of origin at Cape Sarichef Light.
In Area 2A, all waters north of Point Chehalis, WA (46 deg.53'18'' N. 
lat.).
[FR Doc. 98 23732 Filed 9-3-98; 8:45 am]
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