[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 218 (Thursday, November 12, 1998)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 63276-63282]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-30230]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 622

[Docket No. 981006253-8253-01; I.D. 082698D]
RIN 0648-AK05


Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; 
Snapper-Grouper Fishery off the Southern Atlantic States; Amendment 9

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

ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: NMFS issues this proposed rule to implement Amendment 9 to the 
Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South 
Atlantic Region (FMP). This proposed rule would increase the minimum 
size for red porgy, black sea bass, gag, and black grouper for all 
participants in the fishery; increase the minimum size for vermilion 
snapper for a person subject to the bag limit; establish bag limits for 
red porgy and black sea bass; during March and April, prohibit harvest 
and possession in excess of the bag limit and prohibit purchase and 
sale of red porgy, gag grouper, and black grouper; for greater 
amberjack, reduce the bag limit, establish a commercial quota and trip 
limit, prohibit sale of greater amberjack caught under the bag limit 
when the commercial fishery is closed, prohibit harvest and possession 
in excess of the bag limit during April, change the beginning of the 
fishing year to May 1, and prohibit coring (i.e., removing the head 
from the carcass); restrict possession of gag and black grouper within 
the aggregate grouper bag limit; establish an aggregate bag limit for 
all snapper-grouper species currently not under a bag limit (excluding 
tomtate and blue runner); require escape vents and escape panels with 
degradable hinges and fasteners in black sea bass pots; and specify 
that a vessel with longline gear on board may only possess certain 
deep-water species of snapper-grouper (i.e., snowy grouper, warsaw 
grouper, yellowedge grouper, misty grouper, golden tilefish, blueline 
tilefish, and sand tilefish.) The intended effect of this rule is to 
reduce overfishing and to conserve and manage these snapper-grouper 
species.

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before December 28, 
1998.

ADDRESSES: Comments on this proposed rule or on the initial regulatory 
flexibility analysis (IRFA) should be sent to the Southeast Regional 
Office, NMFS, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702.
    Comments regarding the collection-of-information requirements 
contained in this rule should be sent to Edward E. Burgess, Southeast 
Regional Office, NMFS, 9721 Executive Center Drive N.,

[[Page 63277]]

St. Petersburg, FL 33702, and to the Office of Information and 
Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Washington, 
DC 20503 (Attention: NOAA Desk Officer).
    Requests for copies of Amendment 9, which includes a final 
supplemental environmental impact statement, a regulatory impact review 
(RIR), an IRFA, and a social impact assessment/fishery impact statement 
should be sent to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 
Southpark Building, One Southpark Circle, Suite 306, Charleston, SC 
29407-4699; Phone: 843-571-4366; Fax: 843-769-4520.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Peter J. Eldridge, 727-570-5305.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The snapper-grouper fishery off the southern 
Atlantic states is managed under the FMP. The FMP was prepared by the 
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) and is implemented 
under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) by regulations at 50 CFR part 
622.

Background

    Recent scientific stock assessments and public testimony have 
identified a number of snapper-grouper species as being overfished. The 
management measures in Amendment 9 are designed to prevent this 
overfishing, rebuild some of the overfished species, and manage the 
fishery in a more orderly manner. The Council has chosen management 
alternatives in Amendment 9 that would make substantial progress toward 
rebuilding stocks, where needed, by increasing the spawning potential 
ratio (SPR), which is used as a measure of stock status. For some 
species, up-to-date assessments were not available or data used for 
assessments were limited. For other species, recent landings trends and 
other information contradicted assessment information. The Council 
based decisions on the most recent and best scientific information 
available to ensure overfished stocks would be well on their way to 
recovery from the overfished status of below 30-percent SPR. For 
certain species, the Council chose alternatives that would further 
rebuild the species toward the optimum yield (OY) level, which is also 
expressed in terms of SPR.

Overfishing

    The OY for species in the snapper-grouper management unit is 40-
percent (static) SPR. Species that are below 30-percent (transitional) 
SPR are considered overfished and must be rebuilt as soon as possible.
    Red porgy, black sea bass, vermilion snapper, and gag are 
overfished and in need of rebuilding. The status of black grouper is 
uncertain. Declining commercial landings and the average size of fish 
landed indicate that greater amberjack may be approaching a condition 
of being overfished. Thus, the Council has recommended precautionary 
management measures for black grouper and greater amberjack to ensure 
that overfishing does not occur. A general description of the 
biological status and proposed management measures for each species is 
given below.

Red Porgy

    A 1994 stock assessment, based on data through 1992, indicated that 
red porgy is overfished, with an SPR of 13 percent. Fishing mortality 
needs to be reduced by 75 percent to achieve the OY of 40-percent SPR 
and must be reduced by 65 percent to eliminate overfishing.
    This proposed rule would impose a 14-inch (35.6-cm) total length 
(TL) recreational and commercial minimum size limit, a 5-fish bag 
limit, and March-April seasonal harvest limitations. In combination, 
these measures should reduce total catch by 59 percent. This rule also 
proposes prohibiting all permitted dealers from purchasing red porgy 
during March and April regardless of where the red porgy is harvested 
or possessed (i.e., state or Federal waters). However, red porgy 
harvested from areas outside the South Atlantic could be purchased and 
possessed, provided appropriate documentation of the area of origin is 
maintained. The Council believes that conservation measures enacted in 
1992 have resulted in some stock rebuilding and that these proposed 
management measures should result in rebuilding the stock within 10 
years in accordance with the FMP's current stock rebuilding schedule.
    Decreased landings resulting from the March-April seasonal harvest 
limitations and the increase in minimum size should result in a loss in 
gross revenues from red porgy sales of about $268,500 in the first 
year. However, the increase in minimum size would result in an increase 
in yield-per-recruit, which should lead to increased commercial 
landings in future years. In addition, fishermen likely would increase 
effort for red porgy during the open season, which would reduce the 
estimated loss in revenues. There would be unquantified losses for the 
for-hire industry and a reduction in consumer surplus related to 
canceled private recreational trips. The reduction in landings in the 
short term would result in progress toward rebuilding the red porgy 
stocks; however, the offsetting benefits cannot be calculated precisely 
because there is insufficient information available to predict future 
yields that may be possible from a rebuilt stock.

Black Sea Bass

    A 1996 stock assessment, based on data through 1995, indicates that 
black sea bass are overfished, with an SPR of 26 percent. In addition, 
the catch-per-unit-effort of headboats off South Carolina has declined 
from just over 11 fish per angler day in 1980 to just over 1 fish per 
angler day in 1995. In 1995, the commercial sector harvested about 49 
percent of the total catch.
    Fishing mortality needs to be reduced by 56 percent to achieve OY 
and by 22 percent to eliminate overfishing. This proposed rule would 
increase the minimum size limit to 10 inches (25.4 cm) and impose a 20-
fish bag limit. In combination, these measures should reduce total 
catch by 34 percent. This proposed rule also would require escape vents 
and escape panels with degradable fasteners in black sea bass pots. 
This would minimize bycatch of juvenile fish and reduce release 
mortality from this component of the fishery. Also, handling of 
undersized fish would be reduced, which should result in a more 
efficient fishing operation. In the first year these measures would 
reduce commercial revenues by about $242,300 and reduce recreational 
landings by about 40 percent. However, revenues and landings are 
expected to increase as the resource rebuilds toward OY. The proposed 
management measures are expected to rebuild the black sea bass stock 
within 10 years in accordance with the FMP's current stock rebuilding 
schedule.

Greater Amberjack

    A 1996 stock assessment, based on data through 1995, indicates an 
SPR of 84 percent. However, in a recent review of the status of 
fisheries required by the Magnuson-Stevens Act, NMFS' Southeast 
Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) determined that the status of the 
stock relative to the FMP's current overfishing definition is unknown. 
The SEFSC found that the scant data and analyses used in the assessment 
yielded results inconsistent with subsequent data showing declines in 
average size and landings of greater amberjack. Accordingly, the 
Council is recommending precautionary measures to ensure that this 
species does not approach an overfished condition.
    This rule proposes to: (1) Reduce the recreational bag limit from 3 
to 1 greater

[[Page 63278]]

amberjack per person per day; (2) prohibit throughout the EEZ harvest 
and possession in excess of the bag limit during April ; (3) establish 
a 1,000-lb (454-kg) daily commercial trip limit; (4) establish a 
commercial quota of 1,169,931 lb (530,672 kg) (63 percent of the 1995 
landings); (5) begin the fishing year May 1; (6) prohibit sale of fish 
harvested under the bag limit when the season is closed; and (7) 
prohibit coring (i.e., removing the head from the carcass). In 1995, 
the commercial sector harvested 66 percent of the total catch, although 
formerly most greater amberjack were taken by the recreational sector.
    NMFS believes that the Council intended immediate implementation of 
the measures for greater amberjack that establish a quota and begin the 
fishing year on May 1. Therefore, NMFS will apply this quota to greater 
amberjack that have been landed since May 1, 1998.
    In addition, this proposed rule would prohibit all permitted 
dealers from purchasing greater amberjack in April regardless of where 
the greater amberjack is harvested or possessed (i.e., state or Federal 
waters), with the exception that greater amberjack harvested from areas 
outside the South Atlantic could be purchased and possessed, provided 
appropriate documentation of the area of origin is maintained, as 
specified in this proposed rule.
    In combination, these measures should reduce total recreational and 
commercial landings of greater amberjack by 11 percent and 41 percent, 
respectively. This would result in a loss of commercial revenues of 
about $352,000-$397,000 in the first year. The reduction in landings in 
the short term would result in a more stable greater amberjack stock. 
The potential benefits of the proposed measures cannot be calculated 
precisely because there is insufficient information available to 
predict future yields that may result from the proposed measures.

Vermilion Snapper

    A 1997 assessment, based on data through 1996, indicated that 
vermilion snapper were overfished, with an SPR of 27 percent. Fishing 
mortality must be reduced by between 39 and 51 percent to achieve OY 
and by between 11 and 31 percent to eliminate overfishing. In 1995, the 
commercial sector harvested about 75 percent of the catch.
    This proposed rule would increase the recreational minimum size 
limit for vermillion snapper from 10 inches (25.4 cm) to 11 inches 
(27.9 cm) TL. This should reduce the recreational catch by about 9 
percent in the short term. The associated reduction in fishing 
mortality and the increase in yield-per-recruit should result in 
sustainable increases in catch levels as the resource rebuilds. The 
Council believes that the proposed increase in minimum size limit would 
be sufficient to rebuild the stock within 10 years in accordance with 
the FMP's current stock rebuilding schedule. The Council will continue 
to monitor this species and, if necessary, implement additional 
measures to rebuild this resource.

Gag

    The SPR for gag in a 1996 stock assessment, based on data through 
1993, was 13 percent. This proposed rule would increase the minimum 
size limit for gag from 20 inches (50.8 cm) to 24 inches (61.0 cm) TL. 
This proposed rule also would prohibit the harvest and possession of 
gag in excess of the bag limit during March and April. This would 
protect the spawning stock, particularly males, which are more 
aggressive during this period and more susceptible to being caught. In 
1995, about 71 percent of all gag were landed by commercial fishermen.
    Further, this proposed rule would prohibit all permitted dealers 
from purchasing gag during March and April regardless of where the gag 
is harvested or possessed (i.e., state or Federal waters), with the 
exception that gag harvested from areas outside the South Atlantic 
could be purchased and possessed, provided appropriate documentation of 
the area of origin is maintained, as specified in this proposed rule.
    The proposed March-April seasonal harvest restrictions and the 
proposed increase in minimum size, in combination, should reduce 
commercial landings by about 37 percent in the first year. This 
represents a potential loss of up to $1,186,000 in annual gross 
revenues. The proposed increase in minimum size would substantially 
increase yield-per-recruit, which should lead to increased commercial 
landings in future years. The initial reduction in landings would 
result in progress toward rebuilding the gag resource, but the 
offsetting benefits cannot be calculated precisely because there is 
insufficient information available to predict future yields that may be 
possible from a rebuilt stock. The Council believes that the proposed 
measures would rebuild the gag stock above the 30-percent SPR level, if 
the natural mortality rate is 0.15 or higher, within 15 years in 
accordance with the FMP's current stock rebuilding schedule.

Black Grouper

    The 1997 stock assessment, based on data through 1995, indicated 
that the SPR was about 5 percent. Because of the uncertainty of this 
estimate, the status of the stock is listed as unknown in NMFS' Report 
to Congress on Status of Fisheries of the United States, September 
1997. In 1994, about 80 percent of the catch of black grouper was 
harvested by commercial fishermen.
    This proposed rule would prohibit all permitted dealers from 
purchasing black grouper in March and April regardless of where the 
black grouper is harvested or possessed (i.e., state or Federal 
waters), with the exception that black grouper harvested from areas 
outside the South Atlantic could be purchased and possessed, provided 
appropriate documentation of the area of origin is maintained, as 
specified in this proposed rule.
    This proposed rule would prohibit the harvest of black grouper in 
March and April (the spawning season) and would increase the minimum 
size limit (from 20 to 24 inches (50.8 to 61 cm)) TL . In combination, 
these measures should reduce commercial landings by 35 percent, which 
represents a potential $90,000 loss in gross revenues in the first 
year. The increase in the minimum size limit would reduce headboat 
landings by 71 percent (based on number of fish) or by 44 percent 
(based on weight). The reduction in landings in the short term would 
result in progress toward rebuilding the black grouper stocks, but the 
offsetting benefits cannot be calculated precisely because there is 
insufficient information available to predict future yields that may be 
possible from a rebuilt stock. However, the increase in minimum size 
limit would increase yield-per-recruit, and future recruitment should 
be enhanced by these measures, which should result in increased 
landings. The Council will continue to monitor the status of the stock 
and propose new measures, should they be required to rebuild the stock 
further.

Gag and Black Grouper Bag Limit Restriction

    This proposed rule would impose a recreational bag limit of no more 
than two gag or black grouper, individually or in combination. This 
would help to minimize compliance problems associated with anglers' 
general inability to distinguish between these species, and would 
enhance enforcement efforts. The Council concluded that the bag limit 
would have little effect on the headboat sector and

[[Page 63279]]

an unknown economic effect on the charterboat or private/rental boat 
sectors. Although the impact of this measure can not be quantified, it 
should result in some conservation benefit. Also, it may help to direct 
fishing effort to species that are not overfished and not subject to 
such restrictive limits.

South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper 20-Fish Aggregate Bag Limit

    This proposed rule would establish an aggregate bag limit of 20 
South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper. No bag limit currently exists for these 
species. The proposed bag limit would provide some biological 
protection for these species and discourage commercial fishing by 
recreational fishermen. The 20-fish bag limit should reduce headboat 
catches by 1 percent and private/rental catches by about 7 percent. 
There would be no catch reduction for charter vessels. Total reduction 
in recreational catch should be less than 1 percent. This measure 
should help encourage anglers to conserve marine fishery resources and 
would enhance enforcement efforts.

Longline Restriction

    Currently, bottom longline gear is allowed only in waters deeper 
than 50 fm and only north of St. Lucie Inlet, Florida. This restriction 
is designed to conserve mid-shelf species (i.e., those typically found 
in depths less than 50 fm) and to protect critical coral and live-
bottom habitat. This proposed rule would further restrict vessels with 
longline gear on board to possession of only the following deep-water 
South Atlantic snapper-grouper species: Snowy grouper, warsaw grouper, 
yellowedge grouper, misty grouper, golden tilefish, blueline tilefish, 
and sand tilefish.
    Landings data indicate that longline vessels are catching species 
that are commonly found in depths of 50 fm or less, i.e., mid-shelf 
species. The proposed restriction would limit vessels with longline 
gear on board to possession of South Atlantic snapper-grouper that are 
typically found only in depths greater than 50 fm. This measure is 
designed to complement the existing prohibition on use of longline gear 
in depths shoreward of 50 fm.
    Based on landings from 1994 to 1996, an average of 104,397 lb 
(47,354 kg) of mid-shelf species were landed annually by vessels with 
longline gear on board. Assuming an exvessel price of $1.50 per pound, 
annual gross revenue of up to $157,000 could be lost by longline 
vessels as a result of this proposed measure. This assumes that the 
number of fishing trips would remain the same as during the 1994-1996 
period.
    The Council is also concerned that bottom longlines are being used 
in areas that could suffer damage to bottom habitat. This proposed 
measure would further support keeping bottom longlines out of sensitive 
habitat areas, thereby meeting the Magnuson-Stevens Act mandate to 
protect essential fish habitat.

Availability of Amendment 9

    Additional background and rationale for the measures discussed 
above are contained in Amendment 9, the availability of which was 
announced in the Federal Register (63 FR 47461; September 8, 1998). 
Written comments on Amendment 9 must be received on or before November 
9, 1998. Comments that are received by November 9, 1998, whether 
specifically directed to the amendment or the proposed rule, will be 
considered in the approval/disapproval decision. All comments received 
on Amendment 9 or on this proposed rule during their respective comment 
periods will be addressed in the preamble to the final rule.

Changes Proposed by NMFS

    In Sec. 622.36(b)(2), NMFS proposes to revise the wording of the 
seasonal harvest limitation for mutton snapper to improve clarity and 
provide consistency with other similar provisions in the regulations.
    For the convenience of the reader, NMFS proposes to reorder the 
minimum sizes in Sec. 622.37 based on species rather than on minimum 
size.
    NMFS proposes to add language to Sec. 622.39(a)(1) to advise vessel 
operators of their responsibility for ensuring compliance with bag and 
possession limits.

Classification

    At this time, NMFS has not determined that Amendment 9 is 
consistent with the national standards of the Magnuson-Stevens Act and 
other applicable laws. NMFS, in making that determination, will take 
into account the data, views, and comments received during the comment 
period on Amendment 9.
    The Council prepared a final supplemental environmental impact 
statement for this FMP; a notice of availability was published on 
October 9, 1998 (63 FR 54476).
    This proposed rule has been determined to be not significant for 
purposes of E.O. 12866.
    The Council prepared an IRFA, based on the RIR, that describes the 
impact this proposed rule, if adopted, would have on small entities. 
Based on the IRFA, NMFS agrees with the Council's conclusion that 
Amendment 9, if approved and implemented through final regulations, 
would have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities. A summary of the IRFA's assessment of the significant 
impacts on small entities follows.
    The rule is designed to meet five specific objectives, the most 
important being the prevention of overfishing for a number of the 
snapper-grouper species. The Magnuson-Stevens Act provides the legal 
basis for the rule and no duplicative, overlapping or conflicting 
Federal rules were identified.
    Under Amendment 8 to the FMP, about 2,000 commercial fishing 
businesses are expected to qualify for limited access permits when 
Sec. 622.44(c) becomes effective on December 14, 1998. Most or all of 
these would be affected by Amendment 9 and are considered small 
entities for the purposes of the Regulatory Flexibility Act because 
their annual gross revenues are less than $3 million. Accordingly, it 
was determined that a substantial number of small entities would be 
expected to be affected for purposes of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. 
The Council concluded that the red porgy, black sea bass, amberjack, 
gag, black grouper actions, and the gear regulation addressing the 
possession of longline gear and certain snapper-grouper species could 
reduce revenues by as much as $2.3 million, or approximately 15 percent 
of the 1995 estimated ex-vessel value of the snapper grouper fishery. 
Although some actions would decrease recreational satisfaction due to 
restrictions of size or bag limits, there would be no decline in 
charterboat or headboat trips. The proposed rule would create a new 
recordkeeping requirement for permitted dealers in certain situations. 
The rule generally prohibits possession of red porgy, greater 
amberjack, gag, and black grouper during the closed seasons for these 
species. However, permitted dealers that have a documented paper trail 
showing that the fish were harvested in areas not under the 
jurisdiction of the Council would be allowed to possess these species 
during the closed seasons. The total cost of the public burden in terms 
of the value of the time spent by permitted dealers to create and/or 
maintain the paper trail record is estimated at $1,000. There would 
also be a compliance cost associated with a new requirement for escape 
panels and escape vents with biodegradable fasteners for black sea bass 
pots. The aggregate estimated cost

[[Page 63280]]

to make the necessary alterations to all existing black sea bass pots 
is $25,000.
    Significant alternatives were identified for most of the actions 
proposed in Amendment 9. The status quo was identified as an 
alternative for all the actions under consideration but was rejected in 
all cases because continuing the status quo is not a feasible 
alternative under the Magnuson-Stevens Act. A number of other 
alternatives were identified for all the actions being considered and 
although some of these would minimize the adverse economic effects 
relative to the preferred alternatives, they did not meet the 
objectives, especially the biological objectives, specified as the 
basis for the amendment.
    A copy of the IRFA is available for comment (see ADDRESSES).
    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 a new collection-of-information requirement 
subject to the PRA--namely, the requirement that dealers possessing red 
porgy, gag, black grouper, or greater amberjack during seasonal 
closures must maintain documentation that such fish were harvested from 
areas other than the South Atlantic. This requirement has been 
submitted to OMB for approval. The public reporting burden for this 
collection of information is estimated at 30 minutes per response, 
including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data 
sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and 
reviewing the collections of information.
    Public comment is sought regarding: Whether this proposed 
collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of 
the functions of the agency, including whether the information would 
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 NMFS 
and OMB (see ADDRESSES).

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 622

    Fisheries, Fishing, Puerto Rico, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Virgin Islands.

    Dated: November 5, 1998.
Andrew A. Rosenberg,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries 
Service.
    For the reasons set out in the preamble, 50 CFR part 622 is 
proposed to be amended as follows:

PART 622--FISHERIES OF THE CARIBBEAN, GULF, AND SOUTH ATLANTIC

    1. The authority citation for part 622 continues to read as 
follows:

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

    2. In Sec. 622.30, paragraph (d) is added to read as follows:


Sec. 622.30  Fishing years.

* * * * *
    (d) South Atlantic greater amberjack--May 1 through April 30.
    3. In Sec. 622.36, headings for paragraphs (a) and (b) and new 
paragraphs (b)(4) and (b)(5) are added; paragraph (b) introductory text 
is removed; and paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) are revised to read as 
follows:


Sec. 622.36  Seasonal harvest limitations.

    (a) Gulf EEZ. * * *
    (b) South Atlantic EEZ--(1) Greater amberjack spawning season. 
During April, each year, the possession of greater amberjack in or from 
the South Atlantic EEZ and in the South Atlantic on board a vessel for 
which a valid Federal commercial or charter vessel/headboat permit for 
South Atlantic snapper-grouper has been issued, without regard to where 
such greater amberjack were harvested, is limited to one per person per 
day or one per person per trip, whichever is more restrictive. Such 
greater amberjack are subject to the prohibition on sale or purchase, 
as specified in Sec. 622.45(d)(6).
    (2) Mutton snapper spawning season. During May and June, each year, 
the possession of mutton snapper in or from the EEZ on board a vessel 
that has a commercial permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper is 
limited to 10 per person per day or 10 per person per trip, whichever 
is more restrictive.
* * * * *
    (4) Black grouper and gag. During March and April, each year, the 
possession of black grouper and gag in or from the South Atlantic EEZ 
and in the South Atlantic on board a vessel for which a valid Federal 
commercial or charter vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic 
snapper-grouper has been issued, without regard to where such black 
grouper or gag were harvested, is limited to two black grouper or gag, 
combined, per person per day or two black grouper or gag, combined, per 
person per trip, whichever is more restrictive. Such black grouper or 
gag are subject to the prohibition on sale or purchase, as specified in 
Sec. 622.45(d)(5).
    (5) Red porgy. During March and April, each year, the possession of 
red porgy in or from the South Atlantic EEZ and in the South Atlantic 
on board a vessel for which a valid Federal commercial or charter 
vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper has been 
issued, without regard to where such red porgy were harvested, is 
limited to five per person per day or five per person per trip, 
whichever is more restrictive. Such red porgy are subject to the 
prohibition on sale or purchase, as specified in Sec. 622.45(d)(5).
    4. In Sec. 622.37, paragraph (e) is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 622.37  Minimum sizes.

* * * * *
    (e) South Atlantic snapper-grouper--(1) Snapper. (i) Lane snapper--
8 inches (20.3 cm), TL.
    (ii) Vermilion snapper--11 inches (27.9 cm), TL, for a fish taken 
by a person subject to the bag limit specified in Sec. 622.39 (d)(1)(v) 
and 12 inches (30.5 cm), TL, for a fish taken by a person not subject 
to the bag limit.
    (iii) Blackfin, cubera, dog, gray, mahogany, queen, silk, and 
yellowtail snappers; and schoolmaster--12 inches (30.5 cm), TL.
    (iv) Mutton snapper--16 inches (40.6 cm), TL.
    (v) Red snapper--20 inches (50.8 cm), TL.
    (2) Grouper. (i) Red, yellowfin, and yellowmouth grouper; and 
scamp--20 inches (50.8 cm), TL.
    (ii) Black grouper and gag--24 inches (61.0 cm), TL.
    (3) Other snapper-grouper species. (i) Black sea bass--10 inches 
(25.4 cm), TL.
    (ii) Gray triggerfish in the South Atlantic EEZ off Florida--12 
inches (30.5 cm), TL.
    (iii) Hogfish--12 inches (30.5 cm), fork length.
    (iv) Red porgy--14 inches (35.6 cm), TL.
    (v) Greater amberjack--28 inches (71.1 cm), fork length, for a fish 
taken by a person subject to the bag limit specified in 
Sec. 622.39(d)(1)(i) and 36 inches (91.4 cm), fork length, for a fish 
taken by a person not subject to the bag limit.
* * * * *

[[Page 63281]]

    5. In Sec. 622.38, paragraph (e) is removed; paragraphs (f) through 
(i) are redesignated as paragraphs (e) through (h), respectively; and 
paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 622.38  Landing fish intact.

* * * * *
    (a) The following must be maintained with head and fins intact: 
Cobia, king mackerel, and Spanish mackerel in or from the Gulf, Mid-
Atlantic, or South Atlantic EEZ, except as specified for king mackerel 
in paragraph (g) of this section; South Atlantic snapper-grouper in or 
from the South Atlantic EEZ, except as specified in paragraph (h) of 
this section; yellowtail snapper in or from the Caribbean EEZ; and 
finfish in or from the Gulf EEZ, except as specified in paragraphs (c), 
and (d) of this section. Such fish may be eviscerated, gilled, and 
scaled, but must otherwise be maintained in a whole condition.
* * * * *
    6. In Sec. 622.39, a concluding sentence is added to paragraph 
(a)(1); paragraphs (d)(1)(i), and (d)(1)(ii) are revised; and 
paragraphs (d)(1)(vi) through (viii) are added to read as follows:


Sec. 622.39  Bag and possession limits.

    (a) * * *  (1) * * * The operator of a vessel that fishes in the 
EEZ is responsible for ensuring that the bag and possession limits 
specified in this section are not exceeded.
* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (i) Greater amberjack--1.
    (ii) Groupers, combined, excluding jewfish and Nassau grouper, and 
tilefishes--5. However, within the 5-fish aggregate bag limit, no more 
than two fish may be gag or black grouper, combined.
* * * * *
    (vi) Red porgy--5.
    (vii) Black sea bass--20.
    (viii) South Atlantic snapper-grouper, combined, excluding tomtate 
and blue runner and those specified in paragraphs (d)(1)(i) through 
(vii) of this section--20.
* * * * *
    7. In Sec. 622.40, paragraph (b)(3)(i) is revised to read as 
follows:


Sec. 622.40  Limitations on traps and pots.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (3) * * * (i) A sea bass pot that is used or possessed in the South 
Atlantic EEZ between 35 deg.15.3' N. lat. (due east of Cape Hatteras 
Light, NC) and 28 deg.35.1' N. lat. (due east of the NASA Vehicle 
Assembly Building, Cape Canaveral, FL) is required to have--
    (A) On at least one side, excluding top and bottom, a panel or door 
with an opening equal to or larger than the interior end of the trap's 
throat (funnel). The hinges and fasteners of each panel or door must be 
made of one of the following degradable materials:
    (1) Ungalvanized or uncoated iron wire with a diameter not 
exceeding 0.041 inches (1.0 mm), that is, 19 gauge wire.
    (2) Galvanic timed-release mechanisms with a letter grade 
designation (degradability index) no higher than J.
    (B) An unobstructed escape vent opening on at least two opposite 
vertical sides, excluding top and bottom. The minimum dimensions of an 
escape vent opening (based on inside measurement) are:
    (1) 1 1/8 by 5 3/4 inches (2.9 by 14.6 cm) for a rectangular vent.
    (2) 1.75 by 1.75 inches (4.5 by 4.5 cm) for a square vent.
    (3) 2.0-inch (5.1-cm) diameter for a round vent.
* * * * *
    8. In Sec. 622.41, paragraph (d)(6) is added to read as follows:


Sec. 622.41  Species specific limitations.

* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (6) Longline species limitation. A vessel that has on board a valid 
Federal commercial permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper, excluding 
wreckfish, that fishes in the EEZ on a trip with a longline on board, 
may possess only the following South Atlantic snapper-grouper: snowy 
grouper, warsaw grouper, yellowedge grouper, misty grouper, golden 
tilefish, blueline tilefish, and sand tilefish. For the purpose of this 
paragraph, a vessel is considered to have a longline on board when a 
power-operated longline hauler, a cable of diameter suitable for use in 
the longline fishery on any reel, and gangions are on board. Removal of 
any one of these three elements constitutes removal of a longline.
* * * * *
    9. In Sec. 622.42, paragraph (e)(3) is added to read as follows:


Sec. 622.42  Quotas.

* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (3) Greater amberjack--1,169,931 lb (530,672 kg), gutted weight, 
that is, eviscerated but otherwise whole.
* * * * *
    10. In Sec. 622.43, paragraphs (a)(5) and (b)(1) are revised to 
read as follows:


Sec. 622.43  Closures.

    (a) * * *
    (5) South Atlantic snapper-grouper, excluding wreckfish. (i) 
Greater amberjack. The bag limit specified in Sec. 622.39(d)(1)(i) and 
the possession limits specified in Sec. 622.39(d)(2) apply to all 
harvest or possession of greater amberjack in or from the South 
Atlantic EEZ, and the sale or purchase of greater amberjack taken from 
the EEZ is prohibited. In addition, the bag and possession limits for 
greater amberjack and the prohibition on sale/purchase apply in the 
South Atlantic on board a vessel for which a valid Federal commercial 
or charter vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper 
has been issued, without regard to where such greater amberjack were 
harvested.
    (ii) Golden tilefish and snowy grouper. Golden tilefish and snowy 
grouper, for which there are quotas, are managed under the commercial 
trip limits specified in Sec. 622.44(c) in lieu of the closure 
provisions of this section.
* * * * *
    (b) * * * (1) The prohibition on sale/purchase during a closure for 
Gulf reef fish, king and Spanish mackerel, royal red shrimp, greater 
amberjack, or wreckfish in paragraph (a)(1), (a)(3)(iii), (a)(4), 
(a)(5)(i), or (a)(6) of this section does not apply to the indicated 
species that were harvested, landed ashore, and sold prior to the 
effective date of the closure and were held in cold storage by a dealer 
or processor.
* * * * *
    11. Section 622.44(c), which was published at 63 FR 38303, July 16, 
1998, is proposed to be amended by adding paragraph (c)(4) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 622.44  Commercial trip limits.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (4) Greater amberjack. Until the fishing year quota specified in 
Sec. 622.42(e)(3) is reached, 1,000 lb (454 kg).
* * * * *
    12. In Sec. 622.45, paragraphs (d)(5) and (d)(6) are added to read 
as follows:


Sec. 622.45  Restrictions on sale/purchase.

* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (5) During March and April, no person may sell or purchase a red 
porgy, gag, or black grouper harvested from the South Atlantic EEZ or, 
if harvested by a vessel for which a valid Federal commercial or 
charter vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper has 
been issued, harvested from the South Atlantic. The prohibition on

[[Page 63282]]

sale/purchase during March and April does not apply to red porgy, gag, 
or black grouper that were harvested, landed ashore, and sold prior to 
March 1 and were held in cold storage by a dealer or processor. This 
prohibition also does not apply to a dealer's purchase or sale of red 
porgy, gag, or black grouper harvested from an area other than the 
South Atlantic, provided such fish is accompanied by documentation of 
harvest outside the South Atlantic. Such documentation must contain:
    (i) The information specified in 50 CFR part 300 subpart K for 
marking containers or packages of fish or wildlife that are imported, 
exported, or transported in interstate commerce;
    (ii) The official number, name, and home port of the vessel 
harvesting the red porgy, gag, or black grouper;
    (iii) The port and date of offloading from the vessel harvesting 
the red porgy, gag, or black grouper; and
    (iv) A statement signed by the dealer attesting that the red porgy, 
gag, or black grouper was harvested from an area other than the South 
Atlantic.
    (6) During April, no person may sell or purchase a greater 
amberjack harvested from the South Atlantic EEZ or, if harvested by a 
vessel for which a valid Federal commercial or charter vessel/headboat 
permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper has been issued, harvested 
from the South Atlantic. The prohibition on sale/purchase during April 
does not apply to greater amberjack that were harvested, landed ashore, 
and sold prior to April 1 and were held in cold storage by a dealer or 
processor. This prohibition also does not apply to a dealer's purchase 
or sale of greater amberjack harvested from an area other than the 
South Atlantic, provided such fish is accompanied by documentation of 
harvest outside the South Atlantic. Such documentation must contain:
    (i) The information specified in 50 CFR part 300 subpart K for 
marking containers or packages of fish or wildlife that are imported, 
exported, or transported in interstate commerce;
    (ii) The official number, name, and home port of the vessel 
harvesting the greater amberjack;
    (iii) The port and date of offloading from the vessel harvesting 
the greater amberjack; and
    (iv) A statement signed by the dealer attesting that the greater 
amberjack was harvested from an area other than the South Atlantic.
* * * * *
    13. Figure 2 of Appendix C to Part 622 is amended by removing the 
reference to ``length for deheaded greater amberjack.
[FR Doc. 98-30230 Filed 11-10-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-F