[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 56 (Thursday, March 24, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 15010-15016]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-5755]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 679

[Docket No. 041110318-5055-02; I.D. 110504E]
RIN 0648-AS00


Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Revisions to 
Western Alaska Community Development Quota Program

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: NMFS issues a final rule to revise regulations governing the 
Western Alaska Community Development Quota (CDQ) Program. These 
regulatory amendments will simplify the processes for making quota 
transfers, for authorizing vessels as eligible to participate in the 
CDQ fisheries, and for obtaining approval of alternative fishing plans. 
This action is necessary to improve NMFS's ability to effectively 
administer the CDQ Program. It is intended to further the goals and 
objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering 
Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI FMP).

DATES: Effective April 25, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the Categorical Exclusion and the Regulatory 
Impact Review/Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (RIR/IRFA) and 
the Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (FRFA) prepared for this 
action may be obtained by mail from the Sustainable Fisheries Division, 
Alaska Region, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802-1668, Attn: Lori 
Durall, or from the NMFS Alaska Region website at www.fakr.noaa.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Obren Davis, 907-586-7228 or 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The groundfish fisheries in the exclusive 
economic zone of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area (BSAI) are 
managed under the BSAI FMP. The North Pacific Fishery Management 
Council (Council) prepared the BSAI FMP pursuant to the Magnuson-
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), 
16 U.S.C. 1801, et seq. Regulations governing the BSAI FMP appear at 50 
CFR part 679. General regulations governing U.S. fisheries also appear 
at 50 CFR part 600.

Background and Need for Action

    The existing management background and explanation of the need for 
this action were described in the preamble to the proposed rule 
published in the Federal Register on November 26, 2004 (69 FR 68865). 
In summary, the Council recommended simplifying certain administrative 
processes associated with CDQ transfers, prohibited species quota (PSQ) 
transfers, and alternative fishing plans (collectively, Issue 8) as 
part of its comprehensive recommendation for the eight separate issues 
comprising Amendment 71 to the BSAI FMP. This action will implement the 
particular changes recommended for Issue 8, as well as associated 
changes to the eligible vessel approval process that NMFS has 
determined are related in nature and scope to the Council's 
recommendations for alternative fishing plans.

Elements of this Rule

    This rule will make the following revisions to CDQ Program 
regulations at 50 CFR part 679:
    1. Revise Sec.  679.30(e) to allow CDQ groups to transfer 
groundfish CDQ and halibut CDQ by submitting transfer requests directly 
to NMFS and to remove the requirement that these transfers be made 
through amendments to CDQ groups' community development plans (CDPs). 
CDQ transfer requests will no longer have to be submitted to the State 
of Alaska (State) for review before being submitted to NMFS.
    2. Revise Sec.  679.30(e) to allow CDQ groups to transfer 
prohibited species quota (PSQ) by submitting transfer requests directly 
to NMFS and to remove the requirement that these transfers be made 
through amendments to the CDPs. PSQ transfer requests will no longer 
have to be submitted to the State for review before being submitted to 
NMFS. In addition, this action will allow the transfer of PSQ during 
any month of the year and allow transfers of PSQ without an associated 
transfer of CDQ. The CDQ and PSQ transfer process will become an in-
season management function of NMFS.
    3. Remove the requirements at Sec.  679.30(a) that fishing plan 
forms and a list of eligible vessels be included in a group's CDP. 
Vessel eligibility requirements are added to redesignated and revised 
Sec.  679.32(c) to require that: CDQ groups request and obtain 
eligibility approval from NMFS for all vessels groundfish CDQ fishing 
and for vessels equal to or greater than 60 feet (18.3 meters) length 
overall (LOA) that are halibut CDQ fishing before these

[[Page 15011]]

vessels participate in any CDQ fisheries; CDQ groups provide a copy of 
the NMFS-approved eligible vessel request to the vessel operator; 
vessel operators maintain a copy of the NMFS-approved request onboard 
the vessel at all times while harvesting, transporting, or offloading 
CDQ; and, CDQ groups must notify the vessel operator if the vessel is 
removed from eligibility to fish for CDQ. Vessel eligibility 
requirements and documentation are intended to provide a means for law 
enforcement personnel to verify whether vessels claiming to be 
participating in CDQ fisheries are eligible to do so, particularly if 
no other non-CDQ fisheries are open at a given time.
    4. Remove the requirement at Sec.  679.30(a) that a CDQ group 
obtain prior approval by the State and NMFS for all processors taking 
deliveries of groundfish CDQ.
    5. Amend Sec.  679.32(e) to allow CDQ groups to submit alternative 
fishing plans directly to NMFS rather than as amendments to a CDP. Such 
plans are used by CDQ groups to propose the use of different levels of 
observer coverage or different data sources for catch accounting than 
those required by regulation. An alternative fishing plan will be an 
attachment to an eligible vessel request. Additionally, CDQ groups will 
be required to provide a copy of the NMFS-approved alternative fishing 
plan to vessel operators who will be required to maintain a copy of the 
NMFS-approved alternative fishing plan onboard the vessel at all times 
while harvesting, transporting, or offloading CDQ.
    6. Implement other minor revisions to the regulations at Sec. Sec.  
679.2, 679.5, 679.7, 679.22, 679.30, 679.32, and 679.50 to update 
wording, clarify definitions, and correct cross references in support 
of the primary regulatory amendments in this rule. The definitions for 
``CDQ group number'' and ``groundfish CDQ fishing'' are revised to 
remove references to approval of eligible vessels and processors as 
part of a CDP. The definition for ``CDQ representative'' is revised to 
allow CDQ groups to authorize more than one staff person to sign and 
submit documents to NMFS. A new definition of ``eligible vessel'' is 
added to support the use of that term elsewhere in 50 CFR part 679.
    7. Revise several paragraphs within Sec. Sec.  679.7, 679.30, and 
679.32 to remove requirements that a CDQ group must ensure its 
respective fishing and processing partners' compliance with regulations 
in 50 CFR part 679, as CDQ groups are not in a position to direct, 
control, or otherwise affect the operations or action of their 
partners. Specific revisions include:
     In Sec.  679.7, remove paragraph (d)(24) which states that 
it is unlawful for a CDQ group to fail to ensure that all vessels and 
processors listed as eligible on the CDQ group's approved CDP comply 
with all regulations in this part while fishing for CDQ.
     In Sec.  679.30(a), remove the sentence in the middle of 
the paragraph that reads ``In addition, the CDQ group is responsible to 
ensure that vessels and processors listed as eligible on the CDQ 
group's approved CDP comply with all requirements of this part while 
harvesting or processing CDQ species.''
     In Sec.  679.30, remove paragraph (f)(6) which states that 
the CDQ groups are responsible for ensuring compliance by the CDQ 
harvesting vessels and CDQ processors of the activities listed.
     In Sec.  679.32(a), revise the paragraph to include a more 
general statement of applicability for the entire section. The 
individual paragraphs within the section will include the specific 
applicability of each topic to CDQ groups, vessel operators, and 
processors.

Response to Comments

    NMFS received three separate comment letters, containing a total of 
six unique comments, regarding the proposed rule. The comments are 
summarized and responded to below.
    Comment 1: The wholesale allowance of overfishing should not be 
allowed.
    Response: This action modifies administrative processes associated 
with the management of the CDQ Program and does not make any revisions 
to the amount of fish authorized to be harvested. The program allocates 
specific amounts of CDQ to eligible recipients, who in turn must 
harvest such quota in compliance with strict catch monitoring and 
reporting standards. Currently, no Alaska groundfish species are 
considered by NMFS to be overfished.
    Comment 2: Law enforcement personnel need to monitor the catch and 
landing of all fish, since commercial fishermen bring in at least three 
times as much as they are allowed to catch. Commercial fishermen are 
lawbreakers who have been overfishing per the Pew Report and the United 
Nations Report on Overfishing, which are incorporated into the comments 
from this commentor.
    Response: NMFS disagrees with the commentor's assertion that 
groundfish fishers systematically under-report their catch. The 
recordkeeping and reporting requirements in Alaska groundfish fisheries 
are comprehensive, and NMFS and U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement 
officers conduct numerous vessel boardings and seafood processor 
inspections each year. Catch and reporting violations occur, but are 
relatively infrequent. Such violations are prosecuted pursuant to the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act.
    Comment 3: Marine sanctuaries should be established immediately and 
all vessels should be excluded from them.
    Response: This action does not address the creation of marine 
sanctuaries. The concept of establishing marine reserves is explored in 
the draft environmental impact statement (EIS) for essential fish 
habitat, dated January 2004. Further information on this draft EIS may 
be found at the NMFS Alaska Region website at www.fakr.noaa.gov.
    Comment 4: Regional fishery management councils do not meet the 
Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) rules of being balanced. Such 
councils are controlled by fishing profiteers, who dominate which 
quotas are allowed.
    Response: This action does not address issues related to the 
membership of regional fishery management councils or the FACA. 
Furthermore, FACA does not apply to regional fishery management 
councils (16 U.S.C. 1852(i)(1)). Council members who are appointed by 
the Secretary must comply with financial disclosure requirements at 50 
CFR 600.235(b) and are recused from voting on any Council decision that 
would have a significant and predictable effect on a financial interest 
disclosed in his or her report (50 CFR 600.235(c)).
    Comment 5: Marine resources are not owned exclusively by commercial 
fishermen and the fish in the ocean belong to all U.S. citizens. Seals 
should have some fish to eat, too.
    Response: This action does not make any revisions to the amount of 
fish that may be harvested. The groundfish fisheries off Alaska are 
managed within a structure of science-based conservation and management 
practices. NMFS limits the amount of fish that may be harvested in the 
groundfish fisheries off Alaska by setting annual catch limits based on 
the best scientific information available about each specific stock 
under consideration. In the course of considering both catch limits and 
regulatory changes, NMFS and the Council consider a broad range of 
alternatives to address biological, environmental, and economic 
concerns. This process also includes an examination of the potential 
impacts of alternatives on marine mammals, including seals.

[[Page 15012]]

    Comment 6: We support the proposed changes. The proposed revisions 
will increase CDQ harvesting flexibility and decrease the 
administrative burden on the State of Alaska, NMFS, and the CDQ groups.
    Response: NMFS agrees that these revisions will increase CDQ 
management flexibility and alleviate some portion of the management 
burden associated with submitting and reviewing CDQ and PSQ transfers, 
fishing plan forms, and alternative fishing plans.

Changes from the Proposed Rule

    No substantive changes are made in this final rule from the 
proposed rule.

Classification

    This final rule has been determined to be not significant for 
purposes of Executive Order 12866.
    The NMFS prepared a final regulatory flexibility analysis (FRFA). 
The FRFA incorporates the IRFA, a summary of the significant issues 
raised by the public comments in response to the IRFA, and NMFS 
responses to those comments, and a summary of the analyses completed to 
support the action. A summary of the FRFA and how it addresses each of 
the requirements in 5 U.S.C. 604(a)(1)-(5) follows. A copy of this FRFA 
is available from NMFS (see ADDRESSES).

Need for and Objectives of the Rule

    A description of the need for and objectives of this action is 
contained in the preamble to the proposed rule published in the Federal 
Register on November 26, 2004 (69 FR 68865), and in the preamble to 
this final rule.

Summary of Significant Issues Raised in Public Comment

    None of the comments received specifically addressed the IRFA or 
the economic impacts of this action. Two letters of comments supporting 
the action were received from two CDQ groups, both of which are small 
entities under the RFA. The CDQ groups identified reduced reporting and 
administrative burdens, along with additional flexibility to maximize 
the harvest of target species, as the reasons for their support.

Description and Estimate of Number of Small Entities to Which the Rule 
Will Apply

    The entities that will be directly regulated by this action are the 
6 CDQ groups that represent the 65 western Alaska communities that 
currently participate in the CDQ Program, as well as the owners and 
operators of vessels harvesting CDQ on behalf of the CDQ groups. The 
CDQ groups include: Aleutian Pribilof Island Community Development 
Association, Bristol Bay Economic Development Corporation, Central 
Bering Sea Fishermen's Association, Coastal Villages Region Fund, 
Norton Sound Economic Development Corporation, and Yukon Delta 
Fisheries Development Association. Each of these groups is organized as 
a not-for-profit entity and none is dominant in its field. 
Consequently, each is a small entity under the Regulatory Flexibility 
Act (RFA). Many of the 83 vessels and at least 3 of the 10 shoreside 
processors participating in the groundfish CDQ fisheries are small 
entities.

Description of Projected Reporting, Recordkeeping, and Other Compliance 
Requirements

    All of this action's primary regulatory revisions are related to 
recordkeeping and reporting requirements. These requirements apply 
primarily to the CDQ groups, because these groups submit the CDQ and 
PSQ transfer request forms, the request for approval of an eligible 
vessel forms, and the alternative fishing plans to NMFS. The 
professional skills that are necessary to prepare and submit the forms 
required from a CDQ group and to provide a copy of the signed form and 
alternative fishing plan, if applicable, to vessel operators include: 
(1) the ability to read, write, and speak in English, (2) the ability 
to use computer and communications equipment, (3) knowledge of the CDQ 
group's fishing activities, including contractual arrangements with 
vessel operators and processing plants, and quota balances, and (4) the 
authority to sign and submit documents to NMFS on behalf of the CDQ 
group. These responsibilities generally are fulfilled by a member of 
the CDQ group's professional staff. The professional skills necessary 
for a vessel operator to maintain a copy of the signed authorization 
form and alternative fishing plan, if applicable, onboard the vessel 
include: (1) the ability to read or understand verbal instructions in 
English, and (2) the organizational skills necessary to receive a 
document from the CDQ group, maintain it in legible condition, and 
ensure it is accessible to U.S. Coast Guard or NMFS enforcement 
officers upon request.

Steps Taken to Minimize Economic Impacts on Small Entities

    The FRFA evaluated two alternatives: (1) the status quo, and (2) 
the preferred alternative, which will modify certain administrative 
processes associated with quota transfers, eligible vessels, and 
alternative fishing plans. As part of the assessment of the CDQ 
Program's administrative issues considered under Amendment 71 to the 
BSAI FMP, the Council, NMFS, and the State evaluated current 
recordkeeping and reporting requirements and identified several areas 
where requirements could be reduced. This provided a basis for the 
preferred alternative implemented by this action. NMFS believes that 
this alternative meets the objective of the recordkeeping and reporting 
requirements of the CDQ Program by appropriately balancing the 
requirements for conservation and management of the groundfish CDQ 
fisheries under the Magnuson-Stevens Act, with the requirements to 
minimize economic burdens under both the Magnuson-Stevens Act National 
Standard 7 (minimize costs and avoid unnecessary duplication) and the 
Paperwork Reduction Act (minimize the economic burden of recordkeeping 
and reporting requirements).

Small Entity Compliance Guide

    CDQ groups will be in compliance with this rule if they follow the 
revised submittal procedures for CDQ and PSQ transfers, eligible 
vessels, and alternative fishing plans. This includes: submitting both 
transfer requests and alternative fishing plans directly to NMFS; 
discontinuing the inclusion of fishing plan forms in CDPs; requesting 
approval from NMFS to designate vessels that are eligible to fish for 
CDQ; supplying vessel operators with copies of the NMFS-approved 
eligible vessel request form (and alternative fishing plans, if 
applicable); and, notifying vessel operators if their vessel's 
eligibility to fish for CDQ is removed. Vessel operators operating on 
behalf of CDQ groups will be in compliance with this rule if they 
maintain a legible copy of the NMFS-approved eligible vessel form (and 
alternative fishing plan, if applicable) aboard vessels while 
harvesting, transporting, or offloading CDQ. Copies of the final rule 
are available from NMFS (see ADDRESSES) and at the following website: 
www.fakr.noaa.gov.
    This rule contains a collection-of-information requirement subject 
to the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) and which has been approved by OMB 
under control number 0648-0269. Public reporting burden is estimated to 
average: 520 hours for a Community Development Plan; 40 hours for a 
Substantial Amendment; 8 hours for a Technical Amendment; 30 minutes 
for a CDQ or PSQ Transfer Request; 1 hour

[[Page 15013]]

for a Request for Approval of an Eligible Vessel; and 4 hours for an 
Alternative Fishing Plan. The estimated time to respond to each 
requirement includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching 
existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and 
completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments 
regarding these burden estimates or any other aspect of this data 
collection, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to NMFS (see 
ADDRESSES) and by e-mail to [email protected], or fax to 202-
395-7285.
    Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is 
required to respond to, and no person shall be subject to penalty for 
failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the PRA, unless that collection of information displays 
a currently valid OMB control number.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 679

    Alaska, Fisheries, Recordkeeping and reporting requirements.

    Dated: March 17, 2005.
Rebecca Lent,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.

0
For the reasons set out in the preamble, 50 CFR part 679 is amended as 
follows:

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

0
1. The authority citation for part 679 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq., 1801 et seq., and 3631 et 
seq.; 16 U.S.C. 1540(f); Pub. L. 105-277, Title II of Division C; 
Pub. L. 106-31, Sec. 3027; and Pub. L.106-554, Sec. 209.

0
2. In Sec.  679.2, revise the definitions for ``CDQ group number,'' 
``CDQ representative,'' and ``Groundfish CDQ fishing'' and add the 
definition for ``Eligible vessel,'' in alphabetical order, to read as 
follows:


Sec.  679.2  Definitions.

* * * * *
    CDQ group number means a number assigned to a CDQ group by NMFS 
that must be recorded and is required in all logbooks and all reports 
submitted by the CDQ group, vessels harvesting CDQ, or processors 
taking deliveries of CDQ.
* * * * *
    CDQ representative means any individual who is authorized by a CDQ 
group to sign documents submitted to NMFS on behalf of the CDQ group.
* * * * *
    Eligible vessel means, for the purposes of the CDQ Program, a 
fishing vessel designated by a CDQ group to harvest part or all of its 
CDQ allocation and approved by NMFS under Sec.  679.32(c).
* * * * *
    Groundfish CDQ fishing means fishing by an eligible vessel that 
results in the catch of any groundfish CDQ species, but that does not 
meet the definition of halibut CDQ fishing.
* * * * *

0
3. In Sec.  679.5, add paragraphs (n)(3) and (n)(4) to read as follows:


Sec.  679.5  Recordkeeping and reporting (R&R).

* * * * *
    (n) * * *
    (3) CDQ or PSQ transfer request--(i) Who must submit a CDQ or PSQ 
transfer request? A CDQ group requesting transfer of CDQ or PSQ to or 
from another CDQ group must submit a completed CDQ or PSQ transfer 
request to NMFS.
    (ii) Information required--(A) Transferring CDQ group information. 
For the group transferring CDQ, enter: the CDQ group name or initials; 
the CDQ group number as defined at Sec.  679.2; and, the CDQ 
representative's telephone number, fax number, printed name, and 
signature.
    (B) Receiving CDQ group information. For the group receiving CDQ, 
enter: the CDQ group name or initials; the CDQ group number as defined 
at Sec.  679.2; and, the CDQ representative's telephone number, fax 
number, printed name, and signature.
    (C) CDQ amount transferred--(1) Species or Species Category. For 
each species for which a transfer is being requested, enter the species 
name or species category.
    (2) Area. Enter the management area associated with a species 
category, if applicable.
    (3) Amount transferred. Specify the amount being transferred. For 
groundfish, specify transfer amounts to the nearest 0.001 mt. For 
halibut CDQ, specify the amount in pounds (net weight).
    (D) PSQ amount transferred--(1) Species or Species Category. For 
each species for which a transfer is being requested, enter the species 
name or species category.
    (2) Crab zone. For crab only, designate the appropriate zone for 
each PSQ being transferred, if applicable.
    (3) Amount transferred. Specify the amount being transferred. For 
crab and salmon, specify transfer amounts in numbers of animals. For 
halibut, specify the amount to the nearest 0.001 mt.
    (4) Request for approval of an eligible vessel--(i) Who must submit 
a request for approval of an eligible vessel? A CDQ group must submit a 
completed request for approval of an eligible vessel to NMFS for each 
vessel that will be groundfish CDQ fishing and for each vessel equal to 
or greater than 60 ft (18.3 m) LOA that will be halibut CDQ fishing. 
See Sec.  679.32(c) for more information about this requirement.
    (ii) Information required--(A) Vessel information. Enter the vessel 
name, Federal fisheries permit number, if applicable, ADF&G vessel 
registration number, and LOA. Indicate all the gear types that will be 
used to catch CDQ.
    (B) Vessel contact information. Enter the name, mailing address, 
telephone number, and e-mail address (if available) of a contact person 
representing the vessel.
    (C) Method to determine CDQ and PSQ catch. Select the method that 
will be used to determine CDQ and PSQ catch, either NMFS standard 
sources of data or an alternative method. If the selection is ``NMFS 
standard sources of data,'' select either ``all trawl vessels greater 
than or equal to 60 ft (18.3 m) LOA using non-trawl gear'' or ``catcher 
vessels greater than or equal to 60 ft (18.3 m) LOA using non-trawl 
gear.'' If the selection is ``catcher vessels greater than or equal to 
60 ft (18.3 m) LOA using non-trawl gear,'' select either Option 1 or 
Option 2, described at Sec.  679.32(e)(2)(iv). If an alternative method 
(fishing plan) is proposed, it must be attached to the request for 
approval of an eligible vessel.
    (D) Notice of submission and review. Enter the name, telephone 
number, and fax number of the CDQ representative; the date submitted to 
NMFS; and signature of the CDQ representative.
* * * * *


Sec.  679.7  [Amended]

0
4. In Sec.  679.7, remove paragraph (d)(24) and redesignate paragraph 
(d)(25) as (d)(24).

0
5. In Sec.  679.30, remove paragraphs (f)(6), and (g)(4)(iv)(H); 
redesignate paragraph (f)(7) as (f)(6); and revise paragraph (a) 
introductory text, paragraphs (a)(5), (e), (g)(4)(ii), and 
(g)(4)(iv)(G) to read as follows:


Sec.  679.30  General CDQ regulations.

    (a) Application procedure. The CDQ program is a voluntary program. 
Allocations of CDQ and PSQ are made to CDQ groups and not to vessels or 
processors fishing under contract with any CDQ group. Any vessel or 
processor harvesting or processing CDQ or PSQ on behalf of a CDQ group 
must comply

[[Page 15014]]

with all other requirements of this part. Allocations of CDQ and PSQ 
are harvest privileges that expire upon the expiration of the CDP. When 
a CDP expires, further CDQ allocations are not implied or guaranteed, 
and a qualified applicant must re-apply for further allocations on a 
competitive basis with other qualified applicants. The CDQ allocations 
provide the means for CDQ groups to complete their CDQ projects. A 
qualified applicant may apply for CDQ and PSQ allocations by submitting 
a proposed CDP to the State during the CDQ application period that is 
announced by the State. A proposed CDP must include the following 
information:
* * * * *
    (5) Harvesting plans. A narrative description of how the CDQ group 
intends to harvest and process its CDQ allocations, including a 
description of the target fisheries, the types of vessels and 
processors that will be used, the locations and methods of processing, 
and the CDQ group's proposed partners.
* * * * *
    (e) Transfers--(1) Transfer of annual CDQ and PSQ. CDQ groups may 
request that NMFS transfer CDQ or PSQ from one group to another group 
by each group submitting a completed transfer request as described in 
Sec.  679.5(n)(3). NMFS will approve the transfer request if the CDQ 
group transferring quota to another CDQ group has sufficient quota 
available for transfer. If NMFS approves the request, NMFS will make 
the requested transfer(s) by decreasing the account balance of the CDQ 
group from which the CDQ or PSQ species is transferred and by 
increasing the account balance of the CDQ group receiving the 
transferred CDQ or PSQ species. NMFS will not approve transfers to 
cover overages of CDQ or PSQ. The CDQ or PSQ will be transferred as of 
the date NMFS approves the transfer request and is effective only for 
the remainder of the calendar year in which the transfer occurs.
    (2) Transfer of CDQ and PSQ allocation. CDQ groups may request that 
some or all of one group's CDQ or PSQ allocation, as defined at Sec.  
679.2, be transferred by NMFS to another group by each group filing an 
amendment to its respective CDP through the CDP substantial amendment 
process set forth at paragraph (g)(4) of this section. The CDQ or PSQ 
allocation will be transferred as of January 1 of the calendar year 
following the calendar year NMFS approves the amendments of both groups 
and is effective for the duration of the CDPs. Transfers of CDQ and PSQ 
allocations must be in whole integer percentages.
* * * * *
    (g) * * *
    (4) * * *
    (ii) NMFS will notify the State in writing of the approval or 
disapproval of the amendment within 30 days of receipt of both the 
amendment and the State's recommendation. Once a substantial amendment 
is approved by NMFS, the amendment will be effective for the duration 
of the CDP.
* * * * *
    (iv) * * *
    (G) Any transfer of a CDQ allocation or a PSQ allocation.
* * * * *

0
6. In Sec.  679.32, redesignate paragraph (d) as (e), and paragraph (c) 
as (d); revise paragraphs (a) and newly redesignated paragraph (e)(2) 
introductory text; and add new paragraphs (c) and (e)(3) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  679.32  Groundfish and halibut CDQ catch monitoring.

    (a) Applicability. This section contains requirements for CDQ 
groups, operators of vessels, and managers of processors that harvest 
and/or process groundfish CDQ, including vessels equal to or greater 
than 60 ft (18.3 m) LOA that are halibut CDQ fishing.
* * * * *
    (c) Vessels eligible for groundfish and halibut CDQ fisheries. The 
following information must be provided by the CDQ group for all vessels 
that are groundfish CDQ fishing and all vessels equal to or greater 
than 60 ft (18.3 m) LOA that are halibut CDQ fishing.
    (1) Request for approval of an eligible vessel. Prior to a vessel 
participating in the CDQ fishery, a CDQ group must submit to NMFS a 
completed request for approval of an eligible vessel as described at 
Sec.  679.5(n)(4). NMFS will approve all vessels for which a completed 
request is submitted. Once approved, a vessel will remain eligible 
until December 31 of the last year in the current CDQ allocation cycle 
under Sec.  679.30(d), or until the CDQ group removes the vessel from 
eligibility under paragraph (c)(2) of this section. A list of eligible 
vessels for each CDQ group will be publicly available from the Alaska 
Regional Office or on the NMFS website at http://www.fakr.noaa.gov. The 
CDQ group must provide a copy of the NMFS-approved eligible vessel 
request to the operator of the approved vessel. The vessel operator 
must maintain a copy of the eligible vessel request approved by NMFS 
onboard the vessel at all times while harvesting, transporting, or 
offloading CDQ.
    (2) Removing a vessel from eligibility. A CDQ group may remove a 
vessel from eligibility to harvest CDQ on its behalf by advising NMFS 
by letter of the removal. Removal of a vessel from eligibility to 
harvest CDQ will be effective on the date that NMFS approves the 
request and notifies the CDQ group of NMFS's approval. Upon receipt of 
notification of NMFS's approval, the CDQ group must notify the operator 
of the vessel of the vessel's removal from eligibility to harvest CDQ 
on behalf of the CDQ group.
* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (2) Verification of CDQ and PSQ catch reports. CDQ groups may 
specify the sources of data listed below as the sources they will use 
to determine CDQ and PSQ catch on the CDQ catch report by specifying 
``NMFS standard sources of data'' on their request for approval of an 
eligible vessel. In the case of a catcher vessel using nontrawl gear, 
the CDQ group must specify on their request for approval of an eligible 
vessel whether the vessel will be retaining all groundfish CDQ (Option 
1) or discarding some groundfish CDQ species at sea (Option 2). CDQ 
species may be discarded at sea by these vessels only if the 
requirements of paragraph (d)(2)(ii)(B) of this section are met. NMFS 
will use the following sources to verify the CDQ catch reports, unless 
an alternative catch estimation procedure is approved by NMFS under 
paragraph (e)(3) of this section.
* * * * *
    (3) Alternative methods for verification of CDQ and PSQ catch. The 
method to be used to determine CDQ and PSQ catch for each vessel must 
be listed by a CDQ group on the request for approval of an eligible 
vessel. A CDQ group may propose the use of an alternative method, such 
as using only one observer where normally two would be required, 
sorting and weighing of all catch by species on processor vessels, or 
using larger sample sizes than could be collected by one observer, by 
submitting an alternative fishing plan attached to its request for 
approval of an eligible vessel. NMFS will review the alternative 
fishing plan and approve it or notify the qualified applicant in 
writing if the proposed alternative does not meet the requirements 
listed under paragraphs (e)(3)(i) through (iv) of this section. The CDQ 
group must provide a copy of the approved alternative fishing plan to 
the operator of the approved vessel. A copy of the alternative fishing 
plan approved by NMFS must be maintained onboard

[[Page 15015]]

the vessel at all times while it is operating under the alternative 
fishing plan. Alternative fishing plans are valid for the remainder of 
the calendar year in which they are approved. Alternatives to the 
requirement for a certified scale or an observer sampling station will 
not be approved. NMFS will review the alternative fishing plan to 
determine if it meets all of the following requirements:
    (i) The alternative proposed must provide equivalent or better 
estimates than use of the NMFS standard data source would provide and 
the estimates must be independently verifiable;
    (ii) Each haul or set on an observed vessel must be able to be 
sampled by an observer for species composition;
    (iii) Any proposal to sort catch before it is weighed must ensure 
that the sorting and weighing process will be monitored by an observer; 
and
    (iv) The time required for the level 2 observer to complete 
sampling, data recording, and data communication duties must not exceed 
12 hours in each 24-hour period and the level 2 observer must not be 
required to sample more than 9 hours in each 24-hour period.
* * * * *


Sec. Sec.  679.5, 679.7, 679.22, 679.32, and 679.50  [Amended]

0
7. In the table below, for each of the paragraphs shown under the 
``Paragraph'' column, remove the phrase indicated under the ``Remove'' 
column and replace it with the phrase indicated under the ``Add'' 
column for the number of times indicated in the ``Frequency'' column.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Paragraph(s)            Remove                Add          Frequency
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec.                 (Option 1 in the     (Option 1 under      1
 679.5(n)(2)(iv)      CDP).                Sec.
 introductory text                         679.32(d)(2)(ii)).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec.                 (Option 2 in the     (Option 2 under      1
 679.5(n)(2)(v)       CDP).                Sec.
 introductory text                         679.32(d)(2)(ii)).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec.   679.7(d)(4)   eligible vessel on   eligible vessel for  1
                      an approved CDP
                      for
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec.   679.7(d)(6)   eligible vessel      eligible vessel,     1
 through (10)         listed on an         use
                      approved CDP, use
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec.   679.7(d)(11)  to an eligible       to a processor       1
                      processor listed     unless
                      on an approved CDP
                      unless
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec.   679.7(d)(21)  approved in the CDP  approved by NMFS to  1
                      to
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec.                 aboard, except as    aboard, unless       1
 679.7(f)(3)(ii)      provided under an    fishing on behalf
                      approved CDP.        of a CDQ group and
                                           authorized under
                                           Sec.   679.32(c).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec.                 it is operating      it is directed       1
 679.22(a)(5)(ii)     under a CDP          fishing for
                      approved by NMFS.    pollock CDQ.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Newly redesignated   paragraph (c)(3) or  paragraph (d)(3) or  1
 Sec.                 (c)(4) of this       (d)(4) of this
 679.32(d)(1)(i)      section,             section,
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Newly redesignated   paragraph (c)(4) of  paragraph (d)(4) of  1
 Sec.                 this section.        this section.
 679.32(d)(1)(ii)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Newly redesignated   paragraph (c)(3) or  paragraph (d)(3) or  1
 Sec.                 (c)(4) of this       (d)(4) of this
 679.32(d)(2)(i)(A)   section              section
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Newly redesignated   paragraph (c)(3) or  paragraph (d)(3) or  1
 Sec.                 (c)(4) of this       (d)(4) of this
 679.32(d)(2)(ii)(A   section              section
 )
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Newly redesignated   for the vessel in    for the vessel.      1
 Sec.                 the CDP. Each        Each
 679.32(d)(4)(iv)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Newly redesignated   the vessel,          the vessel until     1
 Sec.                 delivered to a       delivered to a
 679.32(e)(2)(i)      shoreside            processor, and
                      processor listed     sorted and weighed
                      as eligible in the   in compliance with
                      CDP, and sorted      paragraph (d)(3)
                      and weighed in       of this section.
                      compliance with
                      paragraph (c)(3)
                      of this section.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Newly redesignated   processor listed as  processor, and       1
 Sec.                 eligible in the      sorted and weighed
 679.32(e)(2)(iii)    CDP, and sorted      in compliance with
                      and weighed in       paragraph (d)(3)
                      compliance with      of this section.
                      paragraph (c)(3)
                      of this section.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Newly redesignated   paragraph (c)(3) of  paragraph (d)(3) of  1
 Sec.                 this section         this section
 679.32(e)(2)(iv)(A
 )
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec.   679.32(f)(3)  paragraphs (b)       paragraphs (b)       1
                      through (d) of       through (e) of
                      this section,        this section,
                      including the        including the
                      retention of all     retention of all
                      groundfish CDQ, if   groundfish CDQ, if
                      option 1 under       Option 1 under
                      Sec.                 Sec.
                      679.32(c)(2)(ii)     679.32(d)(2)(ii)
                      is selected in the   is selected. CDQ
                      CDP. CDQ
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec.                 unless NMFS          unless NMFS          1
 679.50(c)(4)(ii)     approves a CDP       approves an
                      authorizing          alternative
                                           fishing plan under
                                           Sec.
                                           679.32(e)(3)
                                           authorizing
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec.                 NMFS may approve a   NMFS may approve an  1
 679.50(c)(4)(ii)     CDP authorizing      alternative
                                           fishing plan
                                           authorizing
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec.                 NMFS will not        NMFS will not        1
 679.50(c)(4)(ii)     approve a CDP that   approve an
                                           alternative
                                           fishing plan that
------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 15016]]

 
Sec.                 described at Sec.    described at Sec.    1
 679.50(c)(4)(v)(A)   679.32(c)(2)(ii)(A   679.32(d)(2)(ii)(A
                      )) for               )) for
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec.                 described at Sec.    described at Sec.    1
 679.50(c)(4)(v)(B)   679.32(c)(2)(ii)(B   679.32(d)(2)(ii)(B
                      )) for               )) for
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec.                 described at Sec.    described at Sec.    1
 679.50(d)(5)(ii)(B   679.32(c)(2)(ii)(A   679.32(d)(2)(ii)(A
 )                    )) for               )) for
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec.                 described at Sec.    described at Sec.    1
 679.50(d)(5)(ii)(C   679.32(c)(2)(ii)(B   679.32(d)(2)(ii)(B
 )                    )) for               )) for
------------------------------------------------------------------------

[FR Doc. 05-5755 Filed 3-23-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S