[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 247 (Tuesday, December 27, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 76422-76429]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-24420]



[[Page 76422]]

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 648

[Docket No. 050520136-5317-02; I.D. 040705A]
RIN 0648-AS80


Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast 
Multispecies Fishery; Amendment 13 and Framework Adjustment 40-A

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

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This rule corrects inadvertent errors and omissions found in 
the April 27, 2004, final rule implementing Amendment 13 and the 
November 19, 2004, interim final rule implementing Framework Adjustment 
(Framework) 40-A to the Northeast (NE) Multispecies Fishery Management 
Plan (FMP). This rule also clarifies specific regulations to maintain 
consistency with, and to accurately reflect, the intent of Amendment 13 
and Framework 40-A to the FMP. Finally, this rule revises the process 
for selecting total allowable catch (TAC) allocations for the U.S./
Canada Management Areas pursuant to a court order. This action is being 
taken by NMFS under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act).

DATES: Effective January 26, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the Regulatory Impact Review (RIR) and the Initial 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) prepared for this action are 
available upon request from the Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Regional Office, NMFS, One Blackburn Street, Gloucester, MA 01930-2298. 
NMFS prepared a Final Regulatory Flexibility Act Analysis (FRFA), which 
is contained in the Classification section of this rule. Copies of the 
RIR and the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (FSEIS) 
prepared for Amendment 13 and the environmental assessment (EA) 
prepared for Framework 40-A may be obtained from Paul J. Howard, 
Executive Director, New England Fishery Management Council, 50 Water 
Street, Mill 2, Newburyport, MA 01950. The FSEIS/RIR for Amendment 13 
and the EA/RIR for Framework 40-A are also accessible via the Internet 
at http://www.nefmc.org.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Douglas W. Christel, Fishery Policy 
Analyst, phone (978) 281-9141, fax (978) 281-9135.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Amendment 13 was developed by the New England Fishery Management 
Council (Council) to end overfishing and rebuild NE multispecies stocks 
managed consistent with the provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. 
NMFS published final regulations to implement the approved measures in 
Amendment 13 in the Federal Register on April 27, 2004 (69 FR 22906). 
The majority of the measures in the final rule became effective on May 
1, 2004.
    Framework 40-A was developed by the Council to provide additional 
opportunities for NE multispecies vessels to target healthy stocks in 
an effort to help achieve optimum yield from the fishery and to 
mitigate some of the economic impacts resulting from effort reductions 
implemented under Amendment 13. NMFS published an interim final rule 
implementing measures approved under Framework 40-A on November 19, 
2004 (69 FR 67780), which became effective on November 19, 2004.
    Both the final rule implementing Amendment 13 and the interim final 
rule implementing Framework 40-A contained several inadvertent errors 
and omissions that were inconsistent with the intent of these actions. 
In addition, there were some measures that required further 
clarification to ensure proper implementation of these measures and 
consistency with Amendment 13 and Framework 40-A, specifically the gear 
requirements for the Eastern U.S./Canada Area. To solicit further 
public input regarding these corrections and clarifications, a proposed 
rule for this action was published on August 8, 2005 (70 FR 45628), 
with public comments accepted through September 7, 2005. Specific input 
was solicited regarding the gear requirements for the Eastern U.S./
Canada Area.
    After reviewing the one public comment received for this action, 
this action implements all of the revised measures outlined in the 
proposed rule for this action with the exception of the changes to the 
haddock separator trawl, as detailed below.

Comments and Responses

Eastern U.S./Canada Area Gear Requirements

    Comment 1: One industry group supported changes to the flounder net 
that would replace 12-inch (30.5-cm) square mesh with 12-inch (30.5-cm) 
diamond mesh in at least 10 ft (3.05-m) of the top panel of the net and 
remove reference to the square of the net. This group also opposed any 
changes to the existing definition of the haddock separator trawl, 
citing enforcement concerns. This group believes that outreach and 
education would be the only practical way to ensure the proper 
construction and deployment of the haddock separator trawl.
    Response: NMFS agrees that it is appropriate to modify the flounder 
net for the reasons specified in the preamble to the proposed rule for 
this action and implements these changes through this final rule. Given 
the lack of support for the proposed modifications to the definition of 
the haddock separator trawl, NMFS has decided not to implement the 
proposed revisions to this net at this time. A full explanation for the 
reasons for this decision is provided in the preamble of this rule 
under ``Changes from the Proposed Rule.'' NMFS agrees that outreach and 
education will help increase compliance with the gear definitions 
specified for the U.S./Canada Area.

Changes from the Proposed Rule

Haddock Separator Trawl

    The proposed modifications to the haddock separator trawl were 
intended to address industry concerns that a net could be designed such 
that the separator panel is wide enough to block off the lower opened 
codend of the net, thereby compromising the ability of the net to 
minimize bycatch of cod. However, based upon public comment and input 
from the U.S. Coast Guard, the proposed modifications are complicated 
and may not be able to be effectively enforced at sea. Currently, there 
are a number of research projects investigating possible modifications 
to the existing haddock separator trawl that may address some of the 
industry concerns about complexity and enforcement while increasing the 
effectiveness of minimizing the bycatch of cod. Therefore, given the 
lack of support for the proposed modifications to the haddock separator 
trawl definition and the ongoing experimental work to increase the 
effectiveness of this gear, NMFS has determined that it would be more 
appropriate to not implement revisions to this gear in this

[[Page 76423]]

action until additional scientific information on its performance 
becomes available.

Revisions Implemented by This Action

    NMFS has decided to implement the remainder of the proposed 
revisions to the Amendment 13 and Framework 40-A final and interim 
final rules, respectively. The details of the rationale behind the need 
for the corrections/clarifications to the measures revised by this 
action were included in the preamble to the proposed rule for this 
action and are not repeated here. A description of these revisions 
follows.

1. Monkfish Permit Category Descriptions

    This action clarifies that limited access monkfish Category A and B 
permits may be issued only to vessels without a NE multispecies DAS 
category permit or a limited access scallop DAS permit and that limited 
access monkfish Category C and D permits may be issued only to those 
vessels that have been issued a limited access monkfish permit and a 
limited access NE multispecies DAS category permit or a limited access 
scallop DAS category permit by revising the regulations at Sec. Sec.  
648.4 and 648.92(b)(1)(i). This action is necessary to make the 
monkfish permit category definitions consistent with Council intent 
following the implementation of the limited access NE multispecies 
Handgear A permit (a non-DAS permit) under Amendment 13 to the FMP. 
This enables a vessel issued a limited access monkfish Category A 
permit to obtain a limited access NE multispecies Handgear A permit 
without affecting its monkfish permit category.

2. Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) Power-down Exemption

    This action changes the participation period for the VMS power-down 
exemption specified at Sec.  648.9(c)(2)(i)(B) from 1 calendar month to 
30 calendar days, to clarify the intent of this measure under Amendment 
13 and to minimize impacts to vessels.

3. Prohibitions for Georges Bank (GB) Cod Hook Sector (Sector) 
Participants

    This action modifies the prohibition at Sec.  648.14(a)(55) to 
allow dealers to receive species from Sector participants in accordance 
with an approved Sector Operations Plan as specified in Sec.  648.87. 
This action also modifies the prohibition at Sec.  648.14(a)(156) to 
allow vessels participating in the GB Cod Hook Sector to fish under the 
NE multispecies DAS program as authorized by their Sector Operations 
Plan originally approved by NMFS on May 4, 2005 (70 FR 23096). These 
revisions allow Sector participants to operate in accordance with the 
provisions specified in the approved Sector Operations Plan.

4. Rolling Closure Areas II and III

    This action replaces point GM9 with point GM10 for the GOM Rolling 
Closure Area II at Sec.  648.81(f)(1)(ii) and replaces point GM10 with 
point GM18 for the GOM Rolling Closure Area III at Sec.  
648.81(f)(1)(iii) to correct these inaccurate coordinate points.

5. GB Seasonal Closure Area

    This action revises Sec.  648.81(g)(2) to include a provision to 
exempt vessels fishing under the Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock SAP Pilot 
Program provisions at Sec.  648.85(b)(8) from the GB Seasonal Closure 
Area, consistent with the intent of Framework 40-A.

6. CA II Habitat Closure Area

    This action replaces the inaccurate coordinates at Sec.  
648.81(h)(1)(v) for Habitat Alternative 10A with the correct 
coordinates for Habitat Alternative 10B from the FSEIS prepared for 
Amendment 13 to ensure that the correct habitat closure area is 
implemented, pursuant to the approval of Amendment 13.

7. Eastern U.S./Canada Area Gear Requirements

    This action removes the regulations restricting the vertical 
dimension of the forward wing end to 3.0 ft (0.91 m) from Sec.  
648.85(a)(3)(iii)(B)(1) and (2), and the prohibition of floats in the 
center 50 percent of the headrope for the flounder trawl net specified 
at Sec.  648.85(a)(3)(iii)(B)(1). In addition, this action changes the 
definition of the flounder net at Sec.  648.85(a)(3)(iii)(B)(2) to 
allow for the use of diamond mesh in the top panel of the net, removes 
references to the square of the net, and inserts language requiring 
that the top panel of the net contain a section of mesh at least 10-ft 
(3.05-m) long, stretching from selvedge to selvedge, composed of at 
least 12-in (30.5-cm) mesh, inserted no farther than 4.5 meshes behind 
the headrope. These revisions are intended to improve the strength and 
performance of the flounder net and provide a standard definition of 
how to incorporate the large 12-inch (30.5-cm) diamond mesh into the 
top panel of a flounder net, to help minimize confusion caused by 
different interpretations of the square of the net in the original 
flounder net definition implemented by the final rule for Amendment 13.

8. U.S./Canada Management Area In-season Adjustment

    This action clarifies the regulations at Sec.  648.85(a)(3)(iv)(D) 
to specify that adjustments to the U.S./Canada Management Area 
provisions may be made when 30 percent and/or 60 percent of the total 
allowable catch (TAC) allocations are projected to be, or have been, 
harvested. This change is intended to make these provisions consistent 
with the intent of Amendment 13, which is to allow flexibility to the 
Regional Administrator in implementing such adjustments to ensure that 
the TAC allocations are not over-harvested or under-harvested for a 
particular fishing year.

9. Process for Implementing the U.S./Canada Area TACs

    This final rule removes, per the court order in Oceana, et al., v. 
Evans, et al. (Civil Action No. 04-811 CESH) (D.D.C., March 9, 2005)), 
the third sentence in Sec.  648.85(a)(2)(i)(D), which allowed the 
Regional Administrator to select the TAC allocation recommendations of 
the Transboundary Management Guidance Committee (TMGC) instead of the 
Council's recommended TACs if the Council's recommendation is not 
consistent with the TMGC recommendations.

10. CA II Yellowtail Flounder SAP Observer Declaration

    This provision provides notification to the NMFS Observer Program 
of planned trips, prior to the departure of the trips, so that the 
Observer Program has sufficient time to contact and deploy observers. 
This action changes the Observer Program notification requirement for 
limited access NE multispecies DAS vessels participating in the CA II 
Yellowtail Flounder SAP from 5 working days to 72 hours. The change is 
determined to be necessary based on numerous industry comments that 
indicate that a shorter notification requirement would provide vessels 
greater flexibility to react to contingencies such as weather 
developments.

11. Small-mesh Multispecies Possession Restrictions

    This action corrects Sec.  648.86(d) to accurately reflect the 
intent of the regulations implemented under Framework 32, as well as 
any revisions made to these regulations under Amendment 13. Consistent 
with Council intent, this correction removes the requirement that a 
letter of authorization (LOA) is necessary to fish for, and/or possess, 
silver hake and offshore hake caught with small mesh

[[Page 76424]]

where such a requirement should not exist as a result of measures 
previously implemented by Framework 32. This paragraph is further 
clarified to maintain consistency with existing regulations, while 
decreasing the complexity of the current regulations pertaining to the 
net size requirements and possession limits.

12. Yellowtail Flounder Possession Limit Restrictions

    This action modifies the yellowtail flounder possession limit 
restrictions by allowing vessels possessing a LOA to fish for Cape Cod/
Gulf of Maine or Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic yellowtail flounder 
to abide by the less restrictive yellowtail flounder possession limits 
of the U.S./Canada Management Area and the CA II Yellowtail Flounder 
SAP when operating within these areas as specified in Sec.  
648.85(a)(3) and (b)(3). This modification removes unnecessary and 
unintended restrictions on vessel activities, increases flexibility in 
planning fishing trips, and eliminates some of the administrative 
burden on NMFS.

13. Offloading Requirement

    This action implements an explicit provision in the regulations at 
Sec.  648.86 requiring a vessel that has ended its trip (i.e., by 
crossing the VMS demarcation line or calling out of the DAS program) to 
offload species regulated by a daily landing limit (i.e., pounds per 
DAS) prior to leaving port and beginning a subsequent fishing trip. 
This action also implements an associated prohibition at Sec.  648.14 
that makes it illegal to fail to offload species, as required by Sec.  
648.86. Offloading species for which there is a daily landing limit is 
necessary to effectively enforce these limits. A vessel that has ended 
its trip could retain on board other species regulated by an overall 
trip limit (i.e., pounds per trip) for a subsequent trip, provided the 
vessel abides by the overall trip limit for those species during that 
subsequent trip. This measure is necessary to clarify the intent of the 
possession limit restrictions.

14. GB Cod Hook Sector Liability Regulations

    This action clarifies the regulations at Sec.  648.87(b)(2)(x) to 
indicate that it is unlawful for Sector participants to violate the 
conditions of an approved Sector Operations Plan, unless such 
conditions and restrictions are identified as administrative only in 
the Operations Plan. This measure is necessary to clarify that non-
payment of Sector dues, or other such conditions specific to the 
administration of the Sector, and were neither intended to be, nor 
would constitute, a violation of Federal law. This makes the Sector 
regulations consistent with the intent of Amendment 13 to the FMP.

15. GB Cod Hook Sector Area Coordinates

    This action corrects inaccurate coordinates defining the GB Cod 
Hook Sector Area at Sec.  648.87(d)(1)(i). This is necessary because 
the Amendment 13 proposed and final rules inadvertently reversed the 
latitude and longitude for each coordinate point defining this area. In 
addition, it was observed that there were two coordinate points named 
``HS3.'' To correct this additional inadvertent error, the final three 
coordinate points should be renamed ``HS4,'' ``HS5,'' and ``HS6'' 
instead of ``HS3,'' ``HS4,'' and ``HS5.'' These corrections properly 
define the GB Cod Hook Sector Area, as specified in Amendment 13 to the 
FMP.

16. Additional Corrections

    In addition to the changes specified above, the following changes 
to the final rule implementing Amendment 13 and the interim final rule 
implementing Framework 40-A are implemented to correct inaccurate 
references and to further clarify the intent of Amendment 13 and 
Framework 40-A. The changes listed below are in the order in which they 
appear in the regulations.
    In Sec.  648.2, the reference to the specifications of pelagic 
gillnet gear at ``Sec.  648.81(g)(2)(ii)'' in the definition for 
``Gillnet gear capable of catching multispecies'' is corrected to read 
``Sec.  648.81(f)(2)(ii).''
    In Sec.  648.14, paragraph (a)(134) is revised to include a cross 
reference to the authority of the Regional Administrator to close the 
Eastern U.S./Canada Area as described under Sec.  648.85(a)(3)(iv)(D) 
and a reference to the Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock SAP Pilot Program in 
Sec.  648.85(b)(8).
    In Sec.  648.81(b)(2)(ii), the reference to paragraph ``(h)(v)'' is 
changed to read ``(h)(1)(v).''
    In Sec.  648.81(b)(2)(iii), the reference to the coordinates for 
the CA II Yellowtail Flounder SAP in Sec.  648.85(b)(3)(ii) and the 
Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock SAP Pilot Program in Sec.  648.85(b)(8)(ii) 
are inserted to further clarify where vessels may fish within CA II.
    In Sec.  648.82, in paragraph (b)(4), the reference to ``paragraphs 
(a)(3)(iii), (a)(4)(iii), (b)(2)(iii), and (c)(2)(ii) of this section'' 
is revised to read ``paragraphs Sec. Sec.  648.80(a)(3)(iii), 
(a)(4)(iii), (b)(2)(iii), and (c)(2)(ii).'' Further, in Sec.  
648.82(f), the reference to ``Sec.  648.53(f)'' is changed to read 
``Sec.  648.53(g).''
    In Sec.  648.85, the word ``calendar'' is inserted in front of the 
word ``month'' in paragraph (b)(3)(vi) to clarify that vessels may only 
take a maximum of one trip into the CA II Yellowtail Flounder SAP per 
calendar month as proposed in Amendment 13 and modified by Framework 
40-B to the FMP (June 1, 2005, 70 FR 31323). In addition, paragraph 
(b)(3)(x) is revised to clarify regulatory references and to add 
language that allows gear other than a haddock separator trawl or a 
flounder net to be carried on board, provided this gear is stowed in 
accordance with Sec.  648.23(b).
    In Sec.  648.87(b)(2)(ix), the reference to paragraph ``(b)(2)(v)'' 
is corrected to read ``(b)(1)(v).''
    In Sec.  648.90(a)(2)(iv), the reference to paragraph 
``(a)(1)(vii)'' is corrected to read ``(a)(2)(vii).''

Classification

    The Regional Administrator has determined that the management 
measures implemented by this rule are necessary for the conservation 
and management of the NE multispecies fishery and are consistent with 
the Magnuson-Stevens Act and other applicable laws.
    This final rule has been determined to be not significant for 
purposes of Executive Order 12866.

Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

    NMFS has prepared a FRFA in support of the measures implemented for 
this action. The FRFA describes the economic impact that this final 
rule will have on small entities. The FRFA incorporates the economic 
impacts summarized in the IRFA for the proposed rule to implement the 
revisions included in this action and the corresponding economic 
analysis prepared for this action (e.g., the RIR). The RIR for this 
action is based upon the economic analysis prepared for Amendment 13 
(e.g., the FSEIS and corresponding RIR for that action) and Framework 
40-A (e.g., the EA and corresponding RIR for that action) to the FMP. 
Copies of the relevant economic analyses associated with this action 
are available from NMFS and the Council (see ADDRESSES). A summary of 
the reasons why this action is being considered, the objectives of, and 
legal basis for, this final rule is found in the preamble to this rule. 
A complete description of the reasons why revisions implemented by this 
action were considered is found in the preamble to the proposed rule 
for this action.

[[Page 76425]]

Summary of the Significant Issues Raised by the Public Comments in 
Response to the IRFA, a Summary of the Assessment of the Agency of Such 
Issues, and a Statement of Any Changes Made in the Proposed Rule as a 
Result of Such Comments
    No comments related to the IRFA or the economic impacts of this 
rule were received during the public comment period of the proposed 
rule. One comment related to the proposed revisions was received and is 
addressed in the preamble of this final rule.

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

    This final rule revises measures that affect those vessels that 
have currently been issued an active limited access NE multispecies 
permit or a limited access monkfish permit. Data from the NE permit 
application database show that, as of September 29, 2005, there were 
1,525 vessels issued a limited access NE multispecies permit, including 
a total of 169 vessels issued a limited access Handgear A permit. There 
were a total of 726 vessels issued a limited access monkfish permit. 
All of these vessels are considered to be small entities according to 
the definition provided by the Small Business Administration and 
described in the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

Description of the Projected Recordkeeping and Other Compliance 
Requirements of the Final Rule

    This final rule does not contain any new, nor does it revise any 
existing reporting, recordkeeping, and other compliance requirements 
subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act.
Description of the Steps the Agency Has Taken to Minimize the 
Significant Economic Impact on Small Entities Consistent with the 
Stated Objectives of Applicable Statutes, Including a Statement of the 
Factual, Policy, and Legal Reasons for Selecting the Alternative 
Adopted in the Final Rule and the Reason that Each One of the Other 
Significant Alternatives to the Rule Considered by the Agency Which 
Affect Small Entities Was Rejected
    The primary purpose of this action is to correct inadvertent errors 
and clarify specific measures found in the final rule and interim final 
rule implementing Amendment 13 and Framework 40-A, respectively, to the 
FMP, in order to make the current regulations consistent with the 
intent of these actions. The administrative nature of the revisions to 
the regulations implemented by this final rule does not facilitate the 
development of alternatives to this action. Alternatives to the 
substantive provisions revised through this action have previously been 
developed as part of the development of Amendment 13 and Framework 40-
A. Section 5.4 of the FSEIS prepared for Amendment 13 and section 7.2.4 
of the EA prepared for Framework 40-A provide an analysis of the 
economic impacts resulting from the measures implemented under 
Amendment 13 and Framework 40-A, respectively. This action references 
and builds upon the analyses presented in the FSEIS and the FRFA 
prepared for Amendment 13 and the EA and the FRFA prepared for 
Framework 40-A to assess the impacts of this action. These analyses 
highlight steps the Agency has taken to minimize the significant 
economic impact on small entities.
    Due to a lack of data reflecting costs associated with fishing, 
changes in total revenue are considered to be a proxy for changes in 
profitability in this action. This analysis indicates that individual 
vessels would be likely to increase profitability under most measures 
proposed in this action. This action allows limited access monkfish 
vessels qualified to be issued a limited access NE multispecies 
Handgear A permit to be issued such a permit. The issuance of this 
permit to Category A and B monkfish vessels provides these vessels 
additional opportunities to fish, thereby increasing vessel revenue. 
This action eliminates some of the more restrictive gear requirements 
for vessels operating in the Eastern U.S./Canada Area. These Amendment 
13 restrictions posed further economic costs for gear modifications and 
reduced gear efficiency to vessels without effectively increasing the 
conservation benefits of the gear requirements. Elimination of these 
gear requirements removes these unnecessary costs and therefore will 
likely increase vessel revenue.
    Section 212 of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness 
Act of 1996 states that, for each rule or group of related rules for 
which an agency is required to prepare a FRFA, the agency shall publish 
one or more guides to assist small entities in complying with the rule, 
and shall designate such publications as ``small entity compliance 
guides.'' The agency shall explain the actions a small entity is 
required to take to comply with a rule or group of rules. As part of 
this rulemaking process, a letter to permit holders that also serves as 
small entity compliance guide (the guide) was prepared. Copies of this 
final rule are available from the Regional Office, and the guide (i.e., 
permit holder letter), will be sent to all holders of permits for the 
NE multispecies and monkfish fisheries. The guide and this final rule 
will be available upon request.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 648

    Fisheries, Fishing, Recordkeeping and reporting requirements.

    Dated: December 16, 2005.
James W. Balsiger,
Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National 
Marine Fisheries Service.

0
For the reasons stated in the preamble, 50 CFR Part 648 is amended as 
follows:

PART 648--FISHERIES OF THE NORTHEASTERN UNITED STATES

    1. The authority citation for part 648 continues to read as 
follows:

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

0
2. In Sec.  648.2, the definition for ``Gillnet gear capable of 
catching multispecies'' is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  648.2  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Gillnet gear capable of catching multispecies means all gillnet 
gear except pelagic gillnet gear specified at Sec.  648.81(f)(2)(ii) 
and pelagic gillnet gear that is designed to fish for and is used to 
fish for or catch tunas, swordfish, and sharks.
* * * * *

0
3. In Sec.  648.4, paragraphs (a)(9)(i)(A)(1) through (4) are revised 
to read as follows:


Sec.  648.4  Vessel permits.

    (a) * * *
    (9) * * *
    (i) * * *
    (A) * * *
    (1) Category A permit (vessels without NE multispecies or scallop 
limited access DAS permits). The vessel landed at least 50,000 lb 
(22,680 kg) tail-weight or 166,000 lb (75,297.6 kg) whole weight of 
monkfish between February 28, 1991, and February 27, 1995;
    (2) Category B permit (vessels less than 51 gross registered 
tonnage (GRT) without NE multispecies or scallop limited access DAS 
permits that do not qualify for a Category A permit). The vessel landed 
at least 7,500 lb (3,402 kg) tail-weight or 24,900 lb (11,294.6 kg) 
whole weight of monkfish between February 28, 1991, and February 27, 
1995;
    (3) Category C permit (vessels with NE multispecies or scallop 
limited access DAS permits). The vessel landed at least 50,000 lb 
(22,680 kg) tail-weight or 166,000 lb (75,297.6 kg) whole weight of 
monkfish between February 28, 1991, and February 27, 1995; or

[[Page 76426]]

    (4) Category D permit (all vessels with NE multispecies limited 
access DAS permits and vessels less than 51 GRT with scallop limited 
access DAS permits that do not qualify for a Category C permit). The 
vessel landed at least 7,500 lb (3,402 kg) tail-weight or 24,900 lb 
(11,294.6 kg) whole weight of monkfish between February 28, 1991, and 
February 27, 1995.
* * * * *

0
4. In Sec.  648.9, paragraph (c)(2)(i)(B) is revised to read as 
follows:


Sec.  648.9  VMS requirements.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (i) * * *
    (B) For vessels fishing with a valid NE multispecies limited access 
permit, the vessel owner signs out of the VMS program for a minimum 
period of 30 consecutive days by obtaining a valid letter of exemption 
pursuant to paragraph (c)(2)(ii) of this section, the vessel does not 
engage in any fisheries until the VMS unit is turned back on, and the 
vessel complies with all conditions and requirements of said letter; or
* * * * *

0
5. In Sec.  648.14, paragraphs (a)(55), (a)(134), and (a)(156) are 
revised; paragraphs (a)(170) and (a)(171) are removed and reserved; and 
paragraph (a)(172) is added to read as follows:


Sec.  648.14  Prohibitions.

    (a) * * *
    (55) Purchase, possess, or receive as a dealer, or in the capacity 
of a dealer, regulated species in excess of the possession limits 
specified in Sec.  648.85 or Sec.  648.86 applicable to a vessel issued 
a NE multispecies permit, unless otherwise specified in Sec.  648.17, 
or unless the regulated species are purchased or received from a member 
of an approved Sector as specified at Sec.  648.87 that is exempt from 
such possession limits in accordance with an approved Sector Operations 
Plan.
* * * * *
    (134) If fishing under a NE multispecies DAS, enter or fish in the 
Eastern U.S./Canada Area specified in Sec.  648.85(a)(1), if the area 
is closed under the authority of the Regional Administrator as 
described in Sec.  648.85(a)(3)(iv)(D) or (E), unless fishing in the 
Closed Area II Yellowtail Flounder SAP specified in Sec.  648.85(b)(3) 
or the Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock SAP Pilot Program specified in Sec.  
648.85(b)(8).
* * * * *
    (156) If fishing under the Georges Bank (GB) Cod Hook Sector, as 
authorized under Sec.  648.87, fish in the NE multispecies DAS program 
in a given fishing year, unless authorized by an approved Sector 
Operations Plan, or if fishing under a NE multispecies DAS, fish under 
the GB Cod Hook Sector in a given fishing year, unless as otherwise 
provided under Sec.  648.87(b)(1)(xii).
* * * * *
    (170) [Reserved]
    (171) [Reserved]
    (172) If, upon the end of a fishing trip as specified under Sec.  
648.10(b)(2)(iii) or (c)(3), fail to offload regulated species subject 
to a landing limit based on a DAS fished under Sec.  648.85 or Sec.  
648.86, as required by Sec.  648.86(i).
* * * * *

0
6. In Sec.  648.81, paragraphs (b)(2)(ii), (b)(2)(iii), (f)(1)(ii), 
(f)(1)(iii), (g)(2)(ii), (g)(2)(iii), and (h)(1)(v) are revised, and 
paragraph (g)(2)(iv) is added to read as follows:


Sec.  648.81  NE multispecies closed areas and measures to protect EFH.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (ii) Fishing with tuna purse seine gear outside of the portion of 
CA II known as the Habitat Area of Particular Concern, as described in 
paragraph (h)(1)(v) of this section;
    (iii) Fishing in the CA II Yellowtail Flounder SAP or the Eastern 
U.S./Canada Haddock SAP Pilot Program as specified at Sec.  
648.85(b)(3)(ii) or (b)(8)(ii), respectively; or
* * * * *
    (f) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (ii) Rolling Closure Area II. From April 1 through April 30, the 
restrictions specified in this paragraph (f)(1)(ii) apply to Rolling 
Closure Area II, which is the area bounded by straight lines connecting 
the following points in the order stated:

                         Rolling Closure Area II
                           [April 1-April 30]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Point                          N. Lat.  W. Long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GM1                                                   42[deg]0    (\1\)
                                                           0'
GM2                                                   42[deg]0    (\2\)
                                                           0'
GM3                                                   42[deg]0    (\3\)
                                                           0'
GM5                                                   42[deg]0   68[deg]
                                                           0'       30'
GM13                                                  43[deg]0  68[deg]3
                                                           0'        0'
GM10                                                  43[deg]0    (\4\)
                                                           0'
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Massachusetts shoreline.
\2\ Cape Cod shoreline on Cape Cod Bay.
\3\ Cape Cod shoreline on the Atlantic Ocean.
\4\ New Hampshire shoreline.

    (iii) Rolling Closure Area III. From May 1 through May 31, the 
restrictions specified in paragraph (f)(1) of this section apply to 
Rolling Closure Area III, which is the area bounded by straight lines 
connecting the following points in the order stated:

                        Rolling Closure Area III
                             [May 1-May 31]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Point                          N. Lat.  W. Long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GM1                                                   42[deg]0    (\1\)
                                                           0'
GM2                                                   42[deg]0    (\2\)
                                                           0'
GM3                                                   42[deg]0    (\3\)
                                                           0'
GM4                                                   42[deg]0   70[deg]
                                                           0'       00'
GM23                                                  42[deg]3  70[deg]0
                                                           0'        0'
GM6                                                   42[deg]3  68[deg]3
                                                           0'        0'
GM14                                                  43[deg]3  68[deg]3
                                                           0'        0'
GM18                                                  43[deg]3    (\4\)
                                                           0'
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Massachusetts shoreline.
\2\ Cape Cod shoreline on Cape Cod Bay.
\3\ Cape Cod shoreline on the Atlantic Ocean.
\4\ Maine shoreline.

* * * * *
    (g) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (ii) That are fishing as charter/party or recreational vessels;
    (iii) That are fishing with or using scallop dredge gear when 
fishing under a scallop DAS or when lawfully fishing in the Scallop 
Dredge Fishery Exemption Area, as described in Sec.  648.80(a)(11), 
provided the minimum mesh size of the twine top used in the dredge by 
the vessel is 10 inches (25.4 cm), and provided that the vessel 
complies with the NE multispecies possession restrictions for scallop 
vessels specified at Sec.  648.80(h); or
    (iv) That are fishing under a NE multispecies DAS in the Eastern 
U.S./Canada Haddock SAP Pilot Program as defined at Sec.  648.85(b)(8).
* * * * *
    (h) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (v) Closed Area II Habitat Closure Area. The restrictions specified 
in this paragraph (h)(1) apply to the Closed Area II Habitat Closure 
Area (also referred to as the Habitat Area of Particular Concern), 
which is the area bound by straight lines connecting the following 
points in the order stated:

                   Closed Area II Habitat Closure Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Point                          N. Lat.  W. Long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CIIH1                                                 42[deg]1  67[deg]2
                                                           0'        0'
CIIH2                                                 42[deg]1  67[deg]9
                                                           0'       .3'
CIIH3                                                 42[deg]0  67[deg]0
                                                           0'       .5'
CIIH4                                                 42[deg]0   67[deg]
                                                           0'       10'
CIIH5                                                 41[deg]5  67[deg]1
                                                           0'        0'

[[Page 76427]]

 
CIIH6                                                 41[deg]5  67[deg]2
                                                           0'        0'
CIIH1                                                 42[deg]1  67[deg]2
                                                           0'        0'
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *

0
7. In Sec.  648.82, paragraphs (b)(4) and (f) are revised to read as 
follows:


Sec.  648.82  Effort-control program for NE multispecies limited access 
vessels.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (4) Large Mesh Individual DAS category. This category is for 
vessels allocated individual DAS that area not fishing under the Hook 
Gear, Combination, or Individual DAS categories. Beginning May 1, 2004, 
for a vessel fishing under the Large Mesh Individual DAS category, the 
baseline for determining the number of NE multispecies DAS available 
for use shall be calculated based upon the fishing history associated 
with the vessel's permit, as specified in paragraph (c)(1) of this 
section. The number and categories of DAS that are allocated for use in 
a given fishing year are specified in paragraph (d) of this section. 
The number of Category A DAS shall be increased by 36 percent. To be 
eligible to fish under the Large Mesh Individual DAS category, a 
vessel, while fishing under this category, must fish under the specific 
regulated mesh area minimum mesh size restrictions, as specified in 
Sec.  648.80(a)(3)(iii), (a)(4)(iii), (b)(2)(iii), and (c)(2)(ii).
* * * * *
    (f) Good Samaritan credit. See Sec.  648.53(g).
* * * * *

0
8. In Sec.  648.85, paragraphs (a)(2)(i)(D), (a)(3)(iii) introductory 
text, (a)(3)(iii)(B)(1) and (2), (a)(3)(iv)(D), (b)(3)(v), (b)(3)(vi), 
and (b)(3)(x) are revised to read as follows:


Sec.  648.85  Special management programs.

    (a) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (i) * * *
    (D) By October 31 of each year, the Council shall review the TMGC 
recommended TACs for the U.S. portion of the U.S./Canada Management 
Area resources for GB cod, haddock, and yellowtail flounder. Based on 
the TMGC recommendations, the Council shall recommend to the Regional 
Administrator the U.S. TACs for the shared stocks for the subsequent 
fishing year. NMFS shall review the Council's recommendations and shall 
publish in the Federal Register the proposed TACs and provide a 30-day 
public comment period. NMFS shall make a final determination concerning 
the TACs and publish notification of the approved TACs and responses to 
public comments in the Federal Register. The Council, at this time, may 
also consider modification of management measures in order to ensure 
compliance with the U.S./Canada Resource Sharing Understanding. Any 
changes to management measures will be modified pursuant to Sec.  
648.90.
* * * * *
    (3) * * *
    (iii) Gear requirements. NE multispecies vessels fishing with trawl 
gear in the Eastern U.S./Canada Area defined in paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of 
this section must fish with a haddock separator trawl or a flounder 
trawl net, as described in paragraphs (a)(3)(iii)(A) and (B) of this 
section (both nets may be onboard the fishing vessel simultaneously). 
Gear other than the haddock separator trawl or the flounder trawl net 
as described in this paragraph (a)(3)(iii) may be on board the vessel 
during a trip to the Eastern U.S./Canada Area, provided the gear is 
stowed according to the regulations at Sec.  648.23(b). The description 
of the haddock separator trawl and flounder trawl net in this paragraph 
(a)(3)(iii) may be further specified by the Regional Administrator 
through publication of such specifications in the Federal Register, 
consistent with the requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act.
* * * * *
    (B) * * *
    (1) A two-seam, low-rise net constructed with mesh size in 
compliance with Sec.  648.80(a)(4), where the maximum footrope length 
is not greater than 105 ft (32.0 m) and the headrope is at least 30 
percent longer than the footrope. The footrope and headrope lengths 
shall be measured from the forward wing end.
    (2) A two-seam, low-rise net constructed with mesh size in 
compliance with Sec.  648.80(a)(4), with the exception that the top 
panel of the net contains a section of mesh at least 10 ft (3.05 m) 
long and stretching from selvedge to selvedge, composed of at least 12-
in (30.5-cm) mesh that is inserted no farther than 4.5 meshes behind 
the headrope.
    (iv) * * *
    (D) Other restrictions or in-season adjustments. In addition to the 
possession restrictions specified in this paragraph (a)(3)(iv), when 30 
percent and/or 60 percent of the TAC allocations specified under 
paragraph (a)(2) of this section are projected to be, or have been, 
harvested, the Regional Administrator, through rulemaking consistent 
with the Administrative Procedure Act, may modify the gear 
requirements, modify or close access to the U.S./Canada Management 
Areas, increase or decrease the trip limits specified under paragraphs 
(a)(3)(iv)(A) through (C) of this section, or modify the total number 
of trips into the U.S./Canada Management Area, to prevent over-
harvesting or under-harvesting the TAC allocations.
* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (3) * * *
    (v) Declaration. For the purposes of selecting vessels for observer 
deployment, a vessel must provide notice to NMFS of the vessel name; 
contact name for coordination of observer deployment; telephone number 
for contact; date, time and port of departure; and special access 
program to be fished, at least 72 hours prior to the beginning of any 
trip which it declares into the Special Access Program as required 
under this paragraph (b)(3)(v). Prior to departure from port, a vessel 
intending to participate in the Closed Area II Yellowtail Flounder SAP 
must declare into this area through the VMS, in accordance with 
instructions provided by the Regional Administrator. In addition to 
fishing in the Closed Area II Yellowtail Flounder SAP, a vessel, on the 
same trip, may also declare its intent to fish in the area outside of 
Closed Area II that resides within the Eastern U.S./Canada Area as 
defined in paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this section, provided the vessel 
fishes in these areas under the most restrictive provisions of either 
the Closed Area II Yellowtail Flounder SAP or the Eastern U.S./Canada 
Area.
    (vi) Number of trips per vessel. Unless otherwise authorized by the 
Regional Administrator as specified in paragraph (a)(3)(iv)(D) of this 
section, eligible vessels are restricted to one trip per calendar 
month, during the season described in paragraph (b)(3)(iii) of this 
section.
* * * * *
    (x) Gear requirements. NE multispecies vessels fishing with trawl 
gear under a NE multispecies DAS in the Eastern U.S./Canada Areas 
defined in paragraph (a)(1) of this section must fish with a haddock 
separator trawl or a flounder trawl net, as described in paragraph 
(a)(3)(iii) of this section (both nets may be onboard the fishing 
vessel simultaneously). Gear other than the haddock separator trawl or 
the flounder trawl net as described in paragraph

[[Page 76428]]

(a)(3)(iii) of this section may be on board the vessel during a trip to 
the Eastern U.S./Canada Area, provided the gear is stowed according to 
the regulations at Sec.  648.23(b).
* * * * *

0
9. In Sec.  648.86, paragraphs (d), (g)(1)(ii)(B), and (g)(2)(ii)(B) 
are revised, and paragraphs (g)(4) and (i) are added to read as 
follows:


Sec.  648.86  Multispecies possession restrictions.

* * * * *
    (d) Small-mesh multispecies. (1) Vessels issued a valid Federal NE 
multispecies permit specified under Sec.  648.4(a)(1) are subject to 
the following possession limits for small-mesh multispecies, which are 
based on the mesh size used by, or on board vessels fishing for, in 
possession of, or landing small-mesh multispecies.
    (i) Vessels possessing on board or using nets of mesh size smaller 
than 2.5 inches (6.35 cm). Owners or operators of a vessel may possess 
and land not more than 3,500 lb (1,588 kg) of combined silver hake and 
offshore hake if either of the following conditions apply:
    (A) The mesh size of any net or any part of a net used by or on 
board the vessel is smaller than 2.5 inches (6.35 cm), as applied to 
the part of the net specified in paragraph (d)(1)(iv) of this section, 
as measured in accordance with Sec.  648.80(f); or
    (B) The mesh size of any net or part of a net on board the vessel 
not incorporated into a fully constructed net is smaller than 2.5 
inches (6.35 cm), as measured by methods specified in Sec.  648.80(f). 
``Incorporated into a fully constructed net'' means that any mesh 
smaller than 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) that is incorporated into a fully 
constructed net may occur only in the part of the net not subject to 
the mesh size restrictions specified in paragraph (d)(1)(iv) of this 
section, and the net into which the mesh is incorporated must be 
available for immediate use.
    (ii) Vessels possessing on board or using nets of mesh size equal 
to or greater than 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) but less than 3 inches (7.62 
cm). Owners or operators of a vessel that is not subject to the 
possession limit specified in paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section may 
possess and land not more than 7,500 lb (3,402 kg) of combined silver 
hake and offshore hake if either of the following conditions apply:
    (A) The mesh size of any net or any part of a net used by or on 
board the vessel is equal to or greater than 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) but 
smaller than 3 inches (7.62 cm), as applied to the part of the net 
specified in paragraph (d)(1)(iv) of this section, as measured by 
methods specified in Sec.  648.80(f); or
    (B) The mesh size of any net or part of a net on board the vessel 
not incorporated into a fully constructed net is equal to or greater 
than 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) but smaller than 3 inches (7.62 cm), as 
measured by methods specified in Sec.  648.80(f). ``Incorporated into a 
fully constructed net'' means that any mesh smaller than 2.5 inches 
(6.35 cm) that is incorporated into a fully constructed net may occur 
only in the part of the net not subject to the mesh size restrictions 
as specified in paragraph (d)(1)(iv) of this section, and the net into 
which the mesh is incorporated must be available for immediate use.
    (iii) Vessels possessing on board or using nets of mesh size equal 
to or greater than 3 inches (7.62 cm). An owner or operator of a vessel 
that is not subject to the possession limits specified in paragraphs 
(d)(1)(i) and (ii) of this section may possess and land not more than 
30,000 lb (13,608 kg) of combined silver hake and offshore hake if both 
of the following conditions apply:
    (A) The mesh size of any net or any part of a net used by or on 
board the vessel is equal to or greater than 3 inches (7.62 cm), as 
applied to the part of the net specified in paragraph (d)(1)(iv) of 
this section, as measured by methods specified in Sec.  648.80(f); and
    (B) The mesh size of any net or part of a net on board the vessel 
not incorporated into a fully constructed net is equal to or greater 
than 3 inches (7.62 cm), as measured by methods specified in Sec.  
648.80(f). ``Incorporated into a fully constructed net'' means that any 
mesh smaller than 3 inches (7.62 cm) that is incorporated into a fully 
constructed net may occur only in the part of the net not subject to 
the mesh size restrictions as specified in paragraph (d)(1)(iv) of this 
section, and the net into which the mesh is incorporated must be 
available for immediate use.
    (iv) Application of mesh size. Counting from the terminus of the 
net, the mesh size restrictions specified in paragraphs (d)(1)(i) 
through (iii) of this section are only applicable to the first 100 
meshes (200 bars in the case of square mesh) for vessels greater than 
60 ft (18.3 m) in length, and to the first 50 meshes (100 bars in the 
case of square mesh) for vessels 60 ft (18.3 m) or less in length. 
Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the restrictions 
and conditions pertaining to mesh size do not apply to nets or pieces 
of net smaller than 3 ft by 3 ft (0.9 m by 0.9 m), (9 sq ft (0.81 sq 
m)).
    (2) Possession limit for vessels participating in the northern 
shrimp fishery. Owners and operators of vessels participating in the 
Small-Mesh Northern Shrimp Fishery Exemption Area, as described in 
Sec.  648.80(a)(3), with a vessel issued a valid Federal NE 
multispecies permit specified under Sec.  648.4(a)(1), may possess and 
land silver hake and offshore hake, combined, up to an amount equal to 
the weight of shrimp on board, not to exceed 3,500 lb (1,588 kg). 
Silver hake and offshore hake on board a vessel subject to this 
possession limit must be separated from other species of fish and 
stored so as to be readily available for inspection.
    (3) Possession restriction for vessels electing to transfer small-
mesh NE multispecies at sea. Owners and operators of vessels issued a 
valid Federal NE multispecies permit and issued a letter of 
authorization to transfer small-mesh NE multispecies at sea according 
to the provisions specified in Sec.  648.13(b) are subject to a 
combined silver hake and offshore hake possession limit that is 500 lb 
(226.8 kg) less than the possession limit the vessel otherwise 
receives. This deduction shall be noted on the transferring vessel's 
letter of authorization from the Regional Administrator.
* * * * *
    (g) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (ii) * * *
    (B) The vessel may not fish inside the SNE/MA Yellowtail Flounder 
Area, for a minimum of 7 consecutive days (when fishing with a limited 
access Handgear A permit, under the NE multispecies DAS program, or 
under the monkfish DAS program if the vessels is fishing under the 
limited access monkfish Category C or D permit provisions), unless 
otherwise specified in paragraph (g)(3) of this section. Vessels 
subject to these restrictions may fish any portion of a trip in the 
portion of the GB, SNE, and MA Regulated Mesh Areas outside of the SNE/
MA Yellowtail Flounder Area, provided the vessel complies with the 
possession restrictions specified under this paragraph (g), unless 
otherwise specified in paragraph (g)(4) of this section. Vessels 
subject to these restrictions may transit the SNE/MA Yellowtail 
Flounder Area, provided the gear is stowed in accordance with Sec.  
648.23(b).
* * * * *
    (2) * * *
    (ii) * * *
    (B) The vessel may not fish in the Cape Cod/GOM Yellowtail Flounder 
Area for a minimum of 7 consecutive

[[Page 76429]]

days (when fishing with a limited access Handgear A permit, under the 
NE multispecies DAS program, or under the monkfish DAS program if the 
vessel is fishing under the limited access monkfish Category C or D 
permit provisions), unless otherwise specified in paragraph (g)(3) of 
this section. Vessels subject to these restrictions may fish any 
portion of the GB, SNE, and MA Regulated Mesh Areas outside of the Cape 
Cod/GOM Yellowtail Flounder Area, provided the vessel complies with the 
possession restrictions specified under this paragraph (g), unless 
otherwise specified in paragraph (g)(4) of this section. Vessels 
subject to these restrictions may transit the Cape Cod/GOM Yellowtail 
Flounder Area, provided gear is stowed in accordance with Sec.  
648.23(b).
* * * * *
    (4) Vessels that obtain a yellowtail flounder possession/landing 
letter of authorization as specified under paragraphs (g)(1)(ii)(A) and 
(g)(2)(ii)(A) of this section, and that fish on a separate trip in the 
U.S./Canada Management Area according to the regulations at Sec.  
648.85(a), including a trip into an approved SAP as specified at Sec.  
648.85(b)(3), are exempt from the possession limits and restrictions 
specified under paragraphs (g)(1)(ii)(A) and (g)(2)(ii)(A) of this 
section during the authorized time period.
* * * * *
    (i) Offloading requirement for vessels possessing species regulated 
by a daily possession limit. Vessels that have ended a trip as 
specified in Sec.  648.10(b)(2)(iii) or (c)(3) that possess on board 
species regulated by a daily possession limit (i.e., pounds per DAS) as 
specified at Sec.  648.85(a)(3)(iv), Sec.  648.85(a)(6)(iv)(D), or 
Sec.  648.86 must offload these species prior to leaving port on a 
subsequent trip. Other species regulated by an overall trip limit may 
be retained on board for a subsequent trip. For example, a vessel 
ending a trip in October that possesses cod and yellowtail flounder 
harvested from the Gulf of Maine is subject to a daily possession limit 
for cod of 800 lb (363 kg)/DAS and an overall trip limit of 250 lb (113 
kg)/trip for yellowtail flounder. This vessel would be required to 
offload any cod harvested, but may retain any yellowtail flounder on 
board prior to leaving port on a subsequent trip.

0
10. In Sec.  648.87, paragraphs (b)(2)(ix), (b)(2)(x), and (d)(1)(i) 
are revised to read as follows:


Sec.  648.87  Sector allocation.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (ix) If the Operations Plan is inconsistent with, or outside the 
scope of the NEPA analysis associated with the Sector proposal/
framework adjustment as specified in paragraph (b)(1)(v) of this 
section, a supplemental NEPA analysis may be required with the 
Operations Plan.
    (x) Each vessel and vessel operator and/or vessel owner 
participating in a Sector must comply with all applicable requirements 
and conditions of the Operations Plan specified in this paragraph 
(b)(2) and the Letter of Authorization issued pursuant to paragraph 
(c)(3) of this section. It shall be unlawful to violate any such 
conditions and requirements unless such conditions or restrictions are 
identified as administrative only in an approved Operations Plan. Each 
Sector, vessel, and vessel operator and/or vessel owner participating 
in the Sector may be charged jointly and severally for civil penalties 
and permit sanctions pursuant to 15 CFR part 904.
* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (i) GB Cod Hook Sector Area (GBCHSA). The GBCHSA is defined by 
straight lines connecting the following points in the order stated 
(copies of a map depicting the area are available from the Regional 
Administrator upon request):

                    Georges Bank Cod Hook Sector Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      Point                         N. Lat.    W. Long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
HS1                                                  (\1\)   70[deg]00'
HS2                                                42[deg]2  70[deg]00'
                                                        0'
HS3                                                42[deg]2         \3\
                                                        0'   67[deg]18.4
                                                                      '
 
Follow the U.S. EEZ boundary south to HS4
 
HS4                                                39[deg]0  66[deg]45.5
                                                        0'            '
HS5                                                39[deg]0  71[deg]40'
                                                        0'
HS6                                                  (\2\)   71[deg]40'
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The east facing shoreline of Cape Cod, MA.
\2\ The south facing shoreline of Rhode Island.
\3\ The U.S. Canada Maritime Boundary.

* * * * *

0
11. In Sec.  648.90, paragraph (a)(2)(iv) is revised to read as 
follows:


Sec.  648.90  NE multispecies assessment, framework procedures and 
specifications, and flexible area action system.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (iv) The Council shall review the target TACs recommended by the 
PDT and all of the options developed by the PDT and other relevant 
information; consider public comment; and develop a recommendation to 
meet the FMP objective pertaining to regulated species, Atlantic 
halibut, and ocean pout that is consistent with other applicable law. 
If the Council does not submit a recommendation that meets the FMP 
objectives and is consistent with other applicable law, the Regional 
Administrator may adopt any option developed by the PDT, unless 
rejected by the Council, as specified in paragraph (a)(2)(vii) of this 
section, provided the option meets the FMP objectives and is consistent 
with other applicable law.
* * * * *

0
12. In Sec.  648.92, paragraph (b)(1)(i) is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  648.92  Effort-control program for monkfish limited access 
vessels.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (i) General provision. All limited access monkfish permit holders 
shall be allocated monkfish DAS each fishing year to be used in 
accordance with the restrictions of this paragraph (b), unless modified 
by paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section according to the provisions 
specified at Sec.  648.96(b)(3). The number of monkfish DAS to be 
allocated, before accounting for any such modification, is 40 DAS minus 
the amount calculated in paragraph (b)(1)(iv) of this section, unless 
the vessel is enrolled in the Offshore Fishery Program in the SFMA, as 
specified in paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section. Limited access NE 
multispecies and limited access sea scallop DAS permit holders who also 
possess a valid limited access monkfish permit must use a NE 
multispecies or sea scallop DAS concurrently with their monkfish DAS, 
except as provided in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, unless 
otherwise specified under this subpart F.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 05-24420 Filed 12-23-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S