[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 248 (Friday, December 28, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 73749-73756]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-25251]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 648

[Docket No. 070717340-7550-01]
RIN 0648-AV40


Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Mackerel, 
Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries; Specifications and Management Measures

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

ACTION: Proposed rule, request for comments.

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SUMMARY: NMFS proposes 2008 specifications and management measures for 
Atlantic mackerel, squid, and butterfish (MSB). This action also 
proposes to modify existing management measures. Specifically, it would 
clarify gear requirements for the Loligo squid fishery, standardize 
procedures for closing the Atlantic mackerel (mackerel) and butterfish 
fisheries, modify incidental possession limits for mackerel and 
butterfish, and establish a butterfish possession limit. Additionally, 
this action requests public comment concerning the possibility of an 
inseason adjustment to increase the mackerel harvest, if landings 
approach proposed harvest limits. These proposed specifications and 
management measures promote the utilization and conservation of the MSB 
resource.

DATES: Public comments must be received no later than 5 p.m., eastern 
standard time, on January 28, 2008.

ADDRESSES: Copies of supporting documents used by the Mid-Atlantic 
Fishery Management Council (Council), including the Environmental 
Assessment (EA) and Regulatory Impact Review (RIR)/Initial Regulatory 
Flexibility Analysis (IRFA), are available from: Daniel Furlong, 
Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, Room 2115, 
Federal Building, 300 South New Street, Dover, DE 19904-6790. The EA/
RIR/IRFA is accessible via the Internet at http://www.nero.nmfs.gov.
    You may submit comments, identified by 0648-AV40, by any one of the 
following methods:
    Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public comments via 
the Federal e-Rulemaking portal http://www.regulations.gov;
    Fax: (978) 281-9135, Attn: Carrie Nordeen;
    Mail to Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, NMFS, Northeast 
Regional Office, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930. Mark the 
outside of the envelope ``Comments on 2008 MSB Specifications''.
    Instructions: All comments received are a part of the public record 
and will generally be posted to http://www.regulations.gov without 
change. All Personal Identifying Information (e.g., name, address, 
etc.) voluntarily submitted by the commenter may be publicly 
accessible. Do not submit Confidential Business Information or 
otherwise sensitive or protected information. NMFS will accept 
anonymous comments. Attachments to electronic comments will be accepted 
in Microsoft Word, Excel, WordPerfect, or Adobe PDF formats only.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carrie Nordeen, Fishery Policy 
Analyst, 978-281-9272, fax 978-281-9135.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    Regulations implementing the Fishery Management Plan for the 
Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries (FMP) appear at 50 
CFR part 648, subpart B. Regulations governing foreign fishing appear 
at 50 CFR part 600, subpart F. These regulations, at Sec.  648.21 and 
600.516(c), require that NMFS, based on the maximum optimum yield (Max 
OY) of each fishery as established by the regulations, annually publish 
a proposed rule specifying the amounts of the initial optimum yield 
(IOY), allowable biological catch (ABC), domestic annual harvest (DAH), 
and domestic annual processing (DAP), as well as, where applicable, the 
amounts for total allowable level of foreign fishing (TALFF) and joint 
venture processing (JVP) for the affected species managed under the 
FMP. In addition, these regulations allow Loligo squid specifications 
to be specified for up to 3 years, subject to annual review. The 
regulations found in Sec.  648.21 also specify that IOY for squid is 
equal to the combination of research quota (RQ) and DAH, with no TALFF 
specified for squid. For butterfish, the regulations specify that a 
butterfish bycatch TALFF will be specified only if TALFF is specified 
for mackerel.
    At its June 12-14, 2007, meeting in Hampton, VA, the Council 
recommended 2008 MSB specifications. The recommended specifications for 
Loligo squid and Illex squid are the same as those implemented in 2007. 
For mackerel, the Council recommended a reduced ABC, based on an 
updated fishing mortality target from the most recent stock assessment. 
The IOY, DAH, DAP, JVP, and TALFF recommended for mackerel are the same 
as those implemented in 2007. For butterfish, the Council recommended 
reducing the ABC, IOY, DAH, and DAP to levels approximating recent 
landings while a butterfish rebuilding program is being developed in 
Amendment 10 to the FMP. The Council also recommended modifying 
existing management measures. Specifically, it recommended clarifying 
gear requirements for the Loligo squid and butterfish fisheries, 
adjusting triggers and incidental possession limits associated with 
closures of the mackerel and butterfish fisheries, and establishing a 
butterfish possession limit.
    For 2008, the Council recommended the consideration of RQ of up to 
3 percent of the IOY for Loligo and Illex squid, butterfish, and 
mackerel. The RQ would fund research and data collection for those 
species. A Request for Research Proposals was published to solicit 
proposals for 2008 based on research priorities previously identified 
by the Council (71 FR 77726, December 27, 2006). The deadline for 
submission was February 12, 2007. On June 12, 2007, NMFS convened a 
Review Panel to review the comments submitted by technical reviewers. 
Based on discussions between NMFS staff, technical review comments, and 
Review Panel comments, one project proposal requesting Loligo squid 
set-aside landings was recommended for approval and will be forwarded 
to the NOAA Grants Office for award, for a total RQ of up to 23 mt. The 
commercial Loligo squid quota in this proposed rule has been adjusted 
to allow for RQ. If the award is not made by the NOAA Grants Office for 
any reason, NMFS will give notice of an adjustment to the annual quota 
to return the unawarded set-aside amount to the fishery.

Disapproval of Increased Incidental Loligo Squid Possession Limit for 
the Illex Squid Vessels

    The issue of incidental catch of Loligo squid in the Illex squid 
fishery was identified several years ago when large amounts of Loligo 
squid discards were reported in vessel trip reports by Illex squid 
vessels during closures of the directed Loligo squid fishery in the

[[Page 73750]]

summer and fall of 2000. Analyses developed for Amendment 9 to the FMP 
indicated that the Illex squid fishery occurs primarily during June-
November in offshore waters and that both squid species can co-occur 
during September-November on the Illex squid fishery grounds, when the 
Loligo squid begin to move offshore. Because of the seasonal co-
occurrence of the two squid species, members of the directed Illex 
squid fishery testified at Council meetings that the 2,500-lb (1.13-mt) 
incidental Loligo squid possession limit during closures of the Loligo 
squid fishery creates compliance problems for the Illex squid fishery 
because vessels catch more than 2,500 lb (1.13 mt) of Loligo squid when 
the species mix. In an effort to reduce regulatory discarding and allow 
more accurate quantification of the removals of Loligo squid taken in 
the directed Illex squid fishery, the Council recommended increasing 
the incidental Loligo squid possession limit for vessels engaged in the 
directed Illex squid fishery during Loligo squid fishery closures. 
Specifically, during closures of the Loligo squid fishery in August-
October, Illex squid moratorium vessels fishing seaward of the small 
mesh exemption line (approximately the 50-fm (91-m) depth contour) 
would be permitted to possess and land up to 5,000 lb (2.27 mt) of 
Loligo squid, provided they possess a minimum of 10,000 lb (4.54 mt) of 
Illex squid on board.
    This measure is similar to the measure proposed by the Council in 
the 2007 MSB specifications, but not implemented due to concerns about 
NMFS's ability to administer the measure effectively. The small mesh 
exemption line, which approximates the 50-fm (91-m) depth contour, was 
implemented for the Illex squid fishery because Illex squid are not 
generally available to the fishery shoreward of this line. The Illex 
squid fishery is exempt from the 1-7/8-inches (48-mm) minimum mesh 
requirement for the Loligo squid fishery in the exemption area. 
However, Loligo squid are widely distributed shoreward of this line, 
which would make it difficult to determine if the Loligo squid is truly 
incidentally caught within the Illex squid exemption area. Currently, 
there is no mechanism to determine if Illex squid moratorium vessels 
fish for Loligo squid shoreward of the small mesh exemption line. Tools 
to collect spatial effort information on the Illex squid fleet were 
discussed by the Council, but implementation of those tools would 
require an FMP amendment or framework adjustment. Therefore, for 2008, 
the incidental Loligo squid possession limit for Illex squid moratorium 
vessels, during closures of the Loligo squid fishery, will remain at 
2,500 lb (1.13 mt) per trip per day.
2008 Proposed Specifications and Management Measures

  Table 1.--Proposed Specifications, in Metric Tons (mt), for Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish for 2008
                                                  Fishing Year.
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                 Specifications                       Loligo           Illex         Mackerel       Butterfish
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Max OY..........................................          26,000          24,000             N/A          12,175
ABC.............................................          17,000          24,000         156,000           1,500
IOY.............................................       \1\16,977          24,000      \2\115,000             500
DAH.............................................          16,977          24,000      \3\115,000             500
DAP.............................................          16,977          24,000         100,000             500
JVP.............................................               0               0               0               0
TALFF...........................................               0               0               0              0
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\1\ Excludes 23 mt for Research Quota (RQ).
\2\ IOY may be increased during the year, but the total ABC will not exceed 156,000 mt.
\3\ Includes a 15,000 mt catch of Atlantic mackerel by the recreational fishery.

Atlantic Mackerel

    The status of the Atlantic mackerel stock was most recently 
assessed at the 42nd Stock Assessment Review Committee (SARC) in late 
2005. SARC 42 concluded that the mackerel stock is not overfished and 
overfishing is not occurring. According to the FMP, mackerel ABC must 
be calculated using the formula ABC = T-C, where C is the estimated 
catch of mackerel in Canadian waters for the upcoming fishing year and 
T is the yield associated with a fishing mortality rate that is equal 
to the target fishing mortality rate (F). Based on projections from 
SARC 42, the yield associated with an F of 0.12 in 2008 is 211,000 mt. 
Canadian catch of mackerel has been increasing in recent years; 
therefore, the estimate of Canadian catch for 2008 has been increased 
from the 2007 estimate of 52,000 mt to 55,000 mt. Thus, 211,000 mt 
minus 55,000 mt results in a proposed 2008 mackerel ABC of 156,000 mt.
    NMFS proposes a mackerel IOY of 115,000 mt. The Council believes 
that this level of harvest would provide the greatest overall benefit 
to the Nation with respect to food production and recreational 
opportunities, and would allow for an increase in domestic landings. In 
recent years, domestic mackerel landings have been increasing due to 
major investments in the domestic mackerel processing sector. Mackerel 
landings in 2003 totaled 35,071 mt, while landings for 2006 totaled 
58,279 mt. The 115,000-mt IOY is consistent with mackerel regulations 
at Sec.  648.21(b)(2)(ii), which state that IOY is a modification of 
ABC, based on social and economic factors, and must be less than or 
equal to ABC.
    The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act 
(Magnuson-Stevens Act) provides that the specification of TALFF, if 
any, shall be that portion of the optimum yield (OY) of a fishery that 
will not be harvested by vessels of the United States. TALFF catches 
would allow foreign vessels to harvest U.S. fish and sell their product 
on the world market, in direct competition with the U.S. industry 
efforts to expand exports. The Council expressed its concern, supported 
by industry testimony, that an allocation of TALFF would threaten the 
expansion of the domestic industry. The Council noted that this would 
prevent the U.S. industry from taking advantage of declines in the 
European production of Atlantic mackerel that have resulted in an 
increase in world demand for U.S. fish. The only economic benefit 
associated with a TALFF is the foreign fishing fees it generates. On 
the other hand, there are economic benefits associated with the 
development of the domestic mackerel fishery. Increased mackerel 
production generates jobs both for plant workers and other support 
industries. More jobs generate additional sources of income for people 
resident in coastal

[[Page 73751]]

communities and generally enhance the social fabric of these 
communities.
    For these reasons, and as recommended by the Council, NMFS proposes 
to specify IOY at a level that can be fully harvested by the domestic 
fleet, thereby precluding the specification of a TALFF, in order to 
assist the U.S. mackerel industry to expand. This would yield positive 
social and economic benefits to both U.S. harvesters and processors. 
Given the trends in landings, and the industry's testimony that the 
fishery is poised for significant growth, NMFS concurs that it is 
reasonable to assume that, in 2008, the commercial fishery will harvest 
100,000 mt of mackerel. Thus, DAH would be 115,000 mt, which is the 
commercial harvest plus the 15,000 mt allocated for the recreational 
fishery. Because IOY = DAH, this specification is consistent with the 
Council's recommendation that the level of IOY should not provide for a 
TALFF.
    NMFS proposes to maintain JVP at zero (the most recent allocation 
was 5,000 mt of JVP in 2004), consistent with the Council's 
recommendation. In previous years, the Council recommended a JVP 
greater than zero because it believed U.S. processors lacked the 
capability to process the total amount of mackerel that U.S. harvesters 
could land. However, for the past 2 years, the Council has recommended 
zero JVP because the surplus between DAH and DAP has been declining as 
U.S. shoreside processing capacity for mackerel has expanded. The 
Council received testimony from processors and harvesters that the 
shoreside processing sector of this industry has continued to expand 
since 2002-2003. Subsequent industry testimony estimated current 
processing capacity at 2,500 mt per day. The Council also heard from 
the industry that the availability (i.e., the size, distribution, and 
abundance) of mackerel to the fishery, rather than processing capacity, 
has curtailed catch in recent years. Based on this information, the 
Council concluded that processing capacity is no longer a limiting 
factor relative to domestic production of mackerel. Furthermore, the 
Council concluded that the U.S. mackerel processing sector has the 
potential to process the DAH, so JVP would be specified at zero.

Closure of the Mackerel Fishery

    Regulations at Sec.  648.22(a) specify that NMFS shall close the 
directed mackerel fishery when 80 percent of the mackerel DAH is 
landed, if such a closure is necessary to prevent the DAH from being 
exceeded. To facilitate achieving the mackerel DAH, NMFS is proposing 
to close the mackerel fishery when 90 percent of the mackerel DAH is 
projected to be landed in 2008, consistent with the Council's 
recommendation.

Mackerel Incidental Possession Limit

    Regulations at Sec.  648.22(c) specify that, during closures of the 
mackerel fishery, the incidental possession limit for mackerel is 10 
percent, by weight, of the total amount of fish on board. In general, 
possession limits that are a percent of the total catch on board are 
difficult to estimate and enforce. At its June 2007 meeting, the 
Council discussed revising the incidental possession limit for 
mackerel, such that it is easier to estimate and enforce, and that it 
is similar to incidental possession limits for squid and butterfish.
    The Council considered several competing objectives in the 
development of a revised incidental possession limit for mackerel. 
First, the possession limit needed to be low enough to ensure that the 
mackerel ABC would not be exceeded. Secondly, the possession limit 
needed to be set high enough to minimize regulatory discarding of 
mackerel in fisheries where mackerel is taken incidentally, but not so 
high as to encourage directed fishing. Lastly, because small-scale 
mackerel fisheries contribute only minimally to the overall mackerel 
harvest, the Council wanted the incidental possession limit to be high 
enough to allow small-scale fisheries to continue after the directed 
fishery was closed. After considering these factors, NMFS is proposing 
a mackerel incidental possession limit of 20,000 lb (4.54 mt) for 2008, 
consistent with the Council's recommendation.

Inseason Adjustment of the Mackerel IOY

    Regulations at Sec.  648.21(e) provide that specifications may be 
adjusted inseason during the fishing year by the Regional 
Administrator, in consultation with the Council, by publishing a notice 
in the Federal Register and providing a 30-day public comment period. 
At the June 2007 Council meeting, in response to recent growth in the 
domestic harvesting and processing sectors of the mackerel fishery, 
both the mackerel industry and the Council voiced interest in 
increasing the 2008 mackerel IOY if landings approach 115,000 mt during 
the most active part of the fishing year (January-April). However, the 
mackerel fishing season is short and it would be difficult to implement 
a separate inseason action during the fishing season. To facilitate a 
timely inseason adjustment to the mackerel IOY, if necessary, this 
action proposes and seeks comment on such an inseason adjustment. In 
2008, NMFS's Northeast Fishery Statistic Office (FSO) will summarize 
mackerel landings from dealer reports on a weekly basis and post this 
information on the Northeast Regional Office Web site (http://www.nero.noaa.gov/). NMFS staff will closely monitor these landings and 
industry trends to determine if an inseason adjustment is necessary. 
If, using landings projections and all other available information, the 
Regional Administrator determines that 70 percent of the Atlantic 
mackerel IOY will be landed during the 2008 fishing year, the Regional 
Administrator will make available additional quota for a total IOY of 
156,000 mt of Atlantic mackerel for harvest during 2008. Additionally, 
if an inseason adjustment of the IOY is warranted, the Regional 
Administrator will notify the Council and the inseason adjustment will 
be published in the Federal Register.

Atlantic Squids

Loligo Squid

    While the annual quota and other measures for Loligo squid can be 
specified for up to 3 years, the Council chose to recommend Loligo 
squid specifications and management measures for 1 year only. After a 
review of available information, the Council recommended no change to 
the Loligo squid Max OY and ABC from 2007; NMFS concurs with this 
recommendation. Therefore, the proposed 2007 Loligo squid Max OY is 
26,000 mt and the proposed ABC is 17,000 mt. The Council recommended 
that the Loligo squid RQ for 2007 be up to 3 percent (510 mt) of the 
ABC. One scientific research project proposal requesting Loligo squid 
RQ was recommended for approval and will be forwarded to the NOAA 
Grants Office for award. The proposed Loligo squid IOY, DAH, and DAP 
were adjusted to reflect the RQ and equal 16,977 mt. The FMP does not 
authorize the specification of JVP and TALFF for the Loligo squid 
fishery because of the domestic industry's capacity to harvest and 
process the OY for this fishery; therefore, there would be no JVP and 
TALFF in 2008.
Distribution of the Loligo Squid DAH
    Prior to 2000, the DAH for Loligo squid was specified as an annual 
quota. In 2000, the quota was subdivided into three trimester 
allocations. During 2001-2006, the annual DAH for Loligo squid was 
allocated into four quarter allocations, as follows: Quarter I

[[Page 73752]]

(January-March) with 33.23 percent of the quota, Quarter II (April-
June) with 17.61 percent of the quota, Quarter III (July-September) 
with 17.30 percent of the quota, and Quarter IV (October-December) with 
31.86 percent of the quota. In an effort to improve the monitoring and 
management of the Loligo squid fishery, the 2007 DAH was allocated by 
trimester. Managing the DAH by trimesters, rather than quarters, 
results in allocations that can be higher than the quarterly 
allocations. Higher allocations may increase the length of time the 
fishery is open and allow closure projections to be based on more 
information, potentially increasing projection accuracy. Additionally, 
managing by trimesters rather than quarters streamlines administration 
because only three closures, rather than four, of the directed fishery 
could occur during a fishing year. For these reasons, NMFS is proposing 
that the 2008 Loligo squid DAH be allocated into trimesters, consistent 
with the Council's recommendation. The proposed 2008 trimester 
allocations would be as follows:

                      Table 2. Proposed Trimester Allocation of Loligo Squid Quota in 2008
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                                               Percent metric
                  Trimester                        tons\1\         RQ (mt)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I (Jan-Apr)..................................              43           7,300  NA
II (May-Aug).................................              17           2,886  NA
III (Sep-Dec)................................              40           6,791  NA
                                              ------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total....................................             100          16,977  23
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Trimester allocations after 23 mt RQ deduction.

    For 2008, the Council recommended that the percentage at which the 
directed Loligo squid fishery would close and the handling of quota 
overages and underages would be the same as in 2007. Therefore, this 
action proposes the directed Loligo squid fishery would close when 90 
percent of the DAH is harvested in Trimesters I and II, and when 95 
percent of the DAH is harvested in Trimester III. Additionally, it 
proposes that any underages from Trimesters I and II would be applied 
to Trimester III, and any overages from Trimesters I and II would be 
subtracted from Trimester III.
Clarification of Loligo Squid Gear Requirements
    Regulations at Sec.  648.23(d) specify that net strengtheners have 
a minimum mesh size of 4-1/2 inches (11.43cm) and that any device, 
including net strengtheners, may not be used on the top 50 percent of a 
codend (i.e., the portion of the codend that is not in contact with the 
ocean floor when the net is fishing) if it constricts the minimum mesh 
size to less than the required 1-\7/8\ inch (48 mm). However, any time 
a 1-\7/8\-inch (48-mm) codend is used with a 4-\1/2\-inches (11.43-cm) 
net strengthener, the actual mesh size will be less than 1-\7/8\ inches 
(48 mm) because the meshes from the codend and the net strengthener 
will not be in alignment and will overlap. Last fall, the U. S. Coast 
Guard brought it to NMFS's attention that Loligo squid vessels have net 
strengtheners covering the top 50 percent of the codend. When 
questioned about the need for and use of net strengtheners, members of 
the Loligo squid fishing industry explained that codends with a minimum 
mesh size of 1-\7/8\ inches (48 mm) are of such fine gauge that they 
will burst if a net strengthener does not surround the entire 
circumference of the codend. Therefore, current gear regulations are 
inconsistent with the way the Loligo squid fishery needs to operate.
    At its June 2007 meeting, the Council discussed clarifying Loligo 
squid gear requirements such that net strengtheners would be 
permissible around the entire circumference of a codend, provided the 
minimum mesh size was 4-1/2 inches (11.43 cm). Therefore, this action 
proposes that net strengtheners, splitting straps, and/or bull ropes or 
wire may be used around the entire circumference of the codend, 
provided they do not have an effective mesh opening of less than 4-1/2 
inches (11.43 cm), diamond mesh, inside stretch measure.

Illex Squid

    NMFS proposes to maintain the Illex squid specifications in 2008 at 
the same levels as they were for the 2007 fishing year, consistent with 
the Council's recommendation. Specifically, this action proposes that 
the specification of Max OY, IOY, ABC, and DAH would be 24,000 mt. The 
overfishing definition for Illex squid states that overfishing for 
Illex squid occurs when the catch associated with a threshold fishing 
mortality rate of FMSY is exceeded. Max OY is specified as 
the catch associated with a fishing mortality rate of FMSY, 
while DAH is specified as the level of harvest that corresponds to a 
target fishing mortality rate of 75 percent FMSY. The 
biomass target is specified as BMSY. The minimum biomass 
threshold is specified as \1/2\ BMSY. The FMP does not 
authorize the specification of JVP and TALFF for the Illex squid 
fishery because of the domestic fishing industry's capacity to harvest 
and to process the OY from this fishery.

Butterfish

    The status of the butterfish stock was most recently assessed at 
the 38th SARC in late 2004. The assessment concluded that, while 
overfishing of the stock is not occurring, the stock is overfished 
because estimates of stock biomass are below the minimum biomass 
threshold (1/2 BMSY). SARC 38 estimated the butterfish stock 
at 8,700 mt, \1/2\ BMSY at 11,400 mt, and BMSY at 
22,798 mt. Based on this information, the Council was notified by NMFS 
on February 11, 2005, that the butterfish stock was designated as 
overfished, pursuant to the requirements of section 304(e) of the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act, and the Council is developing a rebuilding plan 
for the butterfish stock in Amendment 10 to the FMP (Amendment 10). One 
of the goals of Amendment 10 is to develop a program to allow the 
butterfish stock to rebuild to BMSY and protect the long-
term health and stability of the rebuilt stock. Rebuilding of the 
butterfish stock will be dependent upon increases in recruitment, which 
recently has been poor to intermediate. Rebuilding is further 
complicated because the natural mortality of butterfish is high, 
butterfish have a short lifespan, and fishing mortality is primarily 
attributed to discards (discards equal twice the annual landings).
    While a butterfish rebuilding program is being developed in 
amendment 10, the Council recommended restricting butterfish landings 
to recent landings levels to prevent an expansion of the fishery and to 
protect the rebuilding

[[Page 73753]]

stock. Without a current market for butterfish, an intense, directed 
butterfish fishery has not existed for several years. Since 2003, 
butterfish landings have ranged between 437mt-554mt. SARC 38 re-
estimated butterfish maximum sustainable yield as 12,175 mt and the 
overfishing threshold as F = 0.38. The MSB FMP specifies that maximum 
sustainable yield equals MAX OY. Therefore, the Council recommended, 
and NMFS is proposing, that butterfish MAX OY be set at 12,175 mt in 
2008. While a butterfish rebuilding program is being developed in 
Amendment 10, the Council recommended restricting butterfish landings 
to recent landings levels to prevent an expansion of the fishery and to 
protect the rebuilding stock. Without a current market for butterfish, 
an intense, directed butterfish fishery has not existed for several 
years. Since 2003, butterfish landings have ranged between 437 mt-554 
mt. Based on SARC 38, an F of 0.34 was associated with butterfish catch 
(landings plus discards) of 2,700 mt. Assuming that butterfish discards 
equal twice the level of landings, the amount of butterfish discards 
associated with approximately 500 mt of landings is approximately 1,000 
mt. Therefore, in 2008, the proposed specifications would set the IOY, 
DAH, and DAP at 500 mt and would set ABC at 1,500 mt. Harvest at these 
proposed levels should prevent overfishing on the butterfish stock in 
2008. Additionally, consistent with MSB regulations, the Council 
recommended, and NMFS is proposing, zero TALFF for butterfish in 2008 
because zero TALFF is proposed for mackerel.

Closure of the Butterfish Fishery and the Incidental Butterfish 
Possession Limit

    Existing regulations specify that the butterfish fishery close when 
the Regional Administrator projects that 95 percent of the butterfish 
DAH is projected to be landed. Once the butterfish fishery is closed, 
the current incidental butterfish possession limit is 2,500 lb (1.13 
mt) per day. In previous years, when the butterfish DAH was set at 
approximately twice the level of landings, a 95-percent closure 
threshold and 2,500-lb (1.13-mt) incidental possession limit encouraged 
the entire DAH to be taken, while preventing the DAH from being 
exceeded. However, consistent with the lower butterfish DAH that is 
proposed for 2008, the Council also wanted to consider a lower fishery 
closure threshold and incidental possession limit. Council staff used 
butterfish landings data from 2004-2006 to evaluate a range of closure 
thresholds (e.g., 80-95 percent) and associated incidental possession 
limits (e.g., 500 lb (0.23 mt)--2,500 lb (1.13 mt)). The analysis 
suggested that butterfish were landed at a relatively steady rate 
throughout the year, but with substantial week-to-week variability. 
Based on this analysis, the Council recommended that, in 2008, an 80-
percent closure threshold and a scaled incidental possession limit, 
such that a 250-lb (0.11-mt) incidental possession limit would be 
associated with a fishery closure prior to October 1 and a 600-lb 
(0.27-mt) incidental possession limit would be associated with a 
fishery closure on or after October 1. Consistent with the Council's 
recommendation, this action proposes that, in 2008, if 80 percent of 
the butterfish DAH is projected to be landed prior to October 1, a 250-
lb (0.11-mt) incidental butterfish possession limit would be in effect 
for the remainder of the year. Additionally, if 80 percent of the 
butterfish DAH is projected to be landed on or after October 1, a 600-
lb (0.27-mt) incidental butterfish possession limit would be in effect 
for the remainder of the year. These measures should prevent the 500-mt 
butterfish DAH from being exceeded, while allowing for butterfish taken 
incidentally in other fisheries to be landed, thus reducing discards.
    Incidental possession limits for butterfish apply not only during a 
fishery closure but also year-round to vessels issued incidental catch 
permits. While the Council did not explicitly recommend an incidental 
butterfish possession limit for vessels issued a butterfish incidental 
catch permit, this action proposes a year-round, 250-lb (0.11-mt) 
butterfish possession limit for vessels issued incidental butterfish 
catch permits, similar to the Council's recommended incidental 
butterfish possession limit during a fishery closure. NMFS invites the 
Council to comment whether this measure is consistent with the 
Council's intent.

Butterfish Possession Limits

    Regulations at Sec.  648.23(a)(2) specify that trawl vessels 
possessing 5,000 lb (2.27 mt) or more of butterfish may only fish with 
nets having a minimum codend mesh size of 3 inches (76 mm). Consistent 
with the Council's intent to prevent expansion of the butterfish 
fishery and protect the rebuilding stock as Amendment 10 is being 
developed, the Council recommended reducing the butterfish possession 
limit associated with using small mesh (i.e., a minimum mesh size of 
less than 3 inches (76 mm)), as well as establishing an additional 
butterfish possession limit for the 2008 fishing year. To discourage 
targeting butterfish and help ensure the butterfish DAH is available 
for much of the year, so that butterfish catch does not result in 
additional discarding, NMFS is proposing reducing the possession limit 
on trips using small mesh and establishing an additional butterfish 
possession limit for all trips, consistent with the Council's 
recommendation. Therefore, this action proposes that trawl vessels 
possessing 1,000 lb (0.45 mt) or more of butterfish may only fish with 
nets having a minimum codend mesh size of 3 inches (76 mm) and that a 
vessel issued a butterfish moratorium permit may not fish for, possess, 
or land more than 5,000 lb (2.27 mt) of butterfish per trip per day.

Classification

    Pursuant to section 304(b)(1)(A) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the 
NMFS Assistant Administrator has determined that this proposed rule is 
consistent with the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish FMP, other 
provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, and other applicable law, 
subject to further consideration after pubic comment.
    This proposed rule has been determined to be not significant for 
purposes of Executive Order 12866 (E.O. 12866).
    The Council prepared an IRFA, as required by section 603 of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA). The IRFA describes the economic 
impact this proposed rule, if adopted, would have on small entities. A 
summary of the analysis follows. A copy of this analysis is available 
from the Council or NMFS (see ADDRESSES) or via the Internet at http://www.nero.noaa.gov.

Statement of Objective and Need

    This action proposes 2008 specifications and management measures 
for Atlantic mackerel, squid, and butterfish, and modifications to 
existing management measures to improve the monitoring and management 
of these fisheries. A complete description of the reasons why this 
action is being considered, and the objectives of and legal basis for 
this action, are contained in the preamble to this proposed rule and 
are not repeated here.

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

    Based on permit data for 2006, the number of potential fishing 
vessels in the 2008 fisheries are as follows: 383 for Loligo squid/
butterfish, 78 for Illex squid, 2,495 for mackerel, and 2,016

[[Page 73754]]

vessels with incidental catch permits for squid/butterfish. There are 
no large entities participating in this fishery, as defined in section 
601 of the RFA. Therefore, there are no disproportionate economic 
impacts on small entities. Many vessels participate in more than one of 
these fisheries; therefore, permit numbers are not additive.

Description of Projected Reporting, Recordkeeping, and Other Compliance 
Requirements

    This action does not contain any new collection-of-information, 
reporting, recordkeeping, or other compliance requirements. It does not 
duplicate, overlap, or conflict with any other Federal rules.

Minimizing Significant Economic Impacts on Small Entities

Proposed Actions
    The mackerel IOY proposed in this action (115,000 mt, with 15,000 
mt allocated to recreational catch) represents no constraint on vessels 
in this fishery. This level of landings has not been achieved by 
vessels in this fishery in recent years. Mackerel landings for 2001-
2003 averaged 24,294 mt. Landings in 2004 were 55,528 mt, landings in 
2005 were 43,246 mt, and landings for 2006 were 58,279 mt. This action 
also proposes an in-season adjustment, if landings approach the IOY 
early in the fishing year, to increase the IOY up to the ABC (156,000 
mt). Therefore, no reductions in revenues for the mackerel fishery are 
expected as a result of this proposed action; in fact, an increase in 
revenues as a result of the proposed action is possible. Based on 2006 
data, the mackerel fishery could increase its landings by 56,721 mt in 
2008, if it takes the entire IOY. In 2006, the last year with complete 
financial data, the average value for mackerel was $418 per mt. Using 
this value, the mackerel fishery could see an increase in revenues of 
$23,709,378 as a result of the proposed 2008 IOY (115,000 mt), and an 
additional increase in revenues of $17,138,000 as a result of the 
proposed adjustment to increase the IOY up to the ABC (156,000 mt).
    Additionally, this action is proposing to change the percentage at 
which the directed mackerel fishery would close (from 80 percent to 90 
percent of OY) and the incidental mackerel possession limit after the 
directed fishery is closed (from 10 percent, by weight, of the total 
fish on board to a fixed possession limit of 20,000 lb (4.54 mt)). 
Under these proposed changes, it is likely that a higher level of 
revenue could be realized by vessels engaged in the directed mackerel 
fishery compared to the other alternatives. An increase in revenues of 
10 percent of OY in the directed fishery could be realized, amounting 
to a potential increase in landings in the directed fishery on the 
order of about 10,000 mt. Given recent prices, this would translate 
into increased revenues of about $4.2 million, or $15,000 per vessel.
    The Loligo squid IOY (17,000 mt) proposed in this action represents 
status quo as compared to 2007. Loligo squid landings for 2001-2003 
averaged 14,092 mt. Landings in 2004 were 15,447, landings in 2005 were 
16,984 mt, and landings in 2006 were 15,880 mt. In 2006, the last year 
for which complete financial data are available, the average value for 
Loligo squid was $1,751 per mt. Implementation of this proposed action 
would not result in a reduction in revenue or a constraint on restraint 
on the fishery in 2008.
    The Illex squid IOY (24,000 mt) proposed in this action represents 
status quo as compared to 2007. Illex squid landings for 2001-2003 
averaged 4,350 mt. Landings in 2004 were 26,098 mt, landings in 2005 
were 12,032 mt, and landings in 2006 were 13,944 mt. In 2006, the last 
year for which complete financial data are available, the average value 
for Illex squid was $578 per mt. Implementation of this proposed action 
would not result in a reduction in revenue or a constraint on restraint 
on the fishery in 2008.
    The butterfish IOY (500 mt) proposed in this action represents no 
constraint to vessels relative to the landings in recent years. Due to 
market conditions, there has been not been a directed butterfish 
fishery in recent years; therefore, recent landings have been low. 
Landings in 2004 were 537 mt, landings in 2005 were 437 mt, and 
landings in 2006 were 554 mt. Given the lack of a directed butterfish 
fishery and low butterfish landings, the proposed action is not 
expected to reduce revenues in this fishery. Based on 2006 data, the 
value of butterfish was $1,472 per mt.
    This action also proposes modifying the trigger for closing the 
directed butterfish fishery and reducing butterfish possession limits. 
Specifically, this action is proposing to change to the percentage at 
which the directed butterfish fishery would close (from 95 percent to 
80 percent of DAH) and the incidental butterfish possession limit after 
the directed fishery is closed (from 2,500 lb (1.13 mt) to either 600 
lb (0.27 mt) or 250 lb (0.11 mt)). Additionally, this action proposes a 
5,000-lb (2.27-mt) butterfish possession limit for all trips and 
reducing the possession limit for trips using small mesh (i.e., less 
than 3 inches (76 mm)) from 5,000 lb (4.54 mt) to 1,000 lb (0.45 mt). 
These proposed measures potentially limit the amount of fishing effort 
for butterfish as the stock rebuilds compared to the other 
alternatives. Therefore, there could be some minor losses in revenue 
for vessels that wanted to direct on butterfish in the short term 
(i.e., during the rebuilding period).

Alternatives to the Proposed Rule

    The Council analysis evaluated three alternatives for mackerel, and 
all of them would have set IOY at 115,000 mt, maintained the status quo 
trigger for closing the directed fishery, and maintained the status quo 
incidental mackerel possession limit. This IOY and these management 
measures do not represent a constraint on vessels in this fishery, so 
no negative impacts on revenues in this fishery are expected as a 
result of these alternatives. One of these alternatives (status quo) 
would have set the ABC at 186,000 mt, and the other could have set the 
ABC at 335,000 mt. These alternatives were not adopted by the Council 
because that level of ABC is not consistent with the overfishing 
definition in the FMP, as updated by the most recent stock assessment. 
Furthermore, alternatives that would set a higher harvest were not 
adopted because they proposed harvest that was too high in light of 
social and economic concerns relating to TALFF. The specification of 
TALFF would have limited the opportunities for the domestic fishery to 
expand, and therefore would have resulted in negative social and 
economic impacts to both U.S. harvesters and processors (for a full 
discussion of the TALFF issue, see the earlier section on Atlantic 
mackerel).
    For Loligo squid, all alternatives would have set Max OY at 26,000 
mt and ABC, IOY, DAH, and DAP at 17,000 mt. While the annual quota 
under all alternatives represents status quo, alternatives differ in 
their allocation of the annual quota and incidental Loligo squid 
possession limit for Illex squid vessels. Two alternatives would have 
allocated quotas by trimester. Of these, both include an increase of 
the Loligo squid incidental possession limit for Illex squid vessels 
during August-October closures of the Loligo squid fishery; one 
alternative specifies a 5,000-lb (2.27-mt) limit for vessels fishing 
seaward of the small-mesh exemption line (approximating the 50-fm (91-
m) depth contour), and the other specifies a 10,000-lb (4.54-mt) limit 
for vessels fishing seaward of a boundary approximating the 80-fm (146-
m) depth contour. As described in the preamble

[[Page 73755]]

of this proposed rule, there are no tools in place for NMFS to monitor 
spatial activities of the Illex squid fleet; therefore, this possession 
limit provision of these alternatives will not be implemented because 
it cannot be administered effectively. The third alternative would 
allocate quota by quarters (status quo). Difference in seasonal quota 
distribution may have distributive effects on seasonal participants in 
the fishery; however, all alternatives are expected to result in the 
same total landings for 2008.
    For Illex squid, one alternative considered would have set Max OY, 
ABC, IOY, DAH, and DAP at 30,000 mt. This alternative would allow 
harvest far in excess of recent landings in this fishery. Therefore, 
there would be no constraints and, thus, no revenue reductions, 
associated with this alternative. However, the Council considered this 
alternative unacceptable because an ABC specification of 30,000 mt may 
not prevent overfishing in years of moderate to low abundance of Illex 
squid. Another alternative considered would have set MAX OY at 24,000 
mt and ABC, IOY, DAH, and DAP at 19,000 mt. The Council considered this 
alternative unacceptable because it was unnecessarily restrictive.
    For butterfish, one alternative considered would have set the ABC 
at 4,525 mt and IOY, DAH, and DAP at 1,861 mt, while another would have 
set ABC at 12,175 mt and IOY, DAH, and DAP 9,131 mt. These amounts 
exceed the landings of this species in recent years. Both alternatives 
would have maintained the status quo trigger for closing the directed 
fishery, incidental possession limit, and possession limit for trips 
using mesh smaller than 3 inches (76 mm). Therefore, neither 
alternative represents a constraint on vessels in this fishery or would 
reduce revenues in the fishery. However, neither of these alternatives 
were adopted because they would likely result in overfishing and the 
additional depletion of the spawning stock biomass of an overfished 
species.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 648

    Fisheries, Fishing, Recordkeeping and reporting requirements.

    Dated: December 20, 2007.
Samuel D. Rauch III,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
    For the reasons set out in the preamble, 50 CFR part 648 is 
proposed to be 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.

    2. In Sec.  648.14, paragraphs (a)(73), (p)(3), (p)(5), and (p)(11) 
are revised to read as follows:


Sec.  648.14  Prohibitions.

    (a) * * *
    (73) Take, retain, possess, or land more mackerel, squid, or 
butterfish as specified at Sec.  648.25.
* * * * *
    (p) * * *
    (3) Take, retain, possess, or land mackerel, squid, or butterfish 
in excess of a possession allowance specified at Sec.  648.25.
* * * * *
    (5) Fish with or possess nets or netting that do not meet the 
minimum mesh requirements for Loligo or butterfish specified in Sec.  
648.23, or that are modified, obstructed, or constricted, if subject to 
the minimum mesh requirements, unless nets or netting is stowed in 
accordance with Sec.  648.23(b) or the vessel is fishing under an 
exemption specified in Sec.  648.23(a)(3)(ii).
* * * * *
    (11) Possess 1,000 lb (0.45 mt) or more of butterfish, unless the 
vessel meets the minimum mesh size requirement specified in Sec.  
648.23(a)(2).
* * * * *
    3. In Sec.  648.22, paragraph (c) is removed and paragraph (a) is 
revised to read as follows:


Sec.  648.22  Closure of the fishery.

    (a) Closing procedures. (1) NMFS shall close the directed mackerel 
fishery in the EEZ when the Regional Administrator projects that 90 
percent of the mackerel DAH is harvested, if such a closure is 
necessary to prevent the DAH from being exceeded. The closure of the 
directed fishery shall be in effect for the remainder of that fishing 
period, with incidental catches allowed as specified at Sec.  648.25. 
When the Regional Administrator projects that the DAH for mackerel 
shall be landed, NMFS shall close the mackerel fishery in the EEZ and 
the incidental catches specified for mackerel at Sec.  648.25 will be 
prohibited.
    (2) NMFS shall close the directed fishery in the EEZ for Loligo 
when the Regional Administrator projects that 90 percent of the Loligo 
quota is harvested in Trimesters I and II, and when 95 percent of the 
Loligo DAH has been harvested in Trimester III. The closure of the 
directed fishery shall be in effect for the remainder of that fishing 
period, with incidental catches allowed as specified at Sec.  648.25.
    (3) NMFS shall close the directed Illex fishery in the EEZ when the 
Regional Administrator projects that 95 percent of the Illex DAH is 
harvested. The closure of the directed fishery shall be in effect for 
the remainder of that fishing period, with incidental catches allowed 
as specified at Sec.  648.25.
    (4) NMFS shall close the directed butterfish fishery in the EEZ 
when the Regional Administrator projects that 80 percent of the 
butterfish DAH is harvested. The closure of the directed fishery shall 
be in effect for the remainder of that fishing period, with incidental 
catches allowed as specified at Sec.  648.25.
* * * * *
    4. In Sec.  648.23, paragraphs (a)(4) and (d) are removed and 
paragraphs (a)(2) and (a)(3) are revised to read as follows:


Sec.  648.23  Gear restrictions.

    (a) * * *
    (2) Owners or operators of otter trawl vessels possessing 1,000 lb 
(0.45 mt) or more of butterfish harvested in or from the EEZ may only 
fish with nets having a minimum codend mesh of 3 inches (76 mm) diamond 
mesh, inside stretch measure, applied throughout the codend for at 
least 100 continuous meshes forward of the terminus of the net, or for 
codends with less than 100 meshes, the minimum mesh size codend shall 
be a minimum of one-third of the net, measured from the terminus of the 
codend to the headrope.
    (3) Owners or operators of otter trawl vessels possessing Loligo 
harvested in or from the EEZ may only fish with nets having a minimum 
mesh size of 1\7/8\ inches (48 mm) diamond mesh, inside stretch 
measure, applied throughout the codend for at least 150 continuous 
meshes forward of the terminus of the net, or for codends with less 
than 150 meshes, the minimum mesh size codend shall be a minimum of 
one-third of the net measured from the terminus of the codend to the 
headrope, unless they are fishing consistent with exceptions specified 
in paragraph (b) of this section.
    (i) Net obstruction or constriction. Owners or operators of otter 
trawl vessels fishing for and/or possessing Loligo shall not use any 
device, gear, or material, including, but not limited to, nets, net 
strengtheners, ropes, lines, or chafing gear, on the top of the 
regulated portion of a trawl net that results in an effective mesh 
opening of less than 1-\7/8\ inches (48 mm) diamond mesh, inside 
stretch measure. ``Top of the regulated portion of the net'' means the

[[Page 73756]]

50 percent of the entire regulated portion of the net that would not be 
in contact with the ocean bottom if, during a tow, the regulated 
portion of the net were laid flat on the ocean floor. However, owners 
or operators of otter trawl vessels fishing for and/or possessing 
Loligo may use net strengtheners (covers), splitting straps, and/or 
bull ropes or wire around the entire circumference of the codend, 
provided they do not have a mesh opening of less than 4\1/2\ inches 
(11.43 cm), diamond mesh, inside stretch measure. For the purpose of 
this requirement, head ropes are not to be considered part of the top 
of the regulated portion of a trawl net.
    (ii) Illex fishery. Owners or operators of otter trawl vessels 
possessing Loligo harvested in or from the EEZ and fishing during the 
months of June, July, August, and September for Illex seaward of the 
following coordinates (copies of a map depicting this area are 
available from the Regional Administrator upon request) are exempt from 
the Loligo gear requirements specified at paragraph (a)(3) of this 
section, provided they do not have available for immediate use, as 
defined in paragraph (b) of this section, any net, or any piece of net, 
with a mesh size less than 1\7/8\ inches (48 mm) diamond mesh or any 
net, or any piece of net, with mesh that is rigged in a manner that is 
prohibited by paragraph (a)(3) of this section, when the vessel is 
landward of the specified coordinates.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Point                        N. Lat.      W. Long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
M1............................................  43[deg]58.0  67[deg]22.0
                                                          '            '
M2............................................  43[deg]50.0  68[deg]35.0
                                                          '            '
M3............................................  43[deg]30.0  69[deg]40.0
                                                          '            '
M4............................................  43[deg]20.0  70[deg]00.0
                                                          '            '
M5............................................  42[deg]45.0  70[deg]10.0
                                                          '            '
M6............................................  42[deg]13.0  69[deg]55.0
                                                          '            '
M7............................................  41[deg]00.0  69[deg]00.0
                                                          '            '
M8............................................  41[deg]45.0  68[deg]15.0
                                                          '            '
M9............................................  42[deg]10.0  67[deg]10.0
                                                          '            '
M10...........................................  41[deg]18.6  66[deg]24.8
                                                          '            '
M11...........................................  40[deg]55.5  66[deg]38.0
                                                          '            '
M12...........................................  40[deg]45.5  68[deg]00.0
                                                          '            '
M13...........................................  40[deg]37.0  68[deg]00.0
                                                          '            '
M14...........................................  40[deg]30.0  69[deg]00.0
                                                          '            '
M15...........................................  40[deg]22.7  69[deg]00.0
                                                          '            '
M16...........................................  40[deg]18.7  69[deg]40.0
                                                          '            '
M17...........................................  40[deg]21.0  71[deg]03.0
                                                          '            '
M18...........................................  39[deg]41.0  72[deg]32.0
                                                          '            '
M19...........................................  38[deg]47.0  73[deg]11.0
                                                          '            '
M20...........................................  38[deg]04.0  74[deg]06.0
                                                          '            '
M21...........................................  37[deg]08.0  74[deg]46.0
                                                          '            '
M22...........................................  36[deg]00.0  74[deg]52.0
                                                          '            '
M23...........................................  35[deg]45.0  74[deg]53.0
                                                          '            '
M24...........................................  35[deg]28.0  74[deg]52.0
                                                          '            '
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *
    3. Section 648.25 is added to read as follows:


Sec.  648.25  Possession restrictions.

    (a) Atlantic mackerel. During a closure of the directed Atlantic 
mackerel fishery, vessels may not fish for, possess, or land more than 
20,000 lb (9.08 mt) of mackerel per trip at any time, and may only land 
mackerel once on any calendar day, which is defined as the 24-hr period 
beginning at 0001 hours and ending at 2400 hours.
    (b) Loligo. During a closure of the directed fishery for Loligo, 
vessels may not fish for, possess, or land more than 2,500 lb (1.13 mt) 
of Loligo per trip at any time, and may only land Loligo once on any 
calendar day, which is defined as the 24-hr period beginning at 0001 
hours and ending at 2400 hours. If a vessel has been issued a Loligo 
incidental catch permit (as specified at Sec.  648.4(a)(5)(ii)), then 
it may not fish for, possess, or land more than 2,500 lb (1.13 mt) of 
Loligo per trip at any time and may only land Loligo once on any 
calendar day.
    (c) Illex. During a closure of the directed fishery for Illex, 
vessels may not fish for, possess, or land more than 10,000 lb (4.54 
mt) of Illex per trip at any time, and may only land Illex once on any 
calendar day, which is defined as the 24-hr period beginning at 0001 
hours and ending at 2400 hours. If a vessel has been issued an Illex 
incidental catch permit (as specified at Sec.  648.4(a)(5)(ii)), then 
it may not fish for, possess, or land more than 10,000 lb (4.54 mt) of 
Illex per trip at any time, and may only land Illex once on any 
calendar day.
    (d) Butterfish. (1) During a closure of the directed fishery for 
butterfish that occurs prior to October 1, vessels may not fish for, 
possess, or land more than 250 lb (0.11 mt) of butterfish per trip at 
any time, and may only land butterfish once on any calendar day, which 
is defined as the 24-hr period beginning at 0001 hours and ending at 
2400 hours. During a closure of the directed fishery for butterfish 
that occurs on or after October 1, vessels may not fish for, possess, 
or land more than 600 lb (0.27 mt) of butterfish per trip at any time, 
and may only land butterfish once on any calendar day. If a vessel has 
been issued a butterfish incidental catch permit (as specified at Sec.  
648.4(a)(5)(ii)), then it may not fish for, possess, or land more than 
250 lb (0.11 mt) of butterfish per trip at any time, and may only land 
butterfish once on any calendar day.
    (2) A vessel issued a butterfish moratorium permit (as specified at 
Sec.  648.4(a)(5)(I)) may not fish for, possess, or land more than 
5,000 lb (2.27 mt) of butterfish per trip at any time, and may only 
land butterfish once on any calendar day, which is defined as the 24-hr 
period beginning at 0001 hours and ending at 2400 hours.

 [FR Doc. E7-25251 Filed 12-27-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P