[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 186 (Wednesday, September 24, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Page 55052]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-22406]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-AS67


Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; 
Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Gulf Red Snapper Individual 
Fishing Quota Program

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

ACTION: Notice of determination of catastrophic conditions.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the regulations implementing the individual 
fishing quota (IFQ) program for the commercial red snapper fishery in 
the Gulf of Mexico, the Administrator, Southeast Region, NMFS (RA) has 
determined that catastrophic conditions exist in those parts of Texas 
and Louisiana from the mouth of the Mississippi River west to Freeport, 
Texas as a result of recent hurricanes. Consistent with those 
regulations, the RA has authorized IFQ participants within this 
affected area to use paper-based forms, if necessary, for basic 
required IFQ administrative functions, e.g., landing transactions, 
until October 24, 2008. This determination of catastrophic conditions 
and allowance of alternative methods for completing required IFQ 
administrative functions is intended to facilitate continuation of IFQ 
operations during the period of catastrophic conditions.

DATES: The RA is authorizing IFQ participants within this affected area 
to use paper-based forms until October 24, 2008.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Britni Tokotch, telephone 727-824-
5305, fax 727-824-5308, e-mail [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Regulations implementing the IFQ program for 
the commercial red snapper fishery in the Gulf of Mexico (50 CFR 
622.16) require that IFQ participants have access to a computer and 
Internet access and that they conduct administrative functions 
associated with the IFQ program, e.g., landing transactions, online. 
However, these regulations also specify that during catastrophic 
conditions, as determined by the RA, the RA can authorize IFQ 
participants in the affected area who are unable to submit information 
electronically to use paper-based forms to complete IFQ administrative 
functions for the duration of the catastrophic conditions. The RA must 
determine that catastrophic conditions exist, specify the duration of 
the catastrophic conditions, and specify which participants or 
geographic areas are deemed affected by the catastrophic conditions.
    Hurricane Gustav made landfall near Cocodrie, Louisiana as a strong 
Category 2 hurricane on September 1, 2008. Twelve days later Hurricane 
Ike made landfall near Galveston, Texas as a Category 2 hurricane. 
Strong winds and flooding from these two hurricanes impacted coastal 
communities throughout Texas and Louisiana, resulting in power outages 
and loss of homes, businesses, and other infrastructure. As a result 
the RA has determined that catastrophic conditions exist in those areas 
of the states of Louisiana and Texas from the mouth of the Mississippi 
River west to Freeport, Texas. The RA is authorizing IFQ participants 
within this affected area to use paper-based forms until October 24, 
2008. NMFS will provide additional notification to affected 
participants via NOAA weather radio, fishery bulletins, and other 
appropriate means.
    NMFS previously provided each IFQ dealer the necessary paper forms 
(sequentially coded) and instructions in the event catastrophic 
conditions exist. Paper forms are also available from the RA upon 
request. The electronic system for submitting information to NMFS will 
continue to be available to all participants, and participants in the 
affected area are encouraged to continue using this system, if 
accessible.
    The administrative program functions available to participants in 
the area affected by catastrophic conditions will be limited under the 
paper-based system. There will be no mechanism for transfers of IFQ 
shares or allocation under the paper-based system in effect during 
catastrophic conditions. Assistance in complying with the requirements 
of the paper-based system will be available via IFQ Customer Service 1-
866-425-7627 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. eastern 
time.

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

    Dated: September 19, 2008.
Emily H. Menashes,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. E8-22406 Filed 9-23-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S