[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 111 (Thursday, June 11, 2009)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 27739-27766]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-13714]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 229

[Docket No. 090218194-9196-01]
RIN 0648-AX65


List of Fisheries for 2010

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

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) publishes its 
proposed List of Fisheries (LOF) for 2010, as required by the Marine 
Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The proposed LOF for 2010 reflects new 
information on interactions between commercial fisheries and marine 
mammals. NMFS must categorize each commercial fishery on the LOF into 
one of three categories under the MMPA based upon the level of serious 
injury and mortality of marine mammals that occurs incidental to each 
fishery. The categorization of a fishery in the LOF determines whether 
participants in that fishery are subject to certain provisions of the 
MMPA, such as registration, observer coverage, and take reduction plan 
requirements.

DATES: Comments must be received by August 10, 2009.

ADDRESSES: Send comments by any one of the following methods.
    (1) Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic comments through 
the Federal eRulemaking portal: http://www.regulations.gov (follow 
instructions for submitting comments).
    (2) Mail: Chief, Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation 
Division, Attn: List of Fisheries, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 
1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
    Comments regarding the burden-hour estimates, or any other aspect 
of the collection of information requirements contained in this 
proposed rule, should be submitted in writing to Chief, Marine Mammal 
and Sea Turtle Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, 
NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, or to David 
Rostker, OMB, by fax to 202-395-7285 or by email to [email protected].
    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 (for example, 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 (enter ``N/A'' in the required fields, if you wish 
to remain anonymous). Attachments to electronic comments will be 
accepted in Microsoft Word, Excel, WordPerfect, or Adobe PDF file 
formats only.
    See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for a listing of all Regional 
Offices.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Melissa Andersen, Office of Protected 
Resources, 301-713-2322; David Gouveia, Northeast Region, 978-281-9280; 
Anne Ney, Southeast Region, 727-551-5758; Elizabeth Petras, Southwest 
Region, 562-980-3238; Brent Norberg, Northwest Region, 206-526-6733; 
Bridget Mansfield, Alaska Region, 907-586-7642; Lisa Van Atta, Pacific 
Islands Region, 808-944-2257. Individuals who use a telecommunications 
device for the hearing impaired may call the Federal Information Relay 
Service at 1-800-877-8339 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Eastern time, 
Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Availability of Published Materials

    Information regarding the LOF and the Marine Mammal Authorization 
Program, including registration procedures and forms, current and past 
LOFs, observer requirements, and marine mammal injury/mortality 
reporting forms and submittal procedures, may be obtained at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/interactions/lof/, or from any NMFS Regional 
Office at the addresses listed below:

[[Page 27740]]

    NMFS, Northeast Region, Fifty five Great Republic Drive, 
Gloucester, MA 01930-2298, Attn: Marcia Hobbs;
    NMFS, Southeast Region, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 
33701, Attn: Teletha Mincey;
    NMFS, Southwest Region, 501 W. Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long Beach, 
CA 90802-4213, Attn: Lyle Enriquez;
    NMFS, Northwest Region, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115, 
Attn: Permits Office;
    NMFS, Alaska Region, Protected Resources, P.O. Box 22668, 709 West 
9th Street, Juneau, AK 99802, Attn: Bridget Mansfield; or
    NMFS, Pacific Islands Region, Protected Resources, 1601 Kapiolani 
Boulevard, Suite 1100, Honolulu, HI 96814-4700, Attn: Lisa Van Atta.

What is the List of Fisheries?

    Section 118 of the MMPA requires NMFS to place all U.S. commercial 
fisheries into one of three categories based on the level of incidental 
serious injury and mortality of marine mammals occurring in each 
fishery (16 U.S.C. 1387(c)(1)). The classification of a fishery on the 
LOF determines whether participants in that fishery may be required to 
comply with certain provisions of the MMPA, such as registration, 
observer coverage, and take reduction plan requirements. NMFS must 
reexamine the LOF annually, considering new information in the Marine 
Mammal Stock Assessment Reports (SAR) and other relevant sources, and 
publish in the Federal Register any necessary changes to the LOF after 
notice and opportunity for public comment (16 U.S.C. 1387 (c)(1)(C)).

How Does NMFS Determine in which Category a Fishery is Placed?

    The definitions for the fishery classification criteria can be 
found in the implementing regulations for section 118 of the MMPA (50 
CFR 229.2). The criteria are also summarized here.

Fishery Classification Criteria

    The fishery classification criteria consist of a two-tiered, stock-
specific approach that first addresses the total impact of all 
fisheries on each marine mammal stock, and then addresses the impact of 
individual fisheries on each stock. This approach is based on 
consideration of the rate, in numbers of animals per year, of 
incidental mortalities and serious injuries of marine mammals due to 
commercial fishing operations relative to the potential biological 
removal (PBR) level for each marine mammal stock. The MMPA (16 U.S.C. 
1362 (20)) defines the PBR level as the maximum number of animals, not 
including natural mortalities, that may be removed from a marine mammal 
stock while allowing that stock to reach or maintain its optimum 
sustainable population. This definition can also be found in the 
implementing regulations for section 118 of the MMPA (50 CFR 229.2).
    Tier 1: If the total annual mortality and serious injury of a 
marine mammal stock, across all fisheries, is less than or equal to 10 
percent of the PBR level of the stock, all fisheries interacting with 
the stock would be placed in Category III (unless those fisheries 
interact with other stock(s) in which total annual mortality and 
serious injury is greater than 10 percent of PBR). Otherwise, these 
fisheries are subject to the next tier (Tier 2) of analysis to 
determine their classification.
    Tier 2, Category I: Annual mortality and serious injury of a stock 
in a given fishery is greater than or equal to 50 percent of the PBR 
level.
    Tier 2, Category II: Annual mortality and serious injury of a stock 
in a given fishery is greater than 1 percent and less than 50 percent 
of the PBR level.
    Tier 2, Category III: Annual mortality and serious injury of a 
stock in a given fishery is less than or equal to 1 percent of the PBR 
level.
    While Tier 1 considers the cumulative fishery mortality and serious 
injury for a particular stock, Tier 2 considers fishery-specific 
mortality and serious injury for a particular stock. Additional details 
regarding how the categories were determined are provided in the 
preamble to the proposed rule implementing section 118 of the MMPA (60 
FR 45086, August 30, 1995).
    Because fisheries are categorized on a per-stock basis, a fishery 
may qualify as one Category for one marine mammal stock and another 
Category for a different marine mammal stock. A fishery is typically 
categorized on the LOF at its highest level of classification (e.g., a 
fishery qualifying for Category III for one marine mammal stock and for 
Category II for another marine mammal stock will be listed under 
Category II).

Other Criteria That May Be Considered

    In the absence of reliable information indicating the frequency of 
incidental mortality and serious injury of marine mammals by a 
commercial fishery, NMFS will determine whether the incidental serious 
injury of mortality is ``occasional'' by evaluating other factors such 
as fishing techniques, gear used, methods used to deter marine mammals, 
target species, seasons and areas fished, qualitative data from 
logbooks or fisher reports, stranding data, and the species and 
distribution of marine mammals in the area, or at the discretion of the 
Assistant Administrator for Fisheries (50 CFR 229.2). Further, eligible 
commercial fisheries not specifically identified on the LOF are deemed 
to be Category II fisheries until the next LOF is published.

How Does NMFS Determine which Species or Stocks are Included as 
Incidentally Killed or Injured in a Fishery?

    The LOF includes a list of marine mammal species or stocks 
incidentally killed or injured in each commercial fishery. To determine 
which species or stocks are included as incidentally killed or injured 
in a fishery, NMFS annually reviews the information presented in the 
current SARs. The SARs are based upon the best available scientific 
information and provide the most current and inclusive information on 
each stock's PBR level and level of interaction with commercial fishing 
operations. NMFS also reviews other sources of new information, 
including observer data, stranding data, and fisher self-reports.
    In the absence of reliable information on the level of mortality or 
injury of a marine mammal stock, or insufficient observer data, NMFS 
will determine whether a species or stock should be added to, or 
deleted from, the list by considering other factors such as: changes in 
gear used, increases or decreases in fishing effort, increases or 
decreases in the level of observer coverage, and/or changes in fishery 
management that are expected to lead to decreases in interactions with 
a given marine mammal stock (such as a fishery management plan (FMP) or 
a take reduction plan (TRP)). NMFS will provide case-specific 
justification in the LOF for changes to the list of species or stocks 
incidentally killed or injured.

How Does NMFS Determine the Level of Observer Coverage in a Fishery?

    Data obtained from observers and the level of observer coverage are 
important tools in estimating the level of marine mammal mortality and 
serious injury in commercial fishing operations. The best available 
information on the level of observer coverage, and the spatial and 
temporal distribution of observed marine mammal interactions, is 
presented in the SARs. Starting with the 2005 SARs, each SAR includes 
an appendix with detailed descriptions of each Category I and II 
fishery in the LOF, including observer coverage. The SARs generally do 
not provide detailed information on observer coverage in Category III 
fisheries because, under the

[[Page 27741]]

MMPA, Category III fisheries are not required to accommodate observers 
aboard vessels due to the remote likelihood of mortality and serious 
injury of marine mammals. Information presented in the SARs' appendices 
includes: level of observer coverage, target species, levels of fishing 
effort, spatial and temporal distribution of fishing effort, 
characteristics of fishing gear and operations, management and 
regulations, and interactions with marine mammals. Copies of the SARs 
are available on the NMFS Office of Protected Resource's website at: 
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/sars/. Additional information on observer 
programs in commercial fisheries can be found on the NMFS National 
Observer Program's website: http://www.st.nmfs.gov/st4/nop/.

How Do I Find Out if a Specific Fishery is in Category I, II, or III?

    This proposed rule includes three tables that list all U.S. 
commercial fisheries by LOF Category. Table 1 lists all of the 
fisheries in the Pacific Ocean (including Alaska); Table 2 lists all of 
the fisheries in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean; 
Table 3 lists all U.S.-authorized fisheries on the high seas. A fourth 
table, Table 4, lists all fisheries managed under applicable take 
reduction plans or teams.

Are High Seas Fisheries Included on the LOF?

    Beginning with the 2009 LOF, NMFS includes high seas fisheries in 
Table 3 of the LOF, along with the number of valid High Sea Fishing 
Compliance Act (HSFCA) permits in each fishery. As of 2004, NMFS issues 
HSFCA permits only for high seas fisheries analyzed in accordance with 
the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Endangered Species 
Act (ESA). The authorized high seas fisheries are broad in scope and 
encompass multiple specific fisheries identified by gear type. For the 
purposes of the LOF, the high seas fisheries are subdivided based on 
gear type (e.g., trawl, longline, purse seine, gillnet, troll, etc.) to 
provide more detail on composition of effort within these fisheries. 
Many fisheries operate in both U.S. waters and on the high seas, 
creating some overlap between the fisheries listed in Tables 1 and 2 
and those in Table 3. In these cases, the high seas component of the 
fishery is not considered a separate fishery, but an extension of a 
fishery operating within U.S. waters (listed in Table 1 or 2). NMFS 
designates those fisheries in Tables 1, 2, and 3 by a ``*'' after the 
fishery's name. The number of HSFCA permits listed in Table 3 for the 
high seas components of these fisheries operating in U.S. waters do not 
necessarily represent additional fishers that are not accounted for in 
Tables 1 and 2. Many fishers holding these permits also fish within 
U.S. waters and are included in the number of vessels and participants 
operating within those fisheries in Table 1 and 2.
    HSFCA permits are valid for five years, during which time FMPs can 
change. Therefore, some fishers may possess valid HSFCA permits without 
the ability to fish under the permit because it was issued for a gear 
type that is no longer authorized under the most current FMP. For this 
reason, the number of HSFCA permits displayed in Table 3 is likely 
higher than the actual U.S. fishing effort on the high seas. For more 
information on how NMFS classifies high seas fisheries on the LOF, see 
the preamble text in the final 2009 LOF (73 FR 73032; December 1, 
2008).

Are Treaty Tribal Fisheries Included on the LOF?

    In the final rule implementing section 118 of the MMPA (60 FR 
45086, August 30, 1995) NMFS concluded that treaty tribal fisheries are 
conducted under the authority of the Indian treaties; therefore, the 
MMPA's requirements in section 118 do not apply to treaty Indian 
tribes. NMFS stated, `` the rights to fish and hunt are already secured 
separately for Northwest tribes pursuant to their treaties with the 
United States. NMFS reviewed the relationship of the Northwest Indian 
treaties to the MMPA and did not find clear evidence that Congress 
intended to abrogate treaty Indian rights. Section 14 of the Amendments 
to the MMPA (Pub. L. No. 103-238) states 'Nothing in this Act, 
including any amendments to the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 
made by this Act -- alters or is intended to alter any treaty between 
the United States and one or more Indian tribes.' This provision 
clarifies that existing treaty Indian fishing rights are not affected 
by the amendments to the MMPA. Therefore, tribal fisheries are 
conducted under the authority of the Indian treaties rather than the 
MMPA, and the MMPA's mandatory registration systems do not apply to 
treaty Indian fishers operating in their usual and accustomed fishing 
areas. Since inclusion of the treaty Indian fisheries in the LOF would 
also establish an obligation to obtain an MMPA registration under 
section 118, NMFS has deleted reference to tribal fisheries in the LOF. 
The registration requirements for Category I or II fisheries will not 
apply to treaty Indian tribes.'' (60 FR 45086, August 30, 1995.)
    During the public comment phase for the proposed 2009 LOF, NMFS 
received a comment requesting the LOF be amended to include tribal 
fisheries (73 FR 73039, December 1, 2008; comment/response 4). The 
commenter stated that because of the subsequent holding of the Ninth 
Circuit in Anderson v. Evans, 371 F.3d 475 (9th Cir. 2002) finding that 
the MMPA applies to the Makah application to the gray whale hunt, NMFS' 
1995 conclusion exempting tribal fisheries from the LOF and the Section 
118 authorization process may no longer be valid. NMFS responded in the 
final 2009 LOF that the Agency would consider the comment during the 
development of future proposed LOFs (73 FR 73039, December 1, 2008; 
comment/response 4).
    NMFS is evaluating whether or not the 1995 conclusion to exempt 
tribal fisheries from the LOF should be changed due to Anderson v. 
Evans. At this time, NMFS is seeking public comment on whether or not 
to include treaty tribal fisheries on future LOFs during the public 
comment period for the proposed 2010 LOF.

Am I Required to Register Under the MMPA?

    Owners of vessels or gear engaging in a Category I or II fishery 
are required under the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1387(c)(2)), as described in 50 
CFR 229.4, to register with NMFS and obtain a marine mammal 
authorization to lawfully take a non-endangered and non-threatened 
marine mammal incidental to commercial fishing. Owners of vessels or 
gear engaged in a Category III fishery are not required to register 
with NMFS or obtain a marine mammal authorization.

How Do I Register?

    NMFS has integrated the MMPA registration process, the Marine 
Mammal Authorization Program (MMAP), with existing state and Federal 
fishery license, registration, or permit systems for Category I and II 
fisheries on the LOF. Participants in these fisheries are automatically 
registered under the MMAP and are not required to submit registration 
or renewal materials directly under the MMAP. In the Pacific Islands, 
Southwest, Northwest, and Alaska regions, NMFS will issue vessel or 
gear owners an authorization certificate; in the Northeast and 
Southeast Regions, NMFS will issue vessel or gear owners notification 
of registry and directions on obtaining an authorization certificate. 
The authorization certificate, or a copy, must be on board the vessel 
while it is operating in a Category I or II fishery, or

[[Page 27742]]

for non-vessel fisheries, in the possession of the person in charge of 
the fishing operation (50 CFR 229.4(e)). Although efforts are made to 
limit the issuance of authorization certificates to only those vessel 
or gear owners that participate in Category I or II fisheries, not all 
state and Federal permit systems distinguish between fisheries as 
classified by the LOF. Therefore, some vessel or gear owners in 
Category III fisheries may receive authorization certificates even 
though they are not required for Category III fisheries. Individuals 
fishing in Category I and II fisheries for which no state or Federal 
permit is required must register with NMFS by contacting their 
appropriate Regional Office (see ADDRESSES).

How Do I Receive My Authorization Certificate and Injury/Mortality 
Reporting Forms?

    All vessel or gear owners that participate in Pacific Islands, 
Southwest, Northwest, or Alaska regional fisheries will receive their 
authorization certificates and/or injury/mortality reporting forms via 
U.S. mail, or with their State or Federal license at the time of 
renewal. Vessel or gear owners participating in the Northeast and 
Southeast Regional Integrated Registration Program will receive their 
authorization certificates as follows:
    1. Northeast Region vessel or gear owners participating in Category 
I or II fisheries for which a state or Federal permit is required may 
receive their authorization certificate and/or injury/mortality 
reporting form by contacting the Northeast Regional Office at 978-281-
9328 or by visiting the Northeast Regional Office Web site (http://www.nero.noaa.gov/prot_res/mmap/certificate.html) and following 
instructions for printing the necessary documents.
    2. Southeast Region vessel or gear owners participating in Category 
I or II fisheries for which a Federal permit is required, as well as 
fisheries permitted by the states of North Carolina, South Carolina, 
Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas will 
receive notice of registry and may receive their authorization 
certificate and/or injury/mortality reporting form by contacting the 
Southeast Regional Office at 727-551-5758 or by visiting the Southeast 
Regional Office Web site (http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pr.htm) and 
following instructions for printing the necessary documents.

How Do I Renew My Registration Under the MMPA?

     Vessel or gear owners that participate in Pacific Islands, 
Southwest, or Alaska regional fisheries are automatically renewed and 
should receive an authorization certificate by January 1 of each new 
year. Vessel or gear owners in Washington and Oregon fisheries receive 
authorization with each renewed state fishing license, the timing of 
which varies based on target species. Vessel or gear owners who 
participate in these regions and have not received authorization 
certificates by January 1 or with renewed fishing licenses must contact 
the appropriate NMFS Regional Office (see ADDRESSES).
    Vessel or gear owners participating in Southeast or Northeast 
regional fisheries may receive an authorization certificate by calling 
the relevant NMFS Regional Office or visiting the relevant NMFS 
Regional Office Web site (see How Do I Receive My Authorization 
Certificate and Injury/Mortality Reporting Forms).

Am I Required to Submit Reports When I Injure or Kill a Marine Mammal 
During the Course of Commercial Fishing Operations?

    In accordance with the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1387(e)) and 50 CFR 229.6, 
any vessel owner or operator, or gear owner or operator (in the case of 
non-vessel fisheries), participating in a Category I, II, or III 
fishery must report to NMFS all incidental injuries and mortalities of 
marine mammals that occur during commercial fishing operations. 
``Injury'' is defined in 50 CFR 229.2 as a wound or other physical 
harm. In addition, any animal that ingests fishing gear or any animal 
that is released with fishing gear entangling, trailing, or perforating 
any part of the body is considered injured, regardless of the presence 
of any wound or other evidence of injury, and must be reported. Injury/
mortality reporting forms and instructions for submitting forms to NMFS 
can be downloaded from: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/interactions/mmap_reporting_form.pdf. Reporting requirements and procedures can be 
found in 50 CFR 229.6.

Am I Required to Take an Observer Aboard My Vessel?

    Fishers participating in a Category I or II fishery are required to 
accommodate an observer aboard vessel(s) upon request. MMPA Section 118 
states that an observer will not be placed on a vessel if the 
facilities for quartering an observer or performing observer functions 
are inadequate or unsafe, thereby exempting vessels too small to 
accommodate an observer from this requirement. However, observer 
requirements will not be exempted for U.S. Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean, 
Gulf of Mexico large pelagics longline vessels operating in special 
areas designated by the Pelagic Longline Take Reduction Plan 
implementing regulations (50 CFR 229.36(d)). Observer requirements can 
be found in 50 CFR 229.7.

Am I Required to Comply With Any Take Reduction Plan Regulations?

    Fishers participating in a Category I or II fishery are required to 
comply with any applicable TRP regulations. Table 4 in this proposed 
rule provides a list of fisheries affected by take reduction teams and 
plans. Take reduction plan regulations can be found at 50 CFR 229.30 
through 229.35.

Sources of Information Reviewed for the Proposed 2010 LOF

    NMFS reviewed the marine mammal incidental serious injury and 
mortality information presented in the SARs for all observed fisheries 
to determine whether changes in fishery classification were warranted. 
The SARs are based on the best scientific information available at the 
time of preparation, including the level of serious injury and 
mortality of marine mammals that occurs incidental to commercial 
fisheries and the PBR levels of marine mammal stocks. The information 
contained in the SARs is reviewed by regional Scientific Review Groups 
(SRGs) representing Alaska, the Pacific (including Hawaii), and the 
U.S. Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean. The SRGs were created by 
the MMPA to review the science that informs the SARs, and to advise 
NMFS on marine mammal population status, trends, and stock structure, 
uncertainties in the science, research needs, and other issues.
    NMFS also reviewed other sources of new information, including 
marine mammal stranding data, observer program data, fisher self-
reports, fishery management plans, and ESA documents.
    The proposed LOF for 2010 was based, among other things, on 
information provided in the NEPA and ESA documents analyzing authorized 
high seas fisheries, and the final SARs for 1996 (63 FR 60, January 2, 
1998), 2001 (67 FR 10671, March 8, 2002), 2002 (68 FR 17920, April 14, 
2003), 2003 (69 FR 54262, September 8, 2004), 2004 (70 FR 35397, June 
20, 2005), 2005 (71 FR 26340, May 4, 2006), 2006 (72 FR 12774, March 
19, 2007), 2007 (73 FR 21111, April 18, 2008), and 2008 (74 FR 19530, 
April 29, 2009). The SARs are available at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/sars/.

[[Page 27743]]

Fishery Descriptions

    Beginning with the final 2008 LOF (72 FR 66048, November 27, 2007), 
NMFS describes each Category I and II fishery on the LOF. Below, NMFS 
describes the fisheries classified as Category I or II fisheries on the 
2010 LOF that were not classified as such on a previous LOF (and 
therefore have not yet been defined on the LOF). Additional details for 
Category I and II fisheries operating in U.S. waters are included in 
the SARs, FMPs, and TRPs, or through state agencies. Additional details 
for Category I and II fisheries operating on the high seas are included 
in various FMPs, NEPA, or ESA documents.

American Samoa Longline Fishery

    The Category II ``American Samoa longline'' fishery operates in 
waters around American Samoa targeting tuna (mainly albacore, also 
skipjack, yellowfin and bigeye). Wahoo, sharks, billfish, and other 
miscellaneous pelagic species are also caught, with most of the sharks 
and billfish released. In 2000, the ``American Samoa longline'' fishery 
began to expand rapidly with the influx of large (more than 50 ft (15.2 
m) overall length) conventional monohull vessels, similar to the type 
used in the Hawaii-based longline fisheries. Vessels over 50 ft (15.2 
m) may set 1,500 - 2,500 hooks and have a greater fishing range and 
capacity for storing fish (8 - 40 metric tons). The fleet reached a 
peak of 66 vessels in 2001, and set a peak of almost 7,000 sets in 
2002.
    The rapid expansion of longline fishing effort within the Exclusive 
Economic Zone (EEZ) waters around American Samoa prompted the Western 
Pacific Fishery Management Council (WPFMC) to develop a limited entry 
system for the fishery, implemented by NMFS in 2005. Under the limited 
access program, NMFS issued a total of 60 initial longline limited 
entry permits in 2005 to qualified candidates, spread among 4 vessel 
size classes (72 FR 10711, March 9, 2007): 22 permits issued in Class A 
(less than or equal to 40 ft (12.2 m) length); 5 in Class B (40-50 ft 
(12.2-15.2 m)); 12 in Class C (50-70 ft (15.2-21.3 m)); and 21 in Class 
D (more than 70 ft (21.3 m)). The limited entry program regulations cap 
the maximum number of permits to the 60 initial permits issued. Permits 
may be transferred, upgraded, and renewed. In 2008, the American Samoa 
longline fishery had 28 active vessels. Observers were first placed on 
American Samoa longline vessels in April 2006 to monitor protected 
species interactions, with observer coverage averaging approximately 6-
8 percent each year.
    Under the limited entry program, vessel operators must submit 
federal longline logbooks, vessels over 40 ft (12.2 m) must carry 
observers if requested by NMFS, and vessels over 50 ft (15.2 m) must 
have an operational vessel monitoring system. In addition, vessel 
owners and operators of vessels registered to an American Samoa 
longline limited entry permit must attend a protected species workshop 
annually, carry and use dip nets, line clippers, and bolt cutters, and 
follow handling, resuscitation, and release requirements for 
incidentally hooked or entangled sea turtles (70 FR 69282, November 15, 
2005). There are existing regulations intended to mitigate sea turtle 
incidental hookings, and in 2009 the WPFMC recommended additional 
measures be implemented to minimize interactions with green sea 
turtles, including modifications to gear to place hooks below 100 m 
(328 ft) depth and to increase observer coverage (WPFMC 144th Meeting, 
March 23-26, 2009). Current regulations include a prohibition on U.S. 
vessels greater than 50 ft (15.2 m) in length overall from using 
longline gear within 50 nmi around the islands of American Samoa. 
American Samoa longline fishery regulations can be found at 50 CFR 
665.36-38.

HI Shortline Fishery

    The Category II ``HI shortline'' fishery is a small-scale system 
operating off the State of HI, and targeting bigeye tuna (Thunnus 
obesus) or the lustrous pomfret (Eumigistes illustris). This fishery 
was developed to target these fish species when they concentrate over 
the summit of Cross Seamount (290 km (180 mi) south of the State of 
HI). The gear style is designed specifically to target the aggregating 
fish species over seamount structures. The primary gear type used is a 
horizontal main line (monofilament) less than 1 nmi long, and includes 
two baskets of approximately 50 hooks each. The gear is set before dawn 
and has a short soak time, with the gear retrieved about two hours 
after it is set. This fishery has no seasonal component and may operate 
year-round. There are no specific fishing permits issued for this 
fishery. However, all persons with a State of Hawaii Commercial Marine 
License (CML) may participate in any fishery, including the ``HI 
shortline'' fishery. Of those persons possessing CMLs, shortline 
participation has changed from 5 to 11 vessels during 2003 - 2008. From 
2003-2008, there was an average of 135,757 pounds (lbs) of fish landed 
each year. In 2008 alone, 104,152 lbs of fish were landed. Currently, 
there is no reporting system in place to document potential marine 
mammal interactions in this fishery. However, there are anecdotal 
reports of interactions off the north side of Maui, but the species and 
extent of interactions are unknown.

CA Spiny Lobster Trap Fishery

    The Category II ``CA spiny lobster trap'' fishery operates in 
southern California, with the highest proportion of landings made into 
Santa Barbara. The fishery operates from the first Wednesday in October 
to the first Wednesday after March 15. The fishery tends to be most 
productive during the first two months, when gear is set close to shore 
in shallow water (15 fathoms or less). By the end of the season, traps 
are set in waters deeper than 50 fathoms. This is a limited access 
fishery with both transferable and non-transferable permits. An 
estimated 225 permits are in use each year. There is no restriction on 
the number of traps set, but most vessels set 100 to 500 traps per day. 
Traps are generally fished singularly and are required to have a buoy 
marker with the owner's license number, followed by the letter ``P'' to 
signify that it is a spiny lobster trap. This estimated number of 
vessels/participants in this fishery is 225.

Summary of Changes to the LOF for 2010

    The following summarizes changes to the LOF for 2010 in fishery 
classification, fisheries listed in the LOF, the estimated number of 
vessels/participants in a particular fishery, and the species/stocks 
that are incidentally killed or seriously injured in a particular 
fishery. The classifications and definitions of U.S. commercial 
fisheries for 2010 are identical to those provided in the LOF for 2009 
with the proposed changes discussed below. State abbreviations used in 
the following paragraphs include: AK (Alaska), CA (California), HI 
(Hawaii), MD (Maryland), NC (North Carolina), NJ (New Jersey), SC 
(South Carolina), and VA (Virginia).

Commercial Fisheries in the Pacific Ocean

Fishery Classification
    NMFS proposed to elevate the ``American Samoa longline'' fishery 
from Category III to Category II based on analogy with other Category I 
and II longline fisheries in the tropical/sub-tropical latitudes of the 
Pacific. The fishing gear and methods used to fish in the ``American 
Samoa longline'' fishery are similar to the Category I ``HI deep-set 
(tuna target) longline/set line'' and

[[Page 27744]]

the Category II ``HI shallow-set (swordfish target) longline/set line'' 
fisheries, both fisheries which frequently or occasionally seriously 
injure or kill marine mammals. The ``American Samoa longline'' fishery, 
although a Category III, has been observed since 2006 with an average 
of 7.2 percent coverage. There were three interactions between the 
``American Samoa longline'' fishery and marine mammals in 2008, two 
false killer whales (stock unknown), one of which was a mortality, and 
one rough-tooth dolphin (stock unknown). These interactions will be 
analyzed by the Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC) during the 
development of the 2010 SARs to determine whether or not the surviving 
animals were injured or seriously injured during these interactions. 
The analysis may also enable NMFS to determine whether or not the false 
killer whales interacting with this fishery are from the HI stock which 
interacts with the ``HI deep-set (tuna target) longline/set line'' 
fishery, or if the animals belong to a separate stock associated with 
American Samoa. Although the abundance estimate and the PBR for the 
false killer whales are unknown, the population around American Samoa 
may be a relatively small, island-associated population, as has been 
documented around other Pacific Islands. When completed, the results of 
these analyses will be reported and addressed in future LOFs.
    NMFS proposes to reclassify the ``AK southeast salmon purse seine'' 
fishery from Category II to Category III. The current Category II 
classification is based on one permit holder self-report of an 
incidental mortality of a humpback whale (Central North Pacific) in 
this fishery in 1996. There are no further self-reports, known 
entanglements, or anecdotal information of any humpback whales or other 
marine mammals injured or killed in this fishery since 1996. Though 
entanglements of humpbacks occur annually in Southeast Alaska, gear 
found on such animals in Southeast Alaska has never been identified as 
purse seine gear. While the ``AK southeast salmon purse seine'' fishery 
has never been observed, NMFS reasons that some additional information 
on incidental takes would have come to light over the thirteen years 
since the first report if there were a level of serious injury and 
mortality of concern in this fishery, either through strandings/
entanglement network data or permit holder self-reports.
    NMFS stated in a response to public comments in the final 2009 LOF 
that the agency would review sperm whale (North Pacific) interactions 
in the Category III ``Gulf of Alaska sablefish longline'' fishery. The 
2008 SAR reports three sperm whales were observed seriously injured in 
this fishery in 2006 (with 11.2 percent observer coverage), which 
extrapolates to 10 sperm whales from 2002-2006 (or an average annual 
serious injury or mortality level of two sperm whales/year). Analysis 
for more recent years' data is not complete, and there is no calculated 
PBR for this stock. Therefore, no change to this fishery's category is 
recommended at this time. NMFS will continue to review sperm whale 
interactions with this fishery and will revisit the classification of 
the fishery on future LOFs, if warranted, once the more recent years' 
data are analyzed and reported.
    NMFS proposes to classify the ``CA spiny lobster trap'' fishery 
(proposed to be split from the Category III ``CA spiny lobster, 
coonstripe shrimp, rock crab, tanner crab pot or trap'' fishery, 
proposed to be renamed the ``CA coonstripe shrimp, rock crab, tanner 
crab pot or trap'' fishery, in this proposed rule) as Category II based 
on serious injuries to humpback whales (CA/OR/WA). The NMFS Large Whale 
Disentanglement Network (LWDN) reported four humpback whale 
entanglement events off CA resulting in serious injury, with various 
types of fishing gear, in 2007. (Details on humpback whale 
entanglements on the west coast prior to 2007 can be found in the 2009 
proposed LOF (73 FR 33760; June 13, 2008.)) The gear involved in a July 
2007 entanglement event that caused a serious injury to a humpback 
whale was identified as lobster trap gear. The total annual rate of 
mortality and serious injury (Tier 1 analysis) of humpback whales (CA/
OR/WA) in all commercial fisheries from 2002 through 2006 exceeds 10 
percent of the PBR level for this stock (final 2008 SAR). This single 
serious injury of a humpback whale in lobster trap gear results in an 
average mortality and serious injury rate of 0.2 humpback whales/year 
(when averaged over 5 years), or 8 percent of the PBR (2.5). Therefore, 
Category II classification is warranted. NMFS acknowledges that 
entanglements reported to the LWDN likely represent a minimum number of 
interactions. There is no observer coverage in this fishery.
     NMFS proposes to reclassify the ``CA pelagic longline'' fishery 
from Category II to Category III. This fishery includes the shallow-set 
longline fishery that previous to 2004 operated on the high seas with 
most vessels landing in CA. In 2004, this fishery was prohibited inside 
the EEZ under a regulation promulgated under the ESA in order to 
protect loggerhead sea turtles. This fishery also includes a deep-set 
longline fishery that developed since 2005. The classification of this 
fishery as Category II was based upon analogy with other pelagic 
longline fisheries and an injury of a Risso's dolphins (CA/OR/WA) in 
2003. In addition, one mortality of an unidentified dolphin was 
observed in this fishery in 2003. The total annual fishery mortality 
and serious injury of Risso's dolphins (CA/OR/WA) in all commercial 
fisheries (Tier 1 analysis) is less than10 percent of the stock's PBR 
(final 2008 SAR); therefore, Category III classification is warranted. 
NMFS has no information to indicate that the ``CA pelagic longline'' 
fishery interacts with other marine mammal species/stocks and observer 
coverage is high in this fishery (ranged from 12 percent to 50 percent 
from 2003-2005, and was 100 percent in 2006 and 2007).
Addition of Fisheries to the LOF
    NMFS proposes to add the ``CA spiny lobster trap'' fishery Category 
II fishery (see the discussion in the previous section for details).
    NMFS proposes to add the ``HI shortline'' fishery as Category II 
based on analogy with the Category I ``HI deep-set (tuna-target) 
longline/set line'' and Category II ``HI shallow-set (swordfish-target) 
longline/set line'' fisheries. NMFS recently became aware of the 
operation of this commercial fishery. NMFS proposes to classify the 
``HI shortline'' fishery as Category II by analogy to the HI longline 
fisheries based on similarities between the gear used, areas fished, 
and species targeted in the three fisheries. NMFS has received 
anecdotal reports of interactions with marine mammals in this fishery; 
however, the species and extent of the interactions are unknown. For 
more information, see the description of this fishery in the ``Fishery 
Descriptions'' section of this proposed rule.
Fishery Name and Organizational Changes and Clarifications
    NMFS proposes to rename the Category III ``CA spiny lobster, 
coonstripe shrimp, rock crab, tanner crab pot or trap'' fishery to the 
``CA coonstripe shrimp, rock crab, tanner crab pot or trap'' fishery to 
more accurately reflect the target species of the fishery. As explained 
above, the spiny lobster portion of this fishery is proposed to be 
added to 2010 LOF as a separate Category II fishery. The estimated 
number of vessels/participants in the Category III ``CA

[[Page 27745]]

coonstripe shrimp, rock crab, tanner crab pot or trap'' fishery is 305.
List of Species That are Incidentally Killed or Injured
    NMFS proposes to change the stock name for false killer whales 
incidentally killed/injured in the ``HI deep-set (tuna-target) 
longline/set line'' fishery from ``HI'' to ``HI pelagic.'' The 2008 
SARs separates the ``HI'' stock into the ``HI insular'' and ``HI 
pelagic'' stocks, stating that all of the false killer whale injuries 
and mortalities due to interactions with longline fisheries are 
considered to be from the ``HI pelagic'' stock (74 FR 19530, April 29, 
2009).
    NMFS proposes to add pantropical spotted dolphin (stock unknown) to 
the list of species/stocks incidentally killed/injured in the Category 
I ``HI deep-set (tuna target) longline/set line'' fishery based on a 
documented mortality in 2008. While analysis of the 2008 observer data 
will not be finalized until publication of the 2010 SARs, NMFS proposes 
to add the species at this time because a mortality does not need to be 
analyzed to determine the severity (as is necessary for an animal 
released after an interaction). The average observer coverage over the 
past five years was 22.7 percent.
    NMFS proposes to remove spinner dolphin (HI) from the list of 
species/stocks incidentally killed/injured in the Category I ``HI deep-
set (tuna target) longline/set line'' fishery because there have been 
no observed interactions in the past five years. The average observer 
coverage over the past five years was 22.7 percent.
    NMFS proposes to remove pantropical spotted dolphin (stock unknown) 
from the list of species/stocks incidentally killed/injured in the 
Category II ``HI shallow-set (swordfish target) longline/set line'' 
fishery. There have been no observed interactions in the past five 
years and observer coverage is 100 percent.
    NMFS indicated in the final 2009 LOF (73 FR 73032, December 1, 
2008; comment response 15) that the agency would reexamine 2008 
observer data which reported an interaction between the Category II 
``HI shallow-set (swordfish target) longline/set line'' fishery and a 
false killer whale. NMFS is not proposing to add false killer whales to 
the list of species/stocks incidentally killed/injured in the ``HI 
shallow-set (swordfish target) longline/set line'' fishery at this 
time. As stated in the final 2009 LOF (comment response 15), the data 
presented in the annual SARs have an average of a two-year time delay 
because of the time needed to properly analyze the data and complete 
the peer-review process. Therefore, this 2008 interaction will be 
analyzed by the SWFSC during the development of the 2010 SARs to 
determine whether or not the animal was injured or seriously injured 
during this interaction. If the SWFSC analysis reveals the animal was 
injured during the interaction, NMFS will add false killer whales to a 
future LOF at that time.
    NMFS proposes to add false killer whale (stock unknown) to the list 
of species/stocks incidentally killed/injured in the ``American Samoa 
longline'' fishery (proposed to be elevated from Category III to 
Category II in this proposed rule) based on a mortality reported in 
2008. As stated above during NMFS' justification for proposing to 
elevate this fishery to Category II, there were two reported 
interactions with false killer whales (stock unknown) (one interaction 
resulted in the animal's mortality and the other animal was released 
alive with the injury status not yet analyzed), and one with a rough-
toothed dolphin (stock unknown) (also released alive with the injury 
status not yet analyzed). NMFS proposes to add false killer whale 
(stock unknown) to the list of species/stocks incidentally killed/
injured because the mortality does not need to be analyzed further to 
determine the level of injury to the animal. However, NMFS is not 
proposing to add rough-toothed dolphin (stock unknown) to list of 
species/stocks incidentally killed/injured until after the SWFSC 
completes the analysis of the interaction and determines whether or not 
the animal was injured during the interaction. If the analysis reveals 
that the animal was injured during this interaction, NMFS will add 
rough-toothed dolphin (stock unknown) to a future LOF at that time.
    NMFS proposes to remove humpback whales (Central North Pacific) 
from the list of species/stocks incidentally killed or injured in the 
``AK southeast salmon purse seine'' fishery (proposed to be 
reclassified from Category II to Category III in this proposed rule). 
There are no self-reports, known entanglements, or anecdotal 
information of any humpback whales or other marine mammals injured or 
killed in this fishery since 1996. This fishery has never been 
observed, but stranding and entanglement networks are active in the 
area.
    NMFS proposes to change the stock name for Northern fur seals on 
the list of species/stocks incidentally killed or injured in the 
Category II ``AK Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands flatfish trawl'' fishery 
from ``Eastern North Pacific'' to ``Eastern Pacific,'' to correct a 
typographical error. This stock has been referred to as the ``Eastern 
Pacific'' stock since the 1998 SARs.
    NMFS proposes to remove short-finned pilot whales (CA/OR/WA) from 
the list of species/stocks incidentally killed or injured in the 
Category II ``CA squid purse seine'' fishery. NMFS has reviewed the 
available information on the distribution and abundance of short finned 
pilot whales, along with observer records, self-reports from the 
fishers, and the SWR stranding data base, and has concluded that the 
likelihood of interactions between this fishery and short-finned pilot 
whales (CA/OR/WA) is extremely remote. Short-finned pilot whales were 
once commonly seen off the coast of CA, but have become quite rare in 
recent years (Barlow and Forney 2007). Observer coverage in the ``CA 
squid purse seine'' fishery began in 2004 with less than 10 percent 
observer coverage. In 2005 and 2006, observer coverage was 
approximately 2.0 percent and 1.3 percent, respectively.
    NMFS proposes to add a superscript ``1'' after long-beaked common 
dolphins (CA) in the list of species/stocks incidentally killed or 
injured in the Category II ``CA squid purse seine'' fishery. This 
fishery was classified as a Category II based on the level of serious 
injury and mortality of short-finned pilot whales (CA/OR/WA), which 
NMFS proposes to remove from the list of species/stocks incidentally 
killed or injured in this proposed rule (see preceding paragraph). The 
``CA squid purse seine'' fishery will remain a Category II fishery due 
to a serious injury with a suspected long-beaked common dolphin. As 
described in the final 2009 LOF (73 FR 73032, December 1, 2008) an 
unidentified common dolphin was observed entangled and seriously 
injured during an interaction with the squid purse seine fishery in 
2006 in an area where long-beaked common dolphins (CA) are known to 
occur. Given the area in which the interaction occurred, the 
unidentified common dolphin could have been a short-beaked common 
dolphin (CA) or a long-beaked common dolphin (CA). Due to the paucity 
of the information on the interaction and the low level of observer 
coverage in this fishery, NMFS cannot eliminate the possibility that a 
long-beaked common dolphin was seriously injured during this event. The 
level of serious injury of long-beaked common dolphin in this fishery, 
when extrapolated from the level of observer coverage, results in a 
mean annual mortality and serious injury of approximately 29 animals, 
which is 30 percent of the stock's PBR (95) and consistent with 
Category II

[[Page 27746]]

classification. Observer coverage in the ``CA squid purse seine'' 
fishery began in 2004 with less than 10 percent observer coverage. In 
2005 and 2006, observer coverage was approximately 2.0 percent and 1.3 
percent, respectively.
    NMFS proposes to add humpback whale (CA/OR/WA) and gray whale 
(Eastern North Pacific) to the list of species/stocks incidentally 
killed or injured in the ``CA spiny lobster'' fishery (proposed to be 
classified as Category II in this proposed rule), with a superscript 
``1'' after humpback whales, indicating that takes of this stock are 
driving the classification of the fishery. As described above, a 
humpback whale was reported seriously injured due to an entanglement in 
spiny lobster trap gear in July 2007, resulting in an average annual 
serious injury and mortality level of 8 percent of the stock's PBR. 
Gray whales (Eastern North Pacific) have also been reported 
incidentally killed or injured in this fishery. NMFS has received 
multiple reports of gray whales entangled in trap/pot gear off CA, 
including a report from April 2000 of a dead gray whale stranded on a 
beach in Santa Barbara County entangled in spiny lobster trap gear. 
Interactions with gray whales are not driving the Category II 
classification of this fishery. Currently, total commercial fishery-
related annual mortality levels less than10 percent of the stock's PBR 
(final 2007 SAR); therefore, a Tier 2 evaluation is not necessary.
    NMFS is requesting public comment and/or information on two large 
whale entanglement events in 2007. On May 10, 2007, a free-swimming 
humpback whale was reported seriously injured with pink monofilament 
gillnet draped on its body. The animal was first seen offshore of Dana 
Point and was seen again later the same day off Palos Verdes Bay Club, 
of Palos Verdes, CA. On April 2, 2007, a free-swimming gray whale was 
reported entangled in and seriously injured by small mesh blue/green 
monofilament gillnet. The animal was seen at Rocky Point, near Rancho 
Palos Verdes, CA. No other information is available on the sightings. 
Based upon the area and time of year that these animals were sighted, 
gear from either or both of the Category II ``CA halibut/white seabass 
and other species set gillnet (3.5 in mesh)'' or the ``CA yellowtail, 
barracuda, and white seabass drift gillnet (mesh size [gteqt]3.5 in and 
<14 in)'' fisheries could have caused the entanglement events. As 
described in the proposed 2009 LOF (73 FR 33760, December 1, 2005), 
NMFS must consider which fisheries operate in the same time and area as 
an observed entangled marine mammal. Both gillnet fisheries were active 
at the time and area when the humpback whale and gray whale were 
observed entangled in gillnet gear. The ``CA halibut/white seabass and 
other species set gillnet (>3.5 in mesh)'' fishery was observed only 
once between 2003 and 2007, with 17.8 percent coverage in 2007. The 
``CA yellowtail, barracuda, and white seabass drift gillnet (mesh size 
[gteqt]3.5 in and <14 in)'' fishery was observed twice between 2003 and 
2007, with 10.4 percent and 11.0 percent coverage in 2003 and 2004, 
respectively. NMFS is continuing to review the available information on 
the types of gear used in each fishery, and the distribution of each 
fishery and large whales during the time of the entanglement events. 
NMFS is also specifically requesting available information on the gear 
characteristics of each fishery or the entanglement events reported 
above. NMFS may propose to add humpback whales (CA/OR/WA) and gray 
whales (Eastern North Pacific) to the list of species/stocks 
incidentally killed or injured in the Category II ``CA halibut/white 
seabass and other species set gillnet (3.5 in mesh)'' and/or ``CA 
yellowtail, barracuda, and white seabass drift gillnet (mesh size 
[gteqt]3.5 in and <14 in)'' fisheries to the final 2010 LOF or a future 
LOF, if warranted.
    NMFS proposes to remove CA sea lion (U.S.) from the list of 
species/stocks incidentally killed or injured in the ``CA pelagic 
longline'' fishery (proposed to be reclassified as Category III in this 
proposed rule). CA sea lions (U.S.) were included on the list of 
species/stocks incidentally killed or injured in this fishery based on 
logbook reports when the fishery was originally included on the LOF in 
1996. There have been no reported interactions since that time. 
Observer coverage in this fishery ranged from 12 percent to 50 percent 
from 2003-2005, and was 100 percent in 2006 and 2007.

Commercial Fisheries in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and 
Caribbean

Fishery Name and Organizational Changes and Clarifications
    NMFS proposes to replace the existing description of the Category I 
``Mid-Atlantic gillnet fishery from the final 2008 LOF (72 FR 66048; 
November 27, 2007) and changes to the description outlined in the final 
2007 LOF (73 FR 73032; December 1, 2008) with the following updated 
language, to reflect multiple amendments, including changes in state 
regulations, over the past several years: ``The Category I Mid-Atlantic 
gillnet fishery targets monkfish, spiny dogfish, smooth dogfish, 
bluefish, weakfish, menhaden, spot, croaker, striped bass, large and 
small coastal sharks, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, American shad, 
black drum, skate spp., yellow perch, white perch, herring, scup, 
kingfish, spotted seatrout, and butterfish. The fishery uses drift and 
sink gillnets, including nets set in a sink, stab, set, strike, or 
drift fashion, with some unanchored drift or sink nets used to target 
specific species. The dominant material is monofilament twine with 
stretched mesh sizes from 2.5-12 in (6.4-30.5 cm), and string lengths 
from 150-8,400 ft. (46-2,560 m). This fishery operates year-round west 
of a line drawn at 72[deg] 30' W. long. south to 36[deg] 33.03' N. lat. 
(VA/NC border) and east to the eastern edge of the EEZ and north of the 
NC/SC border, not including waters where Category II and Category III 
inshore gillnet fisheries operate in bays, estuaries, and rivers. This 
fishery includes any residual large pelagic driftnet effort in the mid-
Atlantic, any shark and dogfish gillnet effort in the mid-Atlantic, and 
those North Carolina small and large mesh beach-anchored gillnets 
formerly placed in the Category II Mid-Atlantic haul/beach seine 
fishery in the mid-Atlantic zone described. This NC component fishing 
effort is prosecuted right off the beach (6 ft [1.8 m]) or in nearshore 
coastal waters to offshore waters (250 ft [76 m]). Gear in this fishery 
is managed by several federal and interstate FMPs managed by the 
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), the Atlantic Large 
Whale Take Reduction Plan (ALWTRP), the Harbor Porpoise Take Reduction 
Plan (HPTRP), and the Bottlenose Dolphin Take Reduction Plan (BDTRP). 
Fisheries are primarily managed by total allowable catch limits; 
individual trip limits (quotas); effort caps (limited number of days at 
sea per vessel); time and area closures; and gear restrictions and 
modifications.''
    NMFS proposes to replace the existing description of the Category 
II ``Mid-Atlantic haul/beach seine'' fishery from the final 2008 LOF 
(72 FR 66048; November 27, 2007) and changes to the description 
outlined in the final 2007 LOF (73 FR 73032; December 1, 2008) with the 
following updated language, to reflect multiple amendments, including 
changes in state regulations, over the past several years: ``The 
Category II Mid-Atlantic haul/beach seine fishery targets striped bass, 
mullet, spot, weakfish, sea trout, bluefish, kingfish, and harvestfish 
using seines with one end secured (e.g., swipe nets and long seines) 
and seines secured at both ends or those anchored to the beach and 
hauled up on the

[[Page 27747]]

beach. The beach seine system also uses a bunt and a wash net that are 
attached to the beach and extend into the surf. The fishery occurs in 
waters west of 72[deg] 30' W. long. and north of a line extending due 
east from the NC/SC border. The only haul/beach seine gear operating in 
NC included in this Category II fishery is the ``Atlantic Ocean striped 
bass beach seine fishery'' during the winter, as regulated by NC Marine 
Fisheries Commission rules (NCDMF) and NCDMF proclamations. NCDMF 
defines a beach seine operating under the Atlantic Ocean Striped Bass 
beach seine fishery as a ``swipe net constructed of multifilament, 
multifiber webbing fished from the ocean beach that is deployed from a 
vessel launched from the ocean beach where the fishing operation takes 
place, and one end of the beach seine is attached to the shore at all 
times during the operation.'' All other NC small and large mesh beach-
anchored gillnets with webbing constructed of all monofilament material 
or a combination of monofilament and multifilament material were moved 
to the Category I Mid-Atlantic gillnet fishery in the final 2009 LOF 
because their construction and fishing technique were more similar to a 
gillnet than a traditional beach seine. A description of the gear and 
fishing practices for the haul/beach seine and small and large mesh 
beach-anchored gillnets operating in NC are found in the final 2008 LOF 
(72 FR 66048; November 27, 2007) and final 2009 LOF (73 FR 73032, 
December 1, 2008). In addition to the NC component as described above, 
the ``Mid-Atlantic haul/beach seine fishery also includes haul/beach 
seining in other areas of the mid-Atlantic, including NY through VA. 
Because the net materials and fishing practices of the Atlantic Ocean 
striped bass beach seine fishery in NC are different from haul seining 
in other areas, NMFS may consider splitting this fishery in the future. 
The Mid-Atlantic haul/beach seine fishery is managed under several 
state and Interstate FMPs and is an affected fishery under the BDTRP.''
Number of Vessels/Persons
    In past LOFs, the number of state participants for several 
northeast and mid-Atlantic fisheries was unknown and therefore the 
estimations for the number of vessels/persons participating in these 
fisheries were based solely on available federal information. This year 
NMFS has included available state permit information as well as federal 
permit information for the following northeast and mid-Atlantic fishery 
estimates. In some cases the addition of the state dataset has caused 
the fishery participation estimates to increase significantly compared 
to past LOFs. It should be noted that this may provide an artificial 
representation of fishery participation trends and may only reflect the 
addition of the new state dataset, not actual increases in the number 
of fishery participants.
    NMFS proposes to update the estimated number of vessels or persons 
in the Category I ``Mid-Atlantic gillnet'' fishery from >370 to 7,596.
    NMFS proposes to update the estimated number of vessels or persons 
in the Category I ``Northeast sink gillnet'' fishery from 341 to 
>6,455.
    NMFS proposes to update the estimated number of vessels or persons 
in the Category II ``Atlantic mixed species trap/pot'' fishery from 
unknown to >429.
    NMFS proposes to update the estimated number of vessels or persons 
in the Category II ``Mid-Atlantic menhaden purse seine'' fishery from 
22 to 34.
    NMFS proposes to update the estimated number of vessels or persons 
in the Category II ``Mid-Atlantic haul/beach seine'' fishery from 25 to 
>221.
    NMFS proposes to update the estimated number of vessels or persons 
in the Category II ``Mid Atlantic mid-water trawl'' fishery from 620 to 
400.
    NMFS proposes to update the estimated number of vessels or persons 
in the Category II ``Northeast bottom trawl'' fishery from 1052 to 
1,600.
    NMFS proposes to update the estimated number of vessels or persons 
in the Category II ``Northeast mid-water trawl'' fishery from 17 to 
1,000.
    NMFS proposes to update the estimated number of vessels or persons 
in the Category II ``VA pound net'' fishery from 187 to 62.
    NMFS proposes to update the estimated number of vessels or persons 
in the Category III ``Gulf of Maine Atlantic herring purse seine'' 
fishery from 30 to <10.
List of Species That are Incidentally Killed or Injured
    NMFS proposes to add the harbor porpoise (Gulf of Maine/Bay of 
Fundy (GME/BF)) to the list of marine mammal species/stocks 
incidentally killed or injured in the Category II ``Northeast bottom 
trawl fishery'' because of mortalities reported in the final 2008 SARs. 
NMFS removed this stock from the list of species/stocks incidentally 
killed or injured in this fishery on the final 2009 LOF (73 FR 73032; 
December 1, 2008) based on information from past LOFs indicating this 
listing represented a typographical error persisting since the final 
2005 LOF (71 FR 247; January 4, 2006). New information reported in the 
final 2008 SAR indicates there have been several incidental mortalities 
of harbor porpoises (GME/BF) in the Northeast bottom trawl between 2003 
and 2008. These observed takes have included one fresh dead harbor 
porpoise taken in 2003, four in 2005, and one in 2006. Estimates have 
not been generated or reported in the SARs for the percentage of the 
stock's PBR (PBR=610) seriously injured or killed in this fishery 
(final 2008 SARs). Based on this newly available data, NMFS proposes to 
relist the harbor porpoise (GME/BF) under species/stocks incidentally 
injured or killed in the ``Northeast bottom trawl'' fishery. Estimated 
observer coverage (measured in trips) for the ``Northeast bottom 
trawl'' fishery during the period 1994-2006 was 0.4, 1.1, 0.2, 0.2, 
0.1, 0.3, 1, 1, 3, 4, 5, 12 and 6 percent, respectively (final 2008 
SARs).
    NMFS proposes to remove fin whales (Western North Atlantic (WNA)) 
from the list of species/stocks incidentally killed or injured in the 
Category I ``Northeast/Mid-Atlantic American lobster trap/pot'' 
fishery. Fin whales were added to the LOF in 1997 based on an animal 
that was thought to have been entangled in lobster gear. However, 
subsequent analysis revealed the interaction was with hagfish pot gear, 
but the LOF was never updated to reflect this analysis. A fin whale has 
never been reported incidentally killed or injured in Northeast/Mid-
Atlantic American lobster trap/pot gear. Additionally, this fishery 
does not have observer coverage, although it should be noted that 
initial encounters between large whales and fishing gear are rarely 
observed.
    NMFS proposes to remove the superscript ``1'' after humpback whale 
(Gulf of Maine) and minke whale (Canadian east coast) in the Category I 
``Northeast/Mid-Atlantic American lobster trap/pot'' fishery because 
serious injury and mortality of these stocks are not driving the 
Category I classification of this fishery. Annual mortality and serious 
injury of humpback whales in all lobster fisheries is 0.2 animals (PBR 
1.1), or 18 percent of the stock's PBR (final 2008 SAR). Annual 
mortality and serious injury of minke whales in all lobster fisheries 
is 0.4 animals (PBR=19), or 2 percent of the stock's PBR (final 2008 
SAR). The level of annual mortality and serious injury of humpback and 
minke whales in the ``Northeast/Mid-Atlantic American lobster trap/
pot'' fishery is unknown at this time, but is likely less than 50 
percent of the stocks' PBRs. It is important to note that the date 
sighted

[[Page 27748]]

and location provided in the SAR is not necessarily when or where the 
large whale serious injury or mortality occurred. The NMFS Northeast 
Regional Office (NERO) is currently working on a review of large whale 
entanglement events where gear type was identified and the location 
where the gear was set was known, to support the ALWTRP and to update 
the LOF tables. Once this review is complete, NMFS may propose changes 
to a future LOF, if warranted. There is no observer coverage in this 
fishery.
    NMFS proposes to leave the superscript ``1'' after North Atlantic 
right whale (WNA) in the Category I ``Northeast/Mid-Atlantic American 
lobster trap/pot'' fishery because annual mortality and serious injury 
of right whales in all lobster fisheries is 0.2 animals (PBR=0) which 
is greater than fifty percent of the stock's PBR (final 2008 SAR). The 
level of annual mortality and serious injury of right whales in the 
``Northeast/Mid-Atlantic American lobster trap/pot'' fishery is unknown 
at this time, but is likely more than 50 percent of the stock's PBR. It 
is important to note that the date sighted and location provided in the 
SAR is not necessarily when or where the large whale serious injury or 
mortality occurred. The NMFS NERO is currently working on a review of 
large whale entanglement events where gear type was identified and the 
location where the gear was set was known, to support the ALWTRP and to 
update the LOF tables. Once this review is complete, NMFS may propose 
changes to a future LOF, if warranted. There is no observer coverage in 
this fishery.
    NMFS proposes to remove the superscript ``1'' after minke whales 
(Canadian east coast), humpback whales (Gulf of Maine), and North 
Atlantic right whales (WNA) from the list of species/stocks 
incidentally killed/injured in the Category I ``Northeast sink 
gillnet'' fishery because serious injury and mortality of these 
species/stocks are not driving the Category I classification of this 
fishery. No serious injury or mortality of minke whales in gillnet 
fisheries were reported from 2001-2006 (final 2008 SARs). The annual 
mortality and serious injury for humpback whales (Gulf of Maine) in all 
gillnet fisheries is 0.2 animals (PBR of 1.1), or 18 percent of the 
stock's PBR (final 2008 SAR). The level of annual mortality and serious 
injury of humpback whales in the ``Northeast sink gillnet'' fishery is 
unknown at this time, but is likely less than 50 percent of the stock's 
PBR. It is important to note that the date sighted and location 
provided in the SAR is not necessarily when or where the large whale 
serious injury or mortality occurred. The final 2008 SARs report one 
mortality of a right whale in the most recent five years (2001-2006). 
This mortality of a right whale calf was the result of entanglement and 
injury to the whale by gillnet gear in the Southeast U.S. Restricted 
Area (as described under the ALWTRP, 50 CFR 229.32), where two gillnet 
fisheries traditionally operate: the Category II ``Southeast Atlantic 
gillnet'' fishery and the Category II ``Southeastern U.S. Atlantic 
shark gillnet'' fishery. However, NMFS was unable to determined which 
specific gillnet fishery was responsible for the interaction (for more 
information see comment/response 23 in the final 2006 LOF; 71 FR 48802, 
August 22, 2006). NMFS proposed to retain humpback whales, North 
Atlantic right whales, and minke whales on the list of species/stocks 
incidentally killed or injured given that they have been known to 
interact with or become entangled in gillnet gear, though not resulting 
in serious injury or mortality. The NMFS NERO is currently working on a 
review of large whale entanglement events where gear type was 
identified and the location where the gear was set was known, to 
support the ALWTRP and to update the LOF tables. Once this review is 
complete, NMFS may propose changes for this fishery in a future LOF, if 
warranted. Observer coverage in the ``Northeast sink gillnet'' fishery 
from 2001 to 2006 was between 2 percent and 7 percent (final 2008 SAR).
    NMFS proposes to remove the superscript ``1'' after harbor porpoise 
(GME/BF) and humpback whale (Gulf of Maine) in the Category I ``Mid-
Atlantic gillnet'' fishery because serious injury and mortality of 
these stocks are not driving the Category I classification of this 
fishery. Annual mortality and serious injury of harbor porpoises in 
this fishery is 299 animals (PBR=610), or 49 percent of the stock's PBR 
(final 2008 SAR). The annual mortality and serious injury of humpback 
whales in all gillnet fisheries is 0.2 animals (PBR of 1.1), or 18 
percent of the stock's PBR (final 2008 SAR). The level of annual 
mortality and serious injury of humpback whales in the ``Mid-Atlantic 
gillnet'' fishery is unknown at this time, but is likely less than 50 
percent of the stock's PBR. It is important to note that the date 
sighted and location provided in the SAR is not necessarily when or 
where the large whale serious injury or mortality occurred. The NMFS 
NERO is currently working on a review of large whale entanglement 
events where gear type was identified and the location where the gear 
was set was known, to support the ALWTRP and to update the LOF tables. 
Once this review is complete, NMFS may propose changes to a future LOF, 
if warranted. Observer coverage in this fishery between 2001 and 2006 
was between 1 percent and 3 percent (final 2008 SAR).
    NMFS proposes to remove pygmy sperm whales (WNA) from the list of 
species/stocks incidentally killed or injured in the Category I 
``Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico large pelagics longline'' 
fishery because there have been no injuries or mortalities reported in 
the last five years (final 2008 SARs). Observer coverage in this 
fishery from 2000-2006 was between 4 percent and 7 percent, with 
coverage often greater than 10 percent in some areas and seasons (final 
2008 SARs).

Commercial Fisheries on the High Seas

Removal of Fisheries
    As stated in the preamble under ``How Does NMFS Authorize U.S. 
Vessels to Participate in High Seas Fisheries?,'' HSFCA permits exist 
that were obtained prior to 2004 for fisheries that are no longer 
authorized by the HSFCA, but for which the 5-year permit is still 
valid. These are included on the LOF as ``unspecified'' and these 
fisheries will be removed from the LOF once those permits have expired. 
For the 2010 LOF, all unspecified fisheries for all gear types are 
removed, except for trawl gear. Four trawl gear permits remain for an 
unspecified fishery.
Number of HSFCA Permits
    As stated in the preamble under ``How Does NMFS Authorize U.S. 
Vessels to Participate in High Seas Fisheries?,'' some fishers possess 
valid HSFCA permits for gear types that are no longer authorized for 
use (therefore, the fishers are unable to fish under the permit). For 
this reason, the number of HSFCA permits updated below and displayed in 
Table 3 of this proposed rule may not accurately represent actual 
fishing effort by U.S. vessels on the high seas.
    NMFS proposes to update the estimated number of HSFCA permits in 
the High Seas Atlantic highly migratory species fishery for the 
following gear types: longline, from 75 to 72; trawl, from 3 to 2; 
handline/pole-and-line from 2 to 1; and troll, from 5 to 7.
     NMFS proposes to update the estimated number of HSFCA permits in 
the High Seas Pacific highly migratory species fishery for the 
following gear types: drift gillnet, from 5 to 4; trawl, from 14 to 3; 
purse seine, from 5 to 8; pot, from 8 to 7; longline, from 56 to 62; 
handline/pole and line, from 18 to 22;

[[Page 27749]]

liners not elseware identified (NEI), from 3 to 1; multipurpose 
vessels, from 9 to 7; and troll, from 222 to 249.
     NMFS proposes to update the estimated number of HSFCA permits in 
the High Seas South Pacific Albacore Troll fishery for the following 
gear types: trawl, from 5 to 2; longline, from 12 to 11; handline/pole 
and line, from 7 to 8; troll, from 45 to 53; multipurpose vessels, from 
6 to 4.
    NMFS proposes to update the estimated number of HSFCA permits in 
the High Seas South Pacific Tuna fishery for the following gear types: 
purse seine from 23 to 36; longline, from 2 to 3; troll, from 1 to 3.
    NMFS proposes to update the estimated number of HSFCA permits in 
the High Seas Western Pacific Pelagic fishery for the following gear 
types: trawl, from 11 to 4; purse seine, from 4 to 3; pot, from 8 to 7; 
handline/pole and line, from 8 to 9; liners NEI, from 2 to 1; 
multipurpose vessels, from 7 to 5.
List of Species That are Incidentally Killed or Injured
    NMFS proposes to change the stock name for false killer whales 
incidentally killed/injured in the ``High Seas Western Pacific Pelagic 
(Deep-set component)'' fishery from ``HI'' to ``HI pelagic.'' This 
fishery is an extension of the ``HI deep-set (tuna target) longline/set 
line'' fishery operating in U.S. waters. Since this fishery remains the 
same and many marine mammals species are found on either side of the 
EEZ boundary, the list of species/stocks incidentally killed or injured 
in the high seas component of the fishery is identical to the list of 
species/stocks killed or injured in the component operating in U.S. 
waters. The 2008 SARs separates the ``HI'' stock into the ``HI 
insular'' and ``HI pelagic'' stocks, stating that all of the false 
killer whale injuries and mortalities due to interactions with longline 
fisheries are considered to be from the ``HI pelagic'' stock (74 FR 
19530, April 29, 2009).
    NMFS proposes to add pantropical spotted dolphin (stock unknown) to 
the list of species/stocks incidentally killed/injured in the Category 
II ``High Seas Western Pacific Pelagic (Deep-set component)'' fishery. 
This fishery is an extension of the ``HI deep-set (tuna target) 
longline/set line'' fishery operating in U.S. waters. Since this 
fishery remains the same and many marine mammals species are found on 
either side of the EEZ boundary, the list of species/stocks 
incidentally killed or injured in the high seas component of the 
fishery is identical to the list of species/stocks killed or injured in 
the component operating in U.S. waters. There was one observed 
mortality of a pantropical spotted dolphin (stock unknown) in the ``HI 
deep-set (tuna target) longline/set line'' fishery in 2008 (as 
described above). The average observer coverage in the ``HI deep-set 
(tuna target) longline/set line'' fishery over the past five years was 
22.7 percent.
    NMFS proposes to remove spinner dolphin (HI) from the list of 
species/stocks incidentally killed/injured in the Category II ``High 
Seas Western Pacific Pelagic (Deep-set component)'' fishery. This 
fishery is an extension of the ``HI deep-set (tuna target) longline/set 
line'' fishery component operating in U.S. waters. Since this fishery 
remains the same and many marine mammals species found on either side 
of the EEZ boundary, the list of species/stocks incidentally killed or 
injured in the high seas component of the fishery is identical to the 
list of species/stocks killed or injured in the U.S. waters component. 
There have been no observed interactions with spinner dolphins (HI) in 
the ``HI deep-set (tuna target) longline/set line'' fishery over the 
past five years (as described above). The average observer coverage in 
the ``HI deep-set (tuna target) longline/set line'' fishery over the 
past five years was 22.7 percent.
    NMFS proposes to remove pantropical spotted dolphin (stock unknown) 
from the list of species/stocks incidentally killed/injured in the 
Category II ``High Seas Western Pacific Pelagic (Shallow-set 
component)'' fishery. This fishery is an extension of the ``HI shallow-
set (swordfish target) longline/set line'' fishery operating in U.S. 
waters. Since this fishery remains the same and many marine mammals 
species found on either side of the EEZ boundary, the list of species/
stocks incidentally killed or injured in the high seas component of the 
fishery is identical to the list of species/stocks killed or injured in 
the component operating in U.S. waters. There have been no observed 
interactions with pantropical spotted dolphins (stock unknown) in the 
``HI shallow-set (swordfish target) longline/set line'' fishery over 
the past five years (as described above), with observer coverage at 100 
percent.

List of Fisheries

    The following tables set forth the proposed list of U.S. commercial 
fisheries according to their classification under section 118 of the 
MMPA. In Tables 1 and 2, the estimated number of vessels/participants 
in fisheries operating within U.S. waters is expressed in terms of the 
number of active participants in the fishery, when possible. If this 
information is not available, the estimated number of vessels or 
persons licensed for a particular fishery is provided. If no recent 
information is available on the number of participants in a fishery, 
the number from the most recent LOF is used. For high seas fisheries, 
Table 3 lists the number of currently valid HSFCA permits held by 
fishers. Although this likely overestimates the number of active 
participants in many of these fisheries, the number of valid HSFCA 
permits is the most reliable data at this time.
    Tables 1, 2, and 3 also list the marine mammal species and stocks 
incidentally killed or injured in each fishery based on observer data, 
logbook data, stranding reports, disentanglement network data, and 
fisher reports. This list includes all species or stocks known to be 
injured or killed in a given fishery, but also includes species or 
stocks for which there are anecdotal records of an injury or mortality. 
Additionally, species identified by logbook entries may not be 
verified. NMFS has designated those stocks driving a fishery's 
classification (i.e., the fishery is classified based on serious 
injuries and mortalities of a marine mammal stock greater than 50 
percent [Category I], or greater than 1 percent and less than 50 
percent [Category II], of a stock's PBR) by a ``\1\''after the stock's 
name.
    In Tables 1 and 2, there are several fisheries classified in 
Category II that have no recent documented injuries or mortalities of 
marine mammals, or that did not result in a serious injury or mortality 
rate greater than 1 percent of a stock's PBR level. NMFS has classified 
these fisheries by analogy to other gear types that are known to cause 
mortality or serious injury of marine mammals, as discussed in the 
final LOF for 1996 (60 FR 67063, December 28, 1995), and according to 
factors listed in the definition of a ``Category II fishery'' in 50 CFR 
229.2. NMFS has designated those fisheries listed by analogy in Tables 
1 and 2 by a ``2'' after the fishery's name.
    There are several fisheries in Tables 1, 2, and 3 in which a 
portion of the fishing vessels cross the EEZ boundary, and therefore 
operate within U.S. waters and on the high seas. NMFS has designated 
those fisheries in each Table by a ``*'' after the fishery's name.
    Table 1 lists commercial fisheries in the Pacific Ocean (including 
Alaska); Table 2 lists commercial fisheries in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf 
of Mexico, and Caribbean; Table 3 lists commercial fisheries on the 
High Seas; Table 4 lists

[[Page 27750]]

fisheries affected by Take Reduction Plans or Teams.

                    Table 1 -- List of Fisheries -- Commercial Fisheries in the Pacific Ocean
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                           Marine mammal species
                                                                        Estimated  of vessels/     incidentally killed/
                                                                             persons              injured
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CATEGORY I
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GILLNET FISHERIES:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CA/OR thresher shark/swordfish drift gillnet ([gteqt]14 in mesh) \*\   85                  California sea lion,
                                                                                            U.S.
                                                                                           Long-beaked common
                                                                                            dolphin, CA
                                                                                           Northern elephant
                                                                                            seal, CA breeding
                                                                                           Northern right-whale
                                                                                            dolphin, CA/OR/WA
                                                                                           Pacific white-sided
                                                                                            dolphin, CA/OR/WA
                                                                                           Risso's dolphin, CA/
                                                                                            OR/WA
                                                                                           Short-beaked common
                                                                                            dolphin, CA/OR/WA
                                                                                           Short-finned pilot
                                                                                            whale, CA/OR/WA\1\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LONGLINE/SET LINE FISHERIES:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HI deep-set (tuna target) longline/set line \*\                        129                 Blainville's beaked
                                                                                            whale, HI
                                                                                           Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            HI
                                                                                           False killer whale,
                                                                                            HI pelagic\1\
                                                                                           Humpback whale,
                                                                                            Central North
                                                                                            Pacific
                                                                                           Pantropical spotted
                                                                                            dolphin, stock
                                                                                            unknown
                                                                                           Risso's dolphin, HI
                                                                                           Short-finned pilot
                                                                                            whale, HI
                                                                                           Striped dolphin, HI
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CATEGORY II
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GILLNET FISHERIES:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CA halibut/white seabass and other species set gillnet (>3.5 in mesh)  58                  .....................
                                                                                           California sea lion,
                                                                                            U.S.\1\
                                                                                           Harbor seal, CA\1\
                                                                                           Long-beaked common
                                                                                            dolphin, CA
                                                                                           Northern elephant
                                                                                            seal, CA breeding
                                                                                           Sea otter, CA
                                                                                           Short-beaked common
                                                                                            dolphin, CA/OR/WA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CA yellowtail, barracuda, and white seabass drift gillnet fishery      24                  California sea lion,
 (mesh size [gteqt]3.5 in and <14 in)                                                       U.S.
                                                                                           Long-beaked common
                                                                                            dolphin, CA\1\
                                                                                           Short-beaked common
                                                                                            dolphin, CA/OR/WA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK Bristol Bay salmon drift gillnet\2\                                 1,862               Beluga whale, Bristol
                                                                                            Bay
                                                                                           Gray whale, Eastern
                                                                                            North Pacific
                                                                                           Harbor seal, Bering
                                                                                            Sea
                                                                                           Northern fur seal,
                                                                                            Eastern Pacific
                                                                                           Pacific white-sided
                                                                                            dolphin, North
                                                                                            Pacific
                                                                                           Spotted seal, AK
                                                                                           Steller sea lion,
                                                                                            Western U.S.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK Bristol Bay salmon set gillnet\2\                                   983                 Beluga whale, Bristol
                                                                                            Bay
                                                                                           Gray whale, Eastern
                                                                                            North Pacific
                                                                                           Harbor seal, Bering
                                                                                            Sea
                                                                                           Northern fur seal,
                                                                                            Eastern Pacific
                                                                                           Spotted seal, AK
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK Cook Inlet salmon set gillnet                                       738                 Beluga whale, Cook
                                                                                            Inlet
                                                                                           Dall's porpoise, AK
                                                                                           Harbor porpoise, GOA
                                                                                           Harbor seal, GOA
                                                                                           Humpback whale,
                                                                                            Central North
                                                                                            Pacific\1\
                                                                                           Steller sea lion,
                                                                                            Western U.S.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 27751]]

 
AK Cook Inlet salmon drift gillnet                                     571                 Beluga whale, Cook
                                                                                            Inlet
                                                                                           Dall's porpoise, AK
                                                                                           Harbor porpoise,
                                                                                            GOA\1\
                                                                                           Harbor seal, GOA
                                                                                           Steller sea lion,
                                                                                            Western U.S.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK Kodiak salmon set gillnet                                           188                 Harbor porpoise,
                                                                                            GOA\1\
                                                                                           Harbor seal, GOA
                                                                                           Sea otter, Southwest
                                                                                            AK
                                                                                           Steller sea lion,
                                                                                            Western U.S.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK Peninsula/Aleutian Islands salmon drift gillnet\2\                  162                 Dall's porpoise, AK
                                                                                           Harbor porpoise, GOA
                                                                                           Harbor seal, GOA
                                                                                           Northern fur seal,
                                                                                            Eastern Pacific
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK Peninsula/Aleutian Islands salmon set gillnet\2\                    115                 Harbor porpoise,
                                                                                            Bering Sea
                                                                                           Steller sea lion,
                                                                                            Western U.S.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK Prince William Sound salmon drift gillnet                           537                 Dall's porpoise, AK
                                                                                           Harbor porpoise,
                                                                                            GOA\1\
                                                                                           Harbor seal, GOA
                                                                                           Northern fur seal,
                                                                                            Eastern Pacific
                                                                                           Pacific white-sided
                                                                                            dolphin, North
                                                                                            Pacific
                                                                                           Sea Otter, South
                                                                                            Central AK
                                                                                           Steller sea lion,
                                                                                            Western U.S.\1\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK Southeast salmon drift gillnet                                      476                 Dall's porpoise, AK
                                                                                           Harbor porpoise,
                                                                                            Southeast AK
                                                                                           Harbor seal,
                                                                                            Southeast AK
                                                                                           Humpback whale,
                                                                                            Central North
                                                                                            Pacific\1\
                                                                                           Pacific white-sided
                                                                                            dolphin, North
                                                                                            Pacific
                                                                                           Steller sea lion,
                                                                                            Eastern U.S.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK Yakutat salmon set gillnet\2\                                       166                 Gray whale, Eastern
                                                                                            North Pacific
                                                                                           Harbor seal,
                                                                                            Southeast AK
                                                                                           Humpback whale,
                                                                                            Central North
                                                                                            Pacific (Southeast
                                                                                            AK)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WA Puget Sound Region salmon drift gillnet (includes all inland        210                 Dall's porpoise, CA/
 waters south of US-Canada border and eastward of the Bonilla-Tatoosh                       OR/WA
 line-Treaty Indian fishing is excluded)                                                   Harbor porpoise,
                                                                                            inland WA\1\
                                                                                           Harbor seal, WA
                                                                                            inland
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PURSE SEINE FISHERIES:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK Cook Inlet salmon purse seine                                       82                  Humpback whale,
                                                                                            Central North
                                                                                            Pacific\1\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK Kodiak salmon purse seine                                           370                 Humpback whale,
                                                                                            Central North
                                                                                            Pacific\1\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CA anchovy, mackerel, sardine purse seine                              63                  Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            CA/OR/WA offshore\1\
                                                                                           California sea lion,
                                                                                            U.S.
                                                                                           Harbor seal, CA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CA squid purse seine                                                   64                  Long-beaked common
                                                                                            dolphin, CA\1\
                                                                                           Short-beaked common
                                                                                            dolphin, CA/OR/WA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CA tuna purse seine \2*\                                               10                  None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRAWL FISHERIES:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands flatfish trawl                         34                  Bearded seal, AK
                                                                                           Harbor porpoise,
                                                                                            Bering Sea
                                                                                           Harbor seal, Bering
                                                                                            Sea
                                                                                           Killer whale, AK
                                                                                            resident\1\
                                                                                           Northern fur seal,
                                                                                            Eastern Pacific
                                                                                           Spotted seal, AK
                                                                                           Steller sea lion,
                                                                                            Western U.S.\1\
                                                                                           Walrus, AK
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 27752]]

 
AK Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands pollock trawl                          95                  Dall's porpoise, AK
                                                                                           Harbor seal, AK
                                                                                           Humpback whale,
                                                                                            Central North
                                                                                            Pacific\1\
                                                                                           Humpback whale,
                                                                                            Western North
                                                                                            Pacific\1\
                                                                                           Killer whale, Eastern
                                                                                            North Pacific, GOA,
                                                                                            Aleutian Islands,
                                                                                            and Bering Sea
                                                                                            transient\1\
                                                                                           Minke whale, AK
                                                                                           Ribbon seal, AK
                                                                                           Spotted seal, AK
                                                                                           Steller sea lion,
                                                                                            Western U.S.\1\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LONGLINE/SET LINE FISHERIES:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HI shallow-set (swordfish target) longline/ set line \*\               28                  Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            stock unknown
                                                                                           Bryde's whale, stock
                                                                                            unknown
                                                                                           Humpback whale,
                                                                                            Central North
                                                                                            Pacific\1\
                                                                                           Risso's dolphin,
                                                                                            stock unknown
                                                                                           Sperm whale, stock
                                                                                            unknown
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Samoa longline\2\                                             60                  False killer whale,
                                                                                            stock unknown
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HI shortline\2\                                                        11                  None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands Pacific cod longline                   54                  Killer whale, AK
                                                                                            resident\1\
                                                                                           Ribbon seal, AK
                                                                                           Steller sea lion,
                                                                                            Western U.S.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
POT, RING NET, AND TRAP FISHERIES:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK Bering Sea sablefish pot                                            6                   Humpback whale,
                                                                                            Central North
                                                                                            Pacific\1\
                                                                                           Humpback whale,
                                                                                            Western North
                                                                                            Pacific\1\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CA spot prawn pot                                                      29                  Gray whale, Eastern
                                                                                            North Pacific
                                                                                           Humpback whale, CA/OR/
                                                                                            WA\1\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CA Dungeness crab pot\2\                                               625                 Gray whale, Eastern
                                                                                            North Pacific
                                                                                           Humpback whale, CA/OR/
                                                                                            WA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OR Dungeness crab pot                                                  433                 Gray whale, Eastern
                                                                                            North Pacific
                                                                                           Humpback whale, CA/OR/
                                                                                            WA\1\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WA/OR/CA sablefish pot                                                 155                 Humpback whale, CA/OR/
                                                                                            WA\1\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CA spiny lobster                                                       225                 Gray whale, Eastern
                                                                                            North Pacific
                                                                                           Humpback whale, CA/OR/
                                                                                            WA\1\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CATEGORY III
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GILLNET FISHERIES:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK Kuskokwim, Yukon, Norton Sound, Kotzebue salmon gillnet             824                 Harbor porpoise,
                                                                                            Bering Sea
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK miscellaneous finfish set gillnet                                   3                   Steller sea lion,
                                                                                            Western U.S.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK Prince William Sound salmon set gillnet                             30                  Harbor seal, GOA
                                                                                           Steller sea lion,
                                                                                            Western U.S.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK roe herring and food/bait herring gillnet                           986                 None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CA set gillnet (mesh size <3.5 in)                                     304                 None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HI inshore gillnet                                                     5                   Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            HI
                                                                                           Spinner dolphin, HI
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WA Grays Harbor salmon drift gillnet (excluding treaty Tribal          24                  Harbor seal, OR/WA
 fishing)                                                                                   coast
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WA/OR herring, smelt, shad, sturgeon, bottom fish, mullet, perch,      913                 None documented
 rockfish gillnet
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 27753]]

 
WA/OR lower Columbia River (includes tributaries) drift gillnet        110                 California sea lion,
                                                                                            U.S.
                                                                                           Harbor seal, OR/WA
                                                                                            coast
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WA Willapa Bay drift gillnet                                           82                  Harbor seal, OR/WA
                                                                                            coast
                                                                                           Northern elephant
                                                                                            seal, CA breeding
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PURSE SEINE, BEACH SEINE, ROUND HAUL AND THROW NET FISHERIES:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK Southeast salmon purse seine                                        415                 None documented in
                                                                                            recent years
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK Metlakatla salmon purse seine                                       10                  None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK miscellaneous finfish beach seine                                   1                   None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK miscellaneous finfish purse seine                                   0                   None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK octopus/squid purse seine                                           0                   None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK roe herring and food/bait herring beach seine                       4                   None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK roe herring and food/bait herring purse seine                       361                 None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK salmon beach seine                                                  31                  None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK salmon purse seine (excluding salmon purse seine fisheries listed   936                 Harbor seal, GOA
 as Category II)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WA/OR sardine purse seine                                              42                  None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HI Kona crab loop net                                                  42                  None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HI opelu/akule net                                                     12                  None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HI inshore purse seine                                                 23                  None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HI throw net, cast net                                                 14                  None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WA (all species) beach seine or drag seine                             235                 None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WA/OR herring, smelt, squid purse seine or lampara                     130                 None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WA salmon purse seine                                                  440                 None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WA salmon reef net                                                     53                  None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIP NET FISHERIES:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CA squid dip net                                                       115                 None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WA/OR smelt, herring dip net                                           119                 None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MARINE AQUACULTURE FISHERIES:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CA marine shellfish aquaculture                                        unknown             None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CA salmon enhancement rearing pen                                      >1                  None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CA white seabass enhancement net pens                                  13                  California sea lion,
                                                                                            U.S.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HI offshore pen culture                                                2                   None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OR salmon ranch                                                        1                   None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WA/OR salmon net pens                                                  14                  California sea lion,
                                                                                            U.S.
                                                                                           Harbor seal, WA
                                                                                            inland waters
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TROLL FISHERIES:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK North Pacific halibut, AK bottom fish, WA/OR/CA albacore,           1,302 (102 AK)      None documented
 groundfish, bottom fish, CA halibut non-salmonid troll fisheries \*\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 27754]]

 
AK salmon troll                                                        2,045               Steller sea lion,
                                                                                            Eastern U.S.
                                                                                           Steller sea lion,
                                                                                            Western U.S.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Samoa tuna troll                                              <50                 None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CA/OR/WA salmon troll                                                  4,300               None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands tuna troll                88                  None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guam tuna troll                                                        401                 None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HI trolling, rod and reel                                              1,321               None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LONGLINE/SET LINE FISHERIES:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands Greenland turbot longline              29                  Killer whale, AK
                                                                                            resident
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands rockfish longline                      0                   None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands sablefish longline                     28                  None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK Gulf of Alaska halibut longline                                     1,302               None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK Gulf of Alaska Pacific cod longline                                 440                 None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK Gulf of Alaska rockfish longline                                    0                   None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK Gulf of Alaska sablefish longline                                   291                 Sperm whale, North
                                                                                            Pacific
                                                                                           Steller sea lion,
                                                                                            Eastern U.S.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK halibut longline/set line (State and Federal waters)                2,521               Steller sea lion,
                                                                                            Western U.S.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK octopus/squid longline                                              2                   None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK State-managed waters longline/setline (including sablefish,         1,448               None documented
 rockfish, lingcod, and miscellaneous finfish)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WA/OR/CA groundfish, bottomfish longline/set line                      367                 None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WA/OR North Pacific halibut longline/set line                          350                 None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CA pelagic longline                                                    6                   Risso's dolphin, CA/
                                                                                            OR/WA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRAWL FISHERIES:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands Atka mackerel trawl                    9                   Steller sea lion,
                                                                                            Western U.S.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands Pacific cod trawl                      93                  Harbor seal, Bering
                                                                                            Sea
                                                                                           Steller sea lion,
                                                                                            Western U.S.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands rockfish trawl                         10                  None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK Gulf of Alaska flatfish trawl                                       41                  None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK Gulf of Alaska Pacific cod trawl                                    62                  Steller sea lion,
                                                                                            Western U.S.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK Gulf of Alaska pollock trawl                                        62                  Fin whale, Northeast
                                                                                            Pacific
                                                                                           Northern elephant
                                                                                            seal, North Pacific
                                                                                           Steller sea lion,
                                                                                            Western U.S.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK Gulf of Alaska rockfish trawl                                       34                  None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK food/bait herring trawl                                             4                   None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK miscellaneous finfish otter or beam trawl                           317                 None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK shrimp otter trawl and beam trawl (statewide and Cook Inlet)        32                  None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK State-managed waters of Cook Inlet, Kachemak Bay, Prince William    2                   None documented
 Sound, Southeast AK groundfish trawl
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 27755]]

 
CA halibut bottom trawl                                                53                  None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WA/OR/CA groundfish trawl                                              160-180             California sea lion,
                                                                                            U.S.
                                                                                           Dall's porpoise, CA/
                                                                                            OR/WA
                                                                                           Harbor seal, OR/WA
                                                                                            coast
                                                                                           Northern fur seal,
                                                                                            Eastern Pacific
                                                                                           Pacific white-sided
                                                                                            dolphin, CA/OR/WA
                                                                                           Steller sea lion,
                                                                                            Eastern U.S.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WA/OR/CA shrimp trawl                                                  300                 None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
POT, RING NET, AND TRAP FISHERIES:                                     ..................  .....................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK statewide miscellaneous finfish pot                                 293                 None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK Aleutian Islands sablefish pot                                      8                   None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands Pacific cod pot                        68                  None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands crab pot                               297                 None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK Gulf of Alaska crab pot                                             300                 None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK Gulf of Alaska Pacific cod pot                                      154                 Harbor seal, GOA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK Southeast Alaska crab pot                                           433                 Humpback whale,
                                                                                            Central North
                                                                                            Pacific (Southeast
                                                                                            AK)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK Southeast Alaska shrimp pot                                         283                 Humpback whale,
                                                                                            Central North
                                                                                            Pacific (Southeast
                                                                                            AK)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK shrimp pot, except Southeast                                        15                  None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK octopus/squid pot                                                   27                  None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK snail pot                                                           1                   None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CA coonstripe shrimp, rock crab, tanner crab pot or trap               305                 Gray whale, Eastern
                                                                                            North Pacific
                                                                                           Harbor seal, CA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OR/CA hagfish pot or trap                                              54                  None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WA Dungeness crab pot                                                  288                 Gray whale, Eastern
                                                                                            North Pacific
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WA/OR shrimp pot/trap                                                  254                 None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HI crab trap                                                           22                  None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HI fish trap                                                           19                  None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HI lobster trap                                                        0                   Hawaiian monk seal
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HI shrimp trap                                                         5                   None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HANDLINE AND JIG FISHERIES:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK miscellaneous finfish handline/hand troll and mechanical jig        445                 None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK North Pacific halibut handline/hand troll and mechanical jig        228                 None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK octopus/squid handline                                              0                   None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Samoa bottomfish                                              <50                 None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands bottomfish                <50                 None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guam bottomfish                                                        200                 None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HI aku boat, pole, and line                                            4                   None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 27756]]

 
HI Main Hawaiian Islands, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands deep sea       300                 Hawaiian monk seal
 bottomfish
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HI inshore handline                                                    307                 None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HI tuna handline                                                       298                 None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WA groundfish, bottomfish jig                                          679                 None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Western Pacific squid jig                                              6                   None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HARPOON FISHERIES:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CA swordfish harpoon                                                   30                  None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
POUND NET/WEIR FISHERIES:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK herring spawn on kelp pound net                                     415                 None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK Southeast herring roe/food/bait pound net                           6                   None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WA herring brush weir                                                  1                   None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BAIT PENS:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WA/OR/CA bait pens                                                     13                  California sea lion,
                                                                                            U.S.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DREDGE FISHERIES:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastwide scallop dredge                                               108                 None documented
                                                                       (12 AK)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIVE, HAND/MECHANICAL COLLECTION FISHERIES:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK abalone                                                             0                   None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK clam                                                                156                 None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WA herring spawn on kelp                                               4                   None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK dungeness crab                                                      2                   None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK herring spawn on kelp                                               266                 None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AK urchin and other fish/shellfish                                     570                 None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CA abalone                                                             0                   None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CA sea urchin                                                          583                 None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HI black coral diving                                                  1                   None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HI fish pond                                                           N/A                 None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HI handpick                                                            37                  None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HI lobster diving                                                      19                  None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HI squiding, spear                                                     91                  None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WA/CA kelp                                                             4                   None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WA/OR sea urchin, other clam, octopus, oyster, sea cucumber, scallop,  637                 None documented
 ghost shrimp hand, dive, or mechanical collection
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WA shellfish aquaculture                                               684                 None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMERCIAL PASSENGER FISHING VESSEL (CHARTER BOAT) FISHERIES:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 27757]]

 
AK/WA/OR/CA commercial passenger fishing vessel                        >7,000              Killer whale, stock
                                                                       (2,702 AK)           unknown
                                                                                           Steller sea lion,
                                                                                            Eastern U.S.
                                                                                           Steller sea lion,
                                                                                            Western U.S.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HI charter vessel                                                      114                 None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIVE FINFISH/SHELLFISH FISHERIES:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CA nearshore finfish live trap/hook-and-line                           93                  None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
List of Abbreviations and Symbols Used in Table 1: AK - Alaska; CA - California; GOA - Gulf of Alaska; HI -
  Hawaii; OR - Oregon; WA - Washington; \1\ Fishery classified based on serious injuries and mortalities of this
  stock, which are greater than 50 percent (Category I) or greater than 1 percent and less than 50 percent
  (Category II) of the stock's PBR; \2\ Fishery classified by analogy; \*\ Fishery has an associated high seas
  component listed in Table 3.


     Table 2--List of Fisheries -- Commercial Fisheries in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                           Marine mammal species
                                                                        Estimated  of vessels/     incidentally killed/
                                                                             persons              injured
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CATEGORY I
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GILLNET FISHERIES:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mid-Atlantic gillnet                                                   7,596               Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            WNA coastal\1\
                                                                                           Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            WNA offshore
                                                                                           Common dolphin, WNA
                                                                                           Gray seal, WNA
                                                                                           Harbor porpoise, GME/
                                                                                            BF
                                                                                           Harbor seal, WNA
                                                                                           Harp seal, WNA
                                                                                           Humpback whale, Gulf
                                                                                            of Maine
                                                                                           Long-finned pilot
                                                                                            whale, WNA
                                                                                           Minke whale, Canadian
                                                                                            east coast
                                                                                           Short-finned pilot
                                                                                            whale, WNA
                                                                                           White-sided dolphin,
                                                                                            WNA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Northeast sink gillnet                                                 >6,455              Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            WNA offshore
                                                                                           Common dolphin, WNA
                                                                                           Fin whale, WNA
                                                                                           Gray seal, WNA
                                                                                           Harbor porpoise, GME/
                                                                                            BF\1\
                                                                                           Harbor seal, WNA
                                                                                           Harp seal, WNA
                                                                                           Hooded seal, WNA
                                                                                           Humpback whale, Gulf
                                                                                            of Maine
                                                                                           Minke whale, Canadian
                                                                                            east coast
                                                                                           North Atlantic right
                                                                                            whale, WNA
                                                                                           Risso's dolphin, WNA
                                                                                           White-sided dolphin,
                                                                                            WNA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LONGLINE FISHERIES:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 27758]]

 
Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico large pelagics longline \*\  94                  Atlantic spotted
                                                                                            dolphin, Northern
                                                                                            GMX
                                                                                           Atlantic spotted
                                                                                            dolphin, WNA
                                                                                           Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            Northern GMX oceanic
                                                                                           Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            Northern GMX
                                                                                            continental shelf
                                                                                           Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            WNA offshore
                                                                                           Common dolphin, WNA
                                                                                           Cuvier's beaked
                                                                                            whale, WNA
                                                                                           Long-finned pilot
                                                                                            whale, WNA\1\
                                                                                           Mesoplodon beaked
                                                                                            whale, WNA
                                                                                           Northern bottlenose
                                                                                            whale, WNA
                                                                                           Pantropical spotted
                                                                                            dolphin, Northern
                                                                                            GMX
                                                                                           Pantropical spotted
                                                                                            dolphin, WNA
                                                                                           Risso's dolphin,
                                                                                            Northern GMX
                                                                                           Risso's dolphin, WNA
                                                                                           Short-finned pilot
                                                                                            whale, Northern GMX
                                                                                           Short-finned pilot
                                                                                            whale, WNA\1\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRAP/POT FISHERIES:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Northeast/Mid-Atlantic American lobster trap/pot                       13,000              Harbor seal, WNA
                                                                                           Humpback whale, Gulf
                                                                                            of Maine
                                                                                           Minke whale, Canadian
                                                                                            east coast
                                                                                           North Atlantic right
                                                                                            whale, WNA\1\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CATEGORY II
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GILLNET FISHERIES:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chesapeake Bay inshore gillnet\2\                                      45                  None documented in
                                                                                            recent years
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gulf of Mexico gillnet\2\                                              724                 Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            Eastern GMX coastal
                                                                                           Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            GMX bay, sound, and
                                                                                            estuarine
                                                                                           Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            Northern GMX coastal
                                                                                           Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            Western GMX coastal
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NC inshore gillnet                                                     94                  Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            WNA coastal\1\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Northeast anchored float gillnet\2\                                    133                 Harbor seal, WNA
                                                                                           Humpback whale, Gulf
                                                                                            of Maine
                                                                                           White-sided dolphin,
                                                                                            WNA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Northeast drift gillnet\2\                                             unknown             None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Southeast Atlantic gillnet\2\                                          779                 Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            WNA coastal
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Southeastern U.S. Atlantic shark gillnet                               30                  Atlantic spotted
                                                                                            dolphin, WNA
                                                                                           Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            WNA coastal\1\
                                                                                           North Atlantic right
                                                                                            whale, WNA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRAWL FISHERIES:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mid-Atlantic mid-water trawl (including pair trawl)                    400                 Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            WNA offshore
                                                                                           Common dolphin, WNA
                                                                                           Long-finned pilot
                                                                                            whale, WNA
                                                                                           Risso's dolphin, WNA
                                                                                           Short-finned pilot
                                                                                            whale, WNA
                                                                                           White-sided dolphin,
                                                                                            WNA\1\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mid-Atlantic bottom trawl                                              >1,000              Common dolphin,
                                                                                            WNA\1\
                                                                                           Long-finned pilot
                                                                                            whale, WNA\1\
                                                                                           Short-finned pilot
                                                                                            whale, WNA\1\
                                                                                           White-sided dolphin,
                                                                                            WNA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mid-Atlantic flynet\2\                                                 21                  None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 27759]]

 
Northeast mid-water trawl (including pair trawl)                       1,000               Harbor seal, WNA
                                                                                           Long-finned pilot
                                                                                            whale, WNA\1\
                                                                                           Short-finned pilot
                                                                                            whale, WNA\1\
                                                                                           White-sided dolphin,
                                                                                            WNA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Northeast bottom trawl                                                 1,600               Common dolphin, WNA
                                                                                           Harbor porpoise, GME/
                                                                                            BF
                                                                                           Harbor seal, WNA
                                                                                           Harp seal, WNA
                                                                                           Long-finned pilot
                                                                                            whale, WNA
                                                                                           Short-finned pilot
                                                                                            whale, WNA
                                                                                           White-sided dolphin,
                                                                                            WNA\1\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRAP/POT FISHERIES:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Atlantic blue crab trap/pot                                            >16,000             Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            WNA coastal\1\
                                                                                           West Indian manatee,
                                                                                            FL\1\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Atlantic mixed species trap/pot\2\                                     >429                Fin whale, WNA
                                                                                           Humpback whale, Gulf
                                                                                            of Maine
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PURSE SEINE FISHERIES:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gulf of Mexico menhaden purse seine                                    40-42               Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            Eastern GMX coastal
                                                                                           Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            GMX bay, sound,
                                                                                            estuarine
                                                                                           Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            Northern GMX
                                                                                            coastal\1\
                                                                                           Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            Western GMX
                                                                                            coastal\1\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mid-Atlantic menhaden purse seine\2\                                   34                  Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            WNA coastal
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HAUL/BEACH SEINE FISHERIES:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mid-Atlantic haul/beach seine                                          >221                Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            WNA coastal\1\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NC long haul seine                                                     33                  Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            WNA coastal\1\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STOP NET FISHERIES:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NC roe mullet stop net                                                 13                  Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            WNA coastal\1\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
POUND NET FISHERIES:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VA pound net                                                           62                  Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            WNA coastal\1\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CATEGORY III
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GILLNET FISHERIES:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Caribbean gillnet                                                      >991                Dwarf sperm whale,
                                                                                            WNA
                                                                                           West Indian manatee,
                                                                                            Antillean
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DE River inshore gillnet                                               60                  None documented in
                                                                                            recent years
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long Island Sound inshore gillnet                                      20                  None documented in
                                                                                            recent years
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RI, southern MA (to Monomoy Island), and NY Bight (Raritan and Lower   32                  None documented in
 NY Bays) inshore gillnet                                                                   recent years
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Southeast Atlantic inshore gillnet                                     unknown             None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRAWL FISHERIES:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Atlantic shellfish bottom trawl                                        972                 None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 27760]]

 
Southeastern U.S. Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico shrimp trawl                >18,000             Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            WNA coastal
                                                                                           Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            Eastern GMX coastal
                                                                                           Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            Western GMX coastal
                                                                                           Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            GMX bay, sound,
                                                                                            estuarine
                                                                                           West Indian manatee,
                                                                                            FL
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gulf of Mexico butterfish trawl                                        2                   Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            Northern GMX oceanic
                                                                                           Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            Northern GMX
                                                                                            continental shelf
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gulf of Mexico mixed species trawl                                     20                  None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GA cannonball jellyfish trawl                                          1                   None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MARINE AQUACULTURE FISHERIES:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Finfish aquaculture                                                    48                  Harbor seal, WNA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shellfish aquaculture                                                  unknown             None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PURSE SEINE FISHERIES:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gulf of Maine Atlantic herring purse seine                             <10                 Harbor seal, WNA
                                                                                           Gray seal, WNA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gulf of Maine menhaden purse seine                                     50                  None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL West Coast sardine purse seine                                      10                  Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            Eastern GMX coastal
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Atlantic tuna purse seine \*\                                     5                   Long-finned pilot
                                                                                            whale, WNA
                                                                                           Short-finned pilot
                                                                                            whale, WNA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LONGLINE/HOOK-AND-LINE FISHERIES:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Northeast/Mid-Atlantic bottom longline/hook-and-line                   46                  None documented in
                                                                                            recent years
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gulf of Maine, U.S. Mid-Atlantic tuna, shark swordfish hook-and-line/  26,223              Humpback whale, Gulf
 harpoon                                                                                    of Maine
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Southeastern U.S. Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean snapper-     >5,000              None documented
 grouper and other reef fish bottom longline/hook-and-line
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Southeastern U.S. Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico shark bottom longline/hook- <125                Bottlenose dolphin,
 and-line                                                                                   Eastern GMX coastal
                                                                                           Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            Northern GMX
                                                                                            continental shelf
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Southeastern U.S. Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean pelagic      1,446               None documented
 hook-and-line/harpoon
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico trotline                                 unknown             None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRAP/POT FISHERIES
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Caribbean mixed species trap/pot                                       >501                None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Caribbean spiny lobster trap/pot                                       >197                None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL spiny lobster trap/pot                                              2,145               Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            Eastern GMX coastal
                                                                                           Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            WNA coastal
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gulf of Mexico blue crab trap/pot                                      4,113               Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            Western GMX coastal
                                                                                           Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            Northern GMX coastal
                                                                                           Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            Eastern GMX coastal
                                                                                           Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            GMX Bay, Sound, &
                                                                                            Estuarine
                                                                                           West Indian manatee,
                                                                                            FL
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gulf of Mexico mixed species trap/pot                                  unknown             None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Southeastern U.S. Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico golden crab trap/pot        10                  None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 27761]]

 
Southeastern U.S. Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico stone crab trap/pot         4,453               Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            WNA coastal
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Mid-Atlantic eel trap/pot                                         >700                None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STOP SEINE/WEIR/POUND NET FISHERIES:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gulf of Maine herring and Atlantic mackerel stop seine/weir            50                  Gray seal, Northwest
                                                                                            North Atlantic
                                                                                           Harbor porpoise, GME/
                                                                                            BF
                                                                                           Harbor seal, WNA
                                                                                           Minke whale, Canadian
                                                                                            East Coast
                                                                                           White-sided dolphin,
                                                                                            WNA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Mid-Atlantic crab stop seine/weir                                 2,600               None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Mid-Atlantic mixed species stop seine/weir/pound net (except the  751                 None documented
 NC roe mullet stop net)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DREDGE FISHERIES:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gulf of Maine mussel                                                   >50                 None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gulf of Maine, U.S. Mid-Atlantic sea scallop dredge                    233                 None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Mid-Atlantic/Gulf of Mexico oyster                                7,000               None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Mid-Atlantic offshore surf clam and quahog dredge                 100                 None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HAUL/BEACH SEINE FISHERIES:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Caribbean haul/beach seine                                             15                  West Indian manatee,
                                                                                            Antillean
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gulf of Mexico haul/beach seine                                        unknown             None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Southeastern U.S. Atlantic haul/beach seine                            25                  None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIVE, HAND/MECHANICAL COLLECTION FISHERIES:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean shellfish dive, hand/        20,000              None documented
 mechanical collection
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gulf of Maine urchin dive, hand/mechanical collection                  >50                 None documented
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gulf of Mexico, Southeast Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic, and Caribbean cast   unknown             None documented
 net
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMERCIAL PASSENGER FISHING VESSEL (CHARTER BOAT) FISHERIES:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean commercial passenger         4,000               Bottlenose dolphin,
 fishing vessel                                                                             Eastern GMX coastal
                                                                                           Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            Northern GMX coastal
                                                                                           Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            Western GMX coastal
                                                                                           Bottlenose dolphin,
                                                                                            WNA coastal
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
List of Abbreviations and Symbols Used in Table 2: DE - Delaware; FL - Florida; GA - Georgia; GME/BF - Gulf of
  Maine/Bay of Fundy; GMX - Gulf of Mexico; MA - Massachusetts; NC - North Carolina; VA - Virginia; WNA -
  Western North Atlantic; \1\ Fishery classified based on serious injuries and mortalities of this stock, which
  are greater than 50 percent (Category I) or greater than 1 percent and less than 50 percent (Category II) of
  the stock's PBR; \2\ Fishery classified by analogy; \*\ Fishery has an associated high seas component listed
  in Table 3.

BILLING CODE 3510-22-S

[[Page 27762]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP11JN09.000


[[Page 27763]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP11JN09.001


[[Page 27764]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP11JN09.002


[[Page 27765]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP11JN09.003

BILLING CODE 3510-22-S

[[Page 27766]]

Classification

    The Chief Counsel for Regulation of the Department of Commerce 
certified to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business 
Administration that this rule would not have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities. The factual basis 
leading to the certification is set forth below.
    Under existing regulations, all fishers participating in Category I 
or II fisheries must register under the MMPA and obtain an 
Authorization Certificate. The Authorization Certificate authorizes the 
taking of marine mammals incidental to commercial fishing operations. 
Additionally, fishers may be subject to a Take Reduction Plan (TRP) and 
requested to carry an observer. NMFS has estimated that approximately 
59,500 fishing vessels, most of which are small entities, operate in 
Category I or II fisheries, and therefore, are required to register 
with NMFS. The MMPA registration process is integrated with existing 
state and Federal licensing, permitting, and registration programs. 
Therefore, fishers who have a federal or state fishery permit or 
landing license, or who are authorized through another related federal 
or state fishery registration program, are currently not required to 
register separately under the MMPA or pay the $25 registration fee. 
Therefore, there are no direct costs to small entities under this 
proposed rule.
    If a vessel is requested to carry an observer, fishers will not 
incur any direct economic costs associated with carrying that observer. 
Potential indirect costs to individual fishers required to take 
observers may include: lost space on deck for catch, lost bunk space, 
and lost fishing time due to time needed to process bycatch data. For 
effective monitoring, however, observers will rotate among a limited 
number of vessels in a fishery at any given time and each vessel within 
an observed fishery has an equal probability of being requested to 
accommodate an observer. Therefore, the potential indirect costs to 
individual fishers are expected to be minimal because observer coverage 
would only be required for a small percentage of an individual's total 
annual fishing time. In addition, section 118 of the MMPA states that 
an observer will not be placed on a vessel if the facilities for 
quartering an observer or performing observer functions are inadequate 
or unsafe, thereby exempting vessels too small to accommodate an 
observer from this requirement. As a result of this certification, an 
initial regulatory flexibility analysis is not required and was not 
prepared. In the event that reclassification of a fishery to Category I 
or II results in a TRP, economic analyses of the effects of that plan 
will be summarized in subsequent rulemaking actions.
    This proposed rule contains collection-of-information requirements 
subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act. The collection of information 
for the registration of fishers under the MMPA has been approved by the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under OMB control number 0648-
0293 (0.15 hours per report for new registrants and 0.09 hours per 
report for renewals). The requirement for reporting marine mammal 
injuries or mortalities has been approved by OMB under OMB control 
number 0648-0292 (0.15 hours per report). These estimates include the 
time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, 
gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing 
the collection of information. Send comments regarding these reporting 
burden estimates or any other aspect of the collections of information, 
including suggestions for reducing burden, to NMFS and OMB (see 
ADDRESSES and SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).
    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required 
to respond to nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to 
comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of 
the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information 
displays a currently valid OMB control number.
    This proposed rule has been determined to be not significant for 
the purposes of Executive Order 12866.
    An environmental assessment (EA) was prepared under the National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for regulations to implement section 
118 of the MMPA in June 1995. NMFS revised that EA relative to 
classifying U.S. commercial fisheries on the LOF in December 2005. Both 
the 1995 EA and the 2005 EA concluded that implementation of MMPA 
section 118 regulations would not have a significant impact on the 
human environment. This proposed rule would not make any significant 
change in the management of reclassified fisheries, and therefore, this 
proposed rule is not expected to change the analysis or conclusion of 
the 2005 EA. The Council of Environmental Quality (CEQ) recommends 
agencies review EAs every five years; therefore, NMFS reviewed the 2005 
EA in 2009. NMFS concluded that, because there have been no changes to 
the process used to develop the LOF and implement section 118 of the 
MMPA (including no new alternatives and no additional or new impacts on 
the human environment), there is not a need to update the 2005 EA at 
this time. If NMFS takes a management action, for example, through the 
development of a TRP, NMFS will first prepare an environmental 
document, as required under NEPA, specific to that action.
    This proposed rule will not affect species listed as threatened or 
endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) or their associated 
critical habitat. The impacts of numerous fisheries have been analyzed 
in various biological opinions, and this proposed rule will not affect 
the conclusions of those opinions. The classification of fisheries on 
the LOF is not considered to be a management action that would 
adversely affect threatened or endangered species. If NMFS takes a 
management action, for example, through the development of a TRP, NMFS 
would conduct consultation under ESA section 7 for that action.
    This proposed rule will have no adverse impacts on marine mammals 
and may have a positive impact on marine mammals by improving knowledge 
of marine mammals and the fisheries interacting with marine mammals 
through information collected from observer programs, stranding and 
sighting data, or take reduction teams.
    This proposed rule will not affect the land or water uses or 
natural resources of the coastal zone, as specified under section 307 
of the Coastal Zone Management Act.

References

    Barlow, J., and K.A. Forney. 2007. Abundance and population density 
of cetaceans in the California Current ecosystem. Fishery Bulletin 
105:509-526.

    Dated: June 4, 2009.
James W. Balsiger,
Acting Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries 
Service.
[FR Doc. E9-13714 Filed 6-10-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-C