[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 124 (Tuesday, June 30, 2009)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 31225-31235]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-15465]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 622

[Docket No. 080226312-9085-01]
RIN 0648-AW12


Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; 
Snapper-Grouper Fishery off the Southern Atlantic States; Amendment 
15B; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico

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

ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: NMFS issues this proposed rule to implement Amendment 15B to 
the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the 
South Atlantic Region (FMP), as prepared and submitted by the South 
Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council). This proposed rule 
would, for South Atlantic snapper-grouper, require a private 
recreational vessel that fishes in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ), 
if selected by NMFS, to maintain and submit fishing records; require a 
vessel that fishes in the EEZ, if selected by NMFS, to carry an 
observer and install an electronic logbook (ELB) and/or video monitor 
provided by NMFS; prohibit the sale of snapper-grouper harvested or 
possessed in the EEZ under the bag limits and prohibit the sale of 
snapper-grouper harvested or possessed under the bag limits by vessels 
with a Federal charter vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic 
snapper-grouper regardless of where the snapper-grouper were harvested; 
require an owner and operator of a vessel for which a commercial or 
charter vessel/headboat permit has been issued and that has on board 
any hook-and-line gear to comply with sea turtle and smalltooth sawfish 
release protocols, possess on board specific gear to ensure proper 
release of such species, and comply with guidelines for proper care and 
release of such species that are incidentally caught; and expand the 
allowable transfer of a commercial vessel permit under the limited 
access program and extend the allowable period for renewal of such a 
permit. Amendment 15B also proposes to revise the stock status 
determination criteria for golden tilefish and specify commercial/
recreational allocations for snowy grouper and red porgy. In addition, 
NMFS proposes to remove language specifying commercial quotas for snowy 
grouper that are no longer in effect and proposes to revise sea turtle 
bycatch mitigation requirements applicable to the Gulf reef fish 
fishery to add two devices that were inadvertently omitted from a prior 
rule. The intended effects of this rule are to provide additional 
information for, and otherwise improve the effective management of, the 
South Atlantic snapper-grouper fishery; minimize the impacts on 
incidentally caught threatened and endangered sea turtles and 
smalltooth sawfish; and remove outdated language.

DATES: Written comments on this proposed rule must be received no later 
than 5:00 p.m., eastern time, on August 4, 2009.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by RIN 0648-AW12, by any 
one of the following methods:
     Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public 
comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal http://www.regulations.gov
     Fax: 727-824-5308, Attn: Kate Michie
     Mail: Kate Michie, Southeast Regional Office, NMFS, 263 
13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
    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.
    Copies of Amendment 15B may be obtained from the South Atlantic 
Fishery Management Council, 4055 Faber Place, Suite 201, North 
Charleston, SC 29405; phone: 843-571-4366 or 866-SAFMC-10 (toll free); 
fax: 843-769-4520; e-mail: [email protected]. Amendment 15B includes a 
Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), an Initial Regulatory 
Flexibility Analysis (IRFA), a Regulatory Impact Review, and a Social 
Impact Assessment/Fishery Impact Statement.
    Comments regarding the burden-hour estimates or other aspects of 
the collection-of-information requirements contained in this proposed 
rule may be submitted in writing to Jason Rueter,

[[Page 31226]]

Southeast Regional Office, NMFS, and to David Rostker, OMB, by e-mail 
at [email protected], or by fax to 202-395-7285.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kate Michie, telephone: 727-824-5305, 
fax: 727-824-5308, e-mail: [email protected]

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The snapper-grouper fishery off the southern 
Atlantic states is managed under the FMP. The FMP was prepared by the 
Council and is implemented under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens 
Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) by 
regulations at 50 CFR part 622.

Amendment 15B

Monitor and Assess Bycatch

    Current data collection methods do not adequately capture the true 
magnitude of bycatch in the fishery for South Atlantic snapper-grouper. 
An improved ability to monitor and assess bycatch in the fishery would 
provide better estimates of interactions with protected species and 
improve the quality of stock assessments so that management measures 
may be implemented in a timely manner to prevent stock collapse and/or 
speed recovery of overfished stocks.
    Accordingly, this proposed rule would expand the existing 
requirement for fishing reports to include such private recreational 
vessels as are selected by the Science and Research Director, Southeast 
Fisheries Science Center, NMFS (SRD).
    Similarly, this proposed rule would require an owner and operator 
of a vessel with a commercial vessel or charter vessel/headboat permit 
for South Atlantic snapper-grouper and an owner and operator of a 
private recreational vessel in that fishery, if selected by the SRD, to 
carry a NMFS-approved observer on trips selected by the SRD and/or 
participate in a NMFS-sponsored ELB or video monitoring reporting 
program as directed by the SRD.
    To initiate an ELB or video monitoring program, NMFS would send a 
letter to an owner or operator of a selected vessel advising of his or 
her obligation to participate in the program. In cooperation with the 
owner or operator, NMFS staff or an authorized representative would 
meet at the selected vessel to install the NMFS-furnished ELB and/or 
video monitor on the vessel and to collect basic vessel and gear 
information that would later be correlated with the ELB or video 
monitoring information. Using the Global Positioning System, an ELB 
would automatically record vessel position information over time from 
which conclusions could be drawn regarding vessel activity, e.g., the 
vessel is fishing or transiting. At intervals determined by NMFS, the 
ELB memory unit or video monitor tape would be removed and provided to 
the SRD. The owner or operator could either mail the memory unit or 
tape to the SRD or arrange for a NMFS or state port agent to collect 
the unit or tape. The ELB program would supplement existing post-trip 
interview data and is intended to provide better estimates of the 
amount and location of effort occurring during a trip.
    With an ELB, bycatch in the fishery would be estimated from a 
second sampling program based on observer data. NMFS would use total 
effort estimates based on best available scientific information to 
extrapolate observer-collected data into overall estimates of total 
finfish and invertebrate bycatch. A pilot program using ELBs started in 
1999, with increasing coverage each year. The units have proved to be 
reliable and the data retrieved have provided substantial new 
information regarding the effort of the fishery in which it was used.
    Video monitoring hardware and software could provide a cost-
effective and reliable system of monitoring bycatch, release mortality, 
handling of fishes, and other shipboard practices. These systems have 
been shown to be useful in monitoring bycatch in other parts of the 
country. Pertinent data collected by a video electronic monitoring 
system would include species caught, number of hooks, location, depth, 
date, time, and disposition of released organisms. These data would 
provide information needed to help rebuild and maintain sustainable 
fisheries and determine what impact the fishery has on the survival of 
species. Data collected could be used to assess the fish species 
composition associated with the habitat affected by fishing gear, 
allowing for a better understanding of the ecosystem. Information would 
also be collected on protected resources encountered by fishing gear. 
The use of technology to record species, capture position, and 
disposition of released fishes has the potential to augment the 
collection of bycatch information and lessen the need for observers. 
Video technology could be used on vessels that cannot take a human 
observer for safety reasons or vessel limitations or other reasons. 
Previous experience indicates video monitoring is very effective for 
monitoring catches from longline gear due to the size and types of 
species collected. It is also substantially less expensive than 
observer coverage for comparable data collection.
    These additional information sources combined with existing 
requirements would comprise part of the program to monitor and assess 
bycatch in the South Atlantic snapper-grouper fishery. NMFS would also 
rely on state cooperation, specifically funded projects, and the 
Atlantic Coastal Cooperative Statistics Program's Release, Discard and 
Protected Species Module, as that module is implemented.

Modification of the Sales Provisions

    Current regulations allow the sale of snapper-grouper taken from 
the South Atlantic EEZ, up to the allowed bag limit, to be sold to a 
licensed dealer if the seller possesses a state-issued license to sell 
fish, whether or not the seller has a commercial vessel permit. Fish 
harvested and marketed in this manner, whether harvested by for-hire 
vessels or private anglers, are counted against the commercial quotas, 
resulting in accelerated quota closures and reducing the amount and 
value of harvests allocated to the commercial sector. Accelerated 
closures impose additional economic losses through market disruption 
and forced alteration of fishing practices, including transference of 
effort to other resources that may be less valuable and/or more 
expensive to catch. The effects of this situation are exacerbated by 
the current reduced commercial quotas. In addition, such fish are also 
counted against the recreational allocations, thus complicating fishery 
assessments. Accordingly, this rule would prohibit the sale of South 
Atlantic snapper-grouper harvested or possessed in the EEZ and 
possessed under the bag limits. This prohibition would apply not only 
to a person fishing from a private recreational vessel but also to a 
person fishing from a vessel operating as a charter vessel or headboat 
even if such charter vessel/headboat has a commercial vessel permit. In 
addition, this rule would prohibit the sale of snapper-grouper 
harvested or possessed under the bag limits by a vessel for which a 
Federal charter vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic snapper-
grouper has been issued, regardless of where the snapper-grouper were 
harvested, i.e., in state or Federal waters.

Sea Turtle and Smalltooth Sawfish Bycatch

    NMFS concluded in a biological opinion that reasonable and prudent 
measures are necessary and appropriate to minimize the impacts on 
incidentally

[[Page 31227]]

caught threatened and endangered sea turtles and smalltooth sawfish 
taken in the South Atlantic snapper-grouper fishery. Therefore, 
measures are needed to comply with the biological opinion and to 
enhance the protection of threatened and endangered sea turtles and 
smalltooth sawfish.
    This proposed rule would require a vessel for which a commercial or 
charter vessel/headboat permit has been issued for South Atlantic 
snapper-grouper and has any hook-and-line gear on board to possess a 
document provided by NMFS titled, ``Careful Release Protocols for Sea 
Turtle Release With Minimal Injury;'' post the sea turtle handling and 
release guidelines provided by NMFS on the vessel; and, as specified in 
Sec.  622.10(c) of this rule, have 12 types of sea turtle bycatch 
mitigation gear on board and follow specified release handling measures 
for a sea turtle or smalltooth sawfish that is caught incidentally.

Limited Access Permits for South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper

    Currently, a transferable commercial vessel permit issued under the 
limited access program may be transferred only to an immediate family 
member of the holder. An ``immediate family member'' is specified as a 
husband, wife, son, daughter, brother, sister, mother, or father. This 
restriction has made it difficult for owners of individually owned 
vessels to change to corporate ownership and realize the associated 
benefits. Accordingly, the Council proposes and this rule would allow 
transfer to a corporation, provided the shareholders of the corporation 
are limited to the original permit holder at the time of the transfer 
and his or her immediate family members. Subsequent additional 
shareholders would be limited to immediate family members. These 
requirements would also apply to renewal of permits.
    Currently, a limited access permit must be renewed not later than 
60 days after its expiration. The Council finds that this limitation is 
overly burdensome and has limited management benefits. Accordingly this 
rule would extend the permit renewal period to one year.

Commercial/Recreational Allocations for Snowy Grouper and Red Porgy

    The FMP currently does not specify commercial and recreational 
allocations for snowy grouper or red porgy. While commercial quotas are 
established for these species, lack of recreational allocations 
precludes specifications of allowable recreational catch and 
appropriate measures to prevent overfishing by that sector. 
Accordingly, the Council proposes to establish such commercial and 
recreational allocations.
    For snowy grouper, the Council proposes allocations of 95 percent 
for commercial catch and 5 percent for recreational catch, which are 
based on the percentage of commercial and recreational landings during 
1986-2005. Beginning in 2009, the commercial quota would be 82,900 lb 
(37,603 kg), gutted weight, and the recreational allocation would be 
523 fish, which is the equivalent of 4,400 lb (1,996 kg), gutted 
weight.
    For red porgy, the Council proposes allocations of 50 percent for 
commercial catch and 50 percent for recreational catch based on the 
percentage of commercial and recreational landings during 2001-2005. 
Beginning in 2009, the commercial quota would be 190,050 lb (86,205 
kg), gutted weight, and the recreational allocation would be 190,050 lb 
(86,205 kg), gutted weight.
    Accordingly, this rule would establish the commercial quotas 
indicated above. Approved recreational and commercial allocations would 
be considered legitimate measures of the FMP, but would not appear in 
codified text.

Stock Status Determination Criteria for Golden Tilefish

    Section 303 of the Magnuson-Stevens Act requires that the regional 
fishery management councils: (1) assess the condition of managed 
stocks, (2) specify within their fishery management plans objective and 
measurable criteria for identifying when the stocks are overfished and 
when overfishing is occurring (referred to by NMFS as stock status 
determination criteria), and (3) amend their fishery management plans 
to include measures to rebuild overfished stocks and maintain them at 
healthy levels capable of producing maximum sustainable yield (MSY). 
NMFS' national standard guidelines direct the councils to meet these 
statutory requirements by incorporating into each FMP estimates of 
certain biomass-based stock status determination criteria for each 
stock, including a designation of the stock biomass that will produce 
MSY. By evaluating the current stock biomass and fishing mortality rate 
in relation to these criteria, fishery managers can determine whether a 
fishery is overfished or undergoing overfishing, and whether current 
management measures are sufficient to prevent overfishing and achieve 
the optimum yield (OY).
    The required criteria include MSY, OY, minimum stock size threshold 
(MSST), and maximum fishing mortality threshold (MFMT). MSST is the 
biomass level below which a stock is considered overfished. MFMT is the 
maximum level of fishing mortality that a stock can withstand while 
still producing MSY on a continuing basis and above which overfishing 
is considered to be occurring.
    In the past for snapper-grouper species, the Council has specified 
either numeric values, proxies, or nothing at all for the criteria 
described above. A recent stock assessment of golden tilefish has 
provided numerical values for MSY, OY, and MSST for that species. 
(Currently, MFMT is defined as the level of fishing mortality that will 
produce MSY and would remain unchanged.) The Council proposes the 
following changes based on the golden tilefish assessment:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Proposed
                                           Current Value        Value
------------------------------------------------------------------------
MSY                                      Not specified       336,425 lb
                                                            (152.60 mt),
                                                            whole weight
------------------------------------------------------------------------
OY                                       Not specified       326,554 lb
                                                            (148.12 mt),
                                                            whole weight
------------------------------------------------------------------------
MSST                                     1,783,650 lb       1,454,063 lb
                                          (809.05 mt),      (659.55 mt),
                                          whole weight      whole weight
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Approved stock status criteria, as with the proposed recreational 
allocations for snowy grouper and red porgy, would be considered 
legitimate measures of the FMP, but would not appear in codified text.

Availability of Amendment 15B

    Additional background and rationale for the measures discussed 
above are contained in Amendment 15B. The availability of Amendment 15B 
was announced in the Federal Register on June 4, 2009, (74 FR 26827). 
Written comments on Amendment 15B must be received by August 3, 2009. 
All comments received on Amendment 15B or on this proposed rule during 
their respective comment periods will be addressed in the preamble to 
the final rule.

Additional Measures Proposed by NMFS

    As general housekeeping changes, NMFS proposes to--(1) remove the 
outdated 2006 and 2007 commercial quotas and commercial trip limits for 
snowy grouper at Sec.  622.42(e)(1) and Sec.  622.44(c)(3), 
respectively; and (2) rearrange and consolidate the

[[Page 31228]]

restrictions on sale/purchase of South Atlantic snapper-grouper at 
Sec.  622.45(d).
    In addition, NMFS proposes to revise Sec.  622.10(b)(1) to add two 
devices to the list of required sea turtle bycatch mitigation gear for 
commercial and charter vessel/headboats in the Gulf reef fish fishery 
that were inadvertently omitted in the final rule published August 9, 
2006 (71 FR 45428). For vessels with a freeboard height of 4 ft (1.2 m) 
or less, a tire is added to the list. For vessels with a freeboard 
height of greater than 4 ft (1.2 m), a tire and a long-handled device 
to pull an ``inverted V'' in the fishing line are added to the list.

Classification

    Pursuant to section 304(b)(1)(A) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the 
NMFS Assistant Administrator has determined that this proposed rule is 
consistent with Amendment 15B, other provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens 
Act, and other applicable law, subject to further consideration after 
public comment.
    This proposed rule has been determined to be not significant for 
purposes of Executive Order 12866.
    The Council prepared an FEIS for Amendment 15B; a notice of 
availability was published on June 4, 2009, (74 FR 26827).
    An IRFA was prepared, as required by section 603 of the RFA (RFA). 
The IRFA describes the economic impact this proposed rule, if adopted, 
would have on small entities. A description of the action, why it is 
being considered, and the legal basis for this action are contained at 
the beginning of this section in the preamble and in the SUMMARY 
section of the preamble. A summary of the analysis follows. A copy of 
this analysis is available from the Council (see ADDRESSES).
    The purpose of this rule is to specify quotas for snowy grouper and 
red porgy; modify the sales provisions of snapper-grouper caught or 
possessed under the bag limit; implement a plan to monitor and assess 
bycatch; implement measures to minimize the impacts of incidental sea 
turtle and smalltooth sawfish take; and ease the requirements of 
snapper-grouper permit renewal and transfer. These measures are 
expected to provide additional information for, and otherwise improve 
the effective management of, the South Atlantic snapper-grouper 
fishery, and minimize the impacts on incidentally caught threatened and 
endangered sea turtles and smalltooth sawfish. The Magnuson-Stevens Act 
provides the statutory basis for the proposed rule. In addition to 
these actions, Amendment 15B established allocation ratios for snowy 
grouper and red porgy, and management reference points and stock status 
criteria for golden tilefish.
    No duplicative, overlapping, or conflicting Federal rules have been 
identified.
    This proposed action is expected to directly impact commercial 
fishers and for-hire operators. The SBA has established size criteria 
for all major industry sectors in the U.S. including fish harvesters 
and for-hire operations. A business involved in fish harvesting is 
classified as a small business if it is independently owned and 
operated, is not dominant in its field of operation (including its 
affiliates), and has combined annual receipts not in excess of $4.0 
million (NAICS code 114111, finfish fishing) for all its affiliated 
operations worldwide. For for-hire vessels, the other qualifiers apply 
and the annual receipts threshold is $6.5 million (NAICS code 713990, 
recreational industries).
    From 2001-2005, an average of 1,127 vessels per year were permitted 
to operate in the commercial snapper-grouper fishery. However, over the 
2004-2006 fishing years, an average of 717 vessels per year that were 
permitted to operate in the commercial snapper-grouper fishery recorded 
snapper-grouper sales. The average annual dockside value of snapper-
grouper sold by these vessels was approximately $12.96 million (nominal 
dollars), while the value of all other species sold by these vessels 
was approximately $14.33 million (nominal dollars), or total average 
annual revenues of approximately $27.29 million. The average annual 
dockside revenue per vessel from sales of all marine species for this 
period was approximately $38,000.
    In 2005, 1,328 vessels were permitted to operate in the Federal 
snapper-grouper for-hire fishery, of which 82 are estimated to have 
operated as headboats, and 1246 are charter vessels. Within these 1,328 
vessels, 201 vessels also possessed a commercial snapper-grouper permit 
and would be included in the summary information provided on the 
commercial sector. The charter vessels charge a fee on a vessel basis, 
and headboats charge a fee on an individual angler (head) basis. The 
charter vessel annual average gross revenue is estimated to range from 
approximately $62,000-$84,000 (2005 dollars) for Florida vessels, 
$73,000-$89,000 for North Carolina vessels, $68,000-$83,000 for Georgia 
vessels, and $32,000-$39,000 for South Carolina vessels. For headboats, 
the appropriate estimates are $170,000-$362,000 for Florida vessels, 
and $149,000-$317,000 for vessels in the other states. From 2004-2006, 
an average of 159 vessels per year with the for-hire snapper-grouper 
permit had recorded sales of snapper-grouper species. The total average 
annual revenues from snapper-grouper species were approximately 
$316,000 (nominal dollars), while average annual revenues for all other 
species was approximately $1.52 million (nominal dollars), for total 
average annual revenues from fish sales of approximately $1.84 million. 
The average annual revenue per for-hire vessel from fish sales of all 
marine species for this period was approximately $11,600. It should be 
noted that these revenues are not included in the average gross for-
hire revenues listed above, which only reflect revenues from charter 
fees.
    The proposed prohibition of bag-limit sales would affect vessels 
that have historically sold snapper-grouper but do not possess or fish 
under a Federal commercial snapper-grouper permit. From 2004-2006, an 
average of 1,439 fishing vessels per year that could not be associated 
with either a Federal commercial or Federal for-hire snapper-grouper 
permit had recorded snapper-grouper sales. Total average annual 
revenues from snapper-grouper species for these vessels were 
approximately $2.09 million (nominal dollars), while average revenues 
from all other species were approximately $28.59 million (nominal 
dollars), for total average annual revenues of approximately $30.67 
million. The average annual revenue per vessel from sales of all marine 
species for this period was approximately $21,000.
    Some fleet activity may exist in both the commercial and for-hire 
snapper-grouper sectors, but the extent of such is unknown, and all 
vessels are treated as independent entities in this analysis. Based on 
the average revenue figures described above, it is determined, for the 
purpose of this assessment, that all fishing operations that would be 
affected by this action are small entities.
    This action does not explicitly impose any new reporting, record-
keeping or other compliance requirements because the action simply 
specifies the types of requirements that could be imposed to improve 
bycatch monitoring and assessment and any individual vessel would only 
be subject to any new requirements if selected. However, the proposed 
bycatch and monitoring assessment action could result in a requirement 
for the use of paper logbooks, electronic logbooks, or video cameras, 
or the carrying of observers to aid in the monitoring of bycatch. All 
commercial snapper-grouper trips are

[[Page 31229]]

currently required to complete logbook records, with each report 
estimated to take 10 minutes to complete. Over the years 2001-2005, 
commercial vessels operating in the snapper-grouper fishery took almost 
16,000 trips, or approximately 14 trips per vessel. Assuming 
modification to the current logbook to include bycatch increased the 
time required to complete the form by 25 percent, then the additional 
annual time burden to complete the form fishery-wide would be 
approximately 667 hours or 0.6 hours per vessel.
    The headboat sector is also currently required to complete logbook 
reports for all trips, estimated to take 18 minutes per report. 
Assuming an average of 322 trips per vessel (note that many vessels 
take multiple trips per day, so the average number of trips does not 
equal days fished), 82 headboats, and a 25-percent increase in the 
amount of time required to complete the form to account for bycatch, 
the resultant increased annual time burden to the industry would be 
approximately 1,980 hours, or 24 hours per vessel.
    Although charter vessels currently are required to complete 
logbooks if selected, no vessels in the charter-vessel sector are 
currently selected and required to submit logbooks. Assuming it took a 
charter vessel the same amount of time required for a commercial vessel 
to complete a bycatch-augmented logbook, 12.5 minutes, 1,246 charter 
vessels and 146 trips per charter vessels per year, if all vessels were 
required to complete logbooks, the total annual time burden to the 
industry would be approximately 37,900 hours or 30.4 hours per vessel.
    There would be no anticipated costs of logbook reporting beyond the 
opportunity cost of completing the logbook forms. Current logbook 
programs provide fishermen with addressed, pre-paid envelopes for 
returning completed forms. Completing the logbooks would not be 
expected to require special skills.
    Similar burden estimates are not available for the use of 
electronic logbooks. Electronic logbooks would be expected to take less 
time to complete because certain response variables could be 
preprogrammed and transmission would be simplified. Logbooks are 
estimated to cost $500 per unit, but responsibility for this expense is 
undetermined at this time. Considering the widespread familiarity with 
and usage of computers throughout today's society, special skills to 
use an electronic logbook would not be expected, though some initial 
training or demonstration and a short learning curve would be logical.
    The use of video cameras to monitor and record bycatch is likely a 
method that would, if used, be imposed on only a small portion of 
participants in the snapper-grouper fishery due to its cost and 
complexity. Purchase, installation, and maintenance costs of video 
systems would likely be borne by the government, though some cost-
sharing with fishermen may occur. Additional details are unavailable at 
this time, so concrete determinations on fishermen burden or skill 
requirements cannot be made.
    The proposed rule would be expected to directly affect all vessels 
that operate in the commercial snapper-grouper fishery, all vessels 
that have a Federal snapper-grouper for-hire permit, and all vessels 
that harvest snapper-grouper from the EEZ and sell their catch to 
federally permitted dealers. All affected entities have been 
determined, for the purpose of this analysis, to be small entities. 
Therefore, it is determined that the proposed action would affect a 
substantial number of small entities. Since all entities that would be 
expected to be affected by the proposed rule are considered small 
entities, no disproportionate effects on small entities relative to 
large entities would be expected.
    Only four of the proposed actions, the two proposed changes in 
quota, the proposed prohibition on bag-limit sales, and the proposed 
gear requirements to minimize the incidental take of sea turtles and 
smalltooth sawfish, are expected to have direct economic impacts on 
fishing entities. The proposed snowy grouper quota of 82,900 lb (37,603 
kg) gutted weight would result in a loss of 1,100 lb (499 kg) of snowy 
grouper to the commercial sector. Assuming an average ex-vessel price 
of $2.31 per pound (2006 dollars), this reduction would be valued at 
approximately $2,500, or a loss of approximately $13 per vessel active 
in the fishery (190 vessels; 2001-2005 average number of commercial 
vessels per year with snowy grouper landings). The proposed red porgy 
quota of 190,050 lbs (86,205 kg) gutted weight would result in a gain 
of 63,050 lb (28,599 kg) gutted weight of red porgy to the commercial 
sector. This gain is comprised of approximately 59,000 lbs (26,762 kg) 
gutted weight resulting from the increase in red porgy TAC as a result 
of the rebuilding strategy implemented through Amendment 15A and the 
remaining increase resulting from a one percent increase in the 
commercial allocation established by Amendment 15B. Assuming an average 
ex-vessel price of $1.40 per pound (2006 dollars), the total gain in 
commercial quota would be valued at approximately $88,300, or a gain of 
approximately $493 per vessel active in the fishery (179 vessels; 2001-
2005 average number of commercial vessels per year with red porgy 
landings).
    Assuming the implementation of compatible regulations in all 
states, thus encompassing snapper-grouper harvested in both state and 
Federal waters as well as marketed through all state and federally 
permitted dealers, the proposed elimination of bag-limit sales is 
projected to result in the transfer of approximately $2.4 million in 
nominal ex-vessel revenues (2004-2006 average) from for-hire and 
commercial fishing vessels that do not have a Federal commercial 
snapper-grouper permit to the federally permitted commercial snapper-
grouper sector. This would constitute a total reduction of 
approximately $316,000 per year for fish sales by vessels in the 
federally permitted for-hire fishery, or a 17-percent reduction in 
average annual gross revenues from fish sales per vessel, and 
approximately $2.085 million per year in sales for commercial vessels 
that do not posses a Federal commercial snapper-grouper permit, or a 7-
percent reduction in average annual gross revenues per vessel. It 
should be noted that snapper-grouper fish sales by federally permitted 
for-hire vessels, estimated at approximately $2,000 per vessel on 
average, constitute a minor portion of total average annual revenues, 
with the majority of revenues coming from charter fees. As discussed 
above, South Atlantic charter vessels are estimated to have average 
gross annual revenues of approximately $32,000-$89,000, across all 
states, while headboat average annual revenues are estimated to range 
from $149,000-$362,000.
    If compatible regulations are not adopted in any state, the 
estimated reduction in bag-limit sales revenues would be limited to 
those harvests that originate from the EEZ by all vessels, bag limit 
harvests from state waters by vessels with the Federal charter vessel/
headboat permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper, and harvests that 
are marketed through dealers with a Federal permit. This would lower 
the reduction in bag-limit sales to approximately $1.562-$1.799 
million, accounting for the estimated portion of bag-limit sales that 
originate in state waters (approximately 9 percent) and the estimated 
portion of bag-limit sales that are marketed through dealers without 
Federal licenses (approximately 21-35 percent). For the Federal for-
hire sector,

[[Page 31230]]

using the average EEZ bag-limit sales (approximately $267,000) and 
dealer proportions (approximately 11 percent state dealer sales if the 
North Carolina and South Carolina proportion is applied throughout and 
34 percent otherwise), the reduction in bag limit sales would be 
approximately $175,000-$238,000. For the non-Federal sector, using the 
average EEZ bag-limit sales (approximately $1.921 million) and dealer 
proportions (approximately 23 percent state dealer sales if the North 
Carolina and South Carolina proportion is applied throughout and 35 
percent otherwise), the reduction would be approximately $1.246 million 
to $1.483 million. These values equate to approximately a 10-13 percent 
reduction in average annual for-hire fish-sales revenues ($175,000-
$238,000/159 vessels/$11,568 total average annual revenues) and 
approximately a 4-5 percent reduction in average annual revenues to 
non-federally permitted vessels ($1.246-$1.483 million/1,439 vessels/
$21,317 total average revenues).
    The transference of these revenues to the Federal commercial 
snapper-grouper sector would result in an estimated increase of 
approximately 9 percent in nominal ex-vessel revenues per year ($2.4 
million/717 vessels/$38,000 average annual revenues) if compatible 
regulations are adopted by all states, and from 5 percent to 6 percent 
if no states adopt compatible regulations ($1.422-$1.729 million/717 
vessels/$38,000 average annual revenues).
    The proposed gear requirements to minimize the incidental take 
impact on sea turtles and smalltooth sawfish are estimated to increase 
vessel gear costs by $617-$1,115, based on low and high estimated 
costs, respectively, for each of the 12 different pieces of required 
gear and assuming the vessel does not already possess any of the 
required gear. Few actual vessels would be expected to have to incur 
the maximum cost, however, since most vessels are expected to already 
possess and use most of this gear or allowable substitutes. For-hire 
vessels that exclusively harvest fish through snorkeling or diving 
activities and do not possess hook-and-line gear on-board would not 
have to carry the required gear. For those vessels that needed to carry 
the gear, any costs would be one-time expenditures, subject to breakage 
or loss replacement.
    Three alternatives, including the status quo, were considered for 
the action to address the sale of snapper-grouper harvested under the 
bag limit. The proposed rule would prohibit the purchase and sale of 
bag-limit fish harvested from or possessed in the EEZ by vessels that 
did not possess the Federal commercial snapper-grouper permit, and bag-
limit fish harvested in either state or EEZ waters by vessels that 
possess the Federal charter vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic 
snapper-grouper. The first alternative, the status quo, would continue 
to allow the sale of snapper-grouper harvested under the bag limit, 
continue to allow the Federal commercial snapper-grouper quota to be 
harvested and sold by vessels that did not possess the Federal 
commercial snapper-grouper permit, continue increased commercial quota 
pressure and accelerated quota closures, result in continued adverse 
economic effects on the Federal commercial snapper-grouper sector, and 
not achieve the Council's objectives.
    The second alternative to the proposed prohibition of sales of 
snapper-grouper harvested under the bag limit would allow continued 
sales by vessels with a Federal for-hire snapper-grouper permit. While 
this would reduce the adverse economic effects on the Federal 
commercial snapper-grouper sector associated with the status quo, these 
effects would not be eliminated, thereby generating less net economic 
benefits for this sector and associated businesses than the proposed 
action.
    Four alternatives, including the status quo, were considered for 
the action to establish a program to monitor and assess bycatch. The 
proposed rule would require the use of a variety of bycatch monitoring 
methods, which include observers and use of an ELB or video monitoring 
program, until the Atlantic Coastal Cooperative Statistics Program 
(ACCSP) bycatch monitoring program can be implemented. The first 
alternative to the proposed program, the status quo, would only utilize 
existing information, would not improve current capabilities to monitor 
and assess bycatch, and would not achieve the Council's objectives. The 
second alternative to the proposed bycatch monitoring and assessment 
program would require the implementation of the ACCSP bycatch 
monitoring program. The ACCSP is a cooperative state-federal program 
whose mission is to design, implement, and conduct marine fisheries 
statistics data collection programs and to integrate those data into a 
single data management system that will meet the needs of fishery 
managers, scientists, and fishermen. The ACCSP design includes data 
modules for catch and effort data, permit and vessel registration, 
biological data, bycatch data, quota monitoring data, economic data, 
and sociological data. These modules are being implemented on a 
priority basis consistent with available funding. At this time, funding 
is not available for implementation of the bycatch data module. While 
this program would generate the best data in the shortest period of 
time, with accompanying social and economic benefits, the program lacks 
the flexibility of allowing interim methods until such time as the 
preferred methods can be funded and adopted. As a result, this 
alternative would not meet the Council's objectives. The overall cost 
to implement the ACCSP bycatch monitoring program has not been 
identified.
    The third alternative to the proposed bycatch monitoring and 
assessment program would implement a program that is less comprehensive 
than the proposed program. This program would require a variety of 
reporting and monitoring tools, including observers, logbooks, and 
video monitoring, among other methods, but would be less structured and 
systematic than the ACCSP program or the proposed program. The cost of 
this program is unknown. As a result of being less structured and 
systematic, however, this program would be expected to be less costly 
than the proposed program, but would also be expected to result in 
poorer data and generate fewer long-term benefits than the proposed 
program.
    Three alternatives, including the status quo, were considered for 
the action to establish sea turtle and smalltooth sawfish take impact 
minimization measures. The proposed rule would require a number of 
impact minimization measures, including the carrying of release 
equipment. The first alternative to the proposed equipment 
requirements, the status quo, would not achieve the desired take-impact 
minimization and would not meet the Council's objectives.
    The second alternative to the proposed equipment requirements would 
require the acquisition of less costly equipment (vessels with less 
than four feet of freeboard would be required to carry less release 
gear and vessels with more than four feet of freeboard would have more 
gear substitution options). However, these requirements would not be 
expected to result in the same reduction in bycatch impact minimization 
for these species and, as a result, would not be expected to result in 
as much protection for the species and net economic and social benefits 
for society.
    Three alternatives, including the status quo, were considered for 
the action to establish the permit renewal period. The proposed rule 
would allow

[[Page 31231]]

1 year after permit expiration for permit renewal. The first 
alternative to the proposed renewal period, the status quo, would 
retain the current 60-day renewal requirement and would not achieve the 
Council's objective of increasing permit renewal flexibility.
    The second alternative to the proposed renewal period would allow 6 
months after permit expiration for permit renewal. While this would add 
greater flexibility for permit renewal relative to the status quo, 
thereby reducing the likelihood of unintended permit loss and 
associated economic losses, this alternative would not be consistent 
with the permit renewal period of most other permits and would not be 
as flexible as the proposed action. Having common renewal periods makes 
it possible to renew all permits at the same time, decreases the burden 
associated with permit renewal, and decreases the possibility of 
unintended permit loss due to non-renewal.
    Seven alternatives, including the status quo, were considered for 
the action to establish options for transfer provisions for permits 
owned by corporations comprised of family members. The proposed rule 
would allow the transfer of the permit to a corporation comprised 
solely of immediate family members. Five of the alternatives are 
variations of the proposed action and vary by differences in required 
action if the proposed requirement for the submission of the annual 
corporate report includes shareholders not listed on the original 
permit application. The first alternative to the proposed 
transferability option, the status quo, would continue to require a 
two-for-one permit exchange in order for a permit holder to incorporate 
their business operation and change the ownership of the permit to the 
corporation. Current permit holders would be prevented from receiving 
the tax and other financial benefits of incorporation without incurring 
the added expense of purchasing a second snapper-grouper permit. 
Because this restriction was outside the scope of the Council's 
original intent for the two-for-one permit transfer requirement, 
maintaining the status quo would not achieve the Council's objectives.
    The second alternative to the proposed permit transferability 
option would treat the addition of family members as corporate 
shareholders the same as non-family members. Thus, once a permit is 
transferred to a corporation, renewal of the permit would not be 
restricted by change in shareholders. This alternative would allow the 
most liberal transfer flexibility but would not preserve the Council's 
intent to promote family-owned fishing businesses.
    The third alternative to the proposed permit transferability option 
would not allow a permit to be renewed and transferred if the annual 
corporate report showed a shareholder not listed on the original 
corporate documentation. This alternative would be the most restrictive 
of the sub-set of alternatives that allow family incorporation. Because 
this alternative would eliminate the flexibility to change corporate 
shareholders even among family members, this alternative would result 
in less economic benefits than the proposed action.
    The fourth alternative to the proposed permit transferability 
option would require a two-for-one transfer if the annual corporate 
report showed a shareholder not listed on the original corporate 
documentation. This requirement would increase the cost of transfer 
because of the cost of a second permit, estimated to cost between 
$9,000 and $21,000, and generate less net economic benefits than the 
proposed action.
    The fifth alternative to the proposed permit transferability option 
would require either a two-for-one transfer or a transfer back to 
person who is an immediate family member of the permit holder who 
originally transferred the permit to the family corporation if the 
annual corporate report showed a shareholder not listed on the original 
corporate documentation. This requirement would either increase the 
cost of transfer or eliminate the tax and financial benefits of 
incorporation and, thus, generate less net economic benefits than the 
proposed action.
    The sixth alternative to the proposed permit transferability option 
would eliminate the two-for-one permit transfer requirement. Permit 
holders would be able to transfer their permit to corporations, family 
owned or otherwise, and freely change shareholders without incurring 
the cost of obtaining an additional permit. While this would create the 
most flexible transfer conditions, it would eliminate the ability to 
reduce the size of the commercial snapper-grouper fleet through permit 
renewal requirements. While the optimal fleet size to maximize social 
and economic benefits to the nation has not been identified, the 
fishery is believed by the Council to still be overcapitalized and 
further contraction is necessary. Thus, this alternative would generate 
less net economic benefits than the proposed action.
    In addition to the actions discussed above, Amendment 15B 
considered alternatives to establish allocation ratios for snowy 
grouper and red porgy, and management reference points and stock status 
criteria for golden tilefish. These alternatives are discussed in the 
following paragraphs.
    Four alternatives, including the status quo, were considered for 
the action to set the snowy grouper allocation, which was necessary to 
establish the commercial quota and recreational allocation. The 
proposed action would set the allocation to the recreational sector 
equal to 5 percent, resulting in a commercial allocation of 95 percent 
and a recreational allocation of 5 percent. The first alternative to 
the proposed action, the status quo, would not establish commercial and 
recreational allocations. Because allocations are necessary to quantify 
the commercial quota, this alternative would not achieve the Council's 
objective.
    The second alternative to the proposed snowy grouper allocation 
would set the recreational allocation to 7 percent, while the third 
alternative would set the recreational allocation to 12 percent. Both 
alternatives would be expected to increase the economic benefits to the 
recreational sector while reducing the economic benefits to the 
commercial sector. Net economic benefits to the nation cannot be 
determined with available data. These alternatives were not selected as 
the proposed snowy grouper allocation because they were derived from 
shorter time periods than the proposed action, 1992-2005 and just 2005, 
respectively, compared to 1986-2005 for the proposed action, resulting 
in excessive influence of unrealistic spikes in recreational landings.
    Four alternatives, including the status quo, were considered for 
the action to set the red porgy allocation. The proposed action would 
set both the commercial and recreational allocations equal at 50 
percent. The status quo would not establish commercial and recreational 
allocations. Because allocations are necessary to quantify the 
commercial quota, this alternative would not achieve the Council's 
objective.
    The second alternative to the proposed red porgy allocation would 
set the recreational sector allocation to 32 percent, while the third 
alternative would set the recreational allocation to 56 percent. Each 
sector would be expected to receive increased or decreased economic 
benefits relative to the status quo as their allocation increased or 
decreased. Net benefits to the nation under any alternative cannot be 
quantified with available data. Neither of these alternatives were

[[Page 31232]]

selected as the preferred action since each would involve substantial 
changes from what the Council believes, based on advisory panel 
comment, is the most equitable allocation which is the average sector 
harvest from 1999-2003, or 49 percent commercial and 51 percent 
recreational. The proposed action varies from this allocation by only 
one percentage point, allocating 50 percent of the TAC to each sector. 
While not precisely matching the average 1999-2003 harvest, the Council 
believes that the proposed allocation equitably accounts for the 
increased value of red porgy to the recreational sector while reversing 
declines in commercial harvests due to previous regulatory action.
    Two alternatives, including the status quo, were considered for the 
action to specify MSY for golden tilefish. The proposed MSY is 
approximately 336,000 lb (152,407 kg) whole weight. The first 
alternative to the proposed MSY, the status quo, is likely an 
overestimate since the associated yield is approximately 736,000 lb 
(333,844 kg) whole weight and a harvest level this high has not been 
recorded since 1995, suggesting that the MSY is inappropriate for this 
resource. Allowing harvest at this level may lead to excessive 
exploitation, precipitating the imposition of restrictive management 
measures and reductions in economic and social benefits relative to the 
proposed action.
    Four alternatives, including the status quo, were considered for 
the action to specify OY for golden tilefish. The proposed OY is 
estimated at approximately 327,000 lb (148,325 kg) whole weight. 
Similar to the status quo MSY, the first alternative to the proposed 
OY, the status quo, is likely an overestimate and inappropriate for 
this resource since it is estimated at approximately 364,000 lb 
(165,108 kg) whole weight, which is greater than the proposed MSY. The 
second and third alternatives would establish OYs of approximately 
315,000 lb (142,882 kg) whole weight and approximately 333,000 lb 
(151,046 kg) whole weight, respectively and are, respectively, more and 
less conservative than the proposed action. The second alternative to 
the proposed OY is believed to be more conservative than necessary to 
protect the resource and would be expected to result in greater 
foregone economic benefits than the proposed action. Conversely, the 
third alternative to the proposed OY is believed to be insufficiently 
conservative to protect the resource. The proposed OY is believed to be 
the appropriate choice to minimize foregone economic benefits while 
protecting the resource.
    Three alternatives, including the status quo, were considered for 
the action to specify the MSST for golden tilefish. The proposed MSST 
would establish a value of approximately 1.454 million lb (0.660 
million kg) whole weight. The first alternative to the proposed MSST, 
the status quo, would establish an MSST of approximately 1.784 million 
lb (0.809 million kg) whole weight, would require the largest minimum 
stock size, and would increase the likelihood that the resource be 
declared overfished, necessitating harvest reductions and imposing 
short term adverse economic impacts. The second alternative to the 
proposed MSST would require the smallest minimum stock size of 
approximately 969,000 lb (439,531 kg) whole weight. While this 
specification would minimize, among the three alternatives, the 
likelihood of the stock being declared overfished, this stock level is 
believed to be insufficiently conservative to provide adequate 
protection to the resource. The proposed MSST specifies a minimum stock 
size intermediate to the other alternatives and is believed to be the 
appropriate choice to minimize the likelihood of triggering restrictive 
management while protecting the resource.
    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 (PRA), unless that collection of 
information displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) control number.
    This proposed rule contains collection-of-information requirements 
subject to the PRA applicable to vessels in the South Atlantic snapper-
grouper fishery--namely, requirements for: (1) submission of logbooks 
by private recreational vessels; (2) notification of vessel trips 
related to vessel observers; (3) preparation of vessel and gear 
characterization forms for vessels selected to participate in the ELB 
and video monitoring program; (4) installation of ELBs and data 
downloads; (5) installation of video monitors and data downloads; and 
(6) change of ownership of a vessel with a transferable commercial 
vessel permit.
    These requirements have been submitted to OMB for approval. The 
public reporting burdens for these collections of information are 
estimated to average--(1) 10 minutes for each logbook submission, (2) 4 
minutes for each notification of a vessel trip, (3) 20 minutes for each 
vessel and gear characterization form, (4) 31 minutes for each ELB 
installation and data download, (5) 8 hours for each video monitor 
installation and data download, and (6) 20 minutes for each change of 
ownership. These estimates of the public reporting burdens include the 
time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, 
gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing 
the collections of information. Public comment is sought regarding: 
whether these proposed collections of information are necessary for the 
proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether 
the information will have practical utility; the accuracy of the burden 
estimates; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the 
collections of information, including through the use of automated 
collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Send 
comments regarding the burden estimates or any other aspect of the 
collection-of-information requirements, including suggestions for 
reducing the burden, to NMFS and to OMB (see ADDRESSES).

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 622

    Fisheries, Fishing, Puerto Rico, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Virgin Islands.

    Dated: June 24, 2009.
John Oliver,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Operations, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
    For the reasons set out in the preamble, 50 CFR part 622 is 
proposed to be amended as follows:

PART 622--FISHERIES OF THE CARIBBEAN, GULF, AND SOUTH ATLANTIC

    1. The authority citation for part 622 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    2. In Sec.  622.2, the definition of ``Smalltooth sawfish'' is 
added in alphabetical order to read as follows:


Sec.  622.2  Definitions and acronyms.

* * * * *
    Smalltooth sawfish means the species Pristis pectinata, or a part 
thereof.
* * * * *
    3. In Sec.  622.5, paragraphs (a)(1)(iv), (b)(1), and (b)(2) are 
revised and paragraph (g) is added to read as follows:


Sec.  622.5  Recordkeeping and reporting.

* * * * *

[[Page 31233]]

    (a) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (iv) South Atlantic snapper-grouper--(A) General reporting 
requirements. The owner or operator of a vessel for which a commercial 
permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper has been issued, as required 
under Sec.  622.4(a)(2)(vi), or whose vessel fishes for or lands South 
Atlantic snapper-grouper in or from state waters adjoining the South 
Atlantic EEZ, who is selected to report by the SRD must maintain a 
fishing record on a form available from the SRD and must submit such 
record as specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this section.
    (B) Electronic logbook/video monitoring reporting. The owner or 
operator of a vessel for which a commercial permit for South Atlantic 
snapper-grouper has been issued, as required under Sec.  
622.4(a)(2)(vi), who is selected to report by the SRD must participate 
in the NMFS-sponsored electronic logbook and/or video monitoring 
reporting program as directed by the SRD. Compliance with the reporting 
requirements of this paragraph (a)(1)(iv)(B) is required for permit 
renewal.
    (C) Wreckfish reporting. The wreckfish shareholder under Sec.  
622.15, or operator of a vessel for which a commercial permit for 
wreckfish has been issued, as required under Sec.  622.4(a)(2)(vii), 
must--
    (1) Maintain a fishing record on a form available from the SRD and 
must submit such record as specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this 
section.
    (2) Make available to an authorized officer upon request all 
records of offloadings, purchases, or sales of wreckfish.
* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) Coastal migratory pelagic fish, reef fish, snapper-grouper, and 
Atlantic dolphin and wahoo--(i) General reporting requirement. The 
owner or operator of a vessel for which a charter vessel/headboat 
permit for Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fish, South Atlantic coastal 
migratory pelagic fish, Gulf reef fish, South Atlantic snapper-grouper, 
or Atlantic dolphin and wahoo has been issued, as required under Sec.  
622.4(a)(1), or whose vessel fishes for or lands such coastal migratory 
pelagic fish, reef fish, snapper-grouper, or Atlantic dolphin or wahoo 
in or from state waters adjoining the applicable Gulf, South Atlantic, 
or Atlantic EEZ, who is selected to report by the SRD must maintain a 
fishing record for each trip, or a portion of such trips as specified 
by the SRD, on forms provided by the SRD and must submit such record as 
specified in paragraph (b)(2) of this section.
    (ii) Electronic logbook/video monitoring reporting. The owner or 
operator of a vessel for which a charter vessel/headboat permit for 
South Atlantic snapper-grouper has been issued, as required under Sec.  
622.4(a)(1), who is selected to report by the SRD must participate in 
the NMFS-sponsored electronic logbook and/or video monitoring reporting 
program as directed by the SRD. Compliance with the reporting 
requirements of this paragraph (b)(1)(ii) is required for permit 
renewal.
    (2) Reporting deadlines--(i) Charter vessels. Completed fishing 
records required by paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section for charter 
vessels must be submitted to the SRD weekly, postmarked not later than 
7 days after the end of each week (Sunday). Information to be reported 
is indicated on the form and its accompanying instructions.
    (ii) Headboats. Completed fishing records required by paragraph 
(b)(1)(i) of this section for headboats must be submitted to the SRD 
monthly and must either be made available to an authorized statistical 
reporting agent or be postmarked not later than 7 days after the end of 
each month. Information to be reported is indicated on the form and its 
accompanying instructions.
* * * * *
    (g) Private recreational vessels in the South Atlantic snapper-
grouper fishery. The owner or operator of a vessel that fishes for or 
lands South Atlantic snapper-grouper in or from the South Atlantic EEZ 
who is selected to report by the SRD must--
    (1) Maintain a fishing record for each trip, or a portion of such 
trips as specified by the SRD, on forms provided by the SRD. Completed 
fishing records must be submitted to the SRD monthly and must either be 
made available to an authorized statistical reporting agent or be 
postmarked not later than 7 days after the end of each month. 
Information to be reported is indicated on the form and its 
accompanying instructions.
    (2) Participate in the NMFS-sponsored electronic logbook and/or 
video monitoring reporting program as directed by the SRD.
    4. In Sec.  622.7, paragraph (d) is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  622.7  Prohibitions.

* * * * *
    (d) Falsify or fail to maintain, submit, or provide information or 
fail to comply with inspection requirements or restrictions, as 
specified in Sec.  622.5.
* * * * *
    5. In Sec.  622.8, paragraph (a)(6) is added to read as follows:


Sec.  622.8  At-sea observer coverage.

    (a) * * *
    (6) South Atlantic snapper-grouper. (i) A vessel for which a 
Federal commercial vessel permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper or 
a charter vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper has 
been issued must carry a NMFS-approved observer, if the vessel's trip 
is selected by the SRD for observer coverage. Vessel permit renewal is 
contingent upon compliance with this paragraph (a)(6)(i).
    (ii) Any other vessel that fishes for South Atlantic snapper-
grouper in the South Atlantic EEZ must carry a NMFS-approved observer, 
if the vessel's trip is selected by the SRD for observer coverage.
* * * * *
    6. In Sec.  622.10, paragraph (b)(1) is revised and paragraph (c) 
is added to read as follows:


Sec.  622.10  Conservation measures for protected resources.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) Sea turtle conservation measures. (i) The owner or operator of 
a vessel for which a commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef fish or a 
charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf reef fish has been issued, as 
required under Sec. Sec.  622.4(a)(2)(v) and 622.4(a)(1)(i), 
respectively, must post inside the wheelhouse, or within a waterproof 
case if no wheelhouse, a copy of the document provided by NMFS titled, 
``Careful Release Protocols for Sea Turtle Release With Minimal 
Injury,'' and must post inside the wheelhouse, or in an easily viewable 
area if no wheelhouse, the sea turtle handling and release guidelines 
provided by NMFS.
    (ii) Such owner or operator must also comply with the sea turtle 
bycatch mitigation measures, including gear requirements and sea turtle 
handling requirements, specified in Sec. Sec.  635.21(c)(5)(i) and (ii) 
of this chapter, respectively.
    (iii) Those permitted vessels with a freeboard height of 4 ft (1.2 
m) or less must have on board a dipnet, tire, short-handled dehooker, 
long-nose or needle-nose pliers, bolt cutters, monofilament line 
cutters, and at least two types of mouth openers/mouth gags. This 
equipment must meet the specifications described in Sec. Sec.  
635.21(c)(5)(i)(E) through (L) of this chapter with the following 
modifications: the dipnet handle can be of variable length, only one 
NMFS-approved short-handled dehooker is required (i.e.,

[[Page 31234]]

Sec.  635.21(c)(5)(i)(G) or (H) of this chapter); and life rings, seat 
cushions, life jackets, and life vests or any other comparable, 
cushioned, elevated surface that allows boated sea turtles to be 
immobilized, may be used as alternatives to tires for cushioned 
surfaces as specified in Sec.  635.21(c)(5)(i)(F) of this chapter. 
Those permitted vessels with a freeboard height of greater than 4 ft 
(1.2 m) must have on board a dipnet, tire, long-handled line clipper, a 
short-handled and a long-handled dehooker, a long-handled device to 
pull an inverted ``V'', long-nose or needle-nose pliers, bolt cutters, 
monofilament line cutters, and at least two types of mouth openers/
mouth gags. This equipment must meet the specifications described in 
Sec.  635.21(c)(5)(i)(A) through (L) of this chapter with the following 
modifications: only one NMFS-approved long-handled dehooker (Sec.  
635.21(c)(5)(i)(B) or (C)) of this chapter and one NMFS-approved short-
handled dehooker (Sec.  635.21(c)(5)(i)(G) or (H) of this chapter) are 
required; and life rings, seat cushions, life jackets, and life vests, 
or any other comparable, cushioned, elevated surface that allows boated 
sea turtles to be immobilized, may be used as alternatives for 
cushioned surfaces as specified in Sec.  635.21(c)(5)(i)(F) of this 
chapter.
* * * * *
    (c) South Atlantic snapper-grouper commercial vessels and charter 
vessels/headboats--(1) Sea turtle conservation measures. (i) The owner 
or operator of a vessel for which a commercial vessel permit for South 
Atlantic snapper-grouper or a charter vessel/headboat permit for South 
Atlantic snapper-grouper has been issued, as required under Sec. Sec.  
622.4(a)(2)(vi) and 622.4(a)(1)(i), respectively, and whose vessel has 
on board any hook-and-line gear, must post inside the wheelhouse, or 
within a waterproof case if no wheelhouse, a copy of the document 
provided by NMFS titled, ``Careful Release Protocols for Sea Turtle 
Release With Minimal Injury,'' and must post inside the wheelhouse, or 
in an easily viewable area if no wheelhouse, the sea turtle handling 
and release guidelines provided by NMFS.
    (ii) Such owner or operator must also comply with the sea turtle 
bycatch mitigation measures, including gear requirements and sea turtle 
handling requirements, specified in Sec.  635.21(c)(5)(i) and (ii) of 
this chapter, respectively.
    (iii) The required gear must meet the specifications described in 
Sec.  635.21(c)(5)(i)(A) through (L) of this chapter with the following 
modifications: only one NMFS-approved long-handled dehooker (Sec.  
635.21(c)(5)(i)(B) or (C) of this chapter) and one NMFS-approved short-
handled dehooker (Sec.  635.21(c)(5)(i)(G) or (H) of this chapter) are 
required; and life rings, seat cushions, life jackets, life vests, or 
any other comparable, cushioned, elevated surface that allows boated 
sea turtles to be immobilized, may be used as alternatives to tires for 
cushioned surfaces as specified in Sec.  635.21(c)(5)(i)(F) of this 
chapter.
    (2) Smalltooth sawfish conservation measures. The owner or operator 
of a vessel for which a commercial vessel permit for South Atlantic 
snapper-grouper or a charter vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic 
snapper-grouper has been issued, as required under Sec. Sec.  
622.4(a)(2)(vi) and 622.4(a)(1)(i), respectively, that incidentally 
catches a smalltooth sawfish must--
    (i) Keep the sawfish in the water at all times;
    (ii) If it can be done safely, untangle the line if it is wrapped 
around the saw;
    (iii) Cut the line as close to the hook as possible; and
    (iv) Not handle the animal or attempt to remove any hooks on the 
saw, except with a long-handled dehooker.
Sec.  622.15 [Amended]
    7. In Sec.  622.15, in paragraphs (c)(4)(iii) and (c)(5) remove 
cross references to ``Sec.  622.5(a)(1)(iv)(B)'' and add in its place 
the cross reference ``Sec.  622.5(a)(1)(iv)(C)(1)''.
    8. In Sec.  622.18, paragraphs (b)(1)(ii) and (c) are revised to 
read as follows:


Sec.  622.18  South Atlantic snapper-grouper limited access.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (ii) A transferable permit may be transferred upon a change of 
ownership of a permitted vessel with such permit--
    (A) From one to another of the following: husband, wife, son, 
daughter, brother, sister, mother, or father; or
    (B) From an individual to a corporation whose shares are all held 
by the individual or by the individual and one or more of the 
following: husband, wife, son, daughter, brother, sister, mother, or 
father. The application for transfer of a permit under this paragraph 
(b)(1)(ii)(B) and each application for renewal of such permit must be 
accompanied by a current annual report of the corporation that 
specifies all shareholders of the corporation. A permit will not be 
renewed if the annual report shows a new shareholder other than a 
husband, wife, son, daughter, brother, sister, mother, or father.
* * * * *
    (c) Renewal. NMFS will not reissue a commercial vessel permit for 
South Atlantic snapper-grouper if the permit is revoked or if the RA 
does not receive an application for renewal within one year of the 
permit's expiration date.
    9. In Sec.  622.42, paragraphs (e)(1) and (e)(6) are revised to 
read as follows:


Sec.  622.42  Quotas.

* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (1) Snowy grouper. (i) For the fishing year that commences January 
1, 2008--84,000 lb (38,102 kg).
    (ii) For the fishing year that commences January 1, 2009, and for 
subsequent fishing years--82,900 lb (37,603 kg).
* * * * *
    (6) Red porgy. (i) For the fishing year that commences January 1, 
2008--127,000 lb (57,606 kg).
    (ii) For the fishing year that commences January 1, 2009, and for 
subsequent fishing years-190,050 lb (86,205 kg).
* * * * *
    10. In Sec.  622.44, paragraph (c)(3) is revised to read as 
follows:


Sec.  622.44  Commercial trip limits.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (3) Snowy grouper. (i) Until the quota specified in Sec.  
622.42(e)(1) is reached--100 lb (45 kg).
    (ii) See Sec.  622.43(a)(5) for the limitations regarding snowy 
grouper after the fishing year quota is reached.
* * * * *
    11. In Sec.  622.45, paragraph (d) is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  622.45  Restrictions on sale/purchase.

* * * * *
    (d) South Atlantic snapper-grouper. (1) A South Atlantic snapper-
grouper harvested or possessed in the EEZ on board a vessel that does 
not have a valid commercial permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper, 
as required under Sec.  622.4(a)(2)(vi), or a South Atlantic snapper-
grouper harvested in the EEZ and possessed under the bag limits 
specified in Sec.  622.39(d), may not be sold or purchased. In 
addition, a South Atlantic snapper-grouper harvested or possessed by a 
vessel that is operating as a charter vessel or headboat with a Federal 
charter vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper may 
not be sold or purchased regardless of where harvested, i.e., in state 
or Federal waters.

[[Page 31235]]

    (2) A person may sell South Atlantic snapper-grouper harvested in 
the EEZ only to a dealer who has a valid permit for South Atlantic 
snapper-grouper, as required under Sec.  622.4(a)(4).
    (3) A person may purchase South Atlantic snapper-grouper harvested 
in the EEZ only from a vessel that has a valid commercial permit for 
South Atlantic snapper-grouper, as required under Sec.  
622.4(a)(2)(vi).
    (4) A warsaw grouper or speckled hind in or from the South Atlantic 
EEZ may not be sold or purchased.
    (5) No person may sell or purchase a snowy grouper, golden 
tilefish, greater amberjack, vermilion snapper, black sea bass, or red 
porgy harvested from or possessed in the South Atlantic, i.e., in state 
or Federal waters, by a vessel for which a valid Federal commercial 
permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper has been issued for the 
remainder of the fishing year after the applicable commercial quota for 
that species specified in Sec.  622.42(e) has been reached. The 
prohibition on sale/purchase during these periods does not apply to 
such of the applicable species that were harvested, landed ashore, and 
sold prior to the applicable commercial quota being reached and were 
held in cold storage by a dealer or processor.
    (6) During January, February, March, and April, no person may sell 
or purchase a red porgy harvested from the South Atlantic EEZ or, if 
harvested by a vessel for which a valid Federal commercial permit for 
South Atlantic snapper-grouper has been issued, harvested from the 
South Atlantic, i.e., in state or Federal waters. The prohibition on 
sale/purchase during January through April does not apply to red porgy 
that were harvested, landed ashore, and sold prior to January 1 and 
were held in cold storage by a dealer or processor. This prohibition 
also does not apply to a dealer's purchase or sale of red porgy 
harvested from an area other than the South Atlantic, provided such 
fish is accompanied by documentation of harvest outside the South 
Atlantic. The requirements for such documentation are specified in 
paragraph (d)(9) of this section.
    (7) During April, no person may sell or purchase a greater 
amberjack harvested from the South Atlantic EEZ or, if harvested by a 
vessel for which a valid Federal commercial permit for South Atlantic 
snapper-grouper has been issued, harvested from the South Atlantic, 
i.e., in state or Federal waters. The prohibition on sale/purchase 
during April does not apply to greater amberjack that were harvested, 
landed ashore, and sold prior to April 1 and were held in cold storage 
by a dealer or processor. This prohibition also does not apply to a 
dealer's purchase or sale of greater amberjack harvested from an area 
other than the South Atlantic, provided such fish is accompanied by 
documentation of harvest outside the South Atlantic. The requirements 
for such documentation are specified in paragraph (d)(9) of this 
section.
    (8) During January through April, no person may sell or purchase a 
gag, black grouper, red grouper, scamp, red hind, rock hind, 
yellowmouth grouper, tiger grouper, yellowfin grouper, graysby, or 
coney harvested from or possessed in the South Atlantic EEZ or, if 
harvested or possessed by a vessel for which a valid Federal commercial 
permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper has been issued, harvested 
from the South Atlantic, i.e., in state or Federal waters. The 
prohibition on sale/purchase during January through April does not 
apply to such species that were harvested, landed ashore, and sold 
prior to January 1 and were held in cold storage by a dealer or 
processor. This prohibition also does not apply to a dealer's purchase 
or sale of such species harvested from an area other than the South 
Atlantic, provided such fish is accompanied by documentation of harvest 
outside the South Atlantic. The requirements for such documentation are 
specified in paragraph (d)(9) of this section.
    (9) The documentation supporting a dealer's purchase or sale of 
applicable species during the times specified in paragraphs (d)(6) 
through (d)(8) of this section must contain:
    (i) The information specified in part 300, subpart K, of this title 
for marking containers or packages of fish or wildlife that are 
imported, exported, or transported in interstate commerce;
    (ii) The official number, name, and home port of the vessel 
harvesting the applicable species;
    (iii) The port and date of offloading from the vessel harvesting 
the applicable species; and
    (iv) A statement signed by the dealer attesting that the applicable 
species was harvested from an area other than the South Atlantic.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. E9-15465 Filed 6-29-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S