[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 53 (Thursday, March 19, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 14345-14356]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-06272]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 229

[Docket No. 150122067-5229-01]
RIN 0648-BE83


Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Commercial Fishing 
Operations; Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan Regulations

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

ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: NMFS proposes to amend the regulations implementing the 
Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan. This action proposes to 
change the minimum number of traps per trawl to allow fishing with a 
single trap in certain Massachusetts and Rhode Island state

[[Page 14346]]

waters; and proposes to modify the requirement to use one endline on 
trawls within certain areas in Massachusetts state waters. NMFS also 
proposes a \1/4\ mile buffer in waters surrounding certain islands in 
Maine to allow fishing with a single trap. In addition, NMFS proposes 
additional gear marking requirements for those waters allowing single 
traps as well as two new high use areas for humpback whales (Megaptera 
novaeangliae) and North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis).

DATES: Submit comments on or before April 20, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this document, identified by 
NOAA-NMFS-2015-0127, by either of the following methods:
     Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public 
comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal
    1. Go to www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2015-0127,
    2. Click the ``Comment Now!'' icon, complete the required fields,
    3. Enter or attach your comments.
     Mail: Submit written comments to Kim Damon-Randall, 
Assistant Regional Administrator for Protected Resources, NMFS Greater 
Atlantic Region, 55 Great Republic Dr., Gloucester, MA 01930, Attn: 
Large Whale Proposed Rule.
    Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other 
address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, 
may not be considered by NMFS. All comments received are a part of the 
public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on 
www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying 
information (e.g., name, address, etc.), confidential business 
information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily 
by the sender will be publicly accessible. NMFS will accept anonymous 
comments (enter ``N/A'' in the required fields if you wish to remain 
anonymous).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kate Swails, NMFS Greater Atlantic 
Regional Fisheries Office, 978-282-8481, [email protected]; or, 
Kristy Long, NMFS Office of Protected Resources, 206-526-4792, 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Electronic Access

    Several of the background documents for the Plan and the take 
reduction planning process can be downloaded from the Plan Web site at 
http://www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/protected/whaletrp/index.html. The complete text of the regulations implementing the Plan 
can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 50 CFR 229.32 
or downloaded from the Web site, along with a guide to the regulations. 
The draft Environmental Assessment for this action is also available 
online.

Background

    NMFS published an amendment to the Atlantic Large Whale Take 
Reduction Plan (Plan) on June 27, 2014 (79 FR 36586) to address large 
whale entanglement risks associated with vertical line (or buoy lines) 
from commercial trap/pot fisheries. This amendment included gear 
modifications, gear setting requirements, a seasonal closure 
(Massachusetts Restricted Area) and gear marking for both the trap/pot 
and the gillnet fisheries.
    In consultation with the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team 
(Team), we developed protocols for considering modifications or 
exemptions to the regulations implementing the Plan. Following these 
protocols, on August 18, 2014, the Massachusetts Division of Marine 
Fisheries (DMF) submitted a proposal to modify the Massachusetts Bay 
Restricted Area and exempted several areas from the gear setting 
requirements to address safety and economic concerns raised by their 
industry members.
    The DMF proposal adequately addressed the protocols and criteria 
established by the Team for considering modifications or exemptions to 
the Plan's regulations enabling us to consult with the Team. We decided 
to address the modifications to the Massachusetts Restricted Area and 
the exemption of the minimum number of traps per trawl requirements 
separately, beginning with the Massachusetts Restricted Area. After 
discussions with the Team, NMFS published an amendment to the Plan on 
December 12, 2014 (79 FR 73848) changing the timing and size of the 
Massachusetts Restricted Area.
    Along with the DMF proposal we also received proposals from other 
state partners requesting certain waters be exempt from the minimum 
number of traps per trawl requirements due to safety concerns. The 
conservation members of the Team also submitted a proposal in an effort 
to offset this potential increase in vertical lines should NMFS approve 
the proposed state exemptions. NMFS convened the team in January 2015 
to discuss these proposals. At the conclusion of the January meeting, 
the Team, by near consensus, recommended that we amend the Plan as 
proposed by the states. The Team also recommended that the current gear 
marking scheme be updated to include unique marks for those fishing 
singles in the proposed exempted areas and a unique mark for both 
gillnets and trap/pots fished in Jeffreys Ledge and Jordan Basin. This 
recommendation forms the basis for the proposed alternative described 
below.

Changes Proposed to the Plan for Trap/Pot Gear

    This action proposes to exempt Rhode Island state waters and 
portions of Massachusetts state waters from the minimum number of traps 
per trawl requirement and allow singles to be fished in certain state 
waters (see Figures 1 and 2, respectively). This exemption is based on 
safety and financial concerns raised by the industry. In addition, in 
Rhode Island state waters and portions of Massachusetts state waters 
(particularly in Southern Massachusetts waters) the co-occurrence of 
fishing effort and whale distribution is minimal. According to DMF 
along the Outer Cape there are dynamic tides and featureless substrate 
that dictate the use of single traps in this area. Massachusetts also 
has a student lobster permit that allows for permit holders to fish 
alone and with small boats. Single traps are used in this fishery and 
other inshore waters as a matter of safety.
    In addition, those fishing in all Massachusetts state waters would 
be required to have one endline for trawls less than and equal to three 
traps. The current requirement of one endline for trawls less than or 
equal to five traps remains in place in all other management areas. 
Larger trawls (i.e., > 5 traps/pots) will not be required to have only 
one endline.
    An exemption from the minimum number of traps per trawl requirement 
is also proposed for a \1/4\ mile buffer in waters surrounding the 
following islands in Maine--Matinicus Island Group (Metinic, Small 
Green, Large Green, Seal, and Wooden Ball) and Isle of Shoals Island 
Group (Duck, Appledore, Cedar, and Smuttynose).
    Boats within this \1/4\ mile buffer would be allowed to continue 
fishing single traps rather than multiple trap trawls due to safety 
issues since these waters are generally less than 30 fathoms deep with 
rocky edges and boats fishing close to shore areas are usually small. A 
similar exemption for the inhabited islands of Monhegan, Matinicus, and 
Ragged Islands was established in the June 2014 rule. The proposed 
islands in this rule have the same bottom habitat as the previously 
exempt islands and many residents from many island

[[Page 14347]]

communities fish around these islands. Similarly, the New Hampshire 
side of the Isle of Shoals group was also exempt from the minimum 
number of traps per trawl requirement in the June 2014 rule. Allowing 
the islands in the chain that fall on the Maine side of the border to 
have the same exemption would provide parity to fishermen using islands 
on both sides of the border. Maine Department of Marine Resources (ME 
DMR) estimates that the fishing effort within the proposed buffer areas 
is small (0.3% of total vertical lines in the Northeast), consists of 
around 20 fishermen and has peak use in the summer months. In addition, 
ME DMR is pursuing funding for aerial surveys that would determine the 
use of marine mammals in these coastal areas as well as document the 
gear density.

Changes Proposed to the Plan for Gear Marking

    This action proposes to implement a gear marking scheme that builds 
off the current color combinations and the size and frequency of the 
current gear marking requirements. In an effort to learn if 
entanglements occur in these newly exempted areas, this action proposes 
to add a unique gear mark to those single vertical lines fished in the 
exempted areas of Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Matinicus Island 
Group, Maine. Also, this action proposes unique trap/pot and gillnet 
gear marking in two important high use areas for both humpback and 
right whales--Jeffreys Ledge (Figure 3) and Jordan Basin (Figure 4). 
The mark must equal 12-inches (30.5 cm) in length and buoy lines must 
be marked three times (top, middle, bottom) with the appropriate unique 
color combination for that area.
    NMFS proposes a phased-in implementation of the new gear marking. 
Industry would have 30 days from publication of the final rule to mark 
gear fished in the newly exempted areas and 90 days from publication of 
the final rule to mark gear in Jeffreys Ledge and Jordan Basin areas.

Classification

    This proposed rule has been determined to be not significant for 
the purposes of Executive Order 12866. This proposed rule contains 
collection of information requirements subject to the Paperwork 
Reduction Act (PRA), specifically, the marking of fishing gear. The 
collection of information requirement was approved by OMB under control 
number (0648-0364). Public comment is sought regarding whether this 
proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper 
performance and function of the agency, including: The practical 
utility of the information; the accuracy of the burden estimate; the 
opportunities to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and the ways to minimize the burden of the 
collection of information, including the use of automated collection 
techniques or other forms of information technology. Send comments 
regarding this burden estimate, or any other aspect of this data 
collection, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to NMFS (see 
ADDRESSES) and by email to [email protected], or fax to (202) 
395-7285.
    This revision to the collection of information requirement applies 
to a total of 399 vessels. The estimated number of vessels affected by 
the overall gear marking provisions in the Plan is 4,008. The estimated 
number of those vessels affected only by the proposed amendment is 399. 
Model vessel types were developed for gillnet fisheries, lobster trap/
pot fisheries, and other trap/pot fisheries. Total burden hours for all 
affected vessels in the Plan are 35,571 hours over three years or 
11,857 hours per year. Total cost burden for all affected vessels in 
the Plan is $24,758 over three years or $8,253 per year. The total cost 
burden for those vessels affected by the proposed amendment is $3,450 
over three years or $1,150 per year. For more information, please see 
the PRA submission associated with this rulemaking.
    Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is 
required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty 
for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the PRA, unless that collection of information displays 
a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Control Number.
    As required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act, NMFS prepared an 
initial regulatory flexibility analysis (IRFA) for this proposed rule; 
a summary of the IRFA follows.
    A description of the reasons why this action is being considered, 
its objectives, and the legal basis for this proposed action can be 
found in the Summary section and earlier in the Supplementary 
Information section of this proposed rule, and are not repeated here. 
This proposed rule would not duplicate, overlap, or conflict with any 
other federal rules.
    The small entities affected by this proposed rule are commercial 
gillnet and trap/pot fishermen. The geographic range of the proposed 
rule is the Northeast Atlantic waters. By changing the minimum number 
of traps per trawl requirement to allow singles, in the lobster trap/
pot fishery, there are potentially 182 vessels that would be affected. 
Additionally, in the other trap/pot fisheries, there are potentially 
123 vessels that would be affected. All vessels are assumed to be small 
entities within the meaning of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    Alternatives were evaluated using model vessels, each of which 
represents a group of vessels that share similar operating 
characteristics and would face similar requirements under a given 
regulatory alternative. Both an upper and lower bound of annual 
economic savings for lobster and other trap/pot were analyzed. A 
summary of analysis describing the potential range of savings resulting 
from allowing singles to be fished follows:
    1. NMFS considered a ``no action'' or status quo alternative 
(Alternative 1) that would result in no changes to the current measures 
under the Plan and, as such, would result in no additional economic 
effects on the fishing industry.
    2. Alternative 2 would modify the Plan by allowing the use of 
single traps in Rhode Island state waters, in most Massachusetts state 
waters, and some waters around Maine Islands. This change would 
constitute an exemption to the minimum two-trap-per-trawl requirement 
specified for these areas under the 2014 vertical line rulemaking. 
Those who until now have fished singles in these areas would avoid the 
costs associated with converting their gear from singles to doubles, 
and would also avoid other possible costs, such as a loss in revenue 
due to a reduction in catch. The proposed action also revises gear 
marking requirements that would apply to vessels fishing in waters that 
would be exempt from trawling requirements, as well as to vessels 
fishing in two additional regions (Jordan Basin and Jeffreys Ledge). 
The changes would require the use of colors that would differentiate 
gear set in these areas from gear fished in other waters. NMFS has 
determined, however, that the marking requirements would introduce 
minimal additional burden for the affected vessels; thus, a substantial 
increase in compliance costs is unlikely. The proposed rule does not 
include any other reporting, recordkeeping, or compliance requirements.
    Overall, the economic impacts of the preferred alternative results 
in a vessel cost savings that would equal or range from $163,200 to 
$345,700 for lobster trap/pot vessels and $257,000 to $512,500 for 
other trap/pot vessels when compared to the no action

[[Page 14348]]

alternative, resulting in a largely positive impact.
    NMFS has determined that this action is consistent to the maximum 
extent practicable with the approved coastal management programs of 
Massachusetts. This determination was submitted for review by the 
responsible state agency under section 307 of the Coastal Zone 
Management Act.
    This proposed rule contains policies with federalism implications 
as that term is defined in Executive Order 13132. Accordingly, the 
Assistant Secretary for Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs will 
provide notice of the proposed action to the appropriate official(s) of 
affected state, local, and/or tribal governments.
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

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BILLING CODE 3510-22-C

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 229

    Administrative practice and procedure, Confidential business 
information, Fisheries, Marine mammals, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

    Dated: March 12, 2015.
Samuel D. Rauch III,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.

    For the reasons set out in the preamble, 50 CFR part 229 is 
proposed to be amended to read as follows:

PART 229--AUTHORIZATION FOR COMMERCIAL FISHERIES UNDER THE MARINE 
MAMMAL PROTECTION ACT OF 1972

0
1. The authority citation for 50 CFR part 229 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority:  16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.; Sec.  229.32(f) also issued 
under 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.

0
2. In Sec.  229.32, paragraphs (a)(3)(iii), and (a)(6), and (b) are 
revised to read as follows:


Sec.  229.32  Atlantic large whale take reduction plan regulations.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (3) Exempted waters. (i) The regulations in this section do not 
apply to waters landward of the 72 COLREGS demarcation lines 
(International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972), as 
depicted or noted on nautical charts published by the National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration (Coast Charts 1:80,000 scale), and as 
described in 33 CFR part 80 with the exception of the COLREGS lines for 
Casco Bay (Maine), Portsmouth Harbor (New Hampshire), Gardiners Bay and 
Long Island Sound (New York), and the state of Massachusetts.
    (ii) Other exempted waters.

Maine

    The regulations in this section do not apply to waters landward of 
a line connecting the following points (Quoddy Narrows/US-Canada border 
to Odiornes Pt., Portsmouth, New Hampshire):

44[deg]49.67' N. lat., 66[deg]57.77' W. long. (R N ``2'', Quoddy 
Narrows)
44[deg]48.64' N. lat., 66[deg]56.43' W. long. (G ``1'' Whistle, West 
Quoddy Head)
44[deg]47.36' N. lat., 66[deg]59.25' W. long. (R N ``2'', Morton Ledge)
44[deg]45.51' N. lat., 67[deg]02.87' W. long. (R ``28M'' Whistle, 
Baileys Mistake)
44[deg]37.70' N. lat., 67[deg]09.75' W. long. (Obstruction, Southeast 
of Cutler)
44[deg]27.77' N. lat., 67[deg]32.86' W. long. (Freeman Rock, East of 
Great Wass Island)
44[deg]25.74' N. lat., 67[deg]38.39' W. long. (R ``2SR'' Bell, Seahorse 
Rock, West of Great Wass Island)
44[deg]21.66' N. lat., 67[deg]51.78' W. long. (R N ``2'', Petit Manan 
Island)
44[deg]19.08' N. lat., 68[deg]02.05' W. long. (R ``2S'' Bell, Schoodic 
Island)
44[deg]13.55' N. lat., 68[deg]10.71' W. long. (R ``8BI'' Whistle, Baker 
Island)
44[deg]08.36' N. lat., 68[deg]14.75' W. long. (Southern Point, Great 
Duck Island)
43[deg]59.36' N. lat., 68[deg]37.95' W. long. (R ``2'' Bell, Roaring 
Bull Ledge, Isle Au Haut)
43[deg]59.83' N. lat., 68[deg]50.06' W. long. (R ``2A'' Bell, Old Horse 
Ledge)
43[deg]56.72' N. lat., 69[deg]04.89' W. long. (G ``5TB'' Bell, Two Bush 
Channel)
43[deg]50.28' N. lat., 69[deg]18.86' W. long. (R ``2 OM'' Whistle, Old 
Man Ledge)
43[deg]48.96' N. lat., 69[deg]31.15' W. long. (GR C ``PL'', Pemaquid 
Ledge)
43[deg]43.64' N. lat., 69[deg]37.58' W. long. (R ``2BR'' Bell, Bantam 
Rock)
43[deg]41.44' N. lat., 69[deg]45.27' W. long. (R ``20ML'' Bell, Mile 
Ledge)
43[deg]36.04' N. lat., 70[deg]03.98' W. long. (RG N ``BS'', Bulwark 
Shoal)
43[deg]31.94' N. lat., 70[deg]08.68' W. long. (G ``1'', East Hue and 
Cry)
43[deg]27.63' N. lat., 70[deg]17.48' W. long. (RW ``WI'' Whistle, Wood 
Island)
43[deg]20.23' N. lat., 70[deg]23.64' W. long. (RW ``CP'' Whistle, Cape 
Porpoise)
43[deg]04.06' N. lat., 70[deg]36.70' W. long. (R N ``2MR'', Murray 
Rock)
43[deg]02.93' N. lat., 70[deg]41.47' W. long. (R ``2KR'' Whistle, 
Kittery Point)
43[deg]02.55' N. lat., 70[deg]43.33' W. long. (Odiornes Pt., 
Portsmouth, New Hampshire)

New Hampshire

    New Hampshire state waters are exempt from the minimum number of 
traps per trawl requirement in paragraph (c)(2)(iii) of this section. 
Harbor waters landward of the following lines are exempt from all the 
regulations in this section.

A line from 42[deg]53.691' N. lat., 70[deg]48.516' W. long. to 
42[deg]53.516' N. lat., 70[deg]48.748' W. long. (Hampton Harbor)
A line from 42[deg]59.986' N. lat., 70[deg]44.654' W. long. to 
42[deg]59.956' N., 70[deg]44.737' W. long. (Rye Harbor)

Rhode Island

    Rhode Island state waters are exempt from the minimum number of 
traps per trawl requirement in paragraph (c)(2)(iii) of this section. 
Harbor waters landward of the following lines are exempt from all the 
regulations in this section.

A line from 41[deg]22.441' N. lat., 71[deg]30.781' W. long. to 
41[deg]22.447' N. lat., 71[deg]30.893' W. long. (Pt. Judith Pond Inlet)
A line from 41[deg]21.310' N. lat., 71[deg]38.300' W. long. to 
41[deg]21.300' N. lat., 71[deg]38.330' W. long. (Ninigret Pond Inlet)
A line from 41[deg]19.875' N. lat., 71[deg]43.061' W. long. to 
41[deg]19.879' N. lat., 71[deg]43.115' W. long. (Quonochontaug Pond 
Inlet)
A line from 41[deg]19.660' N. lat., 71[deg]45.750' W. long. to 
41[deg]19.660' N. lat., 71[deg]45.780' W. long. (Weekapaug Pond Inlet)

New York

    The regulations in this section do not apply to waters landward of 
a line that follows the territorial sea baseline through Block Island 
Sound (Watch Hill Point, RI, to Montauk Point, NY).

Massachusetts

    The regulations in this section do not apply to waters landward of 
the first bridge over any embayment, harbor, or inlet in Massachusetts. 
The following Massachusetts state waters are exempt from the minimum 
number of traps per trawl requirement in paragraph (c)(2)(iii) of this 
section:
    Massachusetts state waters in LMA 1 and Outer Cape north and east 
of Cape Cod from 0-3 miles from shore and including a portion of waters 
east of the line connecting the following points:

41.925[deg] N, 70.147[deg] W and 41.792[deg] N, 70.319[deg] W
    Massachusetts state waters in LMA 2 and Outer Cape south of 
41.67[deg]40' N and west of 70.0[deg]00' W to the Rhode Island border

South Carolina

    The regulations in this section do not apply to waters landward of 
a line connecting the following points from 32[deg]34.717' N. lat., 
80[deg]08.565' W. long. to 32[deg]34.686' N. lat., 80[deg]08.642' W. 
long. (Captain Sams Inlet)
* * * * *
    (6) Island buffer. Those fishing in waters within \1/4\ mile of the 
following Maine islands are exempt from the minimum number of traps per 
trawl requirement in paragraph (c)(2)(iii) of this section: Monhegan 
Island, Matinicus Island Group (Metinic Island, Small Green Island, 
Large Green Island, Seal Island, Wooden Ball Island, Matinicus Island, 
Ragged Island) and Isle of Shoals Island Group (Duck Island, Appledore 
Island, Cedar Island, Smuttynose Island).
    (b) Gear marking requirements--(1) Specified areas. The following 
areas are specified for gear marking purposes:

[[Page 14354]]

Northern Inshore State Trap/Pot Waters, Cape Cod Bay Restricted Area, 
Massachusetts Restricted Area, Stellwagen Bank/Jeffreys Ledge 
Restricted Area, Northern Nearshore Trap/Pot Waters Area, Great South 
Channel Restricted Trap/Pot Area, Great South Channel Restricted 
Gillnet Area, Great South Channel Sliver Restricted Area, Southern 
Nearshore Trap/Pot Waters Area, Offshore Trap/Pot Waters Area, Other 
Northeast Gillnet Waters Area, Mid/South Atlantic Gillnet Waters Area, 
Other Southeast Gillnet Waters Area, Southeast U.S. Restricted Areas, 
and Southeast U.S. Monitoring Area.
    (i) Jordan Basin. The Jordan Basin Restricted Area is bounded by 
the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Point                     N. Lat.            W. Long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
JBRA1.............................  43[deg]15'         68[deg]50'
JBRA2.............................  43[deg]35'         68[deg]20'
JBRA3.............................  43[deg]25'         68[deg]05'
JBRA4.............................  43[deg]05'         68[deg]20'
JBRA5.............................  43[deg]05'         68[deg]35'
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (ii) Jeffreys Ledge Restricted Area--The Jeffreys Ledge Restricted 
Area is bounded by the following points:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Point                     N. Lat.            W. Long.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
JLRA1.............................  43[deg]15'         70[deg]25'
JLRA2.............................  43[deg]15'         70[deg]00'
JLRA3.............................  42[deg]50'         70[deg]00'
JLRA4.............................  42[deg]50'         70[deg]25'
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Markings. All specified gear in specified areas must be marked 
with the color code shown in paragraph (b)(3) of this section. The 
color of the color code must be permanently marked on or along the line 
or lines specified below under paragraphs (b)(2)(i) and (ii) of this 
section. Each color mark of the color codes must be clearly visible 
when the gear is hauled or removed from the water, including if the 
color of the rope is the same as or similar to the respective color 
code. The rope must be marked at least three times (top, middle, 
bottom) and each mark must total 12-inch (30.5 cm) in length. If the 
mark consists of two colors then each color mark may be 6-inch (15.25 
cm) for a total mark of 12-inch (30.5 cm). In marking or affixing the 
color code, the line may be dyed, painted, or marked with thin colored 
whipping line, thin colored plastic, or heat-shrink tubing, or other 
material; or a thin line may be woven into or through the line; or the 
line may be marked as approved in writing by the Assistant 
Administrator. A brochure illustrating the techniques for marking gear 
is available from the Regional Administrator, NMFS, Greater Atlantic 
Region upon request.
    (i) Buoy line markings. All buoy lines must be marked as stated 
above. Shark gillnet gear in the Southeast U.S. Restricted Area S, 
Southeast U.S. Monitoring Area and Other Southeast Gillnet Waters, 
greater than 4 feet (1.22 m) long must be marked within 2 feet (0.6 m) 
of the top of the buoy line (closest to the surface), midway along the 
length of the buoy line, and within 2 feet (0.6 m) of the bottom of the 
buoy line.
    (ii) Net panel markings. Shark gillnet gear net panels in the 
Southeast U.S. Restricted Area S, Southeast U.S. Monitoring Area and 
Other Southeast Gillnet Waters is required to be marked. The net panel 
must be marked along both the floatline and the leadline at least once 
every 100 yards (91.4 m).
    (iii) Surface buoy markings. Trap/pot and gillnet gear regulated 
under this section must mark all surface buoys to identify the vessel 
or fishery with one of the following: The owner's motorboat 
registration number, the owner's U.S. vessel documentation number, the 
federal commercial fishing permit number, or whatever positive 
identification marking is required by the vessel's home-port state. 
When marking of surface buoys is not already required by state or 
federal regulations, the letters and numbers used to mark the gear to 
identify the vessel or fishery must be at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) in 
height in block letters or arabic numbers in a color that contrasts 
with the background color of the buoy. A brochure illustrating the 
techniques for marking gear is available from the Regional 
Administrator, NMFS, Greater Atlantic Region upon request.
    (3) Color code. Gear must be marked with the appropriate colors to 
designate gear types and areas as follows:

                            Color Code Scheme
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Plan management area                        Color
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              Trap/Pot Gear
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Massachusetts Restricted Area................  Red.
Northern Nearshore...........................  Red.
Northern Inshore State.......................  Red.
Stellwagen Bank/Jeffreys Ledge Restricted      Red.
 Area.
Great South Channel Restricted Area            Red.
 overlapping with LMA 2 and/or Outer Cape.
Exempt RI state waters (single traps)........  Red and Blue.
Exempt MA state waters in LMA 1 (single        Red and White.
 traps).
Exempt MA state waters in LMA 2 (single        Red and Black.
 traps).
Exempt MA state waters in Outer Cape           Red and Yellow.
 (singles).
Isle of Shoals, ME (single traps)............  Red and Orange.
Southern Nearshore...........................  Orange.
Southeast Restricted Area North (State         Blue and Orange.
 Waters).
Southeast Restricted Area North (Federal       Green and Orange.
 Waters).
Offshore.....................................  Black.
Great South Channel Restricted Area            Black.
 overlapping with LMA 2/3 and/or LMA 3.
Jordan Basin.................................  Black and Purple (LMA 3);
                                                Red and and Purple (LMA
                                                1).
Jeffreys Ledge...............................  Red and Green.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Gillnet Excluding Shark Gillnet
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cape Cod Bay Restricted Area.................  Green.
Stellwagen Bank/Jeffreys Ledge Restricted      Green.
 Area.
Great South Channel Restricted Area..........  Green.
Great South Channel Restricted Sliver Area...  Green.
Other Northeast Gillnet Waters...............  Green.

[[Page 14355]]

 
Jordan Basin.................................  Green and Yellow.
Jeffreys Ledge...............................  Green and Black.
Mid/South Atlantic Gillnet Waters............  Blue.
Southeast US Restricted Area South...........  Yellow.
Other Southeast Gillnet Waters...............  Yellow.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Shark Gillnet (With Webbing of 5'' or Greater)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Southeast US Restricted Area South...........  Green and Blue.
Southeast Monitoring Area....................  Green and Blue.
Other Southeast Waters.......................  Green and Blue.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (2) Area specific gear requirements. Trap/pot gear must be set 
according to the requirements outlined below and in the table in 
paragraph(c)(2)(iii) of this section.
    (i) Single traps and multiple-trap trawls. All traps must be set 
according to the configuration outlined in the Table (c)(2)(iii) of 
this section. Trawls up to and including 5 or fewer traps must only 
have one buoy line unless specified otherwise in Table (c)(2)(iii) of 
this section.
    (ii) Buoy line weak links. All buoys, flotation devices and/or 
weights (except traps/pots, anchors, and leadline woven into the buoy 
line), such as surface buoys, high flyers, sub-surface buoys, toggles, 
window weights, etc., must be attached to the buoy line with a weak 
link placed as close to each individual buoy, flotation device and/or 
weight as operationally feasible and that meets the following 
specifications:
    (A) The breaking strength of the weak links must not exceed the 
breaking strength listed in paragraph (c)(2)(iii) of this section for a 
specified management area.
    (B) The weak link must be chosen from the following list approved 
by NMFS: Swivels, plastic weak links, rope of appropriate breaking 
strength, hog rings, rope stapled to a buoy stick, or other materials 
or devices approved in writing by the Assistant Administrator. A 
brochure illustrating the techniques for making weak links is available 
from the Regional Administrator, NMFS, Greater Atlantic Region upon 
request.
    (C) Weak links must break cleanly leaving behind the bitter end of 
the line. The bitter end of the line must be free of any knots when the 
weak link breaks. Splices are not considered to be knots for the 
purposes of this provision.

                                 (iii)--Table of Area Specific Gear Requirements
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Minimum number  traps/
             Location                     Management area               trawl              Weak link strength
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ME State and Pocket Waters\1\.....  Northern Inshore State....  2 (1 endline)........  <=600 lbs.
ME Zones A-G (3-6 miles) i........  Northern Nearshore........  3 (1 endline)........  <=600 lbs.
ME Zones A-C (6-12 miles) \1\.....  Northern Nearshore........  5 (1 endline)........  <=600 lbs.
ME Zones D-G (6-12 miles) \1\.....  Northern Nearshore........  10...................  <=600 lbs.
ME Zones A-E (12+ miles)..........  Northern Nearshore and      15...................  <=600 lbs (<=1500 lbs in
                                     Offshore.                                          offshore, 2,000 lbs if
                                                                                        red crab trap/pot).
ME Zones F-G (12+ miles)..........  Northern Nearshore and      15 (Mar 1-Oct 31) 20   <=600 lbs (<=1500 lbs in
                                     Offshore.                   (Nov 1-Feb 28/29).     offshore, 2,000 lbs if
                                                                                        red crab trap/pot).
MA State Waters ii................  Northern Inshore State and  No minimum number of   <=600 lbs.
                                     Massachusetts Restricted    traps per trawl.
                                     Area.                       Trawls up to and
                                                                 including 3 or fewer
                                                                 traps must only have
                                                                 one buoy line.
Other MA State Waters.............  Northern Inshore State and  2 (1 endline) Trawls   <=600 lbs.
                                     Massachusetts Restricted    up to and including
                                     Area.                       3 or fewer traps
                                                                 must only have one
                                                                 buoy line.
NH State Waters...................  Northern Inshore State....  No minimum trap/trawl  <=600 lbs.
LMA 1 (3-12 miles)................  Northern Nearshore and      10...................  <=600 lbs.
                                     Massachusetts Restricted
                                     Area and Stellwagen Bank/
                                     Jeffreys Ledge Restricted
                                     Area.
LMA 1 (12+ miles).................  Northern Nearshore........  20...................  <=600 lbs.
LMA1/OC Overlap (0-3 miles).......  Northern Inshore State and  No minimum number of   <=600 lbs.
                                     Massachusetts Restricted    traps per trawl.
                                     Area.
OC (0-3 miles)....................  Northern Inshore State and  No minimum number of   <=600 lbs.
                                     Massachusetts Restricted    traps per trawl.
                                     Area.
OC (3-12 miles)...................  Northern Nearshore and      10...................  <=600 lbs.
                                     Massachusetts Restricted
                                     Area.

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OC (12+ miles)....................  Northern Nearshore and      20...................  <=600 lbs.
                                     Great South Channel
                                     Restricted Area.
RI State Waters...................  Northern Inshore State....  No minimum number of   <=600 lbs.
                                                                 traps per trawl..
LMA 2 (3-12 miles)................  Northern Nearshore........  10...................  <=600 lbs.
LMA 2 (12 + miles)................  Northern Nearshore and      20...................  <=600 lbs.
                                     Great South Channel
                                     Restricted Area.
LMA 2/3 Overlap (12+ miles).......  Offshore and Great South    20...................  <=1500 lbs (2,000 lbs if
                                     Channel Restricted Area.                           red crab trap/pot).
LMA 3 (12+ miles).................  Offshore waters North of    20...................  <=1500 lbs (2,000 lbs if
                                     40[deg] and Great South                            red crab trap/pot).
                                     Channel Restricted Area.
LMA 4,5,6.........................  Southern Nearshore........  .....................  <=600 lbs.
FL State Waters...................  Southeast US Restricted     1....................  <=200 lbs.
                                     Area North iii.
GA State Waters...................  Southeast US Restricted     1....................  <=600 lbs.
                                     Area North \3\.
SC State Waters...................  Southeast US Restricted     1....................  <=600 lbs.
                                     Area North \3\.
Federal Waters off FL, GA, SC.....  Southeast US Restricted     1....................  <=600 lbs.
                                     Area North \3\.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The pocket waters and 6-mile line as defined in paragraphs (a)(2)(ii)-(a)(2)(iii) of this section.
\2\ MA State waters as defined in paragraphs (a)(3)(iii) of this section.
\3\ See Sec.   229.32 (f)(1) for description of area.

* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2015-06272 Filed 3-18-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P