[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 145 (Monday, July 31, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 35457-35467]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-16018]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 648

[Docket No. 161220999-7682-02]
RIN 0648-BG52


Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act 
Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast 
Groundfish Fishery; Fishing Year 2017; Recreational Management Measures

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action sets the recreational management measures for Gulf 
of Maine cod and haddock for the remainder of the 2017 fishing year. 
This action prohibits recreational possession of cod, reduces the 
haddock bag limit, and implements a new closed season for haddock in 
the fall. The intended effect of this action is to reduce catch of cod 
and haddock in order to ensure that fishing year 2017 recreational 
catch limits are not exceeded.

DATES: Effective July 27, 2017.

ADDRESSES: Copies of a supplemental environmental assessment (EA) to 
Framework Adjustment 55 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery 
Management Plan prepared by the Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries 
Office and Northeast Fisheries Science Center; and the Framework 55 EA 
prepared by the New England Fishery Management Council for this 
rulemaking are available from: John K. Bullard, Regional Administrator, 
National Marine Fisheries Service, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, 
MA 01930. The Framework 55 EA and supplement are also accessible via 
the Internet at: https://www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/regs/2016/March/16mulfw55ea.pdf and https://www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/regs/2016/March/160212_rec_measures_draft_ea.pdf. These documents are also accessible 
via the Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Emily Keiley, Fishery Management 
Specialist, phone: 978-281-9116; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents

1. Fishing Year 2017 Recreational Management Measures
2. Regulatory Corrections Under Regional Administrator Authority

1. Fishing Year 2017 Recreational Management Measures

Background

Statutory Authority

    Under the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP), 
sub-annual catch limits (sub-ACL) for the recreational fishery are 
established for each fishing year for Gulf of Maine (GOM) cod and 
haddock. The regulations at 50 CFR 648.89(f)(3) authorize the Regional 
Administrator, in consultation with the New England Fishery Management 
Council (NEFMC), to modify the recreational management measures for the 
upcoming fishing year to ensure that the recreational fishery achieves, 
but does not exceed, the recreational fishery sub-ACLs. The proposed 
rule for this action (82 FR 24086; May 25, 2017) provides details

[[Page 35458]]

on the consultation with the NEFMC and how the NEFMC developed its 
recommendations; that information is not repeated here.

Council's Proposed Measures

    Because of repeated recreational fishery sub-ACL overages (haddock 
the last five years and cod three of five years) and the model's 
prediction that the NEFMC's recommended measures have only a 50-percent 
probability of keeping haddock catch below the sub-ACL, we considered 
whether it may be prudent to implement a more conservative fall closure 
that would likely have a higher probability of constraining haddock 
catch to the sub-ACLs. There are four primary reasons that the 
Council's proposed measures would sufficiently constrain catch to the 
sub-ACL's and were more consistent with the FMPs goals and objectives 
than the closed area measure we presented: (1) The Council's measures 
include a new fall closed season, cod prohibition, and a more 
conservative haddock bag limit; (2) improved information used in the 
bioeconomic model this year provides greater confidence in its 
predictions compared to previous years; (3) the interactions between 
GOM cod and haddock and the status of each of these stocks; and (4) 
newly available commercial catch data show a strong likelihood that 
overall GOM haddock catch will be under the total ACL for 2016 and, 
that the recreational sub-ACL and AM system combined with the overall 
ACL is effectively constraining catch.
    We presented a more conservative closure season for comments to 
closely consider whether the Council's proposed accountability measures 
would sufficiently account for management uncertainty, prevent GOM cod 
and haddock catch overages, and provide an opportunity for the fishery 
to attain its allowable catch. We have determined that the more 
conservative measure is not necessary. The measures proposed by the 
Council are more conservative than the 2016 management measures. The 
possession of cod is being prohibited, the haddock bag-limit has been 
reduced, and a new fall closure is being implemented. We expect that 
these measures will allow the recreational fishery to achieve, but not 
exceed their sub-ACLs.
    We also considered the improved performance of the model. The model 
projects recreational catch using economic information from an angler 
choice experiment survey and biological information about the current 
stock structure for the GOM cod and haddock stocks with historical 
catchability data from recreational anglers. Recent modifications to 
the model, including the incorporation of new data, improved its 
ability to accurately estimate recreational catches, and thus increases 
our confidence in the management measures based on its output. 
Specifically, the model now includes data from 2015, when cod 
possession was prohibited for the first time, and as a result, the 
model is better able to estimate the impact of prohibiting cod on the 
number of angler trips and catch of cod and haddock. While we have 
relied on the model using similar buffers in the past, the model is now 
improved, providing greater confidence in the outputs.
    When evaluating the merit of each fall closure option, we 
considered the impacts on both haddock and cod. GOM cod is overfished 
and overfishing is occurring, but GOM haddock is a healthy stock. The 
more conservative closed area we sought comments on is estimated to 
have an increased probability of constraining GOM haddock catch to the 
sub-ACL (70 percent), but is projected to result in slightly increased 
GOM cod catch. Given the poor status of GOM cod, an option that is 
projected to increase GOM cod catch is a concern. We determined that 
the risk associated with increasing GOM cod catch outweighed the 
potential benefits of a slightly higher probability of limiting GOM 
haddock catch to the sub-ACL especially given the model improvements.
    Last, newly available commercial catch data for 2016 show that 
overall catch is being effectively constrained. The newly available 
data shows that that the total commercial catch for GOM haddock was 
only 66 percent of the commercial ACL. The recreational sub-ACL is only 
a small portion of the overall ACL. Thus, despite a relatively minor 
overage in the recreational fishery, total 2016 GOM haddock catch, is 
expected to be below the overall ACL.

Fishing Year 2017 Recreational Measures

    Because the recreational measures currently in place for GOM cod 
and haddock are not expected to constrain fishing year 2017 catch to 
the sub-ACLs, we are adjusting management measures for the remainder of 
the fishing year, as recommended by the NEFMC. Effective July 27, 2017, 
recreational possession of GOM cod will be prohibited. The minimum size 
for GOM haddock is unchanged, but the bag limit is reduced from 15 fish 
to 12 fish, and a fall closed season has been added to the existing 
spring closure. These measures are summarized in Table 1, along with 
information on the current measures for comparison.

             Table 1--GOM Cod and Haddock Recreational Management Measures for Fishing Year 2017 and Status Quo (Fishing Year 2016) Measures
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Current measures                                           New 2017 measures
                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       Per day                                                     Per day
              Stock                  possession                               Season when        possession                              Season when
                                     limit (fish     Minimum fish size       possession is       limit (fish     Minimum fish size      possession is
                                    per  angler)                               permitted        per  angler)                              permitted
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOM Cod..........................               1  24 inches (61.0 cm).  August 1-September                 Possession Prohibited Year-Round
                                                                          30.
                                                                                              ----------------------------------------------------------
GOM Haddock......................              15  17 inches (43.2 cm).  Year Round Except                 12  17 inches (43.2 cm).  May 1-September 16,
                                                                          March 1-April 14.                                           November 1-
                                                                                                                                      February 28 and
                                                                                                                                      April 15-April 30.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Analysis

    Recreational catch and effort data are estimated by the Marine 
Recreational Information Program (MRIP). A peer-reviewed bioeconomic 
model, developed by the Northeast Fisheries Science Center, was used to 
estimate 2017 recreational GOM cod and haddock mortality under various

[[Page 35459]]

combinations of minimum sizes, possession limits, and closed seasons. 
Even when incorporating zero possession of GOM cod, the model estimates 
that the status quo measures for GOM haddock are not expected to 
constrain the catch of haddock, or the bycatch of cod, to the 2017 
catch limits. Therefore, we are implementing more restrictive measures. 
Additional details are provided in the Supplemental EA (see ADDRESSES) 
and the proposed rule, and are not repeated here.
    The final measures implemented by this action for the 2017 fishing 
year, as recommended by the NEFMC, are expected to result in a decrease 
in the number of trips taken by anglers, and decreased catch, in 
comparison to retaining the current measures, which is projected to 
allow the recreational fishery to reach, but not exceed, the 2017 
recreational sub-ACLs (Table 2).

  Table 2--Summary of the Model Estimates of Catch and the Likelihood of Catch Remaining Below the Sub-ACLs for
                                  the Status Quo Measures and the 2017 Measures
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                                                                    Probability                     Probability
                                                     Predicted     haddock catch   Predicted cod     cod catch
                    Measures                       haddock catch   below sub-ACL    catch (mt)     below sub-ACL
                                                       (mt)             (%)                             (%)
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New 2017 Measures...............................           1,160              50             147              78
Status Quo......................................           1,299               0             292               0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Regulatory Corrections and Other Measures Under Regional 
Administrator Authority

    We have made numerous administrative changes under the authority of 
section 305(d) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act that are necessary and consistent with the FMP's goals 
and objectives. In Sec.  648.89(b), we added an exception to the 
minimum fish sizes for GOM cod and haddock to allow vessels to transit 
the GOM Regulated Mesh Area while in possession of cod and haddock 
caught outside the area, provided those fish meet the minimum sizes 
specified for fish caught outside the area. Amendment 16 to the FMP 
included seasonal closures of the GOM recreational fishery for cod and 
haddock, and also implemented a possession limit exemption to allow 
vessels to transit the GOM when it was closed while in possession of 
fish legally caught outside the area. At that time, there was a single 
minimum size for cod, and a single minimum size for haddock, regardless 
of where the fish were caught and the transiting provision included in 
Amendment 16 did not address minimum fish size restrictions.
    Subsequently, we changed the minimum sizes for GOM cod and haddock 
as part of the proactive accountability measures. We adjust the 
recreational measures for only GOM cod and haddock because these are 
the only stocks allocated a recreational sub-ACL. This has created a 
complicated system in which vessels may transit the GOM Regulated Mesh 
Area with fish legally caught outside the area in excess of the GOM 
possession limits, but those vessels must comply with the most 
restrictive minimum size of the two areas, rather than the minimum size 
applicable to where the fish were caught. The intent of this change is 
to simplify the existing transiting exemption by allowing any cod and 
haddock legally caught outside the GOM to be possessed by vessels 
transiting the GOM to ensure consistent implementation of the existing 
transiting provision.
    In Sec.  648.89(e), we revised the text specifying the requirements 
for the letters of authorization allowing charter and party boats to 
fish in the GOM closed areas and the Nantucket Lightship Closed Area to 
improve readability. In paragraph (e)(3), we also corrected the name of 
the NMFS office issuing letters of authorization from the ``Northeast 
Regional Office'' to the ``Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries 
Office.''
    In Sec.  648.89(f)(2)(ii), we removed text prohibiting the Regional 
Administrator from adjusting the possession limit for GOM cod while 
recreational possession of GOM cod was prohibited by the Northeast 
Multispecies FMP. In 2016, Framework Adjustment 55 removed this 
prohibition, but the final rule implementing Framework Adjustment 55 
inadvertently failed to remove this text. This change is intended to 
correct the regulations to accurately reflect the NEFMC's intent in 
Framework Adjustment 55.

Comments and Responses

    We received 67 comments on the proposed 2017 recreational measures. 
Two comments received were not germane to the proposed measures. We 
received pertinent comments from the NEFMC, the Massachusetts Division 
of Marine Fisheries, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, the 
Stellwagen Bank Charter Boat Association, and 63 members of the public.

Timing

    Comment 1: The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, the 
Stellwagen Bank Charter Boat Association, and 31 individuals submitted 
comments regarding the publication of the proposed rule after the May 1 
start of the 2017 fishing year. The New Hampshire Fish and Game 
Department expressed concern that the publication of the proposed rule 
after the start of the fishing year would exacerbate the existing 
timing problems of states attempting to match federal measures and 
inform anglers, and for-hire businesses attempting to attract business 
before knowing the regulations. The Stellwagen Bank Charter Boat 
Association and 30 individuals expressed disappointment because they 
feared that late implementation of the changes to the recreational 
measures would undermine the work of the NEFMC and its Recreational 
Advisory Panel (RAP) to develop and provide recommendations that would 
prevent catch from exceeding the quotas. The Stellwagen Bank Charter 
Boat Association and 30 individuals also urged that recreational 
anglers should not be subject to any further restrictions in the 
haddock bag limit or increases in the haddock minimum size in fishing 
year 2018 as a result of late implementation of changes in fishing year 
2017. One individual commented that we should not change measures mid-
season because business owners and recreational anglers have made 
financial decisions based on the current regulations.
    Response: We agree that these timing issues make it difficult for 
the for-hire fleet to market and book trips, hamper the ability of 
states to implement complementary recreational measures, and create 
challenges for recreational

[[Page 35460]]

anglers to be informed of the latest regulations. The timing of changes 
to the recreational measures has been an issue for several years. MRIP 
collects information on recreational catch and effort. This information 
is processed in 2-month `waves' and preliminary data is available six 
weeks after the end of each wave. Because of this, preliminary catch 
through October (which includes the majority of annual recreational 
groundfish activity) is first available after mid-December. As a 
result, January is the earliest we are able to present an analysis of 
the MRIP information and any potential changes that may be necessary 
for the next fishing year. This creates a compressed period for 
consideration of options, the public NEFMC consultation process, and 
proposed and final rulemaking. Because of this timeline, recreational 
measures for the new fishing year are generally not finalized until 
just prior to the start of the fishing year.
    Although it is not ideal to change the recreational measures after 
the start of the fishing year this year, it is necessary that the 
revised measures be implemented before the recreational cod season 
opens. The recreational cod season is closed under status quo measures 
until August 1. While late implementation is not ideal, the timing of 
this action will still effectively prohibit the retention of cod in the 
recreational fleet.
    Because of the challenging timeline of the current recreational 
process, we are working with the NEFMC to consider possible ways to 
modify the regulatory process so regulations for the recreational 
fishery can be finalized sooner. Changes to the recreational process 
would be incorporated into Framework 57, which is intended to be 
implemented for the 2018 fishing year. Additionally, any changes to the 
recreational measures for fishing year 2018 would be based on the 2018 
catch limits and an analysis of expected catch in 2018.

NMFS Additional Option for a September Closure

    Comment 2: The Stellwagen Bank Charter Boat Association and 30 
individuals alleged that the reason the agency proposed an alternative 
September closure for haddock was because implementing the reduced 
haddock bag limit after May 1 would result in increased catch. One 
additional individual requested that we inform the recreational 
community of our reasons for the measures that were proposed.
    Response: As discussed in the proposed rule, we sought comments on 
the effects of a more conservative fall closure on the fishery in 
comparison to the Council's proposed closure to address concerns about 
the recreational fishery's recent history of exceeding the GOM cod and 
haddock sub-ACLs. A U.S. District Court considered a history of 
overages and the effectiveness of accountability measures in the Gulf 
of Mexico red snapper fishery (Guiondon v. Pritzker, 2014) and struck 
down the accountability measure because they did not sufficiently 
ensure the limits would not be exceeded. We presented a more 
conservative closure season for comments to closely consider whether 
the Council's proposed accountability measures would sufficiently 
account for management uncertainty, prevent GOM cod and haddock catch 
overages, and provide an opportunity for the fishery to attain its 
allowable catch. As discussed in the preamble, we have determined that 
the Council's proposed measures sufficiently constrain catch and are 
more consistent with the FMP's goals and objectives.
    Comment 3: The NEFMC, the Massachusetts Division of Marine 
Fisheries, and the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, and one 
individual commented that the issues in the Guindon v. Pritzker case 
are distinct from the recreational fishery for GOM cod and haddock, and 
that measures more conservative than the suite recommended by the NEFMC 
are not necessary or justified. The commenters also noted that the 
additional NMFS alternative in the proposed rule would not provide a 
clear conservation benefit in comparison to the NEFMC's recommended 
suite of measures.
    Response: We agree that the recreational fishery for GOM cod and 
haddock and the suite of management measures for the fishery is 
distinct from the Guindon v. Pritzker case. Further, the GOM haddock 
stock is healthy and that the total ACL has not been fully harvested in 
the last 2 years. We considered stock status when evaluating the 
alternatives and, as discussed in the preamble, are implementing the 
NEFMC's recommended measures rather than the more conservative 
September closure for haddock. The model predicts that these measures 
have a 78-percent chance that catch of the rebuilding GOM cod stock 
will not exceed the recreational quota, and a 50-percent chance that 
the catch of the abundant and healthy GOM haddock stock will achieve, 
but not exceed the recreational quota. While the GOM haddock stock is 
healthy, the GOM cod stock is overfished and estimated to be only 4-6 
percent of the target population size. Given the differences in the 
sizes and health of these two stocks, the final 2017 measures 
appropriately balance the risk of exceeding the quotas with the goal of 
achieving the quotas and providing the greatest overall benefit to the 
nation.

The Bioeconomic Model and Uncertainty

    Comment 4: The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries and the 
New Hampshire Fish and Game Department commented that the bioeconomic 
model fails to account for variance in the underlying MRIP data and 
uncertainty in the model inputs because it uses point estimates. The 
NEFMC commented that, in 2015, when recreational possession of cod was 
prohibited for the first time, the bioeconomic model overestimated cod 
catch and angler effort, and that a cod prohibition in 2017 could again 
result in lower actual angler effort than the model has predicted.
    Response: The bioeconomic model uses point estimates of catch from 
MRIP and currently does not incorporate measures of uncertainty in the 
MRIP data, although it might be possible to incorporate some measures 
of uncertainty in the future. As a result, the the model may 
underestimate or overestimate catch and angler trips in any given year. 
In recent years, the model has underestimated haddock and cod catch, 
with one exception in 2015. Although the bioeconomic model 
overestimated cod catch and the number of angler trips in 2015, it is 
unlikely to recur in 2017. The model had likely overestimated cod catch 
because at that time the model did not take into account factors that 
we expected would keep cod catch low, including a prohibition on 
retention of cod and the ability of vessels to avoid cod while 
targeting other species. However, we expect the bioeconomic model to 
better estimate the effect of prohibiting cod possession on total cod 
catch and the number of angler trips in 2017 because the model now 
incorporates data from 2015.
    Although there are uncertainties in the bioeconomic model, the 
Northeast Multispecies FMP incorporates both scientific uncertainty and 
management uncertainty in setting annual catch limits. These 
uncertainty buffers increase the likelihood of achieving management 
targets and reduce the risk of overfishing. Among other factors 
discussed in the preamble, the incorporation of scientific and 
management uncertainty already built into setting recreational catch 
limits was a consideration in our determination to adopt the less 
conservative measures for haddock.

[[Page 35461]]

    Comment 5: The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and the 
Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries commented that we should 
address uncertainty in the GOM cod and haddock recreational fishery in 
a similar manner to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's 
approach to using point estimates in the black sea bass fishery. 
Specifically, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department recommended 
that we compare MRIP harvest estimates with a percent standard error to 
the recreational sub-ACLs and retain the status quo recreational 
measures for the next year if the recreational quota was within the 
percent standard error of the MRIP harvest estimate. The Massachusetts 
Division of Marine Fisheries also urged that we consider the Atlantic 
States Marine Fisheries Commission's approach to summer flounder. 
Specifically, using multiple years of MRIP data and incorporating 
standard errors around the MRIP catch estimates when developing 
recreational measures.
    Response: The bioeconomic model uses point estimates of 
recreational catch and effort from MRIP and produces point estimates 
that may underestimate or overestimate catch and angler trips. At the 
request of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, we provided an 
estimate of model uncertainty for the two options proposed. That 
estimate did not include uncertainty in the MRIP data, but did 
incorporate some sources of uncertainty in the model simulations. While 
the estimate is informative, additional work should be done before 
determining whether or not the bioeconomic model can incorporate 
uncertainty. Amendment 16 to the Northeast Multispecies FMP requires 
that recreational catch is calculated consistent with the catch used in 
the stock assessment. At this time, the stock assessments for GOM cod 
and haddock do not incorporate separate calculations of uncertainty for 
MRIP catch estimates. In evaluating possible changes to the 
recreational management process in Framework 57, the NEFMC could 
consider changes to the method for determining when AMs are triggered.

Haddock Measures

    Comment 6: The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department urged us to 
maintain the current haddock measures, in conjunction with prohibiting 
recreational possession of cod (analyzed and presented to the NEFMC as 
Option 1), because the GOM haddock stock is not overfished and the 
haddock quota is increasing. Additionally, New Hampshire contended that 
overfishing would not occur if the recreational fishery caught the 
amount of haddock predicted by the bioeconomic model for this scenario 
(1,288 mt) because total catch (including all other sectors catching 
their full quotas) would still be less than the acceptable biological 
catch due to the buffers between the acceptable biological catch and 
the catch limits. Further, New Hampshire argued that the recreational 
haddock quota, 1,160 mt, was within the 95-percent confidence interval 
of the model's predicted haddock catch for Option 1. The Massachusetts 
Division of Marine Fisheries (MA DMF) also commented that the 
recreational haddock quota for 2017 was within the 95-percent 
confidence interval for Option 1, but supported the NEFMC's recommended 
haddock measures, rather than the status quo haddock measures.
    Response: We disagree that the status quo haddock measures should 
be maintained. While the GOM haddock stock is healthy and growing, we 
are still obligated to set measures we expect will achieve, but not 
exceed the catch limit. As explained in our response to Comment 7, we 
expect the model's estimate of catch and effort to be more accurate now 
because the bioeconomic model now incorporates data from 2015, when cod 
possession was prohibited. The 12-fish bag limit, with a 17-inch (43.2-
cm) minimum size, and closed seasons March 1-April 14 and September 17-
October 31 have a 50-percent chance of achieving, but not exceeding, 
the catch limit. This is an appropriate balance of risk for a healthy 
stock with a growing population. Setting measures we expect will exceed 
the catch limit solely because we expect the overage will not cause 
overfishing is inconsistent with the requirements of the Magnuson-
Steven Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
    Comment 7: Six commenters generally supported maintaining status 
quo measures.
    Response: We disagree that the status quo recreational measures 
should be retained for 2017. A peer-reviewed bioeconomic model, 
developed by the Northeast Fisheries Science Center, was used to 
estimate 2017 recreational GOM cod and haddock mortality under various 
combinations of minimum sizes, possession limits, and closed seasons. 
Even when incorporating zero possession of GOM cod, the model estimates 
that the status quo measures for GOM haddock are not expected to 
constrain the catch of haddock, or the bycatch of cod, to the 2017 
catch limits. The Council's more conservative measures are necessary to 
prevent exceeding the 2017 catch limits.
    Comment 8: Thirty-three commenters supported the fall haddock 
closure as proposed by the NEFMC (September 17 through October 31). MA 
DMF specifically commented on the potential significant economic impact 
of a Labor Day closure, and cited this as one reason they supported the 
NEFMC proposed option. Thirty commenters discussed the benefits of 
keeping the fishery open in early September relative to allowing 
recreational anglers a final opportunity to fish before many typically 
haul out their vessels, and end their season.
    Response: We agree. After further consideration of the 
alternatives, the fall closure recommended by the NEFMC better aligns 
with the objectives of this action. We have approved the haddock 
measures recommended by the NEFMC. As further discussed in the proposed 
rule, the supplemental EA, and the preamble to this rule, the measures 
being implemented for the 2017 fishing year are expected to meet, but 
not exceed the catch limits, and provide a better balance between our 
conservation objectives and the anticipated negative short-term 
economic impacts of the proposed alternatives.
    Comment 9: One commenter supported the 4-week September closure for 
haddock that we presented for comments as an alternative in the 
proposed rule. Another commenter supported a 4-week September closure 
starting the Monday after Labor Day, and one commenter opposed a fall 
closure for haddock in general.
    Response: We disagree and are implementing the 6-week closure 
proposed by the NEFMC, as discussed in the preamble and response to 
Comment 11. Selection of the timing and length of the closure was based 
on the outputs of the model and the consideration of other factors in 
order to ensure the recreational fishery achieves, but does not exceed, 
the recreational fishery sub-ACLs. A fall closure was determined to be 
a necessary measure to ensure that not only the GOM haddock, but GOM 
cod sub-ACLs are not exceeded.
    Comment 10: Thirty-seven commenters supported the 12-fish haddock 
bag limit.
    Response: We agree and have approved the 12-fish haddock bag limit 
recommended by the NEFMC. As further discussed in the proposed rule, 
preamble, and the supplemental EA, and the preamble to this rule, the 
measures being implemented for the 2017 fishing year are expected to 
meet, but not exceed the catch limits.
    Comment 11: Three commenters support a lower bag limit for haddock 
than was proposed.

[[Page 35462]]

    Response: We disagree that a lower bag limit is needed. The 12-fish 
bag limit for haddock, in conjunction with the other measures, is 
intended to balance the need to constrain catch within the ACL, with 
social and economic considerations. Further reduction of the haddock 
bag limit is not biologically necessary and would likely unnecessarily 
increase negative economic effects to the recreational fishery.
    Comment 12: One commenter suggested that we reduce the haddock 
minimum size to 16 inches (40.64 cm) to reduce discards.
    Response: We disagree. Potential changes to minimum sizes and the 
impact on the catch and fishery are incorporated into the bioeconomic 
model. We are maintaining the current minimum size (17 inches; 43.2 cm) 
for GOM haddock in this action.

Cod Measures

    Comment 13: Seven commenters wanted the recreational cod fishery to 
be reopened. Two commenters wanted to maintain the status quo cod 
season. Several commenters referenced their personal fishing experience 
and stated that they encountered more cod in 2016 than they had in the 
past.
    Response: We disagree that the recreational fishery for cod should 
be open in 2017. This action prohibits the retention of GOM cod by 
recreational anglers year-round. GOM cod is overfished, and overfishing 
is occurring. In fishing year 2016, the recreational cod ACL was 
exceeded by 92 percent, and the recreational cod quota remains the same 
in 2017 as it was in 2016. More restrictive measures on recreational 
cod, and haddock, fishing are required to ensure that the recreational 
cod quota is not exceeded again. We understand that there are short-
term negative economic effects associated with the prohibition on 
recreational cod fishing. We are hopeful that the continued efforts to 
rebuild the GOM cod stock will result in increased opportunities for 
recreational fishermen in the future.
    Comment 14: Two comments discussed alternative management measures 
for cod that were not in the proposed rule: A 2- to 4-week cod season 
for one 26-inch (66.0-cm) or greater cod, or the use of a slot limit 
for cod (24-29 inches; 61.0-73.7 cm).
    Response: We disagree that these options would have been viable 
alternatives for the 2017 fishing year. Even when zero possession of 
cod was analyzed, the recreational cod catch limit was projected to be 
exceeded without additional measures limiting the catch of haddock to 
further reduce the projected cod catch. Limited seasons and slot limits 
could be appropriate for consideration in future actions.
    Comment 15: Thirty-six commenters supported the prohibition of cod.
    Response: We agree. We have implemented the prohibition on 
recreational GOM cod catch as one measure to constrain 2017 
recreational cod catch to the sub-ACL. GOM cod are overfished and 
overfishing is occurring so the recreational sub-ACL has been set at an 
extremely low level of 157 mt. This decision has been explained further 
in the preamble.
    Comment 16: Two commenters cited concerns about the impact of the 
recreational fishery on spawning cod.
    Response: This action did not consider measures to protect spawning 
cod, and as a result, these comments are irrelevant to, and outside the 
scope of, the measures approved in this final rule. However, to provide 
some background, the Northeast Multispecies FMP includes measures to 
protect spawning cod during times when aggregations are known to occur 
consistently. Some of these closures apply to the recreational fishery, 
while others only apply to commercial groundfish vessels. In the 
future, the NEFMC could consider changes to these closures, including 
the fisheries that are exempt from the closures, as well as additional 
spawning protections.

General Comments

    Comment 17: Thirty-four commenters supported adoption of the 
measures proposed by the NEFMC.
    Response: We agree, and are implementing the measures proposed by 
the NEFMC because these measures balance regional differences and 
impacts on anglers and the for-hire fleet. Additionally, the NEFMC 
measures provide a sufficient probability of achieving, but not 
exceeding, the GOM cod and haddock 2017 catch limits.
    Comment 18: The NEFMC commented that although the NMFS option is 
estimated to have only $100,000 less economic benefit than the NEFMC 
option, it is not clear if the model can accurately estimate the 
economic impact of a Labor Day weekend closure because it is less than 
a whole MRIP wave.
    Response: We agree that the bioeconomic model estimates for a 
timeframe of less than 1 month may be less precise than estimates 
produced for a complete wave. We are not implementing the additional 
NMFS option for a 4-week closure in September.
    Comment 19: Seven individuals commented that the commercial fishery 
should be shut down, or kept 50 miles from shore, to allow increased 
harvesting opportunities for recreational fishermen. One commenter 
asserted that the recreational fishery cannot catch as much as one 
commercial haul.
    Response: The Northeast Multispecies FMP allocates separate sub-
ACLs for GOM cod and haddock to both the commercial and recreational 
components of the fishery. Each component allocated a sub-ACL is also 
subject to specific AMs if it exceeds that sub-ACL. These measures are 
intended to ensure that each fishery is able to access the resource and 
be accountable for any overages, and is intended to prevent one 
component of the fishery from negatively affecting another component. 
The recreational fishery is allocated 33 percent of the total GOM cod 
ACL and 27 percent of the GOM haddock ACL, and in 2016 caught more than 
its allocation for both stocks. In recent years, recreational catch 
has, at times, exceeded commercial catch, and can be a substantial 
portion of overall GOM cod and haddock catch. Additionally, the status 
quo measures are not expected to constrain recreational catch to its 
sub-ACLs in 2017, and as a result, the final measures implemented in 
this action are necessary to ensure that the recreational sub-ACLs are 
not exceeded.
    Comment 20: Two commenters supported separate measures for private 
vessels and for-hire vessels.
    Response: During development of 2017 measures, the Council's RAP 
and Groundfish Oversight Committee considered separate measures for 
private vessels and the for-hire fleet. As discussed in the proposed 
rule, the NEFMC declined the Groundfish Committee's recommendation to 
implement separate measures for these fleets at this time in deference 
to having a larger public process to consider the concept. Separate 
measures for these fleets may be considered in a future action.
    Comment 21: One individual commented that haddock 17 inches (43.2 
cm) and larger were rare and questioned why anglers do not see these 
small haddock turn into high numbers of larger fish the next year.
    Response: In recent years, there have been multiple large year 
classes of haddock. These large year classes can make larger haddock 
appear less common by comparison; the proportion of young fish to old 
fish is high in the current population. The growth rate of haddock has 
varied over time and may be related to population size. Prior to 
declines of the haddock population in the mid-twentieth century, 
haddock

[[Page 35463]]

grew slower than was observed when the population was smaller in the 
later twentieth century. In recent years, with the large populations of 
haddock and as a result, slower growth rates in haddock.
    The average weight of haddock caught by recreational anglers in 
2016 (1.7 lb; 0.8 kg) was the same as the average weight in 2015, while 
the average number of haddock caught per angler trip nearly doubled 
(from 5.5 to 14) between 2015 and 2016. This information does not 
demonstrate a strong benefit to further reduce the minimum size for 
haddock at this time.
    Comment 22: The Stellwagen Bank Charter Boat Association and 31 
individuals commented that the MRIP data are incorrect and suggested we 
should not use catch and effort estimates to manage the recreational 
fishery. In particular, estimates of the number of angler trips was a 
concern raised in these comments.
    Response: Estimates of catch and effort must be used because it is 
not possible to have a complete census of all recreational anglers to 
capture all catch and every angler trip. MRIP is the method used to 
count and report marine recreational catch and effort. In January 2017, 
the National Academies of Science released their latest review of MRIP 
and recognized NMFS for making ``impressive progress'' and ``major 
improvements'' to MRIP survey designs since the 2006 review of MRIP. 
While there are some remaining challenges to MRIP surveys, we continue 
to make improvements including transitioning from the Coastal Household 
Telephone survey to the Fishing Effort Survey, which will further 
improve our estimates of recreational fishing effort.

Classification

    The Administrator, Greater Atlantic Region, NMFS, determined that 
these measures are necessary for the conservation and management of the 
Northeast multispecies fishery and that the measures are consistent 
with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and 
other applicable laws.

Administrative Procedure Act

    Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), the Assistant Administrator for 
Fisheries finds good cause to make this rule effective immediately upon 
filing with the Office of the Federal Register. This final rule 
implements reductions from the recreational management measures 
implemented for fishing year 2016, and that currently remain in place. 
In fishing year 2016, the GOM cod recreational sub-ACL was exceeded by 
92 percent and recreational sub-ACL is unchanged for 2017. GOM cod are 
overfished and overfishing is occurring, and it is critical that the 
2017 recreational management measures, which prohibit the retention of 
cod, go into effect before the season opens to ensure that the catch 
limit is not exceeded again. Fishing effort and catch are both strong 
in summer months. Further delay of the implementation of these measures 
increases the likelihood of quota overages that could require 
implementation of even more restrictive measures in a future action. If 
this rule is not effective on, or before, August 1, then the GOM 
recreational cod season will open and anglers will be able to retain 
these fish. A targeted fishery would result in an increase in cod catch 
not only due to retention of cod, but due to discards of cod which are 
higher during an open season than when anglers are intentionally 
avoiding cod altogether to focus on other species. Thus, delaying 
implementation of these measures would be contrary to the public 
interest of ensuring that GOM cod catch limits are not exceeded.
    The Northeast Multispecies fishing year begins on May 1 of each 
year and continues through April 30 of the following calendar year. The 
collection and processing of recreational data creates a very 
compressed period for consideration of options, the public NEFMC 
process, and the rulemaking process prescribed by the Administrative 
Procedure Act. We consulted with the NEFMC in January 2017. On January 
25, 2017, the NEFMC voted to recommend to us the suite of recreational 
measures we are implementing. In addition to this collaborative 
consultation process prescribed for the proactive AM, we must fully 
evaluate and analyze the measures under consideration. This involves 
not only the bioeconomic model output presented in January, but also 
includes an environmental analysis consistent with the NEPA 
requirements, and a systematic review of compliance with other 
applicable laws. In order to evaluate the impact of the 2016 
recreational catch overages, and the proposed management alternatives, 
we needed to consider them in the context of total catch and catch 
limits. Final data on commercial catch of GOM cod and haddock, and the 
portion of the catch limit that was utilized, was not available until 
July 5, 2017.
    For the reasons outlined, NMFS finds that there is good cause to 
waive the otherwise applicable requirement to provide a 30-day delay in 
implementation.

Executive Order (E.O.) 12866

    This final rule has been determined to be not significant for 
purposes of E.O. 12866.

Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)

    A final regulatory flexibility analysis (FRFA) was prepared for 
this action. The FRFA incorporates the IRFA, a summary of the 
significant issues raised by the public comments in response to the 
IRFA and NMFS responses to those comments, and a summary of the 
analyses completed to support the action. The FRFA includes sections of 
the preamble (SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION) and analyses supporting this 
rulemaking, including the Framework Adjustment 55 EA, the supplemental 
EA to Framework Adjustment 55, and the supplemental information report. 
A description of the action, why it is being considered, and the legal 
basis for this action are contained in the supplemental information 
report and preamble to the proposed rule, and are not repeated here 
(see ADDRESSES). A summary of the analyses follows.

A Summary of the Significant Issues Raised by the Public in Response to 
the IRFA, a Summary of the Agency's Assessment of Such Issues, and a 
Statement of Any Changes Made in the Final Rule as a Result of Such 
Comments

    Our responses to all of the comments received on the proposed rule, 
including those that raised significant issues with the proposed 
action, or commented on the economic analyses summarized in the IRFA, 
can be found in the Comments and Responses section of this rule. In the 
proposed rule we solicited comments on two options. The majority of 
comments supported implementing the measures that the NEFMC 
recommended, including the fall haddock closure from September 17 
through October 31. Most of these comments expressed disappointment 
that the recommended measures were not implemented in time for the May 
1 start to the fishing year and raised concerns that the delay would 
cause further overages and result in additional restrictions on the 
recreational fishery in 2018. There was one comment on the IRFA. The 
NEFMC pointed out that the bioeconomic model cannot estimate 
recreational effort at a time scale of less than a month. Given this 
restriction it is not clear that the model can accurately capture the 
impacts of a closure that discourages recreational fishing during the 
Labor Day weekend, the last 3-day weekend of the summer and an

[[Page 35464]]

important component of the for-hire fleet's business. This comment, 
among other information as discussed in the preamble, supports our 
decision to implement the NEFMC's proposed option.

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

    The Small Business Administration (SBA) defines a small commercial 
finfishing or shellfishing business as a firm with annual receipts 
(gross revenue) of up to $11.0 million. A small for-hire recreational 
fishing business is defined as a firm with receipts of up to $7.5 
million. Having different size standards for different types of fishing 
activities creates difficulties in categorizing businesses that 
participate in multiple fishing related activities. For purposes of 
this assessment business entities have been classified into the SBA-
defined categories based on which activity produced the highest 
percentage of average annual gross revenues from 2013-2015, the most 
recent 3-year period for which data are available. This classification 
is now possible because vessel ownership data have been added to 
Northeast permit database. The ownership data identify all individuals 
who own fishing vessels. Using this information, vessels can be grouped 
together according to common owners. The resulting groupings were 
treated as a fishing business for purposes of this analysis. Revenues 
summed across all vessels in a group and the activities that generate 
those revenues form the basis for determining whether the entity is a 
large or small business.
    This rule includes closed seasons in addition to possession limits 
and size limits. For purposes of this analysis, it is assumed that for-
hire businesses are directly affected by all three types of 
recreational fishing restrictions. According to the FMP, it is unlawful 
for the owner or operator of a charter or party boat issued a valid 
multispecies permit, when the boat is carrying passengers for hire, to:
     Possess cod or haddock in excess of the possession limits;
     Fish with gear in violation of the regulations; and/or
     Fail to comply with the applicable restrictions if 
transiting the GOM Regulated Mesh Area with cod or haddock on board 
that was caught outside the GOM Regulated Mesh Area.
    As the for-hire owner and operator can be prosecuted under the law 
for violations of the proposed regulations, for-hire business entities 
are considered directly affected in this analysis. Anglers are not 
considered ``entities'' under the RFA and thus economic impacts on 
anglers are not discussed here.
    For-hire fishing businesses are required to obtain a Federal 
charter/party multispecies fishing permit in order to carry passengers 
to catch GOM cod or haddock. Thus, the affected businesses entities of 
concern are businesses that hold Federal multispecies for-hire fishing 
permits. While all business entities that hold for-hire permits could 
be affected by changes in recreational fishing restrictions, not all 
business that hold for-hire permits actively participate in a given 
year. Those who actively participate, i.e., land fish, would be the 
group of business entities that are impacted by the regulations. Latent 
fishing power (in the form of unfished permits) has the potential to 
alter the impacts on a fishery, but it's not possible to predict how 
many of these latent business entities will or will not participate in 
this fishery in fishing year 2017. The Northeast Federal landings 
database (i.e., vessel trip report data) indicates that a total of 645 
party/charter vessels held a multispecies for-hire fishing permit in 
2015 (the most recent full year of available data). Of the 645 for-hire 
permitted vessels, however, only 208 actively participated in the for-
hire Atlantic cod and haddock fishery in fishing year 2015 (i.e., 
reported catch of cod or haddock).
    Using vessel ownership information developed from Northeast Federal 
permit data and Northeast vessel trip report data, it was determined 
that the 208 actively participating for-hire vessels are owned by 191 
unique fishing business entities. The vast majority of the 208 fishing 
businesses were solely engaged in for-hire fishing, but some also 
earned revenue from shellfish and/or finfish fishing. The highest 
percentage of annual gross revenues for all but 18 of the fishing 
businesses was from for-hire fishing. In other words, the revenue from 
for-hire fishing was greater than the revenue from shellfishing and the 
revenue from finfish fishing for all but 18 of the business entities.
    According to the SBA size standards, small for-hire businesses are 
defined as firms with annual receipts of up to $7.5 million, and small 
commercial finfishing or shellfishing business as firms with annual 
receipts (gross revenue) of up to $11.0 million. Average annual gross 
revenue estimates calculated from the most recent three years (2013-
2015) indicate that none of the 191 for-hire business entities had 
annual receipts of more than $5.2 million from all of their fishing 
activities (for-hire, shellfish, and finfish). Therefore, all of the 
affected for-hire business entities are considered ``small'' by the SBA 
size standards and thus this action will not disproportionately affect 
small versus large for-hire business entities.

Description of the Projected Reporting, Record-Keeping, and Other 
Compliance Requirements of This Rule

    There are no reporting, recordkeeping, or other compliance 
requirements.

Federal Rules Which May Duplicate, Overlap, or Conflict With This Rule

    The action is authorized by the regulations implementing the 
Northeast Multispecies FMP. It does not duplicate, overlap, or conflict 
with other Federal rules.

Description of Significant Alternatives to the Rule Which Accomplish 
the Stated Objectives of Applicable Statutes and Which Minimize Any 
Significant Economic Impact on Small Entities

    A total of seven combinations of recreational measures were 
presented to the Recreational Advisory Panel, the Groundfish Oversight 
Committee, and the NEFMC. This included the status quo and an option 
(presented as Option 1) that prohibited cod possession while retaining 
the current haddock measures that would not have restrained catch to 
the quotas, and thus, would not have accomplished the objective. The 
proposed options that would accomplish the objectives were the NEFMC 
recommended option (presented as Option 2) and the additional NMFS 
option (presented as Option 3), which are discussed in detail in the 
preamble of the proposed rule. The remaining three options (Options 4, 
5, and 6 in Table 3) that would accomplish the objective were discussed 
by all three groups. These remaining options were rejected either 
because implementation was viewed as confusing to the public (e.g., 
implementing a May closure shortly after the start of the fishing year 
on May 1) or in deference to having a larger public process to consider 
the concept (i.e., separate measures for the private anglers and the 
for-hire fleet).

[[Page 35465]]



                     Table 3--Projected Fishing Year 2017 Recreational Cod and Haddock Catch Under Alternative Measures Not Proposed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               Haddock                                 Cod                           Probability             Probability
                              --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Predicted    haddock    Predicted   cod catch
    Possible 2017 measures       Haddock                                    Cod                            haddock   catch below  cod catch   below sub-
                               possession   Minimum     Closed season   possession   Minimum     Closed     catch      sub-ACL       (mt)        ACL
                                  limit    fish size                       limit    fish size    season      (mt)     (percent)               (percent)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Option 4.....................          15         17  3/1-4/14--2              N/A        N/A   5/1-4/30      1,118          73         153          61
                                                       weeks in May.
Option 5.....................          10         17  3/1-4/14--1 week         N/A        N/A   5/1-4/30      1,149          68         157          51
                                                       in May.
Option 6 Private.............          12         17  3/1-4/14, 9/17-          N/A        N/A   5/1-4/30      1,159          51         153          55
                                                       10/31.
Option 6 For Hire............          10         17  3/1-4/14........         N/A        N/A   5/1-4/30
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Section 212 of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness 
Act of 1996 states that, for each rule or group of related rules for 
which an agency is required to prepare a FRFA, the agency shall publish 
one or more guides to assist small entities in complying with the rule, 
and shall designate such publications as ``small entity compliance 
guides.'' The agency shall explain the actions a small entity is 
required to take to comply with a rule or group of rules. As part of 
this rulemaking process, a letter to permit holders that also serves as 
small entity compliance guide (the guide) was prepared. Copies of this 
final rule are available from the Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries 
Office (see ADDRESSES), and the guide, i.e., bulletin, will be sent to 
all holders of permits for the Northeast multispecies fishery. The 
guide and this final rule will be available upon request.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 648

    Fisheries, Fishing, Recordkeeping and reporting requirements.

    Dated: July 25, 2017.
Samuel D. Rauch, III,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
    For the reasons set out in the preamble, NMFS amends 50 CFR part 
648 as follows:

PART 648--FISHERIES OF THE NORTHEASTERN UNITED STATES

0
1. The authority citation for part 648 continues to read as follows:

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


0
2. In Sec.  648.89:
0
a. Revise paragraphs (b)(2) and (c)(1);
0
b. Remove paragraph (c)(2);
0
c. Redesignate paragraphs (c)(3) through (8) as paragraphs (c)(2) 
through (7), respectively;
0
d. Revise newly redesignated paragraph (c)(7); and
0
e. Revise paragraphs (e) and (f).
    The revisions and additions read as follows:


Sec.  648.89  Recreational and charter/party vessel restrictions.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (2) Exceptions--(i) Fillet size. Vessels may possess fillets less 
than the minimum size specified, if the fillets are taken from legal-
sized fish and are not offered or intended for sale, trade or barter.
    (ii) Transiting. Vessels in possession of cod or haddock caught 
outside the GOM Regulated Mesh Area specified in Sec.  648.80(a)(1) may 
transit this area with cod and haddock that meet the minimum size 
specified for fish caught outside the GOM Regulated Mesh Area specified 
in Sec.  648.80(b)(1), provided all bait and hooks are removed from 
fishing rods, and any cod and haddock on board has been gutted and 
stored.
* * * * *
    (c) Possession Restrictions--(1) Cod--(i) Outside the Gulf of 
Maine--(A) Private recreational vessels. Each person on a private 
recreational vessel may possess no more than 10 cod per day in, or 
harvested from, the EEZ when fishing outside of the GOM Regulated Mesh 
Area specified in Sec.  648.80(a)(1).
    (B) Charter or party boats. Each person on a charter or party 
fishing boat permitted under this part, and not fishing under the NE 
multispecies DAS program or on a sector trip, may possess unlimited cod 
in, or harvested from, the EEZ when fishing outside of the GOM 
Regulated Mesh Area specified in Sec.  648.80(a)(1).
    (ii) Gulf of Maine--(A) Private recreational vessels. When fishing 
in the GOM Regulated Mesh Area specified in Sec.  648.80(a)(1), persons 
aboard private recreational fishing vessels may not fish for or possess 
cod, except that each person on a private recreational vessel in 
possession of cod caught outside the GOM Regulated Mesh Area may 
transit the GOM Regulated Mesh Area with cod up to the possession limit 
specified at Sec.  648.80(c)(1)(i)(A), provided all bait and hooks are 
removed from fishing rods and any cod on board has been gutted and 
stored.
    (B) Charter or party boats. When fishing in the GOM Regulated Mesh 
Area specified in Sec.  648.80(a)(1), persons aboard a charter or party 
fishing boat may not fish for or possess cod, except that each person 
on a charter or party fishing boat permitted under this part, and not 
fishing under the NE multispecies DAS program or on a sector trip, in 
possession of cod caught outside the GOM Regulated Mesh Area specified 
in Sec.  648.80(a)(1) may transit the GOM Regulated Mesh Area in 
possession of cod caught outside the GOM Regulated Mesh Area with cod 
up to the possession limit specified at Sec.  648.80(c)(1)(i)(B), 
provided all bait and hooks are removed from fishing rods and any cod 
on board has been gutted and stored.
    (iii) Fillet conversion. For purposes of counting fish, fillets 
will be converted to whole fish at the place of landing by dividing the 
number of fillets by two. If fish are filleted into a single 
(butterfly) fillet, such fillet shall be deemed to be from one whole 
fish.
    (iv) Application of possession limit. Cod harvested by recreational 
fishing vessels in or from the EEZ with more than one person aboard may 
be pooled in one or more containers. Compliance with the possession 
limit will be determined by dividing the number of fish on board by the 
number of persons on board. If there is a violation of the possession 
limit on board a vessel carrying more than one person, the violation 
shall be deemed to have been committed by the owner or operator of the 
vessel.
    (v) Storage. Cod must be stored so as to be readily available for 
inspection.
* * * * *
    (7) Haddock--(i) Outside the Gulf of Maine--(A) Private 
recreational vessels. Each person on a private recreational vessel may 
possess unlimited haddock in, or harvested from, the EEZ when

[[Page 35466]]

fishing outside of the GOM Regulated Mesh Area specified in Sec.  
648.80(a)(1).
    (B) Charter or party boats. Each person on a charter or party 
fishing boat permitted under this part, and not fishing under the NE 
multispecies DAS program or on a sector trip, may possess unlimited 
haddock in, or harvested from, the EEZ when fishing outside of the GOM 
Regulated Mesh Area specified in Sec.  648.80(a)(1).
    (ii) Gulf of Maine--(A) Private recreational vessels. Each person 
on a private recreational vessel in possession of haddock caught 
outside the GOM Regulated Mesh Area specified in Sec.  648.80(a)(1) may 
transit the GOM Regulated Mesh Area with more than the GOM haddock 
possession limit specified at paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of this section up 
to the possession limit specified at paragraph (c)(7)(i) of this 
section, provided all bait and hooks are removed from fishing rods and 
any haddock on board has been gutted and stored.
    (1) May 1 through September 17. Each person on a private 
recreational fishing vessel, fishing from May 1 through September 17, 
may possess no more than 12 haddock per day in, or harvested from, the 
EEZ when fishing in the GOM Regulated Mesh Area specified in Sec.  
648.80(a)(1).
    (2) September 18 through October 31. When fishing in the GOM 
Regulated Mesh Area specified in Sec.  648.80(a)(1), persons aboard 
private recreational fishing vessels may not fish for or possess any 
haddock from September 18 through October 31.
    (3) November through February. Each person on a private 
recreational fishing vessel, fishing from November 1 through February 
28 (February 29 in leap years), may possess no more than 12 haddock per 
day in, or harvested from, the EEZ when fishing in the GOM Regulated 
Mesh Area specified in Sec.  648.80(a)(1).
    (4) March 1 through April 14. When fishing in the GOM Regulated 
Mesh Area specified in Sec.  648.80(a)(1), persons aboard private 
recreational fishing vessels may not fish for or possess any haddock 
from March 1 through April 14.
    (5) April 15 through April 30. Each person on a private 
recreational fishing vessel, fishing from April 15 through April 30, 
may possess no more than 12 haddock per day in, or harvested from, the 
EEZ when fishing in the GOM Regulated Mesh Area specified in Sec.  
648.80(a)(1).
    (B) Charter or party boats. Each person on a charter or party 
fishing boat permitted under this part, and not fishing under the NE 
multispecies DAS program or on a sector trip, in possession of haddock 
caught outside the GOM Regulated Mesh Area specified in Sec.  
648.80(a)(1) may transit the GOM Regulated Mesh Area with more than the 
GOM haddock possession limit specified at paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of this 
section up to the possession limit specified at paragraph (c)(7)(i) of 
this section, provided all bait and hooks are removed from fishing rods 
and any haddock on board has been gutted and stored.
    (1) May 1 through September 17. Each person on a charter or party 
fishing boat permitted under this part, and not fishing under the NE 
multispecies DAS program or on a sector trip, fishing from May 1 
through September 17, may possess no more than 12 haddock per day in, 
or harvested from, the EEZ when fishing in the GOM Regulated Mesh Area 
specified in Sec.  648.80(a)(1).
    (2) September 18 through October 31. When fishing in the GOM 
Regulated Mesh Area specified in Sec.  648.80(a)(1), persons on a 
charter or party fishing boat permitted under this part, and not 
fishing under the NE multispecies DAS program or on a sector trip, may 
not fish for or possess any haddock from September 18 through October 
31.
    (3) November through February. Each person on a charter or party 
fishing boat permitted under this part, and not fishing under the NE 
multispecies DAS program or on a sector trip, fishing from November 1 
through February 28 (February 29 in leap years), may possess no more 
than 12 haddock per day in, or harvested from, the EEZ when fishing in 
the GOM Regulated Mesh Area specified in Sec.  648.80(a)(1).
    (4) March 1 through April 14. When fishing in the GOM Regulated 
Mesh Area specified in Sec.  648.80(a)(1), persons aboard a charter or 
party fishing boat permitted under this part, and not fishing under the 
NE multispecies DAS program or on a sector trip, may not fish for or 
possess any haddock from March 1 through April 14.
    (5) April 15 through April 30. Each person on a charter or party 
fishing boat permitted under this part, and not fishing under the NE 
multispecies DAS program or on a sector trip, fishing from April 15 
through April 30, may possess no more than 12 haddock per day in, or 
harvested from, the EEZ when fishing in the GOM Regulated Mesh Area 
specified in Sec.  648.80(a)(1).
    (iii) Fillet conversion. For purposes of counting fish, fillets 
will be converted to whole fish at the place of landing by dividing the 
number of fillets by two. If fish are filleted into a single 
(butterfly) fillet, such fillet shall be deemed to be from one whole 
fish.
    (iv) Application of possession limit. Haddock harvested in or from 
the EEZ by private recreational fishing boats or charter or party boats 
with more than one person aboard may be pooled in one or more 
containers. Compliance with the possession limit will be determined by 
dividing the number of fish on board by the number of persons on board. 
If there is a violation of the possession limit on board a vessel 
carrying more than one person, the violation shall be deemed to have 
been committed by the owner or operator of the vessel.
    (v) Storage. Haddock must be stored so as to be readily available 
for inspection.
* * * * *
    (e) Charter/party vessel restrictions on fishing in GOM closed 
areas and the Nantucket Lightship Closed Area--(1) GOM closed areas. 
(i) A vessel fishing under charter/party regulations may not fish in 
the GOM closed areas specified in Sec.  648.81(d)(1), (e)(1), and 
(f)(4) during the time periods specified in those paragraphs, unless 
the vessel has on board a valid letter of authorization issued by the 
Regional Administrator pursuant to Sec.  648.81(f)(5)(v) and paragraph 
(e)(3) of this section. If the vessel fishes or intends to fish in the 
GOM cod protection closures, the conditions and restrictions of the 
letter of authorization must be complied with for a minimum of 3 
months. If the vessel fishes or intends to fish in the year-round GOM 
closure areas, the conditions and restrictions of the letter of 
authorization must be complied with for the rest of the fishing year, 
beginning with the start of the participation period of the letter of 
authorization.
    (ii) A vessel fishing under charter/party regulations may not fish 
in the GOM Cod Spawning Protection Area specified at Sec.  648.81(n)(1) 
during the time period specified in that paragraph, unless the vessel 
complies with the requirements specified at Sec.  648.81(n)(2)(iii).
    (2) Nantucket Lightship Closed Area. A vessel fishing under 
charter/party regulations may not fish in the Nantucket Lightship 
Closed Area specified in Sec.  648.81(c)(1) unless the vessel has on 
board a letter of authorization issued by the Regional Administrator 
pursuant to Sec.  648.81(c)(2)(iii) and paragraph (e)(3) of this 
section.
    (3) Letters of authorization. To obtain either of the letters of 
authorization specified in paragraphs (e)(1) and (2) of this section, a 
vessel owner must request a letter from the NMFS Greater Atlantic 
Regional Fisheries Office, either in writing or by phone (see Table

[[Page 35467]]

1 to 50 CFR 600.502). As a condition of these letters of authorization, 
the vessel owner must agree to the following:
    (i) The letter of authorization must be carried on board the vessel 
during the period of participation;
    (ii) Fish species managed by the NEFMC or MAFMC that are harvested 
or possessed by the vessel, are not sold or intended for trade, barter 
or sale, regardless of where the fish are caught;
    (iii) The vessel has no gear other than rod and reel or handline 
gear on board; and
    (iv) For the GOM charter/party closed area exemption only, the 
vessel may not fish on a sector trip, under a NE multispecies DAS, or 
under the provisions of the NE multispecies Small Vessel Category or 
Handgear A or Handgear B permit categories, as specified at Sec.  
648.82, during the period of participation.
    (f) Recreational fishery AM--(1) Catch evaluation. As soon as 
recreational catch data are available for the entire previous fishing 
year, the Regional Administrator will evaluate whether recreational 
catches exceed any of the sub-ACLs specified for the recreational 
fishery pursuant to Sec.  648.90(a)(4). When evaluating recreational 
catch, the components of recreational catch that are used shall be the 
same as those used in the most recent assessment for that particular 
stock. To determine if any sub-ACL specified for the recreational 
fishery was exceeded, the Regional Administrator shall compare the 3-
year average of recreational catch to the 3-year average of the 
recreational sub-ACL for each stock.
    (2) Reactive AM adjustment. If it is determined that any 
recreational sub-ACL was exceeded, as specified in paragraph (f)(1) of 
this section, the Regional Administrator, after consultation with the 
NEFMC, shall develop measures necessary to prevent the recreational 
fishery from exceeding the appropriate sub-ACL in future years. 
Appropriate AMs for the recreational fishery, including adjustments to 
fishing season, minimum fish size, or possession limits, may be 
implemented in a manner consistent with the Administrative Procedure 
Act, with final measures published in the Federal Register no later 
than January when possible. Separate AMs shall be developed for the 
private and charter/party components of the recreational fishery.
    (3) Proactive AM adjustment. When necessary, the Regional 
Administrator, after consultation with the NEFMC, may adjust 
recreational measures to ensure the recreational fishery achieves, but 
does not exceed any recreational fishery sub-ACL in a future fishing 
year. Appropriate AMs for the recreational fishery, including 
adjustments to fishing season, minimum fish size, or possession limits, 
may be implemented in a manner consistent with the Administrative 
Procedure Act, with final measures published in the Federal Register 
prior to the start of the fishing year where possible. In specifying 
these AMs, the Regional Administrator shall take into account the non-
binding prioritization of possible measures recommended by the NEFMC: 
For cod, first increases to minimum fish sizes, then adjustments to 
seasons, followed by changes to bag limits; and for haddock, first 
increases to minimum size limits, then changes to bag limits, and then 
adjustments to seasons.

[FR Doc. 2017-16018 Filed 7-27-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P