[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 183 (Monday, September 21, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 59199-59204]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-20686]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 600

[Docket No. 200321-0084]
RIN 0648-BJ70


Extension of Emergency Measures To Address Fishery Observer 
Coverage During the Coronavirus Pandemic

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

ACTION: Temporary rule; emergency action extended.

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SUMMARY: NMFS extends this temporary rule (also referred to herein as 
``emergency action'') to provide it with authority to continue to waive 
observer coverage requirements. NMFS is taking this action to address 
public health concerns relating to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. 
The intended effect is to provide the waiver mechanism necessary to 
respond to the ongoing public health emergency. This action also 
authorizes NMFS to waive some training or other program requirements to 
ensure that as many observers are available as possible while ensuring 
the safety and health of the observers and trainers.

DATES: The expiration date of the emergency measures to address fishery 
observer coverage during the Coronavirus pandemic published on March 
27, 2020 (85 FR 17285) is extended through March 26, 2021.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Ruccio at 978-281-9104.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    On March 27, 2020, NMFS published an emergency action (85 FR 17285) 
that addresses public health concerns relating to the Coronavirus 
Disease pandemic that began in 2019 (COVID-19). The emergency action 
provides NMFS with authority to waive observer coverage requirements 
established in regulations promulgated under the Magnuson-Stevens 
Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) and other statutes, 
consistent with applicable law and international obligations. The 
action also authorizes NMFS to waive some training or other program 
requirements to ensure that as many observers are available as possible 
while ensuring the safety and health of the observers and trainers. Due 
to the continuation and evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic, NMFS is now 
extending this emergency action for an additional 186 days, as 
authorized under MSA section 305(c)(3).
    The background for why the emergency observer waiver is necessary 
was provided in the original emergency action (85 FR 17285; March 27, 
2020) and is not repeated here. Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, 
the continued national and local declarations of emergency, and 
guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, NMFS has 
determined that an extension of the emergency action is needed to 
enable NMFS to continue to waive observer coverage and some related 
training and other program requirements. NMFS expects this extension to 
advance the protection of and to promote public health and the safety 
of fishermen, observers, and other parties that may come in contact 
with those persons. NMFS will continue to consider applicable law and 
international obligations when making decisions about observer coverage 
waivers. In issuing such waivers, NMFS will continue to carefully 
monitor the status of the fishery and/or protected species that were 
being observed or monitored to ensure that the relevant conservation 
and management goals are still being met. If needed to address any 
significant issues or concerns, or if NMFS determines that a waiver 
cannot be issued (e.g., observer coverage is required due to other 
applicable law or international obligations), NMFS may implement 
additional, separate actions (e.g., fishery closures, additional 
monitoring) per existing regulations or may issue emergency 
regulations, as necessary and appropriate. As a result, no ecological 
or socioeconomic impacts are expected by this temporary rule beyond any 
caused by the COVID-19 pandemic itself.
    NMFS will continue to monitor and evaluate the COVID-19 pandemic 
and will take additional action if needed. Unless otherwise determined, 
NMFS anticipates that these emergency measures will be effective until 
the earlier of the following dates: (1) The date when the current 
COVID-19 pandemic is no longer deemed a public health emergency by the 
Secretary of Health and Human Services; or (2) March 26, 2021, see MSA 
section 305(c)(3)(B), 16 U.S.C. 1855(c)(3)(B). As warranted, if this 
emergency continues beyond the end of this 186-day extension period, 
NMFS may consult with the Secretary of Health and Human Services about 
a further extension of this emergency action pursuant to MSA section 
305(c)(3)(C) or may conduct a more permanent rulemaking.

Extended Emergency Management Measures

    NMFS is extending the original emergency regulations with a minor 
change to the text of the first criteria for waiving observer coverage. 
Changes in text are to clarify the original intent and do not change 
the meaning. The management measures in the emergency rule that are 
being extended follow.
    Under this emergency action, NMFS may waive observer coverage 
requirements if:
     Placing an observer conflicts with travel restrictions or 
other requirements addressing COVID-19 related concerns issued by 
local, state, or national governments, or the private companies that 
deploy observers pursuant to NMFS regulations; or
     No qualified observer(s) are available for placement due 
to health, safety, or training issues related to COVID-19.
    If either of these conditions is satisfied, then NMFS may waive 
observer coverage requirements for an individual trip or vessel, an 
entire fishery or fleet, or all fisheries administered under a NMFS 
Regional Office (see 50 CFR 600.10 (defining Region) and https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/regions) or NMFS Headquarters Office. However, 
waivers will be only issued as narrowly

[[Page 59200]]

as possible in terms of duration and scope to meet the particular 
circumstances. Such waivers will be communicated in writing or 
electronic format. At any time, if the circumstances for a waiver are 
no longer applicable, NMFS will withdraw, in writing or electronic 
format, that waiver. In making decisions regarding observer coverage 
waivers, NMFS will gather information, if needed, from relevant 
observer service providers and other parties involved with observer 
coverage before issuing the waivers.
    This emergency action also allows NMFS to waive certain observer 
training and other observer program requirements (e.g., requiring a 
minimum class size or requiring that observers transfer to other 
vessels between trips). Before doing so, NMFS will ensure that any such 
waiver does not remove requirements that ensure the health and safety 
of the observer or observer trainer.

Response to Comments

    During the comment period on the emergency rule, we received 29 
written comments from a variety of stakeholders including Regional 
Fishery Management Councils (Councils), commercial fishermen, fishing 
stakeholder organizations, nongovernmental environmental organizations, 
and other interested parties. Three of the comments we received were 
not related to this rule and are thus not included in the responses 
provided below. Similarly, we do not provide responses to feedback on 
implementation of the CARES Act (The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and 
Economic Security Act) as this is also outside the scope of this rule. 
A summary of the major issues raised is provided below.
    Comment 1: All responsive comments NMFS received were generally in 
support of waiving observer coverage. Many commenters noted the need 
for high quality fisheries dependent data, and supported the agency's 
efforts to collect such data through observers.
    Response: NMFS appreciates and agrees with these comments. NMFS 
acknowledges that it is facing an unprecedented situation with observer 
and monitor deployment and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and public 
health mandates. Also, NMFS recognizes that there is a need for 
flexibility to balance the ongoing public health concerns and the need 
to continue to collect fishery-dependent data.
    Comment 2: NMFS received comments that observers are not essential, 
and that the emergency rule does not provide sufficient protections for 
fishermen nor does it ensure the safety of the crew. Many of these 
commenters believe the close quarters on fishing vessels would mean the 
virus could spread to entire crews and their families. Some commenters 
felt the lack of protection for the crew would put the entire food 
supply in jeopardy.
    Response: NMFS disagrees. Observers and monitors, at-sea and 
shoreside, are an essential component of commercial fishing operations. 
Observers provide important fishery-dependent data, which are used to 
understand catch, bycatch, and interactions with species protected 
under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Marine Mammal Protection Act 
(MMPA). Observers also collect biological information that may not 
otherwise be collected.
    On August 18, 2020, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security 
released updated guidance on essential critical infrastructure 
workforce during COVID-19. Seafood harvesting facilities are listed as 
part of food manufacturer workers and their supplier workers. In 
addition, the memo states that those workers include ``Animal 
agriculture workers . . . employed in . . . animal production 
operations . . . and associated regulatory and government workforce.'' 
As the agency charged with conservation and management of Federal 
fisheries, NMFS asserts that fisheries observers are an associated 
government workforce necessary for fisheries because they provide 
important data for science-based fisheries management.
    In general, observers create no more risk than a crew member, and 
observer provider companies are generally able to match precautionary 
measures that the vessels impose on crew members. Within our regulatory 
and contract oversight authority, NMFS's goal is to have observer 
providers and their observers and monitors meet or exceed the risk 
mitigation protocols that have been adopted by fishermen.
    Comment 3: NMFS received multiple comments concerned with 
inconsistencies on the issuance of waivers between regions.
    Response: The fisheries of the United States are highly variable; 
ranging from large catcher-processor boats targeting pollock in the 
Bering Sea to small fishing boats targeting multi-species fisheries in 
the Caribbean. Fisheries vary not only in the species targeted and 
fishing methods used, but also in their goals, objectives, and 
operating procedures. In addition, there are and continue to be 
regional differences in the occurrence of COVID-19 cases and 
restrictions on travel. NMFS decisions on observer waivers are 
dependent on the unique conditions of each program. The operational 
aspects of some fisheries have allowed the agency and observer service 
providers to more quickly adapt processes and procedures for 
deployment. In other cases, more time has been needed. For example, in 
the Northeast, because of the number of different jurisdictions, 
additional time was needed to finalize observer redeployment protocols. 
Consequently, resumption of observer coverage was delayed for an 
additional month. Overall, NMFS' approach to observer coverage and 
monitoring allows it to be as adaptable as possible given all of the 
variability across our regions and fisheries.
    Comment 4: NMFS received comments from a number of fishing 
organizations that stated NMFS should modify the emergency rule to 
allow waivers to protect the health and safety of fishery participants 
and observers, and not just when an observer was unavailable.
    Other comments on health and safety protection varied. There were 
comments that carrying observers is in conflict with or inconsistent 
with local or state social mandates or guidance for things such as 
shelter-in-place orders. Commenters stated that in such situations, 
NMFS should be responsible for ensuring observer deployments comply 
with such mandates. One comment stated that vessel insurance carriers 
are opposed to allowing observers to interact with vessel personnel 
until the pandemic is better understood and the rate of infection is 
under control. Commenters also noted concerns about the age of most 
fishery participants, existing health conditions, and the need to 
adhere to National Standard 10 of the MSA (safety at sea).
    Response: The March 2020 emergency rule provides the ability to 
waive observer coverage to protect the health and safety of fishery 
participants and observers. With this rule we have revised the first 
criteria to increase clarity while retaining the original meaning. NMFS 
may waive observer coverage requirements if one of the below conditions 
is met:
     Placing an observer conflicts with travel restrictions or 
other requirements addressing COVID-19 related concerns issued by 
local, state, or national governments, or the private companies that 
deploy observers pursuant to NMFS regulations; or
     No qualified observer(s) are available for placement due 
to health, safety, or training issues related to COVID-19.
    NMFS also clarifies that it will consider a trip waiver if the 
observer

[[Page 59201]]

providers cannot meet the risk mitigation protocols imposed by a state 
on commercial fishing crew or by the vessel or vessel company on its 
crew. Based on our regulatory and contract oversight authority, NMFS 
intends to ensure that observer providers and their observers and 
monitors are following the same risk mitigation protocols that 
fishermen are following.
    The decision to operate rests ultimately with each individual 
vessel captain. See 50 CFR 600.355 (National Standard 10 guidelines 
clarify that the safety of a vessel and the people aboard is ultimately 
the responsibility of the master of that vessel). It is our position 
that observers do not introduce additional risk when compared to 
fishing crew when the observer, and their employer, take identical or 
more stringent risk mitigation protocols. In the circumstance where an 
observer provider cannot meet the risk mitigation protocols imposed by 
a state on commercial fishing crew, or those taken by the vessel or a 
vessel company for its crew, NMFS will consider a waiver on a trip-
specific basis.
    The National Standard 10 guidelines (50 CFR 600.355) set forth 
safety considerations (e.g., weather patterns, gear and loading 
requirements, etc.) and possible mitigation measures (e.g., avoiding 
hazardous weather, avoiding race-to-fish `derby' fisheries, tailoring 
gear requirements, spreading effort over time and area, etc.). While 
the guidelines do not address the current, unprecedented situation, 
NMFS believes the emergency rule and its extension are consistent with 
National Standard 10. The rule provides continued operational 
flexibility for vessel masters to establish overall risk mitigation 
protocols for their vessels, ensuring that observers meet or exceed the 
same standards established for the vessel in question. In situations 
where observer providers cannot meet the vessel specific risk 
mitigation protocols established or where observers are otherwise 
unavailable, NMFS will continue to consider waivers of observer 
coverage.
    Comment 5: NMFS received multiple comments that NMFS should have 
issued more comprehensive guidance on when fishing and associated 
activities are safe and compatible with public health rules.
    Response: As mentioned in response to Comment 3 above, there is 
high variability across fisheries in the operational components of 
fisheries (e.g., gears, boat sizes, locations, methods, etc.) as well 
as observer or monitor coverage rates. NMFS has determined that 
comprehensive guidance on fishing activities is thus not appropriate 
nor manageable.
    Comment 6: NMFS received comments that NMFS should not relax the 
training requirements for observers. Some of these commenters felt that 
the current level of training is not sufficient as newly trained 
observers are not always prepared for the difficult conditions at-sea 
and sending out observers without proper training endangers fishermen 
and their families. Commenters suggested training may need to be longer 
to include information related to COVID-19 safety. One commenter noted 
that bad data was worse than no data. Other commenters stated that NMFS 
should work with regional partners to determine what training needs 
could be waived without sacrificing the data that needs to be 
collected.
    Response: NMFS agrees that sufficient training of observers is 
necessary. NMFS will ensure that any waivers related to training do not 
remove requirements that ensure the health and safety of the observer, 
fishing captain, or crew.
    Comment 7: NMFS received a number of comments regarding the lack of 
a specific waiver length prescribed in the emergency rule. Some 
commenters indicated that any length of time for a waiver of observer 
coverage was welcome. Other commenters indicated that NMFS should issue 
blanket waivers that stop all observer coverage for significant periods 
of time including 90 days, 120 days, or for the rest of 2020.
    Response: Waivers for all fisheries administered under a Regional 
Office were granted in many regions during the beginning of the COVID-
19 pandemic while NMFS, observer providers, and fishing businesses 
explored the appropriate safety requirements. Moving forward, NMFS 
anticipates broadly applicable waivers will likely not be needed. On a 
regionally-decided, case-by-case basis, individual trip waivers can be 
granted per the conditions described in the response to Comment 4. This 
emergency rule extension is in effect through March 26, 2021. If 
necessary, NMFS will consider a further extension. See 16 U.S.C. 
1855(c)(3)(C) (responding to public health emergency).
    Comment 8: NMFS received multiple comments suggesting other 
management changes NMFS should make in response to the COVID-19 
pandemic related to either safety or sustainable management. Multiple 
commenters noted that NMFS should consider decreasing catch limits to 
account for the increased uncertainty and increased bias in the self-
reported data due to the lack of observer data. One commenter requested 
NMFS temporarily suspend area-based management measures during the 
pandemic to decrease time spent on the boat and in close-quarters, and 
to decrease economic hardships. Another commenter suggested revising 
the observer duties to remove duties that require prolonged 
interactions (e.g., measuring net width, extensive economic questions). 
Other comments included requests to: Increase the availability of 
protective equipment for crew, adjust post-deployment procedures so 
that observers do not need to travel to complete their debriefings, 
minimize the number of people on docks, and to focus on fishing that is 
essential for food security. In addition, commenters suggest NMFS 
should find other lawful avenues for protecting fishery livelihoods and 
should keep supply chains safe and reliable.
    Response: Many of the requested actions are currently outside the 
scope of this action which is to provide authority to waive observer 
coverage requirements. We appreciate the ideas suggested and encourage 
commenters to contact their NMFS regional office and/or work with their 
Councils to suggest these changes.
    NMFS regional offices and science centers, working collaboratively 
with Councils will consider how the decrease in fishery-dependent data 
will impact future stock assessments and will make adjustments on a 
fishery-by-fishery basis, as needed. Catch advice for many stocks is 
provided on a multi-year basis such that advice for 2021 and 
potentially beyond has already been discussed and catch limits 
established through council processes. Many Councils have a robust risk 
assessment process that can and will evaluate the potentially increased 
uncertainty that may arise from decreased fishery dependent data. 
Finally, there is significant expertise within NMFS science centers and 
on the council's scientific and statistical committees and with council 
technical staff to provide analysis and advice on if or by how much 
catch advice should be modified in response to fishery dependent data 
gaps, changes in overall fishing effort and harvest, or both.
    Comment 9: NMFS received numerous comments that the agency must 
maintain its ability to meet conservation and management mandates under 
MSA, ESA, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and the MMPA, and ensure that 
any waiver issued is consistent with these conservation requirements. 
Commenters suggested NMFS look at the role of observers within each 
fishery when determining if observer coverage

[[Page 59202]]

can be waived, and that the Secretary may exercise his authority to 
uphold conservation needs and safety at sea by temporarily shutting 
down fishing activities. Finally, one commenter noted that NMFS cannot 
assume removal of observers will have no ecological impacts.
    Response: NMFS is committed to maintaining the sustainable use of 
our marine resources, protecting endangered species, marine mammals, 
and seabirds, and providing seafood to the country during the ongoing 
COVID-19 pandemic. NMFS does not agree that it is necessary to 
temporarily shut down a fishery due to a short-term reduction in the 
number of trips observed.
    NMFS will continue to consider applicable law (e.g., ESA and other 
statutes noted above) and international obligations when making 
decisions about observer coverage waivers. In issuing such waivers, 
NMFS will carefully monitor the status of the fishery and/or protected 
species that were being observed or monitored to ensure that the 
relevant conservation and management goals are still being met. If 
needed to address any significant issues or concerns, or if NMFS 
determines that a waiver cannot be issued (e.g., observer coverage is 
required due to other applicable law or international obligations), 
NMFS may implement additional, separate actions (e.g., fishery 
closures, additional monitoring, etc.) per existing regulations or may 
issue emergency regulations, as necessary and appropriate. As a result, 
no ecological or socioeconomic impacts are expected by this extension 
beyond any caused by the COVID-19 pandemic itself.
    Comment 10: Some commenters indicated a concern that vessel owners/
operators would not have control when allowing observers onboard their 
vessels, and that they may be required to carry observers even if the 
observer was symptomatic. One commenter asked if a vessel operator 
could refuse to carry an observer if the observer was symptomatic.
    Response: NMFS agrees and remains concerned about health of both 
fishermen and observers. Observer provider companies have developed 
protocols that are generally able to match or exceed risk mitigation 
measures that the vessels and fishing companies impose on crew members 
and that help ensure health of both observers and fishery participants. 
Under these protocols, it is highly unlikely that a symptomatic 
observer would be deployed. However, in that unlikely scenario, the 
vessel in question should work with both the observer provider and 
regional observer program and/or regional office to address the 
situation. Ultimately, NMFS's goal is to have observers and monitors 
following the same or more stringent risk mitigation protocols than 
fishermen are following.
    Comment 11: NMFS received comments concerning the economic 
implications of continuing to require observer coverage. Commenters 
indicated the daily operational costs coupled with the loss of revenue 
could be heavily impactful on some of the fisherman and associated 
business. One commenter asked who is liable if an observer passes the 
virus to the persons on a fishing vessel, and whether the agency would 
be willing to pay for time lost fishing as a result. Commenters 
indicated that NMFS should further evaluate the sociological conditions 
of each fleet before determining the efficacy of an observer waiver. 
Commenters suggested the impacts of continuing observer coverage during 
the pandemic could further exacerbate the economic decline of the 
fishing industry.
    Response: NMFS is concerned about the economic impacts of the 
COVID-19 pandemic on the fishermen, fishing fleets, and fishing 
communities. NMFS continues to conduct ongoing evaluation of the 
economic impacts resulting from the pandemic and has routinely provided 
this information to Congress as it works to relieve the economic 
impacts of the pandemic. As previously mentioned, observer provider 
companies have developed protocols to minimize the risk of deploying 
observers or monitors. In addition, this rule provides for 
consideration of waivers when observers/monitors cannot meet the risk 
mitigation protocols in place on a vessel, as implemented by the 
captain and crew, or state. See response to Comment 4. Observer 
provider protocols, vessel protocols, and the waiver criteria in this 
rule ensure that risks to fisheries participants and observers/monitors 
are minimized. Because the decision to operate rests with each 
individual vessel captain, NMFS would not pay for any lost fishing time 
in the unlikely event that a vessel crew or captain's contraction of 
COVID-19 could be traced to an observer or monitor. NMFS notes that the 
Federal government has sovereign immunity (i.e., cannot be sued), 
unless it specifically waives that immunity. Sovereign immunity has not 
been waived for claims related to compliance with regulatory 
requirements.
    Comment 12: NMFS received multiple comments noting that the rule 
does not place enough emphasis on the health of fishing communities, 
including the ability of small fishing communities to handle a large 
number of COVID-19 infected patients. Commenters noted the need for 
NMFS to focus on minimizing economic impacts to fishing communities and 
suggested NMFS consider other management actions to protect these 
communities.
    Response: NMFS is concerned with the health and safety of U.S. 
fishing communities. We understand that medical capabilities and 
hospital infrastructure varies across communities. We emphasize that 
observers do not introduce more risk than fishing crews for the spread 
of COVID-19 when following identified risk mitigation protocols. For 
remote communities where access to travel and lodging are reduced due 
to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the emergency rule and its extension 
allow for consideration of observer coverage waivers due to the lack of 
available observers. Fishing businesses are urged to be in 
communication with their respective observer provider and NMFS regional 
observer program/regional office to discuss further, as needed.
    Comment 13: Two commenters stated that NMFS should follow the 
``proper procedure for emergency action.'' Specifically, they state 
NMFS must publish the details of each waiver issued in the Federal 
Register. The commenters suggested that this process would mean the 
agency should request public comment when observer requirements are 
potentially waived for each fishery.
    Response: NMFS adopted the emergency rule and this extension 
pursuant to the procedure for emergency regulations under MSA section 
305(c). The quickly evolving nature of this unprecedented pandemic 
requires a nimble response to local conditions through issuance of 
temporary, region-specific, vessel-specific, or trip-specific waivers.
    Comment 14: NMFS received a number of comments recommending the use 
of electronic monitoring (EM) in place of at-sea observers. Some of 
these commenters indicated that they believed that fisheries with fully 
implemented programs EM could replace the catch accounting provided by 
at sea observers. Furthermore, commenters stated that fisheries with 
pilot EM programs should be temporarily expanded to include additional 
vessels to allow for monitoring without at-sea observers. Further 
comments stated that all fisheries with EM capabilities should

[[Page 59203]]

require EM when observers are waived. Some commenters indicated that EM 
could include vessel monitoring systems (VMS), Automatic Identification 
Systems (AIS), video cameras, and electronic logbooks. These commenters 
indicated that using these technologies could fill data gaps, and some 
of the commenters suggested increasing the ``ping'' rate for VMS among 
other modifications to increase EM coverage overall. Two commenters 
also suggested that electronic reporting by fishermen and dealers 
should be required in any fishery issued a waiver to assist in 
mitigating any data gaps resulting from no observer coverage.
    Response: NMFS is very supportive of expanding EM and electronic 
reporting (ER). NMFS has provided approximately $42 million since 2015 
to develop and implement EM and ER technologies; there are seven EM 
programs in regulation (six in Alaska and the Atlantic Highly Migratory 
Species program), seven more EM programs in pre-implementation (Alaska, 
West Coast, and Northeast) and a wide-range of pilot projects across 
U.S. fisheries. Where implemented in regulation, EM continues to be 
used to gather fishery dependent data during this pandemic. However, 
under the best conditions, developing and expanding EM programs still 
requires resources to purchase and install systems, develop vessel-
specific monitoring plans, transmit and review data, and map out the 
pathway for integrating and using the data for management and science. 
NMFS agrees that the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the benefits of EM, 
especially to make our data collection and monitoring more resilient, 
and expects to see an increased interest and use of EM in the future. 
However, given the challenges with EM listed above, NMFS' ability to 
approve new EM programs or provide EM to more boats is limited at the 
current time. NMFS will continue to work with existing projects and 
programs to determine where EM expansion can occur in the short-term 
and will continue to work with the Councils to improve our monitoring 
programs, including the expansion of EM and ER.
    Comment 15: NMFS received comments indicating that proper catch 
accounting is a necessity for quality fisheries management, but that it 
can be achieved without the use of observers. These commenters stated 
that electronic dealer reporting is the gold standard in quota 
monitoring and catch accounting, and that NMFS already uses this data 
stream for real-time fisheries management. Since NMFS uses other 
reporting methods for catch accounting, quota management and real time 
fisheries management, these commenters believe that NMFS can grant a 
long-term observer waiver without long term impacts to fisheries. A 
separate commenter noted the need to substitute other data collection 
and monitoring methods in lieu of observer data. Another commenter 
noted that there was not a need for both 100 percent observer coverage 
and 100 percent dock-side monitoring.
    Response: NMFS agrees that catch accounting is an important part of 
sustainable fisheries management. However, NMFS notes that fishery 
management plans adopt data collection and reporting requirements 
(e.g., fishery observers, dealer reporting, etc.) to address not only 
catch accounting but other purposes. NMFS anticipates that broadly 
applicable waivers of observer coverage will likely not be needed, and 
waivers should be granted on a regionally-decided, case-by-case basis 
depending on the fishery (see response to Comment 3).
    Comment 16: NMFS received multiple comments pertaining to when 
waivers should be lifted. Some commenters indicated that any waiver 
issued must be limited in scope and duration. Other commenters felt any 
waivers should remain in place until all travel restrictions and other 
social control mechanisms have been removed from the regions where 
observers are deployed or until testing availability increases 
substantially or a vaccine becomes available. Other commenters 
indicated that the rationale for deploying observers should be tied to 
the same rationale for reopening NOAA offices and bringing employees 
back to work sites. Finally, a commenter suggested the waiver should 
match the duration of the shelter-at-home orders of the various 
governors or local governments.
    Response: As mentioned in response to Comment 3, the ability to re-
deploy observers depends on the operational components of the fisheries 
(e.g., gears, methods, port of departure, mandated observer coverage 
levels, etc.) as well as the availability of observers and the ability 
of observer providers to at least match the deployment vessel's self-
imposed risk mitigation protocols. NMFS agrees that observers should 
follow local travel restrictions and stay at home orders that apply to 
essential employees. NMFS does not agree that observer coverage and 
related requirements should be waived until NOAA offices are open. 
Observer work cannot be completed via telework. In analogous situations 
where NMFS employees' work cannot be completed remotely, NMFS is 
allowing the return of essential workers to NOAA facilities, consistent 
with state and local public health service guidance.
    Comment 17: Two commenters indicated that NMFS should consider the 
economic and biological ramifications of waiving observer coverage 
focused on ESA or MMPA species. Commenters noted that self-reporting is 
insufficient for these species, especially in situations where 
incidental take statements are present for interactions with ESA 
species. They indicated that waivers that do not offer sufficient 
coverage under the ESA could leave fishermen vulnerable to section 9 
liability (section 9 states it is illegal to take, possess, or sell any 
species protected under the ESA) at the same time that fishermen are 
facing a significant reduction in demand and prices. Another commenter 
noted that in some fisheries the observers assist fishing vessel 
captains in marine mammal avoidance and that this role cannot be 
replaced with logbooks.
    Response: NMFS does not agree that waiving observer requirements 
will impact ESA section 9 liability. Fishermen should be employing the 
same fishing practices with or without observers on-board and thus the 
section 9 liability should remain the same. NMFS will consider ESA 
obligations when making decisions about observer coverage waivers. In 
issuing such waivers, NMFS will carefully monitor the status of the 
protected species that were being observed or monitored to ensure that 
the relevant conservation and management goals and any applicable (or 
associated) requirements are still being met. If needed to address any 
significant issues or concerns, NMFS may implement additional, separate 
actions (e.g., fishery closures, additional monitoring) per existing 
regulations or may issue emergency regulations, as necessary and 
appropriate.
    Comment 18: NMFS received comments that waivers should not be 
issued for fishing under exempted fishing permits.
    Response: NMFS will consider the impact of waiving observers for 
exempted fishing permits on a case-by-case basis. Waivers are expected 
to vary depending on the goals and nature of the fishing activities and 
details of the exempted fishing permits. For example, permits related 
to the use of electronic monitoring could continue without observers, 
or with observers based only shoreside, as information on catch is 
still being collected.
    Comment 19: NMFS received multiple comments noting that the

[[Page 59204]]

United States is a party to many different international agreements 
that require observer coverage. They state that unless an international 
body waives its observer coverage requirements, NMFS must ensure 
individual waivers comply with international observer requirements 
within the relevant convention waters.
    Two commenters requested a waiver for the international purse seine 
fishery. They indicated that several international agencies have 
granted temporary allowances to allow for the relevant fisheries to 
operate without observers as a result of the pandemic, and urge NMFS to 
waive observer coverage fully for the relevant fisheries. They note 
fishermen could experience economic harm if they are prohibited from 
fishing when observers are not available. They also note concern that 
these emergency measures will be lifted by NMFS on ``The date when the 
current COVID-19 pandemic is no longer deemed a public health emergency 
by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.'' They state that the 
condition of the pandemic in the United States may not match the 
conditions internationally.
    Response: NMFS understand these concerns, is assessing conditions 
around international fisheries, and is waiving observer coverage where 
appropriate.

Classification

    This action is issued pursuant to section 305(c) of the MSA, 16 
U.S.C. 1855(c), and pursuant to the rulemaking authority under other 
statutes that apply to Federal fisheries management or that implement 
international agreements. Such statutes include, but are not limited 
to, the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.), South 
Pacific Tuna Act of 1988 (16 U.S.C. 973 et seq.), Western and Central 
Pacific Fisheries Convention Implementation Act (16 U.S.C. 6901 et 
seq.), Antigua Convention Implementing Act (16 U.S.C. 951 et seq.), 
High Seas Fishing Compliance Act (16 U.S.C. 5501 et seq.), and MMPA (16 
U.S.C. 1361 et seq.). This temporary rule is intended to authorize NMFS 
to waive any observer requirement implemented under any of those 
authorities, consistent with other applicable law. Consistent with MSA 
section 305(c)(3)(B), this action will remain in effect as to all such 
requirements for 186 days (366 days from the original rulemaking) 
(unless, prior to these dates, the current COVID-19 pandemic is no 
longer deemed a public health emergency by the Secretary of Health and 
Human Services, in which case NMFS anticipates that a notice of 
termination of this temporary rule would be filed in the Federal 
Register pursuant to MSA section 305(c)(3)(D)). If this emergency needs 
to be extended beyond that time, or if this public health emergency 
evolves to the point where it is deemed necessary, NMFS will consult 
with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, pursuant to MSA 
section 305(c)(3)(C), to seek the Secretary's concurrence on extending 
the action until the circumstances that created the public health 
emergency related to COVID-19 no longer exist.
    The Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA (AA), finds good 
cause under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act 
(APA) that it is unnecessary, impracticable, and contrary to the public 
interest to provide for any additional prior notice and opportunity for 
the public to comment. As more fully explained above, the reasons 
justifying promulgation of this rule on an emergency basis, coupled 
with the fact that the public has had the opportunity to comment on the 
original emergency rule, make solicitation of additional comment 
unnecessary, impractical and contrary to the public interest. This 
action is needed immediately to enable NMFS to continue to respond to 
evolving, public safety-related concerns. NMFS is implementing this 
extension of an emergency action to continue to authorize action to 
prevent any potential health issues caused by spreading the COVID-19 
virus to fishermen, observers, technicians, and other persons involved 
with observer coverage. Any delay of implementation of this extension 
could result in public health and safety issues during this global 
pandemic. In addition, this extension is needed to address potential 
disruptions in observer and technician availability due to health, 
training or travel issues or COVID-19-related guidance, requirements, 
or restrictions.
    For the reasons stated above, the AA also finds good cause to waive 
the 30-day delay in effective date of this temporary rule under 5 U.S.C 
553(d)(3).
    Because prior notice and opportunity for public comment are not 
required for this temporary rule by 5 U.S.C. 553 or any other law, the 
analytical requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601 
et seq., are inapplicable.

    Dated: September 15, 2020.
Samuel D. Rauch III,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-20686 Filed 9-18-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P