[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 12 (Wednesday, January 20, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 3154-3194]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-1065]
[[Page 3153]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Part II
Department of Commerce
_______________________________________________________________________
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
_______________________________________________________________________
50 CFR Part 285 et al.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Fisheries, Fishery Management
Plan, Plan Amendment, and Consolidation of Regulations; Proposed Rule
Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 12 / Wednesday, January 20, 1999 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 3154]]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Parts 285, 600, 630, 635, 644, and 678
[Docket No. 981216308-8308-01; I.D. 071698B]
RIN 0648-AJ67
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Fisheries; Fishery
Management Plan, Plan Amendment, and Consolidation of Regulations
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: NMFS proposes regulations to implement the draft Fishery
Management Plan for Atlantic Tunas, Swordfish, and Sharks (HMS FMP),
and draft Amendment 1 to the Atlantic Billfish Fishery Management Plan
(Billfish FMP). The proposed regulations would address requirements of
the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-
Stevens Act), implement recommendations of the International Commission
for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) as required by the
Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (ATCA), and consolidate existing
regulations, organized by species, for the conservation and management
of highly migratory species (HMS) into one part of the Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR), organized by theme, as part of the President's
Regulatory Reinvention Initiative.
NMFS previously published a Notice of Availability for the HMS FMP
and for Amendment 1 to the Billfish FMP. NMFS extends the comment
period for the HMS FMP and reopens the comment period for the Billfish
FMP to coincide with the proposed rule. NMFS will announce public
hearings to receive comments from fishery participants and other
members of the public regarding this proposed rule, the draft HMS FMP,
Amendment 1 to the Billfish FMP and associated supporting documents in
a separate Federal Register document. NMFS requests comments
specifically on the revised Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
(IRFA), updated since publication of the Draft HMS FMP, and the IRFA
associated with the billfish management measures.
DATES: Comments on the proposed rule, the HMS FMP, Amendment 1 to the
Billfish FMP and/or supporting documents must be received by March 4,
1999. Public hearings on this proposed rule will be held in February
1999 and will be announced in a separate Federal Register document.
ADDRESSES: To submit comments on, or to obtain copies of, the draft HMS
FMP, the draft Amendment 1 to the Billfish FMP, the proposed rule and
supporting documents, including the revised IRFA, or a summary of these
items, contact Rebecca Lent, Chief, Highly Migratory Species Management
Division, Office of Sustainable Fisheries (F/SF1), NMFS, 1315 East-West
Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3282, phone (301) 713-2347, fax (301)
713-1917. Send comments regarding the burden-hour estimates or other
aspects of the collection-of-information requirements contained in this
proposed rule to Rebecca Lent and to the Office of Information and
Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Washington,
DC 20503 (Attention: NOAA Desk Officer).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Pat Scida regarding tuna issues at
(978) 281-9260; Jill Stevenson regarding swordfish issues at (301) 713-
2347; Margo Schulze regarding shark issues at (301) 713-2347; Buck
Sutter regarding billfish issues at (727) 570-5447; Karyl Brewster-
Geisz regarding limited access at (301) 713-2347; and Chris Rogers
regarding the regulatory consolidation at (301) 713-2347.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Atlantic HMS included in the HMS FMP are
Atlantic swordfish (Xiphias gladius), west Atlantic bluefin tuna
(Thunnus thynnus), Atlantic yellowfin tuna (T. albacares), Atlantic
bigeye tuna (T. obesus), North Atlantic albacore tuna (T. alalunga),
west Atlantic skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis), 39 species of
Atlantic sharks grouped into three management sub-groups. Four species
of Atlantic billfish other than swordfish are also Atlantic HMS, and
they are included in the Billfish FMP: Atlantic blue marlin (Makaira
nigricans), Atlantic white marlin (Tetrapturus albidus), west Atlantic
sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus), and west Atlantic spearfish (T.
pfluegeri). U.S. fishing vessels, both commercial and recreational,
fish for Atlantic HMS in the North and South Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of
Mexico, and Caribbean Sea. The fisheries for Atlantic tunas, swordfish,
sharks, and billfish each have some unique characteristics, but they
overlap considerably in participants, gear usage, and species pursued.
Atlantic HMS migrate widely throughout the North and South Atlantic
Ocean, including the Mediterranean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and the
Caribbean Sea, requiring cooperative management not only among
different user groups within the United States, but also between the
United States and other fishing nations. In some cases, the United
States accounts for only a small portion of the total Atlantic-wide
mortality for a species, and unilateral management action could not be
expected to have significant effect on the status of the stock. In
other cases, the United States accounts for a larger portion of
Atlantic-wide fishing mortality, giving it more influence on total
fishing mortality levels. In all cases, however, the international
component of the fishery is an important consideration in developing
and implementing domestic management measures.
To meet requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, NMFS prepared an
FMP for Atlantic tunas, swordfish and sharks and an amendment to the
Billfish FMP. NMFS published a Notice of Availability of the Draft
Amendment 1 to the Billfish FMP on October 9, 1998 (63 FR 54433) with a
comment period ending on January 7, 1999 and a Notice of Availability
of the Draft HMS FMP on October 26, 1998 (63 FR 57093) with a comment
period ending on January 25, 1999. NMFS extends the comment periods for
these documents to coincide with the comment period on this proposed
rule. Therefore, comments are invited and may address the HMS FMP,
Amendment 1 to the Billfish FMP, the supporting documents, the proposed
rule or all of these items, but must be received by March 4, 1999 to be
considered in the decisions on the HMS FMP, Amendment 1 to the Billfish
FMP and the final rule. All comments received by March 4, 1999, whether
specifically directed to any of the documents or to the proposed rule,
will be considered in the decisions on the final documents and the
final rule.
The following is an outline of the information presented in the
preamble to this proposed rule:
I. Background
A. Regulatory Consolidation
B. Fishery Management Plans
C. The HMS Management Process
II. Management Strategy
A. Problems and Objectives
B. Management Measures
III. Quotas and Monitoring/Adjustment Procedures
A. Quotas
B. Accounting for All Sources of Fishing Mortality
C. Quota Adjustment Procedures
IV. Restrictions on Catch and Retention
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V. Minimize Bycatch and Bycatch Mortality
A. Marine Mammal Bycatch
B. Finfish Bycatch
VI. Improve Data Collection and Enforcement
VII. Administrative and Procedural Changes
VIII. Limited Access Program
A. Permit Categories
B. Eligibility Criteria
C. Permit Process
D. Transfer of Permits
E. Vessel Upgrading
F. Ownership Limits
IX. Essential Fish Habitat (EFH)
X. Minor Administrative and Technical Changes
XI. Applicability of Regulations in State Waters
I. Background
A. Regulatory Consolidation
On November 6, 1996, NMFS published a proposed rule consolidating
fishery regulations pertaining to Atlantic HMS (61 FR 57361).
Background information about the need for the consolidation appeared in
the preamble to that proposed rule and is not repeated here. Since that
proposed rule was issued, several significant changes to HMS
regulations were made necessary by new legislative requirements, ICCAT
recommendations, and several domestic management initiatives including
limited access systems for the Atlantic swordfish and shark fisheries.
Considering comments submitted to date, NMFS elected to re-propose the
technical and administrative changes from the consolidation in the
context of the HMS FMP implementation. This proposed rule carries out
the President's directive on regulatory reform with respect to existing
regulations for the conservation and management of Atlantic HMS in the
exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and, as applicable, in regulatory areas
beyond the U.S. EEZ.
Regulations pertaining to management of Atlantic HMS are currently
found in species-specific sections of the Code of Federal Regulations
(50 CFR parts: 285--Atlantic Tunas Fisheries, 630--Atlantic Swordfish
Fishery, 644-Atlantic Billfishes, and 678--Atlantic Sharks). These
regulations are proposed to be consolidated into a new part: 635-
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species. The intent is to make the
regulations more concise, clearer, and easier to use than the previous
regulations.
B. Fishery Management Plans
Atlantic HMS that transit the U.S. EEZ are managed under the
authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Act and, in the case of tunas,
swordfish, and billfish, also under ATCA. ATCA authorizes the Secretary
of Commerce to implement the binding recommendations of ICCAT, to which
the United States is a contracting party. ICCAT recommends harvest
levels, minimum sizes, and other management measures for implementation
by its 25 contracting parties. Through its scientific body, ICCAT
conducts stock assessments and other Atlantic HMS-related research. It
is the intent of the HMS FMP and Amendment 1 to the Billfish FMP to
issue regulations for HMS fishery management under the dual authority
of ATCA and the Magnuson-Stevens Act, whenever possible. In some cases,
such as for sharks, management authority is limited to the Magnuson-
Stevens Act; in other cases, such as for South Atlantic swordfish and
southern albacore, the Magnuson-Stevens Act does not apply because the
stock does not venture into the U.S. EEZ.
The Magnuson-Stevens Act is the primary legislation affecting
domestic management of fisheries in the U.S. EEZ. Further guidance on
interactions of HMS fisheries with protected resources is given under
the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Marine Mammal Protection Act
(MMPA). Provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Act allow NMFS and the eight
regional fishery management councils (the Councils) to develop FMPs
that are implemented through regulations to manage the Nation's fishery
resources. Generally, FMPs contain objectives for each fishery and
guidance on allowable gear types in the fisheries; acceptable harvest
levels; restrictions on the time, area, or manner in which fish may be
caught; and consideration of how the fishery affects other parts of the
marine ecosystem or coastal communities, including essential fish
habitat (EFH), non-target finfish, marine mammals, sea turtles, and sea
birds.
FMPs and their implementing regulations must be consistent with
each of the 10 national standards set forth in the Magnuson-Stevens
Act, as well as with the Act's general requirements for the contents of
FMPs and the Act's requirement that overfished fisheries be rebuilt.
Additionally, FMPs to manage HMS and their implementing regulations
must be consistent with section 304(g) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act,
which pertains specifically to Atlantic HMS and requires NMFS to
consult with the Councils and advisory panels (APs); minimize
disadvantages resulting from implementation of domestic conservation
and management measures to U.S. fishermen relative to international
fisheries to the extent practicable; provide a reasonable opportunity
for fishermen to harvest an allocation, quota, or fishing mortality
level allocated to the United States under an international agreement;
review, on a continuing basis, and revise as appropriate measures
included in this plan; and diligently pursue, through international
entities, comparable international management measures. Regarding HMS
management, NMFS is also required to ensure that management measures
promote international conservation; consider traditional fishing
patterns of the U.S. fleet; allocate fishing privileges fairly and
equitably; and promote, to the extent practicable, research programs
that include tagging and release of HMS.
Currently, Atlantic billfish, swordfish, and sharks are managed
under FMPs developed and implemented under the authority of the
Magnuson-Stevens Act. No Magnuson-Stevens Act FMP has previously been
developed for Atlantic tunas, although regulations have been developed
under ATCA with consistency with the Magnuson-Stevens Act in mind. The
draft HMS FMP integrates management of Atlantic tunas, swordfish, and
sharks by combining management measures for the three species groups
into one FMP. NMFS elected to combine the FMP for tunas, swordfish, and
sharks in recognition of the multispecies nature of these fisheries and
to promote better integration of HMS management. A single management
plan for these species will help ease the regulatory burden on user
groups and is consistent with the ecosystem-oriented provisions of the
National Environmental Policy Act and with the Presidential Regulatory
Reform Initiative.
The U.S. fishery for Atlantic billfish is a recreational fishery
only (no commercial retention is allowed) and, given its unique
characteristics, will continue to be managed separately under the FMP
for Atlantic Billfish. However, NMFS recognizes the multispecies nature
of all HMS fisheries and the need for well-integrated management of
fishing activity for all HMS. Wherever possible, management objectives
and practices are integrated, and analyses have been conducted with
consideration of the overlapping participation, target species, and
habitats of these multispecies fisheries. The HMS FMP and Amendment 1
to the Billfish FMP overlap in certain preferred measures due to the
multispecies nature of the recreational and pelagic longline fisheries
and the need for combined data collection in all
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HMS fisheries. This proposed rule would implement both the integrated
HMS FMP and Amendment 1 to the Billfish FMP.
C. The HMS Management Process
The HMS Management Process encompasses administrative procedures
that NMFS follows in developing FMPs and implementing regulations.
Congress gave the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) management
authority for Atlantic HMS in 1990, following many years of joint
management for several of these species by the five Atlantic, Gulf, and
Caribbean Councils and for Atlantic tunas under ICCAT. The Secretary
has delegated management of Atlantic HMS to the Administrator of NOAA,
who delegated it to the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NMFS
(AA). Within NMFS, daily responsibility for management of Atlantic HMS
fisheries rests with the Office of Sustainable Fisheries, and is
carried out by the HMS Management Division.
The development of an FMP or plan amendment commences with the
preparation of a document that describes issues in the fisheries and
states options for management (the scoping document). The October 1997
scoping document, which covered all HMS species, was used as the basis
for discussion at 21 public scoping meetings that were held throughout
the management region in October and November 1997 (62 FR 54035,
October 17, 1997). Public comments at scoping meetings and during the
accompanying comment period were reviewed and considered in preparation
of draft HMS FMP documents.
The HMS AP and the Billfish AP were established pursuant to the
Magnuson-Stevens Act (section 302 (g)(1)). The HMS AP advised NMFS
throughout the development of the scoping document and of the draft
FMP. The HMS AP is composed of representatives of the commercial,
recreational, environmental, and scientific sectors, as well as one
representative from each of the five fishery management councils that
work with Atlantic HMS and the Chair, or the Chair's designee, of the
U.S. ICCAT Advisory Committee. Each of the Atlantic and Gulf Coast
states, as well as the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, may send a non-
voting representative to AP meetings to participate in the process. The
Billfish AP is composed of members of the recreational, commercial,
environmental, and scientific communities, as well as fishery
management council representatives and non-voting state members. AP
meetings are open to the public, and NMFS rotates meeting locations
throughout the management region to provide fishery participants a
reasonable opportunity to attend meetings. For all but the final
meetings, the HMS and Billfish APs convened at the same locations with
agendas arranged to allow joint discussion of overlapping issues.
The HMS AP met six times in development of the draft HMS FMP. At
the first meeting, in October 1997, members of both APs provided input
on the draft scoping document. The document was extensively revised
following the APs' input before it was distributed to the general
public (62 FR 54035, October 17, 1997). The second AP meeting, held in
Baltimore, MD, in January 1998, focused on Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT)
issues, specifically, on quota allocations and effort controls for the
HMS AP. The Billfish AP discussed the implementation of an ICCAT
recommendation to reduce billfish landings by 25 percent by 1999, and
NMFS subsequently implemented measures through an interim rule under
the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. At its third meeting, held
in Tampa, FL, in March 1998, the HMS AP and the Billfish AP advised
NMFS on criteria that should be considered in overfishing definitions,
and developing rebuilding programs for overfished HMS.
The AP reviewed draft sections of the HMS FMP at its fourth meeting
in Hauppauge, NY, in May 1998. Draft sections included issues and
objectives for management, the management unit, alternatives to rebuild
overfished fisheries, and descriptions of fishing activities. In July
1998, the Billfish AP and the HMS AP met in Alexandria, VA, to discuss
measures that would minimize bycatch and bycatch mortality in all HMS
fisheries, and the HMS AP met separately to discuss shark issues. The
HMS AP reviewed the pre-draft HMS FMP at its sixth meeting, held August
27-28, 1998, in Warwick, RI. The Billfish AP reviewed the pre-draft
Amendment 1 to the Billfish FMP at its sixth meeting, held September 2-
3, 1998, in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. These draft documents had
been extensively revised following each AP meeting.
Restrictions on the billfish fishery to implement the ICCAT
recommendation were discussed in several AP meetings and resulted in an
interim rule (63 FR 14030, March 24, 1998), which established
tournament registration and reporting requirements, and increased
minimum sizes for blue and white marlin. An extension of that interim
rule followed (63 FR 51859, September 29, 1998), which further
increased the blue marlin minimum size and established a retention
limit of one marlin per vessel per day (adjustable by the AA). An
amendment to that rule removed the measure that would allow the AA to
reduce the retention limit to zero. NMFS also proposes these measures
as part of this rule to implement Amendment 1 to the Billfish FMP.
This proposed rule would implement the preferred alternatives
identified in the draft HMS FMP (63 FR 57093, October 26, 1998) and
Amendment One to the Billfish FMP (63 FR 54433, October, 9, 1998). NMFS
will hold a series of public hearings to solicit comments on this
proposed rule and the FMP documents. The purpose of the public hearings
is to provide NMFS with additional information to evaluate impacts and
the effectiveness of the proposed measures. NMFS has updated the
economic analyses related to the HMS FMP and Amendment 1 to the
Billfish FMP since their publication to include updated analyses of
limited access under more recent eligibility criteria, and analyses of
billfish measures, respectively. NMFS specifically requests comments on
these updated analyses. During the comment period, NMFS will hold
additional HMS and Billfish AP meetings.
II. Management Strategy
The regulations contained in this proposed rule would completely
replace current regulations for all Atlantic HMS, including billfish.
Thus, NMFS intends that the regulatory text proposed here restates all
existing regulations that it intends to retain. In addition to the
consolidation of current regulations, NMFS proposes numerous regulatory
changes to incorporate new elements of the HMS FMP and Amendment 1 to
the Billfish FMP (e.g., rebuilding overfished stocks) and to achieve
consistency in the HMS regulations. NMFS has performed a thorough
review of the restructured regulatory text to ensure that all changes
are noted. However, given the scope of the restructuring, certain
changes may not be specifically identified and explained, or unintended
changes may have been made. Identification of, and comments on any such
inadvertent or unexplained changes are specifically invited.
A. Problems and Objectives
Amendment 1 to the Atlantic Billfish FMP identifies several
management problems affecting billfish stocks: (1) Overfished blue and
white marlin stocks, (2) excess fishing mortality
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caused by bycatch and discards, (3) compliance with ICCAT
recommendation to reduce marlin landings, (4) need for improved data
collection, and (5) decreased or unknown stock levels of sailfish and
longbill spearfish.
Several management objectives are presented in draft Amendment 1 to
the Billfish FMP to address these problems: (1) Prevent overfishing,
(2) rebuild stocks and monitor all fishing mortality from directed and
incidental catch, (3) promote comparable international conservation,
(4) minimize bycatch and bycatch mortality to the extent practicable,
(5) coordinate multispecies fisheries, (6) improve data collection, (7)
promote live release of billfish, (8) protect EFH, (9) manage for
optimum yield, and (10) minimize adverse impacts on recreational and
commercial activities. Amendment 1 would add these to the existing
objectives of the Billfish FMP.
The following management problems are identified in the HMS FMP:
(1) Overfished populations of HMS, (2) excess fishing mortality caused
by bycatch and discards, (3) inconsistencies and inadequacies in
international compliance with conservation and management measures, (4)
the need to assure optimal data collection, (5) the need for integrated
and streamlined domestic HMS management, and (6) overcapitalization.
The draft HMS FMP lists several management objectives for the
fisheries for Atlantic tunas, swordfish, and sharks, paraphrased here:
(1) Prevent overfishing, (2) rebuild stocks, (3) minimize adverse
impacts of rebuilding to the extent practicable, (4) control all
components of fishing mortality, (5) minimize bycatch and bycatch
mortality to the extent practicable, (6) establish a foundation for
international negotiation on conservation and management, (7)
facilitate compliance with ICCAT recommendations, (8) improve data
collection, (9) simplify and streamline HMS management, (10) manage for
continuing optimum yield, (11) protect areas identified as EFH for
tunas, swordfish, and sharks, and (12) reduce overcapitalization in the
Atlantic swordfish and shark commercial fisheries. Conservation and
management measures to address these objectives follow.
B. Management Measures
To address these objectives, NMFS proposes domestic management
programs for all HMS. Although the management measures are domestic
actions, stock status and rebuilding programs are designed to be
implemented stock-wide. NMFS also suggests specific measures to be
addressed internationally by ICCAT. These measures include proposed
overfishing status determination criteria, designation of biomass and
fishing mortality targets, and a suite of proposed management
alternatives that are intended to reduce fishing mortality on
overfished species, and to minimize bycatch and bycatch mortality, to
the extent practicable.
III. Quotas and Monitoring/Adjustment Procedures
A. Quotas
Quotas for HMS are implemented and allocated among fishing
categories and seasons by the AA. The Director of the Office of
Sustainable Fisheries has been delegated the authority to make inseason
adjustments among categories and adjustments to each period's quota
based on overharvest or underharvest during the previous year.
NMFS proposes rebuilding programs for North Atlantic swordfish in
the draft HMS FMP. However, NMFS cannot implement management measures
that effectively raise or lower the quota the United States receives
from ICCAT. Therefore, this proposed rule incorporates existing U.S.
quotas for swordfish stocks. The draft HMS FMP did not identify a
preferred rebuilding alternative for bluefin tuna. In the future, the
United States may seek to negotiate quotas and other measures that
contribute to rebuilding of swordfish and BFT through the international
process, including counting dead discards of swordfish against the
quota. NMFS proposes that the existing quotas established for North
Atlantic swordfish (through 1999) and South Atlantic swordfish (through
2000) under ATCA remain in effect pending new stock assessments (in
1999) and further recommendations of ICCAT.
Based on the results of the 1998 ICCAT meeting, and recommendations
regarding BFT, NMFS will prepare an addendum to the HMS FMP. The
addendum will specifically address BFT quota and discard issues
addressed under ICCAT's recommendation to establish a rebuilding
program for west Atlantic BFT. It is NMFS' intent to publish this
addendum before the end of 1998 or shortly thereafter. For the large
coastal shark (LCS) management unit, NMFS is proposing to separate the
LCS unit into two subgroups based on the presence or absence of a mid-
dorsal ridge, which is easily identified after the carcass has been
dressed. NMFS proposes to use this characteristic to separate the LCS
into a ``ridgeback'' subgroup (which would include sandbar and silky
sharks) and a ``non-ridgeback'' group (which would include blacktip,
spinner, bull, tiger, nurse, lemon, narrowtooth, great hammerhead,
scalloped hammerhead, and smooth hammerhead sharks) and to establish
separate quotas and management measures for the two subgroups.
NMFS is also proposing to prohibit possession of certain shark
species that are uncommon in U.S. waters or are seriously depleted
(note discussion under Retention Limits). To reduce mortality on
ridgeback LCS, NMFS also proposes to establish a minimum size for
retention of ridgeback LCS of 54 inches (137 cm) fork length. Observer
data indicate that the primary ridgeback LCS, the sandbar shark,
segregates by size and depth. Therefore, NMFS expects a reduction in
fishing mortality since fishermen should be able to target larger
sandbar sharks. Because of the expectation that this minimum size for
ridgeback sharks (in combination with other management measures) will
reduce ridgeback LCS harvests by the amount necessary to rebuild this
subgroup, NMFS proposes to maintain the current ridgeback LCS harvest
levels of 642 mt dressed weight (dw).
NMFS is not proposing to establish a minimum size for non-ridgeback
sharks due to indications that the primary non-ridgeback LCS, the
blacktip shark, does not segregate by size or depth and that a minimum
size would not reduce fishing mortality. To reduce mortality for these
species, NMFS is proposing to lower the commercial quota for non-
ridgeback LCS by 66 percent from current catch levels to 218 mt dw.
For the pelagic shark management unit, NMFS is proposing to
establish a separate porbeagle shark quota of 30 mt dw based on
historical harvest levels. NMFS also proposes to subtract that quota
from the pelagic shark quota, resulting in a 550 mt dw quota for
pelagic sharks, other than porbeagle. This measure is intended to
establish separate controls for porbeagle sharks because this species
is highly susceptible to overfishing. NMFS is also proposing to
prohibit possession of blue sharks and to establish a quota for blue
shark dead discards of 273 mt dw, based on a 10-year dead discard
average. NMFS is proposing to reduce the pelagic shark quota each year
by any overharvest of the blue shark dead discard quota occurring in
the previous year. The intent of these measures is to address concerns
regarding the high numbers of blue sharks discarded dead by longline
fisheries and to create an incentive to reduce blue shark dead
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discards, while mitigating the potential adverse impacts of counting
dead discards against the available quota.
For the small coastal shark (SCS) management unit, NMFS is
proposing to cap the commercial quota at 359 mt dw, which is 10 percent
higher than 1997 harvest levels. This measure is intended to allow for
limited fishery expansion but would eliminate the potential for
excessive growth of this fishery. This measure is also proposed because
NMFS believes that SCS landing statistics may substantially
underestimate SCS mortality. This is a result of unreported catches of
SCS because they are used for bait and thus are not always landed.
In November 1997, ICCAT adopted a recommendation with several
measures to address billfish resources throughout the Atlantic Ocean,
including reduction of Atlantic blue marlin and Atlantic white marlin
landings by at least 25 percent from 1996 levels, starting in 1998, to
be accomplished by the end of 1999. Reductions will be assessed in 2000
based on landing data through 1999. Delaying the stock assessment until
2000 (per the 1998 ICCAT recommendation) will allow preliminary
evaluation of the effectiveness of landing reductions for over-
exploited Atlantic billfish resources. A total of 34.9 mt of Atlantic
blue marlin and 3.3 mt of Atlantic white marlin were reported as
recreational landings for the U.S. in 1996. Therefore, under the 1997
ICCAT recommendation, the U.S. landing limits for Atlantic blue marlin
will be 26.2 mt, and 2.48 mt for Atlantic white marlin.
B. Accounting for All Sources of Fishing Mortality
NMFS seeks to account for all sources of fishing mortality on HMS
stocks. In recreational HMS fisheries, post-release mortality rates are
currently unknown; however, recorded dead discards of HMS are minimal.
ICCAT currently subtracts an estimate of dead discards of BFT from the
total allowable catch to allocate a stock-wide landing quota, a portion
of which is then allocated to the United States. NMFS may seek this
type of strategy with respect to all species.
For the Atlantic tunas fishery, NMFS proposes to establish a
reserve quota for school BFT (27 inches - <47 inches="" or="" 69-119="" cm="" curved="" fork="" length).="" the="" intent="" of="" this="" measure="" is="" to="" provide="" an="" ``overflow''="" allowance="" in="" the="" event="" that="" projections="" underestimate="" actual="" recreational="" landings="" of="" school-size="" bft.="" this="" measure="" would="" further="" ensure="" that="" the="" united="" states="" does="" not="" exceed="" the="" 8-percent="" tolerance="" established="" under="" the="" iccat="" quota="" scheme="" for="" school="" bft.="" this="" provision="" will="" be="" further="" addressed="" in="" the="" bft="" addendum="" to="" incorporate="" recent="" modifications="" by="" iccat.="" nmfs="" also="" proposes="" to="" subtract="" dead="" discards="" of="" sharks="" in="" the="" commercial="" fishery="" and="" to="" subtract="" commercial="" landings="" of="" sharks="" from="" state="" waters="" after="" federal="" closures="" from="" the="" federal="" commercial="" quotas.="" while="" these="" measures="" may="" reduce="" the="" available="" lcs="" commercial="" quota="" significantly,="" accounting="" for="" this="" additional="" mortality="" would="" enhance="" the="" rebuilding="" of="" shark="" stocks.="" for="" pelagic="" sharks,="" this="" measure="" could="" substantially="" reduce="" the="" available="" commercial="" quota="" because="" recent="" estimates="" of="" dead="" discards="" of="" pelagic="" sharks="" approach="" current="" quota="" levels.="" for="" scs,="" these="" measures="" are="" not="" expected="" to="" reduce="" the="" available="" quota="" substantially="" because="" most="" scs="" that="" are="" not="" landed="" are="" kept="" for="" bait;="" they="" are="" not="" discarded,="" and="" therefore,="" would="" not="" be="" included="" in="" estimates="" of="" dead="" discards.="" some="" hms="" are="" collected="" for="" the="" purpose="" of="" science,="" education,="" or="" public="" display.="" nmfs="" must="" account="" for="" such="" mortality,="" particularly="" for="" overfished="" species.="" nmfs="" proposes="" to="" establish="" a="" separate="" shark="" public="" display="" quota="" of="" 0.5="" percent="" of="" the="" lcs="" annual="" quota="" (60="" mt="" whole="" weight).="" this="" measure="" would="" make="" quota="" accounting="" and="" monitoring="" procedures="" for="" sharks="" collected="" under="" the="" authority="" of="" an="" exempted="" fishing="" permit="" (efp)="" consistent="" with="" those="" for="" atlantic="" tunas.="" bft="" collected="" under="" the="" authority="" of="" an="" efp="" would="" be="" deducted="" from="" the="" reserve="" quota="" or="" school="" reserve="" quota,="" depending="" on="" size.="" nmfs="" also="" proposes="" to="" establish="" a="" new="" permitting="" and="" reporting="" system="" to="" monitor="" efp="" collections="" (refer="" to="" section="" iv).="" for="" the="" swordfish="" fishery,="" nmfs="" proposes="" to="" deduct="" recreational="" landings="" of="" swordfish="" from="" the="" incidental="" catch="" quota="" until="" such="" time="" that="" the="" swordfish="" population="" rebuilds="" and="" a="" directed="" recreational="" fishery="" is="" sustained.="" this="" measure="" would="" account="" for="" recreational="" fishing="" mortality="" of="" atlantic="" swordfish,="" which="" is="" currently="" incidental="" to="" other="" hms="" recreational="" fisheries.="" if="" the="" recreational="" fishery="" directs="" fishing="" effort="" on="" swordfish="" successfully="" in="" the="" future,="" nmfs="" may="" establish="" a="" recreational="" fishing="" quota.="" c.="" quota="" adjustment="" procedures="" nmfs="" proposes="" to="" adjust="" any="" commercial="" shark="" quota="" overharvest="" and="" underharvest="" in="" a="" given="" period="" in="" the="" same="" period="" the="" following="" year="" and="" to="" adjust="" management="" measures="" to="" account="" for="" recreational="" overharvest="" and="" underharvest="" of="" the="" recreational="" harvest="" limits="" on="" an="" annual="" basis.="" these="" measures="" support="" rebuilding="" of="" lcs="" because="" they="" would="" ensure="" that="" overharvesting="" will="" be="" accounted="" for="" in="" setting="" future="" harvest="" limits="" and="" will="" not="" delay="" lcs="" rebuilding.="" additionally,="" nmfs="" seeks="" to="" simplify="" the="" procedures="" for="" managing="" the="" brief="" fishing="" season="" for="" lcs.="" nmfs="" proposes="" to="" establish="" opening="" and="" closing="" dates="" of="" the="" lcs="" fishery="" prior="" to="" the="" fishery="" opening="" based="" on="" catch="" rates="" from="" previous="" years.="" fishery="" seasons="" would="" be="" scheduled="" for="" a="" specific="" period="" instead="" of="" projecting="" closure="" dates="" based="" on="" landings="" information.="" the="" director="" of="" the="" office="" of="" sustainable="" fisheries="" will="" file="" for="" publication="" with="" the="" office="" of="" the="" federal="" register="" a="" notice="" of="" each="" season's="" length="" in="" a="" timely="" manner.="" nmfs="" also="" proposes="" to="" adjust="" overharvest="" and="" underharvest="" levels="" the="" following="" year="" and="" to="" not="" reopen="" the="" fishery="" within="" a="" season="" if="" there="" is="" a="" quota="" underharvest.="" this="" measure="" is="" intended="" to="" increase="" the="" stability="" and="" predictability="" of="" the="" lcs="" fishery="" and="" to="" reduce="" enforcement="" costs="" and="" the="" administrative="" burden="" of="" projecting="" fishery="" closures="" based="" on="" near="" real-time="" landings="" data.="" nmfs="" proposes="" to="" add="" an="" additional="" criterion="" to="" use="" in="" determining="" the="" appropriateness="" of="" a="" proposed="" in-season="" quota="" transfer="" for="" the="" bft="" fishery:="" ``effects="" on="" rebuilding="" and="" overfishing.''="" adding="" this="" criterion="" to="" other="" factors="" to="" be="" considered="" would="" be="" consistent="" with="" the="" precautionary="" approach="" to="" fisheries="" management="" and="" the="" 20-year="" rebuilding="" program="" recently="" adopted="" by="" iccat,="" to="" be="" addressed="" in="" the="" addendum="" to="" the="" draft="" hms="" fmp.="" nmfs="" also="" proposes="" to="" change="" the="" way="" quotas="" are="" tallied="" by="" nmfs="" by="" changing="" the="" fishing="" year="" for="" atlantic="" tunas="" from="" the="" current="" calendar="" year="" to="" a="" june="" 1="" through="" may="" 31="" ``fishing="" year.''="" this="" would="" facilitate="" timely="" implementation="" of="" iccat="" recommendations="" for="" the="" fishing="" year.="" since="" it="" is="" not="" nmfs'="" intention="" to="" substantially="" change="" the="" fishing="" practices="" of="" purse="" seine="" vessels="" targeting="" atlantic="" tunas,="" the="" bft="" fishing="" season="" for="" the="" purse="" seine="" category="" will="" continue="" to="" open="" august="" 15="" and="" close="" december="" 31,="" or="" when="" each="" vessel's="" individual="" vessel="" quota="" (ivq)="" is="" filled.="" purse="" seine="" category="" vessels="" may="" fish="" for="" tunas,="" other="" than="" bft,="" at="" any="" point="" in="" the="" fishing="" year;="" however,="" a="" purse="" seine="" category="" vessel="" may="" not="" fish="" for="" other="" tunas="" from="" august="" 15="" through="" december="" 31="" if="" that="" vessel's="" ivq="" for="" bft="" is="" filled.="" bft="" caught="" prior="" to="" august="" 15="" in="" the="" yellowfin="" tuna="" purse="" seine="" fishery="" may="" not="" be="" sold,="" but="" will="" be="" counted="" against="" the="" harvesting="" vessel's="" ivq.="" [[page="" 3159]]="" iv.="" restrictions="" on="" catch="" and="" retention="" retention="" limits="" are="" employed="" by="" fishery="" managers="" to="" reduce="" fishing="" mortality.="" in="" some="" cases,="" restrictions="" on="" catch="" may="" increase="" bycatch="" mortality="" due="" to="" the="" discard="" of="" dead="" fish="" or="" post-release="" mortality.="" although="" post-release="" mortality="" in="" recreational="" hms="" fisheries="" is="" currently="" unknown,="" it="" is="" estimated="" to="" be="" low="" for="" most="" shark="" species="" and="" for="" many="" tuna="" and="" billfish="" species="" if="" those="" fish="" are="" properly="" handled.="" nmfs="" proposes="" to="" increase="" the="" minimum="" size="" limits="" for="" blue="" marlin="" to="" 99="" inches="" (251="" cm)="" lower="" jaw-fork="" length="" (ljfl)="" and="" for="" sailfish="" to="" 63="" inches="" (160="" cm)="" ljfl="" and="" to="" maintain="" the="" minimum="" size="" for="" white="" marlin="" at="" 66="" inches="" (168="" cm)="" ljfl.="" these="" measures="" will="" contribute="" to="" the="" 25="" percent="" reduction="" in="" landings="" required="" by="" a="" 1997="" iccat="" recommendation.="" nmfs="" further="" proposes="" to="" establish="" a="" retention="" limit="" of="" one="" atlantic="" white="" or="" blue="" marlin="" per="" vessel="" per="" trip,="" with="" a="" provision="" to="" adjust="" the="" retention="" limit="" for="" each="" species="" to="" zero="" when="" the="" landing="" limits="" for="" that="" species="" have="" been="" reached.="" nmfs="" has="" drafted="" an="" irfa="" regarding="" the="" economic="" impacts="" of="" these="" measures="" on="" small="" businesses.="" together,="" the="" minimum="" size="" limits="" and="" the="" retention="" limit="" should="" ensure="" that="" the="" united="" states="" meets="" its="" international="" obligations="" regarding="" reductions="" in="" billfish="" landings.="" to="" date,="" no="" stock="" assessment="" of="" longbill="" spearfish="" exists,="" and="" nmfs="" does="" not="" know="" of="" any="" directed="" or="" substantial="" incidental="" fishery="" for="" this="" species.="" therefore,="" nmfs="" proposes="" to="" prohibit="" the="" retention="" of="" spearfish.="" nmfs="" proposes="" new="" restrictions="" on="" catch="" and="" retention="" for="" sharks="" that="" reflect="" a="" change="" in="" management="" policy="" regarding="" sharks="" from="" one="" where="" possession="" of="" only="" certain="" species="" known="" to="" be="" vulnerable="" to="" overfishing="" is="" prohibited="" to="" one="" where="" only="" possession="" of="" those="" species="" expected="" to="" be="" able="" to="" withstand="" some="" fishing="" mortality="" is="" allowed.="" this="" change="" in="" policy="" employs="" the="" precautionary="" approach="" and="" would="" reduce="" the="" number="" of="" species="" authorized="" for="" retention="" by="" approximately="" 50="" percent.="" in="" addition="" to="" the="" five="" species="" of="" lcs="" currently="" prohibited="" from="" being="" retained,="" this="" measure="" would="" prohibit="" possession="" by="" any="" u.s.="" fisherman="" (recreational="" or="" commercial)="" of="" dusky,="" night,="" bignose,="" caribbean="" reef,="" galapagos,="" and="" narrowtooth="" sharks="" from="" the="" lcs="" management="" unit;="" longfin="" mako,="" blue,="" bigeye="" thresher,="" sevengill,="" sixgill,="" and="" bigeye="" sixgill="" sharks="" from="" the="" pelagic="" shark="" management="" unit;="" and="" caribbean="" sharpnose,="" smalltail,="" and="" atlantic="" angel="" sharks="" from="" the="" scs="" management="" unit.="" prohibiting="" retention="" of="" these="" sharks="" is="" intended="" to="" prevent="" development="" of="" directed="" fisheries="" or="" a="" market="" for="" uncommon="" or="" seriously="" depleted="" species.="" despite="" reductions="" in="" shark="" retention="" limits="" of="" 50="" percent="" in="" the="" recreational="" fishery="" in="" 1997,="" recreational="" harvest="" of="" lcs="" was="" reduced="" by="" only="" 12="" percent="" (in="" numbers="" of="" fish),="" and,="" for="" sandbar="" and="" blacktip="" sharks,="" recreational="" harvest="" increased.="" nmfs,="" therefore,="" concludes="" that="" the="" 1997="" retention="" limit="" reduction="" was="" not="" effective="" at="" implementing="" the="" desired="" 50="" percent="" harvest="" reduction,="" and="" that="" additional="" measures="" are="" necessary.="" therefore,="" nmfs="" proposes="" to="" prohibit="" retention="" of="" all="" atlantic="" lcs="" and="" scs="" in="" the="" recreational="" fishery="" and="" to="" set="" a="" retention="" limit="" of="" one="" pelagic="" shark="" per="" vessel="" per="" trip.="" the="" proposed="" reduction="" in="" retention="" limits="" to="" zero="" for="" lcs="" and="" scs="" and="" one="" for="" pelagic="" sharks="" is="" consistent="" with="" national="" standard="" 1="" to="" rebuild="" the="" overfished="" lcs="" stocks="" and="" is="" precautionary="" regarding="" pelagic="" and="" small="" coastal="" shark="" stocks="" for="" which="" recent="" assessments="" have="" not="" been="" conducted.="" nmfs="" also="" proposes="" a="" recreational="" retention="" limit="" of="" three="" yellowfin="" tuna="" per="" person="" per="" day.="" this="" retention="" limit="" would="" help="" reduce="" or="" redistribute="" recreational="" landings="" while="" allowing="" for="" continued="" access="" to="" the="" fishery="" by="" recreational="" anglers.="" the="" director="" of="" the="" office="" of="" sustainable="" fisheries="" will="" file="" for="" publication="" a="" notice="" at="" the="" office="" of="" the="" federal="" register="" of="" any="" adjustment="" to="" retention="" limits="" for="" atlantic="" tunas="" at="" least="" 3="" calendar="" days="" prior="" to="" the="" change="" becoming="" effective.="" v.="" minimize="" bycatch="" and="" bycatch="" mortality="" a="" 1997="" nmfs="" biological="" opinion="" (bo),="" which="" identifies="" threats="" to="" endangered="" species="" and="" provides="" alternatives="" to="" reduce="" those="" threats,="" concludes="" that="" the="" pelagic="" longline="" component="" of="" the="" atlantic="" pelagic="" fishery="" for="" tuna,="" swordfish,="" and="" sharks="" may="" adversely="" affect,="" but="" is="" not="" likely="" to="" jeopardize,="" the="" continued="" existence="" of="" the="" northern="" right="" whale.="" it="" also="" concludes="" that="" the="" longline="" fishery="" may="" adversely="" affect,="" but="" is="" not="" likely="" to="" jeopardize,="" the="" continued="" existence="" of="" any="" endangered="" or="" threatened="" species.="" the="" bo="" concluded="" that="" the="" driftnet="" component="" for="" tuna,="" swordfish,="" and="" sharks="" is="" likely="" to="" jeopardize="" the="" continued="" existence="" of="" the="" northern="" right="" whale="" and="" may="" adversely="" affect="" humpback="" and="" sperm="" whales,="" kemp's="" ridley,="" green,="" loggerhead,="" and="" leatherback="" sea="" turtles.="" nmfs="" seeks="" to="" minimize="" bycatch="" and="" bycatch="" mortality="" of="" protected="" species="" and="" finfish="" to="" the="" extent="" practicable="" in="" hms="" fisheries="" and="" has,="" thus,="" evaluated="" all="" hms="" fisheries="" with="" respect="" to="" bycatch="" information.="" a.="" marine="" mammal="" bycatch="" to="" reduce="" marine="" mammal="" bycatch,="" nmfs="" proposes="" to="" (1)="" implement="" pelagic="" longline="" gear="" restriction="" and="" deployment="" measures="" recommended="" by="" the="" atlantic="" offshore="" cetacean="" take="" reduction="" team="" (aoctrt)="" in="" the="" pelagic="" longline="" fishery,="" (2)="" prohibit="" the="" use="" of="" driftnet="" gear="" for="" atlantic="" tunas,="" and="" (3)="" implement="" take="" reduction="" measures="" recommended="" by="" the="" atlantic="" large="" whale="" take="" reduction="" team="" in="" the="" southeast="" shark="" gillnet="" fishery.="" these="" measures="" are="" also="" expected="" to="" reduce="" takes="" of="" sea="" turtles="" in="" these="" fisheries.="" (1)="" nmfs="" convened="" the="" aoctrt="" in="" may="" 1996="" to="" address="" interactions="" between="" strategic="" marine="" mammal="" stocks="" and="" the="" atlantic="" pelagic="" driftnet="" and="" pelagic="" longline="" fisheries="" for="" tunas,="" sharks,="" and="" swordfish.="" cumulatively,="" these="" fisheries="" (and="" the="" pair="" trawl="" fishery="" which="" was="" operating="" at="" that="" time="" under="" an="" efp)="" take="" incidentally="" several="" species="" of="" marine="" mammals="" at="" levels="" that="" are="" estimated="" to="" be="" above="" the="" potential="" biological="" removal="" (pbr)="" levels="" established="" for="" these="" stocks.="" the="" aoctrt="" included="" representatives="" of="" each="" of="" the="" fisheries,="" environmental="" and="" conservation="" groups,="" several="" states,="" the="" mid-atlantic="" fishery="" management="" council,="" independent="" fisheries,="" the="" marine="" mammal="" biological="" community,="" and="" nmfs.="" nmfs="" proposes="" to="" implement="" the="" following="" measures,="" the="" majority="" of="" which="" were="" recommended="" by="" the="" aoctrt,="" to="" reduce="" marine="" mammal="" takes="" in="" the="" pelagic="" longline="" fishery:="" mandatory="" educational="" workshops.="" mandatory="" educational="" workshops="" for="" pelagic="" longline="" fishermen="" are="" an="" effective="" means="" of="" reducing="" bycatch;="" several="" workshops="" have="" been="" held="" thus="" far.="" nmfs="" began="" workshops="" in="" october="" 1998="" for="" pelagic="" longline="" captains,="" crew,="" and="" vessel="" owners,="" and="" proposes="" that="" these="" workshops="" be="" mandatory="" for="" all="" vessel="" owners/operators.="" these="" workshops="" educate="" fishery="" participants="" about="" the="" mmpa="" and="" the="" problem="" of="" marine="" mammal="" interactions,="" promote="" open="" communication="" at="" sea="" concerning="" interactions,="" encourage="" communication="" between="" nmfs="" and="" fishermen="" experienced="" with="" handling="" interactions,="" and="" provide="" marine="" mammal="" identification="" keys.="" guidance="" for="" preventing="" interactions="" with="" and="" disentanglement="" of="" mammals="" with="" pelagic="" longline="" gear="" has="" been="" developed="" and="" is="" distributed="" at="" those="" workshops.="" [[page="" 3160]]="" limited="" access.="" nmfs="" is="" re-proposing="" a="" limited="" access="" program="" for="" the="" atlantic="" swordfish="" and="" shark="" fisheries.="" gear="" length="" restrictions.="" nmfs="" proposes="" as="" an="" interim="" measure="" for="" one="" year="" a="" requirement="" that="" pelagic="" longlines="" set="" in="" the="" mid-atlantic="" bight="" during="" august="" 1="" through="" november="" 30="" do="" not="" exceed="" 24="" nautical="" miles="" (nm)="" in="" length.="" in="" 1996,="" the="" aoctrt="" estimated="" that="" this="" measure="" could="" reduce="" bycatch="" and="" bycatch="" mortality="" of="" marine="" mammals="" by="" 20="" to="" 30="" percent.="" however,="" 1996="" and="" 1997="" observer="" data="" indicate="" that="" the="" average="" length="" of="" longlines="" in="" that="" area="" during="" that="" time="" of="" year="" is="" 20="" and="" 22="" nm,="" respectively.="" nevertheless,="" this="" measure="" would="" prevent="" the="" use="" of="" longer="" gear="" in="" the="" future="" and="" may="" increase="" survival="" of="" some="" finfish="" species,="" particularly="" billfish,="" due="" to="" the="" shorter="" soak="" time="" of="" the="" gear.="" this="" measure,="" recommended="" by="" the="" aoctrt,="" was="" intended="" to="" be="" implemented="" on="" a="" trial="" basis="" for="" one="" year,="" to="" be="" followed="" by="" an="" evaluation="" of="" the="" success="" of="" the="" management="" measure="" in="" reducing="" bycatch="" of="" marine="" mammals.="" requirement="" to="" move="" gear="" after="" one="" entanglement.="" because="" observer="" and="" logbook="" data="" show="" that="" marine="" mammals="" and="" sea="" turtles="" are="" often="" encountered="" in="" clusters,="" nmfs="" proposes="" to="" require="" pelagic="" longline="" fishermen="" to="" retrieve="" their="" gear="" and="" move="" their="" vessels="" at="" least="" 1="" nm="" away="" after="" any="" gear="" interaction="" with="" a="" marine="" mammal="" or="" sea="" turtle.="" this="" is="" a="" common="" practice="" among="" many="" pelagic="" longline="" fishermen="" and="" is="" considered="" by="" fishermen="" to="" be="" effective="" in="" some="" areas="" at="" reducing="" bycatch.="" the="" aoctrt="" estimated="" that="" this="" measure="" could="" result="" in="" a="" 40-="" percent="" reduction="" in="" serious="" injury="" and="" incidental="" mortality="" of="" marine="" mammals.="" this="" measure="" is="" also="" likely="" to="" reduce="" takes="" of="" sea="" turtles.="" closure="" of="" right="" whale="" critical="" habitat.="" nmfs="" is="" proposing="" a="" time/="" area="" closure="" of="" critical="" right="" whale="" habitat="" to="" reduce="" potential="" interactions="" between="" pelagic="" longline="" gear="" and="" the="" endangered="" northern="" right="" whale.="" nmfs="" proposes="" to="" close="" critical="" right="" whale="" habitat="" to="" pelagic="" longline="" fishing="" in="" new="" england="" and="" the="" southeast="" coastal="" united="" states="" (refer="" to="" regulatory="" text="" for="" specific="" times="" and="" areas).="" other.="" because="" of="" current="" funding="" constraints,="" nmfs="" at="" this="" time="" cannot="" adopt="" the="" recommendation="" of="" the="" aoctrt="" and="" pursue="" research="" on="" acoustic="" deterrent="" devices.="" however,="" nmfs="" is="" interested="" in="" identifying="" gear="" modifications="" which="" may="" increase="" post-release="" survival,="" including="" hook="" types,="" rig="" configurations,="" and="" so="" forth.="" nmfs="" has="" developed="" a="" research="" plan="" to="" identify="" research="" needs="" and="" objectives="" for="" a="" comprehensive="" plan="" for="" hms="" and="" related="" fisheries.="" should="" funding="" become="" available,="" nmfs="" would="" assign="" a="" priority="" to="" such="" research="" needs.="" (2)="" the="" aoctrt,="" in="" a="" draft="" plan="" submitted="" to="" nmfs="" in="" 1996="" recommended="" measures="" for="" the="" driftnet="" fishery="" to="" reduce="" marine="" mammal="" bycatch.="" at="" this="" time,="" nmfs="" does="" not="" propose="" to="" implement="" those="" measures="" because="" of="" a="" proposed="" rule="" to="" prohibit="" the="" use="" of="" this="" gear="" for="" taking="" swordfish.="" in="" a="" separate="" rulemaking="" (63="" fr="" 55998,="" october="" 20,="" 1998),="" nmfs="" proposed="" to="" prohibit="" the="" use="" of="" driftnets="" in="" the="" atlantic="" swordfish="" fishery="" due="" to="" the="" high="" management="" burden="" of="" reducing="" bycatch="" of="" marine="" mammals="" and="" sea="" turtles="" in="" a="" limited="" fishery="" that="" lasts="" approximately="" 14="" days="" a="" year="" for="" 12="" vessels.="" such="" a="" ban="" in="" the="" atlantic="" swordfish="" fishery="" may="" discourage="" anyone="" from="" entering="" a="" driftnet="" tuna="" fishery="" because="" the="" possession="" of="" swordfish="" on="" a="" vessel="" with="" a="" driftnet="" on="" board="" would="" be="" prohibited,="" thereby="" decreasing="" the="" gross="" ex-vessel="" revenues="" of="" the="" driftnet="" trip.="" therefore,="" extending="" this="" proposed="" ban="" to="" include="" driftnets="" in="" the="" tuna="" fishery="" is="" not="" expected="" to="" have="" a="" significant="" negative="" economic="" impact.="" the="" final="" rule="" implementing="" the="" hms="" fmp="" will="" include="" any="" measures="" finalized="" as="" a="" result="" of="" the="" proposed="" rule="" to="" ban="" driftnets="" in="" the="" swordfish="" fishery.="" (3)="" nmfs="" proposes="" to="" adopt="" measures="" in="" the="" atlantic="" large="" whale="" take="" reduction="" plan="" (alwtrp)="" to="" reduce="" bycatch="" of="" marine="" mammals="" in="" the="" shark="" gillnet="" fishery.="" the="" implementing="" regulations="" for="" the="" alwtrp,="" which="" include="" observer="" coverage="" requirements,="" gear="" marking="" requirements,="" closed="" times="" and="" areas,="" and="" special="" provisions="" for="" strikenetting="" (refer="" to="" interim="" final="" rule,="" 62="" fr="" 39157,="" july="" 22,="" 1997)="" are="" applicable="" to="" the="" southeast="" shark="" drift="" gillnet="" fishery.="" nmfs="" proposes="" to="" adopt="" the="" regulations="" of="" the="" alwtrp="" under="" the="" authority="" of="" the="" magnuson-stevens="" act="" to="" ensure="" regulatory="" consistency.="" b.="" finfish="" bycatch="" to="" reduce="" finfish="" bycatch="" mortality,="" nmfs="" encourages="" recreational="" and="" commercial="" fishermen="" to="" handle="" released="" fish="" carefully.="" handling="" options="" include="" leaving="" a="" fish="" in="" the="" water="" and="" cutting="" the="" leader="" close="" to="" the="" hook="" or="" releasing="" the="" fish="" by="" using="" a="" dehooking="" device.="" current="" billfish="" regulations="" stipulate="" that="" billfish="" must="" be="" released="" by="" cutting="" the="" leader.="" however,="" public="" comments="" and="" data="" suggest="" that="" dehooking="" devices="" are="" very="" useful,="" even="" for="" large="" pelagic="" fish,="" and="" may="" decrease="" post-release="" mortality.="" therefore,="" for="" billfish,="" nmfs="" proposes="" to="" allow="" alternative="" mechanisms="" to="" remove="" a="" hook="" from="" a="" billfish="" caught="" on="" commercial="" or="" recreational="" gear="" either="" by="" cutting="" the="" leader="" close="" to="" the="" hook="" or="" by="" using="" a="" dehooking="" device.="" multiple="" hooks="" per="" bait="" or="" lure="" may="" increase="" post-release="" mortality="" by="" increasing="" the="" probability="" that="" fish="" are="" hooked="" in="" the="" gills="" or="" throat.="" nmfs,="" therefore,="" takes="" a="" precautionary="" approach="" and="" proposes="" to="" prohibit="" the="" use="" of="" more="" than="" one="" hook="" per="" bait="" or="" lure="" in="" the="" recreational="" billfish="" fishery.="" to="" address="" the="" incidental="" catch="" of="" undersized="" swordfish="" in="" the="" pelagic="" longline="" fishery,="" nmfs="" analyzed="" catch="" data="" from="" 1987="" through="" 1996.="" based="" on="" logbook="" data="" submitted="" by="" pelagic="" longline="" fishermen,="" small="" swordfish="" appear="" to="" aggregate="" in="" areas="" that="" include="" the="" charleston="" hump,="" the="" east="" coast="" of="" florida,="" and="" the="" florida="" escarpment.="" given="" unknowns="" related="" to="" seasonal="" distribution="" of="" small="" swordfish,="" nmfs="" intends="" to="" reduce="" bycatch="" of="" undersized="" swordfish="" in="" an="" area="" that="" consistently="" produces="" small="" swordfish="" year-round.="" fishery-dependent="" data="" indicate="" that="" catch="" rates="" of="" undersized="" swordfish="" (less="" than="" 33="" lb="" or="" 15="" kg="" dw)="" are="" high="" in="" some="" areas="" at="" certain="" times="" of="" the="" year="" but="" appear="" to="" be="" high="" year-round="" in="" the="" florida="" straits.="" nmfs="" proposes="" to="" prohibit="" the="" use="" of="" pelagic="" longline="" gear="" in="" the="" florida="" straits="" (26-="" 28="" deg.="" n.="" lat,="" 78-81="" deg.="" long.)="" during="" july-september.="" analysis="" of="" 1996="" pelagic="" logbook="" data="" indicates="" that="" swordfish="" discard="" ratios="" are="" the="" highest="" in="" this="" area="" during="" the="" third="" quarter;="" however="" if="" seasonal="" distribution="" of="" small="" swordfish="" shifts,="" reductions="" in="" bycatch="" are="" still="" likely="" to="" occur.="" nmfs="" will="" evaluate="" the="" efficacy="" of="" this="" program="" in="" reducing="" discards="" of="" undersized="" swordfish,="" given="" the="" distribution="" of="" swordfish="" and="" re-distribution="" of="" fishing="" effort,="" and="" may="" implement="" other="" time/area="" closures="" in="" the="" future="" to="" reduce="" swordfish="" discards.="" this="" measure="" is="" likely="" to="" have="" a="" significant="" impact="" on="" small="" businesses="" that="" regularly="" fish="" in="" that="" area="" during="" the="" third="" quarter="" and="" may="" have="" significant="" impacts="" on="" related="" businesses="" such="" as="" those="" that="" specialize="" in="" high-quality="" swordfish.="" the="" florida="" straits="" consistently="" produces="" high="" quality="" swordfish="" due="" to="" the="" proximity="" of="" the="" fishing="" grounds="" to="" port="" and="" to="" the="" subsequent="" short="" fishing="" trips.="" (refer="" to="" the="" regulatory="" impact="" review="" and="" the="" irfa="" in="" the="" fmp="" for="" details="" on="" estimated="" economic="" impacts.)="" nmfs="" recognizes="" that="" the="" proposed="" measures="" to="" minimize="" juvenile="" swordfish="" bycatch="" mortality="" may="" result="" in="" significant="" economic="" impacts="" to="" small="" businesses.="" however,="" long="" term="" positive="" economic="" impacts="" resulting="" from="" a="" [[page="" 3161]]="" larger="" spawning="" stock="" biomass="" may="" mitigate="" the="" effects="" of="" short-term="" closures="" such="" as="" the="" closure="" proposed="" herein.="" nmfs="" is="" proposing="" a="" large="" closure="" area="" to="" discourage="" fishermen="" from="" fishing="" the="" ``fringes''="" of="" the="" closed="" area="" and="" thus="" impeding="" the="" discard="" reduction="" and="" lengthening="" the="" amount="" of="" time="" needed="" for="" rebuilding.="" in="" order="" to="" effectively="" enforce="" the="" time/area="" closure,="" nmfs="" proposes="" to="" require="" all="" vessels="" with="" pelagic="" longline="" gear="" on="" board="" to="" submit="" regular="" position="" reports="" (one="" report="" per="" hour)="" to="" nmfs="" via="" a="" vessel="" monitoring="" system="" (vms)="" unit="" meeting="" nmfs'="" specifications.="" the="" vms="" requirement="" would="" be="" extended="" to="" all="" vessels="" in="" the="" pelagic="" longline="" fleet="" with="" a="" directed="" or="" incidental="" limited="" access="" permit="" because="" any="" vessel="" could="" fish="" off="" the="" coast="" of="" florida="" at="" any="" given="" time.="" a="" vms="" would="" also="" reduce="" the="" cost="" of="" enforcing="" the="" time/area="" closure.="" a="" vms="" has="" a="" vessel="" safety="" feature="" because="" it="" increases="" communication="" with="" shore.="" other="" possible="" benefits="" include="" allowing="" pelagic="" longline="" fishermen="" reporting="" from="" a="" vms="" to="" offload="" swordfish="" after="" a="" directed="" fishery="" closure,="" provided="" no="" fishing="" activity="" takes="" place="" after="" the="" closure="" date.="" in="" addition,="" because="" vms="" units="" would="" be="" on="" board,="" nmfs="" proposes="" to="" allow="" longline="" vessels="" to="" transit="" the="" north="" atlantic="" ocean="" with="" south="" atlantic="" swordfish="" on="" board="" during="" a="" closure="" of="" the="" north="" atlantic="" directed="" swordfish="" fishery.="" fishermen="" should="" consult="" with="" nmfs="" on="" vms="" requirements="" before="" purchasing="" a="" vms="" unit.="" the="" cost="" of="" a="" vms="" unit="" would="" be="" approximately="" $3,000="" to="" $5,000,="" with="" an="" additional="" $1,000="" estimated="" for="" installation.="" vessel="" owners="" would="" be="" responsible="" for="" the="" maintenance="" of="" the="" vms="" unit="" and="" communication="" costs,="" which="" are="" not="" likely="" to="" exceed="" $2.50="" per="" day.="" related="" to="" bycatch="" reduction="" monitoring,="" nmfs="" proposes="" to="" require="" that="" all="" hms="" longline="" and="" shark="" nets="" be="" marked="" on="" the="" terminal="" floats="" and="" high="" flyers,="" as="" applicable.="" this="" requirement="" would="" result="" in="" better="" identification="" of="" gear="" in="" the="" enforcement="" of="" current="" regulations="" and="" facilitate="" enforcement="" of="" the="" proposed="" time/area="" closure="" for="" pelagic="" longline="" vessels.="" identifying="" lost="" gear="" or="" gear="" entangling="" protected="" species="" is="" also="" facilitated="" if="" the="" gear="" has="" the="" vessel's="" official="" number="" or,="" in="" the="" case="" of="" atlantic="" tunas,="" a="" vessel's="" permit="" number="" clearly="" marked.="" further,="" marked="" gear="" can="" be="" reported="" for="" any="" violation="" of="" fishery="" conservation="" and="" management="" measures.="" therefore,="" nmfs="" proposes="" that="" all="" harpoon="" and="" handline="" floats="" be="" marked="" as="" well.="" to="" reduce="" bycatch="" mortality="" in="" recreational="" hms="" fisheries,="" nmfs="" intends="" to="" initiate="" an="" educational="" program="" by="" (1)="" distributing="" information="" concerning="" dehooking="" devices="" and="" hook="" and="" leader="" types="" that="" may="" increase="" post-release="" survival;="" (2)="" informing="" fishermen="" about="" problems="" of="" recreational="" fishery="" bycatch;="" (3)="" promoting="" a="" survival="" ethic="" concerning="" released="" fish;="" and="" (4)="" informing="" fishermen="" about="" reporting="" requirements="" that="" include="" reporting="" of="" bycatch="" species.="" vi.="" improve="" data="" collection="" and="" enforcement="" the="" proposed="" rule="" contains="" several="" existing="" and="" several="" new="" permitting="" requirements.="" in="" all="" cases="" except="" initial="" limited="" access="" permits="" (ilaps),="" vessel="" and="" dealer="" permit="" applications="" and="" instructions="" for="" their="" completion="" are="" available="" from="" the="" nmfs="" regional="" offices="" (for="" tuna="" vessel="" permits,="" call="" 888-usa-tuna;="" for="" tuna="" dealer="" permits,="" call="" 978-281-9370;="" for="" swordfish/shark="" dealer="" permits="" and="" the="" first="" lap,="" call="" 727-570-5326).="" ilaps="" will="" be="" issued="" by="" the="" director="" of="" the="" office="" of="" sustainable="" fisheries.="" application="" forms="" and="" instructions="" for="" ilaps="" and="" laps="" are="" available="" from="" the="" hms="" management="" division="" of="" nmfs="" at="" 301-="" 713-2347.="" based="" upon="" application="" information="" and="" the="" eligibility="" criteria,="" the="" office="" director="" will="" make="" determinations="" regarding="" eligibility="" for="" limited="" access.="" inquiries="" and="" concerns="" related="" to="" the="" issuance="" of="" ilaps="" and="" laps="" should="" be="" directed="" to="" the="" hms="" management="" division.="" after="" you="" receive="" your="" first="" lap,="" lap="" renewals="" and="" replacements="" will="" be="" issued="" by="" nmfs.="" permitting="" requirements="" for="" specific="" hms="" fisheries="" are="" detailed="" in="" the="" regulatory="" text.="" the="" proposed="" rule="" contains="" several="" new="" and="" existing="" reporting="" requirements.="" pelagic="" logbook="" and="" swordfish="" and="" shark="" dealer="" reporting="" forms="" are="" available="" from="" the="" southeast="" fisheries="" science="" center="" and="" are="" mailed="" regularly="" to="" all="" permit="" holders="" in="" the="" database.="" bft="" bi-weekly="" dealer="" reports="" and="" bft="" landing="" report="" forms,="" bluefin="" statistical="" documents,="" and="" bft="" dealer="" tags="" are="" available="" from="" the="" hms="" management="" division,="" in="" gloucester,="" ma="" 978-281-9140.="" for="" hms="" other="" than="" bluefin="" tuna,="" in="" lieu="" of="" reporting="" to="" the="" northeast="" science="" director="" (sd)="" in="" woods="" hole,="" ma="" or="" the="" southeast="" sd="" in="" miami,="" fl,="" reports="" may="" be="" submitted="" to="" a="" state="" or="" federal="" fishery="" port="" agent="" designated="" by="" the="" sd.="" bft="" landing="" reports="" should="" be="" submitted="" by="" dealers="" to="" the="" hms="" management="" division="" in="" gloucester,="" ma="" by="" electronic="" facsimile="" or="" interactive="" voice="" response(fax,="" 978-281-9393)="" and="" by="" u.s.="" mail="" (nmfs-="" nero,="" 1="" blackburn="" drive,="" gloucester,="" ma,="" 01930).="" bi-weekly="" reports="" on="" bft="" purchases="" should="" be="" submitted="" to="" the="" same="" address.="" if="" you="" carry="" a="" general,="" longline,="" harpoon,="" or="" trap="" category="" atlantic="" tunas="" permit="" and="" you="" land="" a="" large="" medium/giant="" bft="" but="" do="" not="" sell="" it,="" you="" must="" contact="" nmfs="" enforcement="" at="" the="" time="" of="" landing="" and,="" if="" requested,="" make="" the="" fish="" available="" for="" inspection="" by="" a="" nmfs="" enforcement="" agent.="" if="" you="" land="" any="" size="" bft="" and="" are="" permitted="" in="" the="" angling="" category="" or="" fishing="" under="" angling="" retention="" limits="" with="" a="" charter/headboat="" permit,="" you="" must="" report="" the="" bft="" through="" the="" automated="" catch="" reporting="" system="" by="" calling="" 888-usa-tuna.="" nmfs="" will="" inform="" fishery="" participants="" of="" reporting="" requirements="" and="" procedures,="" and="" alternatives="" or="" changes="" to="" those="" requirements,="" for="" school,="" large="" school,="" and="" small="" medium="" bft.="" anglers="" who="" voluntarily="" release="" hms="" are="" encouraged="" to="" tag="" their="" released="" fish.="" anglers="" who="" catch="" a="" bft="" during="" a="" closed="" season="" must="" tag="" all="" released="" bft.="" you="" may="" obtain="" nmfs-issued="" conventional="" tags,="" or="" request="" permission="" to="" use="" alternate="" tags,="" by="" contacting="" the="" nmfs="" cooperative="" tagging="" program="" at="" 800-437-3936.="" mandatory="" registration="" of="" tournaments="" involving="" any="" atlantic="" hms="" is="" proposed.="" under="" the="" proposed="" measure,="" tournament="" operators="" must="" notify="" the="" nmfs="" southeast="" fisheries="" science="" center="" (``tournament="" registration'',="" 75="" virginia="" beach="" drive,="" miami,="" fl="" 33149,="" fax:="" 305-361-="" 4219)="" of="" the="" purpose,="" dates,="" and="" location="" of="" a="" fishing="" tournament="" for="" atlantic="" hms="" at="" least="" 4="" weeks="" prior="" to="" tournament="" commencement.="" when="" selected="" by="" nmfs,="" this="" measure="" is="" accompanied="" by="" reporting="" requirements="" for="" all="" tournament="" directors.="" this="" measure,="" proposed="" in="" the="" consolidated="" rule,="" and="" re-proposed="" here,="" is="" currently="" implemented="" under="" a="" separate="" interim="" rulemaking="" for="" billfish="" tournaments="" only.="" to="" account="" for="" limited="" access="" and="" to="" improve="" quota="" monitoring="" and="" catch="" data="" collection,="" shark="" and="" swordfish="" vessel="" permit="" holders="" or="" dealer="" permit="" holders="" would="" no="" longer="" be="" exempt="" from="" obtaining="" an="" atlantic="" tunas="" dealer="" permit="" to="" purchase="" tunas.="" these="" permit="" holders="" would="" also="" be="" subject="" to="" reporting="" requirements="" associated="" with="" the="" atlantic="" tunas="" permit.="" additionally,="" the="" requirement="" for="" owners="" and="" operators="" to="" present="" the="" harvesting="" vessel's="" permit="" to="" the="" receiving="" dealer="" upon="" transfer="" of="" hms="" is="" proposed="" to="" be="" extended="" to="" all="" atlantic="" tunas,="" shark,="" and="" swordfish="" permit="" holders.="" [[page="" 3162]]="" to="" facilitate="" enforcement="" and="" prevent="" circumvention="" of="" the="" proposed="" certificate="" of="" eligibility="" requirement,="" nmfs="" proposes="" to="" extend="" the="" authority="" to="" designate="" and="" restrict,="" after="" consultation="" with="" the="" u.s.="" customs="" service,="" ports="" of="" entry="" for="" import="" into="" the="" united="" states="" to="" any="" pacific="" or="" atlantic="" swordfish="" from="" any="" source.="" nmfs="" proposes="" to="" create="" an="" hms="" charter/headboat="" permit="" in="" order="" to="" identify="" the="" universe="" of="" these="" vessels.="" this="" universe="" would="" be="" useful="" in="" estimating="" economic="" and="" social="" aspects="" of="" the="" fishery="" as="" well="" as="" providing="" a="" universe="" for="" implementing="" proposed="" logbook="" and="" observer="" coverage="" requirements.="" charter/headboat="" operators="" who="" currently="" report="" their="" hms="" catch="" and="" effort="" data="" in="" non-hms="" federal="" logbooks="" would="" be="" able="" to="" continue="" to="" do="" so.="" all="" others="" would="" report="" catch="" and="" effort="" data="" in="" the="" large="" pelagic="" logbook="" and="" submit="" to="" nmfs,="" logbook="" program,="" p.o.="" box="" 491500,="" key="" biscayne,="" fl="" 33149-9916.="" nmfs="" proposes="" to="" require="" all="" hms="" logbooks="" to="" be="" completed="" within="" 24="" hours="" of="" hauling="" a="" longline="" or="" shark="" net="" set="" or="" of="" completing="" a="" day's="" fishing="" activities,="" if="" a="" single="" day="" trip.="" this="" measure="" would="" lessen="" the="" management="" and="" enforcement="" costs="" of="" hms="" regulations="" and="" would="" ultimately="" aid="" in="" rebuilding="" overfished="" stocks="" and="" preventing="" overfishing.="" currently,="" pelagic="" logbooks="" must="" be="" submitted="" to="" nmfs="" within="" 7="" days="" after="" offloading="" hms="" from="" a="" trip.="" if="" selected="" by="" nmfs,="" the="" hms="" charter/headboat="" permit="" holders,="" along="" with="" all="" atlantic="" tunas="" permit="" holders,="" would="" be="" required="" under="" this="" proposal="" to="" carry="" an="" observer.="" this="" would="" supplement="" bycatch="" and="" bycatch="" mortality="" databases="" as="" well="" as="" provide="" coverage="" of="" catch="" and="" discard="" rates="" of="" target="" and="" non-target="" species.="" to="" collect="" sufficient="" data="" from="" efps,="" nmfs="" proposes="" to="" develop="" a="" reporting="" system="" regarding="" collection="" of="" sharks="" for="" public="" display.="" this="" information="" would="" be="" useful="" in="" monitoring="" the="" proposed="" public="" display="" quota="" (see="" section="" i).="" to="" facilitate="" enforcement,="" nmfs="" proposes="" to="" require="" that="" sharks="" be="" recreationally="" landed="" with="" heads,="" tails,="" and="" fins="" attached.="" this="" measure="" is="" expected="" to="" have="" minimal="" economic="" and="" social="" impacts,="" but="" would="" greatly="" facilitate="" dockside="" species-specific="" identification="" of="" shark="" landings="" for="" monitoring,="" management,="" and="" enforcement="" purposes.="" finally,="" nmfs="" proposes="" to="" extend="" the="" prohibition="" on="" finning="" to="" all="" sharks,="" regardless="" of="" whether="" the="" shark="" species="" are="" defined="" as="" part="" of="" federal="" management="" unit="" or="" are="" subject="" to="" any="" federal="" regulations,="" as="" a="" condition="" of="" the="" federal="" commercial="" shark="" permit.="" this="" measure="" is="" intended="" to="" enhance="" enforcement="" capabilities="" by="" removing="" a="" costly="" and="" time-consuming="" administrative="" burden="" of="" verifying="" species-specific="" identification="" of="" shark="" fins="" through="" genetic="" testing.="" note="" that="" the="" mid-atlantic="" and="" new="" england="" fishery="" management="" councils="" are="" proposing="" a="" finning="" prohibition="" in="" a="" draft="" fmp="" for="" spiny="" dogfish.="" vii.="" administrative="" and="" procedural="" changes="" nmfs="" proposes="" to="" dissolve="" the="" shark="" operations="" team="" due="" to="" the="" subsequent="" formation="" of="" the="" hms="" advisory="" panel.="" the="" hms="" ap="" serves="" essentially="" the="" same="" advisory="" function="" for="" shark="" management.="" by="" eliminating="" the="" shark="" operations="" team,="" nmfs="" would="" reduce="" management="" costs,="" avoid="" duplication="" of="" effort,="" and="" reduce="" the="" burden="" on="" interested="" constituents.="" further,="" nmfs="" seeks="" to="" reduce="" management="" costs="" of="" administering="" these="" panels="" and="" would="" continue="" to="" rely="" on="" the="" hms="" ap="" to="" provide="" comments="" on="" fmps="" or="" fmp="" amendments="" related="" to="" shark="" management.="" nmfs="" proposes="" to="" adjust="" the="" fishing="" year="" to="" be="" june="" 1="" through="" may="" 31="" for="" the="" atlantic="" tunas="" and="" billfish="" fishery,="" consistent="" with="" the="" atlantic="" swordfish="" fishery.="" the="" atlantic="" shark="" fishing="" year="" will="" continue="" to="" be="" january="" 1="" through="" december="" 31.="" to="" further="" prevent="" u.s.="" overfishing,="" nmfs="" proposes="" to="" extend="" the="" management="" unit="" definitions="" for="" atlantic="" blue="" marlin="" and="" atlantic="" white="" marlin="" to="" the="" entire="" atlantic="" ocean.="" this="" would="" allow="" for="" consistent="" management="" with="" other="" atlantic="" hms="" and="" is="" consistent="" with="" the="" biology="" of="" the="" species="" (atlantic-wide="" stock).="" viii.="" limited="" access="" program="" vessel="" permit="" limited="" access="" systems="" were="" considered="" by="" nmfs="" in="" a="" draft="" amendment="" to="" the="" atlantic="" sharks="" fmp="" (november="" 8,="" 1996)="" for="" which="" a="" proposed="" rule="" published="" on="" december="" 27,="" 1996="" (61="" fr="" 68202)and="" to="" the="" atlantic="" swordfish="" fmp="" (january="" 28,="" 1997)="" for="" which="" a="" proposed="" rule="" published="" on="" february="" 26,="" 1997="" (62="" fr="" 8672).="" significant="" changes="" to="" the="" qualifying="" criteria="" and="" operational="" characteristics="" of="" the="" limited="" access="" systems="" are="" being="" considered="" by="" nmfs="" in="" response="" to="" comments="" on="" those="" proposed="" rules.="" due="" to="" the="" magnitude="" of="" changes="" under="" development="" and="" the="" need="" to="" update="" ownership="" records="" under="" the="" revised="" eligibility="" criteria,="" nmfs="" decided="" to="" re-propose="" the="" limited="" access="" systems="" as="" part="" of="" the="" hms="" fmp.="" furthermore,="" the="" proposed="" rule="" to="" implement="" the="" hms="" fmp="" offers="" an="" opportunity="" to="" propose="" an="" expanded="" limited="" access="" program="" for="" longline="" vessels="" that="" also="" includes="" tunas.="" comments="" on="" the="" first="" limited="" access="" proposed="" rules="" are="" summarized="" with="" nmfs="" responses="" in="" the="" hms="" fmp.="" nmfs="" has="" also="" updated="" the="" economic="" analyses="" since="" the="" publication="" of="" the="" hms="" fmp="" to="" include="" analyses="" of="" limited="" access="" under="" the="" revised="" eligibility="" criteria.="" the="" objectives="" of="" the="" limited="" access="" system="" are="" to:="" (1)="" reduce="" latent="" effort="" by="" eliminating="" speculative="" permit="" holders="" who="" have="" not="" participated="" in="" the="" fisheries="" (i.e.,="" to="" allow="" only="" permit="" holders="" who="" were="" active="" and="" dependent="" on="" swordfish="" or="" shark="" fishing="" before="" january="" 1,="" 1998,="" and="" who="" are="" still="" active);="" (2)="" provide="" mechanisms="" to="" allow="" traditional="" swordfish="" handgear="" fishermen="" (whose="" permits="" may="" have="" lapsed="" due="" to="" the="" scarcity="" of="" large="" fish,="" which="" they="" target)="" to="" participate="" fully="" as="" the="" stock="" recovers;="" (3)="" reduce="" regulatory="" discards="" in="" both="" directed="" and="" incidental="" fisheries;="" (4)="" provide="" mechanisms="" to="" account="" for="" the="" dynamic="" and="" multispecies="" aspects="" of="" these="" fisheries="" through="" permit="" transferability="" and="" vessel="" upgrading="" provisions;="" and="" (5)="" prevent="" substantial="" increases="" in="" vessel="" harvesting="" capacity="" of="" the="" currently="" active="" fleet.="" a="" long-term="" objective="" for="" the="" atlantic="" swordfish="" and="" shark="" fisheries="" is="" to="" create="" a="" management="" system="" in="" which="" the="" u.s.="" harvesting="" capacity="" would="" be="" commensurate="" with="" resource="" productivity="" to="" achieve="" the="" dual="" goals="" of="" economic="" efficiency="" and="" biological="" conservation.="" as="" described="" below="" and="" in="" the="" draft="" hms="" fmp,="" major="" changes="" from="" the="" previously="" proposed="" rules="" include:="" (1)="" an="" extension="" of="" the="" eligible="" permit="" and="" landings="" periods="" from="" june="" 30,="" 1995,="" to="" december="" 31,="" 1997,="" in="" order="" to="" be="" consistent="" with="" the="" goal="" of="" limited="" access="" to="" reduce="" latent="" effort="" only;="" (2)="" the="" establishment="" of="" historical="" evidence="" or="" meeting="" an="" earned="" income="" requirement="" as="" the="" criteria="" for="" a="" swordfish="" handgear="" permit;="" (3)="" a="" withdrawal="" of="" the="" proposed="" decrease="" in="" the="" directed="" swordfish="" fishery="" harvest="" limit="" for="" longline="" vessels="" during="" a="" directed="" longline="" fishery="" closure;="" (4)="" a="" provision="" for="" transferability="" of="" incidental="" catch="" permits;="" (5)="" an="" elimination="" of="" the="" allowance="" to="" submit="" landings="" records="" other="" than="" official="" nmfs="" fishing="" vessel="" logbook="" records,="" except="" for="" the="" period="" january="" 1,="" 1991,="" through="" june="" 30,="" 1993,="" for="" sharks;="" (6)="" an="" elimination="" of="" the="" restriction="" on="" permit="" and="" vessel="" transferability="" during="" the="" first="" year="" of="" limited="" access="" implementation;="" (7)="" the="" clarification="" that="" a="" limited="" access="" [[page="" 3163]]="" permit="" is="" a="" privilege="" and="" not="" a="" right="" in="" perpetuity;="" (8)="" an="" exemption="" for="" those="" persons="" who="" purchased="" a="" qualifying="" vessel="" and="" its="" landings="" history="" after="" december="" 31,="" 1997,="" from="" the="" requirement="" to="" have="" owned="" a="" vessel="" issued="" a="" valid="" federal="" swordfish="" or="" shark="" permit="" at="" any="" time="" from="" july="" 1,="" 1994="" through="" december="" 31,="" 1997;="" (9)="" an="" exemption="" for="" persons="" who="" first="" obtained="" a="" federal="" swordfish="" or="" shark="" permit="" in="" 1997="" from="" the="" requirement="" to="" document="" a="" second="" year="" of="" atlantic="" swordfish="" or="" shark="" landings,="" and="" the="" establishment="" of="" the="" requirement="" that="" such="" persons="" have="" documented="" landings="" for="" the="" calendar="" year="" of="" january="" 1,="" 1997,="" through="" december="" 31,="" 1997,="" of="" at="" least="" 25="" swordfish="" or="" 102="" sharks="" for="" a="" directed="" permit="" or="" at="" least="" one="" swordfish="" or="" shark="" for="" an="" incidental="" catch="" permit;="" (10)="" the="" clarification="" that="" vessel="" landing="" histories="" cannot="" be="" divided="" among="" permit="" holders;="" (11)="" the="" clarification="" that="" vessel="" landings="" histories="" cannot="" be="" consolidated="" from="" several="" vessels;="" (12)="" a="" modification="" of="" the="" provision="" for="" contested="" eligibility="" of="" vessel="" ownership,="" or="" permit,="" or="" landings="" histories;="" (13)="" an="" extension="" of="" the="" eligibility="" requirements="" for="" a="" limited="" access="" permit="" to="" persons="" who="" fish="" for,="" possess,="" land,="" or="" sell="" swordfish="" from="" the="" south="" atlantic="" swordfish="" stock="" (consistent="" with="" the="" 1997="" rulemaking="" for="" south="" atlantic="" swordfish);="" and="" (14)="" an="" extension="" of="" limited="" access="" requirements="" to="" the="" atlantic="" tunas="" longline="" category="" permit="" holders.="" a.="" permit="" categories="" nmfs="" proposes="" to="" establish="" a="" two-tiered="" commercial="" fishing="" permit="" system="" in="" which="" permits="" are="" classified="" as="" ``directed''="" or="" ``incidental''="" based="" on="" historical="" and="" current="" permit="" and="" landings="" histories="" in="" the="" relevant="" hms="" fisheries.="" five="" types="" of="" permits="" would="" be="" issued:="" directed="" swordfish;="" incidental="" swordfish;="" swordfish="" handgear;="" directed="" shark;="" and="" incidental="" shark.="" directed="" permits="" would="" allow="" holders="" of="" such="" permits="" to="" operate="" under="" the="" commercial="" quotas,="" trip="" limits,="" minimum="" size="" restrictions,="" closures,="" harvest="" limits="" during="" closures,="" gear="" restrictions,="" and="" other="" regulations,="" that="" will="" be="" established="" by="" the="" hms="" fmp.="" directed="" handgear="" permits="" would="" allow="" holders="" of="" such="" permits="" to="" harvest="" swordfish="" with="" handgear,="" provided="" no="" longline="" gear="" is="" on="" board.="" incidental="" catch="" permits="" would="" allow="" holders="" of="" such="" permits="" to="" harvest="" a="" smaller="" limited="" number="" of="" swordfish="" or="" sharks="" per="" trip.="" limited="" access="" permits="" would="" be="" issued="" only="" for="" gears="" and="" areas="" for="" which="" a="" commercial="" quota="" has="" been="" authorized.="" access="" to="" both="" the="" directed="" and="" incidental="" swordfish="" and="" shark="" fisheries="" would="" be="" limited.="" a="" vessel's="" owner="" would="" be="" issued="" only="" one="" type="" of="" swordfish="" permit="" and="" one="" type="" of="" shark="" permit.="" b.="" eligibility="" criteria="" only="" persons="" who:="" (1)="" owned="" a="" vessel="" issued="" a="" valid="" federal="" swordfish="" or="" shark="" permit="" at="" any="" time="" from="" july="" 1,="" 1994,="" through="" december="" 31,="" 1997;="" (2)="" have="" documented="" landings="" that="" meet="" at="" least="" the="" directed="" or="" incidental="" threshold="" levels="" of="" participation="" in="" the="" swordfish="" or="" shark="" fishery="" (defined="" below);="" and="" (3)="" owned="" a="" swordfish-="" permitted="" or="" shark-permitted="" vessel="" at="" any="" time="" during="" the="" period="" june="" 1="" through="" august="" 31,="" 1998="" (swordfish),="" or="" july="" 1="" through="" august="" 4,="" 1998="" (sharks),="" would="" be="" eligible="" for="" a="" limited="" access="" permit.="" separate="" criteria="" are="" proposed="" for="" a="" swordfish="" handgear="" permit.="" recreational="" anglers="" would="" not="" need="" a="" permit="" to="" fish="" for,="" possess,="" or="" land="" swordfish="" or="" sharks;="" however,="" they="" may="" not="" sell="" swordfish="" or="" sharks="" and="" would="" be="" subject="" to="" relevant="" retention="" limits="" and="" other="" restrictions="" (e.g.,="" recreational="" retention="" limits,="" size="" restrictions,="" gear="" restrictions)="" as="" part="" of="" the="" eligibility="" criteria="" for="" the="" directed="" permit,="" documented="" landings="" of="" at="" least="" 25="" swordfish="" or="" 102="" sharks="" per="" year="" in="" any="" 2="" calendar="" years="" between="" january="" 1,="" 1987,="" and="" december="" 31,="" 1997="" (swordfish),="" or="" between="" january="" 1,="" 1991="" and="" december="" 31,="" 1997="" (shark),="" would="" be="" required.="" this="" threshold="" is="" roughly="" equivalent="" to="" having="" landed="" sufficient="" swordfish="" or="" shark="" each="" year="" on="" average="" to="" earn="" $5,000="" per="" year="" in="" gross="" revenue.="" nmfs="" estimates="" that="" approximately="" 190="" vessels="" would="" be="" eligible="" for="" directed="" swordfish="" permits="" and="" approximately="" 187="" vessels="" would="" be="" eligible="" for="" directed="" shark="" permits="" based="" on="" these="" criteria.="" the="" actual="" number="" of="" directed="" permits="" that="" are="" issued="" may="" be="" higher="" than="" this="" estimate="" if="" additional="" landings="" records="" or="" evidence="" of="" vessel="" history="" transfers="" are="" presented="" in="" support="" of="" an="" application="" or="" appeal.="" nmfs="" would="" issue="" swordfish="" handgear="" permits="" only="" to="" those="" persons="" who="" provide="" evidence="" of="" having="" been="" issued="" a="" swordfish="" permit="" for="" use="" with="" handgear="" or="" having="" landed="" swordfish="" with="" handgear,="" or="" to="" those="" who="" have="" derived="" more="" than="" 50="" percent="" of="" their="" earned="" income="" from="" all="" commercial="" fishing="" through="" the="" harvest="" and="" first="" sale="" of="" fish="" or="" from="" charter/headboat="" fishing,="" or="" to="" those="" who="" had="" gross="" sales="" of="" fish="" greater="" than="" $20,000="" harvested="" from="" their="" vessel,="" during="" any="" one="" of="" the="" last="" three="" calendar="" years="" (earned="" income="" requirement).="" there="" would="" be="" no="" requirement="" of="" having="" a="" permit="" or="" landings="" history="" specific="" to="" the="" swordfish="" fishery="" in="" order="" to="" qualify="" for="" a="" swordfish="" handgear="" permit,="" although="" historical="" evidence="" of="" swordfish="" permit="" and="" landings="" history="" would="" be="" accepted.="" as="" part="" of="" the="" eligibility="" criteria="" for="" an="" incidental="" swordfish="" permit,="" a="" minimum="" of="" 11="" swordfish="" landed="" between="" january="" 1,="" 1987,="" and="" december="" 31,="" 1997,="" and="" meeting="" the="" same="" earned="" income="" requirement="" as="" for="" a="" directed="" handgear="" permit="" would="" be="" required.="" as="" part="" of="" the="" eligibility="" criteria="" for="" an="" incidental="" shark="" permit,="" a="" minimum="" of="" seven="" sharks="" landed="" between="" january="" 1,="" 1991,="" and="" december="" 31,="" 1997,="" would="" be="" required.="" nmfs="" estimates="" that="" approximately="" 70="" vessels="" and="" 305="" vessels="" would="" be="" eligible="" for="" incidental="" swordfish="" and="" shark="" permits,="" respectively.="" as="" with="" the="" directed="" permits,="" the="" actual="" number="" of="" incidental="" permits="" that="" are="" issued="" may="" be="" higher="" depending="" on="" additional="" record="" or="" vessel="" history="" transfer="" submissions.="" vessel="" landings="" histories="" are="" assumed="" to="" belong="" to="" the="" owner="" of="" the="" vessel="" at="" the="" time="" of="" actual="" landing.="" however,="" if="" a="" vessel="" was="" sold="" and="" its="" landings="" history="" was="" included="" specifically="" in="" the="" original="" written="" sales="" agreement,="" such="" landings="" would="" accrue="" to="" the="" purchaser="" instead="" of="" the="" seller="" for="" purposes="" of="" qualifying="" for="" a="" directed="" or="" incidental="" permit="" under="" the="" limited="" access="" system.="" because="" nmfs="" does="" not="" currently="" maintain="" records="" of="" associated="" vessel="" history="" sales="" or="" purchases,="" nmfs="" proposes="" to="" consider="" claims="" that="" a="" vessel's="" landings="" history="" was="" transferred="" at="" the="" time="" the="" vessel="" was="" sold="" during="" the="" application="" process.="" nmfs="" is="" proposing="" two="" exemptions="" to="" these="" eligibility="" criteria="" in="" order="" to="" be="" consistent="" with="" the="" overall="" intent="" of="" the="" limited="" access="" system,="" to="" accommodate="" for="" the="" dynamic="" aspect="" of="" this="" fishery="" since="" nmfs="" first="" began="" limited="" access="" rulemaking="" in="" mid-1995,="" and="" to="" address="" the="" effects="" of="" delays="" in="" implementation="" of="" this="" limited="" access="" program.="" the="" first="" exemption="" would="" exempt="" persons="" who="" purchased="" a="" qualifying="" vessel="" and="" its="" landings="" history="" after="" december="" 31,="" 1997,="" from="" the="" requirement="" to="" have="" owned="" a="" vessel="" issued="" a="" valid="" federal="" swordfish="" or="" shark="" permit="" at="" any="" time="" from="" july="" 1,="" 1994,="" through="" december="" 31,="" 1997.="" such="" persons="" would="" have="" to="" have="" purchased="" vessels="" and="" their="" associated="" landings="" histories="" that="" meet="" the="" landings="" eligibility="" criteria="" specified="" above,="" through="" documented="" transfer="" at="" the="" time="" of="" purchase,="" and="" would="" have="" to="" have="" owned="" this="" swordfish-permitted="" or="" shark-="" permitted="" vessel="" at="" any="" time="" during="" the="" period="" june="" 1="" through="" august="" 31,="" 1998="" (swordfish),="" or="" july="" 1="" through="" [[page="" 3164]]="" august="" 4,="" 1998="" (shark).="" this="" exemption="" would="" provide="" a="" mechanism="" to="" account="" for="" vessel="" sales="" since="" nmfs="" initiated="" rulemaking="" and="" would="" not="" result="" in="" any="" increase="" in="" the="" number="" of="" current="" participants.="" without="" such="" an="" exemption,="" qualifying="" vessels="" could="" be="" eliminated="" despite="" legitimate="" purchases="" of="" vessels="" and="" their="" associated="" landings="" histories="" because="" the="" current="" owner="" did="" not="" own="" a="" vessel="" issued="" a="" valid="" federal="" swordfish="" permit="" before="" december="" 31,="" 1997.="" because="" nmfs="" does="" not="" currently="" maintain="" records="" of="" associated="" vessel="" history="" sales="" or="" purchases,="" nmfs="" proposes="" to="" consider="" such="" claims="" on="" vessel="" landings="" history="" transfer="" during="" the="" application="" process.="" the="" second="" exemption="" would="" exempt="" persons="" who="" first="" obtained="" a="" federal="" swordfish="" or="" shark="" permit="" in="" 1997="" from="" the="" requirement="" to="" document="" a="" second="" year="" of="" swordfish="" or="" shark="" landings.="" rather,="" such="" persons="" would="" have="" to="" document,="" for="" the="" calendar="" year="" of="" january="" 1,="" 1997,="" through="" december="" 31,="" 1997,="" landings="" of="" at="" least="" 25="" swordfish="" or="" 102="" sharks="" for="" a="" directed="" permit,="" or="" at="" least="" 1="" swordfish="" or="" shark="" for="" an="" incidental="" catch="" permit.="" this="" exemption="" would="" provide="" for="" persons="" who="" first="" obtained="" federal="" swordfish="" permits="" in="" 1997="" to="" be="" eligible="" for="" directed="" or="" incidental="" permits,="" as="" appropriate.="" the="" requirements="" to="" own="" a="" vessel="" issued="" a="" valid="" permit="" at="" any="" time="" from="" july="" 1,="" 1994,="" through="" december="" 31,="" 1997,="" and="" to="" own="" a="" swordfish-permitted="" or="" shark-permitted="" vessel="" at="" any="" time="" during="" the="" period="" june="" 1="" through="" august="" 31,="" 1998="" (swordfish),="" or="" july="" 1="" through="" august="" 4,="" 1998="" (shark),="" would="" still="" apply.="" the="" rationale="" for="" this="" exemption="" is="" that="" persons="" who="" first="" entered="" the="" fishery="" in="" 1997="" would="" be="" incapable="" of="" meeting="" the="" 2-year="" landings="" requirement.="" nmfs="" estimates="" that="" approximately="" 4="" and="" 3="" additional="" vessels="" would="" qualify="" for="" a="" directed="" swordfish="" and="" shark="" permits,="" respectively,="" and="" approximately="" 5="" and="" 21="" additional="" vessels="" would="" qualify="" for="" an="" incidental="" catch="" swordfish="" or="" incidental="" catch="" shark="" permit,="" respectively,="" based="" on="" this="" exemption.="" many="" permit="" holders="" who="" will="" receive="" these="" directed/incidental="" permits="" also="" hold="" atlantic="" tunas="" incidental="" category="" permits.="" nevertheless,="" to="" address="" the="" multispecies="" nature="" of="" the="" pelagic="" longline="" fishery,="" anyone="" who="" had="" an="" atlantic="" tunas="" incidental="" category="" permit="" between="" january="" 1,="" 1998,="" and="" august="" 31,="" 1998,="" would="" receive="" a="" swordfish="" and="" a="" shark="" incidental="" permit.="" also,="" anyone="" with="" a="" swordfish="" permit="" would="" receive="" a="" shark="" incidental="" permit="" and="" an="" atlantic="" tunas="" longline="" category="" permit.="" a="" total="" of="" 738="" vessels="" would="" be="" expected="" to="" receive="" at="" least="" one="" type="" of="" limited="" access="" permit.="" more="" vessels="" could="" receive="" permits="" under="" the="" application="" and="" appeals="" processes.="" given="" the="" limited="" quota="" available="" to="" u.s.="" vessels="" in="" the="" south="" atlantic="" swordfish="" fishery,="" nmfs="" does="" not="" intend="" to="" allow="" expansion="" of="" pelagic="" longline="" fishing="" effort="" in="" that="" area.="" on="" july="" 25,="" 1997="" (62="" fr="" 40039),="" nmfs="" published="" a="" proposed="" rule="" to="" establish="" commercial="" quotas="" for="" swordfish="" from="" the="" south="" atlantic="" stock.="" in="" that="" rulemaking,="" nmfs="" provided="" the="" public="" the="" opportunity="" to="" comment="" on="" the="" proposal="" that="" vessel="" permits="" to="" fish="" for="" swordfish="" from="" the="" south="" atlantic="" stock="" be="" limited="" to="" those="" who="" qualify="" for="" a="" directed="" permit="" under="" the="" previously="" proposed="" limited="" access="" system="" for="" swordfish.="" at="" the="" time,="" nmfs="" noted="" that="" most="" vessels="" that="" have="" fished="" for="" swordfish="" in="" the="" south="" atlantic="" have="" also="" landed="" swordfish="" from="" the="" north="" atlantic="" ocean.="" nmfs="" received="" no="" comments="" during="" the="" comment="" period="" on="" this="" measure="" and="" concluded="" in="" the="" final="" rule="" (62="" fr="" 55357,="" october="" 24,="" 1997)="" that="" permits="" in="" the="" south="" atlantic="" should="" be="" limited="" to="" those="" who="" qualify="" for="" a="" directed="" swordfish="" permit="" under="" limited="" access.="" this="" proposed="" rule="" and="" the="" draft="" hms="" fmp="" reflect="" that="" decision.="" c.="" permit="" process="" effective="" 1="" june="" 1999,="" all="" federal="" swordfish="" and="" shark="" vessel="" permits="" issued="" prior="" to="" this="" date="" by="" the="" nmfs="" southeast="" regional="" office="" would="" be="" invalid.="" all="" owners="" of="" vessels="" who="" wish="" to="" fish="" for,="" possess,="" land,="" or="" sell="" swordfish="" or="" sharks="" from="" the="" management="" unit="" (except="" those="" participating="" in="" the="" recreational="" fishery="" only="" or="" fishing="" exclusively="" in="" state="" waters)="" would="" be="" required="" to="" obtain="" an="" initial="" limited="" access="" permit="" from="" the="" director="" of="" the="" office="" of="" sustainable="" fisheries.="" after="" nmfs="" conducts="" an="" analysis="" of="" landings="" and="" permit="" histories,="" all="" those="" who="" owned="" swordfish-permitted="" vessels="" and="" owned="" or="" operated="" shark-permitted="" vessels="" at="" any="" time="" during="" the="" period="" june="" 1="" through="" august="" 31,="" 1998="" (swordfish),="" or="" july="" 1="" through="" august="" 4,="" 1998="" (shark),="" would="" be="" notified="" by="" letter="" of="" their="" eligibility="" status="" for="" the="" directed="" or="" incidental="" swordfish="" and="" shark="" fisheries.="" nmfs="" would="" issue="" initial="" limited="" access="" permits="" to="" those="" who="" qualify.="" those="" permits="" would="" be="" valid="" through="" the="" marked="" expiration="" date.="" if="" a="" vessel="" owner="" or="" operator="" is="" informed="" that="" he="" or="" she="" does="" not="" qualify="" for="" a="" limited="" access="" permit,="" but="" he="" or="" she="" believes="" that="" there="" is="" credible="" evidence="" to="" the="" contrary,="" he="" or="" she="" may="" apply="" for="" either="" a="" directed="" or="" incidental="" catch="" permit="" and="" provide="" the="" appropriate="" documentation="" to="" nmfs="" within="" 90="" days.="" similarly,="" if="" a="" vessel="" owner="" or="" operator="" is="" notified="" that="" he="" or="" she="" qualifies="" for="" an="" incidental="" catch="" permit,="" but="" he="" or="" she="" believes="" that="" there="" is="" credible="" evidence="" of="" eligibility="" for="" a="" directed="" permit,="" he="" or="" she="" may="" apply="" for="" a="" directed="" permit="" and="" provide="" the="" appropriate="" documentation="" to="" nmfs="" within="" 90="" days.="" nmfs="" would="" notify="" no="" one="" as="" to="" his="" or="" her="" status="" for="" handgear="" permits.="" if="" a="" person="" believes="" he="" or="" she="" is="" eligible="" for="" a="" handgear="" permit,="" that="" person="" may="" apply="" to="" nmfs="" within="" 90="" days.="" nmfs="" would="" then="" evaluate="" all="" applications="" and="" accompanying="" documentation,="" and="" notify="" the="" applicant="" of="" its="" decision="" either="" to="" issue="" or="" deny="" the="" permit.="" if="" denied,="" the="" applicant="" may="" appeal="" the="" decision="" by="" submitting="" an="" appeal,="" in="" writing,="" to="" nmfs="" within="" 90="" days="" of="" receipt="" of="" the="" notice="" of="" denial.="" oral="" hearings="" would="" not="" be="" provided.="" provisional="" limited="" access="" permits,="" as="" appropriate,="" would="" be="" issued="" for="" use="" by="" the="" appellant="" pending="" the="" outcome="" of="" an="" appeal="" until="" the="" final="" agency="" decision="" has="" been="" rendered.="" the="" sole="" grounds="" for="" appeal="" would="" be="" that="" nmfs="" reviewed="" incorrect="" or="" incomplete="" landings="" data="" in="" the="" eligibility="" analysis="" or="" improperly="" considered="" the="" applicant's="" earned="" income="" documentation,="" if="" applicable.="" no="" ``hardship''="" appeals="" would="" be="" considered.="" landings="" documentation="" that="" would="" be="" considered="" in="" support="" of="" an="" application="" or="" an="" appeal="" would="" be="" restricted="" to="" official="" nmfs="" logbook="" records="" of="" landings="" that="" were="" received="" by="" nmfs="" prior="" to="" march="" 2,="" 1998="" (60="" days="" after="" the="" cutoff="" date="" for="" eligible="" landings)="" and="" that="" reflect="" landings="" during="" the="" time="" the="" person="" held="" a="" valid="" permit.="" landings="" records="" from="" sources="" other="" than="" fishing="" vessel="" logbooks="" would="" not="" be="" accepted="" because="" mandatory="" permitting="" and="" reporting="" requirements="" existed="" during="" the="" entire="" permit="" eligibility="" and="" landings="" time="" frame,="" except="" for="" sharks="" landed="" from="" january="" 1,="" 1991,="" through="" june="" 30,="" 1993.="" for="" sharks="" landed="" from="" january="" 1,="" 1991,="" through="" june="" 30,="" 1993,="" landings="" documentation="" that="" would="" be="" considered="" in="" support="" of="" an="" application="" or="" appeal="" for="" a="" shark="" limited="" access="" permit="" would="" be="" restricted="" to="" official,="" verifiable="" sales="" slips="" or="" receipts="" from="" registered="" dealers,="" and="" state="" landings="" records.="" dealer="" sales="" slips="" or="" receipts="" would="" have="" to="" show="" definitively="" the="" species="" and="" the="" vessel's="" name="" or="" other="" traceable="" indication="" of="" the="" harvesting="" vessel.="" dealer="" records="" would="" have="" to="" contain="" a="" sworn="" affidavit="" by="" the="" dealer="" confirming="" the="" accuracy="" of="" the="" records.="" additionally,="" landings="" records="" during="" periods="" that="" a="" vessel="" did="" not="" have="" a="" [[page="" 3165]]="" valid="" federal="" permit="" would="" not="" be="" accepted.="" landings="" histories="" may="" not="" be="" divided="" among="" permit="" holders;="" only="" complete="" catch="" histories="" of="" sold="" vessels="" would="" be="" accepted.="" this="" restriction="" is="" intended="" to="" prevent="" increases="" in="" fleet="" capacity="" that="" would="" result="" from="" multiple="" vessels="" qualifying="" for="" a="" limited="" access="" permit="" based="" on="" a="" single="" vessel's="" catch="" history.="" similarly,="" landings="" may="" not="" be="" consolidated="" among="" vessels;="" permit="" holders="" may="" not="" pool="" landings="" from="" several="" ineligible="" vessels="" to="" meet="" eligibility="" requirements.="" this="" restriction="" is="" intended="" to="" prevent="" increases="" in="" fleet="" capacity="" that="" would="" result="" from="" the="" pooling="" of="" multiple="" ineligible="" vessel="" catch="" histories.="" in="" the="" event="" that="" more="" than="" one="" vessel="" owner="" claims="" eligibility="" for="" a="" limited="" access="" permit="" based="" on="" one="" vessel's="" ownership,="" permit,="" or="" landings="" history,="" the="" applicants="" claiming="" the="" vessel's="" ownership="" or="" permit="" or="" landings="" history="" would="" have="" to="" determine="" which="" person="" will="" receive="" the="" limited="" access="" permit.="" nmfs="" would="" not="" determine="" the="" outcome="" of="" contractual="" conflicts,="" but="" the="" applicants="" would="" have="" to="" resolve="" the="" contested="" issue="" and="" inform="" nmfs.="" d.="" transfer="" of="" permits="" directed="" and="" incidental="" permits="" would="" be="" transferable="" with="" the="" sale="" of="" the="" permitted="" vessel,="" or="" to="" a="" transfer="" vessel,="" or="" to="" a="" replacement="" vessel="" owned="" or="" purchased="" by="" the="" original="" permittee,="" but="" not="" under="" any="" other="" circumstances.="" such="" transfers="" would="" be="" subject="" to="" upgrading="" restrictions="" (described="" in="" the="" following="" paragraph).="" swordfish="" handgear="" permits="" would="" be="" transferable,="" but="" only="" for="" use="" with="" handgear.="" after="" the="" initial="" limited="" access="" permits="" (ilaps)="" are="" issued="" in="" 1999,="" the="" eligibility="" criteria="" to="" which="" initial="" limited="" access="" permit="" holders="" are="" subject="" would="" no="" longer="" apply;="" the="" only="" requirement="" would="" be="" to="" have="" been="" issued="" a="" limited="" access="" permit="" in="" the="" preceding="" year.="" similarly,="" transferees/buyers="" of="" limited="" access="" vessel="" permits="" would="" not="" be="" subject="" to="" the="" initial="" limited="" access="" eligibility="" criteria;="" only="" transfer="" restrictions="" would="" apply="" (i.e.,="" vessel="" upgrading="" and="" ownership="" restrictions,="" if="" applicable).="" after="" the="" issuance="" of="" ilaps,="" all="" renewals="" or="" transferred="" permits="" would="" be="" issued="" as="" limited="" access="" permits="" (laps)="" by="" nmfs.="" e.="" vessel="" upgrading="" nmfs="" proposes="" that="" any="" vessel="" to="" which="" a="" lap="" is="" transferred,="" defined="" as="" the="" ``transfer''="" vessel,="" have="" no="" more="" than="" a="" 20-percent="" increase="" in="" vessel="" horsepower="" or="" 10-percent="" increase="" in="" length="" overall,="" gross="" registered="" tonnage,="" net="" tonnage,="" and="" hold="" capacity="" as="" the="" vessel="" originally="" issued="" the="" limited="" access="" permit.="" this="" restriction="" would="" apply="" to="" replacement="" vessels,="" transfer="" vessels,="" and="" to="" the="" refurbishment="" of="" existing="" permitted="" vessels.="" these="" proposed="" upgrading="" criteria="" are="" based="" on="" proposed="" guidelines="" recently="" adopted="" by="" the="" mid-="" atlantic="" and="" new="" england="" fishery="" management="" councils.="" since="" hms="" vessels="" are="" also="" affected="" by="" upgrading="" restrictions="" of="" fisheries="" under="" management="" by="" these="" two="" councils,="" nmfs="" is="" attempting="" to="" achieve="" consistency="" on="" upgrading="" restrictions.="" f.="" ownership="" limits="" nmfs="" proposes="" to="" restrict="" the="" number="" of="" permitted="" vessels="" that="" any="" one="" person="" could="" own="" or="" control="" to="" no="" more="" than="" five="" percent="" of="" the="" directed="" fleet.="" ix.="" essential="" fish="" habitat="" (efh)="" the="" hms="" fmp="" and="" the="" amendment="" 1="" to="" the="" billfish="" fmp="" identify="" efh="" as="" required="" by="" the="" magnuson-stevens="" act.="" because="" they="" range="" over="" vast="" expanses="" of="" the="" ocean,="" factors="" that="" control="" or="" limit="" habitat="" use="" by="" hms="" are="" largely="" unknown="" or="" are="" difficult="" to="" determine.="" however,="" to="" the="" extent="" possible,="" efh="" has="" been="" described="" and="" identified="" based="" on="" scientific="" publications,="" expert="" knowledge,="" and="" analysis="" of="" presence/="" absence="" and="" relative="" abundance="" data,="" when="" available.="" where="" information="" is="" available="" (e.g.,="" temperature/salinity="" tolerances,="" and/or="" current="" or="" water="" mass="" information),="" it="" has="" been="" used="" to="" narrow="" the="" extent="" of="" efh="" within="" the="" areas="" most="" commonly="" used="" by="" the="" species.="" analyses="" of="" fishing="" practices="" led="" to="" the="" conclusion="" that="" adverse="" impacts="" on="" efh="" from="" hms="" fishing="" gears="" are="" negligible.="" however,="" there="" are="" potential="" threats="" from="" gears="" of="" other="" fisheries="" that="" warrant="" further="" investigation.="" non-fishing="" activities="" with="" the="" potential="" to="" adversely="" affect="" efh="" are="" described="" in="" the="" draft="" hms="" and="" billfish="" fmp="" documents="" along="" with="" conservation="" measures="" based="" on="" recommendations="" made="" in="" the="" past="" by="" nmfs="" regional="" staff="" and="" consistent="" with="" conservation="" measures="" delineated="" by="" the="" councils="" that="" have="" jurisdiction="" over="" other="" species="" that="" occur="" in="" the="" same="" areas="" as="" those="" identified="" as="" efh="" in="" the="" hms="" and="" billfish="" fmps="" and="" supporting="" documents.="" research="" recommendations="" include="" investigation="" of="" hms="" habitat="" associations="" and="" preferences,="" life="" history="" studies="" and="" early="" life="" stage="" species="" identification,="" habitat="" characterizations="" (e.g.,="" for="" nursery="" and="" spawning="" areas),="" improved="" tagging="" and="" tracking="" technology,="" and="" the="" role="" of="" habitat="" in="" survival="" and="" productivity="" for="" the="" various="" life="" stages.="" the="" efh="" portions="" of="" the="" hms="" fmp="" and="" amendment="" 1="" to="" the="" billfish="" fmp="" do="" not="" have="" any="" measures="" requiring="" regulatory="" implementation="" at="" this="" time.="" x.="" minor="" administrative="" and="" technical="" changes="" these="" measures="" represent="" administrative="" and="" technical="" changes="" to="" hms="" regulations="" or="" changes="" to="" the="" regulations="" that="" are="" necessary="" to="" implement="" the="" draft="" hms="" fmp="" or="" draft="" amendment="" 1="" to="" the="" billfish="" fmp.="" they="" may="" not="" be="" explicitly="" addressed="" in="" the="" draft="" hms="" fmp="" or="" in="" draft="" amendment="" 1="" to="" the="" billfish="" fmp.="" nmfs="" issued="" a="" proposed="" rule="" to="" consolidate="" hms="" regulations="" for="" tunas,="" sharks,="" swordfish,="" and="" billfish="" on="" november="" 6,="" 1996="" (61="" fr="" 57361).="" five="" public="" hearings="" were="" held="" to="" receive="" comments="" on="" the="" proposed="" rule.="" additionally,="" numerous="" written="" comments="" were="" received="" by="" mail="" and="" fax.="" most="" of="" these="" comments="" focused="" on="" the="" identified="" substantive="" changes="" to="" the="" regulations="" rather="" than="" on="" the="" consolidated="" format.="" the="" following="" changes="" to="" the="" regulations="" were="" identified="" in="" the="" previously="" proposed="" consolidated="" rule="" or="" have="" been="" made="" in="" response="" to="" the="" comments="" received="" on="" that="" proposed="" rule="" or="" are="" necessary="" to="" implement="" measures="" in="" the="" draft="" hms="" fmp="" and="" draft="" billfish="" amendment.="" 1.="" the="" incidental="" catch="" permit="" category="" for="" atlantic="" tunas="" would="" be="" eliminated="" and="" redefined="" as="" ``longline''="" to="" reflect="" the="" existing="" authorization="" of="" directed="" longline="" fisheries="" for="" tunas="" other="" than="" bluefin="" tuna="" and="" as="" ``traps''="" to="" account="" for="" unavoidable="" catch="" of="" bluefin="" tuna="" by="" pound="" nets,="" traps="" and="" weirs.="" as="" a="" consequence="" of="" this="" reorganization="" and="" to="" address="" enforcement="" issues="" concerning="" unauthorized="" landing="" of="" bluefin="" tuna="" under="" the="" incidental="" catch="" quota,="" fixed="" gear="" other="" than="" ``traps''="" and="" purse="" seines="" for="" non-tuna="" fisheries="" will="" be="" no="" longer="" allowed="" to="" land="" bft.="" additionally,="" due="" to="" the="" limited="" incidental="" catch="" quota,="" an="" incidental="" catch="" limit="" of="" one="" bft="" per="" year="" is="" established="" for="" trap="" fishermen.="" this="" measure="" would="" also="" eliminate="" confusion="" with="" incidental="" limited="" access="" permits.="" 2.="" to="" achieve="" consistency="" between="" regulations="" applicable="" to="" all="" hms,="" the="" definition="" of="" rod="" and="" reel="" gear="" would="" be="" modified="" to="" include="" the="" use="" of="" electrically="" operated="" reels.="" although="" electric="" reels="" are="" permitted="" under="" current="" billfish="" regulations,="" conflicts="" with="" the="" consolidated="" regulations="" would="" arise="" when="" fishing="" for,="" or="" incidentally="" taking,="" atlantic="" tunas.="" therefore,="" the="" broader="" definition="" would="" be="" made="" applicable="" to="" all="" hms.="" [[page="" 3166]]="" 3.="" the="" handgear="" exemption="" for="" fishing="" vessels="" and="" dealers="" of="" atlantic="" tunas,="" shark,="" and="" swordfish="" permits,="" in="" puerto="" rico="" and="" the="" u.s.="" virgin="" islands="" would="" be="" eliminated.="" these="" vessel="" owners="" and="" dealers="" would="" be="" required="" to="" obtain="" the="" appropriate="" permits="" and="" follow="" all="" reporting="" requirements.="" these="" exemptions="" were="" created="" because="" it="" was="" presumed="" catch="" data="" could="" be="" accessed="" from="" other="" information="" collection="" programs.="" however,="" it="" has="" not="" been="" possible="" to="" access="" this="" information="" in="" a="" timely="" manner.="" given="" the="" likelihood="" of="" continuing="" restricted="" quotas="" for="" tunas,="" swordfish,="" and="" sharks,="" accurate="" and="" timely="" reporting="" of="" all="" catch="" is="" necessary.="" 4.="" the="" permit="" category="" for="" bft="" buy-boats="" would="" be="" eliminated="" as="" obsolete.="" for="" the="" last="" several="" years,="" the="" retention="" limit="" for="" general="" category="" vessels="" has="" been="" set="" at="" one="" fish="" per="" day,="" thus="" precluding="" the="" need="" to="" offload="" bft="" at="" sea.="" in="" addition,="" compliance="" with="" applicable="" vessel="" and="" dealer="" reporting="" requirements="" would="" be="" difficult="" to="" achieve="" under="" at-sea="" transfer="" conditions.="" iccat="" has="" also="" recommended="" prohibiting="" transfer="" of="" bft="" at="" sea.="" 5.="" the="" 30-day="" allowance="" for="" swordfish="" and="" shark="" dealers="" to="" operate="" under="" the="" permit="" of="" the="" previous="" business="" owner="" would="" be="" removed="" to="" achieve="" consistency="" with="" tuna="" dealer="" permit="" regulations.="" 6.="" regulations="" that="" are="" no="" longer="" necessary="" on="" tuna="" vessel="" reporting,="" as="" approved="" under="" omb="" control="" number="" 0648-0168,="" would="" be="" replaced="" by="" the="" vessel="" logbook="" requirements="" approved="" under="" omb="" control="" number="" 0648-0016.="" 7.="" to="" facilitate="" enforcement="" and="" to="" achieve="" consistency="" with="" regulations="" applicable="" to="" all="" hms,="" the="" allowance="" to="" transfer="" hms="" at="" sea="" by="" transfer="" vessels="" would="" be="" removed.="" this="" allowance="" was="" originally="" implemented="" for="" purse="" seine="" fishermen="" using="" transport="" vessels="" for="" cannery="" deliveries,="" a="" practice="" that="" no="" longer="" occurs="" in="" the="" atlantic="" ocean.="" the="" allowance="" for="" at-sea="" transfer="" of="" bft="" among="" permitted="" purse="" seine="" vessels="" would="" remain.="" 8.="" the="" distinction="" between="" selected="" and="" non-selected="" vessels="" for="" the="" purposes="" of="" shark="" logbooks="" would="" be="" dropped="" because="" all="" vessels="" have="" been="" selected="" in="" recent="" years="" under="" the="" previously="" implemented="" mandatory="" reporting="" requirement.="" 9.="" the="" time="" frame="" for="" reporting="" and="" submitting="" the="" bi-weekly="" bft="" dealer="" report="" would="" be="" adjusted="" to="" the="" time="" frame="" applicable="" for="" the="" bi-weekly="" dealer="" report="" for="" swordfish,="" sharks,="" and="" other="" atlantic="" tunas.="" thus,="" all="" dealer="" reports="" regarding="" these="" three="" species="" groups="" would="" be="" due="" not="" later="" than="" the="">th day of the month for
HMS received on the 1st through the 15th days of
each month, and not later than the 5th day of the following
month for HMS received on the 16th through the last day of
each month.
10. Current regulations that prohibit sale of billfish are unclear
concerning the sale of such related species as striped marlin, black
marlin, shortbill spearfish. The consolidation would clarify the
regulatory text to achieve consistency with the prohibition on sale as
implemented through the certificate of eligibility requirements for
sale of billfish and related species. All billfish species found in
commerce would be considered to be Atlantic billfish unless accompanied
by a Certificate of Eligibility.
11. Regulations applicable to the swordfish donation program would
be removed as unnecessary codified text. Donation programs for
swordfish or any of the regulated HMS could be established and
adequately enforced under a specific letter of authorization.
12. Current regulations prohibit a change of tuna permit category
after May 15. This restriction was imposed so that a vessel could not
fish in more than one quota category subsequent to the June 1
commencement of the Harpoon and General category BFT fishing seasons.
Existing regulations have not prevented some vessel operators from
fishing under the bluefin tuna Incidental category prior to May 15 and
in the General category after June 1. Under this proposed rule,
Atlantic tunas permit category changes would be limited to one change
each year, between January 1 and May 15. No permit changes would be
permitted from May 16 through December 31, regardless of sale of a
vessel. This would prevent commercial vessel operators from fishing for
bluefin tuna in more than one commercial quota category in a single
year. To be consistent among all categories, the one-per-year limit on
category changes for Atlantic Tunas permits would also apply to
recreational vessels obtaining Angling category permits.
13. To facilitate enforcement of minimum size and retention limit
regulations and to facilitate identification of species, all Atlantic
tunas would be required to be landed with the tail attached.
14. The set-aside of swordfish quota for the harpoon segment of the
directed fishery would be removed because it is unnecessary. A prior
rulemaking established the swordfish fishing year and first semiannual
quota period beginning June 1. When the fishing year and the first
semiannual period began on January 1, a set-aside was needed because
the summer harpoon fishery could be precluded by a directed fishery
closure at the end of the period. The change in fishing year has
eliminated this problem.
15. Gear restrictions applicable to specific categories of tuna
permits would be limited to fishing activity for bluefin tuna. In a
prior rulemaking, the requirement for tuna permits was extended from
BFT to all Atlantic tunas. Gear restrictions necessary to implement
category quotas for bluefin tuna were carried over to apply to all
Atlantic tunas. Because Atlantic tunas other than bluefin are not
subject to quotas, gear restrictions are not necessary, with the
exception of driftnets.
16. Much of the regulatory text regarding restrictions on imports
would be removed as obsolete since ATCA has been amended. The
Department of State will be consulted during the comment period for
this proposed rule, as necessary, to ensure that the revised trade
restrictions regulations comply with ATCA. NMFS implemented a final
rule in 1997 that banned the import of BFT from Belize, Honduras, and
Panama as a result of an ICCAT recommendation. Further, NMFS proposed
trade restrictions for Atlantic swordfish on October 13, 1998 (63 FR
54661). The final rule to implement the HMS FMP will include any
finalized trade restrictions that result from that separate rulemaking
for swordfish.
17. Except for applications for an initial limited access permit,
vessel and dealer permit applicants will have up to 30 days to submit
required information not supplied with original applications,
otherwise, the application will be considered abandoned. Information
changes must be reported within 30 days for permits to remain valid.
18. Logbook requirements approved under OMB control number 0648-
0016 would apply to commercial and for-hire tuna vessels only if
selected by NMFS. Initially, a sample of vessels from each permit
category, (except for Charter/headboat permit holders, which will all
be selected), will be selected to evaluate reporting forms and
reporting schedules.
19. To enhance flexibility in business decisions, purse seine
notification would be set at 24 hours prior to sailing or landing, with
automatic waiver of inspection requirements if not undertaken within 24
hours of notification.
20. To be consistent with revised 50 CFR 600.745, Sec. 635.32
incorporates new policies and procedures on issuance of letters of
authorization, exempted
[[Page 3167]]
fishing permits, and scientific research permits.
21. Technical changes were made to reflect NMFS reorganization by
changing references from Regional Director to Regional Administrator
and from Science and Research Director to Science Director. Where
necessary, cross references to regulations in other CFR parts were
updated.
22. The method of taking tuna measurements was amended to conform
with instructions given in past years and to reflect an analysis of
measurement conversion data obtained in 1996.
23. Given the increased use of inseason retention limit adjustments
to restrict harvest in the BFT Angling category to seasonal and
geographic subquotas, the retention limit for school, large school, and
small medium BFT is established at one per vessel, per day. This
retention limit may be adjusted inseason through one or more
specification notices published in the Federal Register.
24. Changes were made to the BFT trophy catch provisions applicable
within the Gulf of Mexico to clarify that anglers may retain large
medium or giant BFT onboard vessels permitted in the Angling or
Charter/Headboat categories if taken incidental to fishing for other
species.
25. Specific regulatory text was added to prohibit purchase or
possession by dealers of undersized Atlantic swordfish landed by
fishing vessels of the United States.
26. Technical revisions were made to the bluefin tuna statistical
document (BSD) program. Current regulations require that a BSD be
completed and provided to NMFS for import or export of bluefin tuna.
NMFS has recently acquired import records from U.S. Customs that
indicate non-compliance with the BSD program, particularly for imports.
Revisions are necessary to clarify procedures for BSD filing by
defining import, importer, export and exporter, and by specifying
circumstances under which a BSD must be completed. These revisions do
not materially change the requirements, but provide more explicit
instructions for the benefit of both tuna dealers and NMFS/Customs
enforcement.
27. Revisions are also made to the ICCAT port inspection scheme. At
its 1997 meeting, ICCAT recommended revisions to its port inspection
scheme, to which the United States is a party. These revisions are
technical in nature and serve to clarify the authority for inspections,
procedures for inspections, and the requirements for reports to flag
states and the ICCAT Secretariat. The revisions are not substantive and
only standardize procedures already in place for most contracting
parties that have adopted the port inspection scheme.
28. A revision to the Angling category trophy fish tagging
requirement is made to provide coordination with harvest tagging
programs for school, large school, and small medium fish as implemented
by NMFS or by any of the States. In coordinating such programs, the
burden on anglers and NMFS enforcement will be reduced.
29. NMFS has removed the notification requirement for vessels
transiting the Panama Canal with regulated species on board. This
requirement was originally implemented for purse seine vessels
offloading Pacific tuna catch at canneries in Puerto Rico. NMFS
believes that fishing and offloading practices have changed so as to
make this regulation obsolete.
30. The effective date of all regulatory amendments and inseason
actions will be the date of filing with the Office of the Federal
Register or, if subject to delayed effectiveness, on the prescribed
period of delay based on the date of filing. Existing regulations
variously refer to dates of filing or publication, with the publication
delay normally three or four days. The discrepancies arise from
balancing the need for timely action with the need for advance
notification. Given the ability to rapidly communicate with fishery
interest groups via the HMS Fax Information Network and NOAA weather
radio, standardizing the effective date relative to filing will allow
NMFS to be more responsive without unduly restricting the advance
notification required by fishery participants.
XI. Applicability of Regulations in State Waters
State regulations applicable to ICCAT-managed species (Atlantic
tunas, swordfish, and billfishes) that are less restrictive than
Federal regulations or are not effectively enforced are subject to
preemption by Federal regulations under section 971g(d) of ATCA.
Pursuant to 971g(e) of ATCA, the Secretary of Commerce is required to
perform a continuing review of the laws and regulations of all states
for which preemption by Federal regulations applies and the extent to
which such laws and regulations are enforced. Also, under section
306(b)(1) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, after notice and an opportunity
for a hearing, Federal regulations may apply within state waters if the
state has taken action or omitted to take action which will
substantially and adversely affect the carrying out of Federal FMPs and
the regulations to implement them (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.).
In an effort to review those regulations and make determinations
about preemption, NMFS contacted the following states: Alabama,
Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland,
Michigan, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New
York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina,
Texas, Virginia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
As of October 1998, NMFS has received replies from the following
states: Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North
Carolina, and Virginia. With the issuance of this proposed rule, NMFS
will again contact the states to request information regarding state
regulations applicable to ICCAT-managed HMS and the gear used in
fisheries targeting or catching them.
NMFS will be conducting public hearings in several states regarding
the proposed regulations to implement the HMS FMP and Billfish
Amendment. In addition, NMFS will contact all Atlantic Coast states and
territories to determine if additional hearings on the FMPs and
proposed regulations are necessary, particularly regarding the
preemption issue. NMFS intends to coordinate and consult with all
Atlantic Coast states and territories to meet management objectives and
to achieve regulatory consistency.
Classification
This proposed rule is published under the authority of the
Magnuson-Stevens Act, 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq., and the Atlantic Tunas
Convention Act, 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.
NMFS has concluded that this proposed rule to implement the HMS FMP
would have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of
small entities. Specifically, the time/area closure for pelagic
longline fishermen in the Florida Straits, the non-ridgeback LCS quota
reduction, and limited access measures for the shark fishery would have
a significant economic impact on affected entities. In combination, the
proposed alternatives for sharks and swordfish would also have a
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
Accordingly, an IRFA has been prepared to accompany the HMS FMP. A
summary of the IRFA regarding these issues follows:
[[Page 3168]]
Time/Area Closure for Pelagic Longline Fishing
NMFS proposes to ban the use of pelagic longline gear in the
Florida Straits between July and September. The preferred time/area
closure would likely have significant economic impacts for 17 of the 20
vessels that fish in that area at that time.
NMFS considered several alternatives that would reduce catches of
small swordfish and that could have less severe economic impacts on the
pelagic longline fishery participants. The alternatives included
continuing the existing minimum size (33 lb, or 15 kg dw) and counting
dead discards against the swordfish quota. If ICCAT adopts a
recommendation that dead discards should count against the quota, NMFS
will further consider this measure in future rulemaking. Although these
alternatives may have lesser economic impacts on the pelagic longline
fishery participants and provide incentives to reduce small swordfish
catch, neither measure guarantees reduced discards of undersized
swordfish.
NMFS also considered the alternative of closing other areas with
high swordfish discard rates in addition to the Florida Straits. NMFS
rejected this alternative for several reasons, including the
significant economic impacts expected on additional pelagic longline
participants. NMFS may consider closing these areas in the future if
deemed necessary to reduce the bycatch of undersized swordfish.
Although the status quo alternative (no time/area closure) would have
less of an economic impact in the short term, this alternative was
rejected because it is not expected to meet the statutory objectives of
reducing the discard rate and rebuilding the stock. Thus, in the long
term, the status quo alternative may have even greater significant
impacts for all pelagic longline participants.
Non-Ridgeback LCS Quota Reduction
NMFS proposes to separate the current LCS management unit into
ridgeback and non-ridgeback LCS and to reduce the quota for non-
ridgeback LCS by 66 percent (by weight). This alternative is expected
to minimize adverse economic impacts on LCS fishermen by allowing
higher harvest levels than those maintained if the LCS management unit
were kept as a single unit. This measure should rebuild ridgeback LCS
stocks consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Act requirements to rebuild
overfished fisheries and to consider the impacts of fishery resources
on communities. NMFS estimates that 53 participants may cease business
operations due to this alternative.
NMFS considered other alternatives, including keeping the LCS
management unit as a single group, with status quo reduced, and zero
harvest levels, as well as implementing a phased-in quota for non-
ridgeback LCS. Some of these quota alternatives, such as a closure,
would meet the management objectives of rebuilding LCS stocks, and
would have significant negative economic impacts in the short term, but
would have economic benefits in the long term. Other alternatives
considered, such as status quo, would have little or no negative
economic impacts in the short term, but they would have significant
negative economic impacts in the long term if the stock continued to
decline. Additionally, the status quo alternative may possibly have no
positive economic benefits and would not meet the statutory objectives
to rebuild the LCS stock. NMFS chose the alternative that minimizes the
short and long term economic impacts while also rebuilding LCS stocks.
Limited Access to the Atlantic Swordfish and Shark Fisheries
The proposed limited access system would affect all current permit
holders in the Atlantic swordfish and shark fisheries and those vessels
fishing for Atlantic tunas with longlines. The intent of limited access
is to exclude only those fishermen whose logbook records indicate they
are neither active nor dependent on the swordfish and shark fisheries
except that tuna longliners would automatically receive a swordfish or
shark limited access permit to authorize landing of incidental catch.
The proposed limited access program for swordfish is not expected to
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small
entities. However, a similar analysis indicates that, due to the
proposed limited access system for the shark fishery, a significant
number of shark vessels (48) would be forced to cease business
operations. NMFS found that many of these vessels were directing for
sharks in 1997 (the year used in the analysis) but had left the fishery
in 1998, and, therefore, would not qualify under the proposed limited
access system. Thus, NMFS believes that many of the vessels that the
analysis indicates would not be eligible for permits may have already
left the fishery due to circumstances other than limited access.
Because this limited access system is not intended to remove any active
entity dependent on the fishery, NMFS may reconsider the requirement of
having held a permit during the open season in 1998 for sharks, based
on comments received on this proposed rule.
The other alternatives regarding the implementation of limited
access for swordfish and shark fisheries include a range of permit and
landings history (eligibility) alternatives, incidental harvest limits,
and permit transfer and vessel upgrade restrictions. While these
alternatives might have lesser economic impacts on the fishery
participants, NMFS believes those alternatives may be inconsistent with
the objectives of removing inactive permits and limiting increases in
the harvesting capacity of the fleet.
The draft HMS RIR/IRFA provides further discussion of the economic
effects of all the alternatives considered in the draft HMS FMP.
To ensure that the impacts of the Amendment 1 to the Billfish FMP
are fully analyzed, NMFS has prepared an IRFA pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 603
without regard to whether the proposed action would have a significant
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. A summary of
the IRFA follows:
Adjustment to Billfish Retention Limit
NMFS proposes to institute a retention limit of one Atlantic
billfish per vessel per trip with an additional provision that would
reduce the retention limit for blue and/or white marlin to zero if
landing limits for Atlantic blue marlin and/or white marlin are reached
(26.2 mt and 2.48 mt, respectively). Cumulative landings would be
determined from the most recent tournaments and from other state or
federal data sources. Implementation of a zero retention limit, or just
the possibility of such, may affect participation in Atlantic billfish
tournaments. NMFS has received indications that tournaments may be
canceled or may experience a significant reduction in participation if
fishermen are not allowed to land a billfish that meets the legal size
constraints. The zero retention limit provision was included in this
proposed rule to avoid exceeding the 1997 ICCAT recommended landing
levels for blue and white marlin. In other words, this measure would
allow recreational fishermen to land billfish until the landing limits
are reached. NMFS believes that this measure, while it may reduce
tournament participation in the short-term, will aid in rebuilding the
stocks, thus increasing participation in the long term.
NMFS considered other alternatives to reduce the landings of
Atlantic billfish, including prohibiting possession of Atlantic
billfish by all
[[Page 3169]]
U.S.-flagged recreational vessels. This alternative was not selected
because it was considered to be too drastic in lowering landings
unnecessarily. In addition, the mortality of Atlantic billfish
recreationally caught by U.S. anglers is small relative to Atlantic-
wide mortality levels. Thus, the short- and long-term negative economic
impacts experienced by entities who rely on the billfish recreational
fishery would exceed any advantages of this measure on rebuilding
billfish stocks. This alternative would also put U.S. fishermen at a
disadvantage compared with fishermen from other countries.
Another alternative considered would allow Atlantic blue marlin and
Atlantic white marlin to be landed only during fishing tournaments and
from charter vessels. All other recreational landings of Atlantic
marlin (this alternative did not include sailfish) would be prohibited.
Although this alternative might minimize any negative economic impacts
on tournament sponsors and charter vessel owners, NMFS rejected this
alternative because it would have a discriminatory impact on private
vessels operating outside tournaments.
The last alternative considered would prohibit landing of billfish
in conjunction with a tournament to be released (i.e., require all
tournaments to be ``no-kill''). Atlantic billfish could still be landed
during other recreational efforts. NMFS believes that this alternative
would not reduce Atlantic billfish landings or economic impacts because
Atlantic billfish tournaments are currently moving toward alternative
means to measure angler success in catching billfish.
Adjustment to a Higher Minimum Size Limit
NMFS considered other alternatives to reduce the landings of
Atlantic billfish, including the minimum sizes implemented in the
interim rule. This alternative would also provide NMFS the authority to
increase the minimum size limits in season, rather than decreasing the
retention limits to ensure compliance with the ICCAT landings limits
for marlins. NMFS believes that this alternative could restrict
landings to the allowable level without undue economic impacts because
very large Atlantic billfish could still be landed in tournaments or
for mounting purposes by private anglers. In this way, the potential
for landing a very large billfish would still provide an incentive for
fishing activity. Implementation of this alternative would require an
accurate monitoring system for NMFS to provide sufficient notice of
size limit adjustments to tournaments.
The draft RIR/IRFA for Amendment 1 to the Billfish FMP provides
further discussion of the economic impacts of all the alternatives
considered.
This proposed rule contains new and revised collection-of-
information requirements, subject to review and approval by the Office
of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA),
and restates several current requirements. The new and revised
collections have been submitted to OMB for approval. In particular, six
new reporting requirements would include position reports from a
vessel-monitoring system for all pelagic longline vessels; gear marking
and vessel identification requirements for longline and shark net gear,
and for handgear and harpoon floats; permits for all HMS Charter/
Headboat vessels; observer requirements for HMS Charter/Headboat
vessels if selected; logbooks for all Atlantic tuna vessels and HMS
Charter/Headboat vessels; and revised reporting procedures for EFPs.
The following requirements have been approved by OMB or have been
submitted to OMB for approval:
1. Requirement for HMS Charter/Headboat Permits in Sec. 635.4,
estimated at 30 minutes per initial permit application and 6 minutes
per renewal, has been submitted for OMB clearance in association with
this proposed rule. However, no additional burden is anticipated as
nearly all HMS charter/headboats are permitted under currently approved
permitting collections (0648-0202; 0648-0205; 0648-0327), any of which
will serve to meet this requirement.
2. Atlantic tunas vessel permits in Sec. 635.4 (approved under OMB
control number 0648-0327), estimated at 30 minutes per initial permit
application and 6 minutes per renewal; and Atlantic tunas dealer
permits in Sec. 635.4 (approved under OMB control number 0648-0202),
estimated at 5 minutes per permit action.
3. Shark and swordfish vessel permits in Sec. 635.4 (approved under
OMB control number 0648-0205), estimated at 20 minutes per permit
action; and shark and swordfish dealer permits in Sec. 635.4 (approved
under OMB control number 0648-0205), estimated at 5 minutes per permit
action. Importer permitting requirements for swordfish in Sec. 635.4,
estimated at 5 minutes per application, for which a proposed rule
published on October 13, 1998 (63 FR 54661), have since been approved
by OMB under 0648-0205.
4. Dealer reporting and recordkeeping requirements for Atlantic
bluefin tuna in Sec. 635.5 (approved under OMB control number 0648-
0239), estimated at 3 minutes for daily reports, 14 minutes per bi-
weekly report of fish purchases, and 1 minute to affix tags and label
containers.
5. Dealer reporting and recordkeeping requirements for swordfish,
sharks, and Atlantic tunas in Sec. 635.5 (approved under OMB control
numbers 0648-0013 and/or 0648-0239) estimated at 15 minutes per bi-
weekly report of fish purchases and 3 minutes per negative report.
Importer reporting requirements for swordfish in Sec. 635.5, estimated
at 15 minutes per bi-weekly report, for which a proposed rule published
on October 13, 1998 (63 FR 54661), have since been approved by OMB
under 0648-0013.
6. Vessel reporting and recordkeeping requirements for swordfish
and sharks in Sec. 635.5 (currently approved under OMB control number
0648-0016) estimated at 10 minutes per logbook entry, including the
attachment of tally sheets, and 2 minutes for ``no-fishing'' reports.
NMFS has submitted a request to OMB for vessel reporting requirements
for Atlantic tunas and HMS charter boats in Sec. 630.5 estimated at 12
minutes per logbook entry and 2 minutes for a negative catch report.
NMFS intends to randomly select 10 percent of the tuna vessels and all
HMS charter boats on an annual basis. While NMFS intends to consolidate
HMS logbooks under a new information collection, there will be an
initial trial period for tuna vessels and HMS charter/headboats with
the pelagic logbook forms currently approved under 0648-0016. After
evaluation of the program, NMFS will request OMB approval to issue
logbooks tailored to the specific reporting requirements of individual
fishery segments
7. Fishing tournament registration and selective reporting in
Sec. 635.5 (approved under OMB control number 0648-0323) estimated at
10 minutes per report.
8. Swordfish and shark limited access permit documentation
requirements in Sec. 635.16 (approved under OMB control number 0648-
0325) estimated at 1.5 hours per response.
9. Vessel identification requirements for permitted HMS vessels in
Sec. 635.6 estimated at 45 minutes per vessel, have been submitted to
OMB for approval.
10. HMS gear marking requirements in Sec. 635.6, estimated at 15
minutes per action and pertaining to longline gear (terminal floats and
hi-flyers), shark nets (terminal floats) and harpoon and handgear
floats, have been submitted to OMB for approval.
11. Notification for at-sea observer requirements for Atlantic
tuna, swordfish, and shark vessels in Sec. 635.7, estimated at 2
minutes per response, has
[[Page 3170]]
been consolidated and submitted for OMB approval.
12. Position reporting and communication from a vessel monitoring
system in Sec. Sec. 635.9 and 635.69, estimated at 0.033 seconds per
position report or 5 minutes per vessel per year, 4 hours for
installation, and 2 hours for annual maintenance, has been submitted to
OMB for clearance.
13. BFT purse seine inspection requests in Sec. 635.21 (approved
under OMB control number 0648-0202) estimated at 5 minutes per request.
14. Angler reporting of trophy BFT in Sec. 635.23 (approved under
OMB control number 0648-0239) estimated at 3 minutes per report, and
Angler reporting of school and medium tuna in Sec. 635.5 (approved
under OMB control number 0648-0328) estimated at 5 minutes per
response.
15. HMS catch and release program requirements in Sec. 635.26
(approved under OMB control number 0648-0247) estimated at 2 minutes
per tagging card.
16. Documentation requirements for sale of billfish in Sec. 635.31
(approved under OMB control number 0648-0216) estimated at 20 minutes
for dealers purchasing from vessels and 2 minutes for subsequent
purchasers.
17. Swordfish Certificate of Eligibility in Sec. 635.46, estimated
at 60 minutes per document, for which a proposed rule published on
October 13, 1998 (63 FR 54661), has since been approved under OMB
control number 0648-0363. Bluefin Tuna Statistical Document in
Sec. 635.42 (approved under OMB control number 0648-0040) estimated at
20 minutes per document.
18. Revised application and reporting requirements under EFPs in
Sec. 635.32, estimated at 30 minutes per application, 5 minutes per
fish collection report, and 30 minutes per annual summary report, have
been submitted for OMB clearance.
19. Archival tag reporting requirements in Sec. 635.33, estimated
at 1.5 hours for implantation reports and 30 minutes per fish catch
report, have been approved by OMB under control number 0648-0338.
20. Bluefin tuna statistical documents in Sec. 635.42, estimated at
20 minutes per fish import report, and government validation of BSDs in
Sec. 635.44, estimated at 2 hours per occurrence, have been approved by
OMB under control number 0648-0040.
Written requests for purse seine allocations for Atlantic tunas as
required under Sec. 635.27 are not currently approved by OMB. Requests
for purse seine allocations are not subject to the PRA because, under
current regulations, a maximum of five vessels could be subject to
reporting under this requirement. Since it is impossible for 10 or more
respondents to be involved, the information collection is exempt from
the PRA clearance requirement.
Certificate of eligibility requirements for imports of fish subject
to trade restrictions under Sec. 635.40 are not currently approved by
OMB. These regulations were required under ATCA and were originally
issued prior to the enactment of the PRA. NMFS would consult with OMB
prior to implementing any trade restrictions under this section. While
ATCA and the implementing regulations at Sec. 635.40 authorize
unilateral trade action by the United States, it is more likely that
multilateral action would be taken upon a recommendation of ICCAT. In
such case, notice and comment rulemaking procedures under ATCA would
apply and OMB clearance for information collections would be requested
prior to issuance of a proposed rule.
Public comment is sought regarding whether these proposed new or
revised collections-of-information are necessary for the proper
performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the
information has practical utility; the accuracy of the burden
estimates; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the
information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the
collection of information, including the use of automated collection
techniques or other forms of information technology. Send comments on
these or any other aspects of the collection of information to NMFS,
Highly Migratory Species Management Division and OMB (see ADDRESSES).
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required
to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure
to comply with, a collection of information subject to the requirements
of the PRA unless that collection of information displays a currently
valid OMB Control Number.
NMFS initiated formal consultation for all HMS fisheries on
September 25, 1996, under section 7 of the ESA. NMFS requested an
additional formal consultation on the HMS FMP and Billfish Amendment on
May 12, 1998. The consultation request concerned the possible effects
of management measures in the Amendment 1 to the Billfish FMP and the
HMS FMP, including implementation of AOCTRP measures for the pelagic
longline fishery. In a BO issued on May 29, 1997, NMFS concluded that
operation of the harpoon fishery is not likely to adversely affect the
continued existence of any endangered or threatened species under NMFS
jurisdiction and that operation of the longline fishery may adversely
affect, but may not jeopardize, the continued existence of any
endangered or threatened species under NMFS jurisdiction. Conversely,
it was concluded that driftnet fishing for swordfish in the Northeast
and Mid-Atlantic and for sharks in the Southeast jeopardized the
continued existence of the northern right whale. NMFS proposed on
October 20, 1998 (63 FR 55998), to prohibit the use of driftnets in the
Atlantic swordfish fishery. Another rulemaking implemented a take
reduction plan for Atlantic large whales in the southeastern United
States under the MMPA (62 FR 39157, July 22, 1997). This proposed rule,
if implemented, would further reduce the likelihood of interactions
between HMS fishing gears and northern right whales and endangered sea
turtles through gear modifications and educational workshops for
pelagic longline fishermen that were recommended by the AOCTRT.
This proposed rule has been determined to be significant for
purposes of E.O. 12866.
List of Subjects
50 CFR Part 285
Fisheries, Fishing, Penalties, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Treaties.
50 CFR Parts 600, 630, 635, 644, and 678
Fisheries, Fishing, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements,
Treaties.
Dated: January 12, 1999.
Rolland A. Schmitten,
Assistant Administrator, National Marine Fisheries Service.
For the reasons set out in the preamble, 50 CFR chapters II and VI
are proposed to be amended as follows:
50 CFR Chapter II
PART 285--ATLANTIC TUNAS FISHERIES [REMOVED]
1. Under the authority of 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq., part 285 is
removed.
50 CFR Chapter VI
PART 630--ATLANTIC SWORDFISH FISHERY [REMOVED]
PART 644--ATLANTIC BILLFISHES [REMOVED]
PART 678--ATLANTIC SHARKS [REMOVED]
2. Under the authority of 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq. and 16 U.S.C. 1801
et seq., parts 630, 644, and 678 are removed.
[[Page 3171]]
PART 600-MAGNUSON-STEVENS ACT PROVISIONS
3. The authority citation for part 600 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 561 and 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
4. In Sec. 600.10, the definitions for ``Albacore'', ``Angling'',
``Atlantic tunas'', ``Atlantic Tunas Convention Act'', ``Bigeye tuna'',
``Billfish'', ``Bluefin tuna'', ``Blue marlin'', ``Carcass'', ``Catch
limit'', ``Charter vessel'', ``Fillet'', ``Fish weir'', ``Headboat'',
``Land'', ``Longbill spearfish'', ``Pelagic longline'', ``Person'',
``Postmark'', ``Pound net'', ``Purchase'', ``Round'', ``Sailfish'',
``Sale or sell'', ``Shark net'', ``Skipjack tuna'', ``Strikenet for
sharks'', ``Swordfish'', ``Trip'', ``White marlin'', and ``Yellowfin
tuna'' are added in alphabetical order to read as follows:
Sec. 600.10 Definitions.
* * * * *
Albacore means the species Thunnus alalunga, or a part thereof.
* * * * *
Angling means fishing for or catching of, or the attempted fishing
for or catching of, fish by any person (angler) with a hook attached to
a line that is hand-held or by rod and reel made for this purpose.
* * * * *
Atlantic tunas means bluefin tuna, albacore, bigeye tuna, skipjack
tuna and yellowfin tuna found in the Atlantic Ocean.
Atlantic Tunas Convention Act means the Atlantic Tunas Convention
Act of 1975, 16 U.S.C. 971-971h.
* * * * *
Bigeye tuna means the species Thunnus obesus, or a part thereof.
Billfish means blue marlin, longbill spearfish, sailfish, or white
marlin.
Bluefin tuna means the species Thunnus thynnus, or a part thereof.
Blue marlin means the species Makaira nigricans, or a part thereof.
Carcass means a fish that has been gilled and/or gutted and the
head and some or all fins have been removed, but that is otherwise in
whole condition.
Catch limit means the total allowable harvest or take from a single
fishing trip or day, as defined in this section.
* * * * *
Charter vessel means a vessel less than 100 gross tons (90.8 mt)
that meets the requirements of the U.S. Coast Guard to carry six or
fewer passengers for hire.
* * * * *
Fillet means to remove slices of fish flesh from the carcass by
cuts made parallel to the backbone.
* * * * *
Fish weir means a large catching arrangement with a collecting
chamber that is made of non-textile material (wood, wicker) instead of
netting as in a pound net.
* * * * *
Headboat means a vessel that holds a valid Certificate of
Inspection issued by the U.S. Coast Guard to carry passengers for hire.
* * * * *
Land means to begin offloading fish, to offload fish, or to arrive
in port or at a dock, berth, beach, seawall, or ramp.
Longbill spearfish means the species Tetrapturus pfluegeri, or a
part thereof.
* * * * *
Pelagic longline means a suspended monofilament longline with
greater than 3 hooks or leaders that is supported along its length by
floats and is marked on the surface by high-flyers. It is a rebuttable
presumption that a longline marked with floats and high-flyers in water
depths greater than 50 fathoms (91 m) is a pelagic longline.
Person means any individual, partnership, corporation, or
association subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
* * * * *
Postmark means independently verifiable evidence of the date of
mailing, such as a U.S. Postal Service postmark, United Parcel Service,
or other private carrier postmark, certified mail receipt, overnight
mail receipt, or a receipt issued upon hand delivery to a
representative of NMFS authorized to collect fishery statistics.
Pound net means a set net. The trap portion is composed of netting
with a vertical side, a top, a cover, and non-return valves fitted
inside. This may be moored with anchors and casks and held open with
stretcher poles or floats.
* * * * *
Purchase means the act or activity of buying, trading, or
bartering, or attempting to buy, trade, or barter.
* * * * *
Round means a whole fish--one that has not been gilled, gutted,
beheaded, or definned.
* * * * *
Sailfish means the species Istiophorus platypterus, or a part
thereof.
Sale or sell means the act or activity of transferring property for
money or credit, trading, or bartering, or attempting to so transfer,
trade, or barter.
* * * * *
Shark net, sometimes called a shark gillnet or shark driftnet,
means a flat net with webbing of 5 inches or greater stretched mesh and
a twine size of 0.52 mm diameter or greater. The shark net is
unattached to the ocean bottom, whether or not it is attached to a
vessel, and it is designed to be suspended vertically in the water to
entangle the head or other body parts of a shark that attempts to pass
through the meshes.
Skipjack tuna means the species Katsuwonus pelamis, or a part
thereof.
* * * * *
Strikenet for sharks means to fish with strikenet gear and to land
or have on board an amount of shark that exceeds the recreational catch
limit.
* * * * *
Swordfish means the species Xiphias gladius, or a part thereof.
* * * * *
Trip means the time period that begins when a fishing vessel
departs from a dock, berth, beach, seawall, ramp, or port to carry out
fishing operations and that terminates with a return to a dock, berth,
beach, seawall, ramp, or port.
* * * * *
White marlin means the species Tetrapturus albidus, or a part
thereof.
Yellowfin tuna means the species Thunnus albacares, or a part
thereof.
5. Section 600.15 is amended by redesignating paragraphs (a)(2)
through (a)(6) as paragraphs (a)(5) through (a)(9), by redesignating
paragraphs (a)(7) through (a)(11) as paragraphs (a)(11) through
(a)(15), and by adding paragraphs (a)(2) through (a)(4) and paragraph
(a)(10) to read as follows:
Sec. 600.15 Other acronyms.
(a) * * *
(2) ATCA-Atlantic Tunas Convention Act
(3) BFT (Atlantic bluefin tuna) means the subspecies of bluefin
tuna, Thunnus thynnus thynnus, or a part thereof, that is found in the
Atlantic Ocean.
(4) BSD means the ICCAT bluefin tuna statistical document.
* * * * *
(10) ICCAT means the International Commission for the Conservation
of Atlantic Tunas.
* * * * *
6. Part 635 is added to read as follows:
PART 635--ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES
Subpart A--General
Sec.
635.1 Purpose and scope.
635.2 Definitions.
635.3 Relation to other laws.
[[Page 3172]]
635.4 Permits and fees.
635.5 Recordkeeping and reporting.
635.6 Vessel and gear identification.
635.7 At-sea observer coverage.
635.8 Educational workshops.
635.9 Vessel monitoring.
Subpart B--Limited Access
635.16 Limited access permits.
Subpart C--Management Measures
635.19 BFT size classes.
635.20 Size limits.
635.21 Gear operation and deployment restrictions.
635.22 Recreational retention limits.
635.23 Retention limits for BFT.
635.24 Commercial retention limits for sharks and swordfish.
635.26 Catch and release.
635.27 Quotas.
635.28 Closures.
635.29 Transfer at sea.
635.30 Possession at sea and landing.
635.31 Restrictions on sale and purchase.
635.32 Specifically authorized activities.
635.33 Archival tags.
635.34 Adjustment of management measures.
Subpart D--Restrictions on Imports
635.40 Restrictions to enhance conservation.
635.41 Species subject to documentation requirements.
635.42 Documentation requirements.
635.43 Contents of documentation.
635.44 Validation requirements.
635.45 Import restrictions for Belize, Honduras, and Panama.
635.46 Import restrictions on swordfish.
Subpart E--International Port Inspection
635.50 Basis and purpose.
635.51 Authorized officer.
635.52 Vessels subject to inspection.
635.53 Reports.
635.54 Ports of entry
Subpart F--Enforcement
635.69 Vessel monitoring systems.
635.70 Penalties.
635.71 Prohibitions.
Appendix A to Part 635--Species Tables
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Subpart A--General
Sec. 635.1 Purpose and scope.
(a) Atlantic tunas, billfish, and swordfish. The regulations in
this part govern the conservation and management of Atlantic tunas,
billfish, and Atlantic swordfish under the authority of the Magnuson-
Stevens Act and ATCA. They implement the Fishery Management Plan for
Atlantic Tunas, Swordfish, and Sharks and in the Fishery Management
Plan for Atlantic Billfishes. The Atlantic tunas regulations govern
conservation and management of Atlantic tunas in the management area
and apply to a person or vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the
United States. The Atlantic billfish regulations govern conservation
and management in the management area and apply to a person or vessel
subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. The swordfish
regulations govern conservation and management of North and South
Atlantic swordfish in the management unit. North Atlantic swordfish are
managed under the authority of both ATCA and the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
South Atlantic swordfish are managed under the sole authority of ATCA.
The swordfish regulations apply to a person or vessel subject to the
jurisdiction of the United States.
(b) Shark. The regulations in this part govern sharks under the
authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Act and implement management measures
in the Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic HMS. The shark regulations
in this part govern conservation and management of sharks in the
management area and apply to a person or vessel subject to the
jurisdiction of the United States.
Sec. 635.2 Definitions.
In addition to the definitions in the Magnuson-Stevens Act, ATCA,
and Sec. 600.10 of this chapter, the terms used in this part have the
following meanings:
Archival tag means a device that is implanted or affixed to a fish
to electronically record scientific information about the migratory
behavior of that fish.
Atlantic HMS means Atlantic tunas, billfish, oceanic sharks, and
swordfish.
Atlantic Ocean, as used in this part, includes the North and South
Atlantic Oceans, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea.
Bottom longline means a monofilament longline with greater than 3
hooks or leaders that is maintained on the ocean floor along its length
by weights and is marked on the surface by marker buoys and/or high
flyers.
BSD tag means the numbered tag affixed to a BFT issued by any
country in conjunction with a catch statistics information program and
recorded on a BSD.
Cape Cod Bay closed area means the area bounded by lines connecting
the following coordinates: 42 deg.04.8' N. lat., 70 deg.10' W. long.;
42 deg.12' N' lat., 70 deg.15' W. long; 42 deg.12' N. lat., 70 deg. 30'
W. long.; 41 deg.46.8' N. lat., 70 deg.30' W. long.; and on the south
and east by the interior shore line of Cape Cod, MA.
Certificate of Eligibility (COE) means the certificate that
accompanies a shipment of imported swordfish indicating that the
swordfish or swordfish parts are not from the Atlantic Ocean or if they
are, are derived from a swordfish weighing more than 33 lb (15 kg) dw.
CFL (curved fork length) means the length of a fish measured from
the tip of the upper jaw to the fork of the tail along the contour of
the body in a line that runs along the top of the pectoral fin and the
top of the caudal keel.
CK means the length of a fish measured along the body contour,
i.e., a curved measurement, from the cleithrum to the anterior portion
of the caudal keel. The cleithrum is the semicircular bony structure at
the posterior edge of the gill opening. The measurement must be made
from the point on the cleithrum that provides the shortest possible
measurement along the body contour.
Convention means the International Convention for the Conservation
of Atlantic Tunas, signed at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on May 14, 1966,
20 U.S.T. 2887, TIAS 6767, including any amendments or protocols
thereto, which are binding upon the United States.
Conventional tag means a numbered, flexible ribbon that is
implanted or affixed to a fish that is released back into the ocean.
The tag allows the identification of that fish in the event it is
recaptured.
Dealer tag means the numbered, flexible, self-locking ribbon issued
by NMFS for the identification of BFT sold to a permitted dealer as
required under Sec. 635.5 (b)(2)(ii).
Dehooking device means a device intended to remove a hook imbedded
in a fish in order to release the fish with minimum damage.
Downrigger means a piece of equipment attached to a vessel and with
a weight on a cable that is in turn attached to hook-and-line gear to
maintain lures or bait at depth while trolling, and that has a release
system to retrieve the weight by rod and reel or by manual, electric,
or hydraulic winch after a fish strike on the hook-and-line gear.
Dress means to remove head, viscera, and fins, but does not include
removal of the backbone, halving, quartering, or otherwise further
reducing the carcass.
Dressed weight (dw) means the weight of a fish after it has been
dressed.
EFP means an exempted fishing permit issued pursuant to
Sec. 600.745 of this chapter and to Sec. 635.32.
Eviscerated means a fish that has only the alimentary organs
removed.
Export means shipment of fish or fish products to a destination
outside the customs territory of the United States for which a
Shipper's Export Declaration (Customs Form 7525) is required. Atlantic
HMS destined from one foreign country to another, which transits the
United States and for which a Shipper's Export Declaration is not
[[Page 3173]]
required to be filed, will not be considered an export under this
definition.
Exporter means the principal party responsible for effecting export
from the United States as listed on the Shipper's Export Declaration
(Customs Form 7525) or any authorized electronic medium available from
U.S. Customs.
First transaction in the United States means the time and place at
which the swordfish, is filleted, cut into steaks, or processed in any
way that physically alters it after being landed in or imported into
the United States.
Fishing record means all records of navigation and operations, as
well as all records of catching, harvesting, transporting, landing,
purchase, or sale.
Fishing vessel means any vessel engaged in fishing, processing, or
transporting fish loaded on the high seas, or any vessel outfitted for
such activities.
Fishing year means--
(1) For Atlantic tunas, billfish, and swordfish--June 1 through May
31 of the following year; and
(2) For shark--January 1 through December 31.
FL (fork length) means the straight-line measurement of a fish from
the tip of the snout to the fork of the tail. The measurement is not
made along the curve of the body.
Florida Straits means the area off the east coast of Florida
between 26 deg. N. lat. and 28 deg. N. lat. and 78 deg. W. long. and
81 deg. W. long.
Giant BFT means an Atlantic BFT measuring 81 inches (206 cm) CFL or
greater.
Great South Channel closed area means the area bounded by lines
connecting the following coordinates: 41 deg.40' N. lat., 69 deg.45' W.
long.; 41 deg.00' N. lat., 69 deg.05' W. long.; 41 deg.38' N. lat.,
68 deg.13' W. long.; and 42 deg.10' N. lat., 68 deg.31' W. long.
Highly migratory species (HMS) means bluefin, bigeye, yellowfin,
albacore, and skipjack tunas; swordfish; oceanic sharks (listed in
Appendix A to this part); white marlin; blue marlin; sailfish; and
longbill spearfish.
ILAP means an initial limited access permit issued pursuant to
Sec. 635.4.
Import means the release of HMS from a nation's Customs' custody
and entry into the territory of that nation. HMS are imported into the
United States upon release from U.S. Customs' custody pursuant to
filing an entry summary document (Customs Form 7501) or any authorized
electronic medium. HMS destined from one foreign country to another,
which transit the United States and for which an entry summary is not
required to be filed, are not considered an import under this
definition.
Importer, for the purpose of HMS imported into the United States,
means the importer of record as declared on U.S. Customs Form 7501 or
any authorized electronic medium.
Intermediate country means a country that exports to the United
States HMS previously imported by that nation. Shipments of HMS through
a country on a through bill of lading or in another manner that does
not enter the shipments into that country as an importation do not make
that country an intermediate country under this definition.
LAP means a limited access permit issued pursuant to Sec. 635.4.
Large coastal shark means one of the species, or a part thereof,
listed in paragraph (a) of Table 1 in Appendix A to this part.
Large medium BFT means a BFT measuring 73 to < 81="" inches="" (185="" to="">< 206="" cm)="" cfl.="" large="" school="" bft="" means="" a="" bft="" measuring="" 47="" to="">< 59="" inches="" (119="" to="">< 150="" cm)="" cfl.="" ljfl="" (lower="" jaw-fork="" length)="" means="" the="" straight-line="" measurement="" of="" a="" fish="" from="" the="" tip="" of="" the="" lower="" jaw="" to="" the="" fork="" of="" the="" caudal="" fin.="" the="" measurement="" is="" not="" made="" along="" the="" curve="" of="" the="" body.="" management="" area="" (1)="" for="" atlantic="" tunas,="" blue="" marlin,="" longbill="" spearfish,="" and="" white="" marlin,="" means="" the="" atlantic="" ocean,="" (2)="" for="" sailfish,="" means="" the="" atlantic="" ocean="" north="" of="" 5="" deg.="" n.="" lat.="" and="" west="" of="" 30="" deg.="" n.="" long.,="" (3)="" for="" north="" atlantic="" swordfish,="" means="" the="" atlantic="" ocean="" north="" of="" 5="" deg.="" n.="" lat.,="" (4)="" for="" south="" atlantic="" swordfish,="" means="" the="" atlantic="" ocean="" south="" of="" 5="" deg.="" n.="" lat.,="" and="" (5)="" for="" sharks,="" means="" the="" western="" north="" atlantic="" ocean,="" including="" the="" gulf="" of="" mexico="" and="" the="" caribbean="" sea.="" mid-atlantic="" bight="" means="" the="" area="" off="" the="" mid-atlantic="" states="" between="" 35="" deg.="" n.="" lat.="" and="" 43="" deg.="" n.="" lat.="" to="" 71="" deg.="" w.="" long.="" non-ridgeback="" shark="" means="" one="" of="" the="" species,="" or="" a="" part="" thereof,="" listed="" in="" paragraph="" (a)(2)="" of="" table="" 1="" in="" appendix="" a="" to="" this="" part.="" north="" atlantic="" swordfish="" or="" north="" atlantic="" swordfish="" stock="" means="" those="" swordfish="" in="" the="" atlantic="" ocean="" north="" of="" 5="" deg.="" n.="" lat.="" office="" director="" means="" the="" director="" of="" the="" office="" of="" sustainable="" fisheries,="" nmfs.="" operator,="" with="" respect="" to="" any="" vessel,="" means="" the="" master="" or="" other="" individual="" on="" board="" and="" in="" charge="" of="" that="" vessel.="" pelagic="" shark="" means="" one="" of="" the="" species,="" or="" a="" part="" thereof,="" listed="" in="" paragraph="" (c)="" of="" table="" 1="" in="" appendix="" a="" to="" this="" part.="" pfcfl="" (pectoral="" fin="" curved="" fork="" length)="" means="" the="" length="" of="" a="" beheaded="" fish="" from="" the="" dorsal="" insertion="" of="" the="" pectoral="" fin="" to="" the="" fork="" of="" the="" tail="" measured="" along="" the="" contour="" of="" the="" body="" in="" a="" line="" that="" runs="" along="" the="" top="" of="" the="" pectoral="" fin="" and="" the="" top="" of="" the="" caudal="" keel.="" prohibited="" shark="" means="" one="" of="" the="" species,="" or="" a="" part="" thereof,="" listed="" in="" paragraph="" (d)="" of="" table="" 1="" in="" appendix="" a="" to="" this="" part.="" regional="" administrator="" (ra)="" means="" the="" director="" of="" the="" nmfs="" regional="" office="" in="" either="" the="" northeast="" region="" (gloucester,="" ma)="" or="" the="" southeast="" region="" (st.="" petersburg,="" fl),="" whichever="" is="" applicable.="" restricted-fishing="" day="" (rfd)="" means="" a="" day,="" beginning="" at="" 0000="" hours="" and="" ending="" at="" 2400="" hours="" local="" time,="" during="" which="" a="" person="" aboard="" a="" vessel="" for="" whom="" a="" general="" category="" permit="" for="" atlantic="" tunas="" has="" been="" issued="" may="" not="" fish="" for,="" possess,="" or="" retain="" a="" bft.="" ridgeback="" shark="" means="" one="" of="" the="" species,="" or="" a="" part="" thereof,="" listed="" in="" paragraph="" (a)(1)="" of="" table="" 1="" in="" appendix="" a="" to="" this="" part.="" school="" bft="" means="" a="" bft="" measuring="" 27="" to="">< 47="" inches="" (69="" to="">< 119="" cm)="" cfl.="" shark="" means="" one="" of="" the="" species,="" or="" a="" part="" thereof,="" listed="" in="" tables="" 1="" and="" 2="" in="" appendix="" a="" to="" this="" part.="" small="" coastal="" shark="" means="" one="" of="" the="" species,="" or="" a="" part="" thereof,="" listed="" in="" paragraph="" (b)="" of="" table="" 1="" in="" appendix="" a="" to="" this="" part.="" small="" medium="" bft="" means="" a="" bft="" measuring="" 59="" to="">< 73="" inches="" (150="" to="">< 185="" cm)="" cfl.="" south="" atlantic="" swordfish="" or="" south="" atlantic="" swordfish="" stock="" means="" those="" swordfish="" in="" the="" atlantic="" ocean="" south="" of="" 5="" deg.="" n.="" lat.="" southeastern="" united="" states="" closed="" area="" means="" the="" coastal="" waters="" between="" 28="" deg.00'="" n.="" lat.="" and="" 30="" deg.15'="" n.="" lat.="" from="" the="" coast="" to="" 5="" nm="" (9="" km)="" offshore;="" and="" coastal="" waters="" between="" 30="" deg.15'="" n.="" lat.="" and="" 31="" deg.15'="" n.="" lat.="" from="" the="" coast="" to="" 15="" nm="" (28="" km)="" offshore.="" tournament="" means="" any="" fishing="" competition="" involving="" atlantic="" hms="" in="" which="" participants="" must="" register="" or="" otherwise="" enter="" or="" in="" which="" a="" prize="" or="" award="" is="" offered="" for="" catching="" such="" fish.="" trip="" limit="" means="" the="" total="" allowable="" take="" from="" a="" single="" trip="" as="" defined="" in="" this="" section.="" weighout="" slip="" means="" a="" document="" provided="" by="" a="" person="" who="" weighs="" fish="" or="" parts="" thereof="" that="" are="" landed="" from="" a="" fishing="" vessel="" to="" the="" owner="" or="" operator="" of="" the="" vessel.="" a="" weighout="" slip="" for="" sharks="" prior="" to="" or="" as="" part="" of="" a="" commercial="" transaction="" involving="" shark="" carcasses="" or="" [[page="" 3174]]="" fins="" must="" record="" the="" weights="" of="" carcasses="" and="" any="" detached="" fins.="" a="" document,="" such="" as="" a="" ``tally="" sheet,''="" ``trip="" ticket,''="" or="" ``sales="" receipt,''="" that="" contains="" such="" information="" is="" considered="" a="" weighout="" slip.="" young="" school="" bft="" means="" an="" atlantic="" bft="" measuring="" less="" than="" 27="" inches="" (69="" cm)="" cfl.="" sec.="" 635.3="" relation="" to="" other="" laws.="" (a)="" the="" relation="" of="" this="" part="" to="" other="" laws="" is="" set="" forth="" in="" sec.="" 600.705="" of="" this="" chapter="" and="" in="" paragraphs="" (b)="" and="" (c)="" of="" this="" section.="" (b)="" in="" accordance="" with="" regulations="" issued="" under="" the="" marine="" mammal="" protection="" act="" of="" 1972,="" as="" amended,="" it="" is="" unlawful="" for="" a="" commercial="" fishing="" vessel,="" a="" vessel="" owner,="" or="" a="" master="" or="" operator="" of="" a="" vessel="" to="" engage="" in="" fisheries="" for="" hms="" in="" the="" atlantic="" ocean,="" unless="" the="" vessel="" owner="" or="" authorized="" representative="" has="" complied="" with="" specified="" requirements="" including,="" but="" not="" limited="" to,="" registration,="" exemption="" certificates,="" decals,="" and="" reports,="" as="" contained="" in="" part="" 229="" of="" this="" title.="" (c)="" general="" provisions="" on="" facilitation="" of="" enforcement,="" penalties,="" and="" enforcement="" policy="" applicable="" to="" all="" domestic="" fisheries="" are="" set="" forth="" in="" secs.="" 600.730,="" 600.735,="" and="" 600.740="" of="" this="" chapter,="" respectively.="" (d)="" an="" activity="" that="" is="" otherwise="" prohibited="" by="" this="" part="" may="" be="" conducted="" if="" authorized="" as="" scientific="" research="" activity,="" exempted="" fishing,="" or="" exempted="" educational="" activity,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 600.745="" of="" this="" chapter="" or="" in="" sec.="" 635.32.="" sec.="" 635.4="" permits="" and="" fees.="" (a)="" permits.="" (1)="" each="" permit="" issued="" by="" nmfs="" authorizes="" certain="" activities,="" and="" persons="" may="" not="" conduct="" these="" activities="" from="" a="" vessel="" without="" the="" appropriate="" permit,="" unless="" otherwise="" authorized="" by="" nmfs.="" (2)="" the="" owner="" or="" operator="" of="" a="" vessel="" of="" the="" united="" states="" must="" have="" the="" appropriate="" valid="" permit="" on="" board="" the="" vessel="" to="" fish="" for,="" take,="" retain,="" or="" possess="" any="" atlantic="" hms="" and="" must="" make="" such="" permit="" available="" for="" inspection="" upon="" request="" by="" nmfs.="" the="" owner="" or="" operator="" of="" the="" vessel="" is="" responsible="" for="" satisfying="" all="" of="" the="" requirements="" associated="" with="" obtaining,="" maintaining,="" and="" making="" available="" for="" inspection,="" all="" valid="" vessel="" permits.="" (3)="" limited="" access="" vessel="" permits="" issued="" pursuant="" to="" this="" part="" do="" not="" represent="" either="" an="" absolute="" right="" to="" the="" resource="" or="" any="" interest="" that="" is="" subject="" to="" the="" takings="" provision="" of="" the="" fifth="" amendment="" of="" the="" u.s.="" constitution.="" rather,="" such="" permits="" represent="" only="" a="" harvesting="" privilege="" that="" may="" be="" revoked,="" suspended,="" or="" amended="" subject="" to="" the="" requirements="" of="" the="" magnuson-stevens="" act="" or="" other="" applicable="" law.="" (4)="" a="" vessel="" permit="" issued="" upon="" the="" qualification="" of="" an="" operator="" is="" valid="" only="" when="" that="" person="" is="" the="" operator="" of="" the="" vessel.="" (5)="" a="" dealer="" permit="" issued="" under="" this="" section,="" or="" a="" copy="" thereof,="" must="" be="" available="" at="" each="" of="" the="" dealer's="" places="" of="" business.="" a="" dealer="" must="" present="" the="" permit="" or="" a="" copy="" for="" inspection="" upon="" the="" request="" of="" a="" nmfs-authorized="" officer.="" (6)="" upon="" transfer="" of="" atlantic="" hms,="" the="" owner="" or="" operator="" of="" the="" harvesting="" vessel="" must="" present="" for="" inspection="" the="" vessel's="" atlantic="" tunas,="" shark="" or="" swordfish="" permit="" to="" the="" receiving="" dealer.="" the="" permit="" must="" be="" presented="" prior="" to="" completing="" the="" landing="" report="" specified="" at="" sec.="" 635.5="" (a)(1),="" (a)(2)="" and="" (b)(2)(i).="" (7)="" sanctions="" and="" denials.="" a="" permit="" issued="" under="" this="" section="" may="" be="" revoked,="" suspended,="" or="" modified,="" and="" a="" permit="" application="" may="" be="" denied,="" in="" accordance="" with="" the="" procedures="" governing="" enforcement-related="" permit="" sanctions="" and="" denials="" found="" at="" subpart="" d="" of="" 15="" cfr="" part="" 904.="" (8)="" alteration.="" a="" vessel="" or="" dealer="" permit="" that="" is="" altered,="" erased,="" or="" mutilated="" is="" invalid.="" (9)="" replacement.="" nmfs="" will="" issue="" a="" replacement="" permit.="" an="" application="" for="" a="" replacement="" permit="" will="" not="" be="" considered="" a="" new="" application.="" an="" appropriate="" fee,="" consistent="" with="" paragraph="" (h)="" of="" this="" section,="" may="" be="" charged="" for="" issuance="" of="" the="" replacement="" permit.="" (b)="" fees.="" nmfs="" may="" charge="" a="" fee="" for="" each="" application="" for="" a="" permit="" or="" each="" transfer="" or="" replacement="" of="" a="" permit.="" the="" amount="" of="" the="" fee="" is="" calculated="" in="" accordance="" with="" the="" procedures="" of="" the="" noaa="" finance="" handbook,="" available="" from="" nmfs,="" for="" determining="" administrative="" costs="" of="" each="" special="" product="" or="" service.="" the="" fee="" may="" not="" exceed="" such="" costs="" and="" is="" specified="" in="" the="" instructions="" provided="" with="" each="" application="" form.="" each="" applicant="" must="" include="" the="" appropriate="" fee="" with="" each="" application="" or="" request="" for="" transfer="" or="" replacement.="" a="" permit="" will="" not="" be="" issued="" to="" anyone="" who="" fails="" to="" pay="" the="" fee.="" (c)="" hms="" charter/headboat="" permits.="" (1)="" vessels="" that="" are="" used="" as="" charter="" boats="" or="" headboats="" to="" fish="" for,="" take,="" retain,="" or="" possess="" any="" atlantic="" hms="" must="" be="" permitted="" to="" do="" so.="" such="" permit="" requirement="" may="" be="" met="" by="" the="" hms="" charter/headboat="" permit="" issued="" under="" this="" sec.="" 635.4="" or="" by="" a="" charter/headboat="" permit="" issued="" under="" sec.="" sec.="" 622.4="" or="" 648.4.="" (2)="" the="" operator="" of="" a="" charter="" vessel="" or="" headboat="" that="" has="" been="" issued="" an="" hms="" charter/headboat="" permit="" must="" also="" have="" a="" valid="" merchant="" marine="" license="" or="" uninspected="" passenger="" vessel="" license="" while="" fishing="" for="" or="" possessing="" atlantic="" hms.="" (d)="" atlantic="" tunas="" vessel="" permits.="" (1)="" the="" owner="" or="" operator="" of="" each="" vessel="" used="" to="" fish="" for="" or="" take="" atlantic="" tunas="" or="" on="" which="" atlantic="" tunas="" are="" retained="" or="" possessed="" must="" obtain,="" in="" addition="" to="" any="" other="" required="" permits,="" one="" and="" only="" one="" of="" six="" category="" permits:="" angling,="" general,="" harpoon,="" longline,="" purse="" seine,="" or="" trap.="" (2)="" persons="" on="" board="" a="" vessel="" with="" a="" valid="" atlantic="" tunas="" vessel="" permit="" may="" fish="" for,="" take,="" retain,="" or="" possess="" atlantic="" tunas,="" but="" only="" in="" compliance="" with="" the="" quotas,="" catch="" limits,="" and="" size="" classes="" applicable="" to="" the="" permit="" category="" of="" the="" vessel="" from="" which="" he="" or="" she="" is="" fishing.="" persons="" may="" sell="" atlantic="" tunas="" only="" if="" the="" harvesting="" vessel's="" valid="" permit="" is="" in="" the="" general,="" harpoon,="" charter/headboat,="" longline,="" purse="" seine,="" or="" trap="" category="" of="" the="" atlantic="" tunas="" permit.="" persons="" may="" not="" sell="" atlantic="" tunas="" caught="" on="" board="" a="" vessel="" with="" a="" permit="" in="" the="" angling="" category.="" (3)="" except="" for="" purse="" seine="" vessels="" for="" which="" that="" permit="" has="" been="" issued="" under="" this="" section,="" a="" vessel="" owner="" may="" change="" the="" category="" of="" the="" vessel's="" permit="" no="" more="" than="" once="" each="" year="" and="" only="" from="" january="" 1="" through="" may="" 15.="" from="" may="" 16="" through="" december="" 31,="" the="" vessel's="" permit="" category="" may="" not="" be="" changed,="" regardless="" of="" a="" change="" in="" the="" vessel's="" ownership.="" (4)="" an="" atlantic="" tunas="" longline="" category="" permit="" can="" be="" obtained="" for="" a="" vessel="" only="" if="" the="" owner="" or="" operator="" of="" the="" vessel="" has="" both="" a="" shark="" directed="" or="" incidental="" catch="" limited="" access="" permit="" and="" a="" swordfish="" directed="" or="" incidental="" catch="" limited="" access="" permit.="" (5)="" an="" owner="" of="" a="" vessel="" with="" an="" atlantic="" tunas="" permit="" in="" the="" purse="" seine="" category="" may="" transfer="" the="" permit="" to="" another="" vessel="" that="" he="" or="" she="" owns="" or="" to="" a="" vessel="" owned="" by="" someone="" else.="" in="" either="" case,="" a="" written="" request="" for="" transfer="" must="" be="" submitted="" to="" nmfs,="" to="" a="" designated="" address,="" accompanied="" by="" an="" application="" for="" the="" new="" vessel="" and="" the="" existing="" permit.="" nmfs="" will="" issue="" no="" more="" than="" 5="" atlantic="" tunas="" purse="" seine="" category="" permits.="" (e)="" commercial="" shark="" vessel="" limited="" access="" permits.="" (1)="" the="" owner="" or="" operator="" of="" each="" vessel="" used="" to="" fish="" for="" or="" take="" atlantic="" sharks="" or="" on="" which="" atlantic="" sharks="" are="" retained="" or="" possessed="" with="" an="" intention="" to="" sell="" or="" that="" are="" sold="" must="" obtain,="" in="" addition="" to="" any="" other="" required="" permits,="" only="" one="" of="" two="" types="" of="" commercial="" limited="" access="" shark="" permits:="" shark="" directed="" limited="" access="" permit="" or="" shark="" incidental="" limited="" access="" permit.="" see="" sec.="" 635.16="" [[page="" 3175]]="" regarding="" the="" initial="" issuance="" of="" these="" two="" types="" of="" permits.="" it="" is="" a="" rebuttable="" presumption="" that="" the="" owner="" or="" operator="" of="" a="" vessel="" on="" which="" sharks="" are="" possessed="" in="" excess="" of="" the="" recreational="" catch="" limits="" are="" intended="" to="" be="" sold.="" (2)="" a="" commercial="" limited="" access="" permit="" for="" shark="" is="" not="" required="" if="" the="" vessel="" is="" recreational="" fishing="" under="" recreational="" catch="" limits,="" is="" operating="" under="" a="" shark="" efp,="" or="" is="" fishing="" exclusively="" within="" state="" waters.="" (3)="" as="" of="" june="" 1,="" 1999,="" the="" only="" valid="" federal="" commercial="" vessel="" permits="" for="" shark="" are="" those="" that="" have="" been="" issued="" under="" the="" limited="" access="" criteria="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.16.="" (4)="" an="" owner="" or="" operator="" issued="" a="" permit="" pursuant="" to="" this="" part="" must="" agree,="" as="" a="" condition="" of="" such="" permit,="" that="" the="" vessel's="" shark="" fishing,="" catch,="" and="" gear="" are="" subject="" to="" the="" requirements="" of="" this="" part="" during="" the="" period="" of="" validity="" of="" the="" permit,="" without="" regard="" to="" whether="" such="" fishing="" occurs="" in="" the="" eez,="" landward="" of="" the="" eez,="" or="" outside="" the="" eez,="" and="" without="" regard="" to="" where="" such="" shark="" or="" gear="" are="" possessed,="" taken,="" or="" landed.="" however,="" when="" a="" vessel="" fishes="" in="" the="" waters="" of="" a="" state="" that="" has="" more="" restrictive="" regulations="" on="" shark="" fishing,="" those="" more="" restrictive="" regulations="" may="" be="" applied="" by="" that="" state="" in="" its="" waters.="" (f)="" commercial="" swordfish="" vessel="" limited="" access="" permits.="" (1)="" the="" owner="" or="" operator="" of="" each="" vessel="" used="" to="" fish="" for="" or="" take="" atlantic="" swordfish="" or="" on="" which="" atlantic="" swordfish="" are="" retained="" or="" possessed="" with="" an="" intention="" to="" sell="" or="" that="" are="" sold="" must="" obtain,="" in="" addition="" to="" any="" other="" required="" permits,="" only="" one="" of="" three="" types="" of="" commercial="" limited="" access="" swordfish="" permits:="" swordfish="" directed="" limited="" access="" permit,="" swordfish="" incidental="" limited="" access="" permit,="" or="" swordfish="" handgear="" limited="" access="" permit.="" see="" sec.="" 635.16="" regarding="" the="" initial="" issuance="" of="" these="" three="" types="" of="" permits.="" (2)="" a="" commercial="" federal="" permit="" for="" swordfish="" is="" not="" required="" if="" the="" vessel="" is="" recreational="" fishing.="" (3)="" as="" of="" june="" 1,="" 1999,="" the="" only="" valid="" commercial="" federal="" vessel="" permits="" for="" swordfish="" are="" those="" that="" have="" been="" issued="" under="" the="" limited="" access="" criteria="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.16.="" (4)="" a="" limited="" access="" permit="" for="" swordfish="" is="" valid="" only="" when="" the="" vessel="" has="" on="" board="" a="" valid="" commercial="" limited="" access="" permit="" for="" shark="" and="" an="" atlantic="" tunas="" longline="" category="" permit.="" (g)="" dealer="" permits--(1)="" atlantic="" tunas.="" a="" valid="" dealer="" permit="" for="" atlantic="" tunas="" is="" required="" to="" receive,="" purchase,="" trade="" for,="" or="" barter="" for="" atlantic="" tunas="" from="" a="" fishing="" vessel="" of="" the="" united="" states="" an="" atlantic="" tuna="" or="" import="" or="" export="" bluefin="" tuna,="" regardless="" of="" origin.="" (2)="" shark.="" a="" valid="" dealer="" permit="" for="" shark="" is="" required="" to="" receive,="" purchase,="" trade="" for,="" or="" barter="" for="" an="" atlantic="" shark="" from="" a="" fishing="" vessel="" of="" the="" united="" states.="" (3)="" swordfish.="" a="" valid="" dealer="" permit="" for="" swordfish="" is="" required="" to="" receive,="" purchase,="" trade="" for,="" or="" barter="" for="" an="" atlantic="" swordfish="" from="" a="" fishing="" vessel="" of="" the="" united="" states="" or="" import="" a="" swordfish,="" regardless="" of="" origin.="" (h)="" applications="" for="" permits.="" except="" for="" ilaps,="" an="" owner="" or="" operator="" or="" dealer="" must="" submit="" a="" complete="" application="" and="" required="" supporting="" documents="" at="" least="" 30="" days="" before="" the="" date="" on="" which="" the="" permit="" is="" to="" be="" made="" effective.="" application="" forms="" and="" instructions="" for="" their="" completion="" are="" available="" from="" the="" office="" director="" (ilap)="" or="" the="" ra="" (dealer="" permit="" and="" lap).="" (1)="" atlantic="" tunas="" vessel="" and="" hms="" charter/headboat="" permits.="" (i)="" an="" owner="" must="" provide="" all="" information="" concerning="" his="" or="" her="" identification,="" vessel,="" gear="" used,="" fishing="" areas,="" fisheries="" participated="" in,="" the="" corporation="" or="" partnership="" owning="" the="" vessel,="" and="" income="" requirements="" requested="" by="" nmfs="" and="" included="" on="" the="" application="" form.="" (ii)="" an="" owner="" must="" also="" submit="" a="" copy="" of="" the="" vessel's="" valid="" u.s.="" coast="" guard="" certificate="" of="" documentation="" or,="" if="" not="" documented,="" a="" copy="" of="" its="" valid="" state="" registration="" certificate="" and="" any="" other="" information="" that="" may="" be="" necessary="" for="" the="" issuance="" or="" administration="" of="" the="" permit="" as="" requested="" by="" nmfs.="" the="" owner="" must="" submit="" such="" information="" to="" a="" designated="" nmfs="" address.="" (iii)="" nmfs="" may="" require="" an="" applicant="" to="" provide="" documentation="" supporting="" the="" application="" before="" a="" permit="" is="" issued="" or="" to="" substantiate="" why="" such="" permit="" should="" not="" be="" revoked="" or="" otherwise="" sanctioned="" under="" paragraph="" (a)(7)="" of="" this="" section.="" (2)="" limited="" access="" permits="" for="" swordfish="" and="" shark.="" see="" sec.="" 635.16="" for="" the="" issuance="" of="" ilaps="" for="" shark="" and="" swordfish.="" see="" paragraph="" (l)="" of="" this="" section="" for="" transfers="" of="" ilaps="" and="" laps="" for="" shark="" and="" swordfish.="" see="" paragraph="" (m)="" of="" this="" section="" for="" renewals="" of="" laps="" for="" shark="" and="" swordfish.="" (3)="" dealer="" permits.="" (i)="" an="" applicant="" for="" a="" dealer="" permit="" must="" provide="" all="" the="" information="" requested="" on="" the="" application="" form,="" including="" the="" company="" name,="" principal="" place="" of="" business,="" mailing="" address,="" and="" telephone="" number.="" (ii)="" an="" applicant="" must="" also="" submit="" a="" copy="" of="" each="" state="" wholesaler's="" license="" held="" by="" the="" dealer="" and,="" if="" a="" business="" is="" owned="" by="" a="" corporation="" or="" partnership,="" the="" corporate="" or="" partnership="" documents="" (copy="" of="" certificate="" of="" incorporation="" and="" articles="" of="" association="" or="" incorporation)="" along="" with="" the="" names,="" addresses,="" and="" telephone="" numbers="" of="" all="" shareholders="" owning="" 5="" percent="" or="" more="" of="" the="" corporation's="" stock.="" (iii)="" an="" applicant="" must="" also="" submit="" any="" other="" information="" that="" may="" be="" necessary="" for="" the="" issuance="" or="" administration="" of="" the="" permit,="" as="" requested="" by="" nmfs.="" (i)="" change="" in="" application="" information.="" a="" vessel="" owner="" or="" operator="" or="" dealer="" must="" report="" any="" change="" in="" the="" information="" contained="" in="" an="" application="" for="" a="" permit="" within="" 30="" days="" after="" such="" change.="" the="" report="" must="" be="" submitted="" in="" writing="" to="" the="" office="" director="" or="" the="" ra.="" in="" the="" case="" of="" a="" vessel="" permit="" for="" atlantic="" tunas="" or="" an="" hms="" charter/headboat="" permit,="" the="" vessel="" owner="" must="" report="" the="" change="" to="" nmfs="" by="" phone="" or="" internet.="" a="" new="" permit="" will="" be="" issued="" to="" incorporate="" the="" new="" information,="" subject="" to="" limited="" access="" provisions="" specified="" in="" paragraph="" (l)(2)="" of="" this="" section.="" for="" certain="" informational="" changes,="" nmfs="" may="" require="" supporting="" documentation="" before="" a="" new="" permit="" will="" be="" issued.="" if="" a="" change="" in="" the="" permit="" information="" is="" not="" reported="" within="" 30="" days,="" the="" permit="" is="" void="" as="" of="" the="" 31st="" day="" after="" such="" change.="" (j)="" permit="" issuance.="" (1)="" except="" for="" ilaps,="" the="" office="" director="" or="" the="" ra="" will="" issue="" a="" permit="" within="" 30="" days="" of="" receipt="" of="" a="" complete="" and="" qualifying="" application.="" an="" application="" is="" complete="" when="" all="" requested="" forms,="" information,="" and="" documentation="" have="" been="" received.="" (2)="" nmfs="" will="" notify="" the="" applicant="" of="" any="" deficiency="" in="" the="" application.="" if="" the="" applicant="" fails="" to="" correct="" the="" deficiency="" within="" 30="" days="" following="" the="" date="" of="" notification,="" the="" application="" will="" be="" considered="" abandoned.="" (3)="" for="" issuance="" of="" ilaps="" for="" shark="" and="" swordfish,="" see="" sec.="" 635.16.="" (k)="" duration.="" a="" permit="" issued="" under="" this="" section="" remains="" valid="" for="" the="" period="" specified="" on="" it="" unless="" it="" is="" revoked,="" suspended,="" or="" modified="" pursuant="" to="" subpart="" d="" of="" 15="" cfr="" part="" 904,="" the="" vessel="" or="" dealership="" is="" sold,="" or="" any="" other="" information="" previously="" submitted="" on="" the="" application="" changes,="" as="" specified="" in="" paragraph="" (i)="" of="" this="" section.="" (l)="" transfer--="" (1)="" general.="" a="" permit="" issued="" under="" this="" section="" is="" not="" transferable="" or="" assignable="" to="" another="" vessel="" or="" owner="" or="" operator,="" or="" dealer;="" it="" is="" valid="" only="" for="" the="" vessel="" and="" owner="" or="" operator,="" or="" dealer="" to="" which="" it="" is="" issued.="" if="" a="" person="" acquires="" a="" vessel="" or="" dealership="" and="" wants="" to="" conduct="" activities="" for="" which="" a="" permit="" is="" required,="" that="" person="" must="" apply="" for="" a="" permit="" in="" accordance="" with="" the="" provisions="" of="" paragraph="" (h)="" of="" this="" section;="" if="" the="" acquired="" vessel="" is="" permitted="" in="" the="" [[page="" 3176]]="" atlantic="" tunas="" fishery="" in="" the="" purse="" seine="" category,="" in="" accordance="" with="" paragraph="" (d)(5)="" of="" this="" section;="" or,="" if="" the="" acquired="" vessel="" is="" permitted="" in="" either="" the="" shark="" or="" swordfish="" fishery,="" in="" accordance="" with="" paragraph="" (l)(2)="" of="" this="" section.="" if="" the="" acquired="" vessel="" or="" dealership="" is="" currently="" permitted,="" an="" application="" must="" be="" accompanied="" by="" the="" original="" permit="" and="" a="" copy="" of="" a="" signed="" bill="" of="" sale="" or="" equivalent="" acquisition="" papers.="" (2)="" shark="" and="" swordfish="" commercial="" limited="" access="" permits.="" (i)="" subject="" to="" the="" restrictions="" on="" upgrading="" the="" harvesting="" capacity="" of="" permitted="" vessels="" in="" paragraph="" (l)(2)(ii)="" of="" this="" section="" and="" the="" limitations="" on="" ownership="" of="" permitted="" vessels="" in="" paragraph="" (l)(2)(iii)="" of="" this="" section,="" an="" owner="" or="" operator="" may="" transfer="" a="" shark="" or="" swordfish="" ilap="" or="" lap="" to="" another="" vessel="" that="" he="" or="" she="" owns="" or="" to="" a="" vessel="" owned="" by="" another="" person.="" directed="" handgear="" ilaps="" and="" laps="" may="" be="" transferred="" to="" another="" vessel="" but="" only="" for="" use="" with="" handgear="" and="" subject="" to="" upgrading="" restrictions="" in="" paragraph="" (l)(2)(ii)="" of="" this="" section.="" incidental="" catch="" ilaps="" and="" laps="" are="" not="" subject="" to="" the="" requirements="" specified="" in="" paragraphs="" (l)(2)(ii)="" and="" (iii)="" of="" this="" section.="" (ii)="" limitations="" are="" imposed="" on="" upgrading="" the="" fishing="" capacity="" of="" vessels="" that="" have="" commercial="" permits="" for="" shark="" or="" swordfish.="" these="" limitations="" apply="" to="" a="" permitted="" vessel="" or="" to="" a="" transfer="" or="" replacement="" vessel="" when="" the="" permit="" is="" transferred.="" specifically,="" an="" owner="" or="" operator="" may="" not="" upgrade="" the="" permitted="" vessel="" or="" transfer="" the="" permit="" to="" another="" vessel="" if="" the="" upgrade="" or="" transfer="" results="" in="" an="" increase="" in="" horsepower="" of="" more="" than="" 20="" percent,="" or="" an="" increase="" in="" length="" overall,="" gross="" registered="" tonnage,="" net="" tonnage,="" or="" hold="" capacity="" of="" more="" than="" 10="" percent="" from="" the="" horsepower,="" length="" overall,="" gross="" registered="" tonnage,="" net="" tonnage,="" or="" hold="" capacity="" of="" the="" vessel="" issued="" an="" ilap.="" only="" one="" upgrade="" in="" each="" of="" these="" vessel="" characteristics="" is="" allowed.="" upgrades="" to="" a="" vessel="s" length="" overall,="" gross="" registered="" tonnage,="" net="" tonnage,="" or="" hold="" capacity="" must="" be="" made="" at="" the="" same="" time.="" however,="" an="" upgrade="" in="" horsepower="" may="" be="" made="" separately="" from="" an="" upgrade="" in="" the="" other="" vessel="" characteristics="" listed="" here.="" (iii)="" no="" person="" may="" own="" or="" control="" more="" than="" 5="" percent="" of="" the="" vessels="" that="" have="" swordfish="" directed="" commercial="" permits="" or="" more="" than="" 5="" percent="" of="" the="" vessels="" that="" have="" shark="" directed="" commercial="" permits.="" (iv)="" for="" ilap="" or="" lap="" transfers="" to="" a="" replacement="" vessel,="" an="" owner="" of="" a="" vessel="" issued="" an="" ilap="" or="" lap="" pursuant="" to="" this="" part="" must="" request="" the="" ra="" to="" transfer="" the="" ilap="" or="" lap="" to="" another="" vessel="" owned="" by="" the="" same="" owner,="" subject="" to="" requirements="" specified="" in="" paragraph="" (l)(2)(ii)="" of="" this="" section,="" if="" applicable.="" the="" owner="" must="" return="" the="" current="" valid="" ilap="" or="" lap="" to="" the="" ra="" with="" a="" complete="" application="" for="" a="" lap,="" as="" specified="" in="" paragraph="" (h)="" of="" this="" section,="" for="" the="" replacement="" vessel.="" copies="" of="" both="" vessels'="" documentation="" or="" state="" registration="" must="" accompany="" a="" completed="" application.="" (v)="" for="" ilap="" or="" lap="" transfers="" to="" a="" different="" person,="" the="" transferee="" of="" an="" ilap="" or="" lap="" must="" request="" the="" ra="" to="" transfer="" the="" original="" ilap="" or="" lap,="" subject="" to="" requirements="" specified="" in="" paragraphs="" (l)(2)(ii)="" and="" (iii)="" of="" this="" section,="" if="" applicable.="" the="" following="" must="" accompany="" the="" completed="" application:="" the="" original="" ilap="" or="" lap="" with="" signatures="" of="" both="" parties="" on="" the="" back="" of="" the="" permit,="" the="" bill="" of="" sale="" of="" the="" ilap="" or="" lap,="" and="" copies="" of="" both="" vessels'="" documentation="" or="" state="" registration.="" (vi)="" for="" ilap="" or="" lap="" transfers="" with="" the="" sale="" of="" the="" permitted="" vessel,="" the="" transferee="" of="" the="" vessel="" and="" ilap="" or="" lap="" issued="" to="" that="" vessel="" must="" request="" the="" ra="" to="" transfer="" the="" ilap="" or="" lap,="" subject="" to="" requirements="" specified="" in="" paragraphs="" (l)(2)(ii)="" and="" (iii)="" of="" this="" section,="" if="" applicable.="" the="" following="" must="" accompany="" the="" completed="" application:="" the="" original="" ilap="" or="" lap="" with="" signatures="" of="" both="" parties="" on="" the="" back="" of="" the="" permit,="" the="" bill="" of="" sale="" of="" the="" ilap="" or="" lap="" and="" the="" vessel,="" and="" a="" copy="" of="" the="" vessels'="" documentation="" or="" state="" registration.="" (vii)="" the="" owner="" or="" operator="" of="" a="" vessel="" issued="" an="" ilap="" or="" lap="" who="" sells="" the="" permitted="" vessel,="" but="" retains="" the="" ilap="" or="" lap,="" must="" notify="" the="" ra="" within="" 30="" days="" after="" the="" sale="" of="" the="" change="" in="" application="" information="" in="" accordance="" with="" paragraph="" (i)="" of="" this="" section.="" if="" the="" owner="" or="" operator="" wishes="" to="" transfer="" the="" ilap="" or="" lap="" to="" a="" replacement="" vessel,="" he/she="" must="" apply="" and="" follow="" the="" procedures="" in="" paragraph="" (l)(2)(iv)="" of="" this="" section.="" (viii)="" as="" specified="" in="" paragraph="" (f)(4)="" of="" this="" section,="" a="" directed="" or="" incidental="" ilap="" or="" lap="" for="" swordfish,="" a="" directed="" or="" an="" incidental="" catch="" ilap="" or="" lap="" for="" shark,="" and="" an="" atlantic="" tuna="" longline="" category="" permit="" are="" required="" to="" fish="" in="" the="" swordfish="" fishery.="" accordingly,="" a="" lap="" for="" swordfish="" obtained="" by="" transfer="" without="" either="" a="" directed="" or="" incidental="" catch="" shark="" lap="" or="" an="" atlantic="" tunas="" longline="" category="" permit="" will="" not="" entitle="" an="" owner="" or="" operator="" to="" use="" a="" vessel="" to="" fish="" in="" the="" swordfish="" fishery.="" (m)="" renewal--(1)="" general.="" persons="" must="" apply="" annually="" for="" a="" vessel="" or="" dealer="" permit="" for="" atlantic="" tunas,="" sharks,="" swordfish="" and="" hms="" charter/="" headboats.="" a="" renewal="" application="" must="" be="" submitted="" to="" the="" ra="" at="" least="" 30="" days="" before="" a="" permit's="" expiration="" to="" avoid="" a="" lapse="" of="" permitted="" status.="" nmfs="" will="" renew="" a="" permit="" provided="" that="" the="" specific="" requirements="" for="" the="" requested="" permit="" are="" met,="" all="" reports="" required="" under="" the="" magnuson-stevens="" act="" have="" been="" submitted,="" including="" those="" described="" in="" sec.="" 635.5,="" and="" the="" applicant="" is="" not="" subject="" to="" a="" permit="" sanction="" or="" denial="" under="" paragraph="" (a)(7)="" of="" this="" section.="" (2)="" limited="" access="" permits="" for="" shark="" and="" swordfish.="" as="" of="" june="" 1,="" 2000,="" the="" owner="" or="" operator="" of="" a="" vessel="" of="" the="" united="" states="" that="" fishes="" for,="" possesses,="" lands,="" or="" sells="" shark="" or="" swordfish="" from="" the="" management="" unit,="" or="" takes="" or="" possesses="" such="" shark="" or="" swordfish="" as="" incidental="" catch,="" must="" have="" a="" lap="" issued="" pursuant="" to="" the="" requirements="" in="" sec.="" 635.4(e)="" and="" (f).="" however,="" any="" ilap="" that="" expires="" june="" 30,="" 2000,="" is="" valid="" through="" that="" date.="" only="" valid="" ilap="" or="" lap="" holders="" in="" the="" preceding="" year="" are="" eligible="" for="" a="" lap.="" sec.="" 635.5="" recordkeeping="" and="" reporting.="" (a)="" vessels--(1)="" logbooks.="" if="" an="" owner="" or="" operator="" of="" an="" hms="" charter/headboat="" vessel,="" an="" atlantic="" tunas="" vessel,="" or="" a="" commercial="" shark="" or="" swordfish="" vessel,="" for="" which="" a="" permit="" has="" been="" issued="" under="" sec.="" 635.4="" (a),(c),(d),="" (e),="" and="" (f)="" respectively,="" is="" selected="" in="" writing="" by="" nmfs,="" he="" must="" maintain="" a="" fishing="" record="" on="" a="" logbook="" specified="" by="" nmfs.="" entries="" are="" required="" on="" the="" vessel's="" fishing="" effort,="" and="" the="" number="" of="" fish="" landed="" and="" discarded.="" entries="" on="" a="" day's="" fishing="" activities="" must="" be="" entered="" on="" the="" form="" within="" 24="" hours="" and,="" for="" a="" 1-day="" trip,="" before="" offloading.="" the="" owner="" or="" operator="" must="" submit="" the="" form="" postmarked="" within="" 7="" days="" of="" offloading="" all="" atlantic="" hms.="" (2)="" weighout="" slips.="" if="" an="" owner="" or="" operator="" is="" required="" to="" maintain="" and="" submit="" logbooks="" under="" paragraph="" (a)(1)="" of="" this="" section,="" and="" atlantic="" hms="" harvested="" on="" a="" trip="" are="" sold,="" the="" owner="" or="" operator="" must="" obtain="" and="" submit="" copies="" of="" weighout="" slips="" for="" those="" fish.="" each="" weighout="" slip="" must="" show="" the="" dealer="" to="" whom="" the="" fish="" were="" transferred,="" the="" date="" they="" were="" transferred,="" and="" the="" carcass="" weight="" of="" each="" fish="" for="" which="" individual="" weights="" are="" normally="" recorded.="" for="" fish="" that="" are="" not="" individually="" weighed,="" a="" weighout="" slip="" must="" record="" total="" weights="" by="" species="" and="" market="" category.="" the="" owner="" or="" operator="" must="" also="" submit="" copies="" of="" weighout="" slips="" with="" the="" logbook="" forms="" required="" under="" paragraph="" (a)(1)="" of="" this="" section.="" (b)="" dealers.="" persons="" who="" have="" been="" issued="" a="" dealer="" permit="" under="" sec.="" 635.4,="" must="" submit="" reports="" to="" nmfs="" (as="" prescribed="" by="" nmfs)="" and="" maintain="" records="" as="" follows:="" [[page="" 3177]]="" (1)="" atlantic="" hms="" other="" than="" bft.="" (i)="" dealers="" must="" report="" atlantic="" tunas="" (including="" bft),="" atlantic="" swordfish="" and="" swordfish="" imports,="" and="" atlantic="" sharks="" received="" on="" the="" first="" through="" the="" 15th="" of="" each="" month;="" the="" report="" must="" be="" submitted="" to="" nmfs="" postmarked="" not="" later="" than="" the="" 20th="" of="" that="" month.="" reports="" of="" such="" fish="" received="" on="" the="" 16th="" through="" the="" last="" day="" of="" each="" month="" must="" be="" postmarked="" not="" later="" than="" the="" 5th="" of="" the="" following="" month.="" if="" a="" dealer="" did="" not="" receive="" atlantic="" tunas,="" swordfish="" or="" swordfish="" imports,="" or="" sharks="" during="" a="" reporting="" period,="" he="" must="" submit="" a="" report="" to="" a="" designated="" nmfs="" address="" so="" stating,="" and="" the="" report="" must="" be="" postmarked="" as="" specified="" for="" the="" reporting="" period.="" (ii)="" the="" reporting="" requirement="" of="" paragraph="" (b)(1)(i)="" of="" this="" section="" may="" be="" satisfied="" by="" a="" dealer="" if="" he="" provides="" a="" copy="" of="" each="" appropriate="" weighout="" slip="" and/or="" sales="" record,="" provided="" such="" weighout="" slip="" and/or="" sales="" record="" by="" itself="" or="" combined="" with="" the="" form="" available="" from="" nmfs="" includes="" all="" of="" the="" required="" information="" and="" identifies="" fish="" to="" the="" species="" level.="" (iii)="" in="" lieu="" of="" providing="" a="" report="" required="" under="" paragraph="" (b)(1)(i)="" of="" this="" section="" to="" nmfs="" by="" mail,="" the="" dealer="" may="" give="" the="" report="" to="" a="" state="" or="" federal="" fishery="" port="" agent="" designated="" by="" nmfs.="" a="" report="" given="" to="" such="" port="" agent="" must="" be="" delivered="" not="" later="" than="" the="" prescribed="" postmark="" date="" for="" the="" reporting="" period.="" (2)="" bft--(i)="" reports="" of="" bft.="" the="" dealer="" must="" submit="" a="" completed="" landing="" report="" to="" a="" designated="" nmfs="" location="" by="" electronic="" facsimile="" (fax)="" or="" an="" interactive="" voice="" response="" system="" on="" bft="" received="" not="" later="" than="" 24="" hours="" from="" receipt.="" the="" landing="" report="" must="" be="" signed="" by="" the="" permitted="" vessel's="" owner="" or="" operator="" immediately="" upon="" transfer="" of="" the="" fish="" and="" must="" verify="" the="" name="" and="" permit="" number="" of="" the="" vessel="" that="" landed="" the="" fish.="" the="" dealer="" must="" inspect="" the="" vessel's="" permit="" to="" verify="" that="" the="" required="" vessel="" name="" and="" vessel="" permit="" number="" are="" correctly="" recorded="" on="" the="" landing="" report.="" in="" addition,="" the="" dealer="" must="" submit="" that="" landing="" report="" to="" the="" designated="" nmfs="" address="" postmarked="" within="" 24="" hours="" of="" the="" purchase="" or="" receipt="" of="" each="" bft.="" the="" dealer="" must="" also="" submit="" a="" biweekly="" report="" on="" forms="" supplied="" by="" nmfs.="" for="" bft="" received="" on="" the="" first="" through="" the="" 15th="" of="" each="" month,="" the="" dealer="" must="" submit="" the="" biweekly="" report="" forms="" to="" nmfs="" postmarked="" not="" later="" than="" the="" 20th="" of="" that="" month.="" reports="" of="" receipt="" of="" such="" bft="" received="" on="" the="" 16th="" through="" the="" last="" day="" of="" each="" month="" must="" be="" postmarked="" not="" later="" than="" the="" 5th="" of="" the="" following="" month.="" (ii)="" dealer="" tags.="" nmfs="" will="" issue="" numbered="" dealer="" tags="" to="" each="" person="" issued="" a="" dealer="" permit="" for="" atlantic="" tunas="" under="" sec.="" 635.4.="" a="" dealer="" tag="" is="" not="" transferable="" and="" is="" usable="" only="" by="" the="" dealer="" to="" whom="" it="" is="" issued.="" dealer="" tags="" may="" not="" be="" reused="" once="" affixed="" to="" a="" tuna="" or="" recorded="" on="" a="" package,="" container,="" or="" report.="" (a)="" affixing="" dealer="" tags.="" a="" dealer="" or="" a="" dealer's="" agent="" must="" affix="" a="" dealer="" tag="" to="" each="" bft="" purchased="" or="" received="" immediately="" upon="" its="" offloading="" from="" a="" vessel.="" the="" dealer="" or="" dealer's="" agent="" must="" affix="" the="" tag="" to="" the="" tuna="" between="" the="" fifth="" dorsal="" finlet="" and="" the="" keel.="" (b)="" removal="" of="" dealer="" tags.="" a="" dealer="" tag="" affixed="" to="" any="" bft="" under="" paragraph="" (b)(2)(ii)(a)="" of="" this="" section="" or="" a="" bsd="" tag="" affixed="" to="" an="" imported="" bft="" must="" remain="" on="" the="" tuna="" until="" the="" tuna="" is="" cut="" into="" portions.="" if="" the="" bft="" or="" bft="" parts="" subsequently="" are="" packaged="" for="" transport="" for="" domestic="" commercial="" use="" or="" for="" export,="" the="" dealer="" or="" bsd="" tag="" number="" must="" be="" written="" legibly="" and="" indelibly="" on="" the="" outside="" of="" any="" package="" or="" container.="" such="" tag="" number="" must="" be="" recorded="" on="" any="" document="" accompanying="" shipment="" of="" bft="" for="" commercial="" use="" or="" export.="" (3)="" recordkeeping.="" dealers="" must="" retain="" at="" their="" place="" of="" business="" a="" copy="" of="" each="" written="" report="" required="" under="" paragraphs="" (b)(1)(i)="" and="" (b)(2)(i)="" of="" this="" section="" for="" a="" period="" of="" 2="" years="" from="" the="" date="" on="" which="" each="" report="" was="" required="" to="" be="" submitted.="" (c)="" bft="" not="" sold.="" (1)="" except="" as="" specified="" in="" paragraph="" (c)(2)="" of="" this="" section,="" persons="" that="" catch="" and="" land="" a="" large="" medium="" or="" giant="" bft="" and="" do="" not="" transfer="" it="" to="" a="" dealer="" who="" has="" a="" dealer="" permit="" for="" atlantic="" tunas,="" must="" contact="" nmfs="" enforcement="" at="" the="" time="" of="" landing="" such="" bft="" and,="" if="" requested,="" make="" the="" tuna="" available="" so="" that="" a="" nmfs="" enforcement="" agent="" may="" inspect="" the="" fish="" and="" attach="" a="" tag="" to="" it.="" (2)="" persons="" that="" catch="" and="" land="" a="" large="" medium="" or="" giant="" bft="" that="" is="" counted="" against="" the="" angling="" category="" quota="" must="" report="" it="" through="" the="" automated="" catch="" reporting="" system="" by="" calling="" 1-888-usa-tuna.="" in="" any="" state="" where="" a="" nmfs="" or="" state-level="" harvest="" tag="" or="" catch-card="" reporting="" program="" is="" in="" effect="" for="" school,="" large="" school,="" or="" small="" medium="" bft,="" such="" tags="" must="" also="" be="" used="" on="" large="" medium="" and="" giant="" bft="" reported="" under="" this="" paragraph="" (c)(2).="" (d)="" anglers.="" in="" addition="" to="" the="" requirements="" in="" paragraph="" (c)="" of="" this="" section,="" the="" owner="" of="" a="" vessel="" that="" has="" an="" angling="" category="" permit="" for="" atlantic="" tunas="" will="" be="" notified="" by="" nmfs="" of="" the="" reporting="" requirements="" and="" procedures="" for="" school,="" large="" school,="" and="" small="" medium="" bft.="" alternative="" reporting="" procedures="" may="" be="" established="" by="" nmfs="" in="" cooperation="" with="" states="" and="" may="" include="" telephone,="" dockside="" or="" mail="" surveys,="" mail-in="" or="" phone-in="" reports,="" tagging="" programs,="" or="" mandatory="" bft="" check-in="" stations.="" a="" statistically="" based="" sampling="" of="" persons="" fishing="" under="" the="" angling="" category="" may="" be="" used="" for="" these="" alternative="" reporting="" programs.="" once="" notified="" by="" nmfs="" of="" the="" reporting="" requirmeents="" and="" procedures,="" each="" person="" so="" notified="" must="" comply="" with="" those="" requirements="" and="" procedures.="" (e)="" tournament="" operators.="" persons="" that="" conduct="" a="" fishing="" tournament="" involving="" scores="" or="" awards="" for="" the="" catch="" of="" atlantic="" hms,="" whether="" or="" not="" retained,="" from="" a="" port="" in="" an="" atlantic="" coastal="" state,="" including="" the="" u.s.="" virgin="" islands="" and="" puerto="" rico,="" must="" notify="" nmfs="" of="" the="" purpose,="" dates,="" and="" location="" of="" the="" tournament="" at="" least="" 4="" weeks="" prior="" to="" commencement="" of="" the="" tournament.="" if="" selected="" for="" reporting,="" a="" tournament="" operator="" must="" maintain="" and="" submit="" to="" a="" designated="" nmfs="" address="" a="" record="" of="" catch="" and="" effort="" on="" forms="" available="" from="" nmfs.="" completed="" forms="" must="" be="" submitted="" to="" nmfs="" postmarked="" not="" later="" than="" the="" 7th="" day="" after="" the="" conclusion="" of="" the="" tournament="" and="" must="" be="" accompanied="" by="" a="" copy="" of="" the="" tournament="" rules.="" (f)="" inspection.="" any="" person="" authorized="" to="" carry="" out="" enforcement="" activities="" under="" the="" regulations="" in="" this="" part="" has="" authority,="" without="" warrant="" or="" other="" process,="" to="" inspect,="" at="" any="" reasonable="" time,="" catch="" on="" board="" a="" vessel="" or="" on="" the="" premises="" of="" a="" dealer,="" logbooks,="" catch="" reports,="" statistical="" records,="" sales="" receipts,="" or="" other="" records="" and="" reports="" required="" by="" this="" part="" to="" be="" made,="" kept,="" or="" furnished.="" an="" owner="" or="" operator="" of="" a="" fishing="" vessel="" that="" has="" been="" issued="" a="" permit="" under="" sec.="" 635.4="" must="" allow="" nmfs="" to="" inspect="" and="" copy="" any="" required="" reports="" and="" the="" records,="" in="" any="" form,="" on="" which="" the="" completed="" reports="" are="" based.="" a="" dealer="" who="" has="" been="" issued="" a="" permit="" under="" sec.="" 635.4="" must="" allow="" nmfs="" to="" inspect="" and="" copy="" any="" required="" reports="" and="" the="" records,="" in="" any="" form,="" on="" which="" the="" completed="" reports="" are="" based.="" (g)="" additional="" data="" and="" inspection.="" additional="" data="" on="" atlantic="" hms="" may="" be="" collected="" by="" statistical="" reporting="" agents,="" as="" designees="" of="" nmfs,="" and="" by="" authorized="" officers.="" a="" person="" who="" fishes="" for="" or="" possesses="" an="" atlantic="" hms="" is="" required="" to="" make="" such="" fish="" or="" parts="" thereof="" available="" for="" inspection="" by="" nmfs="" upon="" request.="" sec.="" 635.6="" vessel="" and="" gear="" identification.="" (a)="" vessel="" number.="" for="" the="" purposes="" of="" this="" section,="" a="" vessel's="" number="" is="" either="" the="" vessel's="" official="" number="" issued="" by="" the="" u.s.="" coast="" guard="" or="" an="" analogous="" state="" agency.="" [[page="" 3178]]="" (b)="" vessel="" identification.="" (1)="" an="" owner="" or="" operator="" of="" a="" vessel="" for="" which="" a="" permit="" has="" been="" issued="" under="" sec.="" 635.4,="" must="" display="" the="" vessel's="" number--="" (i)="" on="" the="" port="" and="" starboard="" sides="" of="" the="" deckhouse="" or="" hull="" and="" on="" an="" appropriate="" weather="" deck,="" so="" as="" to="" be="" clearly="" visible="" from="" an="" enforcement="" vessel="" or="" aircraft.="" (ii)="" in="" block="" arabic="" numerals="" permanently="" affixed="" to="" or="" painted="" on="" the="" vessel="" in="" contrasting="" color="" to="" the="" background.="" (iii)="" at="" least="" 18="" inches="" (45.7="" cm)="" in="" height="" for="" vessels="" over="" 65="" ft="" (19.8="" m)="" long="" and="" at="" least="" 10="" inches="" (25.4="" cm)="" in="" height="" for="" all="" other="" vessels.="" (2)="" the="" owner="" or="" operator="" of="" a="" vessel="" for="" which="" a="" permit="" has="" been="" issued="" under="" sec.="" 635.4="" must="" keep="" the="" vessel's="" number="" clearly="" legible="" and="" in="" good="" repair="" and="" ensure="" that="" no="" part="" of="" the="" vessel,="" its="" rigging,="" its="" fishing="" gear,="" or="" any="" other="" material="" on="" board="" obstructs="" the="" view="" of="" the="" vessel's="" number="" from="" an="" enforcement="" vessel="" or="" aircraft.="" (c)="" gear="" identification.="" (1)="" the="" owner="" or="" operator="" of="" a="" vessel="" for="" which="" a="" permit="" has="" been="" issued="" under="" sec.="" 635.4="" and="" that="" uses="" a="" handline,="" harpoon,="" longline,="" or="" shark="" net,="" must="" display="" the="" vessel's="" registration="" number="" or="" atlantic="" tunas="" permit="" number="" on="" each="" float="" attached="" to="" a="" handline="" or="" harpoon="" and="" on="" the="" terminal="" end="" floats="" and="" high-flyers="" (if="" applicable)="" on="" a="" longline="" or="" shark="" net="" used="" by="" the="" vessel.="" a="" high-flyer="" is="" a="" flag,="" radar="" reflector,="" or="" radio="" beacon="" transmitter="" attached="" to="" a="" longline.="" the="" vessel's="" number="" must="" be="" at="" least="" 1="" inch="" (2.5="" cm)="" in="" height="" in="" block="" arabic="" numerals="" in="" a="" color="" that="" contrasts="" with="" the="" background="" color="" of="" the="" float="" or="" high-flyer.="" (2)="" an="" unmarked="" handline,="" harpoon,="" longline,="" or="" shark="" net="" is="" illegal="" and="" may="" be="" disposed="" of="" in="" an="" appropriate="" manner="" by="" nmfs="" or="" an="" authorized="" officer.="" (3)="" provisions="" on="" gear="" marking="" for="" the="" southeast="" u.s.="" shark="" driftnet="" fishery="" to="" implement="" the="" atlantic="" large="" whale="" take="" reduction="" plan="" are="" set="" forth="" in="" sec.="" 229.32="" (b)="" of="" this="" title.="" sec.="" 635.7="" at-sea="" observer="" coverage.="" (a)="" nmfs="" may="" select="" for="" observer="" coverage="" any="" trip="" of="" a="" vessel="" that="" has="" a="" hms="" charter/headboat="" permit,="" an="" atlantic="" tunas="" permit,="" or="" a="" shark="" or="" swordfish="" permit,="" issued="" under="" sec.="" 635.4="" (a),="" (c),="" (d),="" (e),="" and="" (f),="" respectively.="" nmfs="" will="" advise="" a="" vessel="" owner,="" in="" writing,="" when="" his="" or="" her="" vessel="" is="" selected="" for="" observer="" coverage.="" the="" owner="" or="" operator="" of="" a="" vessel="" that="" is="" selected="" must="" notify="" nmfs="" before="" commencing="" any="" fishing="" trip="" that="" may="" result="" in="" the="" harvest="" of="" atlantic="" hms.="" notification="" procedures="" will="" be="" specified="" in="" a="" selection="" letter="" sent="" by="" nmfs.="" (b)="" the="" owner="" or="" operator="" of="" a="" vessel="" on="" which="" a="" nmfs-approved="" observer="" is="" embarked="" must="" comply="" with="" secs.="" 600.725="" and="" 600.746="" of="" this="" chapter="" and:="" (1)="" provide="" accommodations="" and="" food="" that="" are="" equivalent="" to="" those="" provided="" to="" the="" crew.="" (2)="" allow="" the="" observer="" access="" to="" and="" use="" of="" the="" vessel's="" communications="" equipment="" and="" personnel="" upon="" request="" for="" the="" transmission="" and="" receipt="" of="" messages="" related="" to="" the="" observer's="" duties.="" (3)="" allow="" the="" observer="" access="" to="" and="" use="" of="" the="" vessel's="" navigation="" equipment="" and="" personnel="" upon="" request="" to="" determine="" the="" vessel's="" position.="" (4)="" allow="" the="" observer="" free="" and="" unobstructed="" access="" to="" the="" vessel's="" bridge,="" working="" decks,="" holding="" bins,="" weight="" scales,="" holds,="" and="" any="" other="" space="" used="" to="" hold,="" process,="" weigh,="" or="" store="" fish.="" (5)="" allow="" the="" observer="" to="" inspect="" and="" copy="" the="" vessel's="" log,="" communications="" logs,="" and="" any="" records="" associated="" with="" the="" catch="" and="" distribution="" of="" fish="" for="" that="" trip.="" sec.="" 635.8="" educational="" workshops.="" no="" later="" than="" june="" 1,="" 2000,="" each="" operator="" of="" a="" vessel="" that="" uses="" a="" pelagic="" longline="" to="" fish="" for="" atlantic="" hms="" must="" attend="" an="" educational="" workshop="" on="" measures="" to="" reduce="" the="" incidental="" catch="" of="" protected="" species.="" a="" certificate="" of="" attendance="" at="" such="" workshop="" must="" be="" available="" on="" such="" vessel="" and="" made="" available="" for="" inspection="" upon="" the="" request="" of="" nmfs.="" sec.="" 635.9="" vessel="" monitoring.="" (a)="" an="" owner="" or="" operator="" of="" a="" vessel="" that="" fishes="" for="" atlantic="" hms="" with="" a="" pelagic="" longline="" must="" have="" an="" operating="" vessel="" monitoring="" system="" (vms)="" unit="" on="" board="" each="" trip.="" only="" vms="" units="" that="" have="" been="" approved="" by="" nmfs="" for="" use="" in="" the="" fisheries="" for="" atlantic="" hms="" will="" meet="" this="" requirement.="" (b)="" no="" person="" may="" interfere="" with,="" tamper="" with,="" alter,="" damage,="" disable,="" or="" impede="" the="" operation="" of="" a="" vms="" unit,="" or="" attempt="" any="" of="" the="" same.="" (c)="" when="" a="" vms="" unit="" fails,="" or="" when="" notified="" by="" nmfs="" that="" a="" unit="" appears="" to="" have="" failed,="" the="" vessel="" owner="" or="" operator="" must="" communicate="" to="" a="" designated="" nmfs="" location="" the="" vessel's="" position="" at="" least="" every="" 2="" hours="" starting="" when="" the="" failure="" is="" discovered="" or="" nmfs's="" notification="" is="" received.="" each="" position="" so="" reported="" must="" be="" communicated="" to="" nmfs="" within="" 2="" hours="" of="" the="" time="" of="" the="" position.="" the="" vessel's="" owner="" or="" operator="" must="" replace="" or="" repair="" a="" failed="" vms="" unit="" prior="" to="" the="" vessel's="" next="" trip.="" subpart="" b--limited="" access="" sec.="" 635.16="" limited="" access="" permits.="" as="" of="" june="" 1,="" 1999,="" the="" only="" valid="" commercial="" vessel="" permits="" for="" shark="" and="" swordfish="" are="" those="" that="" have="" been="" issued="" under="" the="" limited="" access="" criteria="" specified="" in="" this="" section.="" (a)="" eligibility="" requirements="" for="" ilaps--(1)="" directed="" permits.="" to="" be="" eligible="" for="" a="" directed="" ilap="" in="" the="" shark="" or="" swordfish="" fishery,="" a="" vessel="" owner="" or="" an="" operator="" that="" qualified="" that="" vessel="" for="" a="" federal="" commercial="" permit="" must="" demonstrate="" past="" participation="" in="" the="" respective="" fishery="" by="" having:="" (i)="" been="" the="" owner="" or="" qualifying="" operator="" of="" a="" vessel="" that="" was="" issued="" a="" valid="" permit="" for="" the="" respective="" fishery="" at="" any="" time="" during="" the="" period="" july="" 1,="" 1994,="" through="" december="" 31,="" 1997;="" and="" (ii)="" documented="" landings="" from="" the="" respective="" federally="" permitted="" vessel="" that="" he="" or="" she="" owned="" or="" was="" the="" qualifying="" operator="" of="" at="" least:="" (a)="" one="" hundred="" and="" two="" sharks="" per="" year="" for="" any="" 2="" calendar="" years="" during="" the="" period="" january="" 1,="" 1991,="" through="" december="" 31,="" 1997,="" provided="" the="" landings="" after="" july="" 1,="" 1993,="" occurred="" when="" the="" permit="" was="" valid;="" or="" (b)="" twenty-five="" swordfish="" per="" year="" for="" any="" 2="" calendar="" years="" during="" the="" period="" january="" 1,="" 1987,="" through="" december="" 31,="" 1997,="" provided="" the="" landings="" occurred="" when="" the="" permit="" was="" valid;="" and="" (iii)="" been="" the="" owner="" or="" qualifying="" operator="" of="" a="" vessel="" that:="" (a)="" had="" a="" valid="" federal="" shark="" permit="" at="" any="" time="" during="" the="" period="" july="" 1,="" 1998,="" through="" august="" 4,="" 1998,="" or="" (b)="" had="" a="" valid="" federal="" swordfish="" permit="" at="" any="" time="" during="" the="" period="" june="" 1,="" 1998,="" through="" august="" 31,="" 1998.="" (2)="" incidental="" catch="" permits.="" to="" be="" eligible="" for="" an="" incidental="" ilap="" in="" the="" shark="" or="" swordfish="" fishery,="" a="" vessel="" owner="" or="" an="" operator="" that="" qualified="" that="" vessel="" for="" a="" federal="" commercial="" permit="" must="" demonstrate="" past="" participation="" in="" the="" respective="" fishery="" by="" having:="" (i)="" been="" the="" owner="" or="" qualifying="" operator="" of="" a="" vessel="" that="" was="" issued="" a="" valid="" permit="" for="" the="" respective="" fishery="" at="" any="" time="" during="" the="" period="" july="" 1,="" 1994,="" through="" december="" 31,="" 1997;="" and="" (ii)="" documented="" landings="" from="" the="" respective="" federally="" permitted="" vessel="" that="" he="" or="" she="" owned="" or="" was="" the="" qualifying="" operator="" of="" at="" least:="" (a)="" seven="" sharks="" during="" the="" period="" january="" 1,="" 1991,="" through="" december="" 31,="" 1997,="" provided="" the="" landings="" after="" july="" 1,="" 1993,="" occurred="" when="" the="" permit="" was="" valid;="" or="" (b)="" eleven="" swordfish="" during="" the="" period="" january="" 1,="" 1987,="" through="" december="" 31,="" 1997,="" provided="" the="" [[page="" 3179]]="" landings="" occurred="" when="" the="" permit="" was="" valid;="" and="" (iii)="" been="" the="" owner="" or="" qualifying="" operator="" of="" a="" vessel="" that:="" (a)="" had="" a="" valid="" federal="" shark="" permit="" at="" any="" time="" during="" the="" period="" july="" 1,="" 1998,="" through="" august="" 4,="" 1998,="" or="" (b)="" had="" a="" valid="" federal="" swordfish="" permit="" at="" any="" time="" during="" the="" period="" june="" 1,="" 1998,="" through="" august="" 31,="" 1998;="" and="" (iv)="" met="" either="" the="" gross="" income="" from="" fishing="" or="" the="" gross="" sales="" of="" fish="" requirement="" specified="" in="" paragraph="" (a)(3)(i)="" or="" (ii)="" of="" this="" section;="" or="" (v)="" been="" the="" owner="" of="" a="" vessel="" that="" had="" a="" permit="" for="" atlantic="" tuna="" in="" the="" incidental="" category="" at="" any="" time="" from="" january="" 1,="" 1998,="" through="" august="" 31,="" 1998;="" or="" (vi)="" been="" the="" owner="" of="" a="" vessel="" that="" is="" eligible="" for="" a="" directed="" or="" incidental="" ilap="" for="" swordfish.="" (3)="" handgear="" permits.="" to="" be="" eligible="" for="" a="" swordfish="" handgear="" ilap--="" (i)="" the="" owner's="" gross="" income="" from="" commercial="" fishing="" (i.e.,="" harvest="" and="" first="" sale="" of="" fish)="" or="" from="" charter/headboat="" fishing="" must="" be="" more="" than="" 50="" percent="" of="" his="" or="" her="" earned="" income,="" during="" one="" of="" the="" 3="" calendar="" years="" preceding="" the="" application;="" or="" (ii)="" the="" owner's="" gross="" sales="" of="" fish="" harvested="" from="" his="" or="" her="" vessel="" must="" have="" been="" more="" than="" $20,000,="" during="" one="" of="" the="" 3="" calendar="" years="" preceding="" the="" application;="" or="" (iii)="" the="" owner="" must="" provide="" documentation="" of="" having="" been="" issued="" a="" swordfish="" permit="" for="" use="" with="" harpoon="" gear;="" or="" (iv)="" the="" owner="" must="" document="" his="" or="" her="" historical="" landings="" of="" swordfish="" with="" handgear="" through="" logbook="" records,="" verifiable="" sales="" slips="" or="" receipts="" from="" registered="" dealers="" or="" state="" landings="" records.="" (b)="" landings="" histories.="" for="" the="" purposes="" of="" the="" landings="" history="" criteria="" in="" paragraphs="" (a)(1)(ii)="" and="" (a)(2)(ii)="" of="" this="" section,="" (1)="" the="" owner="" or="" qualifying="" operator="" of="" a="" permitted="" vessel="" at="" the="" time="" of="" a="" landing="" retains="" credit="" for="" the="" landing="" unless="" ownership="" of="" the="" vessel="" has="" been="" transferred="" and="" there="" is="" a="" written="" agreement="" signed="" by="" both="" parties="" to="" the="" transfer,="" or="" there="" is="" other="" credible="" written="" evidence="" that="" the="" original="" owner="" transferred="" the="" landings="" history="" to="" the="" new="" owner.="" (2)="" a="" vessel's="" landings="" history="" may="" not="" be="" divided="" among="" owners.="" a="" transfer="" of="" credit="" for="" landings="" history="" must="" be="" for="" the="" entire="" record="" of="" landings="" under="" the="" previous="" owner="" or="" operator.="" (3)="" vessel="" landings="" histories="" may="" not="" be="" consolidated="" among="" vessels.="" owners="" or="" operators="" may="" not="" pool="" landings="" histories="" to="" meet="" the="" eligibility="" requirements.="" (4)="" if="" more="" than="" one="" person="" claims="" eligibility="" for="" an="" ilap="" based="" on="" a="" vessel="s" ownership="" or="" permit="" or="" landings="" history,="" the="" applicants="" claiming="" the="" ownership="" or="" permit="" or="" landings="" history="" must="" determine="" which="" person="" will="" receive="" the="" ilap.="" nmfs="" will="" issue="" only="" one="" ilap="" based="" on="" a="" vessel's="" ownership="" or="" permit="" or="" landings="" history.="" (c)="" alternative="" eligibility="" requirements="" for="" initial="" permits.="" (1)="" persons="" that="" acquired="" ownership="" of="" a="" vessel="" and="" its="" landings="" history="" after="" december="" 31,="" 1997,="" are="" exempt="" from="" the="" requirement="" to="" have="" owned="" a="" federally="" permitted="" shark="" or="" swordfish="" vessel="" at="" any="" time="" during="" the="" period="" july="" 1,="" 1994,="" through="" december="" 31,="" 1997.="" the="" acquired="" landings="" history="" must="" meet="" the="" criteria="" for="" a="" directed="" or="" incidental="" catch="" permit="" specified="" in="" paragraph="" (a)(1)(ii)(a),="" (a)(1)(ii)(b),="" (a)(2)(ii)(a)="" or="" (a)(2)(ii)(b)="" of="" this="" section,="" and="" such="" persons="" must="" have="" had="" a="" valid="" federal="" shark="" permit="" at="" any="" time="" during="" the="" period="" july="" 1,="" 1998,="" through="" august="" 4,="" 1998,="" or="" a="" valid="" federal="" swordfish="" permit="" at="" any="" time="" during="" the="" period="" june="" 1,="" 1998,="" through="" august="" 31,="" 1998.="" (2)="" if="" a="" person="" first="" obtained="" a="" shark="" or="" swordfish="" permit="" in="" 1997,="" the="" required="" shark="" landings="" for="" a="" directed="" or="" incidental="" catch="" permit="" specified="" in="" paragraphs="" (a)(1)(ii)="" and="" (a)(2)(ii)="" are="" modified="" as="" follows:="" (i)="" to="" qualify="" for="" a="" directed="" shark="" or="" swordfish="" ilap,="" respectively,="" such="" persons="" must="" document="" landings="" from="" a="" federally="" permitted="" vessel="" of="" at="" least:="" (a)="" one="" hundred="" and="" two="" sharks="" in="" calendar="" year="" 1997,="" provided="" such="" landings="" occurred="" when="" the="" permit="" was="" valid,="" or="" (b)="" twenty-five="" swordfish="" in="" calendar="" year="" 1997,="" provided="" such="" landings="" occurred="" when="" the="" permit="" was="" valid.="" (ii)="" to="" qualify="" for="" an="" incidental="" shark="" or="" swordfish="" catch="" ilap,="" respectively,="" such="" persons="" must="" document="" landings="" from="" a="" federally="" permitted="" vessel="" of="" at="" least="" one="" shark="" or="" swordfish="" in="" calendar="" year="" 1997,="" provided="" such="" landings="" occurred="" when="" the="" permit="" was="" valid.="" (d)="" procedures="" for="" initial="" issue="" of="" limited="" access="" permits--(1)="" notification="" of="" status.="" (i)="" shortly="" after="" the="" final="" rule="" is="" published,="" the="" division="" chief="" will="" notify="" by="" certified="" mail="" each="" owner="" or="" qualifying="" operator="" of="" a="" vessel="" that="" had="" a="" valid="" federal="" shark="" permit="" during="" the="" period="" july="" 1,="" 1998,="" through="" august="" 4,="" 1998,="" each="" owner="" of="" a="" vessel="" that="" had="" a="" valid="" federal="" swordfish="" permit="" during="" the="" period="" june="" 1,="" 1998,="" through="" august="" 31,="" 1998,="" and="" each="" owner="" of="" a="" vessel="" that="" had="" a="" valid="" atlantic="" tuna="" incidental="" category="" permit="" at="" any="" time="" from="" january="" 1,="" 1998,="" through="" august="" 31,="" 1998,="" of="" the="" initial="" determination="" of="" the="" owner's="" eligibility="" for="" a="" directed="" or="" incidental="" catch="" ilap.="" the="" division="" chief="" will="" make="" the="" initial="" determination="" based="" on="" the="" criteria="" in="" paragraphs="" (a)(1),="" (a)(2),="" and="" (c)(2)="" of="" this="" section="" and="" records="" available="" to="" nmfs.="" the="" division="" chief="" will="" not="" make="" initial="" determinations="" of="" eligibility="" for="" a="" vessel="" permit="" under="" the="" alternative="" eligibility="" requirements="" specified="" in="" paragraph="" (a)(3)="" or="" (c)(1)="" of="" this="" section.="" (ii)="" if="" nmfs="" determines="" that="" all="" qualifications="" for="" a="" directed="" or="" incidental="" catch="" ilap="" have="" been="" met,="" no="" further="" action="" is="" required-the="" appropriate="" permit="" for="" the="" vessel="" will="" be="" included="" with="" the="" notification.="" an="" ilap="" issued="" by="" nmfs="" will="" be="" valid="" through="" the="" marked="" expiration="" date.="" (iii)="" a="" person="" must="" apply="" to="" the="" division="" chief="" for="" the="" appropriate="" permit="" if--="" (a)="" he="" or="" she="" does="" not="" agree="" with="" the="" initial="" determination;="" (b)="" he="" or="" she="" believes="" that="" he="" or="" she="" qualifies="" for="" a="" directed="" or="" incidental="" catch="" ilap="" but="" did="" not="" receive="" a="" letter="" from="" the="" division="" chief="" regarding="" eligibility="" status;="" or="" (c)="" he="" or="" she="" believes="" that="" he="" or="" she="" qualifies="" for="" a="" swordfish="" handgear="" permit.="" (2)="" applications="" for="" ilaps.="" (i)="" application="" forms="" and="" instructions="" are="" available="" from="" the="" division="" chief.="" a="" completed="" signed="" application="" form="" and="" required="" supporting="" documents="" must="" be="" submitted="" by="" the="" vessel="" owner="" or="" operator;="" or="" in="" the="" case="" of="" a="" corporate-owned="" vessel,="" an="" officer="" or="" shareholder;="" or="" in="" the="" case="" of="" a="" partnership-owned="" vessel,="" a="" general="" partner.="" (ii)="" an="" application="" for="" a="" directed="" or="" incidental="" catch="" ilap="" must="" be="" received="" by="" the="" division="" chief="" no="" later="" than="" 90="" days="" after="" the="" final="" rule="" is="" published.="" an="" application="" for="" an="" initial="" swordfish="" handgear="" permit="" must="" be="" received="" by="" the="" division="" chief="" no="" later="" than="" 180="" days="" after="" the="" final="" rule="" is="" published.="" an="" application="" received="" by="" the="" division="" chief="" after="" these="" dates="" will="" not="" be="" considered.="" (iii)="" each="" application="" must="" be="" accompanied="" by="" documentation="" showing="" that="" the="" criteria="" for="" the="" requested="" permit="" have="" been="" met.="" vessel="" landings="" of="" sharks="" through="" june="" 30,="" 1993,="" may="" be="" documented="" by="" verifiable="" sales="" slips="" or="" receipts="" from="" registered="" dealers="" or="" by="" state="" landings="" records.="" vessel="" landings="" of="" sharks="" after="" july="" 1,="" 1993,="" and="" all="" vessel="" landings="" of="" swordfish="" may="" be="" documented="" only="" by="" fishing="" vessel="" logbook="" records="" that="" nmfs="" received="" before="" march="" 2,="" 1998.="" [[page="" 3180]]="" nmfs="" will="" not="" count="" a="" landing="" when="" the="" vessel="" did="" not="" have="" a="" valid="" federal="" permit.="" (iv)="" information="" submitted="" on="" an="" application="" and="" documentation="" in="" support="" of="" an="" application="" are="" subject="" to="" verification="" by="" comparison="" with="" federal,="" state,="" and="" other="" records="" and="" information.="" submission="" of="" false="" information="" or="" documentation="" may="" result="" in="" disqualification="" from="" initial="" participation="" in="" the="" shark="" fishery="" and="" may="" result="" in="" federal="" prosecution.="" (v)="" if="" the="" division="" chief="" receives="" an="" incomplete="" application="" in="" a="" timely="" manner,="" nmfs="" will="" notify="" the="" applicant="" of="" the="" deficiency.="" if="" the="" applicant="" fails="" to="" correct="" the="" deficiency="" within="" 30="" days="" of="" the="" date="" of="" the="" division="" chief's="" notification,="" the="" application="" will="" be="" considered="" abandoned.="" (3)="" actions="" on="" applications.="" within="" 30="" days="" of="" receipt="" of="" a="" complete="" application,="" the="" division="" chief="" will="" take="" one="" of="" the="" following="" actions:="" (i)="" if="" the="" eligibility="" requirements="" are="" met,="" the="" division="" chief="" will="" issue="" the="" appropriate="" ilap="" which="" will="" be="" valid="" through="" the="" marked="" expiration="" date.="" (ii)="" if="" the="" information="" and="" documentation="" presented="" in="" the="" application="" are="" insufficient,="" inconsistent="" with="" vessel="" ownership,="" landings="" history,="" and="" other="" information="" available="" from="" nmfs'="" records,="" or="" cannot="" be="" verified,="" the="" division="" chief="" will="" notify="" the="" applicant="" that="" the="" information="" supplied="" is="" not="" adequate="" to="" warrant="" issuance="" of="" the="" requested="" permit.="" the="" applicant="" will="" have="" 30="" days="" to="" submit="" to="" the="" division="" chief="" corroborating="" documents="" in="" support="" of="" the="" application="" or="" to="" submit="" a="" revised="" application.="" (iii)="" if,="" based="" on="" the="" information="" and="" documentation="" supplied="" with="" the="" application,="" the="" division="" chief="" determines="" that="" the="" applicant="" does="" not="" meet="" the="" eligibility="" criteria="" for="" the="" requested="" vessel="" permit,="" the="" division="" chief="" will="" deny="" the="" application.="" each="" letter="" of="" denial="" will="" be="" sent="" via="" certified="" mail.="" if,="" based="" on="" the="" documentation="" supplied,="" the="" division="" chief="" believes="" the="" applicant="" is="" qualified="" for="" an="" incidental="" catch="" vessel="" permit="" instead="" of="" the="" requested="" directed="" ilap,="" he="" or="" she="" will="" notify="" the="" applicant="" of="" the="" denial="" of="" the="" requested="" directed="" ilap="" but="" will="" issue="" the="" incidental="" catch="" ilap.="" (4)="" appeals.="" (i)="" if="" an="" application="" for="" an="" ilap="" is="" denied="" or="" an="" incidental="" catch="" ilap="" is="" issued="" instead="" of="" the="" requested="" directed="" ilap,="" the="" applicant="" may="" appeal="" the="" denial="" to="" the="" office="" director.="" the="" sole="" grounds="" for="" appeal="" is="" that="" the="" original="" denial="" by="" the="" division="" chief="" was="" based="" on="" incorrect="" or="" incomplete="" information.="" no="" other="" grounds="" will="" be="" considered.="" an="" appeal="" must="" be="" in="" writing,="" must="" be="" received="" by="" the="" office="" director="" within="" 90="" days="" of="" the="" notice="" of="" denial,="" must="" specify="" the="" grounds="" for="" the="" appeal,="" and="" must="" include="" documentation="" supporting="" the="" grounds="" for="" the="" appeal.="" documentation="" of="" vessel="" landings="" of="" sharks="" through="" june="" 30,="" 1993,="" that="" the="" office="" director="" may="" consider="" in="" support="" of="" an="" appeal="" are="" verifiable="" sales="" slips="" or="" receipts="" from="" registered="" dealers,="" or="" state="" landings="" records.="" the="" only="" documentation="" of="" vessel="" landings="" of="" sharks="" after="" july="" 1,="" 1993,="" that="" the="" office="" director="" will="" consider="" in="" support="" of="" an="" appeal="" are="" official="" nmfs="" logbook="" records="" that="" nmfs="" received="" prior="" to="" march="" 2,="" 1998.="" the="" office="" director="" will="" not="" accept="" vessel="" landings="" records="" of="" sharks="" dated="" after="" july="" 1,="" 1993,="" from="" periods="" in="" which="" a="" vessel="" did="" not="" have="" a="" valid="" federal="" shark="" permit.="" the="" only="" documentation="" of="" vessel="" landings="" of="" swordfish="" that="" the="" office="" director="" will="" consider="" in="" support="" of="" an="" appeal="" are="" official="" nmfs="" logbook="" records="" that="" nmfs="" received="" prior="" to="" march="" 2,="" 1998.="" photocopies="" of="" documentation="" (e.g.,="" permits,="" logbook="" reports)="" will="" be="" acceptable="" for="" initial="" submission.="" the="" office="" director="" may="" request="" originals="" at="" a="" later="" date,="" which="" would="" be="" returned="" to="" the="" appellant="" via="" certified="" mail.="" (ii)="" upon="" receipt="" of="" a="" written="" appeal="" with="" supporting="" documentation,="" the="" office="" director="" may="" issue="" a="" provisional="" ilap="" that="" is="" valid="" for="" the="" pendency="" of="" the="" appeal.="" this="" provisional="" permit="" will="" be="" valid="" only="" for="" use="" with="" the="" specified="" gear="" and="" will="" be="" subject="" to="" all="" regulations="" contained="" in="" this="" part.="" (iii)="" the="" office="" director="" will="" appoint="" an="" appeals="" officer="" who="" will="" review="" the="" appeal="" documentation="" and="" other="" available="" records.="" the="" appeals="" officer="" will="" make="" findings="" and="" a="" recommendation,="" which="" shall="" be="" advisory="" only,="" to="" the="" office="" director.="" (iv)="" the="" office="" director="" will="" make="" a="" final="" decision="" on="" the="" appeal="" and="" send="" the="" appellant="" notice="" of="" the="" decision="" by="" certified="" mail.="" the="" office="" director's="" decision="" is="" the="" final="" administrative="" action="" of="" the="" department="" of="" commerce="" on="" the="" application.="" (v)="" if="" the="" appeal="" is="" denied,="" the="" provisional="" permit="" will="" become="" invalid="" 5="" days="" after="" receipt="" of="" the="" notice="" of="" denial,="" which="" nmfs="" will="" send="" by="" certified="" mail.="" if="" the="" appeal="" is="" accepted,="" nmfs="" will="" issue="" an="" appropriate="" permit.="" (5)="" contested="" eligibility="" criteria.="" if="" more="" than="" one="" person="" claims="" eligibility="" for="" an="" ilap="" based="" on="" contested="" vessel's="" ownership,="" permit,="" or="" landings="" histories,="" the="" owners="" or="" operators="" claiming="" the="" ownership/="" permit/landings="" histories="" must="" determine="" which="" person="" will="" receive="" the="" ilap.="" the="" division="" chief="" or="" office="" director="" will="" issue="" only="" one="" permit="" based="" on="" a="" vessel's="" ownership/permit/landings="" histories.="" in="" the="" event="" that="" the="" parties="" are="" unable="" to="" reach="" resolution,="" nmfs="" will="" not="" issue="" a="" permit="" to="" any="" of="" the="" parties.="" (e)="" transfers="" of="" limited="" access="" permits.="" for="" provisions="" on="" transfer="" of="" limited="" access="" permits,="" see="" sec.="" 635.4(l).="" (f)="" renewals="" of="" limited="" access="" permits.="" for="" provisions="" on="" renewal="" of="" limited="" access="" permits,="" see="" sec.="" 635.4(m).="" subpart="" c--management="" measures="" sec.="" 635.19="" bft="" size="" classes.="" the="" cfl="" of="" any="" bft="" found="" with="" the="" head="" removed="" will="" be="" calculated="" using="" the="" following="" formula:="" cfl="" equals="" pectoral="" fin="" curved="" fork="" length="" (pfcfl)="" multiplied="" by="" a="" factor="" of="" 1.35.="" the="" cfl,="" as="" taken="" or="" determined="" by="" conversion="" of="" the="" pfcfl,="" will="" be="" the="" sole="" criterion="" for="" determining="" the="" size="" class="" of="" a="" beheaded="" bft.="" this="" formula="" may="" be="" changed="" if="" additional="" information="" becomes="" available="" by="" filing="" a="" notice="" at="" the="" office="" of="" the="" federal="" register="" of="" the="" new="" formula.="" sec.="" 635.20="" size="" limits.="" (a)="" general.="" cfl="" will="" be="" the="" sole="" criterion="" for="" determining="" the="" size="" and/or="" size="" class="" of="" whole="" (head="" on)="" atlantic="" tunas.="" (b)="" bft,="" bigeye="" tuna,="" and="" yellowfin="" tuna.="" (1)="" no="" person="" may="" take,="" retain,="" or="" possess="" a="" bft,="" bigeye="" tuna,="" or="" yellowfin="" tuna="" in="" the="" atlantic="" ocean="" that="" is="" less="" than="" 27="" inches="" (69="" cm)cfl;="" (2)="" further,="" no="" person="" may="" retain="" or="" possess="" a="" bft="" with="" the="" head="" removed="" that="" is="" less="" than="" 20="" inches="" (51="" cm),="" pfcfl.="" (3)="" no="" person="" may="" remove="" the="" head="" of="" a="" bigeye="" tuna="" or="" yellowfin="" tuna="" if="" the="" remaining="" portion="" is="" less="" than="" 27="" inches="" (69="" cm),="" cfl.="" (c)="" billfish.="" no="" person="" may="" take="" a="" billfish="" from,="" or="" retain="" or="" possess="" a="" billfish="" in="" its="" management="" area="" that="" is="" less="" than="" the="" following="" minimum="" size="" limits:="" (1)="" blue="" marlin--99="" inches="" (251="" cm),="" ljfl.="" (2)="" white="" marlin--66="" inches="" (168="" cm),="" ljfl.="" (3)="" sailfish--63="" inches="" (160="" cm),="" ljfl.="" (d)="" sharks.="" no="" person="" may="" take,="" retain,="" or="" possess="" any="" species="" classified="" as="" a="" ridgeback="" lcs="" shark="" in="" or="" from="" the="" atlantic="" eez,="" that="" is="" less="" than="" 54="" inches="" (137="" cm),="" fl,="" or,="" if="" the="" head="" and="" fins="" have="" been="" removed,="" 30="" inches="" (76="" cm),="" from="" the="" forward="" edge="" of="" the="" cut="" where="" the="" first="" dorsal="" fin="" is="" removed="" to="" the="" precaudal="" pit.="" if="" the="" precaudal="" pit="" has="" been="" removed,="" such="" measurement="" will="" be="" to="" the="" posterior="" edge="" of="" the="" carcass.="" [[page="" 3181]]="" (e)="" swordfish.="" (1)="" no="" person="" may="" take,="" retain,="" or="" possess="" a="" swordfish="" on="" board="" a="" fishing="" vessel="" in="" the="" atlantic="" ocean="" that="" is="" less="" than="" 29="" inches="" (73="" cm),="" ck.="" ck="" length="" will="" be="" the="" sole="" criterion="" for="" determining="" the="" size="" of="" atlantic="" swordfish="" caught.="" (2)="" a="" swordfish="" or="" part="" thereof="" that="" weighs="" less="" than="" 33="" lb="" (15="" kg),="" dw,="" is="" deemed="" to="" have="" been="" harvested="" by="" a="" vessel="" of="" the="" united="" states="" and="" in="" violation="" of="" the="" minimum="" size="" if="" less="" than="" 29="" inches="" (73="" cm)="" ck="" unless="" it="" is="" accompanied="" by="" a="" certificate="" of="" eligibility.="" the="" certificate="" should="" attest="" that="" the="" swordfish="" was="" imported,="" and="" either="" harvested="" from="" other="" than="" the="" atlantic="" ocean,="" or="" that="" the="" fish="" part="" was="" derived="" from="" an="" atlantic="" swordfish="" that="" weighed="" at="" least="" 33="" lb="" (15="" kg)="" dw="" at="" harvest.="" refer="" to="" sec.="" 635.46(b)="" for="" the="" requirements="" related="" to="" the="" certificate="" of="" eligibility.="" (3)="" a="" swordfish="" or="" part="" thereof="" will="" be="" monitored="" for="" compliance="" with="" the="" minimum="" size="" requirement="" from="" the="" time="" it="" is="" landed="" in="" or="" imported="" into="" the="" united="" states="" to="" the="" first="" point="" of="" transaction="" and="" including="" the="" time="" and="" place="" that="" it="" is="" filleted,="" cut="" into="" steaks,="" or="" processed="" in="" any="" way="" that="" physically="" alters="" it.="" sec.="" 635.21="" gear="" operation="" and="" deployment="" restrictions.="" (a)="" all="" atlantic="" hms="" fishing="" gears.="" (1)="" an="" atlantic="" hms="" harvested="" in="" its="" management="" area="" that="" is="" not="" retained="" must="" be="" released="" in="" a="" manner="" that="" will="" ensure="" maximum="" probability="" of="" survival,="" but="" without="" removing="" the="" fish="" from="" the="" water.="" (2)="" if="" a="" billfish="" is="" caught="" by="" a="" hook,="" the="" fish="" must="" be="" released="" by="" cutting="" the="" line="" near="" the="" hook="" or="" by="" using="" a="" dehooking="" device,="" in="" either="" case="" without="" removing="" the="" fish="" from="" the="" water.="" (b)="" general.="" no="" person="" may="" use="" any="" gear="" to="" fish="" for="" atlantic="" hms="" other="" than="" those="" gears="" specifically="" authorized="" in="" this="" part.="" a="" vessel="" using="" or="" having="" on="" board="" in="" the="" atlantic="" ocean="" any="" unauthorized="" gear="" may="" not="" have="" on="" board="" an="" atlantic="" hms.="" (c)="" pelagic="" longlines.="" (1)="" from="" august="" 1,="" 1999,="" through="" november="" 30,="" 1999,="" no="" person="" may="" deploy="" a="" pelagic="" longline="" that="" is="" more="" than="" 24="" nautical="" miles="" (nm)="" (44.5="" km)="" in="" length="" in="" the="" mid-atlantic="" bight.="" (2)="" no="" person="" that="" fishes="" in="" the="" following="" areas="" during="" the="" following="" periods="" and="" has="" a="" pelagic="" longline="" on="" board="" may="" possess="" atlantic="" tunas="" or="" swordfish.="" no="" person="" may="" use="" a="" pelagic="" longline="" in="" the="" following="" areas="" and="" periods:="" (i)="" southeastern="" united="" states="" closed="" area--december="" 1="" through="" march="" 31.="" (ii)="" great="" south="" channel="" closed="" area--march="" 1="" through="" june="" 30.="" (iii)="" cape="" cod="" bay="" closed="" area--february="" 1="" through="" april="" 30.="" (iv)="" florida="" straits="" --july="" 1="" through="" september="" 30.="" (3)="" when="" the="" gear="" being="" fished="" by="" a="" person="" aboard="" a="" vessel="" that="" has="" a="" permit="" for="" atlantic="" hms="" hooks="" or="" entangles="" a="" marine="" mammal="" or="" sea="" turtle,="" the="" operator="" of="" the="" vessel="" must="" immediately="" release="" the="" animal,="" retrieve="" his="" fishing="" gear,="" and="" move="" at="" least="" 1="" nm="" (2="" km)="" from="" the="" location="" of="" the="" incident="" before="" resuming="" fishing.="" reports="" of="" marine="" mammal="" entanglements="" must="" be="" submitted="" to="" nmfs="" consistent="" with="" regulations="" in="" sec.="" 229.6="" of="" this="" title.="" (d)="" authorized="" gear--(1)="" atlantic="" tunas.="" no="" person="" that="" fishes="" for,="" takes,="" retains,="" or="" possesses="" atlantic="" tunas="" may="" have="" on="" board="" or="" use="" any="" gear="" other="" than="" that="" authorized="" for="" the="" category="" for="" which="" the="" atlantic="" tunas="" permit="" has="" been="" issued="" for="" the="" harvesting="" vessel.="" gear="" types="" authorized="" for="" each="" atlantic="" tunas="" permit="" category="" are:="" (i)="" angling.="" rod="" and="" reel="" (including="" downriggers)="" and="" handline.="" (ii)="" charter/headboat.="" rod="" and="" reel="" (including="" downriggers),="" bandit="" gear,="" and="" handline.="" (iii)="" general.="" rod="" and="" reel="" (including="" downriggers),="" handline,="" harpoon,="" and="" bandit="" gear.="" (iv)="" harpoon.="" harpoon.="" (v)="" longline.="" longline.="" (vi)="" purse="" seine.="" purse="" seine.="" (a)="" mesh="" size.="" (1)="" a="" purse="" seine="" used="" in="" directed="" fishing="" for="" bft="" must="" have="" a="" mesh="" size="" equal="" to="" or="" smaller="" than="" 4.5="" inches="" (11.4="" cm)="" in="" the="" main="" body="" (stretched="" when="" wet)="" and="" must="" have="" at="" least="" 24-count="" thread="" throughout="" the="" net.="" (2)="" nmfs="" may="" exempt="" an="" owner="" or="" operator="" from="" the="" mesh="" requirements="" in="" paragraph="" (d)(2)(i)="" of="" this="" section="" if="" the="" exemption="" will="" not="" result="" in="" significant="" injury="" or="" mortality="" to="" bft="" that="" are="" encircled="" by="" the="" net="" but="" manage="" to="" escape.="" (b)="" inspection="" of="" purse="" seine="" vessels.="" persons="" that="" own="" or="" operate="" a="" purse="" seine="" vessel="" conducting="" a="" directed="" fishery="" for="" atlantic="" tunas="" must="" have="" their="" fishing="" gear="" inspected="" for="" mesh="" size="" by="" an="" enforcement="" agent="" of="" nmfs="" prior="" to="" commencing="" fishing="" for="" the="" season="" in="" any="" fishery="" that="" may="" result="" in="" the="" harvest="" of="" atlantic="" tunas.="" such="" persons="" must="" request="" such="" inspection="" at="" least="" 24="" hours="" before="" commencement="" of="" the="" first="" fishing="" trip="" of="" the="" season.="" if="" nmfs="" does="" not="" inspect="" the="" vessel="" within="" 24="" hours="" of="" such="" notification,="" the="" inspection="" requirement="" is="" waived.="" in="" addition,="" at="" least="" 24="" hours="" before="" commencement="" of="" offloading="" any="" bft="" after="" a="" fishing="" trip,="" such="" persons="" must="" request="" an="" inspection="" of="" vessel="" and="" catch="" by="" notifying="" nmfs.="" if="" nmfs="" does="" not="" inspect="" the="" vessel="" at="" offloading,="" the="" inspection="" requirement="" is="" waived.="" (vii)="" trap.="" pound="" net="" and="" fish="" weir.="" trap="" gear="" is="" authorized="" for="" bft="" only.="" (2)="" billfish.="" (i)="" persons="" may="" possess="" a="" billfish="" in="" or="" take="" a="" billfish="" from="" its="" management="" area="" only="" if="" it="" is="" harvested="" by="" rod="" and="" reel.="" regardless="" of="" how="" taken,="" persons="" may="" not="" possess="" a="" billfish="" in="" or="" take="" a="" billfish="" from="" its="" management="" area="" on="" board="" a="" vessel="" using="" or="" having="" on="" board="" a="" pelagic="" longline.="" (ii)="" in="" a="" hook-and-line="" fishery="" for="" billfish,="" persons="" may="" not="" use="" more="" than="" one="" hook="" per="" bait="" or="" lure.="" (3)="" sharks.="" (i)="" no="" person="" may="" possess="" a="" shark="" in="" or="" take="" a="" shark="" from="" its="" management="" area="" by="" any="" gear="" other="" than="" rod="" and="" reel,="" longline,="" or="" driftnet.="" (ii)="" no="" person="" may="" use="" a="" driftnet="" with="" a="" total="" length="" of="" 2.5="" km="" or="" more="" to="" fish="" for="" sharks.="" no="" person="" may="" have="" on="" board="" a="" vessel="" a="" driftnet="" with="" a="" total="" length="" of="" 2.5="" km="" or="" more.="" (iii)="" provisions="" on="" gear="" deployment="" for="" the="" southeast="" u.s.="" shark="" net="" fishery="" to="" implement="" the="" atlantic="" large="" whale="" take="" reduction="" plan="" are="" set="" forth="" in="" sec.="" 229.32="" (f)="" of="" this="" title.="" (4)="" swordfish.="" (i)="" no="" person="" may="" possess="" atlantic="" swordfish="" taken="" by="" any="" gear="" other="" than="" rod="" and="" reel,="" harpoon,="" handline,="" or="" longline="" unless="" he="" or="" she="" possesses="" an="" incidental="" lap="" for="" swordfish.="" a="" swordfish="" from="" its="" management="" area="" may="" not="" be="" taken="" by="" a="" driftnet,="" and="" may="" not="" be="" retained,="" or="" possessed="" by="" a="" vessel="" with="" a="" driftnet="" on="" board.="" (ii)="" a="" swordfish="" will="" be="" deemed="" to="" have="" been="" harvested="" by="" a="" driftnet="" when="" it="" is="" onboard,="" or="" offloaded="" from="" a="" vessel="" using="" or="" having="" onboard="" a="" driftnet.="" (iii)="" a="" swordfish="" will="" be="" deemed="" to="" have="" been="" harvested="" by="" handgear="" when="" it="" is="" onboard,="" or="" offloaded="" from="" a="" vessel="" using="" or="" having="" onboard="" handgear="" if="" such="" vessel="" does="" not="" have="" a="" longline="" on="" board.="" sec.="" 635.22="" recreational="" retention="" limits.="" (a)="" general.="" recreational="" retention="" limits="" apply="" to="" billfish="" taken="" from="" or="" possessed="" in="" the="" management="" area,="" a="" shark="" taken="" from="" or="" possessed="" in="" the="" atlantic="" eez,="" and="" a="" yellowfin="" tuna="" taken="" from="" or="" possessed="" in="" the="" atlantic="" ocean.="" the="" operator="" of="" a="" vessel="" for="" which="" a="" retention="" limit="" applies="" is="" responsible="" for="" the="" vessel="" trip="" limit="" and="" the="" cumulative="" retention="" limit="" based="" on="" the="" number="" of="" persons="" aboard.="" the="" retention="" limits="" apply="" to="" a="" person="" who="" fishes="" in="" any="" manner,="" except="" a="" person="" aboard="" a="" vessel="" that="" has="" on="" board="" the="" commercial="" vessel="" permit="" issued="" under="" [[page="" 3182]]="" sec.="" 635.4="" for="" the="" appropriate="" species/species="" group.="" federal="" recreational="" retention="" limits="" may="" not="" be="" combined="" with="" any="" recreational="" retention="" limit="" applicable="" in="" state="" waters.="" (b)="" billfish.="" one="" white="" marlin,="" blue="" marlin="" or="" sailfish="" may="" be="" retained="" per="" vessel="" per="" trip.="" no="" longbill="" spearfish="" may="" be="" retained.="" nmfs="" may="" decrease="" the="" retention="" limit="" for="" blue="" and/or="" white="" marlin="" to="" zero="" if="" nmfs="" projects="" that="" the="" landings="" limit="" for="" the="" applicable="" species="" will="" be="" reached.="" such="" decrease="" will="" be="" based="" on="" a="" review="" of="" current="" landings="" data,="" and="" any="" other="" relevant="" factors.="" nmfs="" will="" file="" for="" publication="" notification="" of="" any="" decrease="" in="" retention="" limit="" with="" the="" office="" of="" the="" federal="" register="" at="" least="" 3="" calendar="" days="" prior="" to="" the="" decrease="" becoming="" effective.="" (c)="" sharks.="" (1)="" large="" coastal="" sharks,="" prohibited="" sharks,="" small="" coastal="" sharks.="" none="" may="" be="" retained.="" (2)="" pelagic="" shark.="" one="" pelagic="" shark="" per="" vessel="" per="" trip="" may="" be="" retained.="" (d)="" yellowfin="" tuna.="" three="" yellowfin="" tunas="" per="" person="" per="" day="" may="" be="" retained.="" regardless="" of="" the="" length="" of="" a="" trip,="" no="" more="" than="" three="" yellowfin="" tuna="" per="" person="" may="" be="" retained="" on="" board="" a="" vessel.="" sec.="" 635.23="" retention="" limits="" for="" bft.="" the="" retention="" limits="" in="" this="" section="" are="" subject="" to="" the="" quotas="" and="" closure="" provisions="" in="" secs.="" 635.27="" and="" 635.28.="" (a)="" general="" category.="" (1)="" a="" person="" aboard="" a="" vessel="" that="" has="" a="" general="" category="" atlantic="" tunas="" permit="" may="" not="" possess,="" retain,="" land,="" or="" sell="" a="" bft="" in="" the="" school,="" large="" school,="" or="" small="" medium="" size="" class.="" (2)="" on="" an="" rfd,="" a="" person="" aboard="" a="" vessel="" that="" has="" a="" general="" category="" atlantic="" tunas="" permit="" may="" not="" possess,="" retain,="" land,="" or="" sell="" a="" bft="" in="" the="" large="" medium="" or="" giant="" size="" class.="" on="" days="" other="" than="" rfds,="" when="" the="" general="" category="" is="" open,="" one="" large="" medium="" or="" giant="" bft="" may="" be="" caught="" and="" landed="" from="" such="" vessel="" per="" day.="" nmfs="" will="" annually="" publish="" a="" schedule="" of="" rfds="" in="" the="" federal="" register.="" an="" rfd="" applies="" only="" when="" the="" general="" category="" fishery="" is="" open.="" (3)="" regardless="" of="" the="" length="" of="" a="" trip,="" no="" more="" than="" a="" single="" day's="" retention="" limit="" of="" large="" medium="" or="" giant="" bft="" may="" be="" possessed="" or="" retained="" aboard="" a="" vessel="" that="" has="" a="" general="" category="" atlantic="" tunas="" permit.="" on="" days="" other="" than="" rfds,="" when="" the="" general="" category="" is="" open,="" no="" person="" aboard="" such="" vessel="" may="" continue="" to="" fish="" and="" the="" vessel="" must="" immediately="" proceed="" to="" port="" once="" the="" applicable="" limit="" for="" large="" medium="" or="" giant="" bft="" is="" retained.="" (4)="" to="" provide="" for="" maximum="" utilization="" of="" the="" quota="" for="" bft,="" nmfs="" may="" increase="" or="" decrease="" the="" daily="" retention="" limit="" of="" large="" medium="" and="" giant="" bft="" over="" a="" range="" from="" zero="" (on="" rfds)="" to="" a="" maximum="" of="" three="" per="" vessel.="" such="" increase="" or="" decrease="" will="" be="" based="" on="" a="" review="" of="" dealer="" reports,="" daily="" landing="" trends,="" availability="" of="" the="" species="" on="" the="" fishing="" grounds,="" and="" any="" other="" relevant="" factors.="" nmfs="" will="" publish="" notification="" in="" the="" federal="" register="" of="" any="" adjustment="" in="" the="" allowable="" daily="" retention="" limit="" specified="" in="" paragraph="" (b)(2)="" of="" this="" section.="" nmfs="" will="" file="" such="" notification="" at="" the="" office="" of="" the="" federal="" register="" at="" least="" 3="" calendar="" days="" prior="" to="" the="" change="" becoming="" effective.="" (b)="" angling="" category--(1)="" large="" medium="" and="" giant="" bft.="" (i)="" no="" large="" medium="" or="" giant="" bft="" may="" be="" retained,="" possessed,="" landed,="" or="" sold="" in="" the="" gulf="" of="" mexico,="" except="" one="" per="" vessel="" per="" year,="" which="" may="" be="" caught="" incidentally="" to="" fishing="" for="" other="" species.="" (ii)="" one="" per="" vessel="" per="" year="" may="" be="" retained,="" possessed,="" and="" landed="" in="" non-gulf="" of="" mexico="" areas.="" (iii)="" when="" a="" large="" medium="" or="" giant="" bft="" has="" been="" caught="" and="" retained="" under="" paragraph="" (b)(1)="" of="" this="" section,="" no="" person="" aboard="" the="" vessel="" may="" continue="" to="" fish="" and="" the="" vessel="" must="" immediately="" proceed="" to="" port.="" large="" medium="" and="" giant="" bft="" caught="" by="" a="" person="" aboard="" a="" vessel="" with="" an="" angling="" category="" atlantic="" tunas="" permit="" may="" not="" be="" sold="" or="" transferred="" to="" any="" person="" for="" a="" commercial="" purpose.="" the="" owner="" or="" operator="" of="" the="" vessel="" must="" report="" the="" large="" medium="" or="" giant="" bft="" via="" the="" automated="" catch="" reporting="" system="" by="" telephone="" within="" 24="" hours="" of="" landing.="" (2)="" school,="" large="" school,="" or="" small="" medium="" bft.="" one="" per="" vessel="" per="" day="" may="" be="" retained,="" possessed,="" or="" landed.="" regardless="" of="" the="" length="" of="" a="" trip,="" no="" more="" than="" a="" single="" day's="" allowable="" catch="" of="" school,="" large="" school,="" or="" small="" medium="" bft="" may="" be="" possessed="" or="" retained="" aboard="" a="" vessel="" that="" has="" an="" angling="" category="" atlantic="" tunas="" permit.="" (3)="" changes="" to="" retention="" limits.="" to="" provide="" for="" maximum="" utilization="" of="" the="" quota="" for="" bft="" spread="" over="" the="" longest="" period="" of="" time,="" nmfs="" may="" increase="" or="" decrease="" the="" retention="" limit="" for="" any="" size="" class="" bft="" or="" change="" a="" vessel="" trip="" limit="" to="" an="" angler="" limit="" and="" vice="" versa.="" such="" increase="" or="" decrease="" will="" be="" based="" on="" a="" review="" of="" daily="" landing="" trends,="" availability="" of="" the="" species="" on="" the="" fishing="" grounds,="" and="" any="" other="" relevant="" factors.="" nmfs="" will="" file="" such="" notification="" at="" the="" office="" of="" the="" federal="" register="" at="" least="" 3="" calendar="" days="" prior="" to="" the="" change="" becoming="" effective.="" (c)="" hms="" charter/headboat.="" (1)="" when="" fishing="" in="" the="" gulf="" of="" mexico,="" the="" restrictions="" applicable="" to="" the="" angling="" category="" specified="" in="" paragraphs="" (b)(1)="" and="" (2)="" of="" this="" section="" apply="" to="" a="" vessel="" that="" has="" an="" hms="" charter/headboat="" permit.="" (2)="" when="" fishing="" other="" than="" in="" the="" gulf="" of="" mexico="" when="" the="" fishery="" for="" the="" general="" category="" is="" closed,="" the="" restrictions="" applicable="" to="" the="" angling="" category="" specified="" in="" paragraphs="" (b)(1)="" through="" (3)="" of="" this="" section="" apply="" on="" a="" vessel="" that="" has="" an="" hms="" charter/headboat="" permit.="" (3)="" when="" fishing="" other="" than="" in="" the="" gulf="" of="" mexico="" and="" when="" the="" fishery="" under="" the="" general="" category="" has="" not="" been="" closed="" under="" sec.="" 635.28,="" a="" person="" aboard="" a="" vessel="" that="" has="" an="" hms="" charter/headboat="" permit="" may="" fish="" under="" either="" the="" retention="" limits="" applicable="" to="" the="" general="" category="" specified="" in="" paragraphs="" (a)(2)="" and="" (3)="" of="" this="" section="" or="" the="" retention="" limits="" applicable="" to="" the="" angling="" category="" specified="" in="" paragraphs="" (b)(2)="" and="" (3)="" of="" this="" section.="" the="" size="" category="" of="" the="" first="" bft="" retained="" will="" determine="" the="" fishing="" category="" applicable="" to="" the="" vessel="" that="" day.="" (d)="" harpoon="" category.="" a="" vessel="" that="" has="" a="" harpoon="" category="" atlantic="" tunas="" permit="" may="" retain,="" possess,="" or="" land="" multiple="" giant="" bfts="" per="" day,="" but="" only="" one="" large="" medium="" bft="" per="" vessel="" per="" day="" may="" be="" retained,="" possessed,="" or="" landed.="" (e)="" purse="" seine="" category.="" persons="" that="" own="" or="" operate="" a="" vessel="" that="" has="" a="" purse="" seine="" category="" atlantic="" tunas="" permit,="" (1)="" may="" retain,="" possess,="" land,="" or="" sell="" large="" medium="" bft="" in="" amounts="" not="" exceeding="" 15="" percent,="" by="" weight,="" of="" the="" giant="" bft="" landed="" on="" that="" trip,="" provided="" that="" the="" total="" amount="" of="" large="" medium="" bft="" landed="" by="" that="" vessel="" during="" the="" fishing="" year="" does="" not="" exceed="" 10="" percent,="" by="" weight,="" of="" the="" total="" amount="" of="" giant="" bft="" allocated="" to="" that="" vessel="" for="" that="" fishing="" year.="" (2)="" may="" retain,="" possess="" or="" land="" bft="" smaller="" than="" the="" large="" medium="" size="" class="" that="" are="" taken="" incidentally="" when="" fishing="" for="" skipjack="" tuna="" or="" yellowfin="" tuna="" in="" an="" amount="" not="" exceeding="" 1="" percent,="" by="" weight,="" of="" the="" skipjack="" tuna="" and="" yellowfin="" tuna="" landed="" on="" that="" trip.="" landings="" of="" bft="" smaller="" than="" the="" large="" medium="" size="" class="" may="" not="" be="" sold="" and="" are="" counted="" against="" the="" purse="" seine="" category="" bft="" quota="" allocated="" to="" that="" vessel.="" (f)="" longline="" category.="" an="" owner="" or="" operator="" of="" a="" vessel="" that="" has="" a="" longline="" category="" atlantic="" tunas="" permit="" may="" retain,="" possess,="" land,="" or="" sell="" large="" medium="" and="" giant="" bft="" taken="" incidentally="" in="" fishing="" for="" other="" species.="" limits="" on="" such="" retention/possession/landing/sale="" are="" as="" follows:="" [[page="" 3183]]="" (1)="" for="" landings="" south="" of="" 34="" deg.00'="" n.="" lat.,="" one="" large="" medium="" or="" giant="" bft="" per="" vessel="" per="" trip="" may="" be="" landed,="" provided="" that="" for="" the="" months="" of="" january="" through="" april="" at="" least="" 1,500="" lb="" (680="" kg),="" and="" for="" the="" months="" of="" may="" through="" december="" at="" least="" 3,500="" lb="" (1,588="" kg),="" either="" dw="" or="" round="" weight,="" of="" species="" other="" than="" bft="" are="" legally="" caught,="" retained,="" and="" offloaded="" from="" the="" same="" trip="" and="" are="" recorded="" on="" the="" dealer="" weighout="" slip="" as="" sold.="" (2)="" for="" landings="" north="" of="" 34="" deg.00'="" n.="" lat.,="" landings="" per="" vessel="" per="" trip="" of="" large="" medium="" and="" giant="" bft="" may="" not="" exceed="" 2="" percent="" by="" weight,="" either="" dw="" or="" round="" weight,="" of="" all="" other="" fish="" legally="" caught,="" retained,="" and="" offloaded="" from="" the="" same="" trip="" and="" which="" are="" recorded="" on="" the="" dealer="" weighout="" slip="" as="" sold.="" (g)="" trap="" category.="" persons="" that="" own="" or="" operate="" a="" vessel="" that="" has="" a="" trap="" category="" atlantic="" tunas="" permit="" may="" retain,="" possess,="" land,="" and="" sell="" each="" fishing="" year="" only="" one="" large="" medium="" or="" giant="" bft="" that="" is="" taken="" incidentally="" while="" fishing="" for="" other="" species="" with="" a="" pound="" net="" or="" fish="" weir.="" sec.="" 635.24="" commercial="" retention="" limits="" for="" sharks="" and="" swordfish.="" the="" retention="" limits="" in="" this="" section="" are="" subject="" to="" the="" quotas="" and="" closure="" provisions="" in="" secs.="" 635.27="" and="" 635.28.="" (a)="" sharks.="" (1)="" persons="" that="" own="" or="" operate="" a="" vessel="" that="" has="" a="" directed="" ilap="" or="" lap="" for="" shark="" issued="" pursuant="" to="" sec.="" 635.16="" may="" retain,="" possess="" or="" land="" no="" more="" than="" 4,000="" lb="" (1,814="" kg),="" dw,="" of="" lcs="" per="" trip.="" (2)="" persons="" that="" own="" or="" operate="" a="" vessel="" that="" has="" an="" incidental="" catch="" ilap="" or="" lap="" for="" sharks="" may="" retain,="" possess="" or="" land="" no="" more="" than="" five="" lcs="" and="" 16="" scs="" and="" pelagic="" sharks,="" combined,="" per="" trip.="" (b)="" swordfish.="" persons="" that="" own="" or="" operate="" a="" vessel="" that="" has="" an="" incidental="" catch="" permit="" for="" swordfish="" may="" retain,="" possess,="" or="" land="" no="" more="" than="" two="" swordfish="" per="" trip="" in="" or="" from="" the="" atlantic="" ocean="" north="" of="" 5="" deg.="" n.="" lat.="" or="" landed="" in="" an="" atlantic="" coastal="" state,="" except="" persons="" that="" own="" or="" operate="" a="" vessel="" in="" the="" squid="" trawl="" fishery="" that="" has="" such="" permit="" may="" retain,="" possess,="" or="" land="" no="" more="" than="" five="" swordfish="" per="" trip="" in="" or="" from="" the="" atlantic="" ocean="" north="" of="" 5="" deg.="" n.="" lat.="" or="" landed="" in="" an="" atlantic="" coastal="" state.="" a="" vessel="" is="" considered="" to="" be="" in="" the="" squid="" trawl="" fishery="" when="" it="" has="" no="" commercial="" fishing="" gear="" other="" than="" trawls="" on="" board="" and="" squid="" constitute="" not="" less="" than="" 75="" percent="" by="" weight="" of="" the="" total="" fish="" on="" board="" or="" offloaded="" from="" the="" vessel.="" sec.="" 635.26="" catch="" and="" release.="" (a)="" bft.="" (1)="" notwithstanding="" other="" provisions="" of="" this="" part,="" an="" angler="" may="" fish="" for="" bft="" under="" a="" tag="" and="" release="" program,="" provided="" the="" angler="" tags="" all="" bft="" so="" caught="" with="" conventional="" tags="" issued="" or="" approved="" by="" nmfs,="" returns="" such="" fish="" to="" the="" sea="" immediately="" after="" tagging="" with="" a="" minimum="" of="" injury,="" and="" reports="" the="" catching="" of="" the="" tagged="" bft.="" if="" nmfs-="" issued="" or="" nmfs-approved="" conventional="" tags="" are="" not="" on="" board="" a="" vessel,="" all="" anglers="" aboard="" that="" vessel="" are="" ineligible="" to="" fish="" under="" the="" tag="" and="" release="" program.="" (2)="" persons="" may="" obtain="" nmfs-issued="" conventional="" tags,="" reporting="" cards,="" and="" detailed="" instructions="" for="" their="" use="" from="" the="" nmfs="" cooperative="" tagging="" center.="" persons="" may="" use="" a="" conventional="" tag="" obtained="" from="" a="" source="" other="" than="" nmfs="" to="" tag="" bft,="" provided="" the="" use="" of="" such="" tags="" is="" registered="" each="" year="" with="" the="" cooperative="" tagging="" center="" and="" the="" nmfs="" program="" manager="" has="" approved="" the="" use="" of="" a="" conventional="" tag="" from="" that="" source.="" an="" angler="" using="" an="" alternative="" source="" of="" tags="" wishing="" to="" tag="" bft="" may="" contact="" the="" nmfs="" cooperative="" tagging="" center="" at="" the="" southeast="" fishery="" science="" center.="" (3)="" an="" angler="" registering="" for="" the="" hms="" tagging="" program="" is="" required="" to="" provide="" his="" or="" her="" name,="" address,="" phone="" number="" and,="" if="" applicable,="" the="" identity="" of="" the="" alternate="" source="" of="" tags.="" (b)="" sharks.="" notwithstanding="" other="" provisions="" of="" this="" part,="" a="" person="" may="" fish="" for="" white="" sharks="" (carcharodon="" carcharias),="" blue="" sharks="" (prionace="" glauca),="" or="" atlantic="" sharpnose="" sharks="" (rhizoprionodon="" terraenovae)="" with="" rod="" and="" reel="" under="" a="" catch="" and="" release="" program,="" provided="" the="" person="" tags="" and="" releases="" such="" fish="" to="" the="" sea="" immediately="" with="" a="" minimum="" of="" injury.="" sec.="" 635.27="" quotas.="" (a)="" bft.="" consistent="" with="" iccat="" recommendations,="" nmfs="" has="" divided="" the="" fishing="" year's="" total="" amount="" of="" bft="" that="" may="" be="" caught,="" retained,="" possessed,="" or="" landed="" by="" persons="" and="" vessels="" subject="" to="" u.s.="" jurisdiction="" among="" the="" general,="" angling,="" harpoon,="" purse="" seine,="" longline,="" and="" trap="" categories="" of="" atlantic="" tunas="" permits="" and="" the="" hms="" charter/headboat="" permit="" holders.="" allocations="" of="" quota="" are="" according="" to="" the="" following="" percentages:="" general="" -="" 47.1="" percent;="" angling="" -="" 19.7="" percent,="" which="" includes="" the="" school="" bft="" held="" in="" reserve="" as="" described="" under="" paragraph="" (a)(7)(ii)="" of="" this="" section;="" harpoon="" -="" 3.9="" percent;="" purse="" seine="" -="" 18.6="" percent="" or="" 250="" mt,="" whichever="" is="" less;="" longline="" -="" 8.1="" percent;="" and="" trap="" -="" 0.1="" percent.="" in="" addition,="" nmfs="" is="" holding="" in="" reserve="" 2.5="" percent="" of="" the="" quota="" of="" bft="" for="" inseason="" adjustments,="" to="" compensate="" for="" overharvest="" in="" any="" category="" other="" than="" the="" angling="" category="" school="" bft="" subquota="" or="" for="" fishery="" independent="" research.="" nmfs="" may="" apportion="" a="" quota="" allocated="" to="" any="" category="" to="" specified="" fishing="" periods="" or="" to="" geographic="" areas.="" bft="" quotas="" are="" specified="" in="" whole="" weight.="" (1)="" general="" category="" quota.="" (i)="" catches="" from="" vessels="" for="" which="" general="" category="" atlantic="" tunas="" permits="" have="" been="" issued="" and="" certain="" catches="" from="" vessels="" for="" which="" an="" hms="" charter/headboat="" permit="" has="" been="" issued="" are="" counted="" against="" the="" general="" category="" quota.="" see="" sec.="" 635.23(c)(3)="" regarding="" catches="" by="" vessels="" with="" an="" hms="" charter/="" headboat="" permit="" that="" are="" counted="" against="" the="" general="" category="" quota.="" the="" total="" amount="" of="" large="" medium="" and="" giant="" bft="" that="" may="" be="" caught,="" retained,="" possessed,="" landed,="" or="" sold="" under="" the="" general="" category="" quota="" is="" 47.1="" percent="" of="" the="" overall="" u.s.="" quota,="" available="" for="" periods="" as="" follows:="" (a)="" june="" 1="" through="" august="" 31--60="" percent;="" (b)="" september="" 1="" through="" september="" 30--30="" percent;="" and="" (c)="" october="" 1="" through="" may="" 31--10="" percent.="" (ii)="" nmfs="" will="" adjust="" each="" period's="" quota="" based="" on="" overharvest="" or="" underharvest="" in="" the="" prior="" period.="" (iii)="" when="" the="" remainder="" of="" the="" fishing="" year's="" quota="" is="" projected="" to="" be="" 10="" mt,="" nmfs="" will="" file="" a="" notification="" at="" the="" office="" of="" the="" federal="" register="" that="" sets="" aside="" the="" remaining="" quota="" for="" an="" area="" comprising="" the="" waters="" north="" of="" 38="" deg.47'="" n.="" lat.="" and="" south="" and="" west="" of="" a="" straight="" line="" originating="" at="" a="" point="" on="" the="" southern="" shore="" of="" long="" island="" at="" 72="" deg.27'="" w.="" long.="" (shinnecock="" inlet)="" and="" running="" south-southeast="" 150="" degrees="" true.="" the="" daily="" catch="" limit="" for="" this="" set-aside="" area="" will="" be="" one="" large="" medium="" or="" giant="" bft="" per="" vessel="" per="" day.="" upon="" the="" effective="" date="" of="" the="" set-aside,="" fishing="" for,="" possessing,="" retaining,="" or="" landing="" large="" medium="" or="" giant="" bft="" must="" cease="" in="" all="" waters="" outside="" the="" set-aside="" area.="" (iv)="" the="" remainder="" of="" each="" preceding="" category="" may="" be="" caught,="" retained,="" possessed,="" and="" landed="" north="" of="" 38="" deg.="" 47'="" n.="" lat.="" (2)="" angling="" category="" quota.="" the="" total="" amount="" of="" bft="" that="" may="" be="" caught,="" retained,="" possessed,="" and="" landed="" by="" anglers="" aboard="" vessels="" for="" which="" angling="" category="" atlantic="" tunas="" permit="" or="" an="" hms="" charter/headboat="" permit="" have="" been="" issued="" is="" 19.7="" percent="" of="" the="" overall="" u.s.="" bft="" quota.="" no="" more="" than="" 2.3="" percent="" of="" the="" angling="" category="" quota="" may="" be="" large="" medium="" or="" giant="" bft="" and="" no="" more="" than="" 8="" percent="" of="" the="" overall="" u.s.="" bft="" quota="" may="" be="" school="" bft.="" the="" angling="" category="" includes="" the="" school="" bft="" held="" in="" reserve="" described="" under="" paragraph="" (a)(7)(ii)="" of="" this="" section.="" [[page="" 3184]]="" the="" size="" class="" subquotas="" for="" bft="" are="" further="" subdivided="" as="" follows:="" (i)="" under="" paragraph="" (a)(7)(ii)="" of="" this="" section,="" 47.2="" percent="" of="" the="" school="" bft="" angling="" category="" quota,="" minus="" the="" school="" bft="" quota="" held="" in="" reserve="" may="" be="" caught,="" retained,="" possessed,="" or="" landed="" south="" of="" 38="" deg.="" 47'="" n.="" lat.="" (ii)="" 47.2="" percent="" of="" the="" large="" school/small="" medium="" bft="" angling="" category="" quota,="" may="" be="" caught,="" retained,="" possessed,="" or="" landed="" south="" of="" 38="" deg.="" 47'="" n.="" lat.="" (iii)="" 66.7="" percent="" of="" the="" large="" medium="" and="" giant="" bft="" angling="" category="" quota="" may="" be="" caught,="" retained,="" possessed,="" or="" landed="" south="" of="" 38="" deg.="" 47'="" n.="" lat.="" (3)="" longline="" category="" quota.="" the="" total="" amount="" of="" large="" medium="" and="" giant="" bft="" that="" may="" be="" caught="" incidentally="" and="" retained,="" possessed,="" or="" landed="" by="" vessels="" for="" which="" longline="" category="" atlantic="" tunas="" permits="" have="" been="" issued="" is="" 8.1="" percent="" of="" the="" overall="" u.s.="" quota.="" no="" more="" than="" 78.9="" percent="" of="" the="" longline="" category="" quota="" may="" be="" caught,="" retained,="" possessed,="" or="" landed="" in="" the="" area="" south="" of="" 34="" deg.00'="" n.="" lat.="" (4)="" purse="" seine="" category="" quota.="" (i)="" the="" total="" amount="" of="" large="" medium="" and="" giant="" bft="" that="" may="" be="" caught,="" retained,="" possessed,="" or="" landed="" by="" vessels="" for="" which="" purse="" seine="" category="" atlantic="" tunas="" permits="" have="" been="" issued="" is="" 18.6="" percent="" of="" the="" overall="" u.s.="" quota="" or="" 250="" mt,="" whichever="" is="" less.="" the="" purse="" seine="" fishery="" under="" this="" quota="" commences="" on="" august="" 15="" each="" year.="" (ii)="" an="" owner="" or="" operator="" of="" a="" vessel="" for="" which="" a="" purse="" seine="" category="" atlantic="" tunas="" permit="" has="" been="" issued="" must="" apply="" in="" writing="" to="" nmfs="" for="" an="" allocation="" of="" bft="" from="" the="" purse="" seine="" category="" quota.="" the="" application="" must="" be="" postmarked="" no="" later="" than="" april="" 15="" for="" an="" allocation="" of="" the="" quota="" that="" becomes="" available="" on="" august="" 15.="" (iii)="" on="" or="" about="" may="" 1,="" nmfs="" will="" make="" equal="" allocations="" of="" the="" available="" size="" classes="" of="" bft="" among="" purse="" seine="" vessel="" owners="" so="" requesting.="" such="" allocations="" are="" freely="" transferable,="" in="" whole="" or="" in="" part,="" among="" vessels="" that="" have="" purse="" seine="" category="" atlantic="" tunas="" permits.="" an="" owner="" of="" a="" purse="" seine="" vessel="" intending="" to="" fish="" for="" more="" than="" one="" allocation="" in="" any="" fishing="" season="" must="" provide="" written="" notice="" of="" such="" intent="" to="" nmfs="" 15="" days="" before="" commencing="" fishing.="" an="" owner="" of="" a="" purse="" seine="" vessel="" who="" transfers="" his="" or="" her="" allocation="" to="" another="" purse="" seine="" vessel="" may="" not="" use="" his="" or="" her="" vessel="" in="" any="" fishery="" in="" which="" bft="" might="" be="" caught="" for="" the="" remainder="" of="" the="" fishing="" year="" after="" his="" or="" her="" allocation="" is="" transferred.="" (iv)="" an="" owner="" of="" a="" vessel="" for="" which="" a="" purse="" seine="" category="" atlantic="" tunas="" permit="" has="" been="" issued="" may="" apply="" to="" nmfs="" to="" permanently="" consolidate="" purse="" seine="" category="" vessel="" permits="" issued="" under="" sec.="" 635.4.="" upon="" written="" approval="" of="" consolidation="" by="" nmfs,="" the="" purse="" seine="" category="" atlantic="" tunas="" permit="" of="" a="" transferring="" vessel="" will="" be="" canceled,="" and="" the="" receiving="" owner="" may="" apply="" for="" allocations="" of="" bft="" commensurate="" with="" the="" number="" of="" consolidated="" permits.="" an="" owner="" of="" a="" purse="" seine="" vessel="" whose="" permit="" is="" canceled="" through="" consolidation="" may="" not="" use="" his="" or="" her="" vessel="" in="" any="" fishery="" in="" which="" bft="" might="" be="" caught.="" (5)="" harpoon="" category="" quota.="" the="" total="" amount="" of="" large="" medium="" and="" giant="" bft="" that="" may="" be="" caught,="" retained,="" possessed,="" landed,="" or="" sold="" by="" vessels="" for="" which="" harpoon="" category="" atlantic="" tunas="" permits="" have="" been="" issued="" is="" 3.9="" percent="" of="" the="" overall="" u.s.="" quota.="" (6)="" trap="" category="" quota.="" the="" total="" amount="" of="" large="" medium="" and="" giant="" bft="" that="" may="" be="" caught,="" retained,="" possessed,="" or="" landed="" by="" vessels="" for="" which="" trap="" category="" atlantic="" tunas="" permits="" have="" been="" issued="" is="" 0.1="" percent="" of="" the="" overall="" u.s.="" bft="" quota.="" (7)="" reserve.="" (i)="" the="" total="" amount="" of="" bft="" that="" is="" held="" in="" reserve="" for="" inseason="" adjustments="" and="" fishery-independent="" research="" using="" quotas="" or="" subquotas="" other="" than="" the="" angling="" category="" school="" bft="" subquota,="" is="" 2.5="" percent="" of="" the="" overall="" u.s.="" bft="" quota.="" nmfs="" may="" allocate="" any="" portion="" of="" this="" reserve="" for="" inseason="" adjustments="" to="" any="" category="" quota="" in="" the="" fishery,="" other="" than="" the="" angling="" category="" school="" bft="" subquota.="" (ii)="" the="" total="" amount="" of="" school="" bft="" that="" is="" held="" in="" reserve="" for="" inseason="" adjustments="" and="" fishery="" independent="" research="" is="" 18.5="" percent="" of="" the="" total="" school="" bft="" quota="" for="" the="" angling="" category="" as="" described="" under="" paragraph="" (a)(2)="" of="" this="" section;="" which="" is="" in="" addition="" to="" the="" amounts="" specified="" in="" paragraph="" (a)(7)(i)="" of="" this="" section.="" nmfs="" may="" allocate="" any="" portion="" of="" the="" school="" bft="" held="" in="" reserve="" for="" inseason="" adjustments="" to="" the="" angling="" category.="" (iii)="" nmfs="" will="" file="" notification="" of="" any="" inseason="" adjustment="" at="" the="" office="" of="" the="" federal="" register="" before="" such="" allocation="" is="" to="" become="" effective.="" before="" making="" any="" such="" adjustment,="" nmfs="" will="" consider="" the="" following="" factors:="" (a)="" the="" usefulness="" of="" information="" obtained="" from="" catches="" in="" the="" particular="" category="" for="" biological="" sampling="" and="" monitoring="" of="" the="" status="" of="" the="" stock.="" (b)="" the="" catches="" of="" the="" particular="" category="" quota="" to="" date="" and="" the="" likelihood="" of="" closure="" of="" that="" segment="" of="" the="" fishery="" if="" no="" allocation="" is="" made.="" (c)="" the="" projected="" ability="" of="" the="" vessels="" fishing="" under="" the="" particular="" category="" quota="" to="" harvest="" the="" additional="" amount="" of="" bft="" before="" the="" end="" of="" the="" fishing="" year.="" (d)="" the="" estimated="" amounts="" by="" which="" quotas="" for="" other="" gear="" categories="" of="" the="" fishery="" might="" be="" exceeded.="" (e)="" effects="" of="" the="" transfer="" on="" bft="" rebuilding="" and="" overfishing.="" (f)="" effects="" of="" the="" transfer="" on="" accomplishing="" the="" objectives="" of="" the="" fishery="" management="" plan="" for="" atlantic="" tunas,="" swordfish,="" and="" sharks.="" (8)="" inseason="" adjustments.="" within="" a="" fishing="" year,="" nmfs="" may="" transfer="" quotas="" among="" categories="" or,="" as="" appropriate,="" subcategories.="" if="" it="" is="" determined,="" based="" on="" the="" factors="" in="" paragraphs="" (a)(7)(iii)(a)="" through="" (f)="" of="" this="" section="" and="" the="" probability="" of="" exceeding="" the="" total="" quota,="" that="" vessels="" fishing="" under="" any="" category="" or="" subcategory="" quota="" are="" not="" likely="" to="" take="" that="" quota,="" nmfs="" may="" transfer="" inseason="" any="" portion="" of="" the="" remaining="" quota="" of="" that="" fishing="" category="" to="" any="" other="" fishing="" category="" or="" to="" the="" reserve="" as="" specified="" in="" paragraphs="" (a)(7)(i)="" and="" (ii)="" of="" this="" section.="" nmfs="" will="" file="" a="" notification="" of="" any="" inseason="" adjustment="" with="" the="" office="" of="" the="" federal="" register="" before="" such="" transfer="" is="" to="" become="" effective.="" (9)="" annual="" adjustments.="" if="" nmfs="" determines,="" based="" on="" landings="" statistics="" and="" other="" available="" information,="" that="" a="" bft="" quota="" in="" any="" category,="" or,="" as="" appropriate,="" subcategory,="" has="" been="" exceeded="" or="" has="" not="" been="" reached,="" nmfs="" may="" subtract="" the="" overharvest="" from,="" or="" add="" the="" underharvest="" to,="" that="" quota="" category="" for="" the="" following="" fishing="" year,="" provided="" that="" the="" total="" of="" the="" adjusted="" quotas="" and="" the="" reserve="" is="" consistent="" with="" a="" recommendation="" of="" iccat="" regarding="" country="" quotas.="" nmfs="" will="" file="" at="" the="" office="" of="" the="" federal="" register="" a="" notice="" of="" the="" amount="" to="" be="" subtracted="" or="" added="" and="" the="" basis="" for="" the="" quota="" reductions="" or="" increases.="" (b)="" shark--(1)="" commercial="" quotas.="" the="" commercial="" quotas="" for="" shark="" specified="" in="" paragraphs="" (b)(1)(i)="" through="" (iv)="" of="" this="" section="" apply="" to="" persons="" fishing="" aboard="" vessels="" for="" which="" commercial="" federal="" vessel="" permits="" for="" shark="" have="" been="" issued="" under="" sec.="" 635.4="" and="" to="" persons="" who="" sell="" shark="" harvested="" solely="" from="" state="" waters.="" commercial="" quotas="" are="" specified="" for="" each="" of="" the="" categories="" of="" large="" coastal="" shark,="" small="" coastal="" shark,="" and="" pelagic="" shark.="" (i)="" large="" coastal="" sharks.="" the="" annual="" commercial="" quota="" for="" large="" coastal="" sharks="" is="" 860="" mt="" dw,="" apportioned="" between="" ridgeback="" and="" non-="" ridgeback="" shark="" and="" divided="" between="" two="" semiannual="" fishing="" seasons,="" january="" 1="" through="" june="" 30,="" and="" july="" 1="" through="" december="" 31.="" the="" length="" of="" each="" season="" will="" be="" determined="" based="" on="" the="" projected="" catch="" rates,="" available="" quota,="" [[page="" 3185]]="" and="" other="" relevant="" factors.="" nmfs="" will="" file="" a="" notice="" of="" each="" season's="" length="" at="" the="" office="" of="" the="" federal="" register="" in="" a="" timely="" manner.="" the="" quotas="" for="" each="" fishing="" season="" (unless="" otherwise="" specified="" in="" the="" federal="" register)="" are="" as="" follows:="" (a)="" ridgeback="" shark--321="" mt="" dw.="" (b)="" non-ridgeback="" shark--109="" mt="" dw.="" (ii)="" small="" coastal="" shark.="" the="" annual="" commercial="" quota="" for="" small="" coastal="" shark="" is="" 359="" mt="" dw,="" divided="" between="" two="" equal="" semiannual="" periods,="" january="" 1="" through="" june="" 30,="" and="" july="" 1="" through="" december="" 31.="" the="" quota="" for="" each="" semiannual="" period="" is="" 179.5="" mt,="" dw.="" (iii)="" pelagic="" sharks.="" the="" annual="" commercial="" quotas="" for="" pelagic="" sharks="" are="" 30="" mt="" dw="" for="" porbeagle="" sharks="" and="" 550="" mt="" dw="" for="" all="" other="" pelagic="" sharks="" (unless="" otherwise="" specified="" in="" the="" federal="" register).="" these="" quotas="" are="" divided="" between="" two="" equal="" semiannual="" periods,="" january="" 1="" through="" june="" 30,="" and="" july="" 1="" through="" december="" 31.="" the="" quotas="" for="" each="" semiannual="" period="" are="" as="" follows:="" (a)="" porbeagle="" sharks--15="" mt="" dw.="" (b)="" pelagic="" sharks,="" other="" than="" porbeagle="" sharks--225="" mt="" dw.="" (iv)="" annual="" adjustments.="" (a)="" nmfs="" will="" adjust="" the="" next="" year's="" semiannual="" quotas="" for="" large="" coastal,="" small="" coastal,="" and="" pelagic="" sharks="" to="" reflect="" actual="" catches="" during="" any="" semiannual="" period.="" for="" example,="" a="" commercial="" quota="" underage="" or="" overage="" in="" the="" season="" that="" begins="" january="" 1="" will="" result="" in="" an="" equivalent="" increase="" or="" decrease="" in="" the="" following="" year's="" quota="" for="" that="" season,="" provided="" that="" the="" annual="" quotas="" are="" not="" exceeded.="" nmfs="" will="" file="" a="" notice="" of="" any="" adjustment="" at="" the="" office="" of="" the="" federal="" register.="" (b)="" the="" annual="" quota="" for="" dead="" discards="" of="" blue="" shark,="" which="" is="" a="" prohibited="" shark,="" is="" 545="" mt="" whole="" weight="" (273="" mt="" dw).="" nmfs="" will="" reduce="" the="" annual="" commercial="" quota="" for="" pelagic="" shark="" for="" the="" next="" fishing="" year="" by="" the="" amount="" that="" this="" quota="" is="" exceeded.="" (c)="" sharks="" taken="" or="" discarded="" dead="" are="" counted="" against="" the="" applicable="" directed="" fishery="" quota.="" sharks="" taken="" and="" landed="" from="" state="" waters="" are="" counted="" against="" the="" applicable="" directed="" fishery="" quota.="" (v)="" public="" display="" quota.="" the="" annual="" quota="" for="" persons="" who="" collect="" sharks="" under="" an="" efp="" is="" 60="" mt="" whole="" weight="" (43="" mt="" dw).="" (2)="" [reserved]="" (c)="" swordfish.="" (1)="" consistent="" with="" iccat="" recommendations,="" the="" fishing="" year's="" total="" amount="" of="" swordfish="" that="" may="" be="" caught,="" retained,="" possessed,="" or="" landed="" by="" persons="" and="" vessels="" subject="" to="" u.s.="" jurisdiction="" is="" divided="" into="" quotas="" for="" the="" north="" atlantic="" swordfish="" stock="" and="" the="" south="" atlantic="" swordfish="" stock.="" the="" quota="" for="" the="" north="" atlantic="" swordfish="" stock="" is="" further="" divided="" into="" semi-annual="" directed="" fishery="" quotas="" and="" an="" incidental="" catch="" quota="" for="" fishermen="" targeting="" other="" species.="" a="" swordfish="" from="" the="" north="" atlantic="" swordfish="" stock="" landed="" before="" the="" effective="" date="" of="" a="" closure="" of="" the="" directed="" fishery="" by="" a="" vessel="" for="" which="" a="" directed="" fishery="" permit="" or="" a="" handgear="" permit="" for="" swordfish="" has="" been="" issued="" is="" counted="" against="" the="" directed="" fishery="" quota.="" a="" swordfish="" from="" the="" north="" atlantic="" swordfish="" stock="" landed="" by="" a="" vessel="" for="" which="" an="" incidental="" catch="" permit="" for="" swordfish="" has="" been="" issued,="" landed="" consequent="" to="" recreational="" fishing,="" or="" landed="" after="" the="" effective="" date="" of="" a="" closure="" of="" the="" directed="" fishery="" from="" a="" vessel="" for="" which="" a="" directed="" fishery="" permit="" or="" a="" handgear="" permit="" for="" swordfish="" has="" been="" issued="" is="" counted="" against="" the="" incidental="" catch="" quota.="" the="" entire="" quota="" for="" the="" south="" atlantic="" swordfish="" stock="" is="" reserved="" for="" longline="" vessels="" for="" which="" a="" directed="" fishery="" permit="" for="" swordfish="" has="" been="" issued;="" retention="" of="" swordfish="" caught="" incidental="" to="" other="" fishing="" activities="" is="" prohibited="" in="" the="" atlantic="" ocean="" south="" of="" 5="" deg.="" n.="" lat.="" (i)="" north="" atlantic="" swordfish="" stock.="" (a)="" the="" annual="" directed="" fishery="" quota="" for="" the="" north="" atlantic="" swordfish="" stock="" is="" 2073.4="" mt="" dw,="" divided="" into="" two="" equal="" semiannual="" quotas="" of="" 1036.6="" mt="" dw,="" one="" for="" the="" period="" june="" 1="" through="" november="" 30,="" and="" the="" other="" for="" the="" period="" december="" 1="" through="" may="" 31="" of="" the="" following="" year.="" (b)="" the="" annual="" incidental="" catch="" quota="" for="" the="" north="" atlantic="" swordfish="" stock="" is="" 300="" mt="" dw.="" (ii)="" south="" atlantic="" swordfish="" stock.="" the="" annual="" directed="" fishery="" quota="" for="" the="" south="" atlantic="" swordfish="" stock="" is="" 289="" mt="" dw.="" incidental="" harvest="" of="" swordfish="" is="" prohibited="" in="" the="" atlantic="" ocean="" south="" of="" 5="" deg.="" n.="" lat.="" (2)="" inseason="" adjustments.="" (i)="" nmfs="" may="" adjust="" the="" december="" 1="" through="" may="" 31="" semiannual="" directed="" fishery="" quota="" to="" reflect="" actual="" catches="" during="" the="" june="" 1="" through="" november="" 30="" semiannual="" period,="" provided="" that="" the="" fishing="" year's="" directed="" fishery="" quota="" is="" not="" exceeded.="" (ii)="" if="" nmfs="" determines="" that="" the="" annual="" incidental="" catch="" quota="" will="" not="" be="" taken="" before="" the="" end="" of="" the="" fishing="" year,="" the="" excess="" quota="" may="" be="" allocated="" to="" the="" directed="" fishery="" quota.="" (iii)="" if="" nmfs="" determines="" that="" it="" is="" necessary="" to="" close="" the="" directed="" swordfish="" fishery="" prior="" to="" the="" scheduled="" end="" of="" a="" semi-annual="" season,="" any="" estimated="" overharvest="" or="" underharvest="" of="" the="" directed="" fishery="" quota="" for="" that="" semi-annual="" period="" will="" be="" used="" to="" adjust="" the="" annual="" incidental="" catch="" quota="" accordingly.="" (iv)="" nmfs="" will="" file="" a="" notice="" at="" the="" office="" of="" the="" federal="" register="" of="" any="" inseason="" swordfish="" quota="" adjustment="" and="" its="" apportionment="" made="" under="" this="" paragraph="" (c)(3)="" of="" this="" section.="" (3)="" annual="" adjustments.="" (i)="" as="" necessary,="" nmfs="" will="" reevaluate="" the="" quotas="" specified="" in="" paragraphs="" (c)(1)="" and="" (2)="" of="" this="" section="" based="" on="" consideration="" of="" the="" following="" factors:="" (a)="" swordfish="" stock="" abundance="" assessments;="" (b)="" swordfish="" stock="" age="" and="" size="" composition;="" (c)="" catch="" and="" effort="" in="" the="" swordfish="" fishery;="" and="" (d)="" consistency="" with="" iccat="" recommendations.="" (ii)="" except="" for="" the="" carryover="" provisions="" of="" paragraph="" (c)(3)(iii)="" of="" this="" section,="" nmfs="" will="" file="" a="" notice="" of="" any="" adjustment="" at="" the="" office="" of="" the="" federal="" register,="" providing="" for="" a="" minimum="" 30-day="" comment="" period.="" (iii)="" if="" consistent="" with="" applicable="" iccat="" recommendations,="" total="" landings="" above="" or="" below="" the="" specific="" north="" atlantic="" or="" south="" atlantic="" swordfish="" annual="" quota="" will="" be="" subtracted="" from,="" or="" added="" to,="" the="" following="" year's="" quota="" for="" that="" area.="" any="" adjustments="" to="" the="" 12-month="" directed="" fishery="" quota="" will="" be="" apportioned="" equally="" between="" the="" two="" semiannual="" periods.="" nmfs="" will="" file="" a="" notice="" at="" the="" office="" of="" the="" federal="" register="" of="" any="" adjustment="" or="" apportionment="" made="" under="" this="" paragraph="" (c)(3)(iii)="" of="" this="" section.="" sec.="" 635.28="" closures.="" (a)="" bft.="" (1)="" when="" a="" bft="" quota,="" other="" than="" the="" purse="" seine="" category="" quota="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.27(a)(4),="" is="" reached,="" or="" is="" projected="" to="" be="" reached,="" nmfs="" will="" file="" a="" notice="" of="" closure="" at="" the="" office="" of="" the="" federal="" register.="" on="" and="" after="" the="" effective="" date="" and="" time="" of="" such="" notification,="" for="" the="" remainder="" of="" the="" fishing="" year,="" fishing="" for,="" retaining,="" possessing,="" or="" landing="" bft="" under="" that="" quota="" is="" prohibited="" until="" the="" opening="" of="" the="" subsequent="" quota="" period.="" (2)="" from="" august="" 15="" through="" december="" 31,="" the="" owner="" or="" operator="" of="" a="" vessel="" that="" has="" been="" allocated="" a="" portion="" of="" the="" purse="" seine="" category="" quota="" under="" sec.="" 635.27(a)(4)="" may="" fish="" for="" bft,="" yellowfin,="" bigeye,="" albacore,="" or="" skipjack="" tuna="" from="" january="" 1="" through="" august="" 14.="" landings="" of="" bft="" taken="" incidental="" to="" fisheries="" targeting="" other="" atlantic="" tunas="" or="" in="" any="" fishery="" in="" which="" bft="" might="" be="" caught="" will="" be="" deducted="" from="" the="" individual="" vessel's="" quota="" for="" the="" following="" fishing="" season="" (i.e.,="" august="" 15="" through="" december="" 31).="" upon="" reaching="" its="" individual="" vessel="" allocation="" of="" bft,="" the="" vessel="" may="" not="" participate="" in="" a="" directed="" purse="" seine="" fishery="" for="" atlantic="" [[page="" 3186]]="" tunas="" for="" the="" remainder="" of="" the="" fishing="" year.="" (3)="" if="" nmfs="" determines="" that="" variations="" in="" seasonal="" distribution,="" abundance,="" or="" migration="" patterns="" of="" bft,="" or="" the="" catch="" rate="" in="" one="" area,="" precludes="" anglers="" in="" another="" area="" from="" a="" reasonable="" opportunity="" to="" harvest="" a="" portion="" of="" the="" angling="" and="" charter/headboat="" categories="" quota,="" nmfs="" may="" close="" all="" or="" part="" of="" the="" fishery="" under="" that="" category="" and="" may="" reopen="" it="" at="" a="" later="" date="" if="" nmfs="" determines="" that="" bft="" have="" migrated="" into="" the="" other="" area.="" in="" determining="" the="" need="" for="" any="" such="" temporary="" or="" area="" closure,="" nmfs="" will="" consider="" the="" following="" factors:="" (i)="" the="" usefulness="" of="" information="" obtained="" from="" catches="" of="" a="" particular="" geographic="" area="" of="" the="" fishery="" for="" biological="" sampling="" and="" for="" monitoring="" the="" status="" of="" the="" stock;="" (ii)="" the="" current="" year="" catches="" from="" the="" particular="" geographic="" area="" relative="" to="" the="" catches="" recorded="" for="" that="" area="" during="" the="" preceding="" 4="" years;="" (iii)="" the="" catches="" from="" the="" particular="" geographic="" area="" to="" date="" relative="" to="" the="" entire="" category="" and="" the="" likelihood="" of="" closure="" of="" that="" entire="" category="" of="" the="" fishery="" if="" no="" allocation="" is="" made;="" (iv)="" the="" projected="" ability="" of="" the="" entire="" category="" to="" harvest="" the="" remaining="" amount="" of="" bft="" before="" the="" anticipated="" end="" of="" the="" fishing="" season.="" (b)="" shark.="" (1)="" the="" commercial="" fishery="" for="" large="" coastal="" shark="" will="" remain="" open="" for="" fixed="" semiannual="" seasons,="" as="" specified="" at="" sec.="" 635.27(b)(1)(i).="" from="" the="" effective="" date="" and="" time="" of="" a="" season="" closure="" until="" an="" additional="" quota="" becomes="" available,="" the="" fishery="" for="" large="" coastal="" sharks="" is="" closed,="" and="" sharks="" of="" that="" species="" group="" may="" not="" be="" retained="" on="" board="" a="" fishing="" vessel="" issued="" a="" commercial="" permit="" pursuant="" to="" sec.="" 635.4.="" (2)="" when="" a="" semiannual="" quota="" for="" small="" coastal="" sharks="" or="" pelagic="" sharks="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.27(b)(1)(ii)="" and="" (iii)="" is="" reached,="" or="" is="" projected="" to="" be="" reached,="" nmfs="" will="" file="" for="" publication="" a="" notification="" to="" that="" effect="" with="" the="" office="" of="" the="" federal="" register.="" nmfs="" will="" file="" a="" notification="" of="" closure="" at="" the="" office="" of="" the="" federal="" register="" at="" least="" 5="" days="" before="" the="" closure="" becomes="" effective.="" from="" the="" effective="" date="" and="" time="" of="" the="" closure="" until="" an="" additional="" quota="" becomes="" available,="" the="" fishery="" for="" the="" appropriate="" shark="" species="" group="" is="" closed,="" and="" sharks="" of="" that="" species="" group="" may="" not="" be="" retained="" on="" board="" a="" fishing="" vessel="" issued="" a="" commercial="" permit="" pursuant="" sec.="" 635.4.="" (3)="" when="" the="" fishery="" for="" a="" shark="" species="" group="" is="" closed,="" a="" vessel="" that="" has="" a="" commercial="" federal="" permit="" for="" sharks="" may="" not="" possess="" or="" sell="" a="" shark="" of="" that="" species="" group,="" and="" a="" permitted="" shark="" dealer="" may="" not="" purchase="" from="" a="" fishing="" vessel="" a="" shark="" of="" that="" species="" group,="" whether="" or="" not="" the="" fishing="" vessel="" has="" a="" commercial="" permit="" for="" shark,="" except="" that="" a="" permitted="" shark="" dealer="" or="" processor="" may="" possess="" sharks="" that="" were="" harvested,="" off-loaded,="" and="" sold,="" traded,="" or="" bartered,="" prior="" to="" the="" effective="" date="" of="" the="" closure="" and="" were="" held="" in="" storage.="" (c)="" swordfish--(1)="" directed="" fishery="" closure.="" when="" the="" annual="" or="" semiannual="" directed="" fishery="" quota="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.27(c)(1)(i)="" or="" (c)(2)="" is="" reached,="" or="" is="" projected="" to="" be="" reached,="" nmfs="" will="" file="" for="" publication="" (at="" least="" 14="" days="" before="" the="" closure="" becomes="" effective)="" a="" notification="" to="" that="" effect="" with="" the="" office="" of="" the="" federal="" register.="" from="" the="" effective="" date="" and="" time="" of="" the="" closure="" until="" additional="" directed="" fishery="" quota="" becomes="" available,="" the="" directed="" fishery="" for="" the="" appropriate="" stock="" is="" closed="" and="" the="" following="" catch="" limits="" apply:="" (i)="" when="" the="" directed="" fishery="" for="" the="" north="" atlantic="" swordfish="" stock="" is="" closed,="" (a)="" no="" more="" than="" 15="" swordfish="" per="" trip="" may="" be="" possessed="" in="" or="" from="" the="" atlantic="" ocean="" north="" of="" 5="" deg.="" n.="" lat.="" or="" landed="" in="" an="" atlantic="" coastal="" state="" on="" a="" vessel="" using="" or="" having="" on="" board="" a="" longline.="" however,="" legally="" taken="" swordfish="" from="" the="" south="" atlantic="" swordfish="" stock="" may="" be="" possessed="" in="" the="" atlantic="" ocean="" north="" of="" 5="" deg.="" n.="" lat.="" or="" landed="" in="" an="" atlantic="" coastal="" state="" on="" a="" vessel="" with="" a="" longline="" provided="" the="" harvesting="" vessel="" does="" no="" fishing="" on="" that="" trip="" in="" the="" atlantic="" ocean="" north="" of="" 5="" deg.="" n.="" lat.="" and="" reports="" positions="" with="" a="" vessel="" monitoring="" system,="" subject="" to="" the="" provisions="" in="" sec.="" 635.69.="" nmfs="" may="" change="" this="" incidental="" catch="" retention="" limit="" upon="" filing="" for="" publication="" notification="" of="" the="" change="" with="" the="" office="" of="" the="" federal="" register.="" the="" effective="" date="" of="" such="" change="" will="" be="" at="" least="" 14="" days="" after="" the="" date="" such="" notification="" is="" filed.="" changes="" in="" the="" incidental="" catch="" limits="" will="" be="" based="" upon="" the="" length="" of="" the="" directed="" fishery="" closure="" and="" the="" estimated="" rate="" of="" catch="" by="" vessels="" fishing="" under="" the="" incidental="" catch="" quota.="" (b)="" no="" swordfish="" may="" be="" possessed="" in="" or="" from="" the="" atlantic="" ocean="" north="" of="" 5="" deg.="" n.="" lat.="" or="" landed="" in="" an="" atlantic="" coastal="" state="" on="" a="" vessel="" that="" has="" been="" issued="" a="" handgear="" permit="" under="" sec.="" 635.4(f)(1).="" (ii)="" when="" the="" directed="" fishery="" for="" the="" south="" atlantic="" swordfish="" stock="" is="" closed,="" swordfish="" from="" that="" stock="" taken="" incidental="" to="" fishing="" for="" other="" species="" may="" not="" be="" retained.="" (2)="" incidental="" catch="" closure.="" when="" the="" annual="" incidental="" catch="" quota="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.27(c)(1)(ii)="" is="" reached,="" or="" is="" projected="" to="" be="" reached,="" nmfs="" will="" file="" for="" publication="" a="" notification="" to="" that="" effect="" with="" the="" office="" of="" the="" federal="" register.="" from="" the="" effective="" date="" and="" time="" of="" such="" notification="" until="" an="" additional="" incidental="" catch="" quota="" becomes="" available,="" no="" swordfish="" may="" be="" possessed="" in="" or="" from="" the="" atlantic="" ocean="" north="" of="" 5="" deg.="" n.="" lat.="" or="" landed="" in="" an="" atlantic="" coastal="" state,="" and="" a="" swordfish="" in="" or="" from="" the="" atlantic="" ocean="" north="" of="" 5="" deg.="" n.="" lat.="" may="" not="" be="" sold.="" however,="" legally="" taken="" swordfish="" from="" the="" south="" atlantic="" swordfish="" stock="" may="" be="" possessed="" in="" the="" atlantic="" ocean="" north="" of="" 5="" deg.="" n.="" lat.="" or="" landed="" in="" an="" atlantic="" coastal="" state="" on="" a="" vessel="" with="" a="" longline,="" provided="" the="" harvesting="" vessel="" does="" not="" fish="" on="" that="" trip="" in="" the="" atlantic="" ocean="" north="" of="" 5="" deg.="" n.="" lat.="" and="" submits="" position="" reports="" from="" a="" vessel="" monitoring="" ystem="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.69.="" sec.="" 635.29="" transfer="" at="" sea.="" (a)="" persons="" may="" not="" transfer="" an="" atlantic="" tuna,="" billfish,="" or="" swordfish="" at="" sea="" in="" the="" atlantic="" ocean,="" regardless="" of="" where="" the="" fish="" was="" harvested.="" however,="" an="" owner="" or="" operator="" of="" a="" vessel="" for="" which="" a="" purse="" seine="" category="" atlantic="" tunas="" permit="" has="" been="" issued="" under="" sec.="" 635.4="" may="" transfer="" large="" medium="" and="" giant="" bft="" at="" sea="" from="" the="" net="" of="" the="" catching="" vessel="" to="" another="" vessel="" for="" which="" a="" purse="" seine="" category="" atlantic="" tunas="" permit="" has="" been="" issued,="" provided="" the="" amount="" transferred="" does="" not="" cause="" the="" receiving="" vessel="" to="" exceed="" its="" vessel="" allocation.="" (b)="" persons="" may="" not="" transfer="" a="" shark="" at="" sea="" in="" the="" eez="" regardless="" of="" where="" the="" shark="" was="" harvested,="" and="" persons="" may="" not="" transfer="" at="" sea="" a="" shark="" taken="" in="" the="" eez="" regardless="" of="" where="" the="" transfer="" takes="" place.="" sec.="" 635.30="" possession="" at="" sea="" and="" landing.="" (a)="" atlantic="" tunas.="" (1)="" persons="" that="" own="" or="" operate="" a="" fishing="" vessel="" that="" possesses="" an="" atlantic="" tuna="" in="" the="" atlantic="" ocean="" or="" that="" lands="" an="" atlantic="" tuna="" in="" an="" atlantic="" coastal="" port="" must="" maintain="" such="" atlantic="" tuna="" through="" offloading="" either--="" (i)="" in="" round="" form;="" or="" (ii)="" eviscerated="" with="" the="" head="" and="" fins="" removed,="" provided="" one="" pectoral="" fin="" and="" the="" tail="" remain="" attached.="" (2)="" persons="" that="" own="" or="" operate="" a="" purse="" seine="" vessel="" must="" have="" each="" large="" medium="" and="" giant="" bft="" in="" the="" vessel's="" catch="" weighed,="" measured,="" and="" the="" information="" recorded="" on="" the="" required="" landing="" cards="" at="" the="" time="" of="" offloading="" and="" prior="" to="" transporting="" such="" bft="" from="" the="" area="" of="" offloading.="" (b)="" billfish.="" persons="" that="" own="" or="" operate="" a="" fishing="" vessel="" that="" possesses="" a="" billfish="" in="" its="" management="" area="" or="" lands="" a="" billfish="" in="" an="" atlantic="" coastal="" port="" must="" maintain="" such="" billfish="" with="" its="" [[page="" 3187]]="" head,="" fins,="" and="" bill="" intact="" through="" offloading.="" persons="" may="" eviscerate="" such="" billfish,="" but="" it="" must="" otherwise="" be="" maintained="" whole.="" (c)="" shark.="" (1)="" the="" practice="" of="" ``finning,''="" i.e.,="" removing="" only="" the="" fins="" and="" returning="" the="" remainder="" of="" the="" shark="" to="" the="" sea,="" is="" prohibited="" in="" the="" eez="" and="" on="" board="" a="" vessel="" for="" which="" a="" commercial="" vessel="" permit="" for="" shark="" has="" been="" issued.="" the="" prohibition="" on="" finning="" applies="" to="" all="" species="" of="" sharks.="" for="" a="" list="" of="" species="" known="" to="" occur="" in="" the="" u.s.="" eez,="" refer="" to="" tables="" 1="" and="" 2="" of="" appendix="" a="" to="" this="" part.="" (2)="" persons="" that="" own="" or="" operate="" a="" vessel="" that="" has="" been="" issued="" a="" commercial="" permit="" for="" shark="" may="" not="" fillet="" a="" shark="" at="" sea.="" persons="" may="" eviscerate="" and="" remove="" the="" head="" and="" fins,="" but="" must="" retain="" the="" fins="" with="" the="" dressed="" carcasses.="" while="" on="" board="" and="" when="" offloaded,="" the="" wet="" shark="" fins="" may="" not="" exceed="" 5="" percent="" of="" the="" weight="" of="" the="" shark="" carcasses.="" (3)="" persons="" that="" own="" or="" operate="" a="" vessel="" that="" has="" been="" issued="" a="" commercial="" permit="" that="" lands="" shark="" in="" an="" atlantic="" coastal="" port,="" must="" have="" all="" fins="" weighed="" in="" conjunction="" with="" the="" weighing="" of="" the="" carcasses="" at="" the="" vessel's="" first="" point="" of="" landing.="" such="" weights="" must="" be="" recorded="" on="" the="" weighout="" slips="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.5(a)(2).="" persons="" may="" not="" possess="" a="" shark="" fin="" on="" board="" a="" fishing="" vessel="" after="" the="" vessel's="" first="" point="" of="" landing.="" the="" wet="" fins="" may="" not="" exceed="" 5="" percent="" of="" the="" weight="" of="" the="" carcasses.="" (4)="" persons="" aboard="" a="" vessel="" that="" does="" not="" have="" a="" commercial="" permit="" for="" shark="" must="" maintain="" a="" shark="" in="" or="" from="" the="" eez="" intact="" through="" landing--the="" head,="" tail,="" or="" fins="" may="" not="" be="" removed.="" the="" shark="" may="" be="" bled.="" (d)="" swordfish.="" persons="" that="" own="" or="" operate="" a="" fishing="" vessel="" that="" possesses="" a="" swordfish="" in="" the="" atlantic="" ocean="" or="" lands="" a="" swordfish="" in="" an="" atlantic="" coastal="" port,="" must="" maintain="" such="" swordfish="" in="" round="" or="" dressed="" form="" through="" off-loading.="" however,="" a="" swordfish="" that="" is="" damaged="" by="" shark="" bites="" may="" be="" retained="" and="" offloaded="" if="" the="" remainder="" of="" the="" carcass="" is="" at="" least="" 29="" inches="" (73="" cm)="" ck.="" sec.="" 635.31="" restrictions="" on="" sale="" and="" purchase.="" (a)="" atlantic="" tunas.="" (1)="" persons="" that="" own="" or="" operate="" a="" vessel="" that="" possesses="" an="" atlantic="" tuna="" may="" sell="" such="" atlantic="" tuna="" only="" if="" that="" vessel="" has="" a="" valid="" hms="" charter/headboat="" permit,="" or="" a="" general,="" harpoon,="" longline,="" purse="" seine,="" or="" trap="" category="" permit="" for="" atlantic="" tunas.="" persons="" may="" not="" sell="" a="" bft="" smaller="" than="" the="" large="" medium="" size="" class.="" however,="" a="" large="" medium="" or="" giant="" bft="" taken="" by="" a="" person="" on="" a="" vessel="" with="" an="" hms="" charter/headboat="" permit="" fishing="" in="" the="" gulf="" of="" mexico,="" or="" fishing="" outside="" the="" gulf="" of="" mexico="" when="" the="" fishery="" under="" the="" general="" category="" has="" been="" closed,="" may="" not="" be="" sold="" (see="" sec.="" 635.23(c)).="" persons="" may="" sell="" atlantic="" tunas="" only="" to="" a="" dealer="" that="" has="" a="" valid="" permit="" for="" purchasing="" atlantic="" tunas.="" (2)="" dealers="" may="" purchase="" atlantic="" tunas="" only="" from="" a="" vessel="" that="" has="" a="" valid="" commercial="" permit="" for="" atlantic="" tunas="" in="" the="" appropriate="" category.="" (3)="" dealers="" or="" seafood="" processors="" may="" not="" purchase="" or="" sell="" a="" bft="" smaller="" than="" the="" large="" medium="" size="" class="" unless="" it="" is="" lawfully="" imported="" and="" is="" accompanied="" by="" a="" bsd,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.42(a).="" (4)="" a="" bft="" in="" the="" possession="" of="" a="" dealer="" or="" seafood="" processor="" is="" deemed="" to="" be="" from="" the="" atlantic="" ocean.="" however,="" a="" bft="" will="" not="" be="" deemed="" to="" be="" from="" the="" atlantic="" ocean="" if--="" (i)="" it="" was="" landed="" in="" a="" pacific="" state="" and="" remains="" in="" the="" state="" of="" landing,="" or="" (ii)="" it="" is="" accompanied="" by="" a="" bsd,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.42(a).="" (b)="" billfish.="" (1)="" persons="" may="" not="" sell="" or="" purchase="" a="" billfish="" caught="" in="" its="" management="" area.="" (2)="" a="" billfish="" or="" a="" closely="" related="" species,="" namely,="" black="" marlin,="" makaira="" indica,="" striped="" marlin,="" tetrapturus="" audax,="" or="" shortbill="" spearfish,="" tetrapturus="" angustirostris,="" or="" a="" part="" thereof,="" in="" the="" possession="" of="" a="" dealer="" or="" seafood="" processor="" is="" considered,="" for="" purposes="" of="" this="" part,="" to="" be="" a="" billfish="" from="" its="" atlantic="" ocean="" management="" area.="" however,="" a="" billfish="" or="" a="" closely="" related="" species="" will="" not="" be="" considered="" to="" be="" from="" its="" management="" area="" if--="" (i)="" it="" was="" landed="" in="" a="" pacific="" state="" and="" remains="" in="" the="" state="" of="" landing,="" or="" (ii)="" it="" is="" accompanied="" by="" a="" certificate="" of="" eligibility="" that="" documents="" that="" it="" was="" harvested="" from="" other="" than="" its="" management="" area.="" (c)="" shark.="" (1)="" persons="" that="" own="" or="" operate="" a="" vessel="" that="" possesses="" a="" shark="" in="" or="" from="" the="" eez="" may="" sell="" such="" shark="" only="" if="" the="" vessel="" has="" a="" valid="" commercial="" permit="" for="" shark.="" persons="" may="" possess="" and="" sell="" a="" shark="" only="" when="" the="" fishery="" for="" that="" species="" group="" has="" not="" been="" closed,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.28(b)(3).="" (2)="" persons="" that="" own="" or="" operate="" a="" vessel="" on="" which="" a="" shark="" in="" or="" from="" the="" eez="" or="" state="" waters="" is="" possessed,="" may="" sell="" such="" shark="" only="" to="" a="" dealer="" that="" has="" a="" valid="" permit="" for="" shark.="" (3)="" persons="" that="" own="" or="" operate="" a="" fishing="" vessel="" may="" not="" sell="" fins="" from="" a="" shark="" harvested="" in="" the="" eez,="" or="" harvested="" in="" the="" atlantic="" ocean="" by="" a="" vessel="" for="" which="" a="" commercial="" permit="" for="" shark="" has="" been="" issued,="" that="" are="" disproportionate="" to="" the="" weight="" of="" shark="" carcasses="" landed;="" i.e.,="" the="" fins="" may="" not="" exceed="" 5="" percent="" of="" the="" weight="" of="" the="" carcasses.="" (4)="" only="" dealers="" that="" have="" a="" valid="" permit="" for="" shark="" may="" purchase="" a="" shark="" from="" the="" owner="" or="" operator="" of="" a="" fishing="" vessel.="" dealers="" may="" purchase="" a="" shark="" only="" from="" an="" owner="" or="" operator="" of="" a="" vessel="" who="" has="" a="" valid="" commercial="" permit="" for="" shark,="" except="" that="" dealers="" may="" purchase="" a="" shark="" from="" an="" owner="" or="" operator="" of="" a="" vessel="" who="" fishes="" exclusively="" in="" state="" waters="" and,="" thus,="" does="" not="" have="" a="" commercial="" permit="" for="" shark.="" dealers="" may="" purchase="" a="" shark="" from="" an="" owner="" or="" operator="" of="" fishing="" vessel="" only="" when="" the="" fishery="" for="" that="" species="" group="" has="" not="" been="" closed,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.28(b)(3).="" (5)="" dealers="" may="" not="" purchase="" from="" an="" owner="" or="" operator="" of="" a="" fishing="" vessel="" shark="" fins="" that="" are="" disproportionate="" to="" the="" weight="" of="" shark="" carcasses="" landed,="" i.e.,="" the="" fins="" may="" not="" exceed="" 5="" percent="" of="" the="" weight="" of="" the="" carcasses.="" (d)="" swordfish.="" (1)="" persons="" that="" own="" or="" operate="" a="" vessel="" on="" which="" a="" swordfish="" in="" or="" from="" the="" atlantic="" ocean="" is="" possessed,="" may="" sell="" such="" swordfish="" only="" if="" the="" vessel="" has="" a="" valid="" commercial="" permit="" for="" swordfish.="" persons="" may="" sell="" such="" swordfish="" only="" to="" a="" dealer="" that="" has="" a="" valid="" permit="" for="" swordfish.="" (2)="" dealers="" may="" purchase="" a="" swordfish="" harvested="" from="" the="" atlantic="" ocean="" only="" from="" an="" owner="" or="" operator="" of="" a="" fishing="" vessel="" who="" has="" a="" valid="" commercial="" permit="" for="" swordfish.="" sec.="" 635.32="" specifically="" authorized="" activities.="" (a)="" consistent="" with="" the="" provisions="" of="" sec.="" 600.745="" of="" this="" chapter,="" nmfs="" may="" authorize,="" for="" the="" conduct="" of="" scientific="" research,="" the="" acquisition="" of="" information="" and="" data,="" public="" display,="" or="" the="" reduction="" of="" bycatch,="" economic="" discards="" or="" regulatory="" discards,="" activities="" otherwise="" prohibited="" by="" the="" regulations="" contained="" in="" this="" part.="" activities="" subject="" to="" the="" provisions="" of="" this="" section="" may="" include,="" but="" are="" not="" limited="" to,="" scientific="" research="" resulting="" in,="" or="" likely="" to="" result="" in,="" the="" take,="" harvest="" or="" incidental="" mortality="" of="" atlantic="" hms,="" exempted="" fishing="" and="" exempted="" educational="" activities,="" or="" programs="" under="" which="" regulated="" species="" retained="" in="" contravention="" to="" otherwise="" applicable="" regulations="" may="" be="" donated="" through="" approved="" food="" bank="" networks.="" such="" activities="" must="" be="" authorized="" in="" writing="" and="" are="" subject="" to="" all="" conditions="" specified="" in="" any="" letter="" of="" authorization,="" exempted="" fishing="" permit="" or="" scientific="" research="" permit="" issued="" in="" response="" to="" requests="" for="" authorization.="" for="" the="" purposes="" of="" all="" regulated="" species="" covered="" under="" this="" part,="" nmfs="" has="" the="" sole="" authority="" to="" issue="" permits,="" authorizations,="" and="" acknowledgments.="" [[page="" 3188]]="" for="" the="" purposes="" of="" all="" regulated="" species="" covered="" under="" this="" part,="" other="" than="" atlantic="" sharks,="" the="" requirements="" of="" sec.="" 600.745(a)="" and="" (c)(1)="" of="" this="" chapter="" are="" mandatory.="" if="" a="" regulated="" species="" landed="" or="" retained="" under="" the="" authority="" of="" this="" section="" is="" subject="" to="" a="" quota,="" the="" fish="" shall="" be="" counted="" against="" the="" quota="" category="" as="" specified="" in="" the="" written="" authorization.="" (b)(1)="" notwithstanding="" the="" provisions="" of="" sec.="" 600.745="" of="" this="" chapter="" and="" other="" provisions="" of="" this="" part,="" a="" valid="" shark="" efp="" is="" required="" to="" fish="" for,="" take,="" retain,="" or="" possess="" a="" shark="" in="" or="" from="" the="" atlantic="" eez="" for="" the="" purposes="" of="" public="" display="" under="" the="" shark="" public="" display="" quota="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.27(b)(2).="" a="" valid="" shark="" efp="" must="" be="" on="" board="" the="" harvesting="" vessel,="" must="" be="" available="" when="" the="" shark="" is="" landed,="" must="" be="" available="" when="" the="" shark="" is="" transported="" to="" the="" display="" facility,="" and="" must="" be="" presented="" for="" inspection="" upon="" request="" of="" an="" authorized="" nmfs="" employee.="" a="" shark="" efp="" is="" valid="" for="" the="" specific="" time,="" area,="" gear,="" and="" species="" specified="" on="" it.="" (2)="" to="" be="" eligible="" for="" a="" shark="" efp,="" a="" person="" must="" provide="" all="" information="" concerning="" his="" or="" her="" identification,="" numbers="" by="" species="" of="" sharks="" to="" be="" collected,="" when="" and="" where="" they="" will="" be="" collected,="" vessel(s)="" and="" gear="" to="" be="" used,="" description="" of="" the="" facility="" where="" they="" will="" be="" displayed,="" and="" any="" other="" information="" that="" may="" be="" necessary="" for="" the="" issuance="" or="" administration="" of="" the="" permit,="" as="" requested="" by="" nmfs.="" (3)="" written="" reports="" on="" fishing="" activities="" and="" disposition="" of="" catch="" must="" be="" submitted="" to="" nmfs="" for="" each="" fish="" collected="" within="" 24="" hours="" of="" the="" collection.="" an="" annual="" written="" summary="" report="" of="" all="" fishing="" activities="" and="" disposition="" of="" all="" fish="" collected="" under="" the="" permit="" must="" also="" be="" submitted="" to="" nmfs.="" specific="" reporting="" requirements="" will="" be="" provided="" by="" nmfs="" with="" the="" efp.="" sec.="" 635.33="" archival="" tags.="" (a)="" implantation="" report.="" any="" person="" affixing="" or="" implanting="" an="" archival="" tag="" into="" a="" regulated="" species="" must="" obtain="" authorization="" from="" nmfs="" pursuant="" to="" sec.="" 635.32.="" persons="" so="" authorized="" to="" conduct="" archival="" tag="" implantation="" must="" provide="" a="" written="" report="" to="" nmfs="" indicating="" the="" type="" and="" number="" of="" tags,="" the="" species="" and="" approximate="" size="" of="" the="" fish="" as="" well="" as="" any="" additional="" information="" requested="" in="" the="" authorization.="" (b)="" landing.="" notwithstanding="" other="" provisions="" of="" this="" part,="" persons="" may="" catch,="" possess,="" retain,="" and="" land="" an="" atlantic="" hms="" in="" which="" an="" archival="" tag="" has="" been="" implanted="" or="" affixed,="" provided="" such="" persons="" comply="" with="" the="" requirements="" of="" paragraph="" (c)="" of="" this="" section.="" (c)="" landing="" report.="" persons="" that="" retain="" an="" atlantic="" hms="" that="" has="" an="" archival="" tag="" must="" contact="" nmfs,="" prior="" to="" or="" at="" the="" time="" of="" landing;="" furnish="" all="" requested="" information="" regarding="" the="" location="" and="" method="" of="" capture;="" and,="" as="" instructed,="" remove="" the="" archival="" tag="" and="" return="" it="" to="" nmfs="" or="" make="" the="" fish="" available="" for="" inspection="" and="" recovery="" of="" the="" tag="" by="" a="" nmfs="" scientist,="" enforcement="" agent,="" or="" other="" person="" designated="" in="" writing="" by="" nmfs.="" (d)="" quota="" monitoring.="" if="" an="" atlantic="" hms="" landed="" under="" the="" authority="" of="" paragraph="" (b)="" of="" this="" section="" is="" subject="" to="" a="" quota,="" the="" fish="" will="" be="" counted="" against="" the="" applicable="" quota="" for="" the="" species="" consistent="" with="" the="" fishing="" gear="" and="" activity="" which="" resulted="" in="" the="" catch.="" in="" the="" event="" such="" fishing="" gear="" or="" activity="" is="" otherwise="" prohibited="" under="" applicable="" provisions="" of="" this="" part,="" the="" fish="" shall="" be="" counted="" against="" the="" reserve="" quota="" established="" for="" that="" species.="" sec.="" 635.34="" adjustment="" of="" management="" measures.="" (a)="" consistent="" with="" the="" convention,="" atca,="" and="" this="" part,="" nmfs="" may="" change="" the="" commencement="" date="" for="" bft="" fishing="" for="" any="" vessel="" permit="" or="" quota="" category.="" such="" change="" may="" be="" made="" when="" nmfs="" determines="" that="" the="" changed="" date="" will="" enable="" scientific="" research="" on="" the="" status="" of="" the="" stock="" to="" be="" conducted="" more="" effectively="" and="" will="" not="" prevent="" the="" quotas="" for="" the="" affected="" fishery="" from="" being="" reached,="" based="" on="" historical="" catch="" data="" or="" other="" relevant="" information.="" nmfs="" will="" file="" a="" notice="" at="" the="" office="" of="" the="" federal="" register="" of="" any="" change="" in="" a="" commencement="" date="" at="" least="" 60="" days="" before="" commencement="" of="" the="" affected="" fishery.="" (b)="" nmfs="" may="" adjust="" the="" catch="" limits="" for="" bft,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.23,="" and="" the="" quotas="" for="" bft,="" shark,="" and="" swordfish,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.27.="" (c)="" in="" accordance="" with="" the="" framework="" procedures="" in="" the="" fishery="" management="" plan="" for="" atlantic="" tunas,="" swordfish,="" and="" sharks="" and="" the="" fishery="" management="" plan="" for="" atlantic="" billfishes,="" nmfs="" may="" establish="" or="" modify="" for="" species="" or="" species="" groups="" of="" atlantic="" hms="" the="" following="" management="" measures:="" optimum="" yield;="" total="" allowable="" catch;="" quotas;="" recreational="" and="" commercial="" catch="" limits,="" including="" target="" catch="" requirements;="" size="" limits;="" fishing="" years="" or="" fishing="" seasons;="" species="" in="" the="" management="" unit="" and="" the="" specification="" of="" the="" species="" groups="" to="" which="" they="" belong;="" permitting="" and="" reporting="" requirements;="" monitoring="" and="" tracking="" programs;="" time/area="" restrictions;="" allocations="" among="" user="" groups;="" gear="" restrictions;="" effort="" limitations;="" and="" actions="" to="" implement="" iccat="" recommendations,="" if="" appropriate.="" subpart="" d--restrictions="" on="" imports="" sec.="" 635.40="" restrictions="" to="" enhance="" conservation.="" (a)="" determinations.="" upon="" a="" determination="" by="" nmfs="" that="" species="" of="" fish="" subject="" to="" regulation="" or="" under="" investigation="" by="" iccat="" (yellowfin,="" bigeye,="" bft,="" swordfish,="" billfishes,="" albacore="" and="" skipjack="" tunas,="" and="" bonito)="" are="" ineligible="" for="" entry="" into="" the="" united="" states="" under="" 16="" u.s.c.="" 971d(c)(4)="" or="" (c)(5),="" nmfs,="" with="" the="" approval="" of="" the="" secretary="" and="" the="" concurrence="" of="" the="" secretary="" of="" state,="" will="" publish="" a="" finding="" to="" that="" effect="" in="" the="" federal="" register.="" effective="" upon="" the="" date="" of="" filing="" of="" such="" finding="" in="" the="" federal="" register,="" every="" shipment="" of="" fish="" in="" any="" form="" of="" the="" species="" found="" to="" be="" ineligible="" will="" be="" denied="" entry="" unless="" it="" is="" established="" by="" satisfactory="" proof="" pursuant="" to="" paragraph="" (b)="" of="" this="" section="" that="" a="" particular="" shipment="" of="" such="" fish="" is="" eligible="" for="" entry.="" entry="" will="" not="" be="" denied="" and="" no="" such="" proof="" will="" be="" required="" for="" any="" such="" shipment="" that,="" on="" the="" date="" of="" such="" publication,="" was="" in="" transit="" to="" the="" united="" states="" on="" board="" a="" vessel="" operating="" as="" a="" common="" carrier.="" (b)="" proof="" of="" admissibility.="" (1)="" for="" the="" purposes="" of="" paragraph="" (a)="" of="" this="" section="" and="" section="" 6(c)="" of="" atca,="" a="" shipment="" of="" fish="" in="" any="" form="" of="" the="" species="" under="" regulation="" or="" under="" investigation="" by="" iccat="" offered="" for="" entry,="" directly="" or="" indirectly,="" from="" a="" country="" named="" in="" a="" finding="" published="" under="" paragraph="" (a)="" of="" this="" section="" is="" eligible="" for="" entry="" if="" the="" shipment="" is="" accompanied="" by="" a="" completed="" certificate="" of="" eligibility="" attached="" to="" the="" invoice="" certifying="" that="" the="" fish="" in="" the="" shipment:="" (i)="" are="" not="" of="" the="" species="" specified="" in="" the="" published="" finding;="" (ii)="" are="" of="" the="" species="" named="" in="" the="" published="" finding,="" but="" were="" not="" taken="" in="" the="" regulatory="" area;="" or="" (iii)="" are="" of="" the="" species="" named="" in="" the="" published="" finding,="" but="" are="" products="" of="" an="" american="" fishery="" and="" are="" lawfully="" taken="" in="" conformity="" with="" applicable="" conservation="" laws="" and="" regulations="" and="" landed="" in="" the="" country="" named="" in="" the="" published="" finding="" solely="" for="" transshipment.="" (2)="" if="" the="" fish="" are="" offered="" for="" entry="" under="" paragraph="" (b)(1)(i)="" or="" (b)(1)(ii)="" of="" this="" section,="" the="" certificate="" must="" be="" executed="" by="" a="" duly="" authorized="" official="" of="" the="" country="" named="" in="" the="" published="" finding="" and="" the="" certificate="" must="" be="" validated="" by="" a="" consular="" officer="" or="" consular="" agent="" of="" the="" united="" states.="" [[page="" 3189]]="" such="" validation="" must="" be="" attached="" to="" the="" certificate="" of="" eligibility.="" (3)="" if="" the="" fish="" are="" offered="" for="" entry="" under="" paragraph="" (b)(1)(iii)="" of="" this="" section,="" the="" certificate="" must="" be="" executed="" by="" a="" consular="" officer="" or="" consular="" agent="" of="" the="" united="" states="" and="" be="" accompanied="" by="" the="" declaration(s)="" required="" by="" 19="" cfr="" 10.79.="" the="" ``declaration="" of="" master="" and="" two="" members="" of="" crew="" on="" entry="" of="" products="" of="" american="" fisheries''="" required="" by="" 19="" cfr="" 10.79="" must="" contain="" a="" further="" statement="" as="" follows:="" ``we="" further="" declare="" that="" the="" said="" fish="" were="" caught="" by="" us="" in="" full="" compliance="" with="" part="" 635,="" title="" 50,="" code="" of="" federal="" regulations,="" and="" such="" other="" conservation="" laws="" and="" regulations="" as="" were="" applicable="" at="" the="" time="" the="" fishing="" operation="" was="" in="" progress.''="" (c)="" removal="" of="" import="" restrictions.="" upon="" a="" determination="" by="" nmfs="" that="" the="" conditions="" no="" longer="" exist="" that="" warranted="" the="" imposition="" of="" import="" restrictions="" in="" the="" finding="" published="" pursuant="" to="" paragraph="" (a)="" of="" this="" section,="" nmfs,="" with="" the="" approval="" and="" the="" concurrence="" of="" the="" secretary="" of="" state,="" will="" remove="" the="" import="" restriction="" through="" notification="" in="" the="" federal="" register="" effective="" on="" the="" date="" of="" filing="" of="" the="" notification.="" the="" restriction="" will="" be="" removed,="" provided="" that,="" for="" 1="" year="" from="" such="" date="" of="" publication,="" every="" shipment="" of="" fish="" in="" any="" form="" that="" was="" subject="" to="" the="" finding="" published="" pursuant="" to="" paragraph="" (a)="" of="" this="" section="" will="" continue="" to="" be="" denied="" entry,="" unless="" the="" shipment="" is="" accompanied="" by="" a="" certification="" executed="" by="" an="" authorized="" official="" of="" the="" country="" of="" export="" and="" authenticated="" by="" a="" consular="" officer="" or="" consular="" agent="" of="" the="" united="" states="" certifying="" that="" no="" portion="" of="" the="" shipment="" is="" composed="" of="" fish="" taken="" prior="" to="" or="" during="" the="" import="" restriction.="" sec.="" 635.41="" species="" subject="" to="" documentation="" requirements.="" imports="" into="" the="" united="" states="" and="" exports="" or="" re-exports="" from="" the="" united="" states="" of="" all="" bft="" or="" bft="" products,="" regardless="" of="" ocean="" area="" of="" catch,="" are="" subject="" to="" the="" documentation="" requirements="" of="" this="" subpart.="" (a)="" documentation="" is="" required="" for="" bft="" identified="" by="" the="" following="" item="" numbers="" from="" the="" harmonized="" tariff="" schedule:="" (1)="" fresh="" or="" chilled="" bft,="" excluding="" fillets="" and="" other="" fish="" meat,="" no.="" 0302.39.00.20.="" (2)="" frozen="" bft,="" excluding="" fillets,="" no.="" 0303.49.00.20.="" (b)="" in="" addition,="" bft="" products="" in="" other="" forms="" (e.g.,="" chunks,="" fillets,="" canned)="" listed="" under="" any="" other="" item="" numbers="" from="" the="" harmonized="" tariff="" schedule="" are="" subject="" to="" the="" documentation="" requirements="" of="" this="" subpart,="" except="" that="" fish="" parts="" other="" than="" meat="" (e.g.,="" heads,="" eyes,="" roe,="" guts,="" tails)="" may="" be="" allowed="" entry="" without="" said="" statistical="" documentation.="" 635.42="" documentation="" requirements.="" (a)="" bft="" imports.="" (1)="" imports="" of="" all="" bft="" products="" into="" the="" united="" states="" must="" be="" accompanied="" at="" the="" time="" of="" entry="" (filing="" of="" customs="" form="" 7501="" or="" electronic="" equivalent)="" by="" an="" original="" completed="" approved="" bsd="" with="" the="" information="" and="" exporter's="" certification="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.43(a).="" such="" information="" must="" be="" validated="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.44(a)="" by="" a="" responsible="" government="" official="" of="" the="" country="" whose="" flag="" vessel="" caught="" the="" tuna="" (regardless="" of="" where="" the="" fish="" are="" first="" landed).="" (2)="" bft="" imported="" into="" the="" united="" states="" from="" a="" country="" requiring="" a="" bsd="" tag="" on="" all="" such="" tuna="" available="" for="" sale="" must="" be="" accompanied="" by="" the="" appropriate="" bsd="" tag="" issued="" by="" that="" country,="" and="" said="" bsd="" tag="" must="" remain="" on="" any="" tuna="" until="" it="" reaches="" its="" final="" import="" destination.="" if="" the="" final="" import="" destination="" is="" the="" united="" states,="" the="" bsd="" tag="" must="" remain="" on="" the="" tuna="" until="" it="" is="" cut="" into="" portions.="" if="" the="" tuna="" portions="" are="" subsequently="" packaged="" for="" domestic="" commercial="" use="" or="" re-export,="" the="" bsd="" tag="" number="" and="" the="" issuing="" country="" must="" be="" written="" legibly="" and="" indelibly="" on="" the="" outside="" of="" the="" package.="" (3)="" a="" dealer="" who="" sells="" bft="" that="" was="" previously="" imported="" into="" the="" united="" states="" for="" domestic="" commercial="" use="" must="" provide="" on="" the="" original="" bsd="" that="" accompanied="" the="" import="" shipment="" the="" correct="" information="" and="" importer's="" certification="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.43(a)(13)="" and="" must="" note="" on="" the="" top="" of="" the="" bsd="" the="" entry="" number="" assigned="" at="" the="" time="" of="" filing="" the="" entry="" summary.="" the="" original="" of="" the="" completed="" bsd="" must="" be="" postmarked="" and="" mailed="" by="" said="" dealer="" to="" nmfs="" within="" 24="" hours="" of="" the="" time="" the="" tuna="" was="" imported="" into="" the="" united="" states.="" (b)="" bft="" exports.="" (1)="" a="" dealer="" who="" exports="" bft="" that="" was="" harvested="" by="" u.s.="" vessels="" and="" first="" landed="" in="" the="" united="" states="" must="" complete="" an="" original="" numbered="" bsd="" issued="" to="" that="" dealer="" by="" nmfs.="" such="" an="" individually="" numbered="" document="" is="" not="" transferable="" and="" may="" be="" used="" only="" once="" by="" the="" dealer="" to="" which="" it="" was="" issued="" to="" report="" on="" a="" specific="" export="" shipment.="" a="" dealer="" must="" provide="" on="" the="" bsd="" the="" correct="" information="" and="" exporter="" certification="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.43(a).="" the="" bsd="" must="" be="" validated="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.44(b).="" a="" list="" of="" such="" officials="" may="" be="" obtained="" by="" contacting="" nmfs.="" a="" dealer="" requesting="" u.s.="" government="" validation="" for="" exports="" should="" notify="" nmfs="" as="" soon="" as="" possible="" after="" arrival="" of="" the="" vessel="" to="" avoid="" delays="" in="" inspection="" and="" validation="" of="" the="" export="" shipment.="" (2)="" a="" dealer="" who="" re-exports="" bft="" that="" was="" previously="" imported="" into="" the="" united="" states="" through="" filing="" an="" entry="" summary="" (customs="" form="" 7501="" or="" electronic="" equivalent)="" must="" provide="" on="" the="" original="" bsd="" that="" accompanied="" the="" import="" shipment="" the="" correct="" information="" and="" intermediate="" importer's="" certification="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.43(a)(13)="" and="" must="" note="" on="" the="" top="" of="" the="" bsd="" the="" entry="" number="" assigned="" at="" the="" time="" of="" filing="" the="" entry="" summary.="" this="" requirement="" does="" not="" apply="" to="" bft="" destined="" from="" one="" foreign="" country="" to="" another="" which="" transits="" the="" united="" states="" and="" for="" which="" an="" entry="" summary="" (customs="" form="" 7501="" or="" electronic="" equivalent)="" is="" not="" filed="" and="" for="" which="" a="" shipper's="" export="" declaration="" for="" in-transit="" merchandise="" (customs="" form="" 7513="" or="" electronic="" equivalent)="" is="" filed.="" (3)="" a="" dealer="" must="" submit="" the="" original="" of="" the="" completed="" bsd="" to="" accompany="" the="" shipment="" of="" bft="" to="" its="" export="" or="" re-export="" destination.="" a="" copy="" of="" the="" bsd="" completed="" as="" specified="" under="" paragraph="" (b)(1)="" or="" (b)(2)="" of="" this="" section="" must="" be="" postmarked="" and="" mailed="" by="" said="" dealer="" to="" nmfs="" within="" 24="" hours="" of="" the="" time="" the="" tuna="" was="" exported="" or="" re-exported="" from="" the="" united="" states.="" (c)="" recordkeeping.="" a="" dealer="" must="" retain="" at="" his="" or="" her="" principal="" place="" of="" business="" a="" copy="" of="" each="" bsd="" required="" to="" be="" submitted="" to="" nmfs="" pursuant="" to="" this="" section="" for="" a="" period="" of="" 2="" years="" from="" the="" date="" on="" which="" it="" was="" submitted="" to="" nmfs.="" sec.="" 635.43="" contents="" of="" documentation.="" (a)="" a="" bsd,="" to="" be="" deemed="" complete,="" must="" state:="" (1)="" the="" document="" number="" assigned="" by="" the="" country="" issuing="" the="" document.="" (2)="" the="" name="" of="" the="" country="" issuing="" the="" document,="" which="" must="" be="" the="" country="" whose="" flag="" vessel="" harvested="" the="" bft,="" regardless="" of="" where="" the="" tuna="" is="" first="" landed.="" (3)="" the="" name="" of="" the="" vessel="" that="" caught="" the="" fish="" and="" the="" vessel's="" registration="" number,="" if="" applicable.="" (4)="" the="" name="" of="" the="" owner="" of="" the="" trap="" that="" caught="" the="" fish,="" if="" applicable.="" (5)="" the="" point="" of="" export,="" which="" is="" the="" city,="" state="" or="" province,="" and="" country="" from="" which="" the="" bft="" is="" first="" exported.="" (6)="" the="" product="" type="" (fresh="" or="" frozen)="" and="" product="" form="" (round,="" gilled="" and="" gutted,="" dressed,="" fillet,="" or="" other).="" (7)="" the="" method="" of="" fishing="" used="" to="" harvest="" the="" fish="" (e.g.,="" purse="" seine,="" trap,="" rod="" and="" reel).="" (8)="" the="" ocean="" area="" from="" which="" the="" fish="" was="" harvested="" (western="" atlantic,="" [[page="" 3190]]="" eastern="" atlantic,="" mediterranean,="" or="" pacific).="" (9)="" the="" weight="" of="" each="" fish="" (in="" kilograms="" for="" the="" same="" product="" form="" previously="" specified).="" (10)="" the="" identifying="" bsd="" tag="" number,="" if="" landed="" by="" vessels="" from="" countries="" with="" tagging="" programs.="" (11)="" the="" name="" and="" license="" number="" of,="" and="" be="" signed="" and="" dated="" in="" the="" exporter's="" certification="" block="" by,="" the="" exporter.="" (12)="" if="" applicable,="" the="" name="" and="" title="" of,="" and="" be="" signed="" and="" dated="" in="" the="" validation="" block="" by,="" a="" responsible="" government="" official="" of="" the="" country="" whose="" flag="" vessel="" caught="" the="" tuna="" (regardless="" of="" where="" the="" tuna="" are="" first="" landed)="" or="" by="" an="" official="" of="" an="" institution="" accredited="" by="" said="" government,="" with="" official="" government="" or="" accredited="" institution="" seal="" affixed,="" thus="" validating="" the="" information="" on="" the="" bsd.="" (13)="" as="" applicable,="" the="" name(s)="" and="" address(es),="" including="" the="" name="" of="" the="" city="" and="" state="" or="" province="" of="" import,="" and="" the="" name(s)="" of="" the="" intermediate="" country(ies)="" or="" the="" name="" of="" the="" country="" of="" final="" destination,="" and="" license="" number(s)="" of,="" and="" be="" signed="" and="" dated="" in="" the="" importer's="" certification="" block="" by="" each="" intermediate="" and="" the="" final="" importer.="" (b)="" an="" approved="" bsd="" may="" be="" obtained="" from="" nmfs="" to="" accompany="" exports="" of="" bft="" from="" the="" united="" states.="" a="" bft="" dealer="" in="" a="" country="" that="" does="" not="" provide="" an="" approved="" bsd="" to="" exporters="" may="" obtain="" an="" approved="" bsd="" from="" nmfs="" to="" accompany="" exports="" to="" the="" united="" states.="" (c)="" a="" dealer="" who="" exports="" bluefin="" tuna="" to="" the="" united="" states="" may="" use="" the="" approved="" bsd="" obtainable="" from="" nmfs="" or="" a="" document="" developed="" by="" the="" country="" of="" export,="" if="" that="" country="" submits="" a="" copy="" to="" the="" iccat="" executive="" secretariat="" and="" nmfs="" concurs="" with="" the="" iccat="" secretariat's="" determination="" that="" the="" document="" meets="" the="" information="" requirements="" of="" the="" iccat="" recommendation.="" in="" such="" case,="" nmfs="" will="" provide="" a="" list="" of="" countries="" for="" which="" bsds="" are="" approved,="" with="" examples="" of="" approved="" documents,="" to="" the="" appropriate="" official="" of="" the="" u.s.="" customs="" service.="" effective="" upon="" the="" date="" indicated="" in="" such="" notice="" to="" the="" u.s.="" customs="" service,="" shipments="" of="" bft="" or="" bft="" products="" offered="" for="" importation="" from="" said="" country(ies)="" may="" be="" accompanied="" by="" either="" that="" country's="" approved="" bsd="" or="" by="" the="" bsd="" provided="" to="" the="" foreign="" country="" exporter="" by="" nmfs.="" sec.="" 635.44="" validation="" requirements.="" (a)="" imports.="" the="" approved="" bsd="" accompanying="" any="" import="" of="" bft,="" regardless="" of="" whether="" the="" issuing="" country="" is="" a="" member="" of="" iccat,="" must="" be="" validated="" by="" a="" government="" official="" from="" the="" issuing="" country,="" unless="" nmfs="" waives="" this="" requirement="" for="" that="" country="" following="" a="" recommendation="" to="" do="" so="" by="" the="" iccat="" secretariat.="" nmfs="" will="" furnish="" a="" list="" of="" countries="" for="" which="" government="" validation="" requirements="" are="" waived="" to="" the="" appropriate="" official="" of="" the="" u.s.="" customs="" service.="" such="" list="" will="" indicate="" the="" circumstances="" of="" exemption="" for="" each="" issuing="" country="" and="" the="" non-government="" institutions,="" if="" any,="" accredited="" to="" validate="" bsds="" for="" that="" country.="" (b)="" exports.="" the="" approved="" bsd="" accompanying="" any="" export="" of="" bft="" from="" the="" united="" states="" must="" be="" validated="" by="" a="" u.s.="" government="" official,="" except="" pursuant="" to="" a="" waiver,="" if="" any,="" specified="" on="" the="" form="" and="" accompanying="" instructions,="" or="" in="" a="" letter="" to="" the="" permitted="" dealer="" from="" nmfs.="" any="" waiver="" of="" government="" validation="" will="" be="" consistent="" with="" iccat="" recommendations="" concerning="" validation="" of="" bsds.="" if="" authorized,="" such="" waiver="" of="" government="" validation="" may="" include:="" (1)="" exemptions="" from="" government="" validation="" for="" fish="" with="" individual="" bsd="" tags="" affixed="" pursuant="" to="" sec.="" 300.26="" of="" this="" title="" or="" sec.="" 635.5(b)(2)(ii);="" or="" (2)="" validation="" by="" non-government="" officials="" authorized="" to="" do="" so="" by="" nmfs="" under="" paragraph="" (c)="" of="" this="" section.="" (c)="" authorization="" for="" non-government="" validation.="" an="" institution="" or="" association="" seeking="" authorization="" to="" validate="" bsds="" accompanying="" exports="" from="" the="" united="" states="" must="" apply="" in="" writing="" to="" nmfs="" for="" such="" authorization.="" the="" application="" must="" indicate="" the="" procedures="" to="" be="" used="" for="" verification="" of="" information="" to="" be="" validated,="" list="" the="" names,="" addresses,="" and="" telephone/fax="" numbers="" of="" individuals="" to="" perform="" validation,="" and="" provide="" an="" example="" of="" the="" stamp="" or="" seal="" to="" be="" applied="" to="" the="" bsd.="" nmfs,="" upon="" finding="" the="" institution="" or="" association="" capable="" of="" verifying="" the="" information="" required="" on="" the="" bsd,="" will="" issue,="" within="" 30="" days,="" a="" letter="" specifying="" the="" duration="" of="" effectiveness="" and="" conditions="" of="" authority="" to="" validate="" bsds="" accompanying="" exports="" from="" the="" united="" states.="" the="" effectiveness="" of="" such="" authorization="" will="" be="" delayed="" as="" necessary="" for="" nmfs="" to="" notify="" the="" iccat="" secretariat="" of="" non-government="" institutions="" and="" associations="" authorized="" to="" validate="" bsds.="" sec.="" 635.45="" import="" restrictions="" for="" belize,="" honduras,="" and="" panama.="" all="" shipments="" of="" bft="" or="" bft="" products="" in="" any="" form="" harvested="" by="" a="" vessel="" of="" belize,="" honduras,="" or="" panama="" will="" be="" denied="" entry="" into="" the="" united="" states="" unless="" a="" validated="" bsd="" required="" under="" secs.="" 635.41="" through="" 635.44,="" shows="" that="" a="" particular="" shipment="" of="" such="" bft="" was="" exported="" from="" belize="" or="" honduras="" prior="" to="" august="" 20,="" 1997,="" or="" exported="" from="" panama="" prior="" to="" january="" 1,="" 1998.="" sec.="" 635.46="" import="" restrictions="" on="" swordfish.="" the="" policies="" and="" procedures="" contained="" in="" sec.="" 635.40,="" which="" implement="" the="" provisions="" of="" section="" (6)(c)="" of="" atca="" with="" respect="" to="" import="" controls="" and="" which="" specify="" procedures="" for="" the="" establishment="" of="" restrictions="" on="" imports="" of="" tuna,="" apply="" to="" swordfish="" taken="" from="" the="" north="" and="" south="" atlantic="" stocks.="" (a)="" general.="" to="" facilitate="" enforcement="" of="" domestic="" regulations,="" a="" swordfish,="" or="" part="" thereof,="" less="" than="" the="" minimum="" size="" specified="" at="" sec.="" 635.20(e)="" may="" not="" be="" imported,="" or="" attempted="" to="" be="" imported,="" into="" the="" united="" states="" unless="" it="" is="" accompanied="" by="" a="" certificate="" of="" eligibility="" attesting="" either="" that="" the="" swordfish="" was="" harvested="" from="" an="" ocean="" area="" other="" than="" the="" atlantic="" ocean="" or="" that="" the="" fish="" part="" was="" derived="" from="" a="" swordfish="" harvested="" from="" the="" atlantic="" ocean="" that="" weighed="" at="" least="" 33="" lb="" (15="" kg)="" dw="" at="" harvest.="" (b)="" certificate="" of="" eligibility.="" (1)="" a="" shipment="" of="" swordfish="" in="" any="" form="" offered="" for="" import="" into="" the="" united="" states,="" directly="" or="" indirectly,="" from="" any="" country="" is="" admissible="" only="" if="" accompanied="" by="" a="" certificate="" of="" eligibility.="" such="" a="" certificate="" is="" required="" for="" swordfish="" identified="" by="" any="" item="" number="" from="" the="" harmonized="" tariff="" schedule="" including="" but="" not="" limited="" to="" the="" following:="" (i)="" fresh="" or="" chilled="" swordfish="" steaks,="" no.="" 0302.69.20.41.="" (ii)="" fresh="" or="" chilled="" swordfish,="" excluding="" steaks,="" no.="" 0302.69.20.49.="" (iii)="" frozen="" swordfish="" steaks,="" no.="" 0302.79.20.41.="" (iv)="" frozen="" swordfish,="" excluding="" fillets,="" steaks="" and="" other="" fish="" meat,="" no.="" 0302.79.20.49.="" (v)="" frozen="" swordfish,="" fillets,="" no.="" 0304.20.60.92.="" (2)="" the="" certificate="" of="" eligibility="" required="" under="" this="" section="" must="" indicate="" the="" flag="" state="" of="" the="" harvesting="" vessel,="" the="" ocean="" area="" of="" harvest="" and,="" if="" the="" shipment="" contains="" swordfish="" or="" parts="" thereof="" less="" than="" the="" minimum="" size="" specified="" at="" sec.="" 635.20(e),="" the="" reason="" such="" swordfish="" is="" eligible="" for="" entry,="" as="" specified="" in="" paragraph="" (a)="" of="" this="" section.="" the="" certificate="" must="" be="" attached="" to="" the="" invoice="" accompanying="" the="" swordfish="" shipment="" from="" the="" point="" of="" import="" into="" the="" united="" states="" to="" and="" including="" the="" time="" and="" place="" that="" it="" is="" filleted,="" cut="" into="" steaks,="" or="" processed="" in="" any="" way="" that="" physically="" alters="" it.="" (3)="" the="" certificate="" of="" eligibility="" required="" under="" this="" section="" must="" [[page="" 3191]]="" include="" the="" name="" and="" title="" of="" a="" responsible="" government="" official="" of="" the="" country="" exporting="" the="" swordfish="" to="" the="" united="" states="" and="" must="" be="" signed="" and="" dated="" by="" that="" official="" with="" official="" government="" seal="" affixed,="" thus="" validating="" the="" information="" on="" flag="" vessel="" and="" ocean="" area="" of="" harvest.="" (4)="" a="" certificate="" of="" eligibility="" may="" refer="" to="" swordfish="" taken="" from="" only="" one="" ocean="" area="" of="" harvest="" (atlantic,="" pacific,="" or="" indian)="" and="" by="" vessels="" under="" the="" jurisdiction="" of="" only="" one="" nation.="" if="" a="" shipment="" contains="" swordfish="" taken="" from="" more="" than="" one="" ocean="" area,="" or="" swordfish="" harvested="" by="" several="" vessels="" from="" different="" flag="" states,="" a="" separate="" certificate="" must="" accompany="" the="" shipment="" for="" each="" ocean="" area="" of="" harvest="" and="" for="" each="" flag="" state="" of="" the="" harvesting="" vessels.="" (5)="" a="" model="" certificate="" of="" eligibility="" is="" available="" from="" nmfs.="" an="" equivalent="" form="" may="" be="" used="" provided="" it="" contains="" all="" the="" information="" required="" under="" this="" section.="" subpart="" e--international="" port="" inspection="" sec.="" 635.50="" basis="" and="" purpose.="" the="" regulations="" in="" this="" subpart="" implement="" the="" iccat="" port="" inspection="" scheme.="" the="" text="" of="" the="" iccat="" port="" inspection="" scheme="" may="" be="" obtained="" from="" nmfs.="" sec.="" 635.51="" authorized="" officer.="" for="" the="" purposes="" of="" this="" subpart,="" an="" authorized="" officer="" is="" a="" person="" appointed="" by="" an="" iccat="" contracting="" party="" that="" has="" accepted="" the="" port="" inspection="" scheme="" to="" serve="" as="" an="" authorized="" inspector="" for="" iccat,="" and="" who="" possesses="" an="" identification="" card="" so="" stating="" issued="" by="" the="" authorized="" officer's="" national="" government.="" a="" list="" of="" such="" contracting="" parties="" may="" be="" obtained="" from="" nmfs.="" sec.="" 635.52="" vessels="" subject="" to="" inspection.="" (a)="" all="" u.s.="" fishing="" vessels="" or="" vessels="" carrying="" tuna,="" and="" their="" catch,="" gear,="" and="" relevant="" documents,="" including="" fishing="" logbooks="" and="" cargo="" manifests,="" are="" subject="" to="" inspection="" under="" this="" subpart="" to="" verify="" compliance="" with="" iccat="" measures="" by="" an="" authorized="" officer="" when="" landing="" or="" transshipping="" tuna="" or="" when="" making="" a="" port="" call="" at="" a="" port="" of="" any="" iccat="" contracting="" party="" that="" has="" accepted="" the="" port="" inspection="" scheme.="" (b)="" a="" tuna="" vessel,="" or="" a="" vessel="" carrying="" tuna,="" that="" is="" registered="" by="" any="" of="" the="" iccat="" contracting="" parties="" that="" have="" accepted="" the="" port="" inspection="" scheme,="" and="" the="" vessel's="" catch,="" gear,="" and="" relevant="" documents,="" including="" fishing="" logbooks="" and="" cargo="" manifests,="" are="" subject="" to="" inspection="" under="" this="" subpart="" to="" verify="" compliance="" with="" iccat="" measures="" when="" landing="" or="" transshipping="" tuna="" or="" when="" making="" a="" port="" call="" in="" the="" united="" states.="" (c)="" a="" vessel="" entering="" a="" port="" because="" of="" force="" majeure="" is="" exempt="" from="" inspection="" by="" an="" authorized="" officer="" of="" any="" of="" the="" iccat="" contracting="" parties="" that="" have="" accepted="" the="" port="" inspection="" scheme.="" (d)="" the="" master="" of="" a="" tuna="" vessel="" or="" a="" vessel="" carrying="" tuna="" must="" cooperate="" with="" a="" nmfs="" authorized="" officer="" during="" the="" conduct="" of="" an="" inspection.="" inspections="" will="" be="" carried="" out="" so="" that="" the="" vessel="" suffers="" minimum="" interference="" and="" inconvenience,="" and="" so="" that="" degradation="" of="" the="" quality="" of="" catch="" is="" avoided.="" sec.="" 635.53="" reports.="" (a)="" apparent="" violations="" shall="" be="" reported="" on="" a="" standardized="" iccat="" form="" or="" form="" produced="" by="" the="" national="" government="" which="" collects="" the="" same="" quality="" of="" information.="" the="" nmfs="" authorized="" officer="" must="" sign="" the="" form="" in="" the="" presence="" of="" the="" master="" of="" the="" vessel,="" who="" is="" entitled="" to="" add="" or="" have="" added="" to="" the="" report="" any="" observations,="" and="" to="" add="" his="" own="" signature.="" the="" authorized="" officer="" should="" note="" in="" the="" vessel's="" log="" that="" the="" inspection="" has="" been="" made.="" (b)="" copies="" of="" the="" report="" form="" must="" be="" sent="" to="" the="" flag="" state="" of="" the="" vessel="" within="" 10="" days.="" flag="" states="" will="" consider="" and="" act="" on="" reports="" of="" apparent="" violations="" by="" foreign="" inspectors="" on="" a="" similar="" basis="" as="" the="" reports="" of="" their="" national="" inspectors="" in="" accordance="" with="" their="" national="" legislation.="" the="" vessel's="" flag="" state="" will="" notify="" iccat="" of="" actions="" taken="" to="" address="" the="" violation.="" sec.="" 635.54="" ports="" of="" entry.="" nmfs="" shall="" monitor="" the="" importation="" of="" bft="" and="" swordfish="" into="" the="" united="" states.="" if="" a="" nmfs="" official="" determines="" that="" the="" diversity="" of="" handling="" practices="" at="" certain="" ports="" at="" which="" bft="" or="" swordfish="" is="" being="" imported="" into="" the="" united="" states="" allow="" for="" circumvention="" of="" the="" bluefin="" tuna="" statistical="" document="" or="" certificate="" of="" eligibility="" requirement,="" he/she="" may="" designate,="" after="" consultation="" with="" the="" u.s.="" customs="" service,="" those="" ports="" at="" which="" pacific="" or="" atlantic="" bluefin="" tuna="" or="" swordfish="" from="" any="" source="" may="" be="" imported="" into="" the="" united="" states.="" nmfs="" shall="" announce="" through="" filing="" at="" the="" office="" of="" the="" federal="" register="" the="" names="" of="" ports="" so="" designated="" and="" the="" effective="" dates="" of="" entry="" restrictions.="" subpart="" f--enforcement="" sec.="" 635.69="" vessel="" monitoring="" systems.="" (a)="" general.="" (1)="" owners="" or="" operators="" of="" vessels="" fishing="" with="" pelagic="" longlines="" for="" swordfish,="" tunas,="" or="" sharks="" must="" submit="" an="" automatic="" position="" report="" with="" date,="" unique="" identifier="" vessel="" number,="" and="" speed="" and="" heading="" data="" to="" nmfs="" every="" hour="" beginning="" when="" the="" vessel="" leaves="" port="" to="" begin="" a="" fishing="" trip="" or="" at="" any="" time="" swordfish,="" sharks,="" or="" tunas="" are="" possessed="" on="" board="" the="" vessel.="" (2)="" if="" a="" vessel="" operator="" is="" notified="" by="" nmfs="" that="" his="" system="" is="" not="" transmitting="" position="" reports,="" he="" may="" be="" ordered="" to="" return="" to="" port="" and="" may="" not="" commence="" fishing="" until="" position="" reports="" are="" sent="" once="" an="" hour="" for="" 24="" hours.="" (b)="" hardware="" specifications.="" (1)="" the="" vms="" hardware="" must="" contain="" an="" integrated="" global="" positioning="" system="" with="" an="" accuracy="" to="" within="" 100="" meters,="" and="" must="" be="" tamper-proof.="" (2)="" the="" hardware="" must="" be="" able="" to="" perform="" the="" following="" functions:="" (i)="" transmit="" automatically="" generated="" position="" reports,="" event-driven="" position="" reports,="" internet="" e-mail="" text="" messages="" when="" optional="" input="" interface="" is="" connected,="" and="" safety="" and="" distress="" alerts="" and="" messages,="" (ii)="" receive="" e-mail="" text="" messages,="" (iii)="" have="" the="" ability="" to="" remotely="" create="" new="" message="" types="" and="" to="" remotely="" create="" message="" templates="" or="" forms,="" (iv)="" allow="" for="" variable="" reporting="" intervals="" between="" 5="" minutes="" and="" 24="" hours,="" (v)="" have="" the="" ability="" to="" store="" 100="" position="" reports="" in="" local="" memory="" when="" the="" hardware="" is="" unable="" to="" transmit.="" (3)="" the="" hardware="" must="" have="" an="" onboard="" visible="" or="" audible="" alarm="" that="" indicates="" malfunctioning.="" (4)="" the="" hardware="" must="" function="" uniformly="" within="" the="" entire="" area="" of="" geographic="" coverage="" of="" the="" vessel.="" vessels="" that="" fish="" outside="" the="" geographic="" area="" of="" the="" vms="" will="" be="" in="" violation="" of="" sec.="" 635.9.="" (c)="" communications="" specifications.="" (1)="" the="" communications="" service="" provider="" must="" have="" the="" ability="" to:="" (i)="" transmit="" automatically="" generated="" position="" reports,="" event="" driven="" position="" reports,="" safety="" and="" distress="" alerts="" and="" messages,="" and="" e-mail="" text="" messages="" when="" an="" optional="" input="" interface="" is="" connected,="" (ii)="" create="" new="" message="" types="" and="" message="" templates="" or="" forms,="" (iii)="" perform="" two-way="" communications="" for="" delivery="" and="" acceptance="" of="" data,="" supporting="" messages,="" position="" reports,="" queries,="" and="" administrative="" functions,="" (iv)="" attach="" a="" date="" and="" time="" stamp="" when="" the="" position="" report="" is="" sent="" to="" nmfs,="" (v)="" accommodate="" a="" near="" real-time="" system="" for="" 95="" percent="" of="" transmissions="" or="" a="" store="" and="" forward="" system="" for="" two="" way="" messaging,="" (vi)="" provide="" auto-forwarding="" or="" auto-delivery="" of="" messages.="" [[page="" 3192]]="" (2)="" the="" communications="" service="" provider="" must="" provide="" service="" secure="" from="" tampering="" or="" interception,="" including="" the="" eading="" of="" passwords="" and="" data.="" sec.="" 635.70="" penalties.="" (a)="" general.="" see="" sec.="" 600.735="" of="" this="" chapter.="" (b)="" civil="" procedures="" for="" atlantic="" tuna.="" because="" of="" the="" perishable="" nature="" of="" atlantic="" tuna="" when="" it="" is="" not="" chilled="" or="" frozen,="" an="" authorized="" officer="" may="" cause="" to="" be="" sold,="" for="" not="" less="" than="" its="" reasonable="" market="" value,="" unchilled="" or="" unfrozen="" atlantic="" tuna="" that="" may="" be="" seized="" and="" forfeited="" under="" atca="" and="" this="" part.="" sec.="" 635.71="" prohibitions.="" in="" addition="" to="" the="" prohibitions="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 600.725="" of="" this="" chapter,="" it="" is="" unlawful="" for="" any="" person="" subject="" to="" the="" jurisdiction="" of="" the="" united="" states="" to="" violate="" any="" other="" provision="" of="" this="" part,="" atca,="" the="" magnuson-stevens="" act,="" or="" any="" other="" rules="" promulgated="" under="" atca="" or="" the="" magnuson-stevens="" act.="" (a)="" general.="" it="" is="" unlawful="" for="" any="" person="" or="" vessel="" subject="" to="" the="" jurisdiction="" of="" the="" united="" states="" to:="" (1)="" falsify="" information="" required="" on="" an="" application="" for="" a="" permit="" submitted="" under="" secs.="" 635.4="" or="" 635.16.="" (2)="" fish="" for,="" catch,="" possess,="" retain,="" or="" land="" an="" atlantic="" hms="" without="" a="" valid="" permit="" on="" board="" the="" vessel,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.4.="" (3)="" purchase,="" receive,="" or="" transfer="" for="" commercial="" purposes="" any="" atlantic="" hms="" landed="" by="" owners="" or="" operators="" of="" vessels="" not="" permitted="" to="" do="" so="" under="" sec.="" 635.4,="" or="" purchase,="" receive,="" or="" transfer="" for="" commercial="" purposes="" any="" atlantic="" hms="" without="" a="" valid="" dealer="" permit="" issued="" under="" sec.="" 635.4.="" (4)="" sell,="" offer="" for="" sale,="" or="" transfer="" an="" atlantic="" tuna,="" shark,="" or="" swordfish="" other="" than="" to="" a="" dealer="" that="" has="" a="" valid="" dealer="" permit="" issued="" under="" sec.="" 635.4.="" (5)="" fail="" to="" possess="" and="" make="" available="" a="" permit="" on="" board="" the="" permitted="" vessel,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.4(a).="" (6)="" falsify="" or="" fail="" to="" record,="" report,="" or="" maintain="" information="" required="" to="" be="" recorded,="" reported,="" or="" maintained,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.5.="" (7)="" fail="" to="" allow="" an="" authorized="" agent="" of="" nmfs="" to="" inspect="" and="" copy="" reports="" and="" records,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.5(f).="" (8)="" fail="" to="" make="" available="" for="" inspection="" an="" atlantic="" hms="" or="" its="" area="" of="" custody,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.5(g).="" (9)="" fail="" to="" report="" the="" catching="" of="" any="" atlantic="" hms="" to="" which="" a="" conventional="" tag="" has="" been="" affixed="" under="" a="" tag="" and="" release="" program.="" (10)="" falsify="" or="" fail="" to="" display="" and="" maintain="" vessel="" and="" gear="" identification,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.6.="" (11)="" fail="" to="" comply="" with="" the="" requirements="" for="" at-sea="" observer="" coverage,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.7="" and="" sec.="" 600.746="" of="" this="" chapter.="" (12)="" for="" any="" person="" to="" assault,="" resist,="" oppose,="" impede,="" intimidate,="" interfere="" with,="" obstruct,="" delay,="" or="" prevent,="" by="" any="" means,="" any="" authorized="" officer="" in="" the="" conduct="" of="" any="" search,="" inspection,="" seizure="" or="" lawful="" investigation="" made="" in="" connection="" with="" enforcement="" of="" this="" part.="" (13)="" interfere="" with,="" delay,="" or="" prevent="" by="" any="" means,="" the="" apprehension="" of="" another="" person,="" knowing="" that="" such="" person="" has="" committed="" any="" act="" prohibited="" by="" this="" part;="" (14)="" fail="" to="" attend="" an="" educational="" workshop="" or="" to="" present="" for="" inspection="" a="" certificate="" of="" attendance="" at="" an="" educational="" workshop,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.8.="" (15)="" tamper="" with,="" or="" fail="" to="" operate="" and="" maintain="" a="" vessel="" monitoring="" system="" unit,="" as="" specified="" in="" secs.="" 635.9="" and="" 635.69.="" (16)="" fish="" for="" or="" possess="" atlantic="" tunas="" or="" swordfish="" with="" a="" driftnet="" on="" board,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.21="" (b),="" (d)(1),="" and="" (d)(4)(ii).="" (17)="" fail="" to="" retrieve="" fishing="" gear="" and="" move="" after="" an="" interaction="" with="" a="" marine="" mammal="" or="" sea="" turtle,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.21(c)(3).="" (18)="" fail="" to="" release="" an="" atlantic="" hms="" in="" the="" manner="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.21(a).="" (19)="" fail="" to="" report="" the="" retention="" of="" an="" atlantic="" hms="" that="" has="" an="" archival="" tag,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.33.="" (20)="" fail="" to="" maintain="" an="" atlantic="" hms="" in="" the="" form="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.30.="" (21)="" fish="" for,="" catch,="" retain,="" or="" possess="" an="" atlantic="" hms="" that="" is="" less="" than="" its="" minimum="" size="" limit="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.20.="" (22)="" fail="" to="" comply="" with="" the="" restrictions="" on="" use="" of="" a="" pelagic="" longline="" or="" shark="" net="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.21="" (c),="" (d)(3)(ii),="" and="" (d)(3)(iii).="" (23)="" import="" any="" bft="" or="" swordfish="" in="" a="" manner="" inconsistent="" with="" any="" ports="" of="" entry="" designated="" by="" nmfs="" as="" authorized="" by="" sec.="" 635.54.="" (24)="" dispose="" of="" fish="" or="" parts="" thereof="" or="" other="" matter="" in="" any="" manner="" after="" any="" communication="" or="" signal="" from="" an="" authorized="" officer,="" or="" after="" the="" approach="" of="" an="" authorized="" officer.="" (b)="" atlantic="" tunas.="" it="" is="" unlawful="" for="" any="" person="" or="" vessel="" subject="" to="" the="" jurisdiction="" of="" the="" united="" states="" to:="" (1)="" engage="" in="" fishing="" with="" a="" vessel="" that="" has="" a="" permit="" for="" atlantic="" tuna="" under="" sec.="" 635.4,="" unless="" the="" vessel="" travels="" to="" and="" from="" the="" area="" where="" it="" will="" be="" fishing="" under="" its="" own="" power="" and="" the="" person="" operating="" that="" vessel="" brings="" any="" bft="" under="" control="" (secured="" to="" the="" catching="" vessel="" or="" on="" board)="" with="" no="" assistance="" from="" another="" vessel,="" except="" as="" shown="" by="" the="" operator="" that="" the="" safety="" of="" the="" vessel="" or="" its="" crew="" was="" jeopardized="" or="" other="" circumstances="" existed="" that="" were="" beyond="" the="" control="" of="" the="" operator.="" (2)="" import="" or="" export="" bluefin="" tuna="" without="" a="" dealer="" permit,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.4(b)(2).="" (3)="" fish="" for,="" catch,="" retain,="" or="" possess="" a="" bft="" less="" than="" the="" large="" medium="" size="" class="" by="" a="" vessel="" other="" than="" one="" that="" has="" on="" board="" an="" angling="" category="" atlantic="" tunas="" permit,="" an="" hms="" charter/headboat="" permit,="" or="" a="" purse="" seine="" category="" atlantic="" tunas="" permit="" as="" authorized="" under="" sec.="" 635.23="" (b),="" (c),="" and="" (e)(2).="" (4)="" fail="" to="" inspect="" a="" vessel's="" permit,="" fail="" to="" affix="" a="" dealer="" tag="" to="" a="" large="" medium="" or="" giant="" bft,="" or="" fail="" to="" use="" such="" tag="" properly,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.5(b)(2)(ii).="" (5)="" fail="" to="" report="" a="" large="" medium="" or="" giant="" bft="" that="" is="" not="" sold,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.5(c).="" (6)="" as="" an="" angler,="" fail="" to="" report="" a="" bft,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.5(d).="" (7)="" fish="" for,="" catch,="" retain,="" or="" possess="" a="" bft="" with="" gear="" not="" authorized="" for="" the="" category="" permit="" issued="" to="" the="" vessel="" or="" to="" have="" on="" board="" such="" gear="" when="" in="" possession="" of="" a="" bft,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.21(d)(1).="" (8)="" fail="" to="" request="" an="" inspection="" of="" a="" purse="" seine="" vessel,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.21(d)(1)(vi)(b).="" (9)="" fish="" for="" or="" catch="" bft="" in="" a="" directed="" fishery="" with="" purse="" seine="" nets="" without="" an="" allocation="" made="" under="" sec.="" 635.27(a)(4).="" (10)="" fish="" for="" or="" catch="" any="" atlantic="" tunas="" in="" a="" directed="" fishery="" with="" purse="" seine="" nets="" from="" august="" 15="" through="" december="" 31="" if="" there="" is="" no="" remaining="" bft="" allocation="" made="" under="" sec.="" 635.27="" (a)(4).="" (11)="" exceed="" the="" recreational="" catch="" limit="" for="" yellowfin="" tuna,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.22(d).="" (12)="" exceed="" a="" catch="" limit="" for="" bft="" specified="" for="" the="" appropriate="" permit="" category,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.23.="" (13)="" as="" a="" vessel="" with="" a="" general="" category="" atlantic="" tuna="" permit,="" fail="" to="" immediately="" cease="" fishing="" and="" immediately="" return="" to="" port="" after="" catching="" a="" large="" medium="" or="" giant="" bft="" on="" a="" commercial="" fishing="" day,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.23(a)(3).="" (14)="" as="" a="" vessel="" with="" an="" angling="" category="" atlantic="" tunas="" permit="" or="" an="" hms="" charter/headboat="" permit,="" fail="" to="" immediately="" cease="" fishing="" and="" immediately="" return="" to="" port="" after="" catching="" a="" large="" medium="" or="" giant="" bft="" or="" fail="" to="" report="" such="" catch,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.23(b)(1)(iii)="" and="" (c)(1)="" through="" (c)(3).="" (15)="" as="" a="" vessel="" with="" an="" angling="" category="" atlantic="" tunas="" permit="" or="" an="" hms="" charter/headboat="" permit,="" sell,="" [[page="" 3193]]="" offer="" for="" sale,="" or="" attempt="" to="" sell="" a="" large="" medium="" or="" giant="" bft="" after="" fishing="" under="" the="" circumstances="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.23(b)(1)(iii)="" and="" (c)(1)="" through="" (3).="" (16)="" retain="" a="" bft="" caught="" under="" the="" catch="" and="" release="" program="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.26.="" (17)="" as="" a="" vessel="" with="" a="" purse="" seine="" category="" atlantic="" tuna="" permit,="" catch,="" possess,="" retain,="" or="" land="" bft="" in="" excess="" of="" its="" allocation="" of="" the="" purse="" seine="" category="" quota,="" or="" fish="" for="" bft="" under="" that="" allocation="" prior="" to="" august="" 15,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.27(a)(4).="" (18)="" as="" a="" vessel="" with="" a="" purse="" seine="" category="" atlantic="" tunas="" permit,="" land="" bft="" smaller="" than="" the="" large="" medium="" size="" class="" except="" as="" specified="" under="" sec.="" 635.23(e)(2).="" (19)="" fish="" for,="" retain,="" possess,="" or="" land="" a="" bft="" when="" the="" fishery="" is="" closed,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.28(a),="" except="" as="" may="" be="" authorized="" for="" catch="" and="" release="" under="" sec.="" 635.26.="" (20)="" approach="" to="" within="" 100="" yd="" (91.5="" m)="" of="" the="" cork="" line="" of="" a="" purse="" seine="" net="" used="" by="" a="" vessel="" fishing="" for="" atlantic="" tuna,="" or="" for="" a="" purse="" seine="" vessel="" to="" approach="" to="" within="" 100="" yd="" (91.5="" m)="" of="" a="" vessel="" actively="" fishing="" for="" atlantic="" tuna,="" except="" that="" two="" vessels="" that="" have="" purse="" seine="" category="" atlantic="" tuna="" permits="" may="" approach="" closer="" to="" each="" other.="" (21)="" transfer="" at="" sea="" an="" atlantic="" tuna,="" except="" as="" may="" be="" authorized="" for="" the="" transfer="" of="" bft="" between="" purse="" seine="" vessels,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.29(a).="" (22)="" as="" the="" owner="" or="" operator="" of="" a="" purse="" seine="" vessel,="" fail="" to="" comply="" with="" the="" requirements="" for="" weighing,="" measuring,="" and="" information="" collection="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.30(a)(2).="" (23)="" fish="" for,="" catch,="" possess,="" or="" retain="" a="" bft="" from="" the="" gulf="" of="" mexico="" except="" as="" specified="" under="" sec.="" 635.23(f)(1),="" or="" if="" taken="" incidental="" to="" recreational="" fishing="" for="" other="" species="" and="" retained="" in="" accordance="" with="" sec.="" 635.23(b)="" and="" (c).="" (24)="" fail="" to="" comply="" with="" the="" restrictions="" on="" sale="" and="" purchase="" of="" an="" atlantic="" tuna,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.31(a)="" and="" 635.5(b).="" (25)="" fail="" to="" comply="" with="" the="" documentation="" requirements="" for="" imported="" or="" exported="" bft="" or="" bft="" products,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.42.="" (26)="" import="" a="" bft="" or="" bft="" product="" into="" the="" united="" states="" from="" belize,="" panama,="" or="" honduras="" other="" than="" as="" authorized="" in="" sec.="" 635.45.="" (27)="" for="" any="" person="" to="" refuse="" to="" provide="" information="" requested="" by="" nmfs="" personnel="" or="" anyone="" collecting="" information="" for="" nmfs,="" under="" an="" agreement="" or="" contract,="" relating="" to="" the="" scientific="" monitoring="" or="" management="" of="" atlantic="" tunas.="" (c)="" billfish.="" it="" is="" unlawful="" for="" any="" person="" or="" vessel="" subject="" to="" the="" jurisdiction="" of="" the="" united="" states="" to:="" (1)="" retain="" a="" billfish="" on="" board="" a="" vessel="" with="" a="" pelagic="" longline="" on="" board="" or="" harvested="" by="" gear="" other="" than="" rod="" and="" reel,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.21(d)(2).="" (2)="" use="" more="" than="" one="" hook="" per="" bait="" or="" lure="" in="" a="" hook-and-line="" fishery="" for="" billfish,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.21(d)(2)(ii).="" (3)="" exceed="" the="" vessel="" trip="" limit="" for="" billfish="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.22(b)(1).="" (4)="" transfer="" a="" billfish="" at="" sea,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.29(a).="" (5)="" fail="" to="" maintain="" a="" billfish="" in="" the="" form="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.30(b).="" (6)="" sell="" or="" purchase="" a="" billfish,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.31(b).="" (d)="" shark.="" it="" is="" unlawful="" for="" any="" person="" or="" vessel="" subject="" to="" the="" jurisdiction="" of="" the="" united="" states="" to:="" (1)="" exceed="" a="" recreational="" catch="" limit="" for="" shark,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.22(c).="" (2)="" exceed="" a="" trip="" limit="" for="" shark,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.24(a).="" (3)="" retain,="" possess,="" or="" land="" a="" shark="" of="" a="" species="" group="" when="" the="" fishery="" for="" that="" species="" group="" is="" closed,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.28(b)(1)="" and="" (2).="" (4)="" sell="" or="" purchase="" a="" shark="" of="" a="" species="" group="" when="" the="" fishery="" for="" that="" species="" group="" is="" closed,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.28(b)(3).="" (5)="" transfer="" a="" shark="" at="" sea,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.29(b).="" (6)="" remove="" the="" fins="" from="" a="" shark,="" or="" from="" one="" of="" the="" additional="" shark="" species="" listed="" in="" table="" 2="" in="" appendix="" a="" to="" this="" part,="" and="" discard="" the="" remainder,="" or="" otherwise="" fail="" to="" maintain="" a="" shark="" in="" its="" proper="" form,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.30(c)(1)="" through="" (c)(4).="" (7)="" have="" on="" board="" a="" fishing="" vessel,="" sell,="" or="" purchase="" shark="" fins="" that="" are="" disproportionate="" to="" the="" weight="" of="" shark="" carcasses,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.30(c)(2)="" and="" (3).="" (8)="" fail="" to="" have="" shark="" fins="" and="" carcasses="" weighed="" and="" recorded,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.30(c)(3).="" (9)="" fail="" to="" comply="" with="" the="" restrictions="" on="" sale="" and="" purchase="" of="" a="" shark,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.31(c).="" (10)="" retain,="" possess,="" sell,="" or="" purchase="" a="" prohibited="" shark.="" (11)="" falsify="" information="" submitted="" under="" sec.="" 635.16(d)(2)="" or="" (d)(4)="" in="" support="" of="" an="" application="" for="" an="" ilap="" or="" an="" appeal="" of="" nmfs's="" denial="" of="" an="" initial="" limited="" access="" permit="" for="" shark.="" (e)="" swordfish.="" it="" is="" unlawful="" for="" any="" person="" or="" vessel="" subject="" to="" the="" jurisdiction="" of="" the="" united="" states="" to:="" (1)="" purchase,="" barter="" for,="" trade="" for,="" or="" import="" a="" swordfish="" without="" a="" dealer="" permit,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.4(g)(3).="" (2)="" fail="" to="" comply="" with="" the="" restrictions="" on="" use="" of="" a="" pelagic="" longline="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.21(b)="" and="" (c).="" (3)="" when="" the="" directed="" fishery="" for="" swordfish="" is="" closed,="" exceed="" the="" limits="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.28(c)(1)(i)="" and="" (ii).="" (4)="" when="" the="" incidental="" catch="" fishery="" for="" swordfish="" is="" closed,="" possess,="" land,="" sell,="" or="" purchase="" a="" swordfish,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.28(c)(2).="" (5)="" transfer="" at="" sea="" a="" swordfish,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.29(a).="" (6)="" fail="" to="" maintain="" a="" swordfish="" in="" the="" form="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.30(d).="" (7)="" fail="" to="" comply="" with="" the="" restrictions="" on="" sale="" and="" purchase="" of="" a="" swordfish,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.31(d).="" (8)="" fish="" for="" north="" atlantic="" swordfish="" from,="" or="" possess="" or="" land="" north="" atlantic="" swordfish="" on="" board="" a="" vessel,="" using="" or="" having="" on="" board="" gear="" other="" than="" pelagic="" longline,="" harpoon,="" rod="" and="" reel,="" or="" handline.="" (9)="" fish="" for="" swordfish="" from="" the="" south="" atlantic="" swordfish="" stock="" using="" any="" gear="" other="" than="" pelagic="" longline.="" (10)="" fail="" to="" comply="" with="" the="" documentation="" requirements="" for="" the="" importation="" of="" a="" swordfish,="" or="" part="" thereof,="" that="" is="" less="" than="" the="" minimum="" size,="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 635.46.="" (11)="" falsify="" information="" submitted="" under="" sec.="" 635.16(d)(2)="" or="" (d)(4)="" in="" support="" of="" an="" application="" for="" an="" ilap="" or="" an="" appeal="" of="" nmfs's="" denial="" of="" an="" initial="" limited="" access="" permit="" for="" swordfish.="" appendix="" a="" to="" part="" 635--species="" tables="" table="" 1="" of="" appendix="" a="" to="" part="" 635--sharks="" (a)="" large="" coastal="" sharks:="" (1)="" ridgeback="" sharks:="" sandbar,="" carcharhinus="" plumbeus="" silky,="" carcharhinus="" falciformis="" (2)="" non-ridgeback="" sharks:="" blacktip,="" carcharhinus="" limbatus="" bull,="" carcharhinus="" leucas="" great="" hammerhead,="" sphyrna="" mokarran="" lemon,="" negaprion="" brevirostris="" nurse,="" ginglymostoma="" cirratum="" scalloped="" hammerhead,="" sphyrna="" lewini="" smooth="" hammerhead,="" sphyrna="" zygaena="" spinner,="" carcharhinus="" brevipinna="" tiger,="" galeocerdo="" cuvieri.="" (b)="" small="" coastal="" sharks:="" atlantic="" sharpnose,="" rhizoprionodon="" terraenovae="" blacknose,="" carcharhinus="" acronotus="" bonnethead,="" sphyrna="" tiburo="" finetooth,="" carcharhinus="" isodon="" (c)="" pelagic="" sharks:="" oceanic="" whitetip,="" carcharhinus="" longimanus="" porbeagle,="" lamna="" nasus="" shortfin="" mako,="" isurus="" oxyrinchus="" thresher,="" alopias="" vulpinus.="" (d)="" prohibited="" sharks:="" [[page="" 3194]]="" atlantic="" angel,="" squatina="" dumerili="" basking,="" cetorhinus="" maximus="" bigeye="" sand="" tiger,="" odontaspis="" noronhai="" bigeye="" sixgill,="" hexanchus="" vitulus="" bigeye="" thresher,="" alopias="" superciliosus="" bignose,="" carcharhinus="" altimus="" blue,="" prionace="" glauca="" caribbean="" reef,="" carcharhinus="" perezi="" caribbean="" sharpnose,="" rhizoprionodon="" porosus="" dusky,="" carcharhinus="" obscurus="" galapagos,="" carcharhinus="" galapagensis="" longfin="" mako,="" isurus="" paucus="" narrowtooth,="" carcharhinus="" brachyurus="" night,="" carcharhinus="" signatus="" sand="" tiger,="" odontaspis="" taurus="" sevengill,="" heptranchias="" perlo="" sixgill,="" hexanchus="" griseus="" smalltail,="" carcharhinus="" porosus="" whale,="" rhincodon="" typus="" white,="" carcharodon="" carcharias="" table="" 2="" of="" appendix="" a="" to="" part="" 635--additional="" shark="" species="" catsharks-scyliorhinidae="" blotched="" catshark,="" scyliorhinus="" meadi="" broadgill="" catshark,="" apristurus="" riveri="" chain="" dogfish,="" scyliorhinus="" retifer="" deepwater="" catshark,="" apristurus="" profundorum="" dwarf="" catshark,="" scyliorhinus="" torrei="" iceland="" catshark,="" apristurus="" laurussoni="" marbled="" catshark,="" galeus="" arae="" smallfin="" catshark,="" apristurus="" parvipinnis="" dogfish="" sharks--squalidae="" bigtooth="" cookiecutter,="" isistius="" plutodus="" blainville's="" dogfish,="" squalus="" blainvillei="" bramble="" shark,="" echinorhinus="" brucus="" broadband="" dogfish,="" etmopterus="" gracilispinnis="" caribbean="" lanternshark,="" etmopterus="" hillianus="" cookiecutter="" shark,="" isistius="" brasiliensis="" cuban="" dogfish,="" squalus="" cubensis="" flatnose="" gulper="" shark,="" deania="" profundorum="" fringefin="" lanternshark,="" etmopterus="" schultzi="" great="" lanternshark,="" etmopterus="" princeps="" green="" lanternshark,="" etmopterus="" virens="" greenland="" shark,="" somniosus="" microcephalus="" gulper="" shark,="" centrophorus="" granulosus="" japanese="" gulper="" shark,="" centrophorus="" acuus="" kitefin="" shark,="" dalatias="" licha="" lined="" lanternshark,="" etmopterus="" bullisi="" little="" gulper="" shark,="" centrophorus="" uyato="" portuguese="" shark,="" cetroscymnus="" coelolepis="" pygmy="" shark,="" squaliolus="" laticaudus="" roughskin="" spiny="" dogfish,="" squalus="" asper="" smallmouth="" velvet="" dogfish,="" scymnodon="" obscurus="" smooth="" lanternshark,="" etmopterus="" pusillus="" spiny="" dogfish,="" squalus="" acanthias="" sawsharks--pristiophoridae="" american="" sawshark,="" pristiophorus="" schroederi="" smoothhound="" sharks--triakiidae="" florida="" smoothhound,="" mustelus="" norrisi="" smooth="" dogfish,="" mustelus="" canis="" [fr="" doc.="" 99-1065="" filed="" 1-15-99;="" 8:45="" am]="" billing="" code="" 3510-22-f="">