[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 52 (Friday, March 17, 1995)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14381-14390]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-6454]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Parts 280 and 285
[Docket No. 950124026-5026-01; I.D. 100893B]
RIN 0648-AF74
Bluefin Tuna Fisheries; Bluefin Tuna Statistical Document
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: NMFS issues this final rule to revise the regulations
governing the bluefin tuna fisheries to: Require an appropriately
completed, approved Bluefin Tuna Statistical Document (BSD) as a
condition for import, export, or re-export of bluefin tuna into or from
the United States; require a Federal permit for all dealers that import
or export Pacific bluefin tuna; require preparation and submission of a
biweekly report on imports and exports of Pacific bluefin tuna by
permitted dealers; revise specifications determining size classes of
Atlantic bluefin tuna; and make minor amendments to clarify the
regulations. This action is necessary to implement recommendations of
the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas
(ICCAT), to improve management and monitoring of the U.S. bluefin tuna
fisheries, to facilitate enforcement, and to enhance collection of data
in order to improve assessment of the environmental and economic
impacts of the fisheries.
EFFECTIVE DATE: April 17, 1995.
ADDRESSES: Copies of the Final Environmental Assessment/ Regulatory
Impact Review, are available from Richard H. Schaefer, Director, Office
of Fisheries Conservation and Management (F/CM), NMFS, 1315 East-West
Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Comments regarding the burden-hour
estimate or any other aspect of the collection-of-information
requirement contained in this rule should be sent to Richard H.
Schaefer and to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Paperwork
Reduction Project (0648-0040; 0648-0148; 0648-0202; 0648-0239),
Attention: NOAA Desk Officer, Washington, DC 20503.
Copies of the ICCAT BSD and revised Fisheries Certificate of Origin
(FCO) are also available from the Director, F/CM.
[[Page 14382]] FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard B. Stone, 301-
713-2347.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Atlantic tuna fisheries are managed
under regulations at 50 CFR part 285 implementing the recommendations
of ICCAT and issued under the authority of the Atlantic Tunas
Convention Act (ATCA), 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq. The ATCA authorizes the
Secretary to implement regulations as may be necessary to carry out the
recommendations of ICCAT. The authority to implement the ICCAT
recommendations is delegated from the Secretary to the Assistant
Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA (AA). The Pacific tuna fisheries are
managed under regulations at 50 CFR part 280 implementing the
recommendations of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission. The AA
has determined that provisions of this final rule applicable to Pacific
bluefin tuna are necessary to implement the recommendations of ICCAT
due to similarity of appearance to Atlantic bluefin tuna.
Purpose of Current Action
Background information about the need for the ICCAT Bluefin
Statistical Tuna Document program was provided in the notice of
proposed rulemaking (59 FR 30896, June 16, 1994) and is not repeated
here.
Management Measures
These regulatory changes will improve NMFS' ability to implement
the ICCAT recommendations and further the management objectives for the
domestic tuna fisheries:
1. Bluefin Tuna Statistical Document
This final rule requires an original completed, approved BSD as a
condition for the import, export, or re-export of all bluefin tuna
shipments into or from the United States. The BSD is required for all
bluefin tuna products that are exported from or imported into the
United States and identified by Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS)
numbers for fresh or chilled bluefin tuna, excluding fillets and other
fish meat--0302.39.00.20; frozen bluefin tuna, excluding fillets--
0303.49.00.20; and any other product form not identified by bluefin-
specific HTS numbers. In order to be considered appropriately
completed, the approved BSD accompanying each shipment must provide all
of the required information indicated at 50 CFR 285.202 and be
certified by the exporter, importer, and government official, as
appropriate.
2. Pacific Bluefin Dealer Permits
Dealers importing Pacific bluefin tuna, or purchasing or receiving
for export Pacific bluefin tuna first landed in the United States, are
required to possess a valid bluefin tuna dealer permit and comply with
all applicable recordkeeping and reporting requirements.
3. Pacific Bluefin Reporting Requirements
Pacific bluefin tuna dealers are required to submit biweekly
reports to the Regional Director on imports and exports of bluefin
tuna. The report must be postmarked and mailed within 10 days after the
end of each 2-week reporting period in which Pacific bluefin tuna were
imported or exported. The biweekly reporting periods are defined as the
first day through the 14th day of each month and the 15th day through
the last day of the month. Each report must specify accurately and
completely for each tuna or each shipment of bulk-frozen tuna exported:
Date of landing or import, any tag number (if so tagged), and weight in
kilograms (specify if round or dressed).
4. Atlantic Tuna Curved Length Measure
The regulatory text is amended to specify Atlantic bluefin tuna
size classes relative to curved length measure. The curved length
measure is a more feasible measurement method to apply to a bluefin
tuna on a vessel or at the dock. Specification of size classes
according to the curved measurement method will enable fishermen,
dealers, and NMFS enforcement agents to consistently assign individual
fish to one of the regulatory size classes for the purposes of
compliance with daily bag and boat limits and the prohibition on sale
of small fish.
5. Atlantic Tuna Technical Amendments
Technical amendments to the regulations at 50 CFR part 285 are made
to delete references to metal tags to account for non-metallic tail
tags now issued to dealers, and to clarify a prohibition on the reuse
of tail tags issued to permitted dealers for the purpose of identifying
individual Atlantic bluefin tuna. These changes will not affect the
conduct of the tuna fisheries except to facilitate enforcement. Without
such changes, the fisheries cannot be monitored or enforced with
maximum effectiveness.
Comments and Responses
1. Bluefin Tuna Statistical Document
Comment: Fisheries officials from other ICCAT member nations,
including Spain, Canada, and Japan, commented that combining the ICCAT
BSD with the U.S. FCO (NOAA Form 370) could lead to confusion and
potential problems in implementing the ICCAT bluefin tuna statistical
program. This could have deleterious effects on multilateral management
of bluefin tuna. These officials noted that ICCAT has invested a
considerable amount of effort over several years in designing a form
and an information-collection system that would be acceptable to all
ICCAT members. By using a form containing information-collection
requirements extraneous to the ICCAT bluefin statistical program, the
United States could impede expeditious transport of a highly perishable
product.
Additionally, U.S. bluefin dealers objected to the proposed
combined form on the grounds that importing countries (e.g., Japan)
would not accept it as the agreed ICCAT document, and dealers would
have to complete both the U.S. form and the ICCAT form, resulting in
unnecessary duplication of effort. Due to Japanese import requirements
implemented on June 1, 1994, U.S. dealers have been using the ICCAT-
style form supplied to them by Japanese importers. Many dealers
commented that introduction of a new form would lead to confusion on
the part of customs brokers in Japan and could possibly result in
delayed or rejected shipments.
Response: NMFS concurs in general with the comments and is issuing
a separate BSD according to the ICCAT format. While use of a separate
BSD will avoid confusion in implementing the ICCAT program, it does not
exempt U.S. dealers from complying with FCO requirements. However, due
to FCO exemptions for fresh fish, there would be few situations (e.g.,
frozen bluefin) where foreign exporters and U.S. importers would need
to complete both documents. Trade statistics indicate that only 1,400
lb (635 kg) of frozen bluefin were imported into the United States in
1993. Thus, the majority of bluefin imports would be exempt from FCO
requirements and the overall reporting burden would not be
significantly changed by issuing separate BSD and FCO forms.
2. Pacific Bluefin Tagging Requirements
Comment: Dealers of Pacific bluefin tuna commented that, relative
to Atlantic bluefin, export shipments of Pacific bluefin generally
comprise smaller fish, in greater numbers. [[Page 14383]] Tagging of
individual Pacific bluefin is, therefore, cost-prohibitive and poses an
extreme economic burden on West Coast fish dealers.
Response: NMFS agrees that the labor costs involved in tagging
large numbers of small Pacific bluefin tuna affect competitive pricing
and would reduce, or even preclude, the profitability of exports. NMFS,
therefore, has withdrawn the proposed requirement to tag all Pacific
bluefin tuna. However, dealers may continue to tag Pacific bluefin
provided the tag numbers are recorded on the BSD and are reported to
NMFS on the biweekly report. Voluntary tagging of Pacific bluefin tuna
will relieve dealers of the responsibility to have documents validated
by government officials or, if authorized, by non-government officials.
3. Pacific Bluefin Validation Requirements
Comment: Pacific bluefin tuna dealers have commented that NMFS can
independently verify information on the BSD by cross-referencing state
landings tickets and biweekly reports, thus eliminating delays in
packing fish caused by waiting for government validation. Given the
need for expeditious handling to export bluefin for the fresh market in
Japan, dealers perceive the validation requirement as an excessive
burden providing no additional benefit to the information retrieval
system.
Response: NMFS agrees that biweekly reports, taken together with
the completed BSDs and required supporting documentation, provide the
information needed to report as specified in the ICCAT recommendation.
However, the United States is bound to comply with validation
requirements as specified by ICCAT. Pending future clarification by
ICCAT's Permanent Working Group for the Improvement of ICCAT Statistics
and Conservation Measures, validation requirements by exporting
countries may be subject to change. Currently, the ICCAT resolution on
validation requires that imports of untagged bluefin tuna from the
United States be validated. NMFS recommends that Pacific bluefin
dealers tag individual fish when feasible to gain exemption from
validation requirements. With this final rule, NMFS establishes
procedures for non-government validation of BSDs in the event
validation is necessary. Validation by authorized non-government
parties will reduce the compliance burden.
4. Pacific Bluefin Reporting Requirements
Comment: The biweekly report was first developed for Atlantic
bluefin tuna, and it needs to be modified if it is to reflect Pacific
bluefin tuna shipping practices. Specifically, the sections to record
tag numbers and individual weights should be deleted.
Response: Rather than issue a combined form for both Atlantic and
Pacific bluefin tuna reports, NMFS has decided to issue a separate form
modified for the specific biweekly reporting requirements of Pacific
bluefin shipments.
5. Use of Metric Equivalents
Comment: The U.S. fishing industry records weights in pounds and
the biweekly reports and BSDs should reflect this.
Response: Weights specified in kilograms will facilitate
international trade in bluefin tuna. Specification of weights in
kilograms on completed BSDs will reduce problems in reviewing and
verifying information at customs offices abroad.
6. Import Requirements
Comment: According to the ICCAT recommendation, all bluefin tuna,
regardless of product form, must be accompanied by a completed BSD to
be eligible for lawful entry.
Response: In the final rule NMFS has amended the requirements for
documentation to include bluefin tuna in any product form, not just
fresh or frozen as identified by bluefin-specific HTS codes.
Comment: According to the general interpretation of the ICCAT
recommendation, improperly documented bluefin would not be refused, but
suspended and subject to administrative sanctions if documentation
could not be produced. The proposed rule would only allow entry under
bond without documentation.
Response: Due to the perishable nature of the product, the
interpretation of the ICCAT recommendation is such that entry of
bluefin tuna without documentation would be suspended, pending receipt
of a properly completed document, or the entry would be allowed subject
to administrative sanctions. Since the U.S. Customs Service now uses an
automated broker interface for electronic filing of entry documents,
refusal of improperly documented bluefin is impractical. Therefore,
allowance for entry under bond has been eliminated and import of
undocumented bluefin would, in most cases, be subject to civil
penalties under NMFS and U.S. Customs Service regulations rather than
seizure.
Changes From the Proposed Rule
After consideration of public comment, NMFS is issuing a separate
form for use as an ICCAT BSD and will not combine the BSD with the FCO
(NOAA Form 370). For copies of the ICCAT BSD and revised FCO, contact
NMFS (see ADDRESSES). Though NMFS will not issue a combined form, U.S.
tuna dealers must be aware that for import and export of tuna products,
in some situations, both forms are required.
Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and its implementing
regulations, only dolphin-safe tuna may be purchased, sold,
transported, or shipped in the United States after June 1, 1994 (16
U.S.C. 1417). In certain cases, imports of tuna and tuna products,
except fresh tuna, form must be accompanied by an appropriately
completed FCO (NOAA Form 370). The majority of bluefin tuna imports to
the United States are in fresh form, for which an FCO is not required.
However, an appropriately completed BSD is required for all bluefin
tuna, fresh or frozen, that enters or exits the United States.
Therefore, dealers should note that bluefin tuna imported in forms
other than fresh product, are subject to the requirements of both the
BSD and FCO.
Other changes from the proposed rule involve the tagging and
validation requirements for Pacific bluefin tuna exported from the
United States. After considering public comment on packaging and
shipping practices for Pacific bluefin, NMFS has eliminated the
proposed requirement that Pacific bluefin tuna be tagged prior to
export. However, the ICCAT resolution on validation currently requires
that imports of untagged Atlantic or Pacific bluefin tuna from the
United States to other ICCAT-member countries be validated by
government officials. NMFS recommends that Pacific bluefin tuna dealers
tag individual fish when feasible, to gain exemption from validation
requirements. In the event validation is necessary, NMFS has
established procedures for non-government validation of BSDs to reduce
the compliance burden.
NMFS has changed the requirements for dealer permits to include
both dealers importing and exporting Pacific bluefin tuna. This is
necessary to ensure accurate reporting of import statistics and
collection of BSDs accompanying Pacific bluefin tuna that are imported
into the United States for domestic [[Page 14384]] consumption. It is
expected that most, if not all, dealers importing Pacific bluefin tuna
will also export on occasion, and thus require a permit in any case.
NMFS has also changed the retention period for copies of BSDs and
biweekly dealer reports on Pacific bluefin tuna exports from 6 months
to 2 years. This was done to make the recordkeeping requirements
consistent with those already in effect for Atlantic bluefin tuna
reports.
NMFS has changed the requirements for lawful entry of Atlantic and
Pacific bluefin tuna imports to include all product forms and to
eliminate requirements for entry under bond. This is necessary to
comply with general interpretations of the ICCAT recommendation and
subsequent resolutions concerning the BSD.
NMFS has revised the format of certain amendments to the regulatory
text in that dealer permitting, reporting and recordkeeping
requirements applicable to Pacific bluefin tuna are placed at 50 CFR
part 280, rather than at 50 CFR part 285. This organizational change
was made to reduce fragmentation of the regulatory text applicable to
Pacific tuna fisheries.
In addition to the above changes, the following adjustments to the
regulations, though not part of the proposed rule, are implemented by
this rule to assist in quota monitoring, to increase the effectiveness
of enforcement, and to ensure the accuracy of bluefin statistical
documents:
In Sec. 285.26, size classes are defined relative only to the
curved length measurement method. Public support for this change was
expressed following a request for comments issued during rulemaking for
the 1994 Atlantic bluefin tuna season (59 FR 2813, January 19, 1994).
Landings data also support this change, since 88 percent of Atlantic
bluefin tuna purchased by dealers from 1991 through 1993 were reported
with curved length measures. NMFS enforcement officials concur that
specification of size classes by the curved method is more consistent
with the way length measurements are taken in the field and reduces
confusion between legal and illegal size fish relative to the daily bag
limits and the prohibition on sale of Atlantic bluefin below the large
medium size class. Accordingly, this rule establishes curved measure as
the sole criterion for determination of size classes of Atlantic
bluefin tuna.
In Sec. 285.29(a), language is added to instruct permitted dealers
purchasing or receiving Atlantic bluefin tuna to verify, by visual
inspection of the vessel permit, that the required permit information
is correctly recorded on the dealer landing card. This is necessary to
ensure that records of bluefin tuna landings are assigned to the
correct vessel permit number.
Another technical change is that specific language is added at
Sec. 280.52, Sec. 280.53(f), Sec. 285.30(e), and Sec. 285.31(a)(38) to
prohibit the reuse of bluefin tuna identification tags. While
instructions to dealers have indicated proper use of tags, the
regulatory text was not clear regarding reuse. Clarifying the
regulatory text will assist quota monitoring and ensure the accuracy of
export documentation as recorded on the BSD.
Finally, all references to metal tail tags in the regulatory text
have been deleted, since NMFs now issues non-metallic tail tags to
dealers for the purpose of identifying individual bluefin tuna
available for sale.
Classification
This final rule is published under the authority of the ATCA, 16
U.S.C. 971 et seq. The AA has determined that this rule is necessary to
implement the recommendations of ICCAT and is necessary for management
of the Atlantic tuna fisheries.
The Assistant General Counsel for Legislation and Regulation of the
Department of Commerce certified to the Small Business Administration
that the proposed rule, if adopted, would not have a significant
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities because the
recordkeeping and reporting requirements impose minimal costs.
Accordingly, an Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis was not
prepared. The changes from the proposed rule reduce the compliance
burden on bluefin tuna dealers by eliminating mandatory tagging of
Pacific bluefin and by allowing dealer associations, if authorized, to
validate BSDs.
This rule has been determined to be not significant for purposes of
E.O. 12866.
This rule contains new and revised collection-of-information
requirements subject to review under the Paperwork Reduction Act. It
modifies and renews requirements that were approved by OMB under
control numbers 0648-0040, 0648-0148, 0648-0202 and 0648-0239. The
public reporting burden for completing an application for a Federal
permit for dealers that export or re-export Pacific bluefin tuna is
estimated at 0.08 hours (5 minutes) per response. The public reporting
burden for these dealers for collection of information on dealer
reports is estimated at 0.25 hours (15 minutes) per response for the
biweekly dealer reports and affixing tags, and 0.33 hours (20 minutes)
per response for all bluefin tuna dealers for completing a BSD. The
public reporting burden for maintaining a daily log of fishing
activities for Pacific bluefin tuna is estimated at 0.10 hours (6
minutes) per response. These estimates include the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the
collection of information. Send comments regarding these burden
estimates or any other aspects of these collections of information,
including suggestions for reducing the burden, to NMFS and OMB (see
ADDRESSES).
List of Subjects
50 CFR Part 280
Fisheries, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Treaties.
50 CFR Part 285
Fisheries, Penalties, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements,
Treaties.
Dated: March 10, 1995.
Gary Matlock,
Program Management Officer, National Marine Fisheries Service.
For the reasons set out in the preamble, 50 CFR parts 280 and 285
are amended as follows:
PART 280--PACIFIC TUNA FISHERIES
1. The authority citation for part 280 is revised to read as
follows:
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 951-961 and 971 et seq.
2. A heading for subpart A is added to read as follows:
Subpart A--General
3. Sections 280.1 and 280.2 are transferred to subpart A.
4. Section 280.1 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 280.1 Purpose and scope.
The regulations in this part implement the IATTC recommendations
for the conservation of yellowfin tuna and the ICCAT recommendations
for the conservation of bluefin tuna so far as they affect vessels and
persons subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
5. In Sec. 280.2, the definition for ``Authorized officer'' is
amended by redesignating paragraphs (a) through (d) as paragraphs (1)
through (4), respectively, and the definition for ``Mingled species''
is amended by redesignating paragraphs (a) and (b) as paragraphs (1)
and (2), respectively; the definition for ``Commission'' is removed;
and the definitions of [[Page 14385]] ``Atlantic bluefin tuna'',
``Bluefin tuna'', ``IATTC'', ``ICCAT'', ``Pacific bluefin tuna'',
``Regional Director'', and ``Tag'' are added in alphabetical order to
read as follows:
Sec. 280.2 Definitions.
* * * * *
Atlantic bluefin tuna means the subspecies of bluefin tuna Thunnus
thynnus thynnus that is found in the Atlantic Ocean.
* * * * *
Bluefin tuna means the fish species Thunnus thynnus that is found
in any ocean area.
* * * * *
IATTC means the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission established
pursuant to the Convention for the Establishment of an Inter-American
Tropical Tuna Commission.
ICCAT means the International Commission for the Conservation of
Atlantic Tunas established pursuant to the International Convention for
the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas.
Pacific bluefin tuna means the subspecies of bluefin tuna Thunnus
thynnus orientalis that is found in the Pacific Ocean.
Regional Director means
(1) For the purposes of Atlantic bluefin dealers, the Director,
Northeast Region, National Marine Fisheries Service, One Blackburn
Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930-3799; and
(2) For the purposes of Pacific bluefin dealers, the Director,
Southwest Region, National Marine Fisheries Service, 501 W. Ocean
Blvd., Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802-4213.
Tag means the flexible, self-locking ribbon issued by the NMFS for
the identification of bluefin tuna under Sec. 280.52 or Sec. 285.30 of
this chapter.
* * * * *
6. A heading for subpart B is added to read as follows:
Subpart B--Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares)
7. Sections 280.3 and 280.4 are redesignated as Secs. 280.10 and
280.11, respectively, and are transferred to subpart B.
8. Newly redesignated Sec. 280.10 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 280.10 Recordkeeping and written reports.
(a) The master or other person in charge of a fishing vessel or a
person authorized in writing to serve as the agent for either person
must keep an accurate log of all operations conducted from the fishing
vessel, entering for each day the date, noon position (stated in
latitude and longitude or in relation to known physical features), and
the tonnage of fish aboard, by species. The record and bridge log
maintained at the request of the IATTC shall be sufficient to comply
with this paragraph, provided the items of information specified are
accurately entered in the log.
(b) Any authorized officer has the power to inspect, without
warrant or other process, at any reasonable time, the records and logs
of any fishing vessel that are required by paragraph (a) of this
section.
9. In newly redesignated paragraph 280.11(a), the word
``Commission'' is replaced with the word ``IATTC''.
10. A new Subpart C is added to read as follows:
Subpart C--Pacific Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus orientalis)
280.50 Dealer permits.
280.51 Dealer recordkeeping and reporting.
280.52 Tags.
280.53 Documentation requirements.
280.54 Prohibitions.
Subpart C--Pacific Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus orientalis)
Sec. 280.50 Dealer permits.
(a) General. A dealer importing Pacific bluefin tuna or purchasing,
or receiving, for export Pacific bluefin tuna first landed in the
United States, must have a valid permit issued under this section.
(b) Application. A dealer must apply for a permit in writing on an
appropriate form obtained from the Regional Director. The application
must be signed by the dealer and be submitted to the Regional Director
at least 30 days before the date upon which the dealer desires to have
the permit made effective. The application must contain the following
information: Company name, principal place of business, owner or
owners' names, applicant's name (if different from owner or owners) and
mailing address and telephone number, and any other information
required by the Regional Director.
(c) Issuance. (1) Except as provided in subpart D of 15 CFR part
904, the Regional Director will issue a permit within 30 days of
receipt of a completed application.
(2) The Regional Director will notify the applicant of any
deficiency in the application. If the applicant fails to correct the
deficiency within 15 days following the date of notification, the
application will be considered abandoned.
(d) Duration. Any permit issued under this section is valid until
December 31 of the year for which it is issued, unless suspended or
revoked.
(e) Alteration. Any permit that is substantially altered, erased,
or mutilated is invalid.
(f) Replacement. The Regional Director may issue replacement
permits. An application for a replacement permit is not considered a
new application.
(g) Transfer. A permit issued under this section is not
transferable or assignable; it is valid only for the dealer to whom it
is issued.
(h) Inspection. The dealer must keep the permit issued under this
section at his/her principal place of business. The permit must be
displayed for inspection upon request of any authorized officer, or any
employee of NMFS designated by the Regional Director for such purpose.
(i) Sanctions. The Assistant Administrator may suspend, revoke,
modify, or deny a permit issued or sought under this section.
Procedures governing permit sanctions and denials are found at subpart
D of 15 CFR part 904.
(j) Fees. The Regional Director may charge a fee to recover the
administrative expenses of permit issuance. The amount of the fee is
calculated, at least annually, in accordance with the procedures of the
NOAA Finance Handbook for determining administrative costs of each
special product or service. The fee may not exceed such costs and is
specified on each application form. The appropriate fee must accompany
each application. Failure to pay the fee will preclude issuance of the
permit. Payment by a commercial instrument later determined to be
insufficiently funded shall invalidate any permit.
(k) Change in application information. Within 15 days after any
change in the information contained in an application submitted under
this section, the dealer issued a permit must report the change to the
Regional Director in writing. The permit is void if any change in
information is not reported within 15 days.
Sec. 280.51 Dealer recordkeeping and reporting.
Any person issued a dealer permit under Sec. 280.50:
(a) Must submit to the Regional Director a biweekly report on
bluefin imports and exports on forms supplied by NMFS.
(1) The report required by this paragraph (a) must be postmarked
and mailed at the dealer's expense within 10 days after the end of each
2-week reporting period in which Pacific bluefin tuna were exported.
The biweekly reporting periods are defined [[Page 14386]] as the first
day to the 14th day of each month and the 15th day to the last day of
the month.
(2) Each report must specify accurately and completely for each
tuna or each shipment of bulk-frozen tuna exported: Date of landing or
import; any tag number (if so tagged); weight in kilograms (specify if
round or dressed); and any other information required by the Regional
Director. At the top of each form, the company's name, license number,
and the name of the person filling out the report must be specified. In
addition, the beginning and ending dates of the 2-week reporting period
must be specified by the dealer and noted at the top of the form.
(b) Must allow an authorized officer, or any employee of NMFS
designated by the Regional Director for this purpose, to inspect and
copy any records of transfers, purchases, or receipts of Pacific
bluefin tuna.
(c) Must retain at his/her principal place of business a copy of
each biweekly report for a period of 2 years from the date on which it
was submitted to the Regional Director.
Sec. 280.52 Tags.
(a) Issuance of tags. The Regional Director will issue numbered
tags to each person receiving a dealer's permit under Sec. 280.50.
(b) Transfer of tags. Tail tags issued under this section are not
transferable and are usable only by the permitted dealer to whom they
are issued.
(c) Affixing tags. At the discretion of dealers permitted under
Sec. 280.50, a tag issued under paragraph (a) of this section may be
affixed to each Pacific bluefin tuna purchased or received by the
dealer. If so tagged, the tag must be affixed to the tuna between the
fifth dorsal finlet and the keel and tag numbers must be recorded on
NMFS reports required by Sec. 280.51(a) and any documents accompanying
the shipment of Pacific bluefin tuna for domestic commercial use or
export.
(d) Removal of tags. A NMFS-issued tag affixed to any Pacific
bluefin tuna at the option of any permitted dealer under paragraph (c)
of this section or any tag affixed to any Pacific bluefin tuna to meet
the requirements of Sec. 285.202(a)(6)(v) of this chapter must remain
on the tuna until the tuna is cut into portions. If the tuna or tuna
parts subsequently are packaged for transport for domestic commercial
use or for export, the tag number must be written legibly and indelibly
on the outside of any package or container.
(e) Reuse of tags. Tags issued under this section are separately
numbered and may be used only once, one tail tag per fish, to
distinguish the purchase of one Pacific bluefin tuna. Once affixed to a
tuna or recorded on any package, container or report, a tail tag and
associated number may not be reused.
Sec. 280.53 Documentation requirements.
Bluefin tuna imported into, or exported or re-exported from the
customs territory of the United States is subject to the documentation
requirements specified in 50 CFR part 285, subpart F of this chapter.
Sec. 280.54 Prohibitions.
It is unlawful for any person or vessel subject to the jurisdiction
of the United States to:
(a) Import Pacific bluefin tuna or purchase or receive for export
Pacific bluefin tuna first landed in the United States without a valid
dealer permit issued under Sec. 280.50;
(b) Remove any NMFS-issued tag affixed to any Pacific bluefin tuna
at the option of any permitted dealer or any tag affixed to a Pacific
bluefin tuna to meet the requirements of Sec. 285.202(a)(6)(v) of this
chapter, before removal is allowed under Sec. 280.52, or fail to write
the tag number on the shipping package or container as specified in
Sec. 280.52;
(c) Falsify or fail to make, keep, maintain, or submit any reports
or other record required by this subpart;
(d) Refuse to allow an authorized officer or employee of NMFS
designated by the Regional Director to make inspections for the purpose
of checking any records relating to the catching, harvesting, landing,
purchase, or sale of any Pacific bluefin tuna required of this subpart;
(e) Make any false statement, oral or written, to an authorized
officer or employee of NMFS designated by the Regional Director to make
inspections concerning the catching, harvesting, landing, purchase,
sale, or transfer of any Pacific bluefin tuna;
(f) Reuse any NMFS-issued tag affixed to a Pacific bluefin tuna at
the option of a permitted dealer or any tag affixed to a Pacific
bluefin tuna to meet the requirements of Sec. 285.202(a)(6)(v) of this
chapter or reuse any tag number previously written on a shipping
package or container as prescribed by Sec. 280.52.
PART 285--ATLANTIC TUNA FISHERIES
11. The authority citation for part 285 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.
12. In Sec. 285.2, the definition of ``Metal tag'' is removed; the
definitions of ``Bluefin tuna'', ``Intermediate country'', ``Pacific
bluefin tuna'', and ``Tag'' are added in alphabetical order; the
definition of ``Atlantic bluefin tuna'' is revised; in the definition
of ``owner'', paragraphs (a) through (c) are redesignated paragraphs
(1) through (3), respectively; and in the definition of ``Regional
Director'', paragraphs (a) and (b) are redesignated as paragraphs (1)
and (2), respectively, and are revised to read as follows:
Sec. 285.2 Definitions.
* * * * *
Atlantic bluefin tuna means the subspecies of bluefin tuna Thunnus
thynnus thynnus that is found in the Atlantic Ocean. Size classes for
Atlantic bluefin tuna are defined in Sec. 285.26.
* * * * *
Bluefin tuna means the fish species Thunnus thynnus that is found
in any ocean area.
* * * * *
Intermediate country means a country from which bluefin tuna or
bluefin tuna products that were previously imported by that nation are
exported to the United States. Shipments of bluefin tuna or bluefin
tuna products 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.
* * * * *
Pacific bluefin tuna means the subspecies of bluefin tuna Thunnus
thynnus orientalis that is found in the Pacific Ocean.
* * * * *
Regional Director means
(1) For the purposes of Atlantic bluefin dealers, the Director,
Northeast Region, National Marine Fisheries Service, One Blackburn
Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930-3799; and for the purposes of Pacific
bluefin dealers, the Director, Southwest Region, National Marine
Fisheries Service, 501 W. Ocean Blvd. Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802-
4213; and
(2) For purposes of yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna, skipjack tuna, and
albacore, the Regional Director, Southeast Region, National Marine
Fisheries Service, 9721 Executive Center Drive, St. Petersburg, FL
33702-2432.
* * * * *
Tag means the flexible, self-locking ribbon issued by NMFS for the
identification of Atlantic bluefin tuna under Sec. 285.30.
* * * * *
13. In Sec. 285.23, paragraph (d) is revised to read as follows:
[[Page 14387]]
Sec. 285.23 Incidental catch.
* * * * *
(d) Rod and reel. Subject to the quotas in Sec. 285.22, any person
operating a vessel issued a permit for the Angling category and
possessing an Incidental Catch permit issued under Sec. 285.21 may
catch and retain annually one large medium or giant Atlantic bluefin
tuna as an incidental catch. The permit holder must report to the
nearest NMFS enforcement office within 24 hours of landing any large
medium or giant Atlantic bluefin tuna, and must make the tuna available
for inspection and attachment of a tail tag. No such Atlantic bluefin
tuna may be sold or transferred to any person for a commercial purpose
except for taxidermic purposes.
* * * * *
14. Section 285.26 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 285.26 Size classes.
Total curved fork length will be the sole criterion for determining
the size class of whole (head on) Atlantic bluefin tuna. For this
purpose, all measurements must be taken in a line tracing the contour
of the body along the middle of the lateral surface from the tip of the
snout to the fork of the tail. For any Atlantic bluefin tuna found with
the head removed, it is deemed, for purposes of this subpart, that the
tuna, when caught, fell into a size class in accordance with the
following formula: Total curved fork length equals pectoral fin curved
fork length multiplied by a factor of 1.35. The pectoral fin curved
fork length will be the sole criterion for determining the size class
of a beheaded Atlantic bluefin tuna. For this purpose, all measurements
must be taken in a line tracing the contour of the body along the
middle of the lateral surface from the dorsal insertion of the pectoral
fin of the beheaded fish to the fork of the tail (see Figure 1).
Atlantic bluefin tuna are deemed to fall into a size class according to
the following table; approximate round weights are given for
illustrative purposes only.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Size category Total curved fork length Pectoral fin curved fork length Approx. round weight
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Young School................................... Less than 27 inches.............. Less than 20 inches.............. Less than 14 lb.
Less than 69 cm.................. Less than 51 cm.................. less than 6.4 kg.
School......................................... 27 to <47 inches.................="" 20="" to=""><35 inches.................="" 14="" to=""><66 lb.="" 69="" to=""><119 cm....................="" 51="" to=""><89 cm.....................="" 6.4="" to=""><30 kg.="" large="" school...................................="" 47="" to=""><59 inches.................="" 35="" to=""><44 inches.................="" 66="" to=""><135 lb.="" 119="" to=""><150 cm...................="" 89="" to=""><112 cm....................="" 30="" to=""><61 kg.="" small="" medium...................................="" 59="" to=""><73 inches.................="" 44="" to=""><54 inches.................="" 135="" to=""><235 lb.="" 150="" to=""><185 cm...................="" 112="" to=""><137 cm...................="" 61="" to=""><107 kg.="" large="" medium...................................="" 73="" to=""><81 inches.................="" 54="" to=""><60 inches.................="" 235="" to=""><310 lb.="" 185="" to=""><206 cm...................="" 137="" to=""><152 cm...................="" 107="" to=""><141 kg.="" giant..........................................="" 81="" inches="" or="" greater.............="" 60="" inches="" or="" greater.............="" 310="" lb="" or="" greater.="" 206="" cm="" or="" greater................="" 152="" cm="" or="" greater................="" 141="" kg="" or="" greater.="" --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------="" 15.="" in="" sec.="" 285.29,="" paragraphs="" (a)="" and="" (b)(1)="" are="" revised="" to="" read="" as="" follows:="" sec.="" 285.29="" dealer="" recordkeeping="" and="" reporting.="" *="" *="" *="" *="" *="" (a)="" must="" submit="" to="" the="" regional="" director="" via="" both="" electronic="" facsimile="" (fax)="" and="" the="" u.s.="" postal="" system="" a="" daily="" report="" on="" a="" reporting="" card="" provided="" by="" nmfs,="" within="" 24="" hours="" of="" the="" purchase="" or="" receipt="" of="" each="" atlantic="" bluefin="" tuna="" from="" the="" person="" or="" vessel="" that="" harvested="" the="" fish.="" a="" fax="" of="" said="" card="" must="" be="" received="" at="" the="" nmfs="" ne="" regional="" office="" (fax="" 508-281-9340)="" within="" 24="" hours="" of="" the="" purchase="" or="" receipt="" of="" each="" atlantic="" bluefin="" tuna.="" additionally,="" said="" card="" must="" be="" postmarked="" and="" mailed="" at="" the="" dealer's="" expense="" within="" 24="" hours="" of="" the="" purchase="" or="" receipt="" of="" each="" atlantic="" bluefin="" tuna.="" at="" the="" offloading="" of="" the="" fish,="" each="" reporting="" card="" must="" be="" signed="" by="" the="" vessel="" permit="" holder="" or="" vessel="" operator="" to="" verify="" the="" name="" of="" the="" vessel="" that="" landed="" the="" fish="" and="" must="" show="" the="" atlantic="" bluefin="" tuna="" vessel="" permit="" number="" and="" expiration="" date,="" tail="" tag="" number="" affixed="" to="" the="" fish="" by="" the="" dealer="" or="" assigned="" by="" an="" authorized="" officer,="" the="" date="" landed,="" the="" port="" where="" landed,="" the="" round="" and/or="" dressed="" weight="" (indicating="" which="" weight(s)="" measured),="" the="" total="" or="" pectoral="" fin="" curved="" fork="" length,="" gear="" used,="" and="" area="" where="" the="" fish="" was="" caught.="" the="" dealer="" purchasing="" or="" receiving="" the="" atlantic="" bluefin="" tuna="" must="" inspect="" the="" vessel="" permit="" and="" verify="" that="" the="" required="" permit="" information="" is="" correctly="" recorded="" on="" the="" dealer="" landing="" card.="" (b)="" *="" *="" *="" (1)="" said="" report="" must="" be="" postmarked="" and="" mailed,="" at="" the="" dealer's="" expense,="" within="" 10="" days="" after="" the="" end="" of="" each="" 2-week="" reporting="" period="" in="" which="" atlantic="" bluefin="" tuna="" were="" purchased,="" received,="" or="" imported.="" the="" biweekly="" reporting="" periods="" are="" defined="" as="" the="" first="" day="" through="" the="" 14th="" day="" of="" each="" month="" and="" the="" 15th="" day="" through="" the="" last="" day="" of="" the="" month.="" each="" report="" must="" specify="" accurately="" and="" completely="" for="" each="" tuna="" purchased="" or="" received:="" date="" of="" landing="" or="" import,="" vessel="" atlantic="" bluefin="" tuna="" permit="" number="" (if="" applicable),="" tail="" tag="" number,="" weight="" in="" pounds="" or="" kilograms="" (specify="" if="" round="" or="" dressed),="" nature="" of="" the="" sale="" (dockside="" or="" consignment),="" price="" per="" pound="" or="" kilogram="" (round="" or="" dressed="" weight),="" and="" destination="" of="" the="" fish="" (domestic="" or="" export).="" in="" addition,="" dealers="" may="" indicate="" the="" quality="" rating="" of="" their="" bluefin="" tuna:="" (a,="" b,="" or="" c)="" for="" four="" attributes="" (freshness,="" fat,="" color,="" and="" shape).="" *="" *="" *="" *="" *="" 16.="" section="" 285.30="" is="" revised="" to="" read="" as="" follows:="" sec.="" 285.30="" tags.="" (a)="" issuance="" of="" tags.="" the="" regional="" director="" will="" issue="" numbered="" tail="" tags="" to="" each="" person="" receiving="" a="" dealer's="" permit="" under="" sec.="" 285.28.="" (b)="" transfer="" of="" tags.="" tail="" tags="" issued="" under="" this="" section="" are="" not="" transferable="" and="" are="" usable="" only="" by="" the="" permitted="" dealer="" to="" whom="" they="" are="" issued.="" (c)="" affixing="" tags.="" (1)="" a="" dealer="" or="" agent="" must="" affix="" a="" tail="" tag="" to="" each="" atlantic="" bluefin="" tuna="" purchased="" or="" received,="" immediately="" upon="" its="" offloading="" from="" a="" vessel.="" the="" tail="" tag="" must="" be="" affixed="" to="" the="" tuna="" between="" the="" fifth="" dorsal="" finlet="" and="" the="" keel.="" (2)="" any="" person="" who="" catches="" a="" large="" medium="" or="" giant="" atlantic="" bluefin="" tuna="" and="" does="" not="" transfer="" it="" to="" a="" permitted="" dealer="" must="" contact="" the="" nearest="" nmfs="" enforcement="" office="" at="" the="" time="" of="" landing="" said="" atlantic="" bluefin="" tuna="" and="" make="" the="" tuna="" available="" so="" that="" a="" nmfs="" enforcement="" agent="" may="" inspect="" the="" fish="" and="" attach="" a="" tail="" tag="" to="" it.="" a="" list="" of="" local="" nmfs="" enforcement="" offices="" can="" be="" obtained="" by="" contacting="" regional="" offices="" in="" gloucester,="" ma="" (508-281-9261)="" and="" st.="" petersburg,="" fl="" (813-570-5344).="" the="" regional="" director="" may="" designate="" a="" person="" other="" than="" a="" nmfs="" agent="" to="" [[page="" 14388]]="" inspect="" and="" tag="" the="" fish.="" such="" designation="" will="" be="" made="" in="" writing.="" (d)="" removal="" of="" tags.="" a="" tag="" affixed="" to="" any="" atlantic="" bluefin="" tuna="" under="" paragraph="" (c)(1)="" of="" this="" section="" or="" under="" sec.="" 285.202(a)(6)(v)="" must="" remain="" on="" the="" tuna="" until="" the="" tuna="" is="" cut="" into="" portions.="" if="" the="" tuna="" or="" tuna="" parts="" subsequently="" are="" packaged="" for="" transport="" for="" domestic="" commercial="" use="" or="" for="" export,="" the="" tag="" number="" must="" be="" written="" legibly="" and="" indelibly="" on="" the="" outside="" of="" any="" package="" or="" container.="" tag="" numbers="" must="" be="" recorded="" on="" any="" document="" accompanying="" shipment="" of="" bluefin="" tuna="" for="" commercial="" use="" or="" export.="" (e)="" reuse="" of="" tags.="" tags="" issued="" under="" this="" section="" are="" separately="" numbered="" and="" may="" be="" used="" only="" once,="" one="" tail="" tag="" per="" fish,="" to="" distinguish="" the="" purchase="" of="" one="" atlantic="" bluefin="" tuna.="" once="" affixed="" to="" a="" tuna="" or="" recorded="" on="" any="" package,="" container="" or="" report,="" a="" tail="" tag="" and="" associated="" number="" may="" not="" be="" reused.="" 17.="" in="" sec.="" 285.31,="" the="" word="" ``tranfer''="" in="" paragraph="" (a)(14)="" is="" revised="" to="" read="" ``transfer'';="" the="" periods="" at="" the="" end="" of="" paragraphs="" (a)(10),="" (a)(29),="" and="" (a)(32)="" are="" replaced="" with="" semicolons;="" and="" paragraphs="" (a)(18),="" (a)(19),="" (a)(31),="" (a)(36)="" and="" (a)(37)="" are="" revised="" to="" read="" as="" follows:="" sec.="" 285.31="" prohibitions.="" (a)="" *="" *="" *="" (18)="" fail="" to="" inspect="" any="" vessel's="" permit="" or="" fail="" to="" affix="" immediately="" to="" any="" large="" medium="" or="" giant="" atlantic="" bluefin="" tuna,="" between="" the="" fifth="" dorsal="" finlet="" and="" the="" keel,="" an="" individually="" numbered="" tail="" tag="" when="" the="" tuna="" has="" been="" received="" for="" a="" commercial="" purpose="" or="" purchased="" by="" that="" dealer="" from="" any="" person="" or="" vessel="" having="" caught="" such="" tuna;="" (19)="" remove="" any="" tag="" affixed="" to="" an="" atlantic="" bluefin="" tuna="" under="" sec.="" 285.30(c)(1)="" or="" under="" sec.="" 285.202(a)(6)(v),="" before="" removal="" is="" allowed="" under="" sec.="" 285.30(d),="" or="" fail="" to="" write="" the="" tag="" number="" on="" the="" shipping="" package="" or="" container="" as="" prescribed="" by="" that="" section;="" *="" *="" *="" *="" *="" (31)="" fish="" for,="" catch,="" retain,="" possess="" or="" land="" atlantic="" bluefin="" tuna="" with="" a="" gear="" type="" or="" in="" a="" manner="" other="" than="" specified="" in="" secs.="" 285.22,="" 285.23,="" and="" 285.25,="" or="" other="" than="" authorized="" under="" an="" experimental="" fishing="" exemption="" issued="" pursuant="" to="" the="" requirements="" of="" sec.="" 285.7;="" *="" *="" *="" *="" *="" (36)="" reuse="" any="" tail="" tag="" previously="" affixed="" to="" an="" atlantic="" bluefin="" tuna="" under="" sec.="" 285.30="" or="" reuse="" any="" tail="" tag="" number="" previously="" written="" on="" a="" shipping="" package="" or="" container="" as="" prescribed="" by="" that="" section;="" or="" (37)="" fish="" for,="" catch,="" retain,="" possess="" or="" land="" any="" atlantic="" bluefin="" tuna="" less="" than="" 185="" cm="" (73="" inches)="" total="" curved="" fork="" length="" from="" a="" vessel="" other="" than="" one="" issued="" an="" angling="" category="" permit="" under="" sec.="" 285.21,="" or="" a="" purse="" seine="" category="" permit="" and="" operating="" under="" sec.="" 285.23(e).="" 18.="" a="" new="" subpart="" f="" is="" added="" to="" part="" 285="" to="" read="" as="" follows:="" subpart="" f--bluefin="" tuna="" statistical="" documentation="" 285.200="" species="" subject="" to="" documentation="" requirements.="" 285.201="" documentation="" requirements.="" 285.202="" contents="" of="" documentation.="" 285.203="" validation="" requirements.="" 285.204="" ports="" of="" entry.="" 285.205="" prohibitions.="" subpart="" f--bluefin="" tuna="" statistical="" documentation="" sec.="" 285.200="" species="" subject="" to="" documentation="" requirements.="" imports="" into="" the="" united="" states="" and="" exports="" or="" re-exports="" from="" the="" united="" states="" of="" all="" bluefin="" tuna="" or="" bluefin="" tuna="" products="" regardless="" of="" ocean="" area="" of="" catch="" are="" subject="" to="" the="" documentation="" requirements="" of="" this="" subpart.="" (a)="" documentation="" is="" required="" for="" bluefin="" tuna="" identified="" by="" the="" following="" item="" numbers="" from="" the="" harmonized="" tariff="" schedule:="" (1)="" fresh="" or="" chilled="" bluefin="" tuna,="" excluding="" fillets="" and="" other="" fish="" meat,="" no.="" 0302.39.00.20.="" (2)="" frozen="" bluefin="" tuna,="" excluding="" fillets,="" no.="" 0303.49.00.20.="" (b)="" in="" addition,="" bluefin="" tuna="" 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="" (i.e.,="" heads,="" eyes,="" roe,="" guts,="" tails)="" may="" be="" allowed="" entry="" without="" said="" statistical="" documentation.="" sec.="" 285.201="" documentation="" requirements.="" (a)="" bluefin="" imports.="" (1)="" imports="" of="" all="" bluefin="" tuna="" products="" into="" the="" united="" states="" must="" be="" accompanied="" at="" the="" time="" of="" entry="" by="" an="" original="" completed="" approved="" bluefin="" tuna="" statistical="" document="" with="" the="" information="" and="" exporter's="" certification="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 285.202(a)(1)="" through="" (7).="" such="" information="" must="" be="" validated="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 285.202(a)(8)="" by="" a="" responsible="" government="" official="" of="" the="" country="" whose="" flag="" vessel="" caught="" the="" tuna="" (regardless="" of="" where="" the="" fish="" are="" first="" landed),="" unless="" the="" assistant="" administrator="" has="" waived="" validation="" requirements="" for="" the="" country="" pursuant="" to="" sec.="" 285.203.="" (2)="" bluefin="" tuna="" imported="" into="" the="" united="" states="" from="" a="" country="" requiring="" a="" tag="" on="" all="" such="" tuna="" available="" for="" sale="" must="" be="" accompanied="" by="" the="" appropriate="" tag="" issued="" by="" that="" country,="" and="" said="" tag="" must="" remain="" on="" any="" tuna="" until="" it="" reaches="" its="" final="" import="" destination.="" if="" the="" final="" import="" destination="" is="" the="" united="" states,="" the="" tag="" must="" remain="" on="" the="" tuna="" until="" it="" is="" cut="" into="" portions.="" if="" the="" tuna="" portions="" are="" subsequently="" packaged="" for="" domestic="" commercial="" use="" or="" export,="" the="" tag="" number="" and="" the="" issuing="" country="" must="" be="" written="" legibly="" and="" indelibly="" on="" the="" outside="" of="" the="" package.="" (3)="" dealers="" selling="" bluefin="" tuna="" that="" was="" previously="" imported="" into="" the="" united="" states="" for="" domestic="" commercial="" use="" must="" provide="" on="" the="" original="" bluefin="" tuna="" statistical="" document="" that="" accompanied="" the="" import="" shipment="" the="" correct="" information="" and="" importer's="" certification="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 285.202(a)(9).="" the="" original="" of="" the="" completed="" bluefin="" tuna="" statistical="" document="" must="" be="" postmarked="" and="" mailed="" by="" said="" dealer="" to="" the="" regional="" director="" within="" 24="" hours="" of="" the="" time="" the="" tuna="" was="" imported="" into="" the="" united="" states.="" (b)="" bluefin="" exports.="" (1)="" dealers="" exporting="" bluefin="" tuna="" that="" was="" harvested="" by="" u.s.="" vessels="" and="" first="" landed="" in="" the="" united="" states="" must="" complete="" an="" original="" numbered="" bluefin="" tuna="" statistical="" document="" issued="" to="" that="" dealer="" by="" the="" regional="" director.="" such="" an="" individually="" numbered="" document="" is="" not="" transferable="" or="" reusable="" and="" may="" be="" used="" only="" once="" by="" the="" dealer="" to="" which="" it="" was="" issued="" to="" report="" on="" a="" specific="" export="" shipment.="" dealers="" must="" provide="" on="" the="" bluefin="" tuna="" statistical="" document="" the="" correct="" information="" and="" exporter="" certification="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 285.202(a)(1)="" through="" (7).="" as="" required="" under="" sec.="" 285.203,="" the="" bluefin="" tuna="" statistical="" document="" must="" be="" validated="" as="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 285.202(a)(8)="" by="" an="" official="" of="" the="" u.s.="" government="" or,="" if="" authorized="" by="" nmfs,="" an="" official="" of="" an="" accredited="" institution.="" a="" list="" of="" such="" officials="" may="" be="" obtained="" by="" contacting="" the="" office="" of="" fisheries="" conservation="" and="" management,="" nmfs,="" silver="" spring,="" md="" (301-713-2347),="" or="" the="" nearest="" nmfs="" enforcement="" office.="" a="" list="" of="" local="" nmfs="" enforcement="" offices="" can="" be="" obtained="" by="" contacting="" regional="" offices="" in="" gloucester,="" ma="" (508-281-9261),="" st.="" petersburg,="" fl="" (813-570-5344)="" and="" long="" beach,="" ca="" (310-980-4050).="" dealers="" requesting="" 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)="" dealers="" re-exporting="" bluefin="" tuna="" that="" was="" previously="" imported="" into="" the="" united="" states="" must="" provide="" on="" the="" [[page="" 14389]]="" original="" bluefin="" tuna="" statistical="" document="" that="" accompanied="" the="" import="" shipment="" the="" correct="" information="" and="" intermediate="" importer's="" certification="" specified="" in="" sec.="" 285.202(a)(9).="" (3)="" dealers="" must="" submit="" the="" original="" of="" the="" completed="" bluefin="" tuna="" statistical="" document="" to="" accompany="" the="" shipment="" of="" bluefin="" tuna="" to="" its="" export="" or="" re-export="" destination.="" a="" copy="" of="" the="" bluefin="" tuna="" statistical="" document="" completed="" as="" specified="" under="" paragraph="" (b)(1)="" or="" (2)="" of="" this="" section="" must="" be="" postmarked="" and="" mailed="" by="" said="" dealer="" to="" the="" regional="" director="" within="" 24="" hours="" of="" the="" time="" the="" tuna="" was="" exported="" or="" re-="" exported="" from="" the="" united="" states.="" (c)="" recordkeeping.="" dealers="" must="" retain="" at="" their="" principal="" place="" of="" business="" a="" copy="" of="" each="" bluefin="" tuna="" statistical="" document="" required="" to="" be="" submitted="" to="" the="" regional="" director="" pursuant="" to="" this="" section="" for="" a="" period="" of="" 2="" years="" from="" the="" date="" on="" which="" it="" was="" submitted="" to="" the="" regional="" director.="" sec.="" 285.202="" contents="" of="" documentation.="" (a)="" a="" bluefin="" tuna="" statistical="" document,="" to="" be="" deemed="" complete,="" must:="" (1)="" have="" a="" document="" number="" assigned="" as="" prescribed="" by="" the="" country="" issuing="" the="" document;="" (2)="" state="" the="" name="" of="" the="" country="" issuing="" the="" document,="" which="" is="" the="" country="" whose="" flag="" vessel="" harvested="" the="" bluefin="" tuna,="" regardless="" of="" where="" the="" tuna="" is="" first="" landed;="" (3)="" state="" the="" name="" of="" the="" vessel="" that="" caught="" the="" fish="" and="" the="" vessel's="" registration="" number,="" if="" applicable;="" (4)="" state="" the="" name="" of="" the="" owner="" of="" the="" trap="" that="" caught="" the="" fish,="" if="" applicable;="" (5)="" state="" the="" point="" of="" export,="" which="" is="" the="" city,="" state="" or="" province,="" and="" country="" from="" which="" the="" bluefin="" tuna="" is="" first="" exported;="" (6)="" state="" the="" following="" specified="" information="" about="" the="" shipment:="" (i)="" the="" product="" type="" (fresh="" or="" frozen)="" and="" product="" form="" (round,="" gilled="" and="" gutted,="" dressed,="" fillet="" or="" other);="" (ii)="" the="" method="" of="" fishing="" used="" to="" harvest="" the="" fish="" (purse="" seine,="" trap,="" rod="" and="" reel,="" etc.);="" (iii)="" the="" ocean="" area="" from="" which="" the="" fish="" was="" harvested="" (western="" atlantic,="" eastern="" atlantic,="" mediterranean,="" or="" pacific);="" (iv)="" the="" weight="" of="" each="" fish="" (in="" kilograms="" for="" the="" same="" product="" form="" previously="" specified);="" (v)="" the="" identifying="" tag="" number,="" if="" landed="" by="" vessels="" from="" countries="" with="" tagging="" programs;="" (7)="" state="" the="" name="" and="" license="" number="" of,="" and="" be="" signed="" and="" dated="" in="" the="" exporter's="" certification="" block="" by,="" the="" exporter;="" (8)="" if="" applicable,="" state="" 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="" bluefin="" tuna="" statistical="" document;="" and="" (9)="" as="" applicable,="" state="" 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="" bluefin="" tuna="" statistical="" document="" may="" be="" obtained="" from="" the="" regional="" director="" to="" accompany="" exports="" of="" bluefin="" tuna="" from="" the="" united="" states.="" bluefin="" tuna="" dealers="" in="" countries="" that="" do="" not="" provide="" an="" approved="" bluefin="" tuna="" statistical="" document="" to="" exporters="" may="" obtain="" an="" approved="" bluefin="" tuna="" statistical="" document="" from="" the="" regional="" director="" to="" accompany="" exports="" to="" the="" united="" states.="" (c)="" dealers="" from="" a="" country="" exporting="" bluefin="" tuna="" to="" the="" united="" states="" may="" use="" the="" approved="" bluefin="" tuna="" statistical="" document="" obtainable="" from="" the="" regional="" director="" or="" documents="" developed="" by="" the="" dealer's="" country,="" if="" that="" country="" submits="" a="" copy,="" through="" the="" iccat="" executive="" secretariat,="" to="" the="" assistant="" administrator,="" and="" the="" assistant="" administrator="" concurs="" with="" the="" iccat="" secretariat's="" determination="" that="" the="" document="" meets="" the="" information="" requirements="" of="" the="" iccat="" recommendation.="" in="" such="" case,="" the="" assistant="" administrator="" shall="" provide="" a="" list="" of="" countries="" for="" which="" bluefin="" tuna="" statistical="" documents="" are="" approved,="" together="" with="" examples="" of="" such="" 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="" bluefin="" tuna="" or="" bluefin="" tuna="" products="" offered="" for="" importation="" from="" said="" country(ies)="" may="" be="" accompanied="" by="" either="" that="" country's="" approved="" bluefin="" tuna="" statistical="" document="" or="" by="" the="" bluefin="" tuna="" statistical="" document="" provided="" to="" the="" foreign="" country="" exporter="" by="" the="" regional="" director.="" sec.="" 285.203="" validation="" requirements.="" (a)="" imports.="" the="" approved="" bluefin="" tuna="" statistical="" document="" accompanying="" any="" import="" of="" bluefin="" tuna,="" whether="" or="" not="" the="" issuing="" country="" is="" a="" member="" of="" iccat,="" must="" be="" validated="" by="" a="" government="" official="" from="" the="" issuing="" country,="" unless="" the="" assistant="" administrator="" waives="" the="" government="" validation="" requirement="" for="" that="" country="" following="" a="" recommendation="" to="" do="" so="" by="" the="" executive="" secretary="" of="" iccat.="" the="" assistant="" administrator="" shall="" furnish="" a="" list="" of="" countries="" for="" which="" government="" validation="" requirements="" are="" waived="" to="" the="" appropriate="" official="" of="" the="" u.s.="" customs="" service.="" said="" list="" shall="" indicate="" the="" circumstances="" of="" exemption="" for="" each="" issuing="" country="" and="" the="" non-="" government="" institutions,="" if="" any,="" accredited="" to="" validate="" bluefin="" statistical="" documents="" for="" that="" country.="" (b)="" exports.="" the="" approved="" bluefin="" tuna="" statistical="" document="" accompanying="" any="" export="" of="" bluefin="" tuna="" from="" the="" united="" states="" must="" be="" validated="" by="" a="" u.s.="" government="" official,="" except="" under="" circumstances="" of="" waiver,="" if="" any,="" specified="" on="" the="" form="" and="" accompanying="" instructions,="" or="" in="" a="" letter="" to="" permitted="" dealers="" from="" the="" regional="" director.="" such="" circumstances="" of="" waiver="" of="" government="" validation="" shall="" be="" consistent="" with="" iccat="" recommendations="" concerning="" validation="" of="" bluefin="" tuna="" statistical="" documents.="" if="" authorized,="" such="" waiver="" of="" government="" validation="" may="" include:="" (1)="" exemptions="" from="" government="" validation="" for="" fish="" with="" individual="" tags="" affixed="" pursuant="" to="" sec.="" 280.52="" or="" sec.="" 285.30="" of="" this="" chapter,="" or;="" (2)="" validation="" by="" non-government="" officials="" authorized="" to="" do="" so="" by="" the="" regional="" director="" under="" paragraph="" (c)="" of="" this="" section.="" (c)="" authorization="" for="" non-government="" validation.="" institutions,="" or="" associations="" seeking="" authorization="" to="" validate="" bluefin="" tuna="" statistical="" documents="" accompanying="" exports="" from="" the="" united="" states,="" must="" apply="" in="" writing="" to="" the="" regional="" director.="" a="" letter="" of="" application="" must="" indicate="" the="" procedures="" to="" be="" used="" for="" verification="" of="" information="" to="" be="" validated,="" must="" list="" the="" names,="" addresses,="" and="" telephone/fax="" numbers="" of="" individuals="" to="" perform="" validation,="" and="" must="" provide="" an="" example="" of="" the="" stamp="" or="" seal="" to="" be="" applied="" to="" the="" bluefin="" tuna="" statistical="" document.="" upon="" finding="" the="" institution="" or="" association="" capable="" of="" verifying="" the="" information="" required="" on="" the="" bluefin="" tuna="" statistical="" document,="" the="" regional="" director="" will="" issue,="" within="" 30="" days,="" a="" letter="" specifying="" the="" duration="" of="" effectiveness="" and="" conditions="" of="" authority="" to="" validate="" bluefin="" tuna="" statistical="" documents="" accompanying="" exports="" from="" the="" united="" states.="" the="" effectiveness="" of="" such="" authorization="" will="" be="" delayed="" as="" necessary="" for="" the="" assistant="" administrator="" to="" notify="" the="" iccat="" [[page="" 14390]]="" secretariat="" of="" non-government="" institutions="" and="" associations="" authorized="" to="" validate="" bluefin="" tuna="" statistical="" documents.="" sec.="" 285.204="" ports="" of="" entry.="" the="" assistant="" administrator="" shall="" monitor="" the="" importation="" of="" bluefin="" tuna="" into="" the="" united="" states.="" if="" the="" assistant="" administrator="" determines="" that="" the="" diversity="" of="" handling="" practices="" at="" certain="" ports="" at="" which="" bluefin="" tuna="" is="" being="" imported="" into="" the="" united="" states="" allow="" for="" circumvention="" of="" the="" bluefin="" tuna="" statistical="" document="" requirement,="" he/="" she="" may="" designate,="" after="" consultation="" with="" the="" u.s.="" customs="" service,="" those="" ports="" at="" which="" pacific="" or="" atlantic="" bluefin="" tuna="" may="" be="" imported="" into="" the="" united="" states.="" the="" assistant="" administrator="" shall="" announce="" in="" the="" federal="" register="" the="" names="" of="" ports="" so="" designated="" and="" the="" effective="" dates="" of="" entry="" restrictions.="" sec.="" 285.205="" prohibitions.="" it="" is="" unlawful="" for="" any="" person="" to="" do="" any="" of="" the="" following:="" (a)="" import="" or="" attempt="" to="" import="" any="" bluefin="" tuna="" into="" the="" united="" states="" without="" an="" accompanying="" original="" form="" of="" an="" approved="" bluefin="" tuna="" statistical="" document="" correctly="" completed="" with="" the="" appropriate="" certification="" and="" government="" validation.="" (b)="" import="" any="" bluefin="" tuna="" into="" the="" united="" states="" from="" a="" country="" that="" requires="" all="" such="" tuna="" to="" be="" tagged,="" without="" said="" tag="" accompanying="" the="" bluefin="" tuna.="" (c)="" remove="" a="" tag="" from="" any="" bluefin="" tuna="" imported="" into="" the="" united="" states="" accompanied="" by="" a="" tag,="" prior="" to="" its="" being="" cut="" into="" portions="" for="" a="" destination="" in="" the="" united="" states="" or="" for="" export.="" (d)="" fail="" to="" write="" legibly="" and="" indelibly="" the="" tag="" number="" and="" the="" issuing="" country="" on="" the="" outside="" of="" any="" package="" containing="" a="" part="" or="" parts="" of="" a="" bluefin="" tuna="" that="" was="" imported="" into="" the="" united="" states="" accompanied="" by="" said="" tag.="" (e)="" export="" or="" re-export="" from="" the="" united="" states="" any="" bluefin="" tuna="" without="" an="" accompanying="" original="" approved="" bluefin="" tuna="" statistical="" document="" correctly="" completed="" with="" the="" appropriate="" certification="" and,="" if="" applicable,="" validated="" by="" a="" designated="" official="" of="" the="" united="" states="" government="" or="" an="" official="" of="" an="" institution="" authorized="" by="" the="" regional="" director="" pursuant="" to="" sec.="" 285.203(c)="" to="" validate="" such="" documents.="" (f)="" fail="" to="" provide="" in="" a="" timely="" manner="" any="" originals="" or="" copies="" of="" bluefin="" tuna="" statistical="" documents="" required="" to="" be="" submitted="" to="" the="" regional="" director="" pursuant="" to="" sec.="" 285.201.="" (g)="" write="" false="" information="" on="" or="" modify="" any="" information="" previously="" written="" on="" any="" bluefin="" tuna="" statistical="" document="" required="" by="" this="" subpart="" or="" to="" validate="" such="" document="" if="" not="" authorized="" to="" do="" so="" by="" the="" regional="" director.="" (h)="" fail="" to="" maintain="" copies="" of="" completed="" bluefin="" tuna="" statistical="" documents="" as="" required="" under="" sec.="" 285.201.="" (i)="" import="" any="" bluefin="" tuna="" in="" a="" manner="" inconsistent="" with="" any="" ports="" of="" entry="" designated="" by="" the="" assistant="" administrator="" pursuant="" to="" sec.="" 285.204.="" (j)="" reuse,="" or="" transfer="" to="" another="" dealer,="" any="" numbered="" bluefin="" tuna="" statistical="" document="" issued="" to="" a="" dealer="" under="" this="" subpart.="" [fr="" doc.="" 95-6454="" filed="" 3-16-95;="" 8:45="" am]="" billing="" code="" 3510-22-p="">