98-7463. Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; At-Sea Scales Program

[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 55 (Monday, March 23, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13798-13799]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-7463]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 679

[I.D. 031398B]


Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; At-Sea 
Scales Program

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

ACTION: Notice of program implementation.

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SUMMARY: NMFS issues this notice of implementation of the At-Sea Scales 
Program for the groundfish fisheries off Alaska. The purpose of this 
action is to announce the dates on which NMFS will begin to accept 
requests from scale manufacturers that a model of scale be placed on 
the list of eligible at-sea scales and requests from vessel owners for 
a scale inspection.

DATES: Effective March 23, 1998.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sally Bibb, 907-586-7228.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    On February 4, 1998, NMFS implemented the At-Sea Scales Program (63 
FR 5835, February 4, 1998) establishing the requirements for scales 
approved by NMFS to weigh catch at sea. At the time the final rule was 
published, NMFS did not set a specific date to begin accepting requests 
that a scale be placed on the list of eligible at-sea scales under 
Sec. 679.28(b)(1) and requests for a scale inspection under 
Sec. 679.28(b)(2) because no vessels currently are required to weigh 
catch on scales approved under this program and because of uncertainty 
about the timing of staff and budget resources to

[[Page 13799]]

implement the program. However, in order to respond to requests for 
scale inspections on vessels currently installing scales voluntarily 
for commercial or research fisheries and in anticipation of possible 
scale requirements in the near future, NMFS announces full 
implementation of the At-Sea Scales Program. On April 1, 1998, and 
thereafter, scale manufacturers may submit the information described at 
Sec. 679.28(b)(1), which is required in order for a model of scale to 
be placed on NMFS's list of eligible at-sea scales.
    On June 1, 1998, and thereafter, vessel owners may request 
inspections of scales installed on vessels from inspectors authorized 
by NMFS under Sec. 679.28(b)(2). Scale inspections will be conducted 
within 10 working days of receipt of a request for a scale inspection 
by the inspectors authorized by NMFS.

    Dated: March 16, 1998.
Bruce C. Morehead,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 98-7463 Filed 3-20-98; 8:45 am]
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