[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 174 (Friday, September 8, 1995)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 46936-46973]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-21408]
[[Page 46935]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Part III
Department of Commerce
_______________________________________________________________________
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
_______________________________________________________________________
50 CFR Part 672 et al.
Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska; Groundfish Fishery of the Bering Sea
and Aleutian Islands Area; Consolidate Recordkeeping and Reporting
Requirements; Proposed Rule
Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 174 / Friday, September 8, 1995 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 46936]]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Parts 672 and 675
[Docket No. 950727194-5194-01; I.D. 062795C]
RIN 0648-AG54
Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska; Groundfish Fishery of the
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area; Consolidate Recordkeeping and
Reporting Requirements
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 to remove and to consolidate several sections of
regulations in parts 672 and 675; to simplify and streamline the
remaining regulations, including the recordkeeping and reporting
requirements; to consolidate area descriptions and coordinates into
maps and tables; to consolidate codes, values, and descriptions into
tables; and to correct errors and clarify vague text. These actions are
intended to facilitate management of the groundfish fisheries and the
enforcement of groundfish regulations. They are necessary to promote
the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) for
Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) and the Groundfish Fishery of
the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area (BSAI).
DATES: Comments must be received on or before October 10, 1995.
ADDRESSES: Comments may be sent to Ronald J. Berg, Chief, Fisheries
Management Division, Alaska Region, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK
99802, Attn: Lori J. Gravel, or be delivered to Federal Building,
Fourth Floor, 709 West 9th Street, Juneau, AK. Comments on the
collection-of-information requirements may be sent to the Office of
Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) (0648-AG54), Washington, DC 20503 (Attn: NOAA Desk
Officer), and to Patsy A. Bearden, Alaska Region, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668,
Juneau, AK 99802.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patsy A. Bearden, 907-586-7228.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Fishing for groundfish by U.S. vessels in
the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the BSAI and the GOA is managed by
NMFS according to the FMPs for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska and the
Groundfish Fishery of the Bering Sea Aleutian Islands Area. The FMPs
were prepared by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council)
under the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson
Act) and are implemented by regulations governing the U.S. groundfish
fisheries at 50 CFR parts 672 and 675. General regulations that also
pertain to the U.S. fisheries appear at 50 CFR part 620.
This action proposes amendments to regulations as follows: (1)
Consolidate Sec. 675.2 into Sec. 672.2; Sec. 675.3 into Sec. 672.3;
Sec. 675.4 into Sec. 672.4; and Sec. 675.5 into Sec. 672.5; (2) remove
the requirement for the groundfish utilization survey at Sec. 672.5(d)
and (e) and other outdated requirements; (3) update and replace
Secs. 672.2, 672.3, 672.4 (including the Federal Fisheries Permit
Application), and 672.5 (including logbooks, reports, and forms); (4)
amend Secs. 672.7, 675.27, and Sec. 677.4; (5) revise the scientific
term for steelhead trout at Secs. 672.20(e)(1) and 675.20(c)(1); (6)
place all tables and figures currently found in part 675 in part 672,
revised and renumbered, and add new tables and figures; (7) revise and
insert references to tables and figures within the text of parts 672
and 675; (8) revise and insert paragraph titles to several paragraphs
in parts 672 and 675; (9) revise the time citation ``00:01 a.m.'' to
read ``0001 hours'' in Secs. 672.20(a), 675.20(a), 672.23(f), and
675.23(d); (10) revise GOA reporting area codes from 61, 62, 63, 64, 65
to read 610, 620, 630, 640, and 650; (11) revise and insert references
to GOA reporting areas; (12) add new GOA reporting area code 690 and
new BSAI reporting area codes 300, 400, and 550; (13) place all
reporting area codes and coordinates in maps and tables; and (14)
divide most reporting areas into Alaska state waters and Federal waters
for reporting purposes. A description of, and reasons for, these
actions follow.
I. Consolidation of Regulations
Although the GOA and BSAI have separate FMPs, much of the
regulatory text for the two management areas is the same. NMFS proposes
to remove duplicate text that is found also in part 672 (GOA management
area) from several sections of part 675 (BSAI management area) and to
replace the removed text with a cross reference to part 672. This
action will shorten the regulations as well as simplify and clarify the
text. Those sections affected would be: Section 675.2 into Sec. 672.2
(Definitions); Sec. 675.3 into Sec. 672.3 (Relation to other laws);
Sec. 675.4 into Sec. 672.4 (Permits); and Sec. 675.5 into Sec. 672.5
(Recordkeeping and reporting).
II. Removal of Existing Regulations
NMFS would remove outdated regulations that no longer apply to the
groundfish fisheries. This action would shorten the regulatory text and
create a simpler, more pertinent body of regulations.
A. Groundfish Utilization Surveys
NMFS proposes to remove regulations at Sec. 672.5(d) and (e) that
require completion of an annual groundfish utilization survey. The
original purpose of the survey was to estimate domestic annual
processing (DAP) groundfish utilization each year for purposes of
allocating groundfish among foreign fishing, DAP, and joint-venture
processing (JVP) operations. Since 1990, the groundfish fisheries have
been fully domesticated, and foreign fishing and JVP operations have
been discontinued. Groundfish utilization surveys are no longer needed.
The time spent on the labor-intensive surveys by industry provides no
useful guidance for annual projections of DAP harvest and production
activity.
B. Text Within 675.27(g)
NMFS proposes to remove regulations at Sec. 675.27(g), regarding
the Western Alaska Community Development Program, Community Development
Quota (CDQ) requirements, that are entitled ``CDQ fishing
requirements,'' since these regulations are found in recordkeeping and
reporting requirements at Sec. 672.5.
C. Logbooks
1. Duration of Set or Trawl. NMFS proposes to remove recordkeeping
and reporting requirements at Sec. 672.5 for Catcher Vessels and
Catcher/Processors to record duration of set or trawl in the Catcher
Vessel Daily Fishing Logbook (DFL) and Catcher/Processor Daily
Cumulative Production Logbook (DCPL), respectively. This information
can be obtained from the logbook through calculations of start and end
times.
2. Joint-venture Operation. The requirement to record in a DFL
whether delivery by a Catcher Vessel was made to a foreign processor
vessel in a joint-venture operation would be removed, since joint-
venture operations for groundfish no longer occur in the EEZ off
Alaska.
3. Number of Days Fishing Activity. The requirement to record the
number of days that fishing activity was conducted and when fish were
received would be removed from the weekly
[[Page 46937]]
production report. This information, originally thought to provide
effort information, did not result in useful information.
III. Revision of Regulations
The need for existing recordkeeping and reporting requirements was
discussed in the preamble to the proposed rule for Amendments 13 and 18
to the FMPs (54 FR 36333, September 1, 1989). The recordkeeping and
reporting requirements implemented under Amendments 13 and 18 (54 FR
50386, December 6, 1989) subsequently were revised to repeal monthly
product value reporting requirements (55 FR 34933, August 27, 1990).
Additional revisions were published for public comment and implemented
under a 1991 interim final rule (56 FR 9636, March 7, 1991). No
comments were received on the interim final rule during the public
review period.
NMFS proposes to incorporate recommendations from the groundfish
industry, NMFS management staff, and enforcement staff to reduce the
reporting burden; to improve the format of the logbooks, reports, and
forms; and to create a more effective, timely, and comprehensive
collection of information to facilitate management of the groundfish
fisheries in the EEZ off Alaska.
A. Revisions to Statistical and Reporting Areas
1. Coordinates. The codes and coordinates for GOA and BSAI
statistical and reporting areas would be presented in maps and tables
(see Figures 1 and 3). This action would provide easy access to these
data by allowing the reader to refer to one source for all statistical
and reporting area coordinates.
2. Three-digit GOA statistical and reporting area codes. Two-digit
statistical and reporting area designations in the GOA would be changed
to 3-digit designations by adding a zero to existing area numbers
(e.g., reporting areas 61 through 65 would be designated as areas 610
through 650, respectively) (see Figure 3). Since existing statistical
and reporting areas associated with the BSAI are designated by 3-digit
codes, revision of the GOA-associated designations to 3-digit
statistical and reporting area codes would provide a uniform coding
system for incorporation into computer databases.
3. Bogoslof District, BSAI. A final rule implementing Amendment 17
to the FMP for the Groundfish Fishery of the BSAI (57 FR 10430, March
26, 1992) established Statistical Area 518 (the Bogoslof District) for
purposes of managing the Aleutian Basin pollock stock. The coordinates
published for the new area were incorrectly specified in the final
rule. NMFS proposes to correct the error in the coordinates of
Statistical Area 518 (see Figure 1).
4. Division between BSAI and GOA Reporting Areas. The division
between reporting areas associated with BSAI and GOA would be described
in coordinates along the Alaska Peninsula and the Aleutian Islands (see
Figures 1 and 3). Lack of this information has caused problems in
groundfish catch reporting and in enforcement of regulations.
5. New Reporting Areas. Generally, a reporting area includes a
statistical area plus adjacent Alaska State waters and is identified by
the same number used to identify the statistical area. NMFS proposes to
add six reporting areas that do not follow that scheme (see Figures 1
and 3).
Two reporting areas would be added that are completely within
Alaska State waters. Reporting area 649 (Prince William Sound) and
reporting area 659 (inside waters of Southeast Alaska) would be
established to allow inseason managers to differentiate reported
sablefish and demersal shelf rockfish harvests that are managed under
Alaska State groundfish quotas.
Four additional reporting areas would be added that are completely
outside the EEZ off Alaska--300, 400, 550, and 690--to allow
differentiation of fish harvested in areas outside the EEZ.
6. Corrections to Existing Statistical Areas. NMFS proposes that a
code correction be made for two statistical areas, 511 and 522, that
had already been assigned to two non-contiguous areas. This duplication
was the result of the subdivision of a large area into smaller areas
and inadvertence by not renumbering those areas. Statistical areas 508
and 509 would replace the two areas 511, and statistical areas 523 and
524 would replace the two areas 522. This action would result in more
precise identification of the location of groundfish harvested in the
BSAI.
7. Distinction between Federal and State Portions of a Reporting
Area. NMFS proposes to distinguish between Federal waters (statistical
areas) and Alaska State waters in any reporting area. Two questions
would be added in the DFL, Buying Station Daily Cumulative Logbook
(DCL), DCPLs, Weekly Production Report (WPR), Daily Production Report
(DPR), Buying Station Check-in/Check-out, and Mothership or Catcher/
Processor Check-in/Check-out Reports to request that the reader
distinguish between Federal waters or Alaska State waters within any
reporting area. This action would accommodate fee assessment of
landings under the North Pacific Fisheries Research Plan (Research
Plan) authorized by the Magnuson Act. Research Plan fee assessments
would not apply to fish, except Pacific halibut, caught in Alaska State
waters.
B. Figures and Tables
NMFS proposes to clarify coordinates and descriptions of areas in
various sections of parts 672 (GOA management area) and 675 (BSAI
management area) and to use maps and tables. Existing figures and
tables from both the GOA and BSAI would be renumbered, revised, and
placed after the text of part 672. In-text tables would be removed from
paragraph 672.24(d), presented in Figure 5b, and relocated after the
text of part 672; in-text tables would be removed from paragraph
672.24(e), presented in Table 6, and relocated after the text of part
672. This action would codify and improve access to information needed
for compliance with recording and reporting requirements in the
following figures and tables:
Figure 1--BSAI statistical and reporting areas; a--map, b--
coordinates of reporting areas;
Figure 2--BSAI Catcher Vessel Operational Area (map includes
coordinates);
Figure 3--GOA statistical and reporting areas; a--map, b--
coordinates of reporting areas;
Figure 4--Herring Savings Areas in the BSAI; a--map, b--coordinates
of reporting areas and effective dates;
Figure 5--Kodiak Island areas closed to trawls other than pelagic
trawl gear; a--map, b--coordinates of reporting areas;
Figure 6--Length overall of a vessel; and
Figure 7--Location of trawl test areas in the GOA and the BSAI (map
includes coordinates).
Table 1--Product codes (new table; these codes were formerly
referred to in the Product Recovery Rate (PRR) tables at Secs. 672.20
and 675.20). The various products that may be made from groundfish are
described here and are assigned a 2-digit product code. Product codes
also are used to describe various types of discard; these often are
referred to as discard products;
Table 2--Species codes (new table). The various species of
groundfish are listed in Table 2;
Table 3--Product recovery rates for groundfish species
(renumbered);
Table 4--Bering Sea Subarea Steller Sea Lion Protection Areas
(moved from text);
[[Page 46938]]
Table 5--Aleutian Islands Subarea Steller Sea Lion Protection Areas
(moved from text);
Table 6--Gulf of Alaska Steller Sea Lion Protection Areas (moved
from text);
Table 7--Communities determined to be eligible to apply for
Community Development Quotas (renumbered);
Table 8--Harvest Zone Codes for Use with Product Transfer Reports
and Vessel Activity Reports (new table);
Table 9--Required Logbooks, Reports, and Forms (new table);
Table 10--Gulf of Alaska, Retainable Percentages (renumbered); and
Table 11--Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area,
Retainable Percentages (renumbered).
C. Revisions to Logbooks, Reports, and Forms
NMFS proposes to improve the format of existing logbooks, reports,
and forms and to add a new logbook for Buying Stations, in addition to
the following revisions:
1. Metric tons. The required weight units used to record amounts of
landings, product, and discards of groundfish and herring would be
revised from ``pounds (lb) or nearest 0.1 metric ton (mt)'' to ``pounds
(lb) or nearest 0.01 metric ton (mt)'' on all forms and logbooks. This
change would allow NMFS to obtain catch data from processors that
traditionally have smaller landings. Finer resolution in the database
would increase the accuracy of inseason quota management actions.
2. Daily Fishing Logbook (DFL). Recording the delivery date under
Catch Delivery Information in the DFL would be required for use by NMFS
Enforcement personnel. Other revisions to the DFL are proposed to
improve the format of the logsheet and to record CDQ information.
At-sea discard information would be required from Catcher Vessels,
without increasing the paperwork burden, through the use of an
additional blue sheet in the DFL that the operator turns in to the
processor with the harvest.
3. Daily Cumulative Production Logbook (DCPL)--a. Mothership or
Catcher/Processor. The Catcher/Processor and Mothership DCPLs would be
revised to improve the format of the logsheet and to record CDQ
information.
b. Shoreside Processor. The Shoreside Processor DCPL would be
divided into two parts identified as Part I and Part II, to allow for a
greater number of daily entries, particularly in the product section.
This action would allow flexibility in the use of the logbook by
different types and sizes of Shoreside Processors. Part I would include
four subparts: Processor identification information, Catcher Vessel
delivery information, landings information, and discarded species
information.
Part II would be used to record product information by week-ending
date, management area, and species and product codes. Data would be
recorded on one page for up to 3 weeks. This action would result in a
more efficient page layout and a reduced reporting burden, since
groundfish products would not be reported for separate reporting areas
or gear types.
Other revisions are proposed to improve the format of the logsheet
and to record CDQ information.
4. Buying Station Daily Cumulative Logbook (DCL). The operator or
manager of a Buying Station would be required to maintain a DCL to
record data about Catcher Vessel delivery and discards as well as
Buying Station discards that occur after acceptance of the delivery
from the Catcher Vessel and prior to delivery to a Mothership or
Shoreside Processor. The proposed requirements for a Buying Station DCL
would provide a defined procedure for a Mothership or Shoreside
Processor to obtain data and report to NMFS any Catcher Vessel harvest
and discard that is received, sorted, and delivered by a Buying
Station.
5. Product Transfer Report (PTR). The name of the Product Transfer
Logbook (PTL) would be changed to Product Transfer Report (PTR) to give
the form a more accurate name, because it is not a logbook. An addition
would be made to the PTR to indicate whether the form is an original or
revised report; this information would improve data entry speed and
accuracy.
a. Mothership or Catcher/Processor PTR. Each Mothership or Catcher/
Processor would be required to record the U.S. Coast Guard document
number of the vessel on a PTR and collect additional identification
information concerning transfer handling, destination, or receipt. The
PTR would indicate whether a particular transfer forms the beginning or
end of an audit period; whether a transfer is a complete or partial
offload; and what amount and type of products remain on board after the
transfer. These revisions are needed to simplify and improve the
accuracy of audits of Motherships or Catcher/Processors by NMFS
Enforcement personnel.
A harvest zone designation (distinct from reporting or statistical
area, see Table 8) would be added to the PTR to indicate whether
groundfish were harvested in or outside of the EEZ off Alaska. This
information is needed to complete requests for statistical reports from
members of Congress and other Government officials. NMFS Enforcement
and Management personnel would use the information recorded on the PTR
to determine ownership of a product from its place of origin to its
first destination.
b. Shoreside Processor. The Shoreside Processor PTR would be
revised to collect additional information concerning transfer handling,
destination, or receipt.
6. Check-in/Check-out Report--a. Mothership or Catcher/Processor.
This form would be revised to determine intended primary and secondary
target species. This information would provide fishery managers with an
estimate of fishing effort for individual species in each reporting
area and would enable them to better project fishery closures.
Regulations also would be clarified to allow operators of Catcher/
Processors using hook-and-line or pot gear to be ``checked into''
several reporting areas if their gear is simultaneously fishing in
those areas.
A requirement would be added to record processor type, because
vessels can function in more than one category. This information is
needed by fishery managers for quota management purposes.
Other revisions are proposed to improve the format of the form and
to record CDQ information.
b. Shoreside Processor. A Check-in/Check-out report would be
required; it would supersede the existing requirement for a Shoreside
Processor to check in through submittal of its first WPR. Each
Shoreside Processor would submit a Check-in report before receipt of
groundfish, either at the beginning of the fishing year or after
submission of a Check-out report.
Products from groundfish often are stored at the Shoreside
Processor premises for a long time, along with stored products
resulting from non-groundfish fisheries. Fish products that are not
intended for storage are transferred from a Shoreside Processor
directly to trucks. An accurate on-site groundfish product inventory
and audit is therefore difficult to conduct. The Shoreside Processor
Check-in/Check-out Report would be revised to record the amount of fish
product held or stored at the time the Check-in report is filed.
Enforcement personnel would be able to use this information to
calculate product on hand at any time from records in the shoreside
DCPL and PTRs.
Other revisions are proposed to improve the format of the form and
to record CDQ information.
[[Page 46939]]
c. Buying Station. Each operator or manager of a Buying Station
would be required to submit a Check-in Report prior to receipt of
groundfish from Catcher Vessels; a Check-out Report would be required
upon completion of delivery of all groundfish to a Mothership or
Shoreside Processor. A separate Check-in or Check-out Report would be
required from the Buying Station operator or manager for each Shoreside
Processor or Mothership with which the Buying Station is associated.
The proposed Buying Station Check-in/Check-out Report would yield
additional effort information needed for quota management.
7. Weekly Production Report (WPR). The current WPR would be
replaced with two similar WPR forms, one for use by Shoreside
Processors and another for use by Motherships or Catcher/Processors.
a. Mothership or Catcher/Processor. Each Mothership or Catcher/
Processor would be required to record the fisheries permit number and
the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) processor code, because
both are necessary to identify a processor; a requirement is proposed
to report the number of crew members at the end of each weekly
reporting period--this information is needed by NMFS economists for
national statistical reports; and a requirement is proposed to add the
preprinted ADF&G fish ticket numbers that were issued to Catcher
Vessels for each delivery made during the weekly reporting period. This
information is needed by NMFS to make comparisons of processor-reported
Federal and State data for reporting accuracy.
Intended target information would be requested for the next weekly
reporting period. This information would be used by NMFS to improve
fishing effort projection for individual species.
Two additions would be made to the WPR to improve data entry speed
and accuracy, the first to indicate whether the form is an original or
revised report, and the second to indicate the date the WPR is
prepared.
All references to ``retained products'' would be revised to read
``product''. Other revisions are proposed to improve the format of the
form and to record CDQ information.
b. Shoreside Processor. Each Shoreside Processor would be required
to record product data by management area (BSAI or GOA) rather than by
reporting area. This would be used for enforcement purposes and for the
collection of economic data for national statistical reports.
8. Daily Production Report (DPR). NMFS would be authorized to
require, through publication in the Federal Register, submittal of
DPRs. The DPR is used when a fishery is expected to be of too short
duration to be managed based on weekly reports. The product reporting
section of the DPR would be revised to create separate sections for
responses from Shoreside Processors or Motherships and Catcher/
Processors. The Shoreside Processor would report landings, as weighed
before processing, in a section entitled, ``Shoreside Only Landings''.
The Mothership and Catcher/Processor would report weight of products in
a section entitled, ``Processor Vessel Only Products''. Within these
columns, the following information would be recorded for each product:
The product code; indication of ancillary, primary, or reprocessed
product type; and weight in metric tons. Other revisions would be made
to indicate whether a given DPR is an original or revised report and to
record the date the form was prepared. This information is needed to
ensure an accurate and complete database. Several questions would be
added to request additional information about the processor's
representative. Other revisions to the DPR are proposed to improve the
format of the form and to record CDQ information.
9. U.S. Vessel Activity Report (VAR). Existing regulations at 50
CFR 299.5 require U.S. vessels fishing in the Russian economic zone
(EZ) in joint ventures to submit a VAR prior to crossing the seaward
boundary of the EEZ. The applicability of the VARs currently required
under Sec. 299.5 would be expanded to require vessels to submit a VAR
report to the Regional Director immediately prior to crossing the
seaward boundary of the EEZ off Alaska or immediately prior to crossing
the U.S./Canada international boundary between Alaska and British
Columbia. The VAR would be used to augment existing recordkeeping and
reporting requirements and would not replace the Check-in/Check-out
reports or WPRs required under Sec. 672.5.
NMFS has observed increased landings in U.S. ports of undocumented
fish allegedly harvested from waters seaward of the EEZ off Alaska.
NMFS is concerned that some portion of these landings may consist of
fish illegally harvested in the EEZ off Alaska. Although the VAR
requirements under Sec. 299.5 address this concern for U.S. vessels
fishing in the Russian EZ, NMFS believes that better information must
be obtained concerning U.S. fishing activities in waters outside the
EEZ off Alaska in order to document the origin and quantity of fish
that are brought into the EEZ.
In light of the new requirements for distinguishing between
groundfish fishing activity in state or Federal waters as well as
pending international regulations for migratory species such as
swordfish, the VAR would assist NMFS in tracking U.S. fishing vessels
entering or leaving fishing grounds off Alaska from the coterminous
United States and/or Hawaii.
10. Designated Representative. Each owner, operator, or manager of
each Catcher Vessel, Catcher/Processor, Mothership, Shoreside
Processor, or Buying Station participating in, or receiving groundfish
from, a groundfish fishery would be required to identify a contact
person or representative prior to commencement of fishing or processing
activities. Although the representative may complete the logbooks, the
required reports and forms, or both, the owner, operator, and manager
would remain responsible for accurate and timely completion of all
reporting requirements. The operator or manager is not always present
or available to complete the recordkeeping and reporting requirements.
In some instances the logbooks are maintained on board a vessel while
the reports and forms are submitted to NMFS by a person in an office
hundreds of miles away. Identifying a representative prior to
commencement of fishing activity ensures a smooth data flow between the
industry and NMFS, allowing quota management to be accurate and timely.
The name of the representative would be required to be reported on
each logbook, WPR, DPR, PTR, Check-in/Check-out Report, and VAR (if
applicable) and that the telephone number and facsimile number for that
person also be provided. Proposed revisions to the recordkeeping
requirements would standardize the text on all forms and logbooks to
refer to that person as the representative.
D. Maintenance and Retention of Records
NMFS proposes the following requirements for the benefit of
Enforcement officers conducting audits of Catcher Vessels, Motherships,
Catcher/Processors, Shoreside Processors, and Buying Stations. In order
to conduct a thorough audit of fish products on board or on site, paper
copies of all groundfish transactions must be accessible for
inspection.
1. Three-year retention period. The original (white) copy of all
logbooks and a paper copy of all reports and forms submitted to NMFS
required under amended Secs. 672.5 and 675.5 would be
[[Page 46940]]
required to be retained for 3 years after the end of the fishing year
during which the records were made. In addition, the Mothership and
Shoreside Processor would be required to retain the original (white)
copy of all DCLs from associated Buying Stations for 3 years, and the
Buying Station would be required to retain the pink copy of all DCLs
for 3 years.
2. Retention during fishing year. The original (white) copy of all
logbooks, a paper copy of all reports and forms submitted to NMFS, and
the blue DFL logsheet received from Catcher Vessels required under
amended Secs. 672.5 and 675.5 would be required to be kept on board a
vessel or on site a Shoreside Processor or Buying Station until the end
of the fishing year during which the records were made and for as long
thereafter as fish or fish products recorded in the logbook, reports,
and forms are retained.
3. Inspection. The logbooks, reports, and forms required under
amended Secs. 672.5 and 675.5 would be required to be made available
for inspection upon the request of an authorized officer.
4. Weekly reporting periods. As set out in regulations at
Secs. 672.2 and 675.2, the current definition of a weekly reporting
period is the period from 0001 hours Monday morning until 2359 hours
the following Sunday night, Alaska local time (A.l.t.). NMFS has
determined that this weekly reporting period does not allow sufficient
time to obtain, process, and summarize weekly observer reports in the
subsequent week. A reporting period from Sunday-through-Saturday would
provide an additional day to process observer data, integrate these
data with the WPRs received from the industry, and produce weekly catch
reports. Therefore, the definition of the weekly reporting period would
be changed to 0001 hours, A.l.t., Sunday morning until 2359 hours,
A.l.t., the following Saturday night. The deadline for receipt of WPRs
from Motherships, Catcher/Processors, and Shoreside Processors would
remain Tuesday at 1200 hours, A.l.t.
5. Inactive and active periods. The operator or manager would be
required to account for each day of the fishing year by indicating
active and inactive periods on the Catcher Vessel DFL, Catcher/
Processor DCPL, Mothership DCPL, Buying Station DCL, and Shoreside
Processor DCPL. A single logbook page could be used to account for
inactive periods of more than one day within a quarter.
6. CDQ Information. The DFL, DCL, and DCPL would be used to account
for groundfish harvested under the CDQ Program through the addition of
questions on those logbooks, as well as on WPRs, DPRs, and Check-in/
Check-out reports to indicate CDQ information. The CDQ information
would be transferred from the logbook by the manager or operator of a
Mothership, Catcher/Processor, or Shoreside Processor to WPRs, DPRs,
and Check-in/Check-out reports. This information is needed because CDQ
quotas are managed on an individual basis, and because CDQ harvest
information must be kept separate from other types of management
quotas.
7. Scientific name for steelhead trout. The scientific name for
steelhead trout would be revised to read, ``Oncorhynchus mykiss'' in
Secs. 672.20(e) and 675.20(c). The scientific community currently
prefers this new term as a more precise description of steelhead trout.
8. Time. The time citation ``00:01 a.m.'' in Secs. 672.20(a),
675.20(a), 672.23, and 675.23 would be changed to read ``0001 hours''
to conform with the revised definition of fishing year.
Classification
This proposed rule contains collection-of-information requirements
subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act. OMB approval for the majority
of this information has been obtained under OMB control numbers 0648-
0206 and 0213; additions and revisions to the collection have been
submitted to OMB for approval. Additional burden would result from the
requirements set forth for the new Buying Station DCL and Check-in/
Check-out report, and also from revisions to existing reports.
An estimated additional response time for compliance with these new
forms is expected to be between 25 minutes and 2.0 hours annually for
the operator or manager of each processor or Buying Station and 27
minutes for each Catcher Vessel operator. The additional annual burden
to Shoreside Processors and Buying Stations to comply with requirements
for Check-in/Check-out reports is estimated to average about 8 minutes
and 6 minutes, respectively, for each Check-in or Check-out report.
Revisions to the format of other logbooks and/or additions to
information collected by logbooks are minimal and are not anticipated
to significantly increase reporting burden to the industry. The
requirements include: The U.S. Vessel Activities Report, 15 minutes;
Weekly Production Report, 18 minutes; Daily Production Report, 10
minutes; Processor Product Transfer Report, 11 minutes; and the Catcher
Vessel Logbook, 15 minutes.
The Assistant General Counsel for Legislation and Regulation of the
Department of Commerce certified to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of
the Small Business Administration that this proposed rule, if adopted,
would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of
small entities. NMFS proposes to consolidate several sections of
regulations in parts 672 and 675 by correcting errors, clarifying vague
text, removing outdated requirements, as well as simplifying and
streamlining the remaining regulations, including the recordkeeping and
reporting requirements. All of the recommended revisions are designed
to make the regulations easier for the public to use and to enhance the
ability of NMFS to collect more accurate and timely groundfish data and
to improve the management of the groundfish fisheries. To the extent
that there will be additional burden for the industry, it will be minor
when compared with the increased ease of use resulting from
clarification, simplification, and streamlining.
Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of
this collection-of-information, including suggestions for reducing this
burden, to NMFS and to OIRA, OMB (see ADDRESSES).
This action has been determined to be not significant for purposes
of E.O. 12866.
List of Subjects in 50 CFR Parts 672 and 675
Fisheries, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
Dated: August 15, 1995.
Gary Matlock,
Acting Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries
Service.
For the reasons set out in the preamble, 50 CFR parts 672 and 675
are proposed to be amended as follows:
PART 672--GROUNDFISH OF THE GULF OF ALASKA
1. The authority citation for part 672 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Subpart A--General
2. In Sec. 672.1, paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 672.1 Purpose and scope.
(a) Regulations in this part, along with parts 602, 620, 676, and
677 of this chapter, implement the Fishery Management Plan for
Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska.
* * * * *
3. Section 672.2 is revised to read as follows:
[[Page 46941]]
Sec. 672.2 Definitions.
In addition to the definitions in the Magnuson Act and in
Sec. 620.2 of this chapter, the terms used in this part have the
following meanings:
Active/inactive periods--(1) Active periods--(i) Catcher Vessel. An
active period for a Catcher Vessel means a period of time when the
Catcher Vessel is in a reporting area (except 300, 400, 550, or 690) or
gear remains on the grounds in a reporting area (except 300, 400, 550,
or 690) regardless of the vessel location.
(ii) Shoreside Processor, Mothership, Catcher/Processor, and Buying
Station. An active period for a Shoreside Processor, Mothership,
Catcher/Processor, and Buying Station means a period of time when
checked-in.
(2) Inactive periods--(i) Catcher Vessel. An inactive period for a
Catcher Vessel means any period which does not qualify as an active
period.
(ii) Shoreside Processor, Mothership, Catcher/Processor, or Buying
Station. An inactive period for a Shoreside Processor, Mothership,
Catcher/Processor, or Buying Station means a period of time when not
checked-in.
ADF&G means the State of Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
Alaska local time (A.l.t.) means the current Alaska time, either
daylight savings time or standard time.
Alaska State waters means waters shoreward of the exclusive
economic zone (EEZ) off Alaska.
Aleutian Islands Subarea (AI) of the BSAI means that portion of the
EEZ contained in Statistical Areas 541, 542, and 543 (see Figure 1 of
this part).
Authorized fishing gear means hook-and-line, jig, longline,
longline pot, nonpelagic trawl, nontrawl, pelagic trawl, pot-and-line,
and trawl; defined as follows:
(1) Hook-and-line means a stationary, buoyed, and anchored line
with hooks attached, or the taking of fish by means of such a device;
(2) Jig means a single non-buoyed, non-anchored line with hooks
attached, or the taking of fish by means of such a device;
(3) Longline means a stationary, buoyed, and anchored line with
hooks or two or more groundfish pots attached, or the taking of fish by
means of such a device (see Sec. 672.24(b) or Sec. 675.24(b) of this
chapter);
(4) Longline pot means a stationary, buoyed, and anchored line with
two or more pots attached, or the taking of fish by means of such a
device;
(5) Nonpelagic trawl means a trawl other than a pelagic trawl;
(6) Nontrawl means hook-and-line, jig, longline, and pot-and-line
gear;
(7) Pelagic trawl means a trawl that:
(i) Has no discs, bobbins, or rollers;
(ii) Has no chafe protection gear attached to the foot rope or
fishing line;
(iii) Except for the small mesh allowed under paragraph (7)(ix) of
this definition:
(A) Has no mesh tied to the fishing line, head rope, and breast
lines with less than 20 inches (50.8 cm) between knots, and has no
stretched mesh size of less than 60 inches (152.4 cm) aft from all
points on the fishing line, head rope, and breast lines and extending
past the fishing circle for a distance equal to or greater than one
half the vessel's length overall; or
(B) Has no parallel lines spaced closer than 64 inches (162.6 cm),
from all points on the fishing line, head rope, and breast lines and
extending aft to a section of mesh, with no stretched mesh size of less
than 60 inches (152.4 cm), extending aft for a distance equal to or
greater than one half the vessel's length overall;
(iv) Has no stretched mesh size less than 15 inches (38.1 cm) aft
of the mesh described in paragraph (7)(iii) of this definition for a
distance equal to or greater than one half the vessel's length overall;
(v) Contains no configuration intended to reduce the stretched mesh
sizes described in paragraphs (7)(iii) and (iv) of this definition;
(vi) Has no flotation other than floats capable of providing up to
200 lb (90.7 kg) of buoyancy to accommodate the use of a net-sounder
device;
(vii) Has no more than one fishing line and one foot rope for a
total of no more than two weighted lines on the bottom of the trawl
between the wing tip and the fishing circle;
(viii) Has no metallic component except for connectors (e.g.,
hammerlocks or swivels) or net-sounder device aft of the fishing circle
and forward of any mesh greater than 5.5 inches (14.0 cm) stretched
measure;
(ix) May have small mesh within 32 ft (9.8 m) of the center of the
head rope as needed for attaching instrumentation (e.g., net-sounder
device); and
(x) May have weights on the wing tips;
(8) Pot-and-line means a stationary, buoyed line with a single pot
attached, or the taking of fish by means of such a device; and
(9) Trawl means a conical-shaped net that is towed through the
water for catching fish or other organisms. The net accumulates its
catch in the closed, small end (usually called the cod end). This
definition includes, but is not limited to, Danish and Scottish seines
and otter trawls.
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI) means the
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands subareas (see Figure 1 of this part).
Bering Sea Subarea (BS) of the BSAI means that portion of the EEZ
contained in Statistical Areas 508, 509, 512, 513, 514, 516, 517, 518,
519, 521, 523, 524, and 530 (see Figure 1 of this part).
Bogoslof District means that part of the Bering Sea Subarea
contained in Statistical Area 518 (see Figure 1 of this part).
Breast line means the rope or wire running along the forward edges
of the side panels of a net, or along the forward edge of the side rope
in a rope trawl.
Buying Station means a person or vessel that receives unprocessed
groundfish from a vessel for delivery at a different location to a
Shoreside Processor or Mothership and that does not process those fish.
Bycatch Limitation Zone 1 (Zone 1) means that part of the Bering
Sea Subarea that is contained within the boundaries of Statistical
Areas 508, 509, 512, and 516 (see Figure 1 of this part).
Bycatch Limitation Zone 2 (Zone 2) means that part of the Bering
Sea Subarea that is contained within the boundaries of Statistical
Areas 513, 517, and 521 (see Figure 1 of this part).
Catcher/Processor means a vessel that is used for catching fish and
processing that fish.
Catcher Vessel means a vessel that is used for catching fish and
that does not process on board.
Catcher Vessel Operational Area (CVOA) (see Figure 2 of this part
and Sec. 675.22(g) of this chapter).
Central Aleutian District means that part of the Aleutian Islands
Subarea contained in Statistical Area 542 (see Figure 1 of this part).
Community Development Plan (CDP) (applicable through December 31,
1995) means a plan for a specific Western Alaska community or group of
communities approved by the Governor of the State of Alaska and
recommended to NMFS under Sec. 675.27 of this chapter.
Community Development Quota (CDQ) (applicable through December 31,
1995) means a Western Alaska community development quota for pollock
assigned to an approved CDP. All CDQs, in the aggregate, equal one-half
of 15 percent of the total allowable catch specified for pollock that
is placed in reserve under Sec. 675.20(a)(3) of this chapter.
Community Development Quota Program (CDQ program) (applicable
through December 31, 1995) means the Western Alaska Community
[[Page 46942]]
Development Program implemented under Sec. 675.27 of this chapter.
Community Development Quota Reserve (CDQ reserve) (applicable
through December 31, 1995) means one-half of 15 percent of the total
allowable catch specified for pollock in each subarea or district that
is placed in reserve under Sec. 675.20(a)(3) of this chapter.
Daily reporting period or day is the period from midnight until the
following midnight using Alaska local time (A.l.t.).
Directed fishing means any fishing activity that results in the
retention of an amount of a species or species group on board a vessel
that is greater than the maximum retainable by catch amount for that
species or species group as calculated under Sec. 672.20 (g) and (h)
and Sec. 675.20 (h) and (i) of this chapter.
Donut Hole means international waters of the Bering Sea outside the
limits of the EEZ and Russian economic zone as depicted on the current
edition of NOAA chart INT 813 Bering Sea (Southern Part).
Eastern Aleutian District means that part of the Aleutian Islands
Subarea contained in Statistical Area 541 (see Figure 1 of this part).
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) (see Sec. 620.2 of this chapter).
Federal waters means waters within the EEZ off Alaska.
Fish product weight means the weight of the fish product in pounds
or to at least the nearest hundredth of a metric ton (0.01 mt). Fish
product weight is based upon the number of production units and the
weight of those units. Production units include pans, cartons, blocks,
trays, cans, bags, and individual fresh or frozen fish. The weight of a
production unit is the average weight of representative samples of the
product, and may include additives but not packaging. Any allowance for
water added cannot exceed 5 percent of the gross product weight (fish,
additives, and water).
Fishing activity (see definition for fishing in Sec. 620.2 of this
chapter).
Fishing circle means the circumference of a trawl intersecting the
center point on a fishing line, and that is perpendicular to the long
axis of a trawl.
Fishing day (see part 676 of this chapter).
Fishing line means a length of chain or wire rope in the bottom
front end of a trawl to which the webbing or lead ropes are attached.
Fishing month (see Sec. 672.26 or Sec. 675.26 of this chapter).
Fishing trip: (1) For purposes of directed fishing calculations,
see Sec. 672.20(h)(2) and Sec. 675.20(i)(2) of this chapter.
(2) For purposes of pollock roe retention, see Sec. 672.20(i)(4)
and Sec. 675.20(j)(5) of this chapter.
Fishing year means the period of time beginning at 0001 hours,
A.l.t., on January 1 and ending at 2359 hours, A.l.t., on December 31
(see Sec. 672.23(a) and Sec. 675.23(a) of this chapter).
Foot rope means a chain or wire rope attached to the bottom front
end of a trawl and attached to the fishing line.
Gear Deployment: (1) For trawl gear means where the trawl gear
reaches the fishing level and begins to fish.
(2) For jig/troll, hook-and-line, or longline gear means where the
gear enters the water.
(3) For pot-and-line gear means where the first pot enters the
water.
Gear Retrieval--(1) For trawl gear, gear retrieval means where
retrieval of trawl cable commences.
(2) For jig/troll gear, gear retrieval means where the jig/troll
gear leaves the water.
(3) For hook-and-line or longline pot gear, gear retrieval means
where the last hook-and-line or longline pot gear of a set leaves the
water, regardless of where the majority of the haul or set took place.
(4) For pot-and-line gear, gear retrieval means where the last pot
of a set leaves the water.
Governor means the Governor of the State of Alaska.
Groundfish means target species and the ``other species'' category,
specified annually pursuant to Sec. 672.20(a)(1) or Sec. 675.20(a)(1)
of this chapter.
Gulf of Alaska (GOA) means that portion of the EEZ contained in
Statistical Areas 610, 620, 630, 640, and 650 (see Figure 3 of this
part).
Head rope means a rope bordering the top front end of a trawl.
Herring Savings Area means any of three areas in the BSAI presented
in Figure 4 of this part (see also Sec. 675.21(c)(2) of this chapter
for additional closure information):
Inshore component (applicable through December 31, 1995) means that
part of the U.S. groundfish fishery off Alaska that includes:
(1) All shoreside processing operations;
(2) All processor vessels that process, on a daily average during
any weekly reporting period, less than 18 mt of Pacific cod harvested
in the GOA and pollock in aggregate round weight equivalents, and are
less than 125 ft (38.1 m) in length overall; and
(3) All processor vessels in Alaska State waters (waters adjacent
to the State of Alaska and shoreward of the EEZ) that process, at a
single geographic location during a fishing year, pollock harvested in
a directed fishery for pollock, or Pacific cod harvested in a directed
fishery for Pacific cod in the GOA, and that submit a Check-in notice
and weekly production report as required at Sec. 672.5(c). For purposes
of this definition, a single geographic location will be determined by
the geographic coordinates reported on a Check-in report submitted by
the vessel operator when that vessel engages in a directed fishery for
Pacific cod in the GOA or pollock for the first time in a fishing year.
IPHC means International Pacific Halibut Commission (see part 301
of this title).
Joint venture processing (JVP) (see Sec. 611.2 of this chapter).
Landing means off-loading fish.
Length overall (LOA) of a vessel means the horizontal distance,
rounded to the nearest foot, between the foremost part of the stem and
the aftermost part of the stern, excluding bowsprits, rudders, outboard
motor brackets, and similar fittings or attachments (see Figure 6 of
this part).
Logbook means Daily Cumulative Production Logbook (DCPL), Daily
Cumulative Logbook (DCL), or a Daily Fishing Logbook (DFL) required by
Sec. 672.5.
Manager, with respect to any Shoreside Processor or Buying Station,
means the individual responsible for the operation of the Shoreside
Processor operation or Buying Station.
Maximum sustainable yield (MSY) (see part 602 of this chapter).
Mothership means a vessel that receives and processes groundfish
from other vessels.
Net-sounder device means a sensor used to determine the depth from
the water surface at which a fishing net is operating.
nm means nautical mile.
Non-allocated or nonspecified species means those fish species,
other than prohibited species, for which a TAC has not been specified
(e.g., grenadier, prowfish, lingcod).
Observer means any person certified under the NMFS Observer Plan
(see part 676 of this chapter).
Offshore component (applicable through December 31, 1995) means all
processor vessels in the U.S. groundfish fisheries off Alaska not
included in the definition of ``inshore component.''
Optimum yield (OY) (see Sec. 672.20 and Sec. 675.20 of this
chapter).
``Other species'' is a category that consists of groundfish species
in each management area that are not specified
[[Page 46943]]
as target species (see Sec. 672.20 and Sec. 675.20 of this chapter).
Processing, or to process, means the preparation of fish to render
it suitable for human consumption, industrial uses, or long-term
storage, including but not limited to cooking, canning, smoking,
salting, drying, freezing, or rendering into meal or oil, but does not
mean icing, bleeding, heading, or gutting.
Processor vessel means, unless otherwise restricted, any vessel
that has been issued a Federal fisheries permit and that can be used
for processing groundfish.
Quarter or quarterly reporting period means one of four successive
3-month periods during a calendar year, which begin at 0001 hours,
A.l.t., on the first day of each quarter, and end at 2359 hours,
A.l.t., on the last day of each quarter. The four quarters for each
year are specified as follows:
1st quarter:January 1 through March 31
2nd quarter:April 1 through June 30
3rd quarter:July 1 through September 30
4th quarter:October 1 through December 31
Regional Director means Director, Alaska Region, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
Regulatory area means any of three areas of the EEZ in the GOA (see
Figure 3 of this part) described as follows:
(1) Eastern Regulatory Area means Statistical Areas 640 and 650.
(2) Central Regulatory Area means Statistical Areas 620 and 630.
(3) Western Regulatory Area means Statistical Area 610.
Reporting area means any of the areas described in Figures 1 and 3
of this part.
Resident fisherman (see Sec. 675.27(d)(7) of this chapter).
Round-weight equivalent means the weight of fish calculated by
dividing the weight of the primary product made from that fish by the
standard product recovery rate for that primary product as listed in
Sec. 672.20(j), or, if not listed, the weight of fish calculated by
dividing the weight of a primary product by the standard product
recovery rate as determined using the best available evidence on a
case-by-case basis.
Set means a string of pots or hook-and-line gear or a group of pots
that are deployed in a similar location with similar soak time.
Shoreside Processor or shoreside processing operation, means any
person or vessel that receives unprocessed groundfish, except Catcher/
Processors, Motherships, Buying Stations, restaurants, or persons
receiving groundfish for use as bait or personal consumption.
Southeast Outside District of the GOA means that part of the
Eastern Regulatory Area contained in Statistical Area 650 (see Figure 3
of this part).
Statistical area means the part of any reporting area defined in
Figures 1 and 3 of this part, contained in the EEZ.
Steller Sea Lion Protection Areas (for BSAI, see Tables 4 and 5 of
this part, Sec. 672.24(e), Sec. 227.12 of this title, and
Sec. 675.24(f) of this chapter); for GOA, see Table 6 of this part).
Stem means the foremost position of a vessel; a section of timber
or cast, forged or rolled metal to which the sides of a vessel are
united at the fore end with the lower end scarfed to the keel and the
bowsprit, if one is present, resting on the upper end.
Stern means the aftermost part of the vessel.
Stretched mesh size means the distance between opposite knots of a
four-sided mesh when opposite knots are pulled tautly to remove slack.
Support vessel means any vessel that is used in support of other
vessels regulated under this part and part 675 of this chapter,
including, but not limited to, supplying a fishing vessel with water,
fuel, provisions, fishing equipment, fish processing equipment or other
supplies, or transporting processed fish. The term ``support vessel''
does not include processor vessels or tender vessels.
Target species are those species or species groups, except the
``other species'' category, for which a TAC is specified pursuant to
Sec. 672.20(a) and Sec. 675.20(a) of this chapter.
Tender Vessel means a vessel that is used to transport unprocessed
fish received from another vessel to a Shoreside Processor, Mothership,
or Buying Station.
Total allowable catch (TAC) (see Sec. 672.20(a)(2) and
Sec. 675.20(a)(2) of this chapter).
Transfer includes any loading, offloading, shipment or receipt of
any groundfish product, including quantities transferred inside or
outside the EEZ, within any state's territorial waters, within the
internal waters of any state, at any Shoreside Processor, or any
offsite meal reduction plant.
Trawl test areas (see Figure 7 of this part and Sec. 672.24(f) and
Sec. 675.24(g) of this chapter).
Vessel Activity Report (VAR) (see Sec. 672.5(c)(5)).
Vessel operations category (see Sec. 672.4).
Walrus Protection Areas (see Sec. 675.22(f) of this chapter).
Weekly reporting period means a time period, which begins at 0001
hours, A.l.t., Sunday morning (except during the first week of each
year, when it starts on January 1) and ends at 2359 hours, A.l.t., the
following Saturday night (except during the last week of each year when
it ends on December 31).
West Yakutat District of the GOA means that part of the Eastern
Regulatory Area of the GOA contained in Statistical Area 640 (see
Figure 3 of this part).
Western Aleutian District means that part of the Aleutian Islands
Subarea contained in Statistical Area 543 (see Figure 1 of this part).
Wing tip means the point where adjacent breast lines intersect or
where a breast line intersects with the fishing line.
4. In Sec. 672.3, paragraphs (a) and (c) are revised to read as
follows:
Sec. 672.3 Relation to other laws.
(a) Foreign fishing. Regulations governing foreign fishing for
groundfish in the GOA are set forth at Sec. 611.92 of this chapter.
Regulations governing foreign fishing for groundfish in the BSAI are
set forth at Sec. 611.93 of this chapter. Regulations governing U.S.
nationals fishing in the Russian fisheries are set forth in part 299 of
this title.
* * * * *
(c) Domestic fishing for groundfish. Regulations governing the
conservation and management of groundfish in the GOA for vessels of the
United States are set forth at this part and parts 620, 676, and 677 of
this chapter. Regulations governing the conservation and management of
groundfish in the BSAI are set forth in this part and parts 620, 675,
676, and 677 of this chapter.
* * * * *
5. Section 672.4 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 672.4 Fisheries permit.
(a) General. (1) No vessel of the United States may be used to fish
for groundfish in the GOA or in the BSAI unless the owner first obtains
a Federal fisheries permit for the vessel issued under this part,
except as provided in paragraph (a)(2) of this section. A Federal
fisheries permit is effective only until December 31 of the year in
which it is issued. Fisheries permits are issued without charge.
(2) Vessels of the United States that fish in the GOA or BSAI for
any non-groundfish species, including but not limited to, halibut,
crab, salmon, scallops, and herring, and that do not retain any bycatch
of groundfish are not required to obtain a Federal fisheries permit
issued under this part.
(b) Federal Fisheries Permit Application--(1) Request for
[[Page 46944]]
application and permit. A person may obtain an application for a
Federal fisheries permit required under paragraph (a) of this section
from: National Marine Fisheries Service, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK
99802-1668, fax number: 907-586-7465.
(2) Completed application. (i) A person may obtain the Federal
fisheries permit required under paragraph (a) of this section by
submitting a written permit application to the address given in
paragraph (b)(1) of this section.
(ii) The owner or operator of a vessel must answer each question on
the permit application in the manner set forth in paragraph (c) of this
section.
(iii) The owner or operator must mail completed forms to the
address given in paragraph (b)(1) of this section or fax completed
forms to: (907)586-7313.
(iv) The owner or operator must complete a separate application for
each vessel or processor and must retain a copy of each completed or
revised application.
(v) The owner or operator must type or print legibly the
information requested on the application.
(3) Application deficiency. Upon receipt of an incomplete or
improperly completed fisheries permit application, the Regional
Director will notify the applicant of the deficiency in the permit
application. If the applicant fails to correct the deficiency, the
permit will not be issued. No permit will be issued to an applicant
until a complete application is received.
(c) Permit application contents. The owner or operator must record:
(1) If application is for an amended permit, the current Federal
Fisheries Permit number and information that has changed.
(2) If for a vessel, the complete name and homeport (city and
state) of the vessel; the ADF&G vessel number; the U.S. Coast Guard
documentation number or Alaska registration number; the vessel's length
overall and registered net tonnage; and the telephone, fax, and COMSAT
(satellite communication) numbers used on board the vessel.
(3) Shoreside processor information. If a shoreside processor,
refer to Sec. 677.4(b) of this chapter.
(4) Owner information. The owner of the vessel or shoreside
processor must record the owner's name, permanent business mailing
address, telephone and fax numbers; and the name of any company (other
than the owner) that manages the operations of the vessel or shoreside
processor.
(5) Federal fisheries permit information. The owner must record:
(i) The fishery or fisheries and the vessel operations category for
which the permit would apply as set forth under paragraph (e) of this
section and Sec. 672.2;
(ii) If a Catcher Vessel or Catcher/Processor, the gear type(s)
used for groundfish operations;
(iii) If a Catcher Vessel, whether groundfish is retained only as
bycatch from halibut, crab, or salmon fisheries; and whether sablefish
(black cod) is the only groundfish targeted in the GOA.
(6) Signature. The owner must sign and date the application.
(d) Fisheries permit issuance. (1) Except as provided in subpart D
of 15 CFR part 904, upon receipt of a properly completed permit
application, the Regional Director will issue a fisheries permit
required by paragraph (a) of this section.
(2) The Regional Director will send the fisheries permit to the
applicant along with the appropriate logbooks as provided under
Sec. 672.5.
(e) Vessel operations category. (1) A fisheries permit issued under
paragraph (d)(1) of this section authorizes a vessel to conduct
operations as a Catcher Vessel, Catcher/Processor, Mothership, Tender
Vessel, or Support Vessel.
(2) A vessel may be issued a fisheries permit as a support vessel
or as any combination of the other four categories (Catcher Vessel,
Catcher/Processor, Mothership, Tender Vessel). A vessel permitted as a
Catcher Vessel, Catcher/Processor, Mothership, or Tender Vessel may
also conduct all operations authorized for a support vessel.
(f) Amended permit. (1) An owner or operator who applied for and
received a fisheries permit under this section must notify the Regional
Director, in writing, of any change in the information provided under
paragraph (c) of this section within 10 days of the date of that
change.
(2) An application for an amended permit must be made on the permit
application as set forth in paragraph (c) of this section.
(3) If the application is for an amended fisheries permit required
under paragraph (a) of this section and designates a change or addition
of a vessel operations category, the amended permit must be on board
the vessel before the new type of operations begins.
(g) Duration. (1) A fisheries permit remains in effect through
December 31 of the year for which it is issued unless it is revoked,
suspended, or modified under 15 CFR part 904 (Civil Procedures), or
unless it is surrendered or invalidated.
(2) A fisheries permit is surrendered when the original permit is
submitted to and received by NMFS Enforcement Office in Juneau.
(h) Alteration. No person may alter, erase, or mutilate any
fisheries permit issued under paragraph (a) of this section. Any
fisheries permit that is intentionally altered, erased, or mutilated is
invalid.
(i) Transfer. A Fisheries permit issued under paragraph (a) of this
section is not transferable or assignable and is valid only for the
vessel for which it is issued.
(j) Inspection. (1) An original fisheries permit issued under
paragraph (a) of this section must be carried on board the vessel
whenever the vessel is fishing. Photocopied or faxed copies are not
considered originals.
(2) A permit issued under paragraph (a) of this section must be
presented for inspection upon the request of any authorized officer.
(k) Sanctions. Procedures governing permit sanctions and denials
are found at subpart D of 15 CFR part 904.
(l) Condition. No person may use a vessel for which the Regional
Director has issued a permit under paragraph (a) of this section to
fish in the Donut Hole, or to possess fish in the EEZ that were caught
in the Donut Hole, during the fishing year for which the permit is
issued.
(m) Moratorium permit. In addition to the Federal fisheries permit
required by paragraph (a) of this section and any other permits that
may be required by Federal or Alaska state regulations, a moratorium
permit may be required by part 676 of this chapter for a vessel of the
United States if the vessel is used to conduct directed fishing for
moratorium groundfish species, as defined at Sec. 676.2 of this
chapter, in the Gulf of Alaska or Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
management area.
6. Section 672.5 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 672.5 Recordkeeping and reporting.
(a) Applicability and general requirements--(1) Applicability. (i)
Except as otherwise provided, this section applies to:
(A) Any Catcher Vessel, Mothership, Catcher/Processor, or Tender
Vessel, 5 net tons or larger, which is required to have a fisheries
permit under Sec. 672.4; and
(B) Any Shoreside Processor, Mothership, or Buying Station that
receives groundfish from vessels required to have a fisheries permit
under Sec. 672.4.
(ii) A Shoreside Processor, Mothership, or Buying Station subject
to recordkeeping and reporting requirements must report all groundfish
and prohibited species received, including:
[[Page 46945]]
(A) Fish received from vessels not required to have a fisheries
permit;
(B) Fish received under contract for handling or processing for
another processor.
(2) Responsibility. The operator of a Catcher Vessel, Catcher/
Processor, Mothership, or Buying Station delivering to a Mothership
(hereafter referred to as the operator) and the manager of a Shoreside
Processor or Buying Station delivering to a Shoreside Processor
(hereafter referred to as the manager) are each responsible for
compliance with the applicable recordkeeping and reporting requirements
of this section. In addition, the owner of a vessel, Shoreside
Processor, or Buying Station must ensure that the operator, manager, or
designated representative (see paragraph (b) of this section) complies
with these requirements and is responsible for compliance.
(3) Groundfish logbooks and forms. The Regional Director will
prescribe and provide logbooks and forms required under this section as
shown in Table 9 of this part. The operator or manager must use these
logbooks and forms or obtain approval from the Regional Director to use
electronic versions of the logbooks and forms.
(4) Participant identification information. The operator or manager
must record on all required records, reports, and logbooks:
(i) The name of the Catcher Vessel, Catcher/Processor, Mothership,
Shoreside Processor, or Buying Station as displayed in official
documentation;
(ii) If a vessel, the Federal Fisheries Permit number and ADF&G
vessel number (if applicable);
(iii) If a processor, the Federal Processor Permit number and ADF&G
processor number;
(iv) If a Buying Station, the name and ADF&G vessel number (if
applicable) of the Buying Station; the name, ADF&G processor number,
and Federal Processor Permit number of associated processor;
(v) If a Shoreside Processor or land-based Buying Station, the
geographic location of operations.
(5) Representative identification. The name, daytime business
telephone number (including area code), fax or TELEX number, and the
COMSAT number (if applicable) of the representative;
(6) Maintenance of records--(i) General. The operator or manager
must maintain all records, reports, and logbooks in a legible, timely,
and accurate manner; in English; if handwritten, in indelible ink; if
computer-generated, a printed, paper copy; and based on Alaska local
time.
(ii) When applicable, the operator or manager must record in each
report, form, and logbook the following information:
(A) Page number. Number the pages in each logbook consecutively,
beginning with page one and continuing throughout the logbook for the
remainder of the fishing year, except that the manager of a Shoreside
Processor must number the DCPL pages within Part I and Part II
separately beginning with page one, etc.;
(B) Date, presented as month-day-year;
(C) Time, in military format to the nearest hour, A.l.t.;
(D) Position Coordinates, latitude and longitude to the nearest
second;
(E) Reporting Area codes, given in Figures 1 and 3 of this part;
(F) Species codes, each target species, the ``other species''
category, and prohibited species (see Secs. 672.20(e) and 675.20(c) of
this chapter), using the species codes given in Table 2 of this part;
(G) Original/Revised Report. If a report is the first one submitted
to the Regional Director for a given date, gear type, and reporting
area, ``ORIGINAL REPORT''. If report is a correction to a previously
submitted report for a given date, gear type, and reporting area,
``REVISED REPORT'';
(H) Metric tons. The required weight units used to record amounts
of landings, product, and discards of groundfish and herring must be
recorded in pounds (lb) or to the nearest 0.01 mt on all forms and
logbooks.
(7) Active and inactive periods. The operator or manager must, in
the DFL, DCL, or DCPL:
(i) Account for each day of the fishing year by indicating active
and inactive periods, as defined in Sec. 672.2;
(ii) Use a separate logbook page for each day of an active period;
(iii) Indicate on one page the first and last day of an inactive
period;
(iv) Fishing activity. The operator or manager must indicate all
fishing activity, which is defined as follows:
(A) If a Catcher Vessel, harvest or discard of groundfish;
(B) If a Catcher/Processor, harvest, discard, or processing of
groundfish;
(C) If a Mothership or Shoreside Processor, receipt, discard, or
processing of groundfish;
(D) If a Buying Station, receipt, discard, or delivery of
groundfish;
(v) If in an active period and there is fishing activity, the
operator or manager must record:
(A) The gear type used to harvest the groundfish. If a Catcher
Vessel or Catcher/Processor and using hook-and-line longline gear, the
average number of hooks per skate;
(B) The reporting area code where gear retrieval was completed;
whether gear retrieval was in Federal or Alaska State waters;
(C) If a Catcher Vessel, whether a NMFS-certified observer is on
board the vessel. If a Catcher/Processor, Mothership, or Shoreside
Processor, the number of NMFS-certified observers on board or on site;
(D) The number of crew, except certified observer;
(E) Whether harvest is under a CDQ program; if yes, the CDQ number;
(F) If a Catcher Vessel or Buying Station, the name and ADF&G
processor number of the Mothership or Shoreside Processor to which
groundfish deliveries were made;
(vi) If in an active period and there is no harvesting, discard,
receipt, or processing of groundfish, the operator or manager must
indicate ``NO FISHING ACTIVITY'' and briefly describe the reason.
(8) Landings information. The manager of a Shoreside Processor
must:
(i) Record and report groundfish landings by species codes and
product codes as defined in Tables 1 and 2 of this part for each
reporting area, whether in Alaska State waters or Federal waters, gear
type, and CDQ number;
(ii) Record in the DCPL each day on the day such landings occur,
the following additional information:
(A) The daily combined scale weight of landings retained for
processing from a Catcher Vessel or any associated Buying Station, in
pounds or to at least the nearest 0.01 mt;
(B) If more than one page is used during a weekly reporting period,
the total amount of landings carried forward from the previous page;
(C) At the end of each weekly reporting period, the cumulative
total weight, calculated by adding the daily totals and total carried
forward for that week;
(iii) Summarize the DCPL for each weekly reporting period on a WPR
or for each day on a DPR (if applicable). If there were no landings
during a reporting period, write ``NO LANDINGS'' on the first row of
the WPR landings section or under the DPR landings column for that day.
(9) Product information. The operator or manager of a Catcher/
Processor, Mothership, or Shoreside Processor must, where required:
(i) Record and report groundfish products by species codes, product
codes, and product designations as
[[Page 46946]]
defined in Tables 1 and 2 of this part for each reporting area, whether
in Alaska State waters or Federal waters, gear type, and CDQ number;
(ii) Record in the DCPL each day on the day such production occurs,
the daily total, balance brought forward (except for Shoreside
Processor), and cumulative total fish product weight (see Sec. 672.2)
for each product of groundfish in pounds or to at least the nearest
0.01 mt;
(iii) Summarize the DCPL for each weekly reporting period on a WPR
or for each day on a DPR (if applicable). If there was no production
during a weekly reporting period, indicate ``NO PRODUCTION'' on the
first row of the WPR production section or under the DPR products
column for that day.
(10) Discarded/donated species information. The manager or operator
must, where required:
(i) Record and report discards and donations by species codes and
discard product codes as defined in Tables 1 and 2 of this part for
each reporting area, whether in Alaska State waters or Federal waters,
gear type, and CDQ number;
(ii) Record the estimated daily total, balance brought forward, and
cumulative total round fish weight in the DFL, DCL, or DCPL each day on
the day such discards occur for each discard of groundfish species,
groundfish species groups, and Pacific herring in pounds or to at least
the nearest 0.01 mt;
(iii) Record the estimated daily total, balance brought forward,
and cumulative total numbers in the DFL, DCL, or DCPL each day on the
day such discards occur for each discard of Pacific salmon, steelhead
trout, Pacific halibut, king crab, and Tanner crab;
(iv) Summarize the DCPL for each weekly reporting period on a WPR
or for each day on a DPR (if applicable). If there were no discards
during a reporting period, write ``NO DISCARDS'' on the first row of
the WPR discard section or under the DPR discard column for that day.
(v) Catcher Vessel discards/donations. (A) The operator must record
in the DFL discards that occur prior to and during harvest and must
submit the blue DFL logsheets (discards copy) to the Buying Station,
Mothership, or Shoreside Processor receiving the harvest at the end of
the weekly reporting period;
(B) If a Catcher Vessel discards fish from an unsorted codend prior
to delivery to a processor, the operator of the vessel must estimate
and record in the DFL the amount and species composition of the
discards made at sea (discard code 98);
(vi) Buying Station discards/donations. (A) The operator or manager
must record in the DCL on a daily basis on the day such discard occurs,
all discards that occur after receipt of harvest from a Catcher Vessel
and prior to delivery to a Mothership or Shoreside Processor;
(B) If a blue DFL logsheet is received from a Catcher Vessel and
contains reports of discards, the operator or manager must record in
the DCL the discards on the day the DFL logsheet is received from the
Catcher Vessel;
(vii) Catcher/Processor discards/donations. The operator must
record in the DCPL on the day such discard occurs all discards that
occur prior to harvest, during harvest, and during processing;
(viii) Mothership or Shoreside Processor discards/donations. (A)
The operator or manager must record into the DCPL on a daily basis on
the day such discard occurs, all discards that occur on site after
receipt of groundfish, and all discards that occur during processing of
groundfish;
(B) If a blue DFL logsheet is received from a Catcher Vessel and
discards are reported, the operator or manager must record in the DCPL
the discards on the day the DFL logsheet is received from the Catcher
Vessel;
(C) If a yellow DCL logsheet is received from a Buying Station and
discards are reported, the operator or manager must record in the DCPL
the discards on the day the DCL logsheet is received from the Buying
Station;
(11) Contract processing. (i) The manager of a Shoreside Processor
or operator of a Mothership who receives groundfish to be handled or
processed under contract for another processor or business entity must
report these fish to the Regional Director consistently throughout a
fishing year using one of two methods:
(A) Record landings (if applicable), discards, and products of
contract-processed groundfish routinely in the DCPL without separate
identification; or
(B) Record landings (if applicable), discards, and products of
contract-processed groundfish in a separate DCPL identified by the
name, Federal Processor permit number, Federal Fisheries permit number
(if applicable), and ADF&G Processor code of the associated business
entity;
(ii) If contract-processed groundfish records are kept separate
from the routine DCPL, the operator or manager of the Mothership or
Shoreside Processor must summarize and report that information on a WPR
identified by the name, Federal Processor permit number, Federal
Fisheries permit number (if applicable), and ADF&G Processor code of
the associated business entity.
(12) Alteration of records. (i) The operator, manager, or any other
person may not alter or change any entry or record in a logbook except
that an inaccurate or incorrect entry or record may be corrected by
lining out the original and inserting the correction, provided that the
original entry or record remains legible.
(ii) No person except an authorized officer may remove any original
page of any logbook.
(13) Inspection of records. The operator or manager of a Catcher
Vessel, Catcher/Processor, Mothership, or Shoreside Processor, must
make all logbooks, reports, and forms required under paragraph (a)(3)
of this section available for inspection upon the request of an
authorized officer.
(14) Submittal of logbooks, reports and forms--(i) Quarterly
submittal of logbook. (A) The operator of a Catcher Vessel, Catcher/
Processor, Mothership, or the manager of a Shoreside Processor must
submit the yellow logsheets on a quarterly basis to: NMFS Alaska
Fisheries Science Center, Logbook Program, 7600 Sand Point Way NE,
Building 4, Seattle, WA 98115.
(B) The operator or manager must submit the yellow logsheets as
follows: First quarter, by May 1 of that year; second quarter, by
August 1 of that year; third quarter, by November 1 of that year; and
fourth quarter, by February 1 of the following year.
(ii) Submittal of reports and forms. Reports and forms may be
submitted by the operator or manager by:
(A) Using the NMFS printed form and faxing it to the fax number on
the form; or
(B) Transmitting a data file with required information and forms to
NMFS by modem or satellite (specifically INMARSAT standards A, B, or
C).
(15) Record retention--(i) Original copy. (A) The operator of a
Catcher Vessel, Catcher/Processor, or Mothership and the manager of a
Shoreside Processor must retain the original (white) copy of all
logbooks and a paper copy of all reports and forms, including those
reports and forms that were originally submitted electronically:
(1) On site until the end of the fishing year during which the
records were made and for as long thereafter as fish or fish products
recorded in the logbook, reports, and forms are retained;
(2) For 3 years after the end of the fishing year during which the
records were made;
[[Page 46947]]
(B) The operator or manager of a Buying Station must retain the
original (white) copy of all DCLs required under paragraph (a)(2) of
this section on site until the Buying Station has concluded receiving
groundfish for a Shoreside Processor or Mothership and for as long as
fish and fish products recorded in the DCL are retained by the Buying
Station;
(ii) Yellow DCL logsheet. When the operator of a Mothership or the
manager of a Shoreside Processor submits on a quarterly basis to NMFS,
the yellow DCL logsheets received from associated Buying Stations per
paragraph (a)(14) of this section, the operator or manager must retain
a photocopy of the yellow DCL logsheets until the original DCL is
received from the associated Buying Station operator or manager.
(iii) Blue DFL logsheet. The operator of a Mothership and the
manager of a Shoreside Processor must retain the blue DFL logsheets
(discard reports) through the last day of the fishing year during which
the records were made.
(iv) Pink DCL logsheet. The operator or manager of a Buying Station
must retain the pink DCL logsheets for 3 years after the end of the
fishing year during which the records were made.
(16) Integration of Buying Station records. (i) The operator or
manager of a Buying Station must maintain a separate DCL for each
Shoreside Processor or Mothership to which the Buying Station delivers
groundfish during a fishing year.
(ii) The operator or manager of a Buying Station must submit upon
delivery of catch, the yellow DCL logsheets, to the Shoreside Processor
or Mothership to which it delivers groundfish, along with the blue DFL
logsheets and ADF&G fish tickets or catch receipts for that delivery.
(iii) Upon conclusion of receiving groundfish for a Shoreside
Processor or Mothership, the Buying Station operator or manager must
submit the original DCL to the Shoreside Processor manager or
Mothership operator to which deliveries were made.
(iv) If the Mothership operator or the Shoreside Processor manager
receives fish from a Buying Station, the operator or manager must
incorporate all of the DCL information into the DCPL.
(b) Designated representative. The operator or manager of a Catcher
Vessel, Mothership, Catcher/Processor, Shoreside Processor or Buying
Station must identify one person to fill out and sign the logbook,
complete the recordkeeping and reporting forms, or both, and to
identify who will be the contact person for inquiries from NMFS.
Designation of a representative under this paragraph does not relieve
the owner, operator, or manager of responsibility for compliance with
this part.
(c) Catcher Vessel DFL and Catcher/Processor DCPL--(1) Requirement.
(i) The operator of each Catcher Vessel or Catcher/Processor subject to
this part must:
(A) Answer each question on the DFL or DCPL in the manner set forth
under paragraphs (c) (3) through (7) of this section; and
(B) Submit the DFL or DCPL in the manner set forth under paragraphs
(c)(2) and (a)(14), respectively, of this section.
(ii) Pair trawl. If two Catcher Vessels are dragging a trawl
between them (pair trawl), a separate DFL must be maintained by each of
the vessels. Each vessel operator must log the amount of the catch
retained by that vessel and any fish discarded by the vessel.
(2) Time limit and submittal. (i) The operator must record in the
DFL or DCPL, the time, position, and estimated groundfish catch weight
within 2 hours after gear retrieval;
(ii) The operator must record all other information required in the
DFL or DCPL by noon of the day following gear retrieval if a Catcher
Vessel or by noon of the day following completion of production if a
Catcher/Processor;
(iii) The operator of a Catcher Vessel must submit the blue DFL
logsheets with delivery of the harvest to the operator or manager of
the Buying Station, Mothership, or Shoreside Processor;
(iv) Notwithstanding other time limits, the operator of a Catcher
Vessel must record all information required in the DFL within 2 hours
after the vessel's catch is offloaded;
(3) The operator must record on each page:
(i) Page number as defined at paragraph (a)(6)(i) of this section;
(ii) The date;
(iii) If a Catcher Vessel, the vessel name and ADF&G vessel
registration number. If a Catcher/Processor, the name, ADF&G processor
number, and Federal Processor number of the Catcher/Processor;
(iv) The operator's signature;
(v) Active/inactive period. Whether Catcher Vessel or Catcher/
Processor is in an active or inactive period as defined at paragraph
(a)(7) of this section.
(4) The operator must record the following for each haul or set:
(i) Gear deployment. The number of haul or set, by sequence; begin
time and position coordinates of gear deployment; average sea depth and
average gear depth, recorded to the nearest meter or fathom.
(ii) Gear retrieval. The date, time, and position coordinates of
gear retrieval. If the vessel is using longline hook-and-line gear, the
number of skates set. If the vessel is using longline pot or single pot
gear, the total number of pots set.
(iii) The estimated total round fish weight of the groundfish
catch; and
(iv) The species code of the intended target species from Table 2
of this part.
(5) The operator must record discard/donation information as
defined at paragraph (a)(10) of this section.
(6) If a Catcher Vessel, the operator must record:
(i) The date of delivery.
(ii) The name, ADF&G processor code, and ADF&G fish ticket
number(s) provided by the manager or operator of the Mothership,
Shoreside Processor, or Buying Station.
(7) If a Catcher/Processor, the operator must record product
information as set forth at paragraph (a)(9) of this section.
(d) Buying station DCL--(1) Requirement. The operator or manager of
each Buying Station subject to this part must:
(i) Answer each question on the DCL in the manner set forth under
paragraphs (d)(3) through (5) of this section; and
(ii) Submit the DCL in the manner set forth under paragraphs (d)(2)
and (a)(14), respectively, of this section.
(2) Time limits. (i) The operator or manager must record entries in
the DCL as to Catcher Vessel delivery information within 2 hours after
completion of receipt of the groundfish.
(ii) All other information required in the DCL must be recorded by
noon of the day following the day the receipt of groundfish was
completed or discard occurred.
(3) The operator or manager must record for each page:
(i) Page number as defined at paragraph (a)(6)(i) of this section;
(ii) The date;
(iii) The Buying Station name and, if a vessel, the ADF&G vessel
number;
(iv) The operator's or manager's signature.
(v) Active/inactive period. Whether Buying Station is in an active
or inactive period as defined at paragraph (a)(7) of this section.
(vi) The name and ADF&G processor code of the Mothership or
Shoreside Processor to which groundfish deliveries were made;
(vii) The number of crew;
(4) The operator or manager must record the following information
for each delivery of groundfish:
(i) The ADF&G fish ticket number issued to each Catcher Vessel
delivering groundfish. If a fish ticket was not
[[Page 46948]]
issued, the catch receipt number of the transaction;
(ii) Whether blue DFL logsheets were received from Catcher Vessel;
(iii) The time when receipt of groundfish catch was completed;
(iv) The name and ADF&G vessel registration number of the Catcher
Vessel delivering the groundfish;
(v) The total groundfish delivery weight.
(5) The operator or manager must record discard/donation
information as defined at paragraph (a)(10) of this section.
(e) Mothership DCPL--(1) Requirement. The operator of each
Mothership subject to this part must:
(i) Answer each question on the DCPL in the manner set forth under
paragraphs (e) (3) through (6) of this section; and
(ii) Submit the DCPL in the manner set forth under paragraphs
(e)(2) and (a)(14), respectively, of this section.
(2) Time limits. (i) The operator must record entries in the DCPL
as to Catcher Vessel or Buying Station delivery information within 2
hours after completion of the groundfish receipt.
(ii) All other information required in the DCPL must be recorded by
noon of the day following the day the catch receipt, discard, or
production occurred.
(3) The operator must record on each page:
(i) Page number as defined at paragraph (a)(6) of this section;
(ii) The date;
(iii) The name, ADF&G processor number, and Federal Processor
number;
(iv) The operator's signature.
(v) Whether Mothership is in an active or inactive period as
defined at paragraph (a)(7) of this section.
(4) The operator must record for each delivery:
(i) Whether delivery is from a Catcher Vessel or a Buying Station;
(ii) The name and ADF&G vessel registration number (if applicable)
of the Catcher Vessel or Buying Station delivering the groundfish;
(iii) The time and position coordinates of the Mothership when
groundfish catch is received;
(iv) The estimated total round fish weight of the groundfish catch;
(v) The ADF&G fish ticket number issued to each Catcher Vessel
delivering groundfish. If a fish ticket is not issued, record the catch
receipt number of the transaction.
(5) The operator must record discard/donation information as
defined at paragraph (a)(10) of this section.
(6) The operator must record product information as defined at
paragraph (a)(9) of this section.
(f) Shoreside Processor DCPL--(1) Requirement. The manager of each
Shoreside Processor subject to this part must:
(i) Answer each question on the DCPL in the manner set forth under
paragraphs (f) (3) through (7) of this section;
(ii) Submit the DCPL in the manner set forth under paragraphs
(f)(2) and (a)(14), respectively, of this section.
(2) Time limits--(i) The manager must record in the DCPL all
Catcher Vessel or Buying Station delivery information within 2 hours
after completion of the groundfish receipt.
(ii) All other information required in the DCPL must be recorded by
noon of the day following the day the catch receipt, discard, or
production occurred.
(3) Part I. The operator must record on each page:
(i) Page number. If page is for an individual day, the date. If
page is for 1 week, week-ending date. See also paragraph (a)(6)(i) of
this section.
(ii) Participant identification information as defined at paragraph
(a)(4) of this section.
(iii) The signature of the manager.
(iv) Whether the Shoreside Processor is in an active or inactive
period as defined at paragraph (a)(7) of this section.
(4) Delivery information. The manager must record the following
information for each delivery:
(i) Date and time when receipt of groundfish catch was completed;
(ii) Whether delivery is from Catcher Vessel or Buying Station;
(iii) Whether blue DFL logsheets were submitted by Catcher Vessel;
(iv) The name and ADF&G vessel registration number (if applicable)
of the Catcher Vessel or Buying Station delivering the groundfish;
(v) The total scale weight of groundfish delivery in pounds or to
the nearest 0.01 mt;
(vi) The ADF&G fish ticket number issued to the Catcher Vessel
delivering groundfish. If a fish ticket is not issued, record the catch
receipt number of the transaction.
(5) Landings information (Part IC). The manager must record:
(i) The date next to the appropriate day of the week (SUN through
SAT);
(ii) Landings information as defined at paragraph (a)(8) of this
section.
(6) Discarded/donated species information (Part ID). The manager
must record:
(i) The date next to the appropriate day of the week (SUN through
SAT);
(ii) Discard information as defined at paragraph (a)(10) of this
section.
(7) Part II. The manager must record:
(i) Page numbers must be consecutive within Part II, beginning with
page one for the first day product was produced after the start of the
fishing year and continuing throughout the section for the remainder of
the fishing year;
(ii) The name, ADF&G processor code number, and Federal Processor
number of Shoreside Processor;
(iii) The signature of the manager.
(iv) Product information. (A) The week-ending date;
(B) The management area (BSAI or GOA);
(C) The date next to the appropriate day of the week (SUN through
SAT);
(D) Product information as defined at paragraph (a)(9) of this
section.
(g) Groundfish product transfer report (PTR)--(1) Requirement. (i)
The operator of a Mothership or Catcher/Processor or the manager of a
Shoreside Processor must record each transfer of groundfish product on
a separate PTR.
(ii) The operator or manager must answer each question on the PTR
in the manner set forth under paragraphs (g) (3) through (6) of this
section for each transfer of groundfish or groundfish product and must
submit the PTR in the manner set forth under paragraph (g)(2) of this
section.
(iii) Shoreside Processor transfer to offsite meal reduction plant.
The manager of a Shoreside Processor must report on a PTR those fish
products which are subsequently transferred to an offsite meal
reduction plant;
(iv) Transfer of groundfish for bait. The operator or manager must
report on a PTR, daily sales or transfer of groundfish to vessels for
bait. Individual sales of groundfish for bait purposes during a day may
be aggregated when recording the amount of product leaving a facility
that day.
(2) Time limits and submittal. The operator or manager must:
(i) Record all product transfer information on a PTR within 2 hours
of the completion of the transfer;
(ii) Submit a copy of each PTR to the Regional Director to fax
number 907-586-7313 within 24 hours of completion of transfer.
(3) The operator or manager must record on each page:
(i) Whether an original or revised report, as defined at paragraph
(a)(6) of this section;
(ii) Page numbers must be numbered sequentially, with the first
transfer of the fishing year as page 1 and continuing throughout the
remainder of the fishing year;
(iii) If product (including raw fish) is received, ``RECEIPT''. If
product (including raw fish) is offloaded from a Mothership or Catcher/
Processor,
[[Page 46949]]
``OFFLOAD''. If product (including raw fish) is shipped from a
Shoreside Processor, ``SHIPMENT'';
(iv) Representative identification information, as defined at
paragraph (a)(5) of this section;
(v) If a Catcher/Processor or Mothership, the participant
identification information as defined at paragraph (a)(4) of this
section and Coast Guard Documentation number. If a Shoreside Processor,
the participant identification information as defined at paragraph
(a)(4) of this section.
(4) Transfer information. The operator or manager must record the
following information for each transfer:
(i) If another vessel is involved with the transfer, the name and
call sign of the vessel receiving or delivering groundfish or
groundfish products;
(ii) If a Mothership or Catcher/Processor and the transfer takes
place in port, the port of landing and country if a foreign location;
(iii) If transfer is made to an agent, the agent's name. For
purposes of this part, agent is defined as the transport company, the
buyer, or the distributor;
(iv) Intended first destination of product. (A) If an offload or
shipment, the intended destination of vessel or agent receiving
groundfish or groundfish product. If receipt, not applicable;
(B) If an offload or shipment has several destinations, the primary
or first intended destination;
(C) If offload or shipment is going to a single agent and initial
destination but requires loading on multiple vans, trucks, or airline
flights, the transfer may be recorded on a single PTR page;
(v) Date and time of product transfer--(A) Start date. The date and
time the transfer starts;
(B) Finish date. The date and time the transfer is completed:
(1) If shipment is an individual van load or flight, the date and
time when each shipment leaves the plant;
(2) If shipment involves multiple vans or trucks, the date and time
when loading of vans or trucks is completed for each day;
(3) If shipment involves air freight, record date and time when the
last air freight shipment of the day leaves the plant;
(vi) Position transferred. If a Catcher/Processor or Mothership and
transfer of product is made at sea, the transfer position coordinates.
(5) Products and quantities offloaded, shipped, or received. (i) If
a Catcher/Processor or Mothership, the Harvest Zone code of the area in
which groundfish were harvested as defined in Table 8 of this part;
(ii) The species code and product code for each product transferred
as defined in Tables 1 and 2 of this part;
(iii) The number of cartons or production units transferred;
(iv) The average net weight of one carton for each species and
product code in kilograms or pounds;
(v) The total net weight (fish product weight, to the nearest 0.01
mt) of the products transferred.
(6) If a Catcher/Processor or Mothership, whether transfer is a
total or partial offload. If partial offload, the total fish product
weight, to the nearest 0.01 mt, of the products (by harvest zone,
species and product codes) remaining on board after this transfer;
(h) Check-in/Check-out report--(1) Requirement--(i) Check-in report
(BEGIN Message). Before a Catcher/Processor commences harvest of
groundfish in Alaska State or Federal waters of any reporting area
except 300, 400, 550, or 690 or before a Mothership, Shoreside
Processor or Buying Station commences receipt of groundfish from Alaska
State or Federal waters of any reporting area except 300, 400, 550, or
690, the operator or manager must answer each question on the Check-in/
Check-out report in the manner set forth under paragraphs (h)(3),
(h)(4), and (h)(6) of this section; and must submit the Check-in/Check-
out report in the manner set forth under paragraph (h)(2) of this
section.
(ii) Check-out report (CEASE Message). (A) If a Catcher/Processor
departs a reporting area or moves between Alaska State and Federal
waters in a reporting area, and gear retrieval is complete from that
area, the operator or manager must answer each question on a Check-out
report in the manner set forth in paragraphs (h)(3), (h)(5), and (h)(6)
of this section and must submit the Check-in/Check-out report in the
manner set forth under paragraph (h)(2) of this section;
(B) If a Mothership or Shoreside Processor, and groundfish receipt
and processing are completed, the operator or manager must answer each
question on a Check-out report in the manner set forth in paragraphs
(h)(3), (h)(5), and (h)(6) of this section and must submit the Check-
in/Check-out report in the manner set forth under paragraph (h)(2) of
this section;
(iii) Transit between reporting areas. If a vessel is transiting
through a reporting area and is not fishing or receiving fish, a Check-
in or Check-out report is not required from that area;
(iv) Multiple vessel operations categories. If a Catcher/Processor
is functioning simultaneously as a Mothership in the same reporting
area, the operator must submit a separate Check-in report for each
vessel operations category. Upon completion of each activity, the
operator must submit a Check-out report for each vessel operations
category.
(2) Time limits and submittal--(i) Check-in report. (A) The
operator of a Catcher/Processor must submit by fax a Check-in report
(BEGIN message) to the Regional Director at fax number 907-586-7131
before commencing any harvest of groundfish.
(B) The operator or manager of a Mothership, Shoreside Processor,
or Buying Station must submit by fax a Check-in report (BEGIN message)
to the Regional Director at fax number 907-586-7131 before commencing
any receipt of groundfish.
(ii) Check-out report. (A) If a Catcher/Processor, Mothership, or
Buying Station, the operator must submit by fax a Check-out report
(CEASE message) to the Regional Director at fax number 907-586-7131
within 24 hours after leaving either the Alaska State or Federal part
of a reporting area.
(B) If a Shoreside Processor, the manager must submit by fax a
Check-out report (CEASE message) to the Regional Director at fax number
907-586-7131 within 48 hours after the end of the applicable weekly
reporting period that a Shoreside Processor ceases to process
groundfish for the fishing year or has not processed groundfish for
more than one weekly reporting period;
(3) The operator or manager must record on each page:
(i) Whether an original or revised report as defined at paragraph
(a)(6) of this section;
(ii) Participant identification information as defined at paragraph
(a)(4) of this section;
(iii) Representative identification information as defined at
paragraph (a)(5) of this section;
(iv) If a Mothership or Catcher/Processor, the processor type and
gear type used to harvest the groundfish. If groundfish are received by
a Mothership in the same reporting area from more than one gear type,
or if groundfish are caught by a Catcher/Processor in the same
reporting area using more than one gear type, the operator must submit
a separate form for each gear type;
(v) Whether harvest is under a CDQ Program; if yes, the CDQ number;
(vi) If a Buying Station, the number of crew on the last day of the
reporting week.
(4) BEGIN Message. The operator or manager must record:
(i) If a Catcher/Processor, date and time that gear is deployed. If
a
[[Page 46950]]
Mothership, date and time that receipt of groundfish begins;
(ii) If a Catcher/Processor, position coordinates where gear is
set. If a Mothership, position coordinates where groundfish receipt is
begun;
(iii) If a Catcher/Processor, the reporting area code of gear
deployment and whether gear deployment was in Federal or Alaska State
waters. If a Mothership or Buying Station, the reporting area code
where groundfish receipt begins and whether receipt of groundfish
occurred in Federal or Alaska State waters;
(iv) If a Shoreside Processor, the date receipt of groundfish will
begin; whether checking in for first time in fishing year or checking
in to restart receipt and processing of groundfish after filing a
Check-out report;
(v) If a Mothership or Catcher/Processor, the primary and secondary
species expected to be harvested. If a Buying Station, the intended
primary target expected to be harvested. A change in intended target
species within the same reporting area does not require a new BEGIN
message.
(5) CEASE Message. The operator or manager must report:
(i) If a Mothership or Catcher/Processor, the date, time and
position coordinates where the vessel departed the reporting area or
moved to Federal waters from Alaska State waters within a reporting
area, or vice versa;
(ii) If a Shoreside Processor or Buying Station, the date that
receipt of groundfish ceased.
(6) Fish or fish product held at plant. If a Shoreside Processor,
the weight of the fish or fish products in pounds or to the nearest
0.01 mt by species and product codes.
(i) Weekly production report (WPR)--(1) Requirement. (i) The
operator or manager of a Mothership, Catcher/Processor, or Shoreside
Processor must answer each question on the WPR in the manner set forth
in paragraphs (i)(3) through (i)(7) of this section for any week the
Mothership, Catcher/Processor, or Shoreside Processor is checked in
pursuant to paragraph (h)(1)(i) of this section and must submit a WPR
in the manner set forth in paragraph (i)(2) of this section.
(ii) Multiple vessel operations categories. The operator of a
vessel that is authorized to conduct operations as both a Catcher/
Processor and as a Mothership must submit separate WPRs to report
production and discard as a Catcher/Processor and production and
discard as a Mothership.
(2) Time limits and submittal. The operator or manager must submit
a WPR to the Regional Director at fax number 907-586-7131 by 1200
hours, A.l.t., on Tuesday, following the end of the applicable weekly
reporting period.
(3) The operator or manager must record on each page:
(i) Whether an original or revised report, defined at paragraph
(a)(6) of this section;
(ii) Participant identification information as defined at paragraph
(a)(4) of this section;
(iii) Representative identification information as defined at
paragraph (a)(5) of this section and date WPR was completed;
(iv) If a Mothership or Catcher/Processor, the processor type and
gear type used to harvest the groundfish;
(v) Whether harvest is under a CDQ Program; if yes, the CDQ number;
(vi) The week-ending date;
(vii) The primary and secondary target codes for next week;
(viii) If a Mothership or Catcher/Processor, the number of crew on
last day of reporting week.
(4) Landings information. If a Shoreside Processor, see landings
information requirement at paragraph (a)(8) of this section.
(5) Discarded/Donated Species Information (Part ID). For discard/
donate information requirement, see paragraph (a)(10) of this section.
(6) Product information. For product information requirement, see
at paragraph (a)(9) of this section.
(7) Catcher Vessel delivery information. If ADF&G fish tickets are
issued by the Mothership or Shoreside Processor, list the fish ticket
numbers issued to Catcher Vessels for the weekly reporting period.
(j) Daily Production Report (DPR)--(1) Notice. If the Regional
Director determines that DPRs are necessary to avoid exceeding a
groundfish TAC or prohibited species bycatch allowance, NMFS may
require submission of DPRs for reporting one or more specific species,
in addition to a WPR. NMFS will publish a document in the Federal
Register specifying the fisheries that require DPRs and the effective
dates that submittal of DPRs is required.
(2) Requirement. (i) If a Catcher/Processor, Mothership, or
Shoreside Processor is checked-in to the specified reporting area and
is harvesting, receiving, processing, or discarding the specified
species, or is receiving reports from a Catcher Vessel of discard at
sea of the specified species, the operator or manager must submit a
DPR.
(ii) The operator of a Mothership or Catcher/Processor or manager
of a Shoreside Processor must:
(A) Answer each question on the DPR in the manner set forth in
paragraphs (j)(4) through (7) of this section;
(B) Submit the DPR in the manner set forth in paragraph (j)(3) of
this section;
(C) Use a separate DPR for each gear type, processor type, and CDQ
number.
(3) Time limit and submittal. The operator or manager must submit a
DPR by fax to the Regional Director at fax number 907-586-7131 by 1200
hours, A.l.t., the day following each day of landings, discard, or
production.
(4) The operator or manager must record on each page:
(i) Whether an original or revised report as defined at paragraph
(a)(6) of this section;
(ii) Participant identification information as defined at paragraph
(a)(4) of this section and processor type;
(iii) Representative identification information as defined at
paragraph (a)(5) of this section;
(iv) The gear type used to harvest the groundfish, date received
landings, and Federal reporting area where landings were harvested;
(v) Whether harvest is under a CDQ Program; if yes, the CDQ number.
(5) Landing information. If a Shoreside Processor, see landings
information requirement at paragraph (a)(8) of this section.
(6) Product information. If a Mothership or Catcher/ Processor, see
product information requirement at paragraph (a)(9) of this section.
(7) Discard/donate information. For discard/donate information
requirement, see paragraph (a)(10) of this section.
(k) U.S. Vessel Activity Report (VAR)--(1) Requirement. The
operator of a Catcher Vessel, a Catcher/Processor, or a Mothership
regulated under this part that crosses the seaward boundary of the EEZ
off Alaska or crosses the U.S./Canada international boundary between
Alaska and British Columbia must answer each question on the VAR in the
manner set forth in paragraphs (k)(3) and (4) of this section and must
submit a VAR in the manner set forth in paragraph (k)(2) of this
section.
(2) Time limits and submittal. The operator must submit a VAR by
fax to NMFS Alaska Enforcement Division at fax number 907-586-7313
before the vessel crosses the seaward boundary of the EEZ off Alaska or
the U.S./Canada international boundary between Alaska and British
Columbia.
(3) The operator must record on each page:
(i) Whether an original or revised report as defined at paragraph
(a)(6) of this section;
(ii) Participant identification information as defined at paragraph
(a)(4) of this section;
(iii) Representative identification information as defined at
paragraph
[[Page 46951]]
(a)(5) of this section and date VAR was completed;
(iv) If vessel is crossing into the seaward boundary of the EEZ off
Alaska or crossing the U.S./Canada International boundary between
Alaska and British Columbia, the operator must indicate return report.
If vessel is crossing out of the seaward boundary of the EEZ off Alaska
or crossing the U.S./Canada International boundary between Alaska and
British Columbia into Canadian waters, the operator must indicate
depart report.
(v) Port of landing;
(vi) Whether vessel is returning from fishing or departing to fish
in the Russian Zone;
(vii) Date and time vessel will cross the EEZ off Alaska or the
U.S./Canada international boundary between Alaska and British Columbia;
(viii) Latitude and longitude at the point of crossing the EEZ off
Alaska or U.S./Canada international boundary between Alaska and British
Columbia.
(4) Fish or fish product on board the vessel when crossing the EEZ
off Alaska or U.S./Canada international boundary. (i) The Harvest Zone
code of the area in which groundfish were harvested as defined in Table
8 of this part;
(ii) The species code and product code for each species on board as
defined in Tables 1 and 2 of this part;
(iii) The fish product weight of products on board in pounds or to
the nearest 0.01 mt.
7. In Sec. 672.7, paragraphs (p) and (q) are added to read as
follows:
Sec. 672.7 Prohibitions.
* * * * *
(p) Fail to comply with or fail to ensure compliance with
requirements at Sec. 672.5.
(q) Use a Catcher Vessel or Catcher/Processor as a Tender Vessel
before offloading all groundfish or groundfish product harvested or
processed by that vessel.
Subpart B--Management Measures
8. Section 672.20, paragraphs (a)(1), (e)(1), and the headings for
paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2)(i), (c)(2)(ii), and (h)(2), and paragraphs
(i)(4), and (j) are revised; headings for paragraphs (c)(1)(i)(A),
(i)(1), (i)(2), (i)(3), and (i)(6) are added; paragraphs (g)(1) and
(g)(3) are amended by revising the words, ``Table 2 to this section''
to read ``Table 10 of this part''; and tables 1 and 2 to the section
are removed. The revised and added text reads as follows:
Sec. 672.20 General limitations.
(a) * * * (1) Optimum yield (OY). The OY for the fishery regulated
by this section and by Sec. 611.92 of this chapter is a range of
116,000 to 800,000 mt for target species and the ``other species''
category in the GOA, to the extent this amount can be harvested
consistently with this part and part 611 of this chapter, plus the
amounts of ``non-specified species'' taken incidentally to the harvest
of target species and the ``other species'' category. The species
categories are defined in Table 1 of the specifications as provided in
paragraph (c)(1) of this section.
* * * * *
(c) * * * (1) Proposed specifications, interim harvest limits, and
final specifications.
(i) * * *
(A) Proposed specifications. * * *
(2) * * * (i) Directed fishing allowance--Applicable after December
31, 1995. * * *
(ii) Directed fishing allowance--Applicable through December 31,
1995. * * *
* * * * *
(e) * * *
(1) Prohibited species, for the purpose of this part, means any of
the species of Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.), steelhead trout
(Oncorhynchus mykiss), Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis),
Pacific herring (Clupea harengus pallasi), king crab (Paralithodes spp.
and Lithodes spp.), and Tanner crab (Chionoecetes spp.) caught by a
vessel regulated under this part while fishing for groundfish in the
GOA, unless retention is authorized by other applicable laws, including
the Pacific Halibut Fishery Regulations (part 301 of this title).
* * * * *
(h) * * *
(2) Fishing trip. * * *
* * * * *
(i) * * *
(1) Pollock roe. * * *
(2) Primary product. * * *
(3) Pollock product recovery rates. * * *
(4) Fishing trip. For purposes of this paragraph, a fishing trip is
defined as set forth under paragraph (h)(2) of this section.
* * * * *
(6) Primary pollock product. * * *
* * * * *
(j) Standard product types and standard product recovery rates
(PRR's)--(1) Calculating round-weight equivalents from standard PRRs.
Round-weight equivalents for groundfish products are calculated using
the product codes and standard PRRs specified in Table 3 of this part.
(2) Adjustments to Table 3 of this part. The Regional Director may
adjust standard PRRs and product types specified in Table 3 of this
part if he determines that existing standard PRRs are inaccurate or if
new product types are developed.
(3) Procedure. Adjustments to any standard PRR listed in Table 3 of
this part that are within and including 15 percent of that standard PRR
may be made without providing notice and opportunity for prior public
comment. Adjustments of any standard PRR during a calendar year, when
aggregated with all other adjustments made during that year, will not
exceed 15 percent of the standard PRR listed in Table 3 of this part at
the beginning of that calendar year, and no new product type will be
announced until NMFS publishes the proposed adjustment and/or new
product type in the Federal Register and provides the public with at
least 30 days opportunity for public comment. Any adjustment of a PRR
that acts to further restrict the fishery will not be effective until
30 days after the date of publication in the Federal Register. If NMFS
makes any adjustment or announcement without providing a prior notice
and opportunity for prior public comment, the Regional Director will
receive public comments on the adjustment or announcement for a period
of 15 days after its publication in the Federal Register.
9. Section 672.23 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 672.23 Seasons.
(a) Fishing year. Fishing for groundfish is authorized from 0001
hours, A.l.t., January 1, through 2359 hours, A.l.t., December 31,
subject to the other provisions of this part, except as provided in
paragraphs (c) through (f) of this section.
(b) Time of openings and closures. The time of all openings and
closures of fishing seasons other than the beginning and end of the
calendar fishing year is 1200 hours A.l.t.
(c) Directed fishing for trawl rockfish. Directed fishing for
rockfish of the genera Sebastes and Sebastolobus with trawl gear is
authorized from 1200 hours, A.l.t., on the first day of the third
quarterly reporting period of a fishing year, through 2359 hours,
A.l.t. December 31, subject to other provisions of this part.
(d) Opening date for trawl groundfish. Notwithstanding other
provisions of this part, fishing for groundfish with trawl gear in the
Gulf of Alaska is prohibited from 0001 hours, A.l.t. on January 1
through 1200 hours, A.l.t., January 20.
(e) Directed fishing for pollock. Subject to other provisions of
this part,
[[Page 46952]]
directed fishing for pollock in the Western and Central Regulatory
Areas is authorized: From 0001 hours, A.l.t., January 1, through 1200
hours, A.l.t., April 1; from 1200 hours, A.l.t., June 1, through 1200
hours, A.l.t., July 1; from 1200 hours, A.l.t., July 1, through 1200
hours A.l.t., October 1; and from 1200 hours A.l.t., October 1, through
2359 hours, A.l.t., December 31.
10. In Sec. 672.24, paragraphs (d)(3) and (d)(4) are redesignated
as paragraphs (d)(4) and (d)(5), respectively; headings for paragraphs
(c)(4), newly redesignated (d)(4), newly redesignated (d)(5), and
(f)(3) are added; paragraph (d)(3) is added; headings of paragraphs (a)
and (b) are revised; and the heading of paragraph (d), and paragraphs
(d)(1), (d)(2), (e), (f)(4), and (f)(5) are revised to read as follows:
Sec. 672.24 Gear limitations.
(a) Marking of gear--longline marker buoys. * * *
(b) Gear restrictions--pots. * * *
(c) * * *
(4) Longline pot gear. * * *
(d) Trawls other than pelagic trawls--Kodiak Island--(1) Type I
Closures. No person may trawl in waters of the EEZ within the vicinity
of Kodiak Island, as shown in Figure 5 of this part as Type I areas,
from a vessel having any trawl other than a pelagic trawl either
attached or on board.
(2) Type II Closures. From February 15 to June 15, no person may
trawl in waters of the EEZ within the vicinity of Kodiak Island, as
shown in Figure 5 of this part as Type II areas, from a vessel having
any trawl other than a pelagic trawl either attached or on board.
(3) Type III Closures. Type III areas are open to any trawl other
than a pelagic trawl gear year round.
(4) Net-sounder device. * * *
(5) Footrope of the trawl. * * *
(e) Steller sea lion protection areas--(1) Year-round closures.
Trawling is prohibited in the GOA within 10 nm of the 14 Steller sea
lion rookeries designated in Table 6a of this part.
(2) Seasonal closures. During January 1 through April 15, or a date
earlier than April 15, if adjusted under Sec. 675.20(a)(8) of this
chapter trawling is prohibited in the GOA within 20 nm of each of the
three Steller sea lion rookeries presented in Table 6b of this part.
(f) * * *
(3) Test area criteria. * * *
(4) Kodiak Test Area. Trawl gear testing is allowed in an area
(Figure 7 of this part) bounded by straight lines connecting the
following coordinates in the order listed at all times:
W. longitude N. latitude
152 deg. 02' 57 deg. 37'
151 deg. 25' 57 deg. 37'
151 deg. 25' 57 deg. 23'
152 deg. 02' 57 deg. 23'
152 deg. 02' 57 deg. 37'
(5) Sand Point Test Area. Trawl gear testing is allowed in an area
(Figure 7 of this part) bounded by straight lines connecting the
following coordinates in the order listed at all times:
W. longitude N. latitude
161 deg. 00' 54 deg. 50'
160 deg. 30' 54 deg. 50'
160 deg. 30' 54 deg. 35'
161 deg. 00' 54 deg. 35'
161 deg. 00' 54 deg. 50'
11. Part 672 is amended by adding a new heading and Tables 1
through 11 at the end of the part preceding the figures to part 672 to
read as follows:
Tables--Part 672
Table 1.--Product Codes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fish product code/description
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Whole fish/food fish.
2. Whole fish/bait. Processed for bait.
3. Bled only. Throat, or isthmus, slit to allow blood to drain.
4. Gutted only. Belly slit and viscera removed.
6. Head and gutted, with roe.
7. Headed and gutted, Western cut. Head removed just in front of the
collar bone, and viscera removed.
8. Headed and gutted, Eastern cut. Head removed just behind the collar
bone, and viscera removed.
10. Headed and gutted, tail removed. Head removed usually in front of
collar bone, and viscera and tail removed.
11. Kirimi. Head removed either in front or behind the collar bone,
viscera removed, and tail removed by cuts perpendicular to the spine,
resulting in a steak.
12. Salted and split. Head removed, belly slit, viscera removed, fillets
cut from head to tail but remaining attached near tail. Product salted.
13. Wings. On skates, side fins are cut off next to body.
14. Roe. Eggs, either loose or in sacs, or skeins.
15. Pectoral girdle. Collar bone and associated bones, cartilage and
flesh.
16. Heads. Heads only, regardless where severed from body.
17. Cheeks. Muscles on sides of head.
18. Chins. Lower jaw (mandible), muscles, and flesh.
19. Belly. Flesh in region of pelvic and pectoral fins and behind head.
20. Fillets with skin and ribs. Meat and skin with ribs attached, from
sides of body behind head and in front of tail.
21. Fillets with skin, no ribs. Meat and skin with ribs removed, from
sides of body behind head and in front of tail.
22. Fillets with ribs and no skin. Meat with ribs with skin removed,
from sides of body behind head and in front of tail.
23. Fillets, skinless/boneless. Meat with both skin and ribs removed,
from sides of body behind head and in front of tail.
24. Deep-skin fillet. Meat with skin, adjacent meat with silver lining,
and ribs removed from sides of body behind head and in front of tail,
resulting in thin fillets.
30. Surimi. Paste from fish flesh and additives.
31. Minced. Ground flesh.
32. Fish meal. Meal from fish and fish parts, including bone meal.
33. Fish oil. Rendered oil.
34. Milt. (in sacs, or testes).
35. Stomachs. Includes all internal organs.
36. Octopus/squid mantles. Flesh after removal of viscera and arms.
37. Butterfly, no backbone, Head removed, belly slit, viscera and most
of backbone removed; fillets attached.
39. Bones (if meal, report as 32).
86. Donated Salmon. Includes salmon retained and donated under Salmon
Donation Program.
97. Other retained product.
[[Page 46953]]
Discard Product Codes
92. Discard, bait. Whole fish used as bait on board vessel.
94. Discard, consumption. Fish or fish products eaten on board or taken
off the vessel for personal use.
96. Previously discarded fish (decomposed) taken with trawl gear in
current fishing efforts. Discarded.
98. Discard, at sea. Whole groundfish and prohibited species discarded
by catcher vessels, Catcher/Processors, Motherships, or Buying Stations
delivering to Motherships.
99. Discard, dockside. Discard after delivery and before processing;
Discard, at plant. In-plant discard of whole groundfish and prohibited
species by Shoreside Processors and Buying Stations delivering to
Shoreside Processors before and during processing.
M99 Discard, off site meal reduction plant. Discarded fish that are
transferred to any off site facility for reduction to fish meal, fish
oil and/or discard at sea.
Product Designation
A Ancillary. Product made in addition to a primary product from the
same fish.
P Primary. Product made from each fish with the highest recovery rate.
R Reprocessed. Product that results from processing a previously
reported product.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table 2--Species Codes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Code Species
------------------------------------------------------------------------
110................. Pacific cod.
120................. Miscellaneous flatfish (all flatfish without
separate codes).
121................. Arrowtooth flounder and/or Kamchatka flounder.
122................. Flathead sole.
123................. Rock sole.
124................. Dover sole.
125................. Rex sole.
126................. Butter sole.
127................. Yellowfin sole.
128................. English sole.
129................. Starry flounder.
131................. Petrale sole.
132................. Sand sole.
133................. Alaska Plaice flounder.
134................. Greenland turbot.
135................. Greenstripe rockfish.
136................. Northern rockfish.
137................. Bocaccio rockfish.
138................. Copper rockfish.
141................. Pacific ocean perch (S. alutus only).
142................. Black rockfish.
143................. Thornyhead rockfish (all Sebastolobus species).
145................. Yelloweye rockfish.
146................. Canary rockfish.
147................. Quillback rockfish.
148................. Tiger rockfish.
149................. China rockfish.
150................. Rosethorn rockfish.
151................. Rougheye rockfish.
152................. Shortraker rockfish.
153................. Redbanded rockfish.
154................. Dusky rockfish.
155................. Yellowtail rockfish.
156................. Widow rockfish.
157................. Silvergray rockfish.
158................. Redstripe rockfish.
159................. Darkblotched rockfish.
160................. Sculpins.
166................. Sharpchin rockfish.
167................. Blue rockfish.
175................. Yellowmouth rockfish.
176................. Harlequin rockfish.
177................. Blackgill rockfish.
178................. Chilipepper rockfish.
179................. Pygmy rockfish.
181................. Shortbelly rockfish.
182................. Splitnose rockfish.
183................. Stripetail rockfish.
184................. Vermilion rockfish.
185................. Aurora rockfish.
193................. Atka mackerel.
[[Page 46954]]
270................. Pollock.
510................. Smelt.
511................. Eulachon.
516................. Capelin.
689................. Sharks.
700................. Skates.
710................. Sablefish.
870................. Octopus.
875................. Squid.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Group Codes. These group codes may be used if individual species cannot
be identified.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
144................. Slope rockfish (aurora, blackgill, Bocaccio,
redstripe, silvergray, chilipepper, darkblotched,
greenstriped, harlequin, pygmy, shortbelly,
splitnose, stripetail, vermillion, yellowmouth,
sharpchin).
168................. Demersal shelf rockfish (china, copper, quillback,
rosethorn, tiger, yelloweye, canary).
169................. Pelagic shelf rockfish (blue, dusky, yellowtail,
widow).
171................. Shortraker/rougheye rockfish.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prohibited Species Coees
------------------------------------------------------------------------
000................. Unspecified salmon.
200................. Pacific halibut.
235................. Pacific herring.
410................. Salmon, Chinook.
420................. Salmon, Sockeye.
430................. Salmon, Coho.
440................. Salmon, Pink.
450................. Salmon, Chum.
540................. Steelhead trout.
920................. Unspecified king crab.
921................. Red king crab.
922................. Blue king crab.
923................. Gold/brown king crab.
930................. Unspecified tanner crab.
931................. Bairdi tanner crab.
932................. Opilio tanner crab.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table 3.--Product Recovery Rates for Groundfish Species Referenced in 50 CFR 672.20(a)(1) and/or 50 CFR 675.20(a)(1)
Product code
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FMP species Species Whole Whole H&G H&G H&G
code food bait Bled Gutted with western eastern H&G w/o Kirimi Salted Wings Roe
fish fish roe cut cut tail & split
1 2 3 4 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 14
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PACIFIC CODE....................... 110 1.00 1.00 0.98 0.85 0.63 0.57 0.47 0.44 ....... 0.45 ....... 0.05
ARROWTOOTH FLOUNDER................ 121 1.00 1.00 0.98 0.90 0.80 0.72 0.65 0.62 0.48 ....... ....... 0.08
ROCKFISH\1\........................ ....... 1.00 1.00 0.98 0.88 ....... 0.60 0.50 ....... ....... ....... ....... .......
SCULPINS........................... 160 1.00 1.00 0.98 0.87 ....... 0.50 0.40 ....... ....... ....... ....... .......
ATKA MACKEREL...................... 193 1.00 1.00 0.98 0.87 0.67 0.64 0.61 ....... ....... ....... ....... .......
POLLOCK............................ 270 1.00 1.00 0.98 0.80 0.70 0.65 0.56 0.50 ....... ....... ....... 0.04
SMELTS............................. 510 1.00 1.00 0.98 0.82 ....... 0.71 ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... .......
EULACHON........................... 511 1.00 1.00 0.98 0.82 ....... 0.71 ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... .......
CAPELIN............................ 516 1.00 1.00 0.98 0.89 ....... 0.78 ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... .......
SHARKS............................. 689 1.00 1.00 0.98 0.83 ....... 0.72 ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... .......
SKATES............................. 700 1.00 1.00 0.98 0.90 ....... ....... 0.32 ....... ....... ....... 0.32 .......
SABLEFISH.......................... 710 1.00 1.00 0.98 0.89 0.68 0.63 0.50 ....... ....... ....... ....... .......
OCTOPUS............................ 870 1.00 1.00 0.98 0.69 ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... .......
Target species categories only at
50 CFR 672.20(a):
DEEP WATER FLATFISH............ 118 1.00 1.00 0.98 0.90 0.80 0.72 0.65 0.62 0.48 ....... ....... 0.08
FLATHEAD SOLE.................. 122 1.00 1.00 0.98 0.90 0.80 0.72 0.65 0.62 0.48 ....... ....... 0.08
REX SOLE....................... 125 1.00 1.00 0.98 0.90 0.80 0.72 0.65 0.62 0.48 ....... ....... 0.08
SHALLOW WATER FLATFISH......... 119 1.00 1.00 0.98 0.90 0.80 0.72 0.65 0.62 0.48 ....... ....... 0.08
THORNYHEAD ROCKFISH................ 143 1.00 1.00 0.98 0.88 0.55 0.60 0.50 ....... ....... ....... ....... .......
Target species categories only at
50 CFR 675.20(a):
OTHER FLATFISH................. 120 1.00 1.00 0.98 0.90 0.80 0.72 0.65 0.62 0.48 ....... ....... 0.08
ROCK SOLE...................... 123 1.00 1.00 0.98 0.90 0.80 0.72 0.65 0.62 0.48 ....... ....... 0.08
YELLOWFIN SOLE................. 127 1.00 1.00 0.98 0.90 0.80 0.72 0.65 0.62 0.48 ....... ....... 0.08
[[Page 46955]]
GREENLAND TURBOT............... 134 1.00 1.00 0.98 0.90 0.80 0.72 0.65 0.62 0.48 ....... ....... 0.08
SQUID.......................... 875 1.00 1.00 0.98 0.69 ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... .......
Product code
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FMP species Species Fillets Fillets Fillets Fillets Fillets
code Pectroal Heads Cheeks Chins Belly w/skin skin on w/ribs skinless/ deep Surimi Mince Meal
girdle & ribs no ribs no skin boneless skin
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 30 31 32
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PACIFIC COD............... 110 0.05 ....... 0.05 ....... 0.01 0.45 0.35 0.25 0.25 ....... 0.15 0.5 0.17
ARROWTOOTH FLOUNDER....... 121 ........ ....... ....... ....... ....... 0.32 0.27 0.27 0.22 ....... ....... ...... 0.17
ROCKFISH.................. ....... ........ 0.15 0.05 0.05 0.10 0.40 0.30 0.33 0.25 ....... ....... ...... 0.17
SCULPINS.................. 160 ........ ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... ......... ....... ....... ...... 0.17
ATKA MACKEREL............. 193 ........ ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... ......... ....... 0.15 ...... 0.17
POLLOCK................... 270 ........ 0.15 ....... ....... ....... ....... 0.35 0.30 0.30 0.21 \2\ 0.1
6 0.22 0.17
SMELTS.................... 510 ........ ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... 0.38 ....... ......... ....... \3\ 0.1
7 ...... 0.22
EULACHON.................. 511 ........ ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... 0.38 ....... ......... ....... ....... ...... 0.22
CAPELIN................... 516 ........ ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... ......... ....... ....... ...... 0.22
SHARKS.................... 689 ........ ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... 0.30 0.30 0.25 ....... ....... ...... 0.17
SKATES.................... 700 ........ ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... ......... ....... ....... ...... 0.17
SABLEFISH................. 710 ........ ....... 0.05 ....... ....... 0.35 0.30 0.30 0.25 ....... ....... ...... 0.22
OCTOPUS................... 870 ........ ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... ......... ....... ....... ...... 0.17
Target species categories
only at 50 CFR 672(a):
DEEP WATER FLATFISH... 118 ........ ....... ....... ....... ....... 0.32 0.27 ....... 0.22 ....... ....... ...... 0.17
FLATHEAD SOLE......... 122 ........ ....... ....... ....... ....... 0.32 0.27 0.27 0.22 ....... ....... ...... 0.17
REX SOLE.............. 125 ........ ....... ....... ....... ....... 0.32 0.27 0.27 0.22 ....... ....... ...... 0.17
SHALLOW WATER FLATFISH 119 ........ ....... ....... ....... ....... 0.32 0.27 0.27 0.22 ....... ....... ...... 0.17
THORNYHEAD ROCKFISH... 143 ........ 0.20 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.40 0.30 0.35 0.25 ....... ....... ...... 0.17
Target species categories
only at 50 CFR 675.20(a):
OTHER FLATFISH........ 120 ........ ....... ....... ....... ....... 0.32 0.27 0.27 0.22 ....... ....... ...... 0.17
ROCK SOLE............. 123 ........ ....... ....... ....... ....... 0.32 0.27 0.27 0.22 ....... ....... ...... 0.17
YELLOWFIN SOLE........ 127 ........ ....... ....... ....... ....... 0.32 0.27 0.27 0.22 ....... 0.18 ...... 0.17
GREENLAND TURBOT...... 134 ........ ....... ....... ....... ....... 0.32 0.27 0.27 0.22 ....... ....... ...... 0.17
SQUID................. 875 ........ ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... ......... ....... ....... ...... 0.17
Species code
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FMP species Product Butterfly
code Oil Milt Stomachs Mantles backbone Decomposed Discards
removed fish
33 34 35 36 37 96 92, 94,
98, 99,
M99
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PACIFIC COD.................. 110 ........ ........ ........ ........ 0.43 0.00 1.00
ARROWTOOTH FLOUNDER.......... 121 ........ ........ ........ ........ ......... 0.00 1.00
ROCKFISH..................... ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ......... 0.00 1.00
SCULPINS..................... 160 ........ ........ ........ ........ ......... 0.00 1.00
ATKA MACKEREL................ 193 ........ ........ ........ ........ ......... 0.00 1.00
POLLOCK...................... 270 ........ ........ ........ ........ 0.43 0.00 1.00
SMELTS....................... 510 ........ ........ ........ ........ ......... 0.00 1.00
EULACHON..................... 511 ........ ........ ........ ........ ......... 0.00 1.00
CAPELIN...................... 516 ........ ........ ........ ........ ......... 0.00 1.00
SHARKS....................... 689 ........ ........ ........ ........ ......... 0.00 1.00
SKATES....................... 700 ........ ........ ........ ........ ......... 0.00 1.00
SABLEFISH.................... 710 ........ ........ ........ ........ ......... 0.00 1.00
OCTOPUS...................... 870 ........ ........ ........ 0.85 1.00 0.00 1.00
Target species categories
only at 50 CFR 672.20(a):
DEEP WATER FLATFISH...... 118 ........ ........ ........ ........ ......... 0.00 1.00
FLATHEAD SOLE............ 122 ........ ........ ........ ........ ......... 0.00 1.00
REX SOLE................. 125 ........ ........ ........ ........ ......... 0.00 1.00
SHALLOW WATER FLATFISH... 119 ........ ........ ........ ........ ......... 0.00 1.00
THORNYEAD ROCKFISH....... 143 ........ ........ ........ ........ ......... 0.00 1.00
Target species categories
only at 50 CFR 675.20(a):
[[Page 46956]]
OTHER FLATFISH........... 120 ........ ........ ........ ........ ......... 0.00 1.00
ROCK SOLE................ 123 ........ ........ ........ ........ ......... 0.00 1.00
YELLOWFIN SOLE........... 127 ........ ........ ........ ........ ......... 0.00 1.00
GREENLAND TURBOT......... 134 ........ ........ ........ ........ ......... 0.00 1.00
SQUID.................... 875 ........ ........ ........ 0.75 1.00 0.00 1.00
\1\ Rockfish means all species of Sebastes, and Sebastolobus.
\2\ Standard pollock surimi rate during January through June.
\3\ Standard pollock surimi rate during July through December.
Table 4.--Bering Sea Subarea Steller Sea Lion Protection Areas
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From To
Island ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Latitude Longitude Latitude Longitude
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3-nm NO TRANSIT ZONES described at 50 CFR 227.12(a)(2)
a. Year-round Trawl Closures (Trawling Prohibited Within 10 nm)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sea Lion Rocks.......................... 55 deg.28.0' N 163 deg.12.0' W
Ugamak Island........................... 54 deg.14.0' N 164 deg.48.0' W 54 deg.13.0' N 164 deg.48.0' W
Akun Island............................. 54 deg.18.0' N 165 deg.32.5' W 54 deg.18.0' N 165 deg.31.5' W
Akutan Island........................... 54 deg.03.5' N 166 deg.00.0' W 54 deg..05.5' N 166 deg.05.0' W
Bogoslof Island......................... 53 deg.56.0' N 168 deg.02.0' W
Ogchul Island........................... 53 deg.00.0' N 168 deg.24.0' W
Adugak Island........................... 52 deg.55.0' N 169 deg.10.5' W
Walrus Island........................... 57 deg.11.0' N 169 deg.56.0' W
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
b. Seasonal Trawl Closures (During January 1 through April 15, or a date earlier than April 15, if adjusted under 50 CFR 672.30(a)(8), Trawling
Prohibited Within 20 nm)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sea Lion Rocks.......................... 55 deg.28.0' N 163 deg.12.0' W
Akun Island............................. 54 deg.18.0' N 165 deg.32.5' W 54 deg.18.0' N 165 deg.31.5' W
Akutan Island........................... 54 deg.03.5' N 166 deg.00.0' W 54 deg.05.5' N 166 deg.05.0' W
Ugamak Island........................... 54 deg.14.0' N 164 deg.48.0' W 54 deg.13.0' N 164 deg.48.0' W
Seguam Island........................... 52 deg.21.0' N 172 deg.35.0' W 52 deg.21.0' N 172 deg.33.0' W
Agligadak Island........................ 52 deg.06.5' N 172 deg.54.0' W
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: The bounds of each rookery extend in a clockwise direction from the first set of geographic coordinates, along the shoreline at mean lower low
water, to the second set of coordinates; if only one set of geographic coordinates is listed, the rookery extends around the entire shoreline of the
island at mean lower low water.
Table 5.--Aleutian Islands Subarea Steller Sea Lion Protection Areas
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From To
Island ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Latitude Longitude Latitude Longitude
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3-nm NO TRANSIT ZONES described at 50 CFR 227.12(a)(2)
a. Year-round Trawl Closures (Trawling Prohibited Within 10 nm)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yunaska Island.......................... 52 deg.42.0' N 170 deg.38.5' W 52 deg.41.0' N 170 deg.34.5' W
Seguam Island........................... 52 deg.21.0' N 172 deg.35.0' W 52 deg.21.0' N 172 deg.33.0' W
Agligadak Island........................ 52 deg.06.5' N 172 deg.54.0' W .......................... ..........................
Kasatochi Island........................ 52 deg.10.0' N 175 deg.31.0' W 52 deg.10.5' N 175 deg.29.0' W
Adak Island............................. 51 deg.36.5' N 176 deg.59.0' W 51 deg.38.0' N 176 deg.59.5' W
Gramp Rock.............................. 51 deg.29.0' N 178 deg.20.5' W .......................... ..........................
Tag Island.............................. 51 deg.33.5' N 178 deg.34.5' W .......................... ..........................
Ulak Island............................. 51 deg.20.0' N 178 deg.57.0' W 51 deg.18.5' N 178 deg.59.5' W
Semisopochnoi........................... 51 deg.58.5' N 179 deg.45.5' E 51 deg.57.0' N 179 deg.46.0' E
Semisopochnoi........................... 52 deg.01.5' N 179 deg.37.5' E 52 deg.01.5' N 179 deg.39.0' E
Amchitka Island......................... 51 deg.22.5' N 179 deg.28.0' E 51 deg.21.5' N 179 deg.25.0' E
Amchitka Is/Column Rocks................ 51 deg.32.5' N 178 deg.49.5' E .......................... ..........................
Ayugadak Point.......................... 51 deg.45.5' N 178 deg.24.5' E .......................... ..........................
Kiska Island............................ 51 deg.57.5' N 177 deg.21.0' E 51 deg.56.5' N 177 deg.20.0' E
Kiska Island............................ 51 deg.52.5' N 177 deg.13.0' E 51 deg.53.5' N 177 deg.12.0' E
[[Page 46957]]
Buldir Island........................... 52 deg.20.5' N 175 deg.57.0' E 52 deg.23.5' N 175 deg.51.0' E
Agattu Is./Gillion Pt................... 52 deg.24.0' N 173 deg.21.5' E .......................... ..........................
Agattu Island........................... 52 deg.23.5' N 173 deg.43.5' EW 52 deg.22.0' N 173 deg.41.0' E
Attu Island............................. 52 deg.54.5' N 172 deg.28.5' E 52 deg.57.5' N 172 deg.31.5' E
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
b. Seasonal Trawl Closures (During January 1 through April 15, or a date earlier than April 15, if adjusted under 50 CFR 675.20(a)(8). Trawling
Prohibited Within 20 nm)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seguam Island........................... 52 deg.21.0' M 172 deg.35.0' W 52 deg.21.0' N 172 deg.33.0' W
Agligadak Island........................ 52 deg.06.5' N 172 deg.54.0' W .......................... ..........................
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Each rookery extends in a clockwise direction from the first set of geographic coordinates, along the shoreline at mean lower low water, to the
second set of coordinates; if only one set of geographic coordinates is listed, the rookery extends around the entire shoreline of the island at mean
lower low water.
Table 6.--Gulf of Alaska Steller Sea Lion Protection Areas
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From To
Island ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Latitute Longitude Latitude Longitude
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3-nm NO TRANSIT ZONES described at 50 CFR 227.12(a)(2)
a. Year-round Trawl Closures (Trawling Prohibited Within 10 nm)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outer Island............................ 59 deg.20.5' N 150 deg.23.0' W 59 deg.21.0' N 150 deg.24.5' W
Sugarload Island........................ 58 deg.53.0' N 152 deg.02.0' W .......................... ..........................
Marmot Island........................... 58 deg.14.5' N 151 deg.47.5' W 58 deg.10.0' N 151 deg.51.0' W
Chirikof Island......................... 55 deg.46.5' N 155 deg.39.5' W 55 deg.46.5' N 155 deg.43.0' W
Chowiet Island.......................... 56 deg.00.5' N 156 deg.41.5' W 56 deg.00.5' N 156 deg.42.0' W
Atkins Island........................... 55 deg.03.5' N 159 deg.18.5' W .......................... ..........................
Chernabura Island....................... 54 deg.47.5' N 159 deg.31.0' W 54 deg.45.5' N 159 deg.33.5' W
Pinnacle Rock........................... 54 deg.46.0' N 161 deg.46.0' W .......................... ..........................
Clubbing Rocks-N........................ 54 deg.43.0' N 162 deg.26.5' W .......................... ..........................
Clubbing Rocks-S........................ 54 deg.42.0' N 162 deg.26.5' W .......................... ..........................
Ugamak Island........................... 54 deg.14.0' N 164 deg.48.0' E 54 deg.13.0' N 164 deg.48.0' W
Akun Island............................. 54 deg.18.0' N 165 deg.32.5' W 54 deg.18.0' N 165 deg.31.5' W
Akutan Island........................... 54 deg.03.5' N 166 deg.00.0' W 54 deg.05.5' N 166 deg.05.0' W
Ogchul Island........................... 53 deg.00.0' N 168 deg.24.0' W .......................... ..........................
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
b. Seasonal Trawl Closures (During January 1 through April 15, or a date earlier than April 15, if adjusted under 50 CFR 672.30(a)(8). Trawling
Prohibited Within 20 mn)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Akun I.................................. 54 deg.18.0' N 165 deg.32.5' W 54 deg.18.0' N 165 deg.31.5' W
Akutan I................................ 54 deg.03.5' N 166 deg.00.0' W 54 deg.05.5' N 166 deg.05.0' W
Ugamak I................................ 54 deg.14.0' N 164 deg.48.0' W 54 deg.13.0' N 164 deg.48.0' W
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: The bounds of each rookery extend in a clockwise direction from the first set of geographic coordinates, along the shoreline at mean lower low
water, to the second set of coordinates; if only one set of geographic coordinates is listed, the rookery extends around the entire shoreline of the
island at mean lower low water.
[[Page 46958]]
Table 7.--Communities Determined to be Eligible to Apply for Community
Development Quotas
[Other communities may also be eligible, but do not appear on this
table.]
Aleutian Region:
1. Atka.
2. False Pass.
3. Nelson Lagoon.
4. Nikolski.
5. St. George.
6. St. Paul.
Bering Strait:
1. Brevig Mission.
2. Diomede/Inalik.
3. Elim.
4. Gambell.
5. Golovin.
6. Koyuk.
7. Nome.
8. Savoonga.
9. Shaktoolik.
10. St. Michael.
11. Stebbins.
12. Teller.
13. Unalakleet.
14. Wales.
15. White Mountain.
Bristol Bay:
1. Alegnagik.
2. Clark's Point.
3. Dillingham.
4. Egegik.
5. Ekuk.
6. Manokotak.
7. Naknek.
8. Pilot Point/Ugashi.
9. Port Heiden/Meschick.
10. South Naknek.
11. Sovonoski/King Salmon.
12. Togiak.
13. Twin Hills.
Southwest Coastal Lowlands:
1. Alakanuk.
2. Chefornak.
3. Chevak.
4. Eek.
5. Emmonak.
6. Goodnews Bay.
7. Hooper Bay.
8. Kipnuk.
9. Kongiganak.
10. Kotlik.
11. Kwigillingok.
12. Mekoryuk.
13. Newtok.
14. Nightmute.
15. Platinum.
16. Quinhagak.
17. Scammon Bay.
18. Sheldon's Point.
19. Toksook Bay.
20. Tununak.
21. Tuntutuliak.
[[Page 46959]]
Table 8.--Harvest Zone Codes for Use With Product Transfer Reports and
Vessel Activity Reports
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harvest zone Description
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A......................... EEZ of Alaska.
D......................... Donut Hole.
F......................... Foreign Waters Other than Russia.
I......................... International Waters other than Donut Hole
and Seamounts.
R......................... Russian waters.
S......................... Seamounts in International waters.
U......................... U.S. EEZ other than Alaska.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table 9.--Required Logbooks, Reports and Forms From Participants in the Federal Groundfish Fisheries
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name of logbook form Catcher-vessel Catcher-processor Mothership Shoreside processor Buying station
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Fishing Logbook (DFL)............... YES................. NO.................. NO.................. NO.................. NO
Daily Cumulative Production Logbook (DCPL) NO.................. YES................. YES................. YES................. NO
Daily Cumulative Logbook (DCL)............ NO.................. NO.................. NO.................. NO.................. YES
Check-in/check-out Report................. NO.................. YES................. YES................. YES................. YES
U.S. Vessel Activity Report (VAR)......... YES................. YES................. YES................. NO.................. NO
Weekly Production Report (WPR)............ NO.................. YES................. YES................. YES................. NO
Daily Production Report (DPR) \1\......... NO.................. YES................. YES................. YES................. NO
Product Transfer Report (PTR)............. NO.................. YES................. YES................. YES................. NO
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ When required by Regional Director.
Table 10.--Gulf of Alaska Retainable Percentages Referenced in 50 CFR 672.20
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bycatch species \1\
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basis species \1\ Pacific Deep Rex Flathead Shallow Aggregated DSR Atka Other
Pollock cod flatfish sole sole flatfish Arrowtooth Sablefish rockfish SEEO mackerel species
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------\2\--------\3\---------------------
Pollock................... \4\ na 20 20 20 20 20 35 1 5 10 20 20
Pacific cod............... 20 \4\ na 20 20 20 20 35 1 5 10 20 20
Deep-water flatfish....... 20 20 \4\ na 20 20 20 35 15 15 1 20 20
Rex sole.................. 20 20 20 \4\ na 20 20 35 15 15 1 20 20
Flathead sole............. 20 20 20 20 20 \4\ na 35 1 5 10 20 20
Shallow-water flatfish.... 20 20 20 20 20 \4\ na 35 1 5 10 20 20
Arrowtooth................ 0 0 0 0 0 0 \4\ na 0 0 0 0 0
Sablefish................. 20 20 20 20 20 20 35 \4\ na 15 1 20 20
Pacific Ocean Perch....... 20 20 20 20 20 20 35 15 15 1 20 20
Shortraker/rougheye....... 20 20 20 20 20 20 35 15 15 1 20 20
Other rockfish............ 20 20 20 20 20 20 35 15 15 1 20 20
Northern rockfish......... 20 20 20 20 20 20 35 15 15 1 20 20
Pelagic rockfish.......... 20 20 20 20 20 20 35 15 15 1 20 20
DSR-Southeast Outside..... 20 20 20 20 20 20 35 15 15 \4\ na 20 20
Thornyhead................ 20 20 20 20 20 20 35 15 15 1 20 20
Atka mackerel............. 20 20 20 20 20 20 35 1 5 10 \4\ na 20
Other species............. 20 20 20 20 20 20 35 1 5 10 20 \4\ na
Aggregated amount non-
groundfish species....... 20 20 20 20 20 20 35 1 5 10 20 20
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ For definition of species, see Table 1 of the Gulf of Alaska groundfish specifications.
\2\ Aggregated rockfish means rockfish of the general Sebastes and Sebastolobus except in the southeast Outside District where demersal shelf rockfish
(DSR) is a separate category.
\3\ SEEO--Southeast Outside District.
\4\ na = not applicable.
[[Page 46960]]
Table 11.--Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area Retainable Percentages Referenced in 50 CFR 675.20
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bycatch species \1\
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basis Species \1\ Pacific Atka Arrow- Yellowfin Other Rock Flathead Greenland Aggregated Other
Pollock cod mackerel tooth sole flatfish sole sole turbot Sablefish rockfish Squid species
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------\2\---------------------
Pollock................ \3\ na 20 20 35 20 20 20 20 1 1 5 20 20
Pacific cod............ 20 \3\ na 20 35 20 20 20 20 1 1 5 20 20
Atka Mackerel.......... 20 20 \3\ na 35 20 20 20 20 1 1 5 20 20
Arrow-.................
tooth................ 0 0 0 \3\ na 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Yellowfin sole......... 20 20 20 35 \3\ na 35 35 35 1 1 5 20 20
Other flatfish......... 20 20 20 35 35 \3\ na 35 35 1 1 5 20 20
Rocksole............... 20 20 20 35 35 35 \3\ na 35 1 1 5 20 20
Flathead sole.......... 20 20 20 35 35 35 35 \3\ na 35 15 15 20 20
Greenland turbot....... 20 20 20 35 20 20 20 20 \3\ na 15 15 20 20
Sablefish.............. 20 20 20 35 20 20 20 20 35 \3\ na 15 20 20
Other rockfish......... 20 20 20 35 20 20 20 20 35 15 15 20 20
Other red rockfish-BS.. 20 20 20 35 20 20 20 20 35 15 15 20 20
Pacific Ocean perch.... 20 20 20 35 20 20 20 20 5 15 15 20 20
Sharpchin/Northern-AI.. 20 20 20 35 20 20 20 20 35 15 15 20 20
Shortraker/Rougheye-AI. 20 20 20 35 20 20 20 20 35 15 15 20 20
Squid.................. 20 20 20 35 20 20 20 20 1 1 5 \3\ na 20
Other species.......... 20 20 20 35 20 20 20 20 1 1 5 20 \3\ na
Aggregated amount non-
groundfish species.... 20 20 20 35 20 20 20 20 1 1 5 20 20
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ For definition of species, see Table 1 of the Bering Sea and Aleutian islands groundfish specifications.
\2\ Aggregated rockfish of the genera Sebastes and Sebastolobus.
\3\ na=not applicable.
12. Part 672 is amended by revising the figures to the part to read
as follows:
FIGURES--PART 672
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Figure 1b.--BSAI Statistical and Reporting Areas; Coordinates of
Reporting Areas
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Code Description
------------------------------------------------------------------------
300... Russian waters. Those waters inside the Russian 200 mile limit
as described in the current editions of NOAA chart INT 813
Bering Sea (Southern Part) and NOAA chart INT 814 Bering Sea
(Northern Part).
400... Chukchi Sea. North of a diagonal line between 66 deg.00' N, 169
deg.42.5' W (Cape Dezhneva, Russia); and 65 deg.37' N, 168
deg.7.5 deg. W (Cape Prince of Wales, Alaska) and to the limits
of the U.S. EEZ as described in the current edition of NOAA
chart INT 814 Bering Sea (Northern Part).
508... South of 58 deg.00' N between the intersection of 58 deg.00'
North lat with the Alaska Peninsula and 160 deg.00' W long.
509... South of 58 deg.00' N lat between 163 deg.00' W long and 165
deg.00' W long.
512... South of 58 deg.00' N lat, north of the Alaska Peninsula between
160 deg.00' W long and 162 deg.00' W long.
513... Between 58 deg.00' N lat and 56 deg.30' N. lat, and between 165
deg.00' W long and 170 deg.00' W long.
514... North of 58 deg.00' N to the southern boundary of the Chukchi
Sea, area 400, and east of 170 deg.00' W long.
516... South of 58 deg.00' N lat, north of the Alaska Peninsula, and
between 162 deg.00' and 163 deg.00' W long.
517... South of 56 deg.30' N lat, between 165 deg.00' W long and 170
deg.00' W long; and north of straight lines between: 54 deg.30'
N lat, 165 deg.00' W long,
54 deg.30' N lat, 167 deg.00' W long, and
55 deg.46' N lat, 170 deg.00' W long.
518... Bogoslof District: South of a straight line between 55 deg.46' N
lat, 170 deg.00' W long and 54 deg.30' N lat, 167 deg.00' W
long, and between 167 deg.00' W long and 170 deg.00' W long,
and north of the Aleutian Island and straight lines between the
islands connecting the following coordinates in the order
listed:
52 deg.49.2' N, 169 deg.40.4' W.
52 deg.49.8' N, 169 deg.06.3' W.
53 deg.23.8' N, 167 deg.50.1' W.
53 deg.18.7' N, 167 deg.51.4' W.
519... South of a straight line between 54 deg.30' N lat, 167 deg.00' W
long and 54 deg.30' N lat, 164 deg.54' W long; east of 167
deg.00' W long; west of Unimak Island; and north of the
Aleutian Islands and straight lines between the islands
connecting the following coordinates in the order listed:
53 deg.59.0' N, 166 deg.17.2' W.
54 deg.02.9' N, 166 deg.03.0' W.
54 deg.07.7' N, 165 deg.40.6' W.
54 deg.08.9' N, 165 deg.38.8' W.
54 deg.11.9' N, 165 deg.23.3' W.
54 deg.23.9' N, 164 deg.42.0' W.
521... The area bounded by straight lines connecting the following
coordinates in the order listed:
55 deg.46' N, 170 deg.00' W,
59 deg.25' N, 179 deg.20' W,
60 deg.00' N, 179 deg.20' W,
60 deg.00' N, 171 deg.00' W,
58 deg.00' N, 171 deg.00' W,
58 deg.00' N, 170 deg.00' W,
55 deg.46' N, 170 deg.00' W,
523... The area bounded by straight lines connecting the following
coordinates in the order listed:
59 deg.25' N, 179 deg.20' W;
55 deg.46' N, 170 deg.00' W;
55 deg.00' N, 170 deg.00' W;
55 deg.00' N, 180 deg.00' W;
and north to the limits of the US EEZ as described in the
current edition of NOAA chart INT 813 Bering Sea (Southern
Part).
524... The area west of 170 deg.00' W bounded south by straight lines
connecting the following coordinates in the order listed:
58 deg.00' N, 170 deg.00' W
58 deg.00' N, 171 deg.00' W;
60 deg.00' N, 171 deg.00' W;
60 deg.00' N, 179 deg.20' W;
59 deg.25' N, 179 deg.20' W
and to the limits of the US EEZ as described in the current
edition of NOAA chart INT 813 Bering Sea (Southern Part).
530... The area north of 55 deg.00' N lat and west of 180 deg.00' W
long to the limits of the US EEZ as described in the current
edition of NOAA chart INT 813 Bering Sea (Southern Part)
541... Eastern Aleutian District. The area south of 55 deg.00' N lat,
west of 170 deg.00' W long, and east of 177 deg.00' W long and
bounded on the south by the limits of the US EEZ as described
in the current editions of NOAA chart INT 813 Bering Sea
(Southern Part) and NOAA chart 530 (San Diego to Aleutian
Islands and Hawaiian Islands).
542... Central Aleutian District. The area south of 55 deg.00' N lat,
west of 177 deg.00' W long, and east of 177 deg.00' E long and
bounded on the south by the limits of the US EEZ as described
in the current editions of NOAA chart INT 813 Bering Sea
(Southern Part) and NOAA chart 530 (San Diego to Aleutian
Islands and Hawaiian Islands)
543... Western Aleutian district. The area south of 55 deg.00' N lat
and west of 177 deg.00' E long, and bounded on the south and
west by the limits of the US EEZ as described in the current
editions of NOAA chart INT 813 Bering Sea (Southern Part) and
NOAA chart 530 (San Diego to Aleutian Islands and Hawaiian
Islands)
550... Donut Hole. International waters of the Bering Sea outside the
limits of the EEZ and Russian economic zone as depicted on the
current edition of NOAA chart INT 813 Bering Sea (Southern
Part).
Statistical Area. A statistical area is the part of a reporting
area contained in the EEZ.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Figure 3b.--Gulf of Alaska Statistical and Reporting Areas; Coordinates
of Reporting Areas
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Code Description
------------------------------------------------------------------------
610... Western Regulatory Area, Shumagin District. Along the south side
of the Aleutian Islands and straight lines between the islands
and the Alaska Peninsula connecting the following coordinates
in the order listed:
52 deg.49.2' N, 169 deg.40.4' W;
52 deg.49.8' N, 169 deg.06.3' W;
53 deg.23.8' N, 167 deg.50.1' W;
53 deg.18.7' N, 167 deg.51.4' W;
53 deg.59.0' N, 166 deg.17.2' W;
54 deg.02.9' N, 166 deg.03.0' W;
54 deg.07.7' N, 165 deg.40.6' W;
54 deg.08.9' N, 165 deg.38.8' W;
54 deg.11.9' N, 165 deg.23.3' W;
54 deg.23.9' N, 164 deg.44.0' W; and
southward to the limits of the US EEZ as described in the
current editions of NOAA chart INT 813 (Bering Sea, Southern
Part) and NOAA chart 500 (West Coast of North America, Dixon
Entrance to Unimak Pass), between 170 deg.00' W long and 159
deg.00' W long.
620... Central Regulatory Area, Chirikof District. Along the south side
of the Alaska Peninsula, between 159 deg.00' W long and 154
deg.00' W long, and southward to the limits of the US EEZ as
described in the current edition of NOAA chart 500 (West Coast
of North America, Dixon Entrance to Unimak Pass).
630... Central Regulatory Area, Kodiak District. Along the south side
of continental Alaska, between 154 deg.00' W long and 147
deg.00' W long, and southward to the limits of the US EEZ as
described in the current edition of NOAA chart 500 (West Coast
of North America, Dixon Entrance to Unimak Pass). Excluding
area 649.
640... Eastern Regulatory Area, West Yakutat District. Along the south
side of continental Alaska, between 147 deg.00' W long and 140
deg.00' W long, and southward to the limits of the US EEZ, as
described in the current edition of NOAA chart 500 (West Coast
of North America, Dixon Entrance to Unimak Pass). Excluding
area 649.
649... Prince William Sound. Includes those waters of the State of
Alaska inside the base line as specified in Alaska State
regulations at 5 AAC 28.200.
650... Eastern Regulatory Area, Southeast Outside District. East of 140
deg.00' W long and southward to the limits of the US EEZ as
described in the current edition of NOAA chart 500 (West Coast
of North America, Dixon Entrance to Unimak Pass). Excluding
area 659.
659... Southeast Inside District. As specified in Alaska State
regulations at 5 AAC 28.105 (a)(1) and (2).
690... Gulf of Alaska outside the U.S. EEZ as described in the current
editions of NOAA chart INT 813 (Bering Sea, Southern Part) and
NOAA chart 500 (West Coast of North America, Dixon Entrance to
Unimak Pass).
Statistical Area. A statistical area is the part of a reporting
area contained in the EEZ.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Figure 4b.--Herring Savings Areas in the BSAI; Coordinates
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name Description and effective date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summer Herring Savings That part of the Bering Sea subarea that is
Area 1. south of 57 deg. N. latitude and between 162
deg. and 164 deg. W. longitude from 1200
hours, A.l.t., June 15 through 1200 hours,
A.l.t. July 1 of a fishing year.
Summer Herring Savings That part of the Bering Sea subarea that is
Area 2. south of 56 deg.30' N. latitude and between
164 deg. and 167 deg. W. longitude from 1200
hours, A.l.t., July 1 through 1200 hours,
A.l.t. August 15 of a fishing year.
Winter Herring Savings That part of the Bering Sea subarea that is
Area. between 58 deg. and 60 deg. N. latitude and
between 172 deg. and 175 deg. W. longitude
from 1200 hours, A.l.t., September 1 of the
current fishing year through 1200 hours,
A.l.t. March 1 of the succeeding fishing
year.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Figure 5b--Kodiak Island Areas Closed to Non-pelagic Trawl Gear; Coordinates
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name and
description of North latitude/West longitude Reference point
reference area
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alitak Flats and Towers Areas--All waters of Alitak Flats and the Towers Areas enclosed by a line connecting the
following 7 points in the order listed:
a........... 56 deg.59'4'' 154 deg.31'1'' Low Cape.
b........... 57 deg.00'0'' 155 deg.00'0''
c........... 56 deg.17'0'' 155 deg.00'0''
d........... 56 deg.17'0'' 153 deg.52'0''
e........... 56 deg.33'5'' 153 deg.52'0'' Cape Sitkinak.
f........... 56 deg.54'5'' 153 deg.32'5'' East point of Twoheaded Island.
g........... 56 deg.56'0'' 153 deg.35'5'' Kodiak Island, thence, along the coastline of Kodiak
Island until intersection of Low Cape.
a........... 56 deg.59'4'' 154 deg.31'1'' Low Cape.
Marmot Flats Area--All waters enclosed by a line connecting the following five points in the clockwise order
listed:
a........... 58 deg.00'0'' 152 deg.30'0''
b........... 58 deg.00'0'' 151 deg.47'0''
c........... 57 deg.37'0'' 151 deg.47'0''
d........... 57 deg.37'0'' 152 deg.10'1'' Cape Chiniak, then along the coastline of Kodiak Island
to North Cape.
e........... 57 deg.54'5'' 152 deg.30'0''
a........... 58 deg.00'0'' 152 deg.30'0''
Chirikof Island Area--All waters surrounding Chirikof Island enclosed by a line connecting the following four
points in the counter-clockwise order listed:
a........... 56 deg.07'0'' 155 deg.13'0''
b........... 56 deg.07'0'' 156 deg.00'0''
c........... 55 deg.41'0'' 156 deg.00'0''
d........... 55 deg.41'0'' 155 deg.13'0''
a........... 56 deg.07'0'' 155 deg.13'0''
Barnabas Area--All waters enclosed by a line connecting the following six points in the counter clockwise order
listed:
a........... 57 deg.00'0'' 153 deg.18'0'' Black Point.
b........... 56 deg.56'0'' 153 deg.09'0''
c........... 57 deg.22'0'' 152 deg.18'5'' South Tip of Ugak Island.
d........... 57 deg.23'5'' 152 deg.17'5'' North Tip of Ugak Island.
e........... 57 deg.25'3'' 152 deg.20'0'' Narrow Cape, thence, along the coastline of Kodiak
Island.
f........... 57 deg.04'2'' 153 deg.30'0'' Cape Kasick to.
a........... 57 deg.00'0'' 153 deg.18'0'' Black Point, including inshore waters.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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PART 675--GROUNDFISH OF THE BERING SEA AND ALEUTIAN ISLANDS AREA
13. The authority citation for part 675 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Subpart A--General
14. In Sec. 675.1, paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 675.1 Purpose and scope.
(a) Regulations in this part, along with parts 620, 672, 676, and
677 of this chapter implement the Fishery Management Plan for
Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area.
* * * * *
15. Section 675.2 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 675.2 Definitions.
Definitions for this section are located in Sec. 672.2 of this
chapter.
16. Section 675.3 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 675.3 Relation to other laws.
Regulations for this section are located in Sec. 672.3 of this
chapter.
17. Section 675.4 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 675.4 Permits.
Fisheries permit requirements for vessels fishing for groundfish in
the BSAI are located at Sec. 672.4 of this chapter.
18. Section 675.5 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 675.5 Recordkeeping and reporting.
Recordkeeping and reporting requirements regulated under this part
and Sec. 672.4 of this chapter are located at Sec. 672.5 of this
chapter.
19. In Sec. 675.7, paragraph (a) is revised, and paragraphs (q) and
(r) are added to read as follows:
Sec. 675.7 Prohibitions.
* * * * *
(a) Fish for groundfish in the BSAI with a vessel of the United
States that does not have on board a valid permit issued under
Sec. 672.4 of this chapter.
* * * * *
(q) Fail to comply with or fail to ensure compliance with
requirements at Sec. 672.5 of this chapter.
(r) Use a Catcher Vessel or Catcher/Processor as a Tender Vessel
before offloading all groundfish or groundfish product harvested or
processed by that vessel.
Subpart B--Management Measures
20. In Sec. 675.20, paragraphs (a)(1) and (c)(1) are revised;
headings for paragraphs (a)(8) through (a)(12), (d), (j)(1), and (j)(2)
are added; heading for paragraph (i)(2) is revised; paragraphs (h)(1)
and (h)(3) are amended by revising the words, ``Table 1 to this
section'' to read ``Table 11 of part 672,'' and Table 1 to Sec. 675.20
is removed. The revised and added text reads as follows:
Sec. 675.20 General limitations.
(a) * * *
(1) Optimum yield (OY). The OY for the fishery regulated by this
section and by Sec. 611.93 of this chapter is a range of 1.4 to 2.0
million mt for target species and the ``other species'' category in the
BSAI, to the extent this amount can be harvested consistently with this
part and part 611 of this chapter, plus the amounts of ``non-specified
species'' taken incidentally to the harvest of target species and the
``other species'' category. The species categories are defined in Table
1 of the specifications as provided in paragraph (a)(7) of this
section.
* * * * *
(8) Directed fishing allowance. * * *
(9) Prohibited species closure. * * *
(10) Overfishing closure. * * *
(11) JVP or TALFF prohibitions. * * *
(12) Factors to be considered. * * *
* * * * *
(c) * * * (1) Prohibited species, for the purpose of this part,
means any of the species of Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.),
steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus
stenolepis), Pacific herring (Clupea harengus pallasi), king crab
(Paralithodes spp. and Lithodes spp.), and Tanner crab (Chionoecetes
spp.) caught by a vessel regulated under this part while fishing for
groundfish in the BSAI, unless retention is authorized by other
applicable law, including the Pacific Halibut Fishery Regulations (part
301 of this title).
* * * * *
(d) Winter Halibut Savings Area. * * *
* * * * *
(i) * * *
(2) Fishing trip. * * *
* * * * *
(j) * * *
(1) Pollock roe. * * *
(2) Primary product. * * *
* * * * *
21. In Sec. 675.21, headings are added to paragraphs (a)(1) through
(a)(6), and (b)(4), to read as follows:
Sec. 675.21 Prohibited species catch (PSC) limitations.
(a) * * *
(1) Red king crab, Zone 1. * * *
(2) Tanner crab, Zone 1. * * *
(3) Tanner crab, Zone 2. * * *
(4) Pacific halibut, trawl. * * *
(5) Pacific herring. * * *
(6) Pacific halibut, non-trawl. * * *
(b) * * *
(4) Bycatch allowances and seasonal apportionments. * * *
* * * * *
22. In Sec. 675.22, paragraph (a) is revised and headings are added
to paragraphs (b) through (f) to read as follows:
Sec. 675.22 Time and area closures.
(a) Year-round closures, Area 512. No fishing with trawl gear is
allowed at any time in that part of Zone 1 in the Bering Sea subarea
that is south of 58 deg.00' N. lat. and between 160 deg.00' W. long.
and 162 deg.00' W. long. (see Figure 1 of part 672), except as
described in paragraph (c) of this section.
(b) Seasonal closures, Area 516. * * *
(c) Partial closures, Area 512. * * *
(d) Partial closures, Area 516. * * *
(e) Red king crab closures. * * *
(f) Walrus Protection Areas. * * *
* * * * *
23. In Sec. 675.23, paragraph (a) and (d) are revised and headings
are added to paragraphs (b) and (c) to read as follows:
Sec. 675.23 Seasons.
(a) Fishing year. Fishing for groundfish in the subareas and
statistical areas of the BSAI is authorized from 0001 hours, A.l.t.,
January 1, through 2359 hours, A.l.t., December 31, subject to the
other provisions of this part, except as provided in paragraphs (c)
through (e) of this section.
(b) Time of openings and closures. * * *
(c) Directed fishing for arrowtooth flounder and Greenland turbot.
* * *
(d) Trawl gear prohibition, BSAI. Notwithstanding other provisions
of this part, fishing for groundfish with trawl gear in the BSAI is
prohibited from 0001 hours, A.l.t. on January 1, through 1200 hours,
A.l.t., January 20.
* * * * *
24. In Sec. 675.24, paragraph (a) is revised; paragraph (e) is
removed; paragraphs (f) through (h) are redesignated as paragraphs (e)
through (g), respectively; headings are added to paragraphs (c)(1),
(c)(2), (c)(3), (d)(1), (d)(2), and newly redesignated paragraphs
(f)(2) and (f)(3); the heading for paragraph (b) is revised; and newly
designated paragraphs (e) and (f)(4) are revised to read as follows:
Sec. 675.24 Gear limitations.
(a) Marking of gear. (1) All longline marker buoys carried on board
or used
[[Page 46973]]
by vessels regulated under this part shall be marked with at least one
of the following:
(i) The vessel's name; and
(ii) The vessel's fisheries permit number; or
(iii) The vessel's registration number.
(2) Marking shall be in characters at least 4 inches (10.2 cm) in
height and one-half inch (1.3 cm) in width, in a contrasting color
visible above the water line, and shall be maintained in good
condition.
(b) Gear restrictions--pots.
* * * * *
(c) * * *
(1) Sablefish. * * *
(2) Pollock. * * *
(3) Longline pot gear. * * *
(d) * * *
(1) Directed fishing closures. * * *
(2) PSC closures. * * *
* * * * *
(e) Steller sea lion protection areas--(1) Bering Sea Subarea and
Bogoslof District--(i) Year-round closures. Trawling is prohibited
within 10 nm of each of the eight Steller sea lion rookeries shown in
Table 4a of part 672 of this title.
(ii) Seasonal closures. During January 1 through April 15, or a
date earlier than April 15 if adjusted under Sec. 675.20(a)(8),
trawling is prohibited within 20 nm of each of the six Steller sea lion
rookeries shown in Table 4b of part 672 of this title.
(2) Aleutian Islands Subarea--(i) Year-round closures. Trawling is
prohibited within 10 nm of each of the 19 Steller sea lion rookeries
shown in Table 5a of part 672 of this chapter.
(ii) Seasonal closures. During January 1 through April 15, or a
date earlier than April 15 if adjusted under Sec. 675.20(a)(8),
trawling is prohibited within 20 nm of each of the two Steller sea lion
rookeries shown in Table 5b of part 672 of this chapter.
(f) Trawl gear testing areas. * * *
(2) Test area conditions. * * *
(3) Test area criteria. * * *
(4) Bering Sea Testing Area. Trawl gear testing is allowed in an
area (Figure 7 of part 672 of this chapter) bounded by straight lines
connecting the following coordinates in the order listed, at all times:
W. longitude N. latitude
167 deg. 00' 55 deg. 00'
166 deg. 00' 55 deg. 00'
166 deg. 00' 54 deg. 40'
167 deg. 00' 54 deg. 40'
167 deg. 00' 55 deg. 00'
* * * * *
25. Section 675.27 is amended by removing table 1 at the end of
Sec. 675.27; revising paragraph (d)(2) introductory text and paragraph
(g); and by adding headings to paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), (c)(1),
(c)(2), (e)(1) through (e)(4), and (f)(1) through (f)(3) to read as
follows:
Sec. 675.27 Western Alaska Community Development Quota Program
(applicable through December 31, 1995).
(a) * * *
(1) Compliance. * * *
(2) Public hearing. * * *
* * * * *
(c) * * *
(1) Consistent with criteria. * * *
(2) Not consistent with criteria. * * *
(d) Evaluation criteria. * * *
(2) Prior to approval of a CDP recommended by the Governor, NMFS
will review the Governor's findings to determine that each community
that is part of a CDP is listed on Table 7 of part 672 of this chapter
or meets the following criteria for an eligible community:
* * * * *
(e) * * *
(1) Annual reports. * * *
(2) Increase in CDQ allocation. * * *
(3) Amendment to a CDP. * * *
(4) Reaching CDQ allocation. * * *
(f) * * *
(1) Recommendation of Governor. * * *
(2) Non-compliance. * * *
(3) Review of allocation. * * *
(g) CDQ fishing requirements. Recordkeeping and reporting
requirements are set out at Sec. 672.5 of this chapter.
* * * * *
PART 675--[AMENDED]
26. Part 675 is amended by removing the heading ``Figures--Part
675'' and the figures at the end of the part.
[FR Doc. 95-21408 Filed 9-7-95; 8:45 am]
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