[Federal Register: August 21, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 161)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 46588-46598]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr21au07-28]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Part 648
[Docket No. 070627217-7218-01]
RIN 0648-AV70
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act
Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast
Region Standardized Bycatch Reporting Methodology Omnibus Amendment
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: NMFS proposes regulations to implement the Standardized
Bycatch Reporting Methodology (SBRM) Omnibus Amendment (SBRM Amendment)
to the Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) of the Northeast Region,
developed by the Mid-Atlantic and New England Fishery Management
Councils (Councils). The SBRM Amendment would establish an SBRM for all
13 Northeast Region FMPs, as required under the Magnuson-Stevens
Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). The
proposed measures include: Bycatch reporting and monitoring mechanisms;
analytical techniques and allocation of at-sea fisheries observers; an
SBRM performance standard; a review and reporting process; framework
adjustment and annual specifications provisions; a prioritization
process; and provisions for industry-funded observers and observer set-
aside programs.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before September 20, 2007.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods:
E-mail: SBRM.Amend.PR@noaa.gov. Include in the subject
line the following identifier: ``Comments on the Proposed Rule to
implement the SBRM Omnibus Amendment.''
Federal e-rulemaking portal: http://www.regulations.gov.
Mail: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, NMFS,
Northeast Regional Office, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930.
Mark the outside of the envelope: ``Comments on the Proposed Rule to
implement the SBRM Omnibus Amendment.''
[[Page 46589]]
Fax: (978) 281-9135
Copies of the SBRM Amendment, and of the draft Environmental
Assessment and preliminary Regulatory Impact Review (EA/RIR), are
available from Daniel T. Furlong, Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic
Fishery Management Council, Room 2115, Federal Building, 300 South New
Street, Dover, DE 19901-6790; and from Paul J. Howard, Executive
Director, New England Fishery Management Council, 50 Water Street,
Newburyport, MA 01950. The EA/RIR is also accessible via the Internet
at http://www.nero.noaa.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Pentony, Senior Fishery Policy
Analyst, 978-281-9283.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Section 303(a)(11) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act requires that all
FMPs ``establish a standardized reporting methodology to assess the
amount and type of bycatch occurring in the fishery.'' In 2004, several
conservation organizations challenged the approval of two major
amendments to Northeast Region FMPs. In ruling on these suits, the U.S.
District Court for the District of Columbia found that the FMPs did not
clearly establish an SBRM as required under the relevant section of the
Magnuson-Stevens Act and remanded the amendments back to the agency to
fully develop and establish the required SBRM. In particular, the Court
found that the amendments (1) failed to fully evaluate reporting
methodologies to assess bycatch, (2) did not mandate an SBRM, and (3)
failed to respond to potentially important scientific evidence.
In response, the Councils, working closely with NMFS, undertook
development of a remedy that would address all Northeast Region FMPs.
In January 2006, development began on the Northeast Region Omnibus SBRM
Amendment. This amendment covers 13 FMPs, 39 managed species, and 14
types of fishing gear. The purpose of the amendment is to: Explain the
methods and processes by which bycatch is currently monitored and
assessed for Northeast Region fisheries; determine whether these
methods and processes need to be modified and/or supplemented;
establish standards of precision for bycatch estimation for all
Northeast Region fisheries; and, thereby, document the SBRM established
for all fisheries managed through the FMPs of the Northeast Region. The
amendment also responds to the ``potentially important scientific
evidence'' cited by the Court in the two decisions referenced above.
The Northeast Region SBRM Amendment would establish an SBRM
comprised of seven elements: (1) The methods by which data and
information on discards are collected and obtained; (2) the methods by
which the data obtained through the mechanisms identified in element 1
are analyzed and utilized to determine the appropriate allocation of
at-sea observers; (3) a performance measure by which the effectiveness
of the Northeast Region SBRM can be measured, tracked, and utilized to
effectively allocate the appropriate number of observer sea days; (4) a
process to provide the Councils with periodic reports on discards
occurring in Northeast Region fisheries and on the effectiveness of the
SBRM; (5) a measure to enable the Councils to make changes to the SBRM
through framework adjustments and/or annual specification packages
rather than full FMP amendments; (6) a process to provide the Councils
and the public with an opportunity to consider, and provide input into,
the decisions regarding prioritization of at-sea observer coverage
allocations; and (7) to implement consistent, cross-cutting observer
service provider approval and certification procedures and to enable
the Councils to implement either a requirement for industry-funded
observers or an observer set-aside program through a framework
adjustment rather than an FMP amendment.
Bycatch Reporting and Monitoring Mechanisms
This element addresses the methods by which data and information on
discards occurring in Northeast Region fisheries would be collected and
obtained. The amendment proposes to maintain the status quo. The
Northeast Region SBRM would employ sampling designs developed to
minimize bias to the maximum extent practicable. The Northeast
Fisheries Observer Program (NEFOP) would serve as the primary mechanism
to obtain data on discards in all Northeast Region commercial fisheries
managed under one or more of the subject FMPs. All subject FMPs would
continue to require vessels permitted to participate in said fisheries
to carry an at-sea observer upon request, and all data obtained by the
NEFOP under this SBRM would be collected according to the techniques
and protocols established and detailed in the Fisheries Observer
Program Manual and the Biological Sampling Manual. Data collected by
the NEFOP would include, but not be limited to, the following items:
Vessel name; date/time sailed; date/time landed; steam time; crew size;
home port; port landed; dealer name; fishing vessel trip report (FVTR)
serial number; gear type(s) used; number/amount of gear; number of
hauls; weather; location of each haul (beginning and ending latitude
and longitude); species caught; disposition (kept/discarded); reason
for discards; and weight of catch. These data would be collected on all
species of biological organisms caught by the fishing vessel and
brought on board, including species managed under the subject FMPs, but
also including species of non-managed fish, invertebrates, and marine
plants. To obtain information on discards occurring in recreational
fisheries subject to a Northeast Region FMP, the Northeast Region SBRM
would fully incorporate, to the extent practicable and appropriate for
the Region, all surveys and data collection mechanisms implemented by
NMFS and affected states as a result of the agency-wide redesign of the
Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistics Survey (MRFSS) Program.
Analytical Techniques and Allocation of At-sea Fisheries Observers
This element addresses the methods by which the data obtained
through the mechanisms included above would be analyzed and utilized to
determine the appropriate allocation of at-sea observers across the
subject fishing modes. The amendment proposes to substantially expand
and refine the status quo methods to fully incorporate all managed
species and all relevant fishing gear types in the Northeast Region.
At-sea fisheries observers would, to the maximum extent possible and
subject to available resources, be allocated and assigned to fishing
vessels according to the procedures established through the amendment.
All appropriate filters identified in the amendment would be applied to
the results of the analysis to determine the observer coverage levels
needed to achieve the objectives of the SBRM.
SBRM Performance Standard
The amendment proposes to ensure that the data collected under the
Northeast Region SBRM are sufficient to produce a coefficient of
variation (CV) of the discard estimate of no more than 30 percent, in
order to ensure that the effectiveness of the Northeast Region SBRM can
be measured, tracked, and utilized to effectively allocate the
appropriate number of observer sea days. Each year, the Regional
Administrator and the Science and Research Director would, subject to
any
[[Page 46590]]
external operational constraints, allocate at-sea observer coverage to
the applicable fisheries of the Northeast Region sufficient to achieve
a level of precision (measured as the CV) no greater than 30 percent
for each applicable species and/or species group, subject to the use of
the filters noted above.
SBRM Review and Reporting Process
The amendment proposes to require an annual report on discards
occurring in Northeast Region fisheries to be prepared by NMFS and
provided to the Councils, and also to require a report every 3 years
that evaluates the effectiveness of the Northeast Region SBRM. Every 3
years, the Regional Administrator and the Science and Research Director
would appoint appropriate staff to work with staff appointed by the
Executive Directors of the Councils to obtain and review available data
on discards and to prepare a report assessing the effectiveness of the
Northeast Region SBRM. This report would include, at a minimum: (1) A
review of the recent levels of observer coverage in each applicable
fishery; (2) a review of recent observed encounters with each species
in each fishery, and a summary of observed discards by weight; a review
of the CV of the discard information collected for each fishery; (4) an
estimate of the total discards associated with each fishery; (5) an
evaluation of the effectiveness of the SBRM at meeting the performance
standard for each fishery; (6) a description of the methods used to
calculate the reported CVs and to determine observer coverage levels,
if those methods are different from those described and evaluated in
the SBRM Amendment; (7) an updated assessment of potential sources of
bias in the sampling program and analyses of accuracy; and (8) an
evaluation of the implications for management of the discard
information collected under the SBRM, for any cases in which the
evaluation performed for item 5 indicates that the performance standard
is not met. Once each year, the Science and Research Director would
present to the Councils a report on catch and discards occurring in
Northeast Region fisheries, as reported to the NEFOP by at-sea
fisheries observers. This annual discard report would include: (1) The
number of observer sea days scheduled for each fishery, by area and
gear type, in each quarter; (2) the percent of total trips observed, by
gear type, in each quarter; (3) the distribution of sea sampling trips
by gear type and statistical area in each fishery; (4) the observed
catch and discards of each species, by gear type and fishery, in each
quarter; and (5) the observed catch and discards of each species, by
gear type and fishery, in each statistical area.
Framework Adjustment and/or Annual Specification Provisions
The amendment proposes a measure to enable the Councils to make
changes to certain elements of the SBRM through framework adjustments
and/or annual specification packages rather than full FMP amendments.
All subject FMPs would provide for an efficient process to modify
aspects of the Northeast Region SBRM, as relates to each specific FMP,
should the need arise and the appropriate Council determine that a
change to the SBRM is warranted and needed to address a contemporary
management or scientific issue. Depending on the provisions of each
FMP, changes to the SBRM may be effected either through a framework
adjustment to the FMP or through annual or periodic specifications.
Such changes to the SBRM may include modifications to the CV-based
performance standard, the means by which discard data are collected/
obtained in the fishery, reporting on discards or the SBRM, or the
stratification (modes) used as the basis for SBRM-related analyses.
Such changes may also include the establishment of a requirement for
industry-funded observers and/or observer set-aside provisions.
Prioritization Process
The amendment proposes a process to provide the Councils and the
public with an opportunity to consider, and provide input into, the
decisions regarding prioritization of at-sea observer coverage
allocations, if the expected resources necessary may not be available.
In any year in which external operational constraints would prevent
NMFS from fully implementing the required at-sea observer coverage
levels, the Regional Administrator and Science and Research Director
would consult with the Councils to determine the most appropriate
prioritization for how the available resources should be allocated. In
order to facilitate this consultation, in these years, the Regional
Administrator and the Science and Research Director would provide the
Councils, at the earliest practicable opportunity: (1) The at-sea
observer coverage levels required to attain the SBRM performance
standard in each applicable fishery; (2) the coverage levels that would
be available if the resource shortfall were allocated proportionately
across all applicable fisheries; (3) the coverage levels that
incorporate the recommended prioritization; and (4) the rationale for
the recommended prioritization. The recommended prioritization should
be based on: Meeting the data needs of upcoming stock assessments;
legal mandates of the agency under other applicable laws, such as the
Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and the Endangered Species Act
(ESA); meeting the data needs of upcoming fishery management actions,
taking into account the status of each fishery resource; improving the
quality of discard data across all fishing modes; and/or any other
criteria identified by NMFS and/or the Councils. The Councils may
choose to accept the proposed observer coverage allocation or to
recommend revisions or additional considerations for the prioritized
observer allocations ultimately adopted and implemented by the Regional
Administrator and the Science and Research Director.
Industry-funded Observers and Observer Set-aside Program Provisions
The amendment proposes to implement consistent, cross-cutting
observer service provider approval and certification procedures and to
enable the Councils to implement either a requirement for industry-
funded observers and/or an observer set-aside program through a
framework adjustment, rather than an FMP amendment.
Classification
At this time, NMFS has not determined that the FMP amendment that
this proposed rule would implement is consistent with the national
standards of the Magnuson-Stevens Act and other applicable laws. NMFS,
in making that determination, will take into account the data, views,
and comments received during the comment period.
A notice of availability of the Draft EA/RIR, which analyzed the
impacts of all the measures under consideration in the SBRM Amendment,
was published at 72 FR 41047, July 26, 2007.
This proposed rule has been determined to be not significant for
purposes of Executive Order 12866.
The Chief Counsel for 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.The proposed rule would modify the regulations at 50 CFR part
648 to require additional information be prepared by NMFS and provided
to the
[[Page 46591]]
Mid-Atlantic and New England Fishery Management Councils, and authorize
said Councils to modify certain elements of the Northeast Region SBRM
through the use of framework adjustments and/or annual specifications
rather than full FMP amendments. The Northeast Region Omnibus SBRM
Amendment establishes a more comprehensive methodology that NMFS must
follow in determining the appropriate allocations of at-sea fisheries
observers and in collecting and analyzing bycatch information in the
subject fisheries. As such, this proposed rule only addresses a limited
number of administrative aspects of the proposed SBRM. These
administrative changes are intended to ensure high quality data are
available for use in stock assessments and in management decisions,
consistent with section 303(a)(11) and National Standards 1 and 2 of
the Magnuson-Stevens Act. Therefore, this proposed rule would not
impose significant new direct or indirect economic impacts on small
entities, as all affected entities are already subject to the observer
requirements stipulated at Sec. 648.11. As a result, an initial
regulatory flexibility analysis is not required and none has been
prepared.
List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 648
Fisheries, Fishing, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
Dated: August 13, 2007.
John Oliver,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Operations, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
For the reasons set out in the preamble, 50 CFR part 648 is
proposed to be amended as follows:
PART 648--FISHERIES OF THE NORTHEASTERN UNITED STATES
1. The authority citation for part 648 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
2. In Sec. 648.11, paragraphs (h) and (i) are revised to read as
follows:
Sec. 648.11 At-sea sea sampler/observer coverage.
* * * * *
(h) Observer service provider approval and responsibilities--(1)
General. An entity seeking to provide observer services must apply for
and obtain approval from NMFS following submission of a complete
application to The Observer Program Branch Chief, 25 Bernard St Jean
Drive, East Falmouth, MA 02536. A list of approved observer service
providers shall be distributed to vessel owners and shall be posted on
the NMFS/NEFOP website at http://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/femad/fsb/.
(2) Existing observer service providers. Observer service providers
that currently deploy certified observers in the Northeast must submit
an application containing the information specified in paragraph (h)(3)
of this section, excluding any information specified in paragraph
(h)(3) of this section that has already been submitted to NMFS.
(3) Contents of application. An application to become an approved
observer service provider shall contain the following:
(i) Identification of the management, organizational structure, and
ownership structure of the applicant's business, including
identification by name and general function of all controlling
management interests in the company, including but not limited to
owners, board members, officers, authorized agents, and staff. If the
applicant is a corporation, the articles of incorporation must be
provided. If the applicant is a partnership, the partnership agreement
must be provided.
(ii) The permanent mailing address, phone and fax numbers where the
owner(s) can be contacted for official correspondence, and the current
physical location, business mailing address, business telephone and fax
numbers, and business e-mail address for each office.
(iii) A statement, signed under penalty of perjury, from each owner
or owners, board members, and officers, if a corporation, that they are
free from a conflict of interest as described under paragraph (h)(6) of
this section.
(iv) A statement, signed under penalty of perjury, from each owner
or owners, board members, and officers, if a corporation, describing
any criminal convictions, Federal contracts they have had, and the
performance rating they received on the contract, and previous
decertification action while working as an observer or observer service
provider.
(v) A description of any prior experience the applicant may have in
placing individuals in remote field and/or marine work environments.
This includes, but is not limited to, recruiting, hiring, deployment,
and personnel administration.
(vi) A description of the applicant's ability to carry out the
responsibilities and duties of a fishery observer services provider as
set out under paragraph (h)(2) of this section, and the arrangements to
be used.
(vii) Evidence of holding adequate insurance to cover injury,
liability, and accidental death for observers during their period of
employment (including during training). Workers' Compensation and
Maritime Employer's Liability insurance must be provided to cover the
observer, vessel owner, and observer provider. The minimum coverage
required is $5 million. Observer service providers shall provide copies
of the insurance policies to observers to display to the vessel owner,
operator, or vessel manager, when requested.
(viii) Proof that its observers, either contracted or employed by
the service provider, are compensated with salaries that meet or exceed
the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) guidelines for observers. Observers
shall be compensated as a Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) non-exempt
employees. Observer providers shall provide any other benefits and
personnel services in accordance with the terms of each observer's
contract or employment status.
(ix) The names of its fully equipped, NMFS/NEFOP certified
observers on staff or a list of its training candidates (with resumes)
and a request for an appropriate NMFS/NEFOP Observer Training class.
The NEFOP training has a minimum class size of eight individuals, which
may be split among multiple vendors requesting training. Requests for
training classes with less than eight individuals will be delayed until
further requests make up the full training class size. Requests for
training classes must be made 30 days in advance of the requested date
and must have a complete roster of trainees at that time.
(x) An Emergency Action Plan (EAP) describing its response to an
``at sea'' emergency with an observer, including, but not limited to,
personal injury, death, harassment, or intimidation.
(4) Application evaluation. (i) NMFS shall review and evaluate each
application submitted under paragraphs (h)(2) and (h)(3) of this
section. Issuance of approval as an observer provider shall be based on
completeness of the application, and a determination of the applicant's
ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of a fishery
observer service provider, as demonstrated in the application
information. A decision to approve or deny an application shall be made
by NMFS within 15 business days of receipt of the application by NMFS.
(ii) If NMFS approves the application, the observer service
provider's name will be added to the list of approved observer service
providers found on the NMFS/NEFOP website specified in paragraph (h)(1)
of this section, and in any outreach information to the industry.
Approved observer service providers shall be notified in writing and
provided with any information
[[Page 46592]]
pertinent to its participation in the fishery observer program.
(iii) An application shall be denied if NMFS determines that the
information provided in the application is not complete or the
evaluation criteria are not met. NMFS shall notify the applicant in
writing of any deficiencies in the application or information submitted
in support of the application. An applicant who receives a denial of
his or her application may present additional information to rectify
the deficiencies specified in the written denial, provided such
information is submitted to NMFS within 30 days of the applicant's
receipt of the denial notification from NMFS. In the absence of
additional information, and after 30 days from an applicant's receipt
of a denial, an observer provider is required to resubmit an
application containing all of the information required under the
application process specified in paragraph (h)(3) of this section to be
re-considered for being added to the list of approved observer service
providers.
(5) Responsibilities of observer service providers. (i) An observer
service provider must provide observers certified by NMFS/NEFOP
pursuant to paragraph (i) of this section for deployment in a fishery
when contacted and contracted by the owner, operator, or vessel manager
of a vessel fishing, unless the observer service provider refuses to
deploy an observer on a requesting vessel for any of the reasons
specified at paragraph (h)(5)(viii) of this section. An approved
observer service provider must maintain a minimum of eight
appropriately trained NEFOP certified observers in order to remain
approved; should a service provider cadre drop below eight, the
provider must submit the appropriate number of candidates for the next
available training class. Failure to do so shall be cause for
suspension of their approved status until rectified.
(ii) An observer service provider must provide to each of its
observers:
(A) All necessary transportation, including arrangements and
logistics, of observers to the initial location of deployment, to all
subsequent vessel assignments, and to any debriefing locations, if
necessary;
(B) Lodging, per diem, and any other services necessary for
observers assigned to a fishing vessel or to attend an appropriate
NMFS/NEFOP Observer Training class;
(C) The required observer equipment, in accordance with equipment
requirements listed on the NMFS/NEFOP website specified in paragraph
(h)(1) of this section, prior to any deployment and/or prior to NMFS
observer certification training; and
(D) Individually assigned communication equipment, in working
order, such as a cell phone or pager, for all necessary communication.
An observer service provider may alternatively compensate observers for
the use of the observer's personal cell phone or pager for
communications made in support of, or necessary for, the observer's
duties.
(iii) Observer deployment logistics. Each approved observer service
provider must assign an available certified observer to a vessel upon
request. Each approved observer service provider must provide for
access by industry 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, to enable an
owner, operator, or manager of a vessel to secure observer coverage
when requested. The telephone system must be monitored a minimum of
four times daily to ensure rapid response to industry requests.
Observer service providers approved under paragraph (h) of this section
are required to report observer deployments to NMFS daily for the
purpose of determining whether the predetermined coverage levels are
being achieved in the appropriate fishery.
(iv) Observer deployment limitations. Unless alternative
arrangements are approved by NMFS, an observer provider must not deploy
any observer on the same vessel for two or more consecutive
deployments, and not more than twice in any given month. A certified
observer's first deployment and the resulting data shall be immediately
edited, and approved, by NMFS prior to any further deployments of that
observer.
(v) Communications with observers. An observer service provider
must have an employee responsible for observer activities on call 24
hours a day to handle emergencies involving observers or problems
concerning observer logistics, whenever observers are at sea, stationed
shoreside, in transit, or in port awaiting vessel assignment.
(vi) Observer training requirements. The following information must
be submitted to NMFS to request a certified observer training class at
least 30 days prior to the beginning of the proposed training class:
Date of requested training; a list of observer candidates, with a
minimum of eight individuals; observer candidate resumes; and a
statement signed by the candidate, under penalty of perjury, that
discloses the candidate's criminal convictions, if any. All observer
trainees must complete a basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation/first aid
course prior to the beginning of a NMFS/NEFOP Observer Training class.
NMFS may reject a candidate for training if the candidate does not meet
the minimum qualification requirements as outlined by NMFS National
Minimum Eligibility Standards for observers as described in paragraph
(i)(1) of this section.
(vii) Reports--(A) Observer deployment reports. The observer
service provider must report to NMFS when, where, to whom, and to what
fishery an observer has been deployed, within 24 hours of their
departure. The observer service provider must ensure that the observer
reports back to NMFS its Observer Contract (OBSCON) data, as described
in the certified observer training, within 12 hours of landing. OBSCON
data are to be submitted electronically or by other means as specified
by NMFS. The observer service provider shall provide the raw (unedited)
data collected by the observer to NMFS within 72 hours of the trip
landing.
(B) Safety refusals. The observer service provider must report to
NMFS any trip that has been refused due to safety issues, e.g., failure
to hold a valid USCG Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Examination Decal
or to meet the safety requirements of the observer's pre-trip vessel
safety checklist, within 24 hours of the refusal.
(C) Biological samples. The observer service provider must ensure
that biological samples, including whole marine mammals, sea turtles,
and sea birds, are stored/handled properly and transported to NMFS
within 7 days of landing.
(D) Observer debriefing. The observer service provider must ensure
that the observer remains available to NMFS, including NMFS Office for
Law Enforcement, for debriefing for at least 2 weeks following any
observed trip. If requested by NMFS, an observer that is at sea during
the 2-week period must contact NMFS upon his or her return.
(E) Observer availability report. The observer service provider
must report to NMFS any occurrence of inability to respond to an
industry request for observer coverage due to the lack of available
observers on staff by 5 pm, Eastern Standard Time, of any day on which
the provider is unable to respond to an industry request for observer
coverage.
(F) Other reports. The observer provider must report possible
observer harassment, discrimination, concerns about vessel safety or
marine casualty, observer illness or injury, and any information,
allegations, or reports regarding observer conflict of interest or
breach of the standards of behavior must be submitted to NMFS within 24
hours
[[Page 46593]]
of the event or within 24 hours of learning of the event.
(viii) Refusal to deploy an observer. (A) An observer service
provider may refuse to deploy an observer on a requesting fishing
vessel if the observer service provider does not have an available
observer within 72 hours of receiving a request for an observer from a
vessel.
(B) An observer service provider may refuse to deploy an observer
on a requesting fishing vessel if the observer service provider has
determined that the requesting vessel is inadequate or unsafe pursuant
to the reasons described at Sec. 600.746.
(C) The observer service provider may refuse to deploy an observer
on a fishing vessel that is otherwise eligible to carry an observer for
any other reason, including failure to pay for previous observer
deployments, provided the observer service provider has received prior
written confirmation from NMFS authorizing such refusal.
(6) Limitations on conflict of interest. An observer service
provider:
(i) Must not have a direct or indirect interest in a fishery
managed under Federal regulations, including, but not limited to, a
fishing vessel, fish dealer, fishery advocacy group, and/or fishery
research;
(ii) Must assign observers without regard to any preference by
representatives of vessels other than when an observer will be
deployed; and
(iii) Must not solicit or accept, directly or indirectly, any
gratuity, gift, favor, entertainment, loan, or anything of monetary
value from anyone who conducts fishing or fishing related activities
that are regulated by NMFS, or who has interests that may be
substantially affected by the performance or nonperformance of the
official duties of observer providers.
(7) Removal of observer service provider from the list of approved
observer service providers. An observer provider that fails to meet the
requirements, conditions, and responsibilities specified in paragraphs
(h)(5) and (h)(6) of this section shall be notified by NMFS, in
writing, that it is subject to removal from the list of approved
observer service providers. Such notification shall specify the reasons
for the pending removal. An observer service provider that has received
notification that it is subject to removal from the list of approved
observer service providers may submit information to rebut the reasons
for removal from the list. Such rebuttal must be submitted within 30
days of notification received by the observer service provider that the
observer service provider is subject to removal and must be accompanied
by written evidence that clearly disproves the reasons for removal.
NMFS shall review information rebutting the pending removal and shall
notify the observer service provider within 15 days of receipt of the
rebuttal whether or not the removal is warranted. If no response to a
pending removal is received by NMFS, the observer service provider
shall be automatically removed from the list of approved observer
service providers. The decision to remove the observer service provider
from the list, either after reviewing a rebuttal, or if no rebuttal is
submitted, shall be the final decision of NMFS and the Department of
Commerce. Removal from the list of approved observer service providers
does not necessarily prevent such observer service provider from
obtaining an approval in the future if a new application is submitted
that demonstrates that the reasons for removal are remedied. Certified
observers under contract with an observer service provider that has
been removed from the list of approved service providers must complete
their assigned duties for any fishing trips on which the observers are
deployed at the time the observer service provider is removed from the
list of approved observer service providers. An observer service
provider removed from the list of approved observer service providers
is responsible for providing NMFS with the information required in
paragraph (h)(5)(vii) of this section following completion of the trip.
NMFS may consider, but is not limited to, the following in determining
if an observer service provider may remain on the list of approved
observer service providers:
(i) Failure to meet the requirements, conditions, and
responsibilities of observer service providers specified in paragraphs
(h)(5) and (h)(6) of this section;
(ii) Evidence of conflict of interest as defined under paragraph
(h)(3) of this section;
(iii) Evidence of criminal convictions related to:
(A) Embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or
destruction of records, making false statements, or receiving stolen
property; or
(B) The commission of any other crimes of dishonesty, as defined by
state law or Federal law that would seriously and directly affect the
fitness of an applicant in providing observer services under this
section;
(iv) Unsatisfactory performance ratings on any Federal contracts
held by the applicant; and
(v) Evidence of any history of decertification as either an
observer or observer provider.
(i) Observer certification. (1) To be certified, employees or sub-
contractors operating as observers for observer service providers
approved under paragraph (h) of this section must meet NMFS National
Minimum Eligibility Standards for observers. NMFS National Minimum
Eligibility Standards are available at the National Observer Program
website: http://www.st.nmfs.gov/st4/nop/.
(2) Observer training. In order to be deployed on any fishing
vessel, a candidate observer must have passed an appropriate NMFS/NEFOP
Observer Training course. If a candidate fails training, the candidate
shall be notified in writing on or before the last day of training. The
notification will indicate the reasons the candidate failed the
training. Observer training shall include an observer training trip, as
part of the observer's training, aboard a fishing vessel with a
trainer. A certified observer's first deployment and the resulting data
shall be immediately edited, and approved, by NMFS prior to any further
deployments of that observer.
(3) Observer requirements. All observers must:
(i) Have a valid NMFS/NEFOP fisheries observer certification
pursuant to paragraph (i)(1) of this section;
(ii) Be physically and mentally capable of carrying out the
responsibilities of an observer on board fishing vessels, pursuant to
standards established by NMFS. Such standards are available from NMFS/
NEFOP website specified in paragraph (h)(1) of this section and shall
be provided to each approved observer service provider;
(iii) Have successfully completed all NMFS-required training and
briefings for observers before deployment, pursuant to paragraph (i)(2)
of this section; and
(iv) Hold a current Red Cross (or equivalence) CPR/first aid
certification.
(4) Probation and decertification. NMFS has the authority to review
observer certifications and issue observer certification probation and/
or decertification as described in NMFS policy found on the NMFS/NEFOP
website specified in paragraph (h)(1) of this section.
(5) Issuance of decertification. Upon determination that
decertification is warranted under paragraph (i)(3) of this section,
NMFS shall issue a written decision to decertify the observer to the
observer and approved observer service providers via certified mail at
the
[[Page 46594]]
observer's most current address provided to NMFS. The decision shall
identify whether a certification is revoked and shall identify the
specific reasons for the action taken. Decertification is effective
immediately as of the date of issuance, unless the decertification
official notes a compelling reason for maintaining certification for a
specified period and under specified conditions. Decertification is the
final decision of NMFS and the Department of Commerce and may not be
appealed.
3. Add Sec. 648.18 to subpart A to read as follows:
Sec. 648.18 Standardized bycatch reporting methodology.
NMFS shall comply with the Standardized Bycatch Reporting
Methodology (SBRM) provisions established in the following fishery
management plans: Atlantic Bluefish; Atlantic Herring; Atlantic Salmon;
Deep-Sea Red Crab; Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish; Monkfish; Northeast
Multispecies; Northeast Skate Complex; Sea Scallop; Spiny Dogfish;
Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass; Surfclam and Ocean Quahog;
and Tilefish.
4. In Sec. 648.21, paragraph (c)(13) is added to read as follows:
Sec. 648.21 Procedures for determining initial annual amounts.
(c) * * *
(13) Changes, as appropriate, to the Northeast Region SBRM,
including the coefficient of variation (CV) based performance standard,
fishery stratification, and/or reports.
* * * * *
5. In Sec. 648.24, paragraph (a)(1) is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 648.24 Framework adjustments to management measures.
(a) * * *
(1) Adjustment process. The Council shall develop and analyze
appropriate management actions over the span of at least two Council
meetings. The Council must provide the public with advance notice of
the availability of the recommendation(s), appropriate justification(s)
and economic and biological analyses, and the opportunity to comment on
the proposed adjustment(s) at the first meeting and prior to and at the
second Council meeting. The Council's recommendations on adjustments or
additions to management measures must come from one or more of the
following categories: Minimum fish size, maximum fish size, gear
restrictions, gear requirements or prohibitions, permitting
restrictions, recreational possession limit, recreational seasons,
closed areas, commercial seasons, commercial trip limits, commercial
quota system including commercial quota allocation procedure and
possible quota set asides to mitigate bycatch, recreational harvest
limit, annual specification quota setting process, FMP Monitoring
Committee composition and process, description and identification of
EFH (and fishing gear management measures that impact EFH), description
and identification of habitat areas of particular concern, overfishing
definition and related thresholds and targets, regional gear
restrictions, regional season restrictions (including option to split
seasons), restrictions on vessel size (LOA and GRT) or shaft
horsepower, changes to the Northeast Region SBRM (including the CV-
based performance standard, the means by which discard data are
collected/obtained, fishery stratification, reports, and/or industry-
funded observers or observer set-aside programs), any other management
measures currently included in the FMP, set aside quota for scientific
research, regional management, and process for inseason adjustment to
the annual specification.
* * * * *
6. In Sec. 648.55, paragraph (e)(32) is revised and paragraph
(e)(33) is added to read as follows:
Sec. 648.55 Framework adjustments to management measures.
* * * * *
(e) * * *
(32) Changes to the Northeast Region SBRM, including the CV-based
performance standard, the means by which discard data are collected/
obtained, fishery stratification, reports, and/or industry-funded
observers or observer set-aside programs.
(33) Any other management measures currently included in the FMP.
* * * * *
7. In Sec. 648.77, paragraph (a)(1) is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 648.77 Framework adjustments to management measures.
(a) * * *
(1) Adjustment process. The Council shall develop and analyze
appropriate management actions over the span of at least two Council
meetings. The Council must provide the public with advance notice of
the availability of the recommendation(s), appropriate justification(s)
and economic and biological analyses, and the opportunity to comment on
the proposed adjustment(s) at the first meeting, and prior to and at
the second Council meeting. The Council's recommendations on
adjustments or additions to management measures must come from one or
more of the following categories: The overfishing definition (both the
threshold and target levels), description and identification of EFH
(and fishing gear management measures that impact EFH), habitat areas
of particular concern, set-aside quota for scientific research, VMS, OY
range, suspension or adjustment of the surfclam minimum size limit, and
changes to the Northeast Region SBRM (including the CV-based
performance standard, the means by which discard data are collected/
obtained, fishery stratification, reports, and/or industry-funded
observers or observer set-aside programs).
* * * * *
8. In Sec. 648.90, paragraphs (a)(2)(i), (a)(2)(iii), (b)(1)(ii),
and (c)(1)(i) are revised to read as follows:
Sec. 648.90 NE Multispecies assessment, framework procedures and
specifications, and flexible area action system.
* * * * *
(a) * * *
(2) Biennial review. (i) Beginning in 2005, the NE Multispecies PDT
shall meet on or before September 30 every other year, unless otherwise
specified in paragraph (a)(3) of this section, under the conditions
specified in that paragraph, to perform a review of the fishery, using
the most current scientific information available provided primarily
from the NEFSC. Data provided by states, ASMFC, the USCG, and other
sources may also be considered by the PDT. Based on this review, the
PDT will develop target TACs for the upcoming fishing year(s) and
develop options for Council consideration, if necessary, on any
changes, adjustments, or additions to DAS allocations, closed areas, or
on other measures necessary to achieve the FMP goals and objectives,
including changes to the Northeast Region SBRM. For the 2005 biennial
review, an updated groundfish assessment, peer-reviewed by independent
scientists, will be conducted to facilitate the PDT review for the
biennial adjustment, if needed, for the 2006 fishing year. Amendment 13
biomass and fishing mortality targets may not be modified by the 2006
biennial adjustment unless review of all valid pertinent scientific
work during the 2005 review process justifies consideration.
* * * * *
(iii) Based on this review, the PDT shall recommend target TACs and
develop options necessary to achieve
[[Page 46595]]
the FMP goals and objectives, which may include a preferred option. The
PDT must demonstrate through analyses and documentation that the
options they develop are expected to meet the FMP goals and objectives.
The PDT may review the performance of different user groups or fleet
Sectors in developing options. The range of options developed by the
PDT may include any of the management measures in the FMP, including,
but not limited to: Target TACs, which must be based on the projected
fishing mortality levels required to meet the goals and objectives
outlined in the FMP for the 10 regulated species, Atlantic halibut (if
able to be determined), and ocean pout; DAS changes; possession limits;
gear restrictions; closed areas; permitting restrictions; minimum fish
sizes; recreational fishing measures; description and identification of
EFH; fishing gear management measures to protect EFH; designation of
habitat areas of particular concern within EFH; and changes to the
Northeast Region SBRM, including the CV-based performance standard, the
means by which discard data are collected/obtained, fishery
stratification, reports, and/or industry-funded observers or observer
set-aside programs. In addition, the following conditions and measures
may be adjusted through future framework adjustments: Revisions to
status determination criteria, including, but not limited to, changes
in the target fishing mortality rates, minimum biomass thresholds,
numerical estimates of parameter values, and the use of a proxy for
biomass; DAS allocations (such as the category of DAS under the DAS
reserve program, etc.) and DAS baselines, etc.; modifications to
capacity measures, such as changes to the DAS transfer or DAS leasing
measures; calculation of area-specific TACs, area management
boundaries, and adoption of area-specific management measures; Sector
allocation requirements and specifications, including establishment of
a new Sector; measures to implement the U.S./Canada Resource Sharing
Understanding, including any specified TACs (hard or target); changes
to administrative measures; additional uses for Regular B DAS; future
uses for C DAS; reporting requirements; the GOM Inshore Conservation
and Management Stewardship Plan; GB Cod Gillnet Sector allocation;
allowable percent of TAC available to a Sector through a Sector
allocation; categorization of DAS; DAS leasing provisions; adjustments
for steaming time; adjustments to the Handgear A permit; gear
requirements to improve selectivity, reduce bycatch, and/or reduce
impacts of the fishery on EFH; SAP modifications; and any other
measures currently included in the FMP.
* * * * *
(b) * * *
(1) * * *
(ii) The WMC shall recommend management options necessary to
achieve FMP goals and objectives pertaining to small-mesh multispecies,
which may include a preferred option. The WMC must demonstrate through
analyses and documentation that the options it develops are expected to
meet the FMP goals and objectives. The WMC may review the performance
of different user groups or fleet Sectors in developing options. The
range of options developed by the WMC may include any of the management
measures in the FMP, including, but not limited to: Annual target TACs,
which must be based on the projected fishing mortality levels required
to meet the goals and objectives outlined in the FMP for the small-mesh
multispecies; possession limits; gear restrictions; closed areas;
permitting restrictions; minimum fish sizes; recreational fishing
measures; description and identification of EFH; fishing gear
management measures to protect EFH; designation of habitat areas of
particular concern within EFH; changes to the Northeast Region SBRM,
including the CV-based performance standard, the means by which discard
data are collected/obtained, fishery stratification, reports, and/or
industry-funded observers or observer set-aside programs; and any other
management measures currently included in the FMP.
* * * * *
(c) * * *
(1) * * *
(i) After a management action has been initiated, the Council shall
develop and analyze appropriate management actions over the span of at
least two Council meetings. The Council shall provide the public with
advance notice of the availability of both the proposals and the
analyses and opportunity to comment on them prior to and at the second
Council meeting. The Council's recommendation on adjustments or
additions to management measures, other than to address gear conflicts,
must come from one or more of the following categories: DAS changes,
effort monitoring, data reporting, possession limits, gear
restrictions, closed areas, permitting restrictions, crew limits,
minimum fish sizes, onboard observers, minimum hook size and hook
style, the use of crucifer in the hook-gear fishery, fleet Sector
shares, recreational fishing measures, area closures and other
appropriate measures to mitigate marine mammal entanglements and
interactions, description and identification of EFH, fishing gear
management measures to protect EFH, designation of habitat areas of
particular concern within EFH, changes to the Northeast Region SBRM,
and any other management measures currently included in the FMP. In
addition, the Council's recommendation on adjustments or additions to
management measures pertaining to small-mesh NE multispecies, other
than to address gear conflicts, must come from one or more of the
following categories: Quotas and appropriate seasonal adjustments for
vessels fishing in experimental or exempted fisheries that use small
mesh in combination with a separator trawl/grate (if applicable),
modifications to separator grate (if applicable) and mesh
configurations for fishing for small-mesh NE multispecies, adjustments
to whiting stock boundaries for management purposes, adjustments for
fisheries exempted from minimum mesh requirements to fish for small-
mesh NE multispecies (if applicable), season adjustments, declarations,
participation requirements for the Cultivator Shoal Whiting Fishery
Exemption Area, and changes to the Northeast Region SBRM (including the
CV-based performance standard, the means by which discard data are
collected/obtained, fishery stratification, reports, and/or industry-
funded observers or observer set-aside programs).
* * * * *
9. In Sec. 648.96, paragraphs (a), (b)(5), and (c)(1)(i) are
revised to read as follows:
Sec. 648.96 Monkfish annual adjustment process and framework
specifications.
(a) General. The Monkfish Monitoring Committee (MFMC) shall meet on
or before November 15 of each year to develop target TACs for the
upcoming fishing year in accordance with paragraph (b)(1) of this
section, and options for NEFMC and MAFMC consideration on any changes,
adjustment, or additions to DAS allocations, trip limits, size limits,
the Northeast Region SBRM (including the CV-based performance standard,
fishery stratification, and/or reports), or other measures necessary to
achieve the Monkfish FMP's goals and objectives. The MFMC shall review
available data pertaining to discards and landings, DAS, and other
measures of fishing effort; stock status and fishing mortality rates;
enforcement of and compliance
[[Page 46596]]
with management measures; and any other relevant information.
(b) * * *
(5) Annual review process. The Monkfish Monitoring Committee (MFMC)
shall meet on or before November 15 of each year to develop options for
the upcoming fishing year, as needed, and options for NEFMC and MAFMC
consideration on any changes, adjustment, or additions to DAS
allocations, trip limits, size limits, the Northeast Region SBRM
(including the CV-based performance standard, fishery stratification,
and/or reports), or other measures necessary to achieve the Monkfish
FMP's goals and objectives. The MFMC shall review available data
pertaining to discards and landings, DAS, and other measures of fishing
effort; stock status and fishing mortality rates; enforcement of and
compliance with management measures; and any other relevant
information.
* * * * *
(c) * * *
(1) * * *
(i) Based on their annual review, the MFMC may develop and
recommend, in addition to the target TACs and management measures
established under paragraph (b) of this section, other options
necessary to achieve the Monkfish FMP's goals and objectives, which may
include a preferred option. The MFMC must demonstrate through analysis
and documentation that the options it develops are expected to meet the
Monkfish FMP goals and objectives. The MFMC may review the performance
of different user groups or fleet sectors in developing options. The
range of options developed by the MFMC may include any of the
management measures in the Monkfish FMP, including, but not limited to:
Closed seasons or closed areas; minimum size limits; mesh size limits;
net limits; liver-to-monkfish landings ratios; annual monkfish DAS
allocations and monitoring; trip or possession limits; blocks of time
out of the fishery; gear restrictions; transferability of permits and
permit rights or administration of vessel upgrades, vessel replacement,
or permit assignment; measures to minimize the impact of the monkfish
fishery on protected species; gear requirements or restrictions that
minimize bycatch or bycatch mortality; transferable DAS programs;
changes to the Northeast Region SBRM, including the CV-based
performance standard, the means by which discard data are collected/
obtained, fishery stratification, reports, and/or industry-funded
observers or observer set-aside programs; and other frameworkable
measures included in Sec. Sec. 648.55 and 648.90.
* * * * *
10. In Sec. 648.100, paragraph (a) is revised and paragraph
(b)(12) is added to read as follows:
Sec. 648.100 Catch quotas and other restrictions.
(a) Review. The Summer Flounder Monitoring Committee shall review
each year the following data, subject to availability, unless a TAL has
already been established for the upcoming calendar year as part of a
multiple-year specification process, provided that new information does
not require a modification to the multiple-year quotas, to determine
the annual allowable levels of fishing and other restrictions necessary
to achieve, with at least a 50-percent probability of success, a
fishing mortality rate (F) that produces the maximum yield per recruit
(Fmax): Commercial, recreational, and research catch data;
current estimates of fishing mortality; stock status; recent estimates
of recruitment; virtual population analysis results; levels of
noncompliance by fishermen or individual states; impact of size/mesh
regulations; discards; sea sampling and winter trawl survey data or, if
sea sampling data are unavailable, length frequency information from
the winter trawl survey and mesh selectivity analyses; impact of gear
other than otter trawls on the mortality of summer flounder; and any
other relevant information.
(b) * * *
(12) Changes, as appropriate, to the Northeast Region SBRM,
including the CV-based performance standard, fishery stratification,
and/or reports.
* * * * *
11. In Sec. 648.108, paragraph (a)(1) is revised to read as
follows:
Sec. 648.108 Framework adjustments to management measures.
(a) * * *
(1) Adjustment process. The Council shall develop and analyze
appropriate management actions over the span of at least two Council
meetings. The Council must provide the public with advance notice of
the availability of the recommendation(s), appropriate justification(s)
and economic and biological analyses, and the opportunity to comment on
the proposed adjustment(s) at the first meeting and prior to and at the
second Council meeting. The Council's recommendations on adjustments or
additions to management measures must come from one or more of the
following categories: Minimum fish size, maximum fish size, gear
restrictions, gear requirements or prohibitions, permitting
restrictions, recreational possession limit, recreational seasons,
closed areas, commercial seasons, commercial trip limits, commercial
quota system including commercial quota allocation procedure and
possible quota set asides to mitigate bycatch, recreational harvest
limit, annual specification quota setting process, FMP Monitoring
Committee composition and process, description and identification of
essential fish habitat (and fishing gear management measures that
impact EFH), description and identification of habitat areas of
particular concern, overfishing definition and related thresholds and
targets, regional gear restrictions, regional season restrictions
(including option to split seasons), restrictions on vessel size (LOA
and GRT) or shaft horsepower, operator permits, changes to the
Northeast Region SBRM (including the CV-based performance standard, the
means by which discard data are collected/obtained, fishery
stratification, reports, and/or industry-funded observers or observer
set-aside programs), any other commercial or recreational management
measures, any other management measures currently included in the FMP,
and set aside quota for scientific research.
* * * * *
12. In Sec. 648.120, paragraph (a) is revised and paragraph
(b)(13) is added to read as follows:
Sec. 648.120 Catch quotas and other restrictions.
(a) Review. The Scup Monitoring Committee shall review each year
the following data, subject to availability, unless a TAL already has
been established for the upcoming calendar year as part of a multiple-
year specification process, provided that new information does not
require a modification to the multiple-year quotas: Commercial,
recreational, and research data; current estimates of fishing
mortality; stock status; recent estimates of recruitment; virtual
population analysis results; levels of noncompliance by fishermen or
individual states; impact of size/mesh regulations; impact of gear on
the mortality of scup; discards; and any other relevant information.
This review will be conducted to determine the allowable levels of
fishing and other restrictions necessary to achieve the F that produces
the maximum yield per recruit (Fmax).
(b) * * *
[[Page 46597]]
(13) Changes, as appropriate, to the Northeast Region SBRM,
including the CV-based performance standard, fishery stratification,
and/or reports.
* * * * *
13. In Sec. 648.140, paragraph (a) is revised and paragraph
(b)(12) is added to read as follows:
Sec. 648.140 Catch quotas and other restrictions.
(a) Review. The Black Sea Bass Monitoring Committee shall review
each year the following data, subject to availability, unless a TAL
already has been established for the upcoming calendar year as part of
a multiple-year specification process, provided that new information
does not require a modification to the multiple-year quotas, to
determine the allowable levels of fishing and other restrictions
necessary to result in a target exploitation rate of 23 percent (based
on Fmax) in 2003 and subsequent years: Commercial,
recreational, and research catch data; current estimates of fishing
mortality; stock status; recent estimates of recruitment; virtual
population analysis results; levels of noncompliance by fishermen or
individual states; impact of size/mesh regulations; discards; sea
sampling and winter trawl survey data, or if sea sampling data are
unavailable, length frequency information from the winter trawl survey
and mesh selectivity analyses; impact of gear other than otter trawls,
pots and traps on the mortality of black sea bass; and any other
relevant information.
(b) * * *
(12) Changes, as appropriate, to the Northeast Region SBRM,
including the CV-based performance standard, fishery stratification,
and/or reports.
* * * * *
14. In Sec. 648.160, paragraph (a) is revised and paragraph (b)(9)
is added to read as follows:
Sec. 648.160 Catch quotas and other restrictions.
* * * * *
(a) Annual review. On or before August 15 of each year, the
Bluefish Monitoring Committee will meet to determine the total
allowable level of landings (TAL) and other restrictions necessary to
achieve the target fishing mortality rate (F) specified in the Fishery
Management Plan for Atlantic Bluefish for the upcoming fishing year or
the estimated F for the fishing year preceding the Council submission
of the recommended specifications, whichever F is lower. In determining
the TAL and other restrictions necessary to achieve the specified F,
the Bluefish Monitoring Committee will review the following data,
subject to availability: Commercial, recreational, and research catch
data; current estimates of fishing mortality; stock status; recent
estimates of recruitment; virtual population analysis results; levels
of noncompliance by fishermen or individual states; impact of size/mesh
regulations; discards; sea sampling data; impact of gear other than
otter trawls and gill nets on the mortality of bluefish; and any other
relevant information.
(b) * * *
(9) Changes, as appropriate, to the Northeast Region SBRM,
including the CV-based performance standard, fishery stratification,
and/or reports.
* * * * *
15. In Sec. 648.165, paragraph (a)(1) is revised to read as
follows:
Sec. 648.165 Framework specifications.
(a) * * *
(1) Adjustment process. After a management action has been
initiated, the Council shall develop and analyze appropriate management
actions over the span of at least two Council meetings. The Council
shall provide the public with advance notice of the availability of
both the proposals and the analysis and the opportunity to comment on
them prior to and at the second Council meeting. The Council's
recommendation on adjustments or additions to management measures must
come from one or more of the following categories: Minimum fish size,
maximum fish size, gear restrictions, gear requirements or
prohibitions, permitting restrictions, recreational possession limit,
recreational season, closed areas, commercial season, description and
identification of essential fish habitat (EFH), fishing gear management
measures to protect EFH, designation of habitat areas of particular
concern within EFH, changes to the Northeast Region SBRM (including the
CV-based performance standard, the means by which discard data are
collected/obtained, fishery stratification, reports and/or industry-
funded observers or observer set-aside programs), and any other
management measures currently included in the FMP.
* * * * *
16. In Sec. 648.200, paragraph (b) introductory text is revised to
read as follows:
Sec. 648.200 Specifications.
* * * * *
(b) Guidelines. As the basis for its recommendations under
paragraph (a) of this section, the PDT shall review available data
pertaining to: Commercial and recreational catch data; current
estimates of fishing mortality; discards; stock status; recent
estimates of recruitment; virtual population analysis results and other
estimates of stock size; sea sampling and trawl survey data or, if sea
sampling data are unavailable, length frequency information from trawl
surveys; impact of other fisheries on herring mortality; and any other
relevant information. The specifications recommended pursuant to
paragraph (a) of this section must be consistent with the following:
* * * * *
17. In Sec. 648.206, paragraphs (b)(28) and (b)(29) are revised
and paragraph (b)(30) is added to read as follows:
Sec. 648.206 Framework provisions.
* * * * *
(b) * * *
(28) TAC set-aside amounts, provisions, adjustments;
(29) Changes, as appropriate, to the Northeast Region SBRM,
including the CV-based performance standard, the means by which discard
data are collected/obtained, fishery stratification, reports, and/or
industry-funded observers or observer set-aside programs; and
(30) Any other measure currently included in the FMP.
* * * * *
18. In Sec. 648.230, paragraphs (a), (b)(4), and (b)(5) are
revised and paragraph (b)(6) is added to read as follows:
Sec. 648.230 Catch quotas and other restrictions.
(a) Process for setting specifications. The Spiny Dogfish
Monitoring Committee will review the following data at least every 5
years, subject to availability, to determine the total allowable level
of landings (TAL) and other restrictions necessary to assure that a
target fishing mortality rate specified in the Spiny Dogfish Fishery
Management Plan will not be exceeded in each year for which TAL and any
other measures are recommended: Commercial and recreational catch data;
discards; current estimates of F; stock status; recent estimates of
recruitment; virtual population analysis results; levels of
noncompliance by fishermen or individual states; impact of size/mesh
regulations; sea sampling data; impact of gear other than otter trawls
and gill nets on the mortality of spiny dogfish; and any other relevant
information.
(b) * * *
(4) Trip limits;
(5) Changes to the Northeast Region SBRM, including the CV-based
[[Page 46598]]
performance standard, fishery stratification, and/or reports; or
(6) Other gear restrictions.
* * * * *
19. In Sec. 648.237, paragraph (a)(1) is revised to read as
follows:
Sec. 648.237 Framework provisions.
(a) * * *
(1) Adjustment process. After the Councils initiate a management
action, they shall develop and analyze appropriate management actions
over the span of at least two Council meetings. The Councils shall
provide the public with advance notice of the availability of both the
proposals and the analysis for comment prior to, and at, the second
Council meeting. The Councils' recommendation on adjustments or
additions to management measures must come from one or more of the
following categories: Minimum fish size; maximum fish size; gear
requirements, restrictions or prohibitions (including, but not limited
to, mesh size restrictions and net limits); regional gear restrictions;
permitting restrictions and reporting requirements; recreational
fishery measures (including possession and size limits and season and
area restrictions); commercial season and area restrictions; commercial
trip or possession limits; fin weight to spiny dogfish landing weight
restrictions; onboard observer requirements; commercial quota system
(including commercial quota allocation procedures and possible quota
set-asides to mitigate bycatch, conduct scientific research, or for
other purposes); recreational harvest limit; annual quota specification
process; FMP Monitoring Committee composition and process; description
and identification of essential fish habitat; description and
identification of habitat areas of particular concern; overfishing
definition and related thresholds and targets; regional season
restrictions (including option to split seasons); restrictions on
vessel size (length and GRT) or shaft horsepower; target quotas;
measures to mitigate marine mammal entanglements and interactions;
regional management; changes to the Northeast Region SBRM, including
the CV-based performance standard, the means by which discard data are
collected/obtained, fishery stratification, reports, and/or industry-
funded observers or observer set-aside program; any other management
measures currently included in the Spiny Dogfish FMP; and measures to
regulate aquaculture projects.
* * * * *
20. In Sec. 648.260, paragraph (b) introductory text is revised to
read as follows:
Sec. 648.260 Specifications.
* * * * *
(b) Development of specifications. In developing the management
measures and specifications, the PDT shall review at least the
following data, if available: Commercial catch data; current estimates
of fishing mortality and catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE); discards; stock
status; recent estimates of recruitment; virtual population analysis
results and other estimates of stock size; sea sampling, port sampling,
and survey data or, if sea sampling data are unavailable, length
frequency information from port sampling and/or surveys; impact of
other fisheries on the mortality of red crabs; and any other relevant
information.
* * * * *
21. In Sec. 648.293, paragraphs (a)(1)(xiv) and (xv) are revised
and paragraph (a)(1)(xvi) is added to read as follows:
Sec. 648.293 Framework specifications.
(a) * * *
(1) * * *
(xiv) Habitat areas of particular concern,
(xv) Set-aside quotas for scientific research, and
(xvi) Changes to the Northeast Region SBRM, including the CV-based
performance standard, the means by which discard data are collected/
obtained, fishery stratification, reports, and/or industry-funded
observers or observer set-aside programs.
* * * * *
22. In Sec. 648.321, paragraphs (b)(19) and (b)(20) are revised
and paragraph (b)(21) is added to read as follows:
Sec. 648.321 Framework adjustment process.
* * * * *
(b) * * *
(19) OY and/or MSY specifications;
(20) Changes to the Northeast Region SBRM, including the CV-based
performance standard, the means by which discard data are collected/
obtained, fishery stratification, reports, and/or industry-funded
observers or observer set-aside programs; and
(21) Any other measures contained in the FMP.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. E7-16238 Filed 8-20-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S