Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Snapper-Grouper Fishery Off the Southern Atlantic States; Amendment 13C, 33423-33432 [E6-9028]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 111 (Friday, June 9, 2006)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 33423-33432]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-9028]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 622

[Docket No. 060525140-6140-01; I.D. 051106B]
RIN 0648-AT75


Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; 
Snapper-Grouper Fishery Off the Southern Atlantic States; Amendment 13C

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 issues this proposed rule to implement Amendment 13C to 
the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the 
South Atlantic Region (FMP), as prepared and submitted by the South 
Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council). Amendment 13C proposes 
management measures to end overfishing of snowy grouper, golden 
tilefish, vermilion snapper, and black sea bass and measures to allow 
moderate increases in recreational and commercial harvest of red porgy 
consistent with the rebuilding program for that stock.
    For the commercial fisheries, this proposed rule would establish 
restrictive quotas for snowy grouper, golden tilefish, vermilion 
snapper, and black sea bass and, after the quotas are met, prohibit all 
purchase and sale of the applicable species and restrict all harvest 
and possession to the applicable bag limit; establish restrictive trip 
limits for snowy grouper and golden tilefish; require at least 2-inch 
(5.1-cm) mesh in the back panel of black sea bass pots; require black 
sea bass pots to be removed from the water after the quota is reached; 
change the fishing year for black sea bass; increase the trip limit for 
red porgy; establish a red porgy quota that would allow a moderate 
increase in harvest; and, after the red porgy quota is reached, 
prohibit all purchase and sale and restrict all harvest and possession 
to the bag limit.
    For the recreational fisheries, this proposed rule would reduce the 
bag limits for snowy grouper, golden tilefish, and black sea bass; 
increase the minimum size limit for vermilion snapper and black sea 
bass; change the fishing year for black sea bass; and increase the bag 
limit for red porgy.
    The intended effects of this proposed rule are to eliminate or 
phase out overfishing of snowy grouper, golden tilefish, vermilion 
snapper, and black sea bass; and increase red porgy harvest consistent 
with an updated stock assessment and rebuilding plan to achieve optimum 
yield.

DATES: Written comments on this proposed rule must be received no later 
than 5 p.m., eastern time, on July 24, 2006.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on the proposed rule by any of the 
following methods:
     E-mail: 0648-AT75.Proposed@noaa.gov. Include in the 
subject line of the e-mail comment the following document identifier: 
0648-AT75.
     Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Mail: John McGovern, Southeast Regional Office, NMFS, 263 
13\th\ Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.
     Fax: 727-824-5308; Attention: John McGovern.
    Copies of Amendment 13C may be obtained from the South Atlantic 
Fishery Management Council, One Southpark Circle, Suite 306, 
Charleston, SC 29407-4699; phone: 843-571-4366 or 866-SAFMC-10 (toll 
free); fax: 843-769-4520; e-mail: safmc@safmc.net. Amendment 13C 
includes a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), a Biological 
Assessment, an Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA), a 
Regulatory Impact Review, and a Social Impact Assessment/Fishery Impact 
Statement.
    Comments regarding the burden-hour estimates or other aspects of 
the collection-of-information requirements contained in this proposed 
rule may be submitted in writing to Jason Rueter at the Southeast 
Regional Office address above and to David Rostker, Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB), by e-mail at David--Rostker@omb.eop.gov, 
or by fax to 202-395-7285.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John McGovern, telephone: 727-824-
5305; fax: 727-824-5308; e-mail: John.McGovern@noaa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The snapper-grouper fishery off the southern 
Atlantic states is managed under the FMP. The FMP was prepared by the 
Council and is implemented under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens 
Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) by 
regulations at 50 CFR part 622. NMFS issues this proposed rule to 
implement Amendment 13C to the FMP.

Background

    Recent stock assessments indicate that snowy grouper, golden 
tilefish, vermilion snapper, and black sea bass are experiencing 
overfishing. Overfishing means that the current rate of fishing 
mortality jeopardizes the capacity of the fishery for a species to 
produce its maximum sustainable yield on a continuing basis. Reductions 
in catch are needed to end overfishing.
    Red porgy, however, are no longer experiencing overfishing, and the 
stock is rebuilding. Accordingly, catch can be increased to meet the 
annual allowable biological catch established in the rebuilding program 
for this species.

Provisions of This Proposed Rule

    (Note that all poundages in this proposed rule are expressed in 
terms of gutted weight.)

Snowy Grouper

    In the commercial fishery for snowy grouper, this proposed rule 
would:
    Reduce, over a 3-year period, the commercial quota from 344,508 lb 
(156,266 kg), gutted weight, to 84,000 lb (38,102 kg), gutted weight. 
The quota would be reduced from 344,508 lb (156,266 kg) to 151,000 lb 
(68,492 kg) for year 1; to 118,000 lb (53,524 kg) for year 2; and to 
84,000 lb (38,102 kg) for

[[Page 33424]]

year 3 and thereafter. This quota represents a 69-percent reduction in 
harvest from average landings during 1999-2003 and would be expected to 
end overfishing in 2009.
    Reduce, over a 3-year period, the trip limit from 300 lb (136 kg) 
to 100 lb (45.4 kg), until the quota is taken. The trip limit would be 
reduced from 300 lb (136 kg) to 275 lb (125 kg) for year 1; to 175 lb 
(79.4 kg) for year 2; and to 100 lb (45.4 kg) for year 3 and 
thereafter. Reduced trip limits are intended to extend the duration of 
the fishing season as long as practicable, consistent with the 
available quota.
    In the recreational fishery for snowy grouper, this proposed rule 
would limit possession to one snowy grouper per person per day within 
the 5-grouper per person per day aggregate recreational bag limit. This 
bag limit would be expected to provide an incentive to avoid snowy 
grouper, thus contributing to reduced mortality of this species.

Golden Tilefish

    In the commercial fishery for golden tilefish, this proposed rule 
would:
    Reduce the commercial quota from 1,001,663 lb (454,347 kg), gutted 
weight, to 295,000 lb (133,810 kg), gutted weight. This quota is 
designed to reduce commercial catches by 35 percent from average 
landings recorded during 1999 to 2003 and, thereby, immediately end 
overfishing.
    Establish a trip limit of 4,000 lb (1,814 kg) until 75 percent of 
the quota is taken and a trip limit of 300 lb (136 kg) after 75 percent 
of the quota is taken, provided that if 75 percent of the quota had not 
been taken on or before September 1, the trip limit would not be 
reduced. These measures would be expected to extend the fishery through 
the fishing year while still allowing fishermen to take the entire 
quota.
    In the recreational fishery for golden tilefish, this proposed rule 
would limit possession to one per person per day within the 5-grouper 
per person per day aggregate recreational bag limit. This bag limit 
would be expected to provide an incentive to avoid golden tilefish, 
thus contributing to reduced mortality of this species.

Vermilion Snapper

    In the commercial fishery for vermilion snapper, this proposed rule 
would:
    Establish a fishing year quota of 1,100,000 lb (498,952 kg), gutted 
weight. This quota is equivalent to the average landings during 1999-
2003, represents an 8-percent reduction of the average landings during 
1999-2001, and closely approximates the commercial portion of the 
optimum yield. The quota would immediately end overfishing, prevent 
overfishing from occurring in the future, and eliminate the occasional 
spikes in landings.
    In the recreational fishery for vermilion snapper, this proposed 
rule would increase the minimum size limit from 11 inches (27.9 cm), 
total length (TL), to 12 inches (30.5 cm), TL. This measure is intended 
to reduce the mortality rate of vermilion snapper taken in the 
recreational fishery and would aid in enforceability of the minimum 
size limit by making the limit the same as the existing limit in the 
commercial fishery. However, NMFS is concerned that the release 
mortality rates for vermilion snapper could be higher than previously 
estimated; therefore, it is possible a large proportion of discarded 
fish would die. Further, because larger vermilion snapper occur in 
deeper water, the adverse effect of discard mortality could be even 
more severe for the larger fish. NMFS is specifically inviting public 
comment on the proposed increase in the vermilion snapper size limit.

Black Sea Bass

    In the commercial fishery for black sea bass, this proposed rule 
would:
    Change the fishing year from the calendar year to June 1 through 
May 31, as of the effective date of the final rule that would implement 
Amendment 13C. Peak spawning for black sea bass occurs during March 
through May. If the commercial quota were reached and the fishery 
closed before the end of the new fishing year, fishing pressure on 
spawners would be reduced, thus contributing to recruitment success of 
the new year class.
    Establish fishing year quotas of 477,000 lb (216,364 kg), gutted 
weight, for the fishing year that commences June 1, 2006; 423,000 lb 
(191,870 kg) for the fishing year that commences June 1, 2007; and 
309,000 lb (140,160 kg) for the fishing year that commences June 1, 
2008, and for subsequent fishing years. The ultimate quota of 309,000 
lb (140,160 kg), gutted weight, represents a 35-percent reduction of 
the average commercial landings during 2001-2003 and would end 
overfishing during 2009.
    Require the use of at least 2-inch (5.1-cm) mesh for the entire 
back panel, i.e., the side of the pot opposite the pot entrance, of a 
sea bass pot. To allow time for fishermen to comply with this gear 
change, this measure would become effective 6 months after the 
publication of the final rule that would implement Amendment 13C. This 
measure would significantly increase the ability of black sea bass that 
do not meet the minimum size limit to escape and, thus, would reduce 
the mortality of such trap-caught fish.
    Require removal of sea bass pots from the water when the commercial 
quota has been taken. The Administrator, Southeast Region, NMFS, (RA) 
would be authorized, based on extenuating circumstances, to grant up to 
a 10-day grace period for the removal of traps after the commercial 
quota has been taken. In addition, a person may request that the RA 
grant such a grace period based on severe personal hardship, such as 
equipment failure or the vessel operator's health, by providing a 
letter outlining the nature and circumstances of the severe personal 
hardship to be received by the RA no later than the effective date of 
the closure. The RA would advise the requester of the approval or 
disapproval of the request. This measure requiring timely removal of 
sea bass pots would eliminate the mortality of black sea bass 
associated with the use of pots after the quota is taken.
    In the recreational fishery for black sea bass, this proposed rule 
would:
    Change the fishing year from the calendar year to June 1 through 
May 31, as of the effective date of the final rule that would implement 
Amendment 13C. This measure would provide a uniform fishing year for 
both the commercial and recreational fisheries.
    Increase the minimum size limit from 10 inches (25.4 cm), TL, to 11 
inches (27.9 cm), TL, through May 31, 2007, and to 12 inches (30.5 cm), 
TL, commencing June 1, 2007. The increased minimum size limits would 
allow a greater proportion of fish to spawn.
    Reduce the daily bag limit from 20 to 15 per person per day. The 
decrease in bag limit would not initially reduce harvest as most 
fishermen are not catching the limit. However, a reduced bag limit 
would help to constrain harvest as the population rebuilds and the 
number of recreational fishermen increases.
    The Council believes these measures would end overfishing for black 
sea bass in the recreational fishery as soon as practicable.

Red Porgy

    In the commercial fishery for red porgy, this proposed rule would:
    Establish a fishing year quota of 127,000 lb (57,606 kg), gutted 
weight, and change the May through December trip limit from 50 lb (22.7 
kg) to 120 red porgy. (The January through April seasonal harvest 
limitations would remain unchanged.) These measures would be expected 
to increase the total

[[Page 33425]]

catch by 109 percent from average landings recorded from 1999 to 2003 
while ensuring continued progress in the current rebuilding program.
    In the recreational fishery for red porgy, this proposed rule would 
increase the daily bag limit from 1 to 3 red porgy per day and adjust 
the possession limit accordingly. This measure would be expected to 
allow an increase in the recreational catch while ensuring continued 
progress in the current rebuilding program.

Measures Applicable to Snowy Grouper, Golden Tilefish, Vermilion 
Snapper, Black Sea Bass, and Red Porgy

    For all of these species, this proposed rule would:
    Limit the harvest and possession of the applicable species to the 
recreational bag limit for the remainder of the fishing year after the 
applicable quota is taken. This measure would enhance enforceability of 
the regulations because, after a quota closure, the same limit would 
apply to both commercial and recreational fisheries.
    Prohibit the purchase and sale of the applicable species for the 
remainder of the fishing year after the applicable quota is taken. This 
measure would enhance enforceability of the quota provisions.

Additional Measures in Amendment 13C

    In addition to the measures discussed above, Amendment 13C would 
establish total allowable catches (TACs) for black sea bass comprised 
of commercial quotas and recreational allocations as follows (all 
weights are gutted weights):

------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Fishing Year                                           Recreational
   Commencing:            TAC         Commercial Quota     Allocation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
June 1, 2006       1,110,000 lb       477,000 lb        633,000 lb
                    (503,488 kg)       (216,364 kg)      (287,124 kg)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
June 1, 2007       983,000 lb         423,000 lb        560,000 lb
                    (445,882 kg)       (191,870 kg)      (254,012 kg)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
June 1, 2008, and  718,000 lb         309,000 lb        409,000 lb
 Subsequent Yrs.    (325,679 kg)       (140,160 kg)      (185,519 kg)
------------------------------------------------------------------------

TAC and its components would be used by fishery managers in determining 
when overfishing is occurring.

Availability of Amendment 13C

    Additional background and rationale for the measures discussed 
above are contained in Amendment 13C. The availability of Amendment 13C 
was announced in the Federal Register on May 18, 2006 (71 FR 28841). 
Written comments on Amendment 13C must be received by July 17, 2006. 
All comments received on Amendment 13C or on this proposed rule during 
their respective comment periods will be addressed in the preamble to 
the final rule.

Classification

    At this time, NMFS has not determined that Amendment 13C, which 
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 periods on Amendment 13C and 
this proposed rule.
    This proposed rule has been determined to be not significant for 
purposes of Executive Order 12866.
    The Council prepared an FEIS for Amendment 13C; a notice of 
availability was published on May 26, 2006 (71 FR 30399).
    NMFS prepared an IRFA, as required by section 603 of the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act. The IRFA describes the economic impact this proposed 
rule, if adopted, would have on small entities. A description of the 
action, why it is being considered, and the legal basis for this action 
are contained at the beginning of this section in the preamble and in 
the SUMMARY section of the preamble. A copy of the full analysis is 
available from the Council office (see ADDRESSES). A summary of the 
analysis follows.
    This proposed rule would reduce the commercial quotas and establish 
trip limits for snowy grouper and golden tilefish, establish commercial 
quotas for vermilion snapper and black sea bass, establish a back-panel 
mesh size requirement for black sea bass pots, change the fishing year 
for the commercial and recreational black sea bass fisheries, establish 
a commercial quota and increase the trip limit for red porgy, reduce 
the recreational bag limit for snowy grouper and golden tilefish, 
increase the recreational minimum size limits of vermilion snapper and 
black sea bass, and increase the recreational bag limit of red porgy. 
The purpose of the proposed rule is to end overfishing for snowy 
grouper, golden tilefish, vermilion snapper, and black sea bass, and 
allow for an increase in the harvest of red porgy consistent with the 
rebuilding schedule for this species. The Magnuson-Stevens Act provides 
the statutory basis for the proposed rule.
    No duplicative, overlapping, or conflicting Federal rules have been 
identified. The proposed rule would not impose any reporting or 
recordkeeping requirements. However, sea bass pot fishermen who 
encounter personal hardship and are unable to meet the proposed pot 
removal requirements may request through application to the Regional 
Administrator, NMFS Southeast Region (RA), a grace period of up to 10 
days. Completion of this application is not expected to require special 
skills, recordkeeping, or substantial allocation of time, which should 
not exceed 30 minutes. No fees or costs other than the time spent and 
postage are associated with this application.
    Two general classes of small business entities would be directly 
affected by the proposed rule, commercial fishing vessels and for-hire 
fishing vessels (charterboats and headboats). The Small Business 
Administration defines a small entity in the commercial fishing sector 
as a firm that is independently owned and operated, is not dominant in 
its field of operation, and has annual gross receipts not in excess of 
$3.5 million. For a for-hire business, the appropriate revenue 
benchmark is $6.0 million.
    An analysis of the gross revenue per vessel for commercial vessels 
that harvest species addressed in this action was conducted using data 
from the NMFS Southeast logbook program. These vessels also operate in 
other federally permitted fisheries, some harvests of which are also 
reported in the Southeast logbook program. All harvests (snapper-
grouper and non-snapper-grouper species) and associated gross revenues 
encompassed by the Southeast logbook program were summarized. During 
the period 2001 to 2004, average annual gross revenue per vessel did 
not exceed $14,000, and total annual gross revenue for an individual 
vessel did not exceed approximately $247,000. It should be noted that 
these vessels may also operate in the for-hire sector and other 
commercial fisheries

[[Page 33426]]

whose landings are not covered by the Southeast logbook. Thus, this 
analysis may underestimate the total gross revenue for some vessels, 
though any underestimation is not believed to be substantial.
    A comprehensive study of vessels that participated in the South 
Atlantic snapper-grouper fishery in 1994 provided estimates of total 
vessel revenue from all fishing activities. Average net income (1994 
dollars) from sampled boats, in declining order, was $83,224 for boats 
that primarily used bottom longlines in the northern area (St. 
Augustine, FL, northward); $23,075 for boats that primarily used black 
sea bass pots in the northern area, $15,563 for boats that primarily 
used bottom longlines in the southern area (south of St. Augustine, 
FL); $11,649 for boats that primarily used vertical lines in the 
southern area; and $8,307 for boats that primarily used vertical lines 
in the northern area. Overall, boats in the northern area averaged 
$14,143 in net income based on average revenues of $48,702, while boats 
in the southern area averaged $12,388 net income based on average 
revenues of $39,745.
    Although some fleet activity may exist in the snapper-grouper 
fishery, the extent of such has not been determined. Thus, all vessels 
are assumed to be unique business entities. Given the gross revenue 
profile captured by 2001-2004 Southeast logbook program data and the 
findings of the 1994 survey, it is assumed that all vessels represent 
small business entities.
    Charterboats are defined as boats for hire carrying 6 or fewer 
passengers that charge a fee to rent the entire boat. Headboats are 
for-hire vessels with a larger passenger capacity that charge a fee per 
individual angler. Using 1998 survey data, two methods were used to 
determine the average gross revenue per vessel for the for-hire sector. 
The first method summarized the survey response to total gross revenue 
provided by the vessel owner. The second method calculated gross 
revenue based on the survey response to the average price per trip/
passenger and the average number of trips/passengers taken/carried per 
year. The second method consistently generated higher estimates of 
average gross revenues, suggesting either over-reporting of the 
individual data elements utilized in the calculated method or under-
reporting of gross revenues. The analysis of the expected impacts of 
the proposed action, however, assumed the alternative estimation 
methods generated an acceptable range of the true average gross 
revenues for this sector. For the charterboat sector, these results 
(1998 dollars) are as follows: $51,000 to $69,268 for Florida Atlantic 
coast vessels; $60,135 to $73,365 for North Carolina vessels; $26,304 
to $32,091 for South Carolina vessels; and $56,551 to $68,992 for 
Georgia vessels. For the headboat sector, the results are: $140,714 to 
$299,551 for Florida (east and west coast) vessels, and $123,000 to 
$261,990 for vessels in the other South Atlantic states. Similar to the 
commercial harvest sector, some fleet activity may exist within the 
for-hire sector. The magnitude and identity of such is unknown, 
however, and all vessels are assumed to represent unique business 
entities. Given the gross revenue profiles generated, it is assumed 
that all for-hire operations potentially affected by the proposed rule 
are small business entities.
    During 2004, 1,066 commercial vessels were permitted to operate in 
the snapper-grouper fishery. Not all permitted vessels operate every 
year, and some vessels are believed to obtain permits for either 
speculative purposes or as insurance against further restriction in 
commercial fisheries. Nevertheless, the total number of permitted 
vessels is considered an upper bound on the potential universe of 
vessels in the snapper-grouper fishery. The lower bound is assumed to 
be the number of vessels active in 2003--906 vessels. Thus, the range 
of vessels assumed to potentially operate in the commercial snapper-
grouper fishery is 906 to 1,066. A subset of these vessels harvest the 
five species addressed in this action. From 2001 through 2004, the 
number of vessels that harvested any of the species addressed in this 
action ranged from 396 to 459 and are assumed to be the universe of 
potentially affected entities in the commercial harvest sector. This 
represents 37 percent (396/1,066) to 51 percent (459/906) of the entire 
universe of entities potentially active in the snapper-grouper fishery. 
Thus, it is determined that a substantial number of small entities in 
the commercial harvest sector would be affected by the proposed 
measures.
    For the for-hire sector, 1,594 snapper-grouper for-hire permits 
were issued to vessels in the southern Atlantic states in 2004. The 
for-hire fishery operates as an open access fishery, and not all 
permitted vessels are necessarily active in the fishery. Some vessel 
owners purchase open access permits as insurance for uncertainties in 
the fisheries in which they currently operate. A 1999 study of the 
Southeast for-hire industry estimated that a total of 1,080 charter 
vessels and 96 headboats supplied for-hire services in Florida (east 
and west coast) and the rest of the South Atlantic in 1997.
    Data on the number of for-hire vessels that actually harvest the 
species addressed by this action are not available. However, harvest 
data for 1999-2003 indicate that most (70 percent) of the headboat 
harvest in the South Atlantic is comprised of snapper-grouper species, 
and approximately 36 percent of total snapper-grouper headboat harvest 
is comprised of the species addressed in this action. Therefore, it is 
assumed that all South Atlantic headboats harvest or target snapper-
grouper species, and it is likely that a substantial number of 
headboats will be affected by measures in this proposed rule.
    Data on the charter sector also imply that a substantial number of 
charterboat entities will be affected by the proposed rule. Based on 
2003 data, snapper-grouper species are caught on 28 percent of all 
charter trips, while 14 percent of the charter sector's snapper-grouper 
harvest is comprised of species addressed by this action.
    The outcome of ``significant economic impact'' can be ascertained 
by examining two issues: disproportionality and profitability. The 
disproportionality question is, do the regulations place a substantial 
number of small entities at a significant competitive disadvantage to 
large entities? All vessel operations affected by the proposed action 
are considered small entities so the issue of disproportionality does 
not arise in the present case. However, among the entities in the 
commercial harvest sector, there is a high degree of diversity in terms 
of primary gear employed and level of engagement in the snapper-grouper 
fishery. The proposed snowy grouper and golden tilefish actions would 
have a proportionally higher negative short-term impact on vessels 
which employ longline gear or fish off south and central Florida. The 
proposed vermilion snapper quota would have a relatively larger 
negative impact on vessels that employ hook-and-line gear or fish off 
Georgia and Northeast Florida. The proposed black sea bass management 
measures would have a proportionally higher negative impact on vessels 
that utilize black sea bass pots in North Carolina. Although the 
proposed red porgy management measures would increase the allowable 
harvest and revenues in the commercial fishery, most of the increase in 
revenue would be realized by vessels that employ hook-and-line gear.
    The short-term impacts on the for-hire sector from the proposed 
measures for snowy grouper and golden tilefish are

[[Page 33427]]

expected to be minimal. In contrast, for-hire vessels would bear 
substantially larger short-term negative impacts associated with 
implementation of the proposed regulations for vermilion snapper and 
black sea bass. Assessment of the impacts on for-hire vessels is 
limited to expected reductions in harvest because the econometric 
models to predict changes in for-hire trips and subsequent changes in 
revenues as a result of the proposed regulations are not available. The 
short-term reduction in harvest of these two species is expected to be 
proportionally greater in the headboat sector than the charterboat or 
private boat sectors. For the vermilion snapper fishery, the proposed 
regulation would reduce vermilion snapper harvests by 21 percent in the 
private/charter sector compared to 30 percent in the headboat sector. 
Similarly, the proposed regulations for black sea bass are expected to 
reduce black sea bass harvests by 27 percent (year 1) in the charter/
private sector compared to 41 percent (year 1) in the headboat sector.
    The proposed red porgy regulation is expected to result in an 
increase in recreational harvest and associated benefits and is 
projected to increase red porgy harvest in the headboat sector by 36 
percent and by 21 percent in the charter/private recreational fishery 
sector.
    The profitability question is, do the regulations significantly 
reduce profit for a substantial number of small entities? In the 
recreational fishery, for-hire business entities would be expected to 
lose revenues and profits as a result of trip cancellation by clients 
who determine that the proposed measures will significantly affect the 
quality of the fishing experience. As previously discussed, these 
losses cannot be estimated at this time due to data limitations. 
However, it is reasonable to assume that the greater the reduction in 
harvest, the higher the likelihood of trip cancellation and potential 
revenue loss. Even though it is not possible to calculate the change in 
profitability expected to arise from the proposed rule, given the 
dependence of the for-hire sector on the harvest of vermilion snapper 
and black sea bass, it is reasonable to assume that the expected 
harvest reductions may result in a substantial adverse impact on the 
profitability of affected for-hire entities. The estimated reduction in 
consumer surplus for anglers that participate in the headboat sector 
(approximately $577,000) as a result of the proposed regulations in 
these two fisheries is approximately 19 percent of total estimated 
consumer surplus generated from the snapper-grouper fishery for this 
sector (approximately $2.978 million). Similar analysis is not possible 
for the charter sector because this sector was combined with the 
private recreational sector in the assessment results. Although it is 
inappropriate to translate these results one-for-one into expected trip 
cancellations, they demonstrate the potential magnitude of trip 
cancellation and potential business revenue and profit changes.
    In the commercial harvest sector, data from 2001 through 2004 were 
used to examine the profitability of vessels that are likely to be 
affected by the proposed measures for black sea bass, vermilion 
snapper, golden tilefish, and snowy grouper. This analysis encompassed 
an average of 408 vessels per year. Because the analysis for red porgy 
was conducted using data during a different time period (1995 through 
1998), the revenue increase associated with this measure was not 
included in the assessment of the short-term cumulative effects of the 
proposed rule. Instead, the estimated increase in net cash flow in the 
commercial harvest sector due to red porgy regulations is presented 
separately.
    Net vessel revenues (gross revenue minus trip costs and opportunity 
cost of labor) were estimated from landings reported to the Southeast 
logbook program. Over the period 2001 to 2004, a large proportion (67 
percent) of the entities included in this analysis earned less than 
$10,001 per year. Also, a number of vessels appeared to operate at a 
loss or break-even condition. These results could be an indication that 
a high proportion of the commercial fishermen in the Southeast are 
part-time fishermen who supplement their household income by other 
employment. Another explanation of the results is that not all of the 
fishing revenues for these vessels are reported in the Southeast 
logbooks and/or the vessels are engaged in for-hire activities. 
Revenues and costs associated with commercial fishing on trips that did 
not harvest any of the species covered by this proposed action, 
commercial fishing not captured by the Southeast logbook program, and 
for-hire activities are not reflected in the results contained in the 
following analyses. As such, total and net revenues for entire fishing 
business operations are unknown, and the following analysis likely 
overstates total and average individual impacts on the affected 
entities. The magnitude of this overstatement, however, cannot be 
determined.
    During the first year of implementation, the proposed harvest 
restrictions for golden tilefish, snowy grouper, vermilion snapper, and 
black sea bass are expected to result in a total net short-term annual 
loss of $0.735 million to the commercial harvest sector, or 12 percent 
of the total net revenue for trips that harvested any of the affected 
species. The proposed rule would implement a stepped-down approach on 
harvest restrictions for snowy grouper and black sea bass over a 3-year 
period, and the cumulative effects of the proposed measures for these 
four species will increase to $1.085 million in the third year.
    When evaluated at the individual vessel/entity level, the average 
annual loss per affected entity associated with the proposed rule in 
the first year is expected to vary between $760 and $3,261, and the 
maximum net loss per boat is expected to vary between $26,533 and 
$76,390 per year. In comparison, the preferred alternatives taken to 
public hearings would have resulted in an average annual loss between 
$1,863 and $5,659 and a maximum net loss per boat between $39,159 and 
$77,854 per year.
    On average, 219 vessels (54 percent of potentially affected 
entities) would not be expected to incur losses under the proposed 
rule. In contrast, an average of 92 vessels (23 percent of potentially 
affected entities) would not have sustained net revenue losses if the 
preferred alternatives in the public hearing draft were implemented.
    Revenue loss per vessel was classified as Range I ($1-$500), Range 
II ($501 to $10,000), or Range III (greater than $10,000). The short-
term economic effects of the proposed action would not be distributed 
evenly across all affected entities. During the first year of 
implementation of the proposed rule, it is expected that 21 vessels 
would sustain Range III losses (an average of $22,764 per vessel) and 
collectively account for 62 percent of the total net loss in the 
commercial harvest sector. Conversely, 82 entities would sustain Range 
I losses ($102 per vessel), and 86 entities are expected to sustain 
Range II losses ($3,165 per vessel) and account for 37 percent of the 
total net loss in the commercial harvest sector.
    Vessel profitability is expected to decrease by more than 10 
percent for 86 vessels (21 percent of the 408 potentially affected 
entities) during the first year of implementation of this proposed 
rule. This compares to 140 vessels (34 percent of all 408 potentially 
affected entities) expected to experience a decrease in profitability 
of more than 10 percent under the preferred alternatives taken to 
public hearing.
    The proposed rule is expected to result in a loss in net revenue of 
more

[[Page 33428]]

than 10 percent for the 20 vessels that experience a Range III 
reduction. Also, 80 percent of all affected entities (16 vessels) that 
experience a Range III decrease in net revenue are expected to realize 
more than a 25- percent reduction in profitability. In contrast, 
profitability is expected to decrease by more than 10 percent for only 
24 percent (7 vessels) of all vessels that are likely to sustain Range 
I losses.
    For red porgy, the proposed rule is expected to increase short-term 
revenue to the commercial harvest sector by $0.07 million annually. The 
estimated increase in earnings of 32 vessels (10 percent of the 317 
vessels expected to be affected by the red porgy action) are expected 
to exceed $2,500 per vessel annually. The estimated average net revenue 
increase per vessel within the red porgy fishery is $221 ($70,000/317) 
per year.
    In summary, the proposed rule is expected to result in a 12- 
percent loss in short-term net revenue to the commercial harvest 
sector. At least 26 percent of potentially affected entities are 
expected to sustain more than $501 losses in net revenue, and 31 
percent of all affected entities (13 percent of all potentially 
affected entities) are expected to experience more than a 25- percent 
decrease in profitability during the first year of implementation of 
the proposed action. The reductions in profitability are expected to 
increase through the third year as total target harvest reductions are 
achieved. Thus, both the magnitude and distributional effects of the 
reduction in net revenues could increase over this period of time. 
However, the delayed implementation of the full harvest reductions 
could allow operational adaptation by the affected entities, resulting 
in smaller total impacts and smaller distributional effects than those 
discussed above. In addition to the impacts described for the 
commercial finfish harvest sector, certain segments of the for-hire 
sector are expected to experience substantial reductions in allowable 
harvests of certain species as a result of the proposed rule and may 
experience commensurate reductions in revenues if unable to maintain 
service demand through the substitution of other species.
    Three alternatives, including the status quo and the preferred 
alternative, were considered for the proposed action to establish 
management measures for the commercial fishery consistent with ending 
overfishing in the snowy grouper fishery. The status quo would allow 
continued overfishing and would, therefore, not achieve the Council's 
objective.
    The third alternative would have achieved the full commercial quota 
reduction in the first year of implementation, rather than the step-
down provision of the proposed action and, as such, would result in 
greater short-term adverse economic impacts than the proposed action.
    Three alternatives, including the status quo and the preferred 
alternative, were considered for the proposed action to establish 
management measures for the recreational fishery consistent with ending 
overfishing in the snowy grouper fishery. The status quo would have 
allowed continued overfishing and would, therefore, not achieve the 
Council's objective.
    Due to the low catch per unit effort in the recreational fishery, 
the third alternative would not have resulted in sufficient harvest 
reduction to achieve the goal of ending overfishing. Therefore, 
although this alternative would have resulted in lower short-term 
adverse economic impacts to the recreational sector, this alternative 
would not achieve the Council's objective.
    Three alternatives, including the status quo and two quota 
alternatives, one of which was the preferred alternative, were 
considered for the proposed action to establish management measures for 
the commercial fishery consistent with ending overfishing in the golden 
tilefish fishery. The status quo would allow continued overfishing and 
would, therefore, not achieve the Council's objective.
    For each quota alternative, five step-down trip limit alternatives, 
including the status quo, and two step-down trigger date control 
options, including the status quo no control trigger date, were 
considered. Under the quota specified by the proposed action, the trip 
limit alternatives encompassed either a lower trip limit, 3,000 lb 
(1,361 kg), than the proposed action or a less restrictive harvest 
trigger, 85 percent of the quota, for the step down. The short-term 
adverse economic impacts of all trip limit alternative combinations 
that include the 75-percent harvest trigger would be expected to be 
approximately equal to or greater than those of the proposed action. 
The trip limit alternative combinations that include the 85-percent 
harvest trigger would generate lower short-term adverse economic 
impacts than the proposed action. However, this higher trigger would 
result in a shorter fishing season, on average, than the proposed 
action. Although these impacts were not able to be quantified, shorter 
fishing seasons are recognized to result in adverse price effects, 
market disruptions, and disruptions of business operation. Therefore, 
the expected longer season projected under the proposed action was 
determined to best meet the Council's objectives.
    Under the alternative quota specification, the expected adverse 
short-term economic impacts of seven of the ten trip limit and trigger 
date combinations are projected to be less than those of the proposed 
action due to the 3-year progression to the target quota of 295,000 lb 
(133,810 kg), which is implemented in the third year under this 
alternative, resulting in larger allowable harvests the first 2 years. 
This alternative, however, would not end overfishing as soon as 
practicable and would therefore not meet the Council's objective.
    Four alternatives, including the status quo and the preferred 
alternative, were considered for the proposed action to establish 
management measures for the recreational fishery consistent with ending 
overfishing in the golden tilefish fishery. The status quo would allow 
continued overfishing and would, therefore, not achieve the Council's 
objective.
    Due to the low catch per unit effort in the recreational fishery, 
the third alternative would not have resulted in sufficient harvest 
reduction to achieve the goal of ending overfishing. Therefore, 
although this alternative would have resulted in lower short-term 
adverse economic impacts to the recreational sector, this alternative 
would not achieve the Council's objective.
    The fourth alternative would impose greater restrictions on 
recreational golden tilefish harvest, resulting in greater adverse 
economic impacts than the proposed action.
    Ten alternatives, including the status quo and the preferred 
alternative, were considered for the proposed action to establish 
management measures for the commercial fishery consistent with ending 
overfishing in the vermilion snapper fishery. The status quo would 
allow continued overfishing and would, therefore, not achieve the 
Council's objective.
    Eight alternatives would have established lower commercial quotas 
(either 757,000 or 821,000 lb (343,369 or 372,399 kg) gutted weight) 
than the preferred alternative, in addition to alternative minimum size 
and trip limits. These quotas represent reductions in allowable harvest 
greater than is necessary to end overfishing of this resource. Further, 
each of the eight alternatives would result in greater

[[Page 33429]]

adverse economic impacts than the proposed action.
    Nine alternatives, including the status quo and the preferred 
alternative, were considered for the proposed action to establish 
management measures for the recreational fishery consistent with ending 
overfishing in the vermilion snapper fishery. The status quo would 
allow continued overfishing and would, therefore, not achieve the 
Council's objective.
    In addition to the minimum size limit increase of the proposed 
action, one alternative to the proposed action would reduce the daily 
bag limit to six fish. Although this alternative would increase the 
likelihood of ending overfishing relative to the proposed action, this 
alternative would result in greater adverse economic impacts than the 
proposed action.
    A similar alternative would, in addition to the minimum size limit 
increase, impose lower, but differential, bag limits on the for-hire 
and recreational sectors. Similar to the alternative discussed above, 
although this alternative would increase the likelihood of ending 
overfishing relative to the proposed action, this alternative would 
result in greater adverse economic impacts than the proposed action.
    Two alternatives to the proposed vermilion snapper recreational 
action would maintain the current minimum size limit but impose fishery 
closures for different periods: October through December and January 
through February. Both alternatives are projected to result in lower 
adverse economic impacts than the proposed action. However, these 
estimates do not incorporate additional potential adverse impacts 
associated with potential fishing trip cancellation as a result of the 
closures. These impacts cannot be determined at this time. The addition 
of these impacts to these alternatives, however, may result in greater 
total adverse impacts compared to the proposed action. Further, 
although the proposed action may not end overfishing, depending on the 
level of the current vermilion snapper biomass, these alternatives are 
not expected to achieve as much progress toward the goal of ending 
overfishing as the proposed action and, as such, do not meet the 
Council's objectives.
    Two alternatives to the proposed recreational vermilion snapper 
action would retain the closures specified in the alternatives 
discussed above and add reductions in the bag limit to six fish and 
five fish, respectively. Although each of these alternatives would be 
expected to achieve greater progress toward ending overfishing relative 
to the proposed action, each would also result in greater adverse 
economic impacts than the proposed action.
    The ninth and final alternative to the proposed recreational 
vermilion snapper action would include the minimum size limit increase 
in the proposed action and close the fishery from January through 
February. This alternative would achieve greater harvest reductions 
than the proposed action, thereby accomplishing more progress toward 
ending overfishing. This action would also, however, result in greater 
adverse economic impacts than the proposed action. The Council 
determined that, given the uncertainty associated with the stock 
assessment for vermilion snapper, the harvest reductions achieved by 
the proposed action, while not achieving an immediate end to 
overfishing, would be sufficient until further knowledge is gained 
through the next stock assessment.
    Eight alternatives, including the status quo and the preferred 
alternative, were considered for the proposed action to establish 
management measures for the commercial fishery consistent with ending 
overfishing in the black sea bass fishery. The status quo would allow 
continued overfishing and would, therefore, not achieve the Council's 
objective.
    The third alternative would have established a lower quota than 
that specified for the first 2 years under the proposed action, but 10 
percent greater than the third year quota. Thus, this alternative would 
be expected to result in greater adverse economic impacts than the 
proposed action in the first 2 years, but slightly lesser impacts in 
subsequent years. Although the effects of such could not be quantified, 
the Council determined that a more gradual progression to a lower quota 
would support greater adaptive behavior by participants and result in 
lower total adverse economic impacts.
    The fourth alternative would have established the lower third- year 
quota target of the proposed action immediately and also would have 
established an increased minimum size limit and trip limits. This 
alternative would result in greater adverse economic impacts than the 
proposed action.
    The fifth alternative would have established a quota equal to that 
specified in the second year of the proposed action and an increased 
minimum size limit. This alternative would result in greater adverse 
economic impacts in the first 2 years than the proposed action, but 
less impacts thereafter. This alternative would not, however, achieve 
the necessary harvest reductions to meet the Council's objective to end 
overfishing.
    The sixth alternative would add trip limits and an increase in the 
minimum size limit to the measures contained in the proposed action. 
Because this alternative would be more restrictive than the proposed 
action, this alternative would result in greater adverse economic 
impacts.
    The seventh alternative would not impose a quota but would, 
instead, in addition to the mesh size specification of the proposed 
action, limit harvest and/or possession of black sea bass to the 
recreational bag limit. This alternative would result in greater 
adverse economic impacts than the proposed action.
    The eighth and final alternative to the proposed action on the 
commercial black sea bass fishery would impose the mesh size 
specification of the proposed action and increase the minimum size 
limit. Although this alternative would result in less adverse economic 
impacts than the proposed action, this alternative would not achieve 
the necessary harvest reductions to meet the Council's objective of 
ending overfishing.
    Eight alternatives, including the status quo and the preferred 
alternative, were considered for the proposed action to establish 
management measures for the recreational fishery consistent with ending 
overfishing in the black sea bass fishery. The status quo would allow 
continued overfishing and would, therefore, not achieve the Council's 
objective.
    The third alternative to the proposed action would immediately 
establish a lower allocation than the first 2 years of the proposed 
action, but greater than that of the third and subsequent years, as 
well as an immediate increase in the minimum size limit matching the 
specification in the second year of the proposed action. The bag limit 
specifications of both alternatives are identical. Since this 
alternative is more aggressive in achieving desired reductions, the 
short-term adverse impacts are greater than those of the proposed 
action. Further, the progressive achievement of the target restrictions 
in the proposed action allow for more gradual adaptation to the new 
restrictions and the changes to the business environment they may 
engender.
    The fourth alternative to the proposed action would immediately 
establish the third year allocation of the proposed action, forgo the 
second increase in the

[[Page 33430]]

minimum size limit, and reduce the bag limit to four fish per person 
per day. Although the quantifiable adverse economic impacts of this 
alternative are lower than those of the proposed action, these impacts 
do not account for additional potential adverse impacts associated with 
trip cancellation due to the severe reduction (80 percent) in the daily 
bag limit. These additional adverse impacts are expected to result in 
this alternative having a greater adverse economic impact than the 
proposed action.
    The fifth alternative would establish a recreational allocation 
equal to that of the second year under the proposed action and limit 
the increase in the minimum size limit to 1 inch (2.5 cm). Although 
this alternative would result in lower adverse economic impacts than 
the proposed action, the resultant harvest reductions would be 
insufficient to meet the Council's objective.
    The sixth alternative would mimic the allocation specifications of 
the proposed action but would limit the minimum size limit increase to 
1 inch (2.5 cm) while reducing the daily bag limit to four fish. 
Similar to the discussion of the second alternative above, the 
analytical results do not capture the full potential impacts associated 
with the bag limit reduction, and this alternative is expected to 
result in greater adverse economic impact than the proposed action.
    The seventh alternative would simply reduce the bag limit to 10 
fish per person per day. This alternative would not achieve the 
necessary harvest reductions to meet the Council's objective.
    The eighth and final alternative to the proposed action for the 
recreational black sea bass fishery would simply increase the minimum 
size limit 1 inch (2.5 cm). This alternative would not achieve the 
necessary harvest reductions to meet the Council's objective.
    Five alternatives, including the status quo and the preferred 
alternative, were considered for the proposed action to establish 
management measures to increase the allowable harvest in the 
recreational and commercial fisheries for red porgy. The status quo 
would allow continued overfishing and would, therefore, not achieve the 
Council's objective.
    The third alternative would be identical to the proposed action 
except for allowing a smaller recreational bag limit. This alternative 
would result in lower economic benefits than the proposed action.
    The fourth alternative similarly imposes the smaller recreational 
bag limit and reduces the number of fish that can be harvested per 
commercial trip relative to the proposed action, while allowing the 
limit to remain in effect year-round rather than just May through 
December. Although this alternative would result in slightly greater 
benefits to the commercial sector, the benefits to the recreational 
sector would be less than those of the proposed action, and the Council 
determined that overall the proposed action would be more effective in 
allowing increased benefits relative to the status quo while protecting 
against harvest overages.
    The fifth and final alternative to the proposed action on the red 
porgy fishery would implement the commercial trip limits of the second 
alternative discussed above, while allowing the higher daily 
recreational bag limit of the proposed action. Although this 
alternative would result in the higher economic benefits associated 
with the more liberal increases for both harvest sectors, the Council 
determined that the more conservative harvest potential associated with 
the commercial trip limits of the proposed action would be more 
effective in insuring that harvest overages do not occur.
    This proposed rule contains a collection-of-information requirement 
subject to review and approval by OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act 
(PRA)--namely, a person requesting an exemption (i.e., a grace period) 
to the requirement for sea bass pot removal would be required to submit 
a letter of request to the RA. This requirement has been submitted to 
OMB for approval. The public reporting burden per response for this 
collection of information is estimated to average 10 minutes. This 
estimate of the public reporting burden includes the time for reviewing 
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and 
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the 
collections of information. Public comment is sought regarding: Whether 
this proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper 
performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the 
information will have practical utility; the accuracy of the burden 
estimate; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the 
collection of information, including through the use of automated 
collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Send 
comments on these or any other aspects of the collection of information 
to NMFS and to OMB (see ADDRESSES), and e-mail to David--
Rostker@omb.eop.gov or fax to 202-395-7285.
    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required 
to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure 
to comply with, a collection of information subject to the requirements 
of the PRA, unless that collection of information displays a currently 
valid OMB control number.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 622

    Fisheries, Fishing, Puerto Rico, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Virgin Islands.

    Dated: June 5, 2006.
James W. Balsiger,
Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National 
Marine Fisheries Service.
    For the reasons set out in the preamble, 50 CFR part 622 is 
proposed to be amended as follows:

PART 622--FISHERIES OF THE CARIBBEAN, GULF, AND SOUTH ATLANTIC

    1. The authority citation for part 622 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.

    2. In Sec.  622.30, paragraph (e) is added to read as follows:


Sec.  622.30  Fishing years.

* * * * *
    (e) South Atlantic black sea bass--June 1 through May 31.
    3. In Sec.  622.36, paragraph (b)(5) is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  622.36  Atlantic EEZ seasonal and/or area closures.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (5) Red porgy. During January, February, March, and April, the 
harvest or possession of red porgy in or from the South Atlantic EEZ is 
limited to three per person per day or three per person per trip, 
whichever is more restrictive. In addition, this limitation is 
applicable in the South Atlantic on board a vessel for which a valid 
Federal commercial or charter vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic 
snapper-grouper has been issued without regard to where such red porgy 
were harvested. Such red porgy are subject to the prohibition on sale 
or purchase, as specified in Sec.  622.45(d)(5).
    4. In Sec.  622.37, paragraphs (e)(1)(ii) and (e)(3)(i) are revised 
to read as follows:


Sec.  622.37  Size limits.

* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (1) * * *

[[Page 33431]]

    (ii) Vermilion snapper--12 inches (30.5 cm), TL.
* * * * *
    (3) * * *
    (i) Black sea bass. (A) For a fish taken by a person subject to the 
bag limit specified in Sec.  622.39(d)(1)(vii):
    (1) Through May 31, 2007--11 inches (27.9 cm), TL; and
    (2) On and after June 1, 2007--12 inches (30.5 cm), TL.
    (B) For a fish taken by a person not subject to the bag limit in 
Sec.  622.39(d)(1)--10 inches (25.4 cm), TL.
* * * * *
    5. In Sec.  622.39, paragraphs (d)(1)(ii), (d)(1)(vi), (d)(1)(vii), 
and (d)(2)(ii) are revised to read as follows:


Sec.  622.39  Bag and possession limits.

* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (ii) Groupers and tilefish, combined--5. However, within the 5-fish 
aggregate bag limit:
    (A) No more than two fish may be gag or black grouper, combined;
    (B) No more than one fish may be a snowy grouper;
    (C) No more than one fish may be a golden tilefish; and
    (D) No goliath grouper or Nassau grouper may be retained.
* * * * *
    (vi) Red porgy--3.
    (vii) Black sea bass--15.
* * * * *
    (2) * * *
    (ii) A person aboard a vessel may not possess red porgy in or from 
the EEZ in excess of three per day or three per trip, whichever is more 
restrictive.
* * * * *
    6. In Sec.  622.40, paragraphs (c)(3)(i) and (d)(2) are revised to 
read as follows:


Sec.  622.40  Limitations on traps and pots.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (3) * * *
    (i) A sea bass pot used or possessed in the South Atlantic EEZ must 
have mesh sizes as follows (based on centerline measurements between 
opposite, parallel wires or netting strands):
    (A) For sides of the pot other than the back panel:
    (1) Hexagonal mesh (chicken wire)--at least 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) 
between the wrapped sides;
    (2) Square mesh--at least 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) between sides; or
    (3) Rectangular mesh--at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) between the longer 
sides and 2 inches (5.1 cm) between the shorter sides.
    (B) For the entire back panel, i.e., the side of the pot opposite 
the side that contains the pot entrance, mesh that is at least 2 inches 
(5.1 cm) between sides.
* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (2) South Atlantic EEZ--(i) Sea bass pots. (A) In the South 
Atlantic EEZ, sea bass pots may not be used or possessed in multiple 
configurations, that is, two or more pots may not be attached one to 
another so that their overall dimensions exceed those allowed for an 
individual sea bass pot. This does not preclude connecting individual 
pots to a line, such as a ``trawl'' or trot line.
    (B) A sea bass pot must be removed from the water in the South 
Atlantic EEZ when the quota specified in Sec.  622.42(e)(5) is reached. 
The RA may authorize a grace period of up to 10 days for removal of 
pots after a closure is in effect based on exigent circumstances which 
include, but are not limited to, insufficient advance notice of a 
closure or severe weather. In addition, a person may request that the 
RA grant such a grace period based on severe personal hardship, such as 
equipment failure or the vessel operator's health, by providing a 
letter outlining the nature and circumstances of the severe personal 
hardship to be received by the RA no later than the effective date of 
the closure. The RA will advise the requester of the approval or 
disapproval of the request. After a closure is in effect, a black sea 
bass may not be retained by a vessel that has a sea bass pot on board.
    (ii) Golden crab traps. Rope is the only material allowed to be 
used for a buoy line or mainline attached to a golden crab trap.
    7. In Sec.  622.42, paragraph (e) is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  622.42  Quotas.

* * * * *
    (e) South Atlantic snapper-grouper, excluding wreckfish. The quotas 
apply to persons who are not subject to the bag limits. (See Sec.  
622.39(a)(1) for applicability of the bag limits.) The quotas are in 
gutted weight, that is, eviscerated but otherwise whole.
    (1) Snowy grouper. (i) For the fishing year that commences January 
1, 2006--151,000 lb (68,492 kg).
    (ii) For the fishing year that commences January 1, 2007--118,000 
lb (53,524 kg).
    (iii) For the fishing year that commences January 1, 2008, and for 
subsequent fishing years--84,000 lb (38,102 kg).
    (2) Golden tilefish--295,000 lb (133,810 kg).
    (3) Greater amberjack--1,169,931 lb (530,672 kg).
    (4) Vermilion snapper--1,100,000 lb (498,952 kg).
    (5) Black sea bass. (i) For the fishing year that commences June 1, 
2006--477,000 lb (216,364 kg).
    (ii) For the fishing year that commences June 1, 2007--423,000 lb 
(191,870 kg).
    (iii) For the fishing year that commences June 1, 2008, and for 
subsequent fishing years--309,000 lb (140,160 kg).
    (6) Red porgy--127,000 lb (57,606 kg).
* * * * *
    8. In Sec.  622.43, paragraphs (a)(5) and (b)(1) are revised to 
read as follows:


Sec.  622.43  Closures.

    (a) * * *
    (5) South Atlantic greater amberjack, snowy grouper, golden 
tilefish, vermilion snapper, black sea bass, and red porgy. The 
appropriate bag limits specified in Sec.  622.39(d)(1) and the 
possession limits specified in Sec.  622.39(d)(2) apply to all harvest 
or possession of the applicable species in or from the South Atlantic 
EEZ, and the sale or purchase of the applicable species taken from the 
EEZ is prohibited. In addition, the bag and possession limits for the 
applicable species and the prohibition on sale/purchase apply in the 
South Atlantic on board a vessel for which a valid Federal commercial 
or charter vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper 
has been issued, without regard to where such species were harvested.
* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) The prohibition on sale/purchase during a closure for Gulf reef 
fish, king and Spanish mackerel, royal red shrimp, or specified 
snapper-grouper species in paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(3)(iii), (a)(4), or 
(a)(5) and (a)(6), respectively, of this section does not apply to the 
indicated species that were harvested, landed ashore, and sold prior to 
the effective date of the closure and were held in cold storage by a 
dealer or processor.
* * * * *
    9. In Sec.  622.44, paragraphs (c)(2), (c)(3), (c)(4), and (c)(5) 
are revised to read as follows:


Sec.  622.44  Commercial trip limits.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
* * * * *
    (2) Golden tilefish. (i) Until 75 percent of the fishing year quota 
specified in Sec.  622.42(e)(2) is reached--4,000 lb (1,814 kg).
    (ii) After 75 percent of the fishing year quota specified in Sec.  
622.42(e)(2) is

[[Page 33432]]

reached--300 lb (136 kg). However, if 75 percent of the fishing year 
quota has not been taken on or before September 1, the trip limit will 
not be reduced. The Assistant Administrator, by filing a notification 
of trip limit change with the Office of the F