Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery; Interim Rule, 76945-76949 [06-9831]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 246 (Friday, December 22, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 76945-76949]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-9831]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 648

[Docket No. 061213334-6334-01; I.D. 120806B]
RIN 0648-AV05


Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Sea Scallop 
Fishery; Interim Rule

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

ACTION: Temporary rule; interim rule and request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: NMFS implements this interim rule to reduce overfishing that 
may occur in 2007. This rule delays the opening of the Elephant Trunk 
Access Area (ETAA) until March 1, 2007, reduces the maximum number of 
trips per vessel in the ETAA per limited access vessel, reduces the 
number of general category fleet trips from 1,360 to 865 trips in the 
ETAA, and prohibits the retention of more than 50 U.S. bushels (17.62 
hL) of in-shell scallop outside of the boundaries of the ETAA. This 
interim action is necessary because a recent projection by the New 
England Fishery Management Council's (Council) Plan Development Team 
(PDT) indicated that overfishing of the scallop resource may occur in 
the 2007 fishing year (FY). The new information presents previously 
unforeseen circumstances that also present serious management problems 
to the fishery. Overharvest of the ETAA in FY 2007, and resulting 
overfishing that may result, could undermine the goals and objectives 
of area rotation that is the cornerstone of the Atlantic Sea Scallop 
Scallop Fishery Management Plan (FMP). The ETAA has an unprecedented 
high abundance of scallops, which needs to be husbanded with caution to 
effectively preserve the long-term health of the scallop resource and 
fishery.

[[Page 76946]]


DATES: Effective from December 22, 2006 through June 20, 2007. Comments 
must be received at the appropriate address or fax number (see 
ADDRESSES) by 5 p.m., local time, on January 22, 2007.

ADDRESSES: Written comments should be submitted by any of the following 
methods:
     Mail: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, NMFS, 
Northeast Regional Office, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930. 
Mark the outside of the envelope, ``Comments on Scallop Interim 
Action.''
     Email: ScallopInterim@noaa.gov
     Fax: (978) 281-9135
     Electronically through the Federal e-Rulemaking portal: 
http//www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Peter W. Christopher, Fishery Policy 
Analyst, 978-281-9288; fax 978-281-9135.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On June 15, 2006, the NMFS implemented 
Framework 18 to the FMP (Framework 18) (71 FR 33211). Framework 18 
included management measures for the scallop fishery for the 2006 and 
2007 fishing years (FY) to prevent overfishing and to achieve optimum 
yield from the scallop resource. Framework 18 scheduled the opening of 
the ETAA to scallop fishing for January 1, 2007, with a maximum of five 
trips per limited access scallop vessel in the ETAA for the 2007 FY. 
The general category fleet was allocated 1,360 trips in the ETAA for 
the 2007 FY. The management measures in Framework 18 were based on 
biomass and fishing mortality estimates calculated using 2004 scallop 
survey information, which resulted in uncertainty for the projections, 
particularly for the 2007 FY. Due to the uncertainty, Framework 18 
included a regulatory mechanism that allowed NMFS to reduce the number 
of trips in the ETAA if updated biomass estimates indicate that the 
ETAA biomass is significantly lower than the Framework 18 biomass 
estimate for the ETAA.
    In October 2006, the Council's PDT reviewed 2006 survey information 
from three separate biomass surveys and determined that the biomass was 
lower than projected in Framework 18. Based on biomass estimates alone, 
no adjustment was necessary, because the biomass is still projected to 
be above the level that would result in trip reductions under the 
Framework 18 regulatory mechanism. However, the PDT urged precaution in 
managing the scallop fishery in 2007 because preliminary fishery 
projections for the 2007 FY indicated that overfishing of the scallop 
resource could occur in 2007 under the scheduled management measures. 
After incorporating 2005 and 2006 scallop survey information into 
updated projections in November 2006, the PDT found that, in addition 
to overestimating the biomass in the ETAA, Framework 18 underestimated 
fishing mortality and overestimated stockwide biomass in 2007. The 2006 
updated projection predicted that the level of overfishing was only 
slightly higher than the threshold fishing mortality rate that would 
result in an overfishing determination, but the PDT was concerned that 
various assumptions in the projections combined with unquantifiable 
factors (reduced meat-weights due to the seasonal spawning cycle and 
higher-than-estimated discard and natural mortality) led to overly 
optimistic projections and a likely underestimate of fishing mortality 
on scallops in 2007. As a result, in a memorandum to the Council dated 
November 7, 2006, the PDT advised that reducing the number of trips in 
the ETAA would reduce the potential for overfishing the scallop 
resource in 2007. In addition, the PDT noted in the memorandum that 
delaying the opening to March 1, 2007, would increase yield (and reduce 
fishing mortality), and that prohibiting ``deckloading'' before leaving 
a Sea Scallop Access Area (Access Area) (i.e., leaving a high volume of 
scallops on deck to be shucked while the vessel steams to port), could 
prevent a source of additional scallop mortality.
    On November 15, 2006, following a discussion of the PDT's 
memorandum and recommendations, the Council voted to request that NMFS 
implement an interim action to reduce overfishing in 2007. The Council 
recommended a reduction in the number of ETAA trips from 5 to 3 per 
full-time limited access vessel (with appropriate reductions for other 
permit categories), a delay of the ETAA opening date to March 1, 2007, 
and a prohibition on deckloading in access areas. Representatives of 
the scallop industry expressed strong support for the Council's 
recommendations throughout PDT and Council discussion on the issue.
    Based on the information supporting the Council's recommendation, 
NMFS is implementing this action as an interim rule, pursuant to its 
interim action authority specified in the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act at 16 U.S.C. 1855(c) to reduce 
overfishing of the scallop resource in 2007. The recent projection of 
overfishing in the 2007 FY presents previously unforeseen circumstances 
that present serious management problems to the fishery. If this rule 
is implemented after January 1, 2007, vessels could begin taking up to 
five trips (for full-time vessels) into the ETAA. This would likely 
result in overharvesting scallops in the ETAA and overfishing of 
scallops in the 2007 FY. Overharvest of the ETAA in 2007, and resulting 
overfishing that may result, could undermine the goals and objectives 
of area rotation that is the cornerstone of the FMP. The ETAA has an 
unprecedented high abundance of scallops, which needs to be husbanded 
with caution to effectively preserve the long-term health of the 
scallop resource and fishery. These circumstances, therefore, are 
consistent with Policy Guidelines for the Use of Emergency Rules 
(August 21, 1997, 62 FR 44422) without the opportunity for prior notice 
and public comment.

Interim Measures

1. ETAA Trip Reduction

    This interim rule reduces the number of trips from five trips to 
three trips for full-time scallop vessels in the ETAA (scallop 
possession limit would remain at 18,000 lb (8,165 kg)); reduces the 
number of trips from three trips to two trips (for all access areas) 
for part-time scallop vessels in the ETAA (scallop possession limit for 
part-time vessels would be increased from 16,800 lb (7,620 kg) per trip 
to 18,000 lb per trip (8,165 kg)); and reduces the occasional vessel 
possession limit from 10,500 lb (4,763 kg) per trip to 7,500 lb (3,402 
kg) per trip. The regulations at Sec.  648.60(a)(5) published for 
Framework 18 specified that an occasional vessel's possession limit is 
7,500 lb (3,402 kg) per trip. However, Framework 18 intended and 
analyzed a possession limit of 10,500 lb (4,763 kg) per trip for the 
2007 FY. This interim rule also reduces the general category scallop 
fleet trip allocation from 1,360 to 865 trips in the ETAA.
    Reducing the number of trips for scallop vessels in the ETAA. 
addresses the concern that overfishing of the scallop resource may 
occur in 2007. Although the biomass in the ETAA remains very high 
relative to the rest of the scallop resource, it is less abundant than 
was projected in Framework 18. As a result, even though the fishing 
mortality is expected to be lower than the target fishing mortality in 
the area, it would be high enough at the lower biomass to contribute to 
overfishing in 2007. Part-time vessels have a trip reduction with an 
increase in the possession limit to ensure that the total access area 
catch for part-time vessels

[[Page 76947]]

remains at 40 percent of the full-time access area catch, as intended 
by the FMP. Occasional vessels have one trip to any access area, but 
have a possession limit of 7,500 lb (3,402 kg) for the trip, ensuring 
that the total access area catch for occasional vessels remains at 8.3 
percent of the full-time access area catch. Reducing trips in the ETAA 
was contemplated in Framework 18 and the potential impacts of the trip 
reductions were fully analyzed in Framework 18.

2. Delayed opening of the ETAA

    This interim rule delays the opening of the ETAA until March 1, 
2007. A delay in the opening of the ETAA until March 1, 2007, prevents 
vessels from harvesting scallops in the ETAA before they gain meat-
weight during January through February. Following spawning in the fall 
months, scallops undergo a period of recovery when the meats increase 
in size and weight. Harvesting scallops at a higher meat-weight 
improves scallop yield, resulting in lower mortality, since fewer 
scallops need to be caught to meet the poundage possession limits. In 
addition, with three trips per vessel, one of the original reasons for 
opening the ETAA on January 1, 2007, (i.e., to spread the five 
allocated trips over a longer period) is no longer supported. The March 
1, 2007, opening was also contemplated in Framework 18. The new 
information provided by the Council demonstrates that the delay is 
necessary, along with the trip reductions, to reduce overfishing in 
2007.

3. Prohibition on Deckloading

    This interim rule prohibits the retention of more than 50 U.S. 
bushels (17.62 hL) of in-shell scallop outside of the boundaries of the 
ETAA for vessels on Access Area trips. Deckloading is the practice of 
loading the deck of a vessel with the scallop catch from several tows. 
Under the current Access Area regulations, vessels can deckload and 
leave the area, and the vessel crews can spend the time steaming home, 
sorting and shucking scallops, thereby reducing overall trip costs. 
This can result in a vessel having more scallops on board than are 
necessary to achieve the possession limit. The excess scallops are 
discarded. In addition, due to deckloading, scallops remain on deck 
longer, increasing discard mortality. In the ETAA, deckloading may 
cause even higher scallop mortality, since catch rates are expected to 
be very high, there is a mix of scallop sizes in the area, and scallop 
crews may discard more smaller scallops in favor of larger scallops. 
Although the amount of additional mortality cannot be estimated, 
prohibiting deckloading on ETAA trips is a complementary measure that 
will help prevent additional scallop mortality.
    Although the Council and scallop industry recommend that the 
prohibition on deckloading be applied to all Access Areas, NMFS has 
determined that the prohibition can only be supported for the ETAA 
under this interim action. While the prohibition would help reduce 
overfishing in the 2007 FY as it relates to the ETAA, deckloading in 
other access areas cannot be tied directly at this time to overfishing 
of the scallop resource. It cannot, therefore, be sufficiently 
justified as an interim measure necessary to reduce overfishing.
    NMFS notes that the deckloading prohibition in this interim rule 
also includes broken trips. The broken trip provision allows a vessel 
operator complete discretion to terminate an access area trip if 
circumstances warrant. Under this interim rule, a vessel that breaks a 
trip will also be prohibited from possessing more than 50 bu (17.62 hL) 
of in-shell scallops outside of the ETAA. On broken trips, in-shell 
scallops could be discarded in the ETAA and the vessel would be allowed 
to return to the area to complete the trip, provided the owner complies 
with the broken trip request procedures.

4. Access Area Trip Exchange Clarification

    This interim rule also specifies how ETAA trip allocations are 
impacted for vessel owners who were involved in one-for-one trip 
exchanges of FY 2007 ETAA trips and FY 2006 Closed Area II and/or 
Nantucket Lightship Access Area trips. In the 2006 FY, vessel owners 
were able to exchange with another vessel up to five ETAA trips from 
the 2007 FY, for up to five Closed Area II and Nantucket Lightship 
Access Area trips from the 2006 FY. Prior to this interim rule, the 
total number of FY 2007 ETAA trips that could be taken by both vessels 
involved in the exchange was 10 trips in the ETAA. Since the total 
number of FY 2007 ETAA trips between two vessels cannot exceed six 
trips in the ETAA under this interim rule, the regulation specifying 
the trip exchange is clarified.

Classification

    Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), the Assistant Administrator for 
Fisheries, NOAA, finds it is impracticable and contrary to the public 
interest to provide for prior notice and an opportunity for public 
comment prior to publishing this interim rule, for the following 
reasons.
    Interim action through a final rule without the opportunity for 
public comment will prevent the adverse impacts that could be expected 
if NMFS proceeds under normal rulemaking. Under Framework 18 
regulations, the ETAA will open on January 1, 2007, and implementing 
the interim rule without opportunity for prior notice and an 
opportunity for public comment is necessary to prevent the area from 
opening on January 1, 2007. The ETAA has an unprecedented high 
abundance of scallops, which needs to be husbanded with caution to 
effectively preserve the long-term health of the scallop resource and 
fishery. If this interim rule is implemented after January 1, 2007, 
vessels would be able to begin fishing in the ETAA on January 1, 2007. 
The scallop industry has warned that a very high amount of effort will 
take place upon opening of the area and that the catch rate of scallops 
in the area is expected to be very high. The scallop fleet could 
therefore complete a large number of trips in a short period of time. 
The updated projection provided by the PDT indicates that opening the 
ETAA in January to five trips (for full-time scallop vessels) would 
likely result in overharvesting scallops in the ETAA and overfishing of 
scallops in the 2007 FY. Overharvest of the ETAA in 2007, and resulting 
overfishing that is projected to result, will undermine the goals and 
objectives of area rotation that is the cornerstone of the FMP. 
Therefore, delaying the opening of the ETAA and reducing the number of 
trips is necessary to prevent overfishing, based on the projection and 
recommendations of the PDT.
    The need for this interim action did not become apparent until the 
updated fishery and resource status projections were completed and 
reported in the November 7, 2006, memorandum to the Council. The recent 
projection of overfishing in the 2007 FY presents previously unforeseen 
circumstances that present serious management problems to the fishery. 
Because the information dictating the need for this action only became 
available and known on November 7, 2006, there is insufficient time to 
provide opportunity for prior public comment and a waiver of prior 
public comment is justifiable under U.S.C. 553(b)(B).
    For the same reasons, good cause also exists under authority 
contained in 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), to waive the 30-day delayed effective 
date, and implement this interim action upon publication.
    This interim rule has been determined to be not significant for 
purposes of Executive Order 12866.

[[Page 76948]]

    This interim rule is exempt from the procedures of the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act because the rule is issued without opportunity for 
prior notice and opportunity for public comment.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 648

    Fisheries, Fishing, Recordkeeping and reporting requirements.

    Dated: December 19, 2006.
Samuel D. Rauch III,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.

0
For the reasons set out in the preamble, 50 CFR part 648 is amended as 
follows:

PART 648--FISHERIES OF THE NORTHEASTERN UNITED STATES

0
1. The authority citation for part 648 continues to read as follows:

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

0
2. In Sec.  648.14, paragraph (i)(1) is suspended, and paragraphs 
(h)(27), (i)(13), and (i)(14) are added to read as follows:


Sec.  648.14  Prohibitions.

* * * * *
    (h) * * *
    (27) Possess more than 50 bu (17.6 hL) of in-shell scallops, as 
specified in Sec.  648.52(d), outside the boundaries of the Elephant 
Trunk Access Area specified in Sec.  648.59(e) by a vessel that is 
declared into the Elephant Trunk Access Area under the Area Access 
Program as specified in Sec.  648.60.
    (i) * * *
    (13) Fish for or land per trip, or possess at any time, in excess 
of 400 lb (181.4 kg) of shucked, or 50 bu (17.62 hL) of in-shell 
scallops, unless the vessel is participating in the Area Access Program 
specified in Sec.  648.60, is carrying an observer as specified in 
Sec.  648.11, and an increase in the possession limit is authorized as 
specified in Sec.  648.60(d)(2).
    (14) Possess more than 50 bu (17.6 hL) of in-shell scallops, as 
specified in Sec.  648.52(d), outside the boundaries of the Elephant 
Trunk Access Area specified in Sec.  648.59(e) by a vessel that is 
declared into the Elephant Trunk Access Area under the Area Access 
Program as specified in Sec.  648.60.
* * * * *

0
3. In Sec.  648.52, paragraph (e) is added to read as follows:


Sec.  648.52  Possession and landing limits.

* * * * *
    (e) Owners or operators of a vessel that is declared into the 
Elephant Trunk Access Area Sea Scallop Area Access Program as described 
in Sec.  648.60, are prohibited from possessing more than 50 bu (17.62 
hL) of in-shell scallops outside of the Elephant Trunk Access Area 
described in Sec.  648.59(e).

0
4. In Sec.  648.58, paragraphs (a) through (d) are suspended and 
paragraphs (e) through (h) are added to read as follows:


Sec.  648.58  Rotational Closed Areas.

* * * * *
    (e) Through February 28, 2007, no vessel may fish for scallops in, 
or possess or land scallops from, the area known as the Elephant Trunk 
Closed Area. No vessel may possess scallops in the Elephant Trunk 
Closed Area, unless such vessel is only transiting the area as provided 
in paragraph (g) of this section. The Elephant Trunk Closed Area is 
defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the order 
stated (copies of a chart depicting this area are available from the 
Regional Administrator upon request):

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Point                     Latitude          Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ET1                                   38[deg]50' N.     74[deg]20' W.
ET2                                   38[deg]10' N.     74[deg]20' W.
ET3                                   38[deg]10' N.     73[deg]30' W.
ET4                                   38[deg]50' N.     73[deg]30' W.
ET1                                   38[deg]50' N.     74[deg]20' W.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (f) Delmarva Closed Area. From January 1, 2007, no vessel may fish 
for scallops in, or possess or land scallops from, the area known as 
the Delmarva Closed Area. No vessel may possess scallops in the 
Delmarva Closed Area, unless such vessel is only transiting the area as 
provided in paragraph (b) of this section. The Delmarva Closed Area is 
defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the order 
stated (copies of a chart depicting this area are available from the 
Regional Administrator upon request):

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Point                     Latitude          Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
DMV1                                  38[deg]10' N.     74[deg]50' W.
DMV2                                  38[deg]10' N.     74[deg]00' W.
DMV3                                  37[deg]15' N.     74[deg]00' W.
DMV4                                  37[deg]15' N.     74[deg]50' W.
DMV1                                  38[deg]10' N.     74[deg]50' W.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (g) Transiting. No vessel possessing scallops may enter or be in 
the area(s) specified in paragraphs (e) and (f) of this section unless 
the vessel is transiting the area and the vessel's fishing gear is 
unavailable for immediate use as defined in Sec.  648.23(b), or there 
is a compelling safety reason to be in such areas.
    (h) Vessels fishing for species other than scallops. A vessel may 
fish for species other than scallops within the closed areas specified 
in paragraphs (e) and (f) of this section as allowed in this part, 
provided the vessel does not fish for, catch, or retain scallops or 
intend to fish for, catch, or retain scallops. Declaration through VMS 
that the vessel is fishing in the general category scallop fishery is 
deemed to be an intent to fish for, catch, or retain scallops.

0
5. In Sec.  648.59, paragraphs (e)(1) and (e)(4) are suspended and 
paragraphs (e)(5) and (e)(6) are added to read as follows:


Sec.  648.59  Sea Scallop Access Areas.

* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (5) From March 1, 2007, and subject to the seasonal restrictions 
specified in paragraph (e)(3) of this section, a vessel issued a 
scallop permit may fish for, possess, or land scallops in or from the 
area known as the Elephant Trunk Sea Scallop Access Area, described in 
paragraph (e)(2) of this section, only if the vessel is participating 
in, and complies with the requirements of, the area access program 
described in Sec.  648.60.
    (6) Number of trips-(i) Limited access vessels. Based on its permit 
category, a vessel issued a limited access scallop permit may fish no 
more than the maximum number of trips in the Elephant Trunk Sea Scallop 
Access Area from March 1, 2007, as specified in Sec.  648.60(a)(3)(i), 
unless the vessel owner has made an exchange with another vessel owner 
whereby the vessel gains an Elephant Trunk Sea Scallop Access Area trip 
and gives up a trip into another Sea Scallop Access Area, as specified 
in Sec.  648.60(a)(3)(ii), or unless the vessel is taking a 
compensation trip for a prior Elephant Trunk Access Area trip that was 
terminated early, as specified in Sec.  648.60(c).
    (ii) General category vessels. Subject to the possession limits 
specified in Sec. Sec.  648.52(a) and (b) and 648.60(g), a vessel 
issued a general category scallop permit may not enter in, or fish for, 
possess, or land sea scallops in or from the Elephant Trunk Sea Scallop 
Access Area once the Regional Administrator has provided notification 
in the Federal Register, in accordance with Sec.  648.60(g)(4), that 
865 trips allocated for the period March 1, 2007, have been taken, in 
total, by all general category scallop vessels, unless transiting 
pursuant to paragraph (f) of this section. The Regional Administrator 
shall notify all general category scallop vessels of the date when the 
maximum number of

[[Page 76949]]

allowed trips have been, or are projected to be, taken from March 1, 
2007.
* * * * *

0
6. In Sec.  648.60, paragraphs (a)(3)(i), (a)(3)(ii)(B), (a)(5)(i), 
(d)(1)(v), (e)(1)(v), and (g)(3)(iv) are suspended and paragraphs 
(a)(3)(ii)(C), (a)(3)(iii), (a)(5)(iv), (d)(1)(vi), (e)(1)(vi), and 
(g)(3)(vi) are added to read as follows:


Sec.  648.60  Sea scallop area access program requirements.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (3) * * *
    (ii) * * *
    (C) Limited access scallop vessels involved in an exchange of 
Closed Area II and/or Nantucket Lightship Closed Area Access Area trips 
for the 2006 fishing year, and Elephant Trunk Access Area trips for the 
2007 fishing year shall be subject to a reduction of the vessels' 
allocated trips so that the total number of allocated Elephant Trunk 
Access Area trips between two vessels that were involved in such an 
exchange shall be six for full-time vessels and four for part-time 
vessels in the 2007 fishing year. Reductions will be applied equally to 
both vessels' resulting Elephant Trunk Access Area allocation for the 
2007 fishing year after the exchange is taken into account, unless the 
vessel giving Elephant Trunk Access Area trips to another vessel has 
one or zero Elephant Trunk Access Area trips remaining after the 
exchange. In such a case, the vessel that received the Elephant Trunk 
Access Area trips will be subject to a reduction of up to four Elephant 
Trunk Access Area trips.
* * * * *
    (iii) Limited Access Vessel trips. (A) Except as provided in 
paragraph (c) of this section, paragraphs (a)(3)(i)(B) through (E) 
specify the total number of trips that a limited access scallop vessel 
may take into Sea Scallop Access Areas during applicable seasons 
specified in Sec.  648.59. The number of trips per vessel in any one 
Sea Scallop Access Area may not exceed the maximum number of trips 
allocated for such Sea Scallop Access Area as specified in Sec.  
648.59, unless the vessel owner has exchanged a trip with another 
vessel owner for an additional Sea Scallop Access Area trip, as 
specified in paragraph (a)(3)(ii) of this section, has been allocated a 
compensation trip pursuant to paragraph (c) of this section.
    (B) Full-time scallop vessels. In the 2007 fishing year, a full-
time scallop vessel may take one trip in the Closed Area I Access Area, 
one trip in the Nantucket Lightship Access Area, and three trips in the 
Elephant Trunk Access Area.
    (C) Part-time scallop vessels. In the 2007 fishing year, a part-
time scallop vessel may take one trip in the Closed Area I Access Area 
and one trip in the Nantucket Lightship Access Area; or one trip in the 
Closed Area I Access Area and one trip in the Elephant Trunk Access 
Area; or one trip in the Nantucket Lightship Access Area and one trip 
in the Elephant Trunk Access Area; or two trips in the Elephant Trunk 
Access Area.
    (D) Occasional scallop vessels. An occasional scallop vessel may 
take one trip in the 2007 fishing year into any of the Access Areas 
described in Sec.  648.59 that is open during the specified fishing 
years.
* * * * *
    (5) * * *
    (iv) Scallop possession limits. Unless authorized by the Regional 
Administrator, as specified in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section, 
after declaring a trip into a Sea Scallop Access Area, a vessel owner 
or operator of a limited access scallop vessel may fish for, possess, 
and land, per trip, scallops, up to the maximum amounts specified in 
paragraphs (a)(5)(i)(A) and (B) of this section. No vessel declared 
into the Elephant Trunk Access Area as described in Sec.  648.59(e) may 
possess more than 50 bu (17.62 hL) of in-shell scallops outside of the 
Elephant Trunk Access Area described in Sec.  648.59(e).
    (A) Up to 18,000 lb (8,165 kg) shucked scallops for full-time and 
part-time scallop vessels.
    (B) Up to 7,500 lb (3,402 kg) shucked scallop for occasional 
scallop vessels.
* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (vi) Elephant Trunk Access Area. From March 1, 2007, the observer 
set-aside for the Elephant Trunk Access Area is 173,100 lb (78.5 mt).
* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (vi) Elephant Trunk Access Area. From March 1, 2007, the research 
set-aside for the Elephant Trunk Access Area is 346,200 lb (157 mt).
* * * * *
    (g) * * *
    (3) * * *
    (vi) Elephant Trunk Access Area. 346,000 lb (157 mt) in 2007.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 06-9831 Filed 12-19-06; 3:54 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S