Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Revisions to Headboat Reporting Requirements for Species Managed by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, 63946-63950 [2013-25263]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 207 (Friday, October 25, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 63946-63950]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-25263]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 622

[Docket No. 130802673-3673-01]
RIN 0648-BD49


Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; 
Revisions to Headboat Reporting Requirements for Species Managed by the 
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council

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

ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: NMFS proposes regulations to implement management measures 
described in a framework action to the Fishery Management Plans for the 
Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf), as prepared by the 
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Gulf Council); and Coastal 
Migratory Pelagic (CMP) Resources of the Gulf and South Atlantic 
Region, as prepared by the Gulf Council and the South Atlantic Fishery 
Management Council (South Atlantic Council) (Headboat Reporting 
Framework). If implemented, this rule would modify the recordkeeping 
and reporting requirements for headboat owners and operators who fish 
for species managed by the Gulf Council through the previously 
mentioned FMPs. These revisions would require fishing records to be 
submitted electronically (via computer or internet) on a weekly basis 
or at intervals shorter than a week if notified by the NMFS' Southeast 
Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) Science and Research Director (SRD), 
and would prohibit headboats from continuing to fish if they are 
delinquent in submitting reports. The purpose of this rule is to obtain 
timelier fishing information from headboats to

[[Page 63947]]

better monitor recreational annual catch limits (ACLs), improve stock 
assessments, and improve compliance with reporting in Gulf fisheries.

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before November 25, 
2013.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on the proposed rule, identified by 
``NOAA-NMFS-2013-0111'', by any of the following methods:
     Electronic submissions: Submit all electronic public 
comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to 
www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2013-0111, click the 
``Comment Now!'' icon, complete the required fields, and enter or 
attach your comments.
     Mail: Submit written comments to Rich Malinowski, 
Southeast Regional Office, NMFS, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, 
FL 33701.
    Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other 
address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, 
may not be considered by NMFS. All comments received are a part of the 
public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on 
www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying 
information (e.g., name, address, etc.), confidential business 
information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily 
by the sender will be publicly accessible. NMFS will accept anonymous 
comments (enter ``N/A'' in the required fields if you wish to remain 
anonymous). Attachments to electronic comments will be accepted in 
Microsoft Word, Excel, or Adobe PDF file formats only.
    Electronic copies of the Headboat Reporting Framework, which 
includes an environmental assessment and a regulatory impact review, 
may be obtained from the Southeast Regional Office Web site at https://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov.
    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 Anik Clemens, Southeast Regional 
Office, NMFS, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701; and OMB, 
by email at OIRA Submission@omb.eop.gov, or by fax to 202-395-7285.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rich Malinowski, Southeast Regional 
Office, NMFS, telephone 727-824-5305; email: Rich.Malinowski@noaa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS and the Councils manage the fisheries 
for Gulf reef fish and Gulf and South Atlantic CMP under their 
respective FMPs. The FMPs were prepared by the Gulf and South Atlantic 
Councils and are implemented through regulations at 50 CFR part 622 
under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act).

Background

    The Magnuson-Stevens Act requires NMFS and regional fishery 
management councils to prevent overfishing and achieve, on a continuing 
basis, the optimum yield from federally managed fish stocks. These 
mandates are intended to ensure that fishery resources are managed for 
the greatest overall benefit to the nation, particularly with respect 
to providing food production and recreational opportunities, and 
protecting marine ecosystems. To further this goal, the Magnuson-
Stevens Act requires fishery managers to specify their strategy to 
rebuild overfished stocks to a sustainable level within a certain time 
frame, to minimize bycatch and bycatch mortality to the extent 
practicable, and to establish accountability measures (AMs) for stocks 
to ensure that ACLs are not exceeded.
    One of the purposes of this proposed rule is to allow better 
monitoring of recreational ACLs to reduce the amount of recreational 
ACL overages. Currently, overages have the potential to result in 
significant disruption in fishing behavior the following fishing year 
and to reduce revenue and profit for fishermen. Overages also may 
decrease the ability of stocks to rebuild when overfished and may lead 
to overfishing conditions. The management measures contained in this 
proposed rule, including requiring headboats to report electronically 
and increasing the frequency of headboat reporting, would help improve 
monitoring of the recreational ACLs.
    The other purposes of this proposed rule are to improve stock 
assessments and to improve data reporting compliance in Gulf fisheries. 
Headboat landings are an important component of stock assessments. The 
increased frequency of headboat data reporting and electronic reporting 
required by this rule would help to improve stock assessments because 
it would provide a more accurate picture of headboat landings. Headboat 
owners and operators who are delinquent on submitting reports would not 
be allowed to fish until all required reports have been submitted. This 
requirement should help to improve compliance with data reporting 
within the recreational sector.
    In addition, the management measures contained in this proposed 
rule are compatible with the proposed revisions to headboat reporting 
requirements for fisheries managed by the South Atlantic Council.

Management Measures Contained in the Proposed Rule

    This proposed rule would: require electronic reporting for headboat 
vessels in the Gulf reef fish and Gulf coastal migratory pelagic 
fisheries; increase the reporting frequency for headboat vessels in 
these fisheries; and prohibit headboats from continuing to fish if they 
are delinquent in submitting their reports.

Mandatory Electronic Reporting for Headboat Vessels

    Currently, a headboat selected to report by the SRD must maintain a 
fishing record for each trip, or a portion of such trips, as specified 
by the SRD, and on forms provided by the SRD. Until January 1, 2013, 
the SRD provided federally permitted headboats with paper forms to 
submit their fishing data. However, as of January 1, 2013, the SRD 
requested that federally-permitted headboats report electronically. 
This proposed rule would revise the regulations to explicitly require 
that headboats submit their fishing information electronically (via 
computer or Internet). NMFS would require headboat owners and 
operators, who are selected by the SRD, to submit a detailed electronic 
fishing record of all fish caught through the ``Southeast Region 
Headboat Survey,'' an electronic reporting system developed by the 
SEFSC for trips completed, and to submit no fishing reports when no 
trips are taken.
    Headboat owners and operators would be required to submit an 
electronic logbook (eLog) form instead of a paper form. This form is 
available through a password protected Web site that can be accessed by 
personal computer, computer tablet, or ``smart'' phone (an application 
can be downloaded on both Android phones and iPhones). The Web site can 
be accessed at https://selogbook.com. An access code is required to log 
in to the Web site. Bluefin Data also requires a current email address 
for each vessel owner to send access codes and other information 
regarding the Web site to vessel owners. Once Bluefin Data registers a 
vessel owner and provides the vessel owner with an access code via 
email, the vessel owner is able to log in to the Web site and create a 
password for his account. The vessel owner can register more than one 
vessel under his

[[Page 63948]]

password and more than one captain. The vessel owner determines who can 
access the Web site using his password.
    The data elements for completed trips that are currently being 
collected by the SRD include date(s) and duration of fishing; vessel 
name and official number of the vessel; captain name; location of 
fishing in lat/long; number of anglers; minimum, maximum and primary 
depth fished; number of fish of each species kept; and number of fish 
of each species released.
    During catastrophic conditions only, this rule would allow headboat 
owners and operators to use a paper-based system for submitting 
electronic fishing records. The Regional Administrator (RA) would 
determine when catastrophic conditions exist, the duration of the 
catastrophic conditions, and which participants are affected. The RA 
would provide notice of a paper-based system via notification in the 
Federal Register, NOAA weather radio, fishery bulletins, and other 
appropriate means and would authorize the use of the paper-based system 
for the duration of the catastrophic conditions. The paper forms would 
be available from NMFS. During catastrophic conditions, the RA would 
have the authority to waive or modify reporting time requirements.

Increase Reporting Frequency for the Headboat Sector

    Currently, headboat reporting forms are due on a monthly basis, and 
must either be made available to a fisheries statistics reporting agent 
or be postmarked no later than 7 days after the end of each month and 
sent to the SRD. This proposed rule would modify the frequency of 
reporting to be on a weekly basis (or intervals shorter than a week if 
notified by the SRD) and would be due by 11:59 p.m., local time, the 
Sunday following a reporting week. A reporting week is defined as 
beginning at 12:01 a.m., local time, on Sunday and ending at 11:59 
p.m., local time, the following Saturday. If no fishing activity 
occurred during a reporting week, an electronic report so stating would 
be required to be submitted for that reporting week.

Non-compliance With Reporting Requirement

    This rule would prohibit headboat owners and operators who are 
delinquent in submitting their fishing records from continuing to 
harvest and possess Gulf reef fish and Gulf coastal migratory pelagic 
fish until all required fishing records have been submitted. The owner 
and operator are liable for all prohibited harvest and possession 
onboard the vessel, including that by the crew and/or passengers. This 
provision would aid in enforcement efforts to ensure that electronic 
fishing records are submitted in a timely manner.

Classification

    Pursuant to section 304(b)(1)(A) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the 
NOAA Assistant Administrator for Fisheries (AA) has determined that 
this proposed rule is consistent with the two affected FMPs, the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act, and other applicable law, subject to further 
consideration after public comment.
    This proposed rule has been determined to be not significant for 
purposes of Executive Order 12866.
    The Chief Counsel for Regulation of the Department of Commerce 
certified to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business 
Administration that this proposed rule, if implemented, would not have 
a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities. The factual basis for this determination is as follows:
    The purpose of this proposed rule is to change the current 
reporting requirements for federally permitted headboats that operate 
in the Gulf exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in order to improve data 
collection methods to help ensure that landings of managed fish stocks 
are recorded accurately and in a timely manner so that recreational 
ACLs are not exceeded. The Magnuson-Stevens Act provides the statutory 
basis for this proposed rule.
    This proposed rule, if implemented, would be expected to directly 
affect an estimated 70 headboat for-hire fishing businesses that 
operate in the Gulf EEZ. The average headboat is estimated to receive 
approximately $247,000 (2012 dollars) in annual gross revenue. NMFS has 
not identified any other small entities that would be expected to be 
directly affected by this proposed rule.
    The Small Business Administration (SBA) has established size 
criteria for all major industry sectors in the U.S. including seafood 
dealers and harvesters. A business involved in the for-hire fishing 
industry is classified as a small business if it is independently owned 
and operated, is not dominant in its field of operation (including its 
affiliates), and has combined annual receipts not in excess of $7.0 
million (NAICS code 487210, fishing boat charter operation). The SBA 
periodically reviews the size criteria and establishes new thresholds 
when appropriate. The most recent final rule establishing new size 
criteria was published June 20, 2013 (78 FR 37398). However, the 
receipts threshold for the for-hire industry was not changed as a 
result of the latest or other recent review and rulemaking by the SBA. 
Because the average annual revenue for the headboat businesses expected 
to be directly affected by this proposed rule is significantly less 
than the SBA revenue threshold, all these businesses are determined, 
for the purpose of this analysis, to be small business entities.
    This proposed rule, if implemented, would require headboat fishing 
businesses selected by the SRD to submit weekly records, or at shorter 
intervals if notified by the SRD, of their fishing activity via 
computer or Internet (electronic reporting). This requirement would not 
be expected to require special professional skills. The use of 
computers, the Internet, or other forms of electronic connections and 
communication is commonplace in the business environment. As a result, 
all affected small entities would be expected to already have staff 
with the appropriate skills and training to meet this requirement.
    This proposed rule, if implemented, would be expected to have 
little to no impact on the profits of any of the small entities 
expected to be directly affected. Although not currently explicitly 
required by regulation, the SRD has requested electronic reporting 
since January 1, 2013, for federally-permitted Gulf headboats. As a 
result, most, if not all, Gulf headboat businesses are expected to 
currently be submitting reports of their fishing activity 
electronically. For any headboat business that may not currently use 
the electronic reporting system, any increase in operating expenses 
should be minor. The use of computers and the Internet is commonplace 
and a vital tool in business management. The SBA estimated that in 2010 
approximately 94 percent of businesses had a computer and 95 percent of 
these had Internet service. As a result, the majority of the affected 
entities would not be expected to need to incur new operational 
expenses to report electronically. For those few entities that might 
not already be reporting electronically, any new expenses that might 
need to be incurred would not be expected to constitute a significant 
increase in business expenses. Computers under $750 are readily 
available and Internet services under $100 per month would be expected 
to be available in most locations. The estimated average annual revenue 
for a Gulf headboat business is approximately $247,000 (2012 dollars). 
NMFS estimates that the requirement for Gulf headboat owners and 
operators to report electronically would result in a net zero effect on 
the reporting burden

[[Page 63949]]

of affected entities compared to paper reporting. The estimated 
reporting burden under either paper or electronic reporting is 10 
minutes per report, or approximately 16.7 hours per entity per year 
based on an average of 100 reports per year. Assuming an hourly wage 
rate of $22.42 (2012 dollars, mean hourly wage rate, first-line 
supervisors of farming, fishing, and forestry workers), the estimated 
total annual cost to submit 100 reports would be approximately $374. As 
previously stated, this cost would not be expected to change as a 
result of the proposed requirement for electronic reporting. Therefore, 
the proposed requirement for electronic submission of headboat reports 
would be expected to result in minor to no direct economic effect on 
most, if not all, Gulf headboat businesses.
    This proposed rule, if implemented, would also increase the 
frequency of reporting by Gulf headboat businesses selected by the SRD 
from the current requirement of monthly reports that must be submitted 
within 7 days of the end of each month to weekly reporting (7 days 
after the end of each week ending on Sunday) or at shorter intervals if 
notified by the SRD. Keeping accurate records is essential to 
successful business operation. As a result, recording trips as they are 
completed, or as soon as is practical, is expected to be the common 
business practice. Electronic recording and reporting would be expected 
to support additional labor and business management efficiencies 
because it would be expected to allow better data storage, retrieval, 
and production of annual performance summaries for use in business 
planning. Therefore, the proposed increase in the frequency of 
reporting would be expected to require little, if any, change in 
business practices or associated operational costs.
    Additionally, this proposed rule would prohibit vessels from 
fishing if required fishing records have not been submitted within the 
required timeframe. Although a prohibition on fishing could have a 
significant adverse economic effect on the affected business, depending 
on the duration of prohibition and revenue from non-fishing activities, 
failure to submit the required electronic fishing records would not be 
an economically rational business practice in light of the minimal 
burden to submit fishing records and potential consequences of non-
compliance. As a result, few if any headboat businesses would be 
expected to experience any reduction in profit as a result of this 
component of this proposed rule.
    Based on the discussion above, NMFS determines that this proposed 
rule, if implemented, would not have a significant economic effect on a 
substantial number of small entities. As a result, an initial 
regulatory flexibility analysis is not required and none has been 
prepared.
    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 Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), unless that collection-of-
information displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) control number.
    This proposed rule contains collection-of-information requirements 
subject to the PRA. NMFS is revising the collection-of-information 
requirements under OMB control number 0648-0016. NMFS estimates the 
requirement for Gulf headboat owners and operators to report 
electronically would result in a net zero effect on the reporting 
burden under OMB control number 0648-0016, because headboat owners and 
operators would continue to report all species harvested, however, now 
it would be electronically instead of by paper. NMFS estimates the 
requirement for headboat owners and operators to report more frequently 
(weekly instead of monthly) would not create more burden on headboat 
owners and operators, because the headboat owners and operators would 
still be reporting the same amount of information, they would just be 
transmitting the data more frequently. These estimates of the public 
reporting burden include the time for reviewing instructions, gathering 
and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the 
collection-of-information.
    These requirements have been submitted to OMB for approval. NMFS 
seeks public comment 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 regarding the burden estimate or 
any other aspect of the collection-of-information requirement, 
including suggestions for reducing the burden, to NMFS and to OMB (see 
ADDRESSES).

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 622

    Fisheries, Fishing, Gulf, Headboat, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

    Dated: October 21, 2013.
Alan D. Risenhoover,
Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, performing the functions and 
duties of the 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 OF MEXICO, AND SOUTH 
ATLANTIC

0
1. The authority citation for part 622 continues to read as follows:

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

0
2. In Sec.  622.26, paragraph (b) is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  622.26  Recordkeeping and reporting.

* * * * *
    (b) Charter vessel/headboat owners and operators--(1) General 
reporting requirement--(i) Charter vessels. The owner or operator of a 
charter vessel for which a charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf reef 
fish has been issued, as required under Sec.  622.20(b), or whose 
vessel fishes for or lands such reef fish in or from state waters 
adjoining the Gulf EEZ, who is selected to report by the SRD must 
maintain a fishing record for each trip, or a portion of such trips as 
specified by the SRD, on forms provided by the SRD and must submit such 
record as specified in paragraph (b)(2) of this section.
    (ii) Headboats. The owner or operator of a headboat for which a 
charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf reef fish has been issued, as 
required under Sec.  622.20(b), or whose vessel fishes for or lands 
such reef fish in or from state waters adjoining the Gulf EEZ, who is 
selected to report by the SRD must submit an electronic fishing record 
for each trip of all fish harvested within the time period specified in 
paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section, via the Southeast Region Headboat 
Survey.
    (2) Reporting deadlines--(i) Charter vessels. Completed fishing 
records required by paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section for charter 
vessels must be submitted to the SRD weekly, postmarked no later than 7 
days after the end of each week (Sunday). Information to be reported is 
indicated on the form and its accompanying instructions.
    (ii) Headboats. Electronic fishing records required by paragraph 
(b)(1)(ii)

[[Page 63950]]

of this section for headboats must be submitted at weekly intervals (or 
intervals shorter than a week if notified by the SRD) by 11:59 p.m., 
local time, the Sunday following a reporting week. If no fishing 
activity occurred during a reporting week, an electronic report so 
stating must be submitted for that reporting week by 11:59 p.m., local 
time, the Sunday following a reporting week.
    (3) Catastrophic conditions. During catastrophic conditions only, 
NMFS provides for use of paper forms for basic required functions as a 
backup to the electronic reports required by paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of 
this section. The RA will determine when catastrophic conditions exist, 
the duration of the catastrophic conditions, and which participants or 
geographic areas are deemed affected by the catastrophic conditions. 
The RA will provide timely notice to affected participants via 
publication of notification in the Federal Register, NOAA weather 
radio, fishery bulletins, and other appropriate means and will 
authorize the affected participants' use of paper-based components for 
the duration of the catastrophic conditions. The paper forms will be 
available from NMFS. During catastrophic conditions, the RA has the 
authority to waive or modify reporting time requirements.
    (4) Compliance requirement. Electronic reports required by 
paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section must be submitted and received by 
NMFS according to the reporting requirements under this section. A 
report not received within the time specified in paragraph (b)(2)(ii) 
is delinquent. A delinquent report automatically results in the owner 
and operator of a headboat for which a charter vessel/headboat permit 
for Gulf reef fish has been issued being prohibited from harvesting or 
possessing such species, regardless of any additional notification to 
the delinquent owner and operator by NMFS. The owner and operator who 
are prohibited from harvesting or possessing such species due to 
delinquent reports are authorized to harvest or possess such species 
only after all required and delinquent reports have been submitted and 
received by NMFS according to the reporting requirements under this 
section.
* * * * *
0
3. In Sec.  622.374, paragraph (b) is revised, to read as follows:


Sec.  622.374  Recordkeeping and reporting.

* * * * *
    (b) Charter vessel/headboat owners and operators--(1) General 
reporting requirement--(i) Charter vessels. The owner or operator of a 
charter vessel for which a charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf 
coastal migratory pelagic fish or South Atlantic coastal migratory 
pelagic fish has been issued, as required under Sec.  622.370(b)(1), or 
whose vessel fishes for or lands Gulf or South Atlantic coastal 
migratory fish in or from state waters adjoining the Gulf or South 
Atlantic EEZ, who is selected to report by the SRD must maintain a 
fishing record for each trip, or a portion of such trips as specified 
by the SRD, on forms provided by the SRD and must submit such record as 
specified in paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section.
    (ii) Gulf headboats. The owner or operator of a headboat for which 
a charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf coastal migratory fish has 
been issued, as required under Sec.  622.370(b)(1), or whose vessel 
fishes for or lands Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fish in or from 
state waters adjoining the Gulf EEZ, who is selected to report by the 
SRD must submit an electronic fishing record for each trip of all fish 
harvested within the time period specified in paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of 
this section, via the Southeast Region Headboat Survey.
    (iii) South Atlantic headboats. The owner or operator of a headboat 
for which a charter vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic migratory 
pelagic fish, as required under Sec.  622.370(b)(1), or whose vessel 
fishes for or lands South Atlantic coastal migratory fish in or from 
state waters adjoining the South Atlantic EEZ, who is selected to 
report by the SRD must maintain a fishing record for each trip, or a 
portion of such trips as specified by the SRD, on forms provided by the 
SRD and must submit such record as specified in paragraph (b)(2) of 
this section.
    (2) Reporting deadlines--(i) Charter vessels. Completed fishing 
records required by paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section for charter 
vessels must be submitted to the SRD weekly, postmarked no later than 7 
days after the end of each week (Sunday). Information to be reported is 
indicated on the form and its accompanying instructions.
    (ii) Gulf headboats. Electronic fishing records required by 
paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section for Gulf headboats must be 
submitted at weekly intervals (or intervals shorter than a week if 
notified by the SRD) by 11:59 p.m., local time, the Sunday following a 
reporting week. If no fishing activity occurred during a reporting 
week, an electronic report so stating must be submitted for that 
reporting week by 11:59 p.m., local time, the Sunday following a 
reporting week.
    (iii) South Atlantic headboats. Completed fishing records required 
by paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section for South Atlantic headboats 
must be submitted to the SRD monthly and must either be made available 
to an authorized statistical reporting agent or be postmarked no later 
than 7 days after the end of each month. Information to be reported is 
indicated on the form and its accompanying instructions.
    (3) Catastrophic conditions. During catastrophic conditions only, 
NMFS provides for use of paper forms for basic required functions as a 
backup to the electronic reports required by paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of 
this section. The RA will determine when catastrophic conditions exist, 
the duration of the catastrophic conditions, and which participants or 
geographic areas are deemed affected by the catastrophic conditions. 
The RA will provide timely notice to affected participants via 
publication of notification in the Federal Register, NOAA weather 
radio, fishery bulletins, and other appropriate means and will 
authorize the affected participants' use of paper-based components for 
the duration of the catastrophic conditions. The paper forms will be 
available from NMFS. During catastrophic conditions, the RA has the 
authority to waive or modify reporting time requirements.
    (4) Compliance requirement. Electronic reports required by 
paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section must be submitted and received by 
NMFS according to the reporting requirements under this section. A 
report not received within the time specified in paragraph (b)(2)(ii) 
is delinquent. A delinquent report automatically results in the owner 
and operator of a headboat for which a charter vessel/headboat permit 
for Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fish has been issued being 
prohibited from harvesting or possessing such species, regardless of 
any additional notification to the delinquent owner and operator by 
NMFS. The owner and operator who are prohibited from harvesting or 
possessing such species due to delinquent reports are authorized to 
harvest or possess such species only after all required and delinquent 
reports have been submitted and received by NMFS according to the 
reporting requirements under this section.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2013-25263 Filed 10-24-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P