Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off of Alaska; Observer Coverage Requirements for Small Catcher/Processors in the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Groundfish Fisheries, 81262-81271 [2015-32742]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 249 (Tuesday, December 29, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 81262-81271]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-32742]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 679

[Docket No.:150904827-5827-01]
RIN 0648-BF36


Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off of Alaska; Observer 
Coverage Requirements for Small Catcher/Processors in the Gulf of 
Alaska and Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Groundfish Fisheries

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 that would implement Amendment 112 
to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and 
Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI FMP) and Amendment 102 to the 
Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA FMP) 
and revise regulations for observer coverage requirements for certain 
small catcher/processors in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) and Bering Sea and 
Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI). If approved, this proposed 
rule would modify the criteria for NMFS to place small catcher/
processors in the partial observer coverage category under the North 
Pacific Groundfish and Halibut Observer Program (Observer Program). 
Under this proposed rule, the owner of a non-trawl catcher/processor 
could choose to be in the partial observer coverage category, on an 
annual basis, if the vessel processed less than 79,000 lb (35.8 mt) of 
groundfish on an average weekly basis in a particular prior year, as 
specified in this proposed rule. This proposed rule would not alter 
observer coverage requirements for a catcher/processor using trawl gear 
or for a catcher/processor when participating in a catch share program; 
these catcher/processors would continue to be required to be in the 
full observer coverage category. This proposed rule would provide a 
relatively limited exception to the general requirement that all 
catcher/processors are in the full observer coverage category, and 
maintain the full observer coverage requirement for all trawl catcher/
processors and catcher/processors participating in a catch share 
program that requires full coverage. The net impact of this proposed 
rule on the information available for fisheries management is expected 
to be small due, in part, to the small amount of fishing activity that 
would be impacted. This proposed rule is intended to promote the goals 
of the BSAI and GOA FMPs, and to promote the goals and objectives of 
the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-
Stevens Act) and other applicable laws.

DATES: Submit comments on or before January 28, 2016.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this document, identified by 
NOAA-NMFS-2015-0114, by any of the following methods:
     Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public 
comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Go to www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2015-0114, click the ``Comment Now!'' icon, 
complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments.
     Mail: Submit written comments to Glenn Merrill, Assistant 
Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries Division, Alaska Region 
NMFS, Attn: Ellen Sebastian. Mail comments to P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, 
AK 99802-1668.
    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), 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).
    Electronic copies of Amendment 112 to the BSAI FMP and Amendment 
102 to the GOA FMP, the Regulatory Impact Review/Initial Regulatory 
Flexibility Analysis (Analysis), and the Categorical Exclusion prepared 
for this action are available from https://www.regulations.gov or from 
the NMFS Alaska Region Web site at https://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov.
    Written comments regarding the burden-hour estimates or other 
aspects of the collection-of-information requirements contained in this 
rule may be submitted to NMFS at the above address; by email to 
OIRA_Submission@omb.eop.gov; or by fax to 202-395-5806.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anne Marie Eich, 907-586-7228.

[[Page 81263]]


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Authority for Action

    NMFS manages the groundfish fisheries of the GOA under the GOA FMP. 
NMFS manages the groundfish fisheries of the BSAI under the BSAI FMP. 
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) prepared the GOA 
FMP and the BSAI FMP pursuant to the Magnuson-Stevens Act (16 U.S.C. 
1801, et seq.). Regulations implementing the GOA FMP and BSAI FMP 
appear at 50 CFR part 679.
    The Council submitted Amendment 112 to the BSAI FMP and Amendment 
102 to the GOA FMP (collectively referred to as Amendment 112/102) for 
review by the Secretary of Commerce, and a notice of availability of 
Amendment 112/102 was published in the Federal Register on February 29, 
2016, with comments invited through February 29, 2016. Comments may 
address Amendment 112/102 or this proposed rule, but must be received 
by February 29, 2016 to be considered in the approval/disapproval 
decision on Amendment 112/102. All comments received by that time, 
whether specifically directed to Amendment 112/102, or to this proposed 
rule, will be considered in the approval/disapproval decision on 
Amendment 112/102.

Background

    This proposed rule would modify the criteria used by NMFS to place 
small catcher/processors in the partial observer coverage category in 
the Observer Program. Under this proposed rule, the owners of non-trawl 
catcher/processors could choose to be in the partial observer coverage 
category for the upcoming fishing year if their vessels processed less 
than 79,000 lb (35.8 mt) of groundfish on an average weekly basis in a 
particular prior year, as specified in this rule. This proposed rule 
does not alter observer coverage requirements for a catcher/processor 
using trawl gear or for a catcher/processor when participating in a 
catch share program; these catcher/processors would continue to be 
required to be in the full observer coverage category. The terms 
``production'' and ``processing'' are used synonymously in this 
proposed rule. The following sections describe: (1) The Observer 
Program, (2) the Need for the Proposed Action, (3) the Rationale for 
Major Provisions of the Proposed Rule, and (4) the Proposed Rule.

The Observer Program

    Regulations implementing the Observer Program allow NMFS-certified 
observers (observers) to obtain information necessary for the 
conservation and management of the BSAI and GOA groundfish and halibut 
fisheries. Observers collect biological samples and fishery-dependent 
information on total catch and fishing vessel interactions with 
protected species. Managers use data collected by observers to monitor 
quotas, manage groundfish catch and bycatch, and document and reduce 
fishery interactions with protected resources. Scientists use observer-
collected data for stock assessments and marine ecosystem research.
    The Observer Program was implemented in 1990 (55 FR 4839, February 
12, 1990). In 2012, NMFS restructured the funding and deployment 
systems of the Observer Program (77 FR 70062, November 21, 2012). Since 
implementation of the restructured Observer Program in 2013, vessels, 
shoreside processors and stationary floating processors participating 
in the groundfish and halibut fisheries off of Alaska are placed in one 
of two observer coverage categories: (1) Partial observer coverage 
category, or (2) full observer coverage category.
    An observer must be on board a vessel in the full observer coverage 
category any time the vessel is harvesting, receiving, or processing 
groundfish in a federally managed or parallel groundfish fishery, as 
specified at Sec.  679.51(a)(2)(i). In the full observer coverage 
category, vessel operators obtain observers by contracting directly 
with observer providers. Operators of vessels in the full observer 
coverage category pay the observer provider for each day the observer 
is on board the vessel, including days that the vessel is travelling to 
or from the fishing grounds but not fishing.
    NMFS deploys observers on vessels in the partial observer coverage 
category according to a statistical sample design based on an annual 
deployment plan developed in consultation with the Council. Vessels in 
the partial observer coverage category are required to carry observers 
on fishing trips selected at random per the statistical sample design. 
Instead of paying for each day an observer is on board, NMFS assesses a 
fee equal to 1.25 percent of the ex-vessel value of the retained 
groundfish and halibut landed by vessels in the partial observer 
coverage category. NMFS uses these fees to establish a Federal contract 
with an observer service provider to deploy observers in the partial 
observer coverage category. Under this structure, observer coverage 
funding is based on the number of days a vessel operates (full observer 
coverage category) or on the ex-vessel value of a vessel's retained 
catch regardless of the amount of time the vessel is covered by an 
observer (partial observer coverage category).
    Before the Observer Program was restructured, most catcher/
processors were required to have one or two observers on board at all 
times to generate vessel-specific estimates of retained and discarded 
catch needed to manage catch share programs. Observer coverage 
requirements on catcher/processors that were not in a catch share 
program were based on vessel length and gear type and included coverage 
levels equal to zero or no coverage, 30 percent of fishing trips, and 
100 percent of fishing trips or full observer coverage. To monitor 
catch on unobserved catcher/processors, NMFS used the vessel-reported 
processed weight to estimate retained catch and data from observed 
vessels to estimate at-sea discards, including PSC, for each vessel. 
Under the restructured Observer Program, almost all catcher/processors 
were assigned to the full observer coverage category to obtain 
independent estimates of catch, at-sea discards, and PSC to reduce the 
potential for introducing error into NMFS' catch accounting system (as 
described in the proposed rule: 77 FR 23326, April 18, 2012).
    The restructured Observer Program provided three limited exceptions 
for catcher/processors to be placed in the partial observer coverage 
category. The restructured Observer Program provided these exceptions 
in recognition that the cost of full observer coverage would be 
disproportionate to total revenues for some small catcher/processors.
    First, the restructured Observer Program provided an exception 
(specified at the current Sec.  679.51(a)(2)(v)) that applies to a 
hybrid vessel less than 60 feet length overall (LOA) that acted as both 
a catcher vessel and a catcher/processor in the same year in any year 
from 2003 through 2009. This exception to the full coverage requirement 
applies only if the vessel owner elected to participate in the partial 
observer coverage category at least 30 days prior to the vessel's first 
trip logged under Observer Declare and Deploy System (ODDS). ODDS is 
the system for assigning observers to trips by vessels in the partial 
observer coverage category (Sec.  679.51(a)(1)(ii)). All but two of the 
vessels that were eligible

[[Page 81264]]

for this exception elected to participate in the partial coverage 
category.
    Second, the restructured Observer Program provided an exception 
from full coverage (specified at the current Sec.  679.5(a)(2)(v)) if a 
catcher/processor had an average daily production of less than 5,000 lb 
(2.3 mt) round weight equivalent in its most recent full calendar year 
of operation from 2003 through 2009. This exception applied only if the 
owner of a catcher/processor made a one-time election to be placed in 
the partial observer coverage category before the catcher/processor's 
first fishing trip logged under ODDS. All but one of the vessels that 
were eligible for this exception elected to be placed in the partial 
observer coverage category.
    Third, the restructured Observer Program provided an exception from 
full coverage (specified at Sec.  679.5(a)(2)(iv)(B)) if a catcher/
processor did not process more than one metric ton round weight of 
groundfish on any day in the immediately preceding year. This exception 
is based on the catcher/processor's production in any year after 
implementation of the restructured Observer Program (i.e., in any year 
after 2012). Under this exception, a catcher/processor is placed in the 
partial observer coverage category for one year based on its production 
in the prior year, and this exception ends the year after the year in 
which the catcher/processor processes more than one metric ton on any 
day of the year.
    The first two exceptions are based on a vessel's activity between 
2003 and 2009. A vessel that started processing after 2009 could never 
qualify to be placed in the partial observer coverage category under 
either of these exceptions. Also, the first two exceptions permanently 
placed a vessel in the partial observer coverage category. These 
exceptions have no provision to review the production of a catcher/
processor placed in the partial observer coverage category on an 
ongoing basis and remove them from the partial observer coverage 
category if their production increases. Out of approximately seventy 
catcher/processors in the Observer Program, three catcher/processors 
have qualified for, and elected to be assigned permanently to, the 
partial observer coverage category under these two exceptions (Section 
2.1.1 and Table 2 of the Analysis).
    The third exception, the one metric ton exception, is theoretically 
open to any catcher/processor that began production after 2009. 
However, in reviewing production data from 2008 through 2014 for this 
action, NMFS found no active catcher/processor (i.e., a catcher/
processor which did any processing in a year) that processed one metric 
ton or less on every day during a year (Section 2.1.1 of the Analysis).

Need for the Proposed Action

    Beginning with comments on the proposed rule for the restructured 
Observer Program, industry participants asked that the final rule for 
the restructured Observer Program allow NMFS to place catcher/
processors with limited production in the partial observer coverage 
category. In response to these comments, NMFS stated in the final rule 
for the restructured Observer Program (77 FR 70062, November 21, 2012) 
that neither the Council nor NMFS had analyzed the situation of small 
catcher/processors that began production after 2009. NMFS explained 
that if these industry participants wished to be considered for 
placement in the partial observer coverage category, the Council and 
NMFS would need to make these changes through a separate rulemaking 
process.
    Members of industry subsequently sought a change in the rules for 
placement of catcher/processors in the partial observer coverage 
category. Members of industry stated that the cost of full observer 
coverage for vessels that began processing, or wished to begin 
processing, relatively small amounts of groundfish after 2009, was 
disproportionate to the revenues they could receive. The Council and 
NMFS reviewed and developed a series of analyses that resulted in this 
proposed action. The history of this action is described in detail in 
Section 1.2 of the Analysis.
    Data on past production identified a small number of catcher/
processors that processed a small amount of groundfish relative to the 
rest of the fleet. The Council and NMFS concluded that these vessels 
were paying, or would pay, a disproportionate amount for full observer 
coverage relative to the amount these vessels had processed, or would 
be likely to process. The Council and NMFS concluded that the cost of 
full observer coverage might be discouraging beneficial activity, such 
as processing sablefish in remote fishing grounds in the Aleutian 
Islands or processing by small jig gear vessels.
    The Council and NMFS concluded that the placement of catcher/
processors in the partial observer coverage category should not be a 
closed category but should be open to all catcher/processors based on 
an ongoing measure of their groundfish production in a year, except for 
catcher/processors where information needs compel full observer 
coverage regardless of the amount of production. Specifically, this 
proposed rule would not revise observer coverage requirements for trawl 
catcher/processors or catcher/processors while they are participating 
in a catch share program (Section 2.4.1 of the Analysis), even when 
these catcher/processors meet the production requirement.
    The objectives for this proposed rule are to (1) refine the balance 
between observer data quality from the fishery and cost of observer 
coverage to catcher/processors with limited groundfish production 
relative to the rest of the catcher/processor fleet by allowing those 
catcher/processors with limited production to be placed in the partial 
observer coverage category based on contemporary groundfish production 
amounts; and (2) implement this exception without altering the full 
observer coverage requirements for all trawl catcher/processors and 
catcher/processors in a catch share program.

Rationale for Major Provisions of the Proposed Rule

    This discussion relies on the description provided in Section 2 of 
the Analysis.

1. The Production Threshold for Placement in the Partial Observer 
Coverage Category

    This proposed rule would establish a production threshold for 
placement in the partial observer coverage category of average weekly 
groundfish production of 79,000 lb (35.8 mt) or less in a standard 
basis year or an alternate basis year (as defined below). The Council 
and NMFS considered five possible measures of groundfish production 
that could be used to establish the eligibility for catcher/processors 
to be assigned to the partial observer coverage category: Average daily 
production; average weekly production; maximum daily production; 
maximum weekly production; and overall annual production. For each 
measure of groundfish production, the Council and NMFS examined a range 
of production amounts and analyzed the effects of those alternatives.
    The Council and NMFS selected a weekly production measure because 
it would include catcher/processors that engage in intense bursts of 
processing activity during a year but may not process throughout the 
whole year. A weekly reporting period is the standard measure of 
production for a trip by a catcher/processor under the current 
regulation (see definition of ``Fishing trip'' in Sec.  679.2). Using 
an average weekly production measure is less sensitive to variations in 
processing activity that can occur by using an

[[Page 81265]]

average daily production measure. Additionally, unlike a maximum 
measure, an average measure of production does not unduly weight a 
single day or week of high production (Section 2.2.1 and Section 4.9 of 
the Analysis).
    The Council and NMFS considered a range of average weekly 
production measures as a threshold for partial coverage. The Council 
and NMFS considered a lower average weekly production threshold of 
42,000 lb (19.1 mt) and a higher average weekly production threshold of 
79,000 lb (35.8 mt). The three catcher/processors that are currently 
eligible for placement in the partial observer coverage category would 
still be eligible under the higher production threshold considered, and 
would generally be eligible for placement in the partial observer 
coverage category at the lower production threshold (see Table 7, 
Section 3.7.2 of the Analysis). The Council and NMFS selected the 
higher production standard to ensure that catcher/processors that are 
currently eligible for placement in the partial observer coverage 
category would continue to be eligible if these vessels maintain their 
current levels of production.
    The Council and NMFS concluded that this production threshold would 
maintain a limited exception to the general requirement that catcher/
processors are in the full observer coverage category. Based on 
historical production data, approximately 3 percent of non-trawl 
catcher/processors have production that would allow them to be eligible 
for placement in the partial observer coverage category under this 
proposed rule. Based on historical production data, this would 
represent less than 1 percent of the aggregate groundfish production in 
the GOA and the BSAI. The Council does not anticipate that this action 
would impair data quality because the overwhelming amount of groundfish 
production would remain subject to full observer coverage (Section 
3.6.7 of the Analysis). NMFS expects that up to 11 vessels would be 
eligible for placement in the partial observer coverage category based 
on estimated production data of all catcher/processors (Table 17 in 
Section 3.7.12 of the Analysis). The catcher/processors eligible for 
partial coverage under this proposed rule are engaged primarily in the 
hook-and-line and Pacific cod and sablefish fisheries (see Section 
3.7.12 of the Analysis).

2. The Basis Year for Placing a Catcher/Processor in the Partial 
Observer Coverage Category

    The Council and NMFS realize that it would be impossible for NMFS 
to place a catcher/processor in the partial observer coverage category 
for a fishing year beginning January 1 based on data from the fishing 
year that had just ended on December 31 (i.e., the fishing year minus 
one year) because there is not adequate time to compile and assess all 
of the production data relative to the production thresholds. 
Therefore, this proposed rule would establish the fishing year minus 
two years as the standard basis year for determining whether a catcher/
processor was eligible for placement in the partial observer coverage 
category, as it is the most recent year for which NMFS would have full 
production data. As an example, NMFS would assess production data from 
2015 to determine if a catcher/processor would be eligible for partial 
coverage in the fishing year that begins on January 1, 2017, (i.e., the 
fishing year minus two years).
    If a catcher/processor had no production in the standard basis 
year, (i.e., two years before the current fishing year), but that 
catcher/processor had production before the standard basis year, the 
Council and NMFS recommended using the vessel's most recent year of 
production, but not earlier than 2009 (referred to as the alternate 
basis year) (Section 2.4 of the Analysis). For example, if this 
proposed rule was effective for the fishing year beginning January 1, 
2017, and the most recent fishing year prior to 2015 a catcher/
processor had production was 2011, the production from 2011 would be 
used to assess whether that catcher/processor met the threshold 
production amount to be eligible for placement in the partial observer 
coverage category. This proposed rule would not consider production 
data prior to 2009 because that is the first year that NMFS collected 
daily production reports (73 FR 76139), permitting calculation of 
average daily production (see Appendix D of the Analysis).

3. A Catcher/Processor With No History of Production

    The Council and NMFS also considered the initial type of observer 
coverage (i.e., full or partial) that should apply to a catcher/
processor with no production in either the standard basis year or an 
alternate basis year, e.g., a new catcher/processor. Three options were 
considered: placing the catcher/processor in the full observer coverage 
category in its first year of operation; placing the catcher/processor 
in the partial observer coverage category in its first year of 
operation; or placing any trawl catcher/processors in the full observer 
coverage category until it had production history and placing any non-
trawl catcher/processors in the partial observer coverage category.
    The Council and NMFS recommended placing any new non-trawl catcher/
processor without production history in the partial coverage category 
in its first year of operation. The Council and NMFS selected this 
option after analyzing the potential impact on data quality and costs 
of assigning new non-trawl catcher/processors to both the full or 
partial observer coverage categories. The Council and NMFS realize that 
the costs of full observer coverage could prevent some non-trawl 
catcher/processors from starting processing, particularly processing of 
sablefish in remote fishing grounds in the Aleutian Islands, and 
processing of Pacific cod by catcher/processors using jig gear. If non-
trawl catcher/processors had to operate for their first two years in 
the full observer coverage category, it might defeat one of the 
objectives of this action, namely encouraging beneficial activity that 
is being prevented by the cost of full observer coverage.
    The Council and NMFS decided to exclude all trawl catcher/
processors, regardless of their amount of production, from eligibility 
to participate in the partial observer coverage category. The unchanged 
observer requirements for trawl catcher/processors and catcher/
processors that participate in a catch share program section of this 
preamble provides additional detail on trawl catcher/processor observer 
coverage requirements. Section 3.7.4 of the Analysis contains 
additional detail on the rationale for placing catcher/processors with 
no production in their appropriate observer coverage categories.

4. Owner Choice by an Annual Deadline

    The Council and NMFS considered whether the owner of an eligible 
catcher/processor should have the option to be placed in the partial 
observer coverage category for the upcoming fishing year, or if NMFS 
would automatically place the qualifying vessel in the partial observer 
coverage category for the upcoming fishing year based on production 
data without any action by the vessel owner. The Council and NMFS 
decided that providing the vessel owner with the option to remain in 
the full observer coverage category best met the purposes

[[Page 81266]]

of this action. Therefore, under this proposed rule, the owner of a 
qualifying vessel could choose to be placed in the partial observer 
coverage category by an annual deadline. If the owner of a qualifying 
vessel does not select to be placed in the partial observer coverage 
category by the annual deadline, that catcher/processor would be placed 
in the full observer coverage category for the upcoming fishing year. 
This annual selection process would be a new requirement for the three 
catcher/processors that are currently permanently placed in the partial 
observer coverage category.
    This proposed rule would establish two deadlines for a vessel owner 
to choose placement in the partial observer coverage category. First, 
NMFS anticipated that this proposed rule could be approved, be 
published, and become effective in spring of 2016. To achieve the 
benefits of this proposed rule in a timely manner, NMFS would establish 
a deadline in 2016 for a vessel owner of an eligible catcher/processor 
to request placement in the partial observer coverage category within 
15 days after the effective date of the final rule, if approved. The 
effective date of the final rule would be 30 days after its publication 
in the Federal Register. This deadline would provide a vessel owner 45 
days to consider and submit a timely request for placement in the 
partial coverage category after the date of publication of the final 
rule. This deadline would require this request to be submitted in as 
timely a manner as practicable after the effective date of the final 
rule (i.e., within 15 days).
    This proposed rule would also establish a deadline applicable for 
the 2017 fishing year, and for all future fishing years. In the 
Analysis, NMFS stated that a July 1 deadline for choosing to be placed 
in the partial observer coverage would give vessel owners adequate time 
to choose partial observer coverage and would give NMFS adequate time 
to incorporate that information into its development of the Observer 
Program annual deployment plan for the upcoming fishing year (Section 
2.2.4 of the Analysis). For the 2017 fishing year, a vessel owner would 
have to request placement in the partial observer coverage category by 
July 1, 2016.

 5. Unchanged Observer Requirements for Trawl Catcher/Processors and 
Catcher/Processors That Participate in a Catch Share Program

    While it is possible that a vessel may meet the production 
threshold to request to be in the partial observer coverage category, 
this proposed rule does not alter existing observer coverage 
requirements for a catcher/processor using trawl gear or a catcher/
processor when participating in a catch share program; these catcher/
processors would continue to be required to be in the full observer 
coverage category. The rationale for each is described below.
    During the development of this proposed rule, the Council and NMFS 
consistently stated that this proposed rule would not supersede any 
requirements for full observer coverage when a catcher/processor is 
participating in a catch share program (Section 2.4 of the Analysis). 
The requirements for full, or greater than full, coverage in these 
programs show a special need for verified individual accounting of 
catch by the catcher/processors in these programs.
    Therefore, the proposed rule would not provide exceptions for a 
catcher/processor subject to additional observer requirements specified 
in Sec.  679.51(a)(2)(vi) to be placed in the partial observer coverage 
category. The existing additional observer requirements would continue 
to apply to catcher/processors participating in the following catch 
share programs: Community Development Quota (CDQ) Program (except 
catcher/processors sablefish CDQ fishing); American Fisheries Act; 
Aleutian Islands directed pollock fishery; Amendment 80 trawl catcher/
processors in the BSAI non-pollock fisheries; catcher/processors in the 
Central GOA Rockfish Program; and the longline catcher/processor 
subsector. Section 2.2 of the Analysis describes each of these catch 
share programs and the catcher/processors fishing under those programs 
in greater detail.
    Trawl catcher/processors, regardless of production level, would 
continue to be placed in the full observer coverage category. Trawl 
catcher/processors are subject to multiple bycatch, or prohibited 
species catch (PSC), limits for salmon, halibut, crab and herring (see 
Sec.  679.21(d)(3), (e)(1), (f)(2), (h)(2), and (i)(3)). Therefore, 
NMFS has identified a heightened need for data from these vessels best 
achieved under full observer coverage. In addition, Section 2.4.1 of 
the Analysis states that most trawl catcher/processors are currently 
operating under the provisions of either the Amendment 80 or American 
Fisheries Act catch share programs and would be ineligible for 
placement in the partial observer coverage category because of the 
requirements for additional observer coverage under those catch share 
programs. Finally, NMFS analyzed production data from trawl catcher/
processors relative to the 79,000 lb (35.8 mt) average weekly 
production threshold. No active trawl catcher/processors met this 
threshold to be eligible for placement in the partial observer coverage 
category during the years analyzed (2009 through 2014). Given these 
factors, and even if a trawl catcher/processor met the production 
requirement in the future, this proposed rule would not alter the 
existing requirements that a catcher/processor using trawl gear would 
continue to be required to be in the full observer coverage category.

The Proposed Rule

    The proposed rule would revise regulations at 50 CFR part 679 to 
modify the criteria for NMFS to place small catcher/processors in the 
partial observer coverage category in the Observer Program. The primary 
provision of the proposed rule is to establish a new paragraph in Sec.  
679.51, namely Sec.  679.51(a)(3), ``Catcher/processor placement in the 
partial observer coverage category for a year.''
    At Sec.  679.51(a)(3)(i), this proposed rule would define the 
following terms for purposes of the new Sec.  679.51(a)(3): A ``fishing 
year'' as the year during which a catcher/processor might be placed in 
the partial observer coverage category; the ``standard basis year'' as 
the fishing year minus two years; and the ``alternate basis year'' as 
the most recent year before the standard basis year in which a catcher/
processor had any groundfish production but not earlier than 2009.
    The proposed rule at Sec.  679.51(a)(3)(i) also defines a vessel's 
``average weekly groundfish production,'' as the annual groundfish 
round weight production estimate for a catcher/processor, divided by 
the number of separate weeks during which production occurred, as 
determined by production reports, but excluding any groundfish that was 
caught with trawl gear. Thus, if a vessel has groundfish production any 
day in a week, excluding trawl production, that would be considered as 
a week of production.
    The proposed rule would specify at Sec.  679.51(a)(3)(ii) the 
annual deadline for requesting placement in the partial observer 
coverage category as 15 days after the effective date of the final rule 
in 2016, and July 1 of the year before the year that the vessel owner 
would like to be placed in the partial observer coverage category, for 
2017 and all future years. NMFS will make a determination within 30 
days of receipt of the request for placement in the partial observer 
coverage category.
    The proposed rule would specify at Sec.  679.51(a)(3)(iii) the 
requirements for

[[Page 81267]]

NMFS to place a catcher/processor in the partial observer coverage 
category, namely if the vessel owner requests placement by the annual 
deadline specified and the vessel meets the production threshold of 
79,000 lb (35.8 mt) of average weekly groundfish production (excluding 
groundfish caught with trawl gear).
    To determine eligibility for placement in the partial observer 
coverage category, NMFS will first examine the catcher/processor's 
production in the standard basis year, namely two years before the 
fishing year. If a catcher/processor produced at or below the 
production threshold (79,000 lb (35.8 mt) average weekly groundfish 
production) in the standard basis year, but more than zero pounds, the 
vessel would meet the production threshold for placement in the partial 
observer coverage category in the upcoming fishing year. If a catcher/
processor exceeded that production threshold, the vessel would not be 
eligible for placement in the partial observer coverage category in the 
upcoming fishing year.
    If a catcher/processor had no production in the standard basis 
year, NMFS would examine the vessel's production in the alternative 
basis year, namely the first year that the vessel had any production 
before the standard basis year not earlier than 2009. If a catcher/
processor had average groundfish weekly production of 79,000 lb (35.8 
mt) or less in the alternate basis year, the vessel would meet the 
production threshold requirement for placement in the partial observer 
coverage category for the upcoming fishing year. If a catcher/processor 
exceeded the production threshold in the alternate basis year, the 
vessel would not be eligible for placement in the partial observer 
coverage category. If a catcher/processor had no production from 2009 
through the standard basis year or an alternate basis year, the vessel 
would meet the production threshold requirement for placement in the 
partial observer coverage category.
    If a catcher/processor meets the production threshold requirement 
for placement in the partial observer coverage category and is not a 
vessel using trawl gear or otherwise required to have full observer 
coverage by participation in a catch share program, the catcher/
processor would be placed in partial observer coverage only if the 
owner of the vessel makes the request by the specified deadline. The 
proposed rule specifies at Sec.  679.51(a)(3)(iv) how the vessel owner 
would request placement in the partial observer coverage category. A 
vessel owner would need to submit a request form to NMFS, which NMFS 
would make available on the NMFS Alaska Region Web site at https://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov.
    The proposed rule specifies at Sec.  679.51(a)(3)(v) that NMFS will 
notify a vessel owner in writing if NMFS has placed the vessel in the 
partial observer coverage category once a request form has been 
submitted. Until NMFS provides this notice, the catcher/processor would 
remain in the full observer coverage category.
    The proposed rule specifies at Sec.  679.51(a)(3)(vi) that if NMFS 
denies a request for placement in the partial observer coverage 
category, NMFS would issue an Initial Administrative Determination, 
which will explain in writing the reasons for the denial. If the vessel 
owner wishes to appeal the denial, the proposed rule provides at Sec.  
679.51(a)(3)(vii) that the vessel owner would be able to appeal to the 
National Appeals Office according to the procedures in 15 CFR part 906.
    In addition to the proposed new paragraph at Sec.  679.51(a)(3), 
the proposed rule has several additional provisions. The proposed rule 
would add regulations at Sec.  679.51(a)(1)(i)(C) to clarify that a 
catcher/processor placed in the partial observer coverage category 
under Sec.  679.51(a)(3) is in the partial observer coverage category. 
The proposed rule would revise Sec.  679.51(a)(2)(i)(A) to clarify that 
catcher/processors are placed in the full observer coverage category 
unless they are placed the partial observer coverage category using 
criteria specified at Sec.  679.51(a)(3). The proposed rule also 
removes the regulations detailing the current exceptions to the full 
observer coverage category for catcher/processors at Sec.  
679.51(a)(2)(iv)(B).
    The proposed rule would add a new category to the definition of 
fishing trip for purposes of the Observer Program in Sec.  679.2. 
Section 679.2 currently defines a fishing trip for a catcher vessel 
delivering to a shoreside or stationary floating processor and for a 
catcher vessel delivering to a tender vessel. The new definition would 
define a fishing trip for a catcher/processor in the partial observer 
coverage category, namely the period of time that begins when the 
vessel departs a port to harvest fish until the vessel returns to port 
and offloads all processed product. This definition would be necessary 
because the current definition of a fishing trip does not accurately 
apply to a catcher/processor in the partial coverage category.
    This proposed rule would add a new requirement at Sec.  
679.5(e)(13) for a catcher/processor landing report. The operator of a 
catcher/processor placed in the partial observer coverage category 
would be required to submit a catcher/processor landing report by 2400 
hours, A.l.t., on the day after the end of the fishing trip. This would 
be a new reporting requirement created for this program. The landing 
report would be generated through eLandings or other NMFS-approved 
software by consolidating the daily production reports for the period 
the vessel operator defines as the fishing trip for purposes of 
observer coverage. NMFS would use information from the catcher/
processor landing report to link catch data with observer data, to 
determine how to appropriately assign at-sea discard rates and PSC 
rates to unobserved catcher/processors in the partial observer coverage 
category, and to monitor compliance with the requirement for catcher/
processors placed in the partial observer coverage category to log all 
fishing trips in ODDS.
    The proposed rule would revise Sec.  679.51(e)(1)(iii)(B) to remove 
requirements from catcher/processors placed in the partial observer 
coverage category to provide equipment for the purpose of observer data 
entry and transmission. Currently, all catcher/processors are required 
to provide an observer with a computer, NMFS-supplied software, and the 
ability to transmit data to NMFS using a point-to-point connection from 
the vessel. Removing this requirement would reduce the financial burden 
on small catcher/processors placed in the partial observer coverage 
category, especially for vessels mentioned in Section 3.7.4 of the 
Analysis that may begin to operate as a catcher/processor (e.g., 
catcher/processors using jig gear). Currently, observers deployed in 
the partial observer coverage category enter and transmit data without 
equipment provided by the industry. Maintaining the current equipment 
requirements for catcher/processors in partial coverage may result in 
duplicative and unnecessary equipment being available on the vessel. 
NMFS typically receives data from observers deployed in the partial 
observer coverage category at the end of each trip and that timeline 
would be sufficient for catcher/processors in partial coverage under 
this proposed rule. NMFS notes that even with this proposed change, 
more frequent data transmission could be achieved on some vessels if 
the observer is allowed to use existing communication equipment.
    The proposed rule would revise Sec.  679.55(a) and (c) to clarify 
that all catcher/processors named on a Federal Fishing Permit (FFP) and 
not in the full

[[Page 81268]]

observer coverage category are responsible for paying the observer fee.
    The proposed rule includes corrections to fix two cross reference 
errors in Sec.  679.2 and replace language in Sec.  679.5 that refer to 
old terminology of ``100 percent observer coverage''. That terminology 
would be replaced with ``full observer coverage''; this is the 
terminology used under the restructured Observer Program.

Classification

    Pursuant to section 304 (b)(1)(A) and 305(d) of the Magnuson-
Stevens Act, the NMFS Assistant Administrator has determined that this 
proposed rule is consistent with Amendments 112 and 102, other 
provisions of 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.
Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
    The objectives for this proposed rule are to (1) refine the balance 
between observer data quality from the fishery and cost of observer 
coverage to catcher/processors with limited production relative to the 
rest of the catcher/processor fleet by allowing those catcher/
processors with limited production the opportunity to be placed in the 
partial observer coverage category based on contemporary groundfish 
production amounts; and (2) maintain the full observer coverage 
requirement for all trawl catcher/processors and catcher/processors in 
a catch share program regardless whether these catcher/processors meet 
the groundfish production requirement for placement in the partial 
observer coverage category.
    An Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) was prepared, as 
required by section 603 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA). The 
IRFA describes the economic impact this proposed rule, if adopted, 
would have on small entities. The IRFA describes the reasons why this 
action is being proposed; the objectives and legal basis for the 
proposed rule; the number and description of small entities directly 
regulated by the proposed action; any projected reporting, 
recordkeeping, or other compliance requirements of the proposed rule; 
any overlapping, duplicative, or conflicting Federal rules; impacts of 
the action on small entities; and any significant alternatives to the 
proposed rule that would accomplish the stated objectives of the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act, and any other applicable statutes, and would 
minimize any significant adverse impacts of the proposed rule on small 
entities. Descriptions of the proposed action, its purpose, and the 
legal basis are contained earlier in this preamble and are not repeated 
here. A summary of the IRFA follows. A copy of the IRFA is available 
from NMFS (see ADDRESSES).
    The RFA recognizes and defines three kinds of small entities: (1) 
Small businesses, (2) small non-profit organizations, and (3) small 
government jurisdictions. The proposed action would directly regulate 
small businesses.
    The Small Business Administration has established size standards 
for all major industry sectors in the United States. A business 
primarily involved in finfish harvesting 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 gross receipts not in excess of $20.5 million, for all its 
affiliated operations worldwide.
    Under the preferred alternative that would be implemented by this 
proposed rule, NMFS expects that up to 11 vessels may qualify for 
placement in the partial observer coverage category (See Section 3.4 
and Section 4.6 of the Analysis for additional detail). NMFS estimates 
that these 11 vessels may be separated into four groups of entities.
    The first group of vessels consists of three catcher/processors 
that currently qualify for placement in the partial observer coverage 
category under the existing program rules. These were discussed in 
detail in Section 3.7.2 of the Analysis. These three vessels are 
estimated to be small entities based on estimates of their gross 
revenues, and of their known affiliations.
    The second group consists of three catcher/processors that 
currently operate as catcher/processors and are in the full observer 
coverage category, but that may be eligible to operate in the partial 
observer coverage category as a result of this proposed rule. These 
three catcher/processors are described in Section 3.7.3 of the 
Analysis. Two of these vessels are estimated to be small entities on 
the basis of estimates of their gross revenues, and of their known 
affiliations. One vessel is estimated to be a large entity on the basis 
of its gross revenue and its known affiliations.
    The third group consists of catcher vessels that may begin to 
operate as catcher/processors if this action is taken. As discussed in 
Section 3.7.4 of the Analysis, NMFS could not identify vessels in this 
group on the basis of historical information. However, NMFS noted that 
at least one jig vessel operator has indicated that he may begin 
catcher/processor operations using jig gear in Federal waters if that 
vessel could be eligible for placement in the partial observer coverage 
category. NMFS estimates that this one known jig vessel would be 
estimated to be a small entity on the basis of gross revenues and 
affiliations of all known vessels currently using jig gear.
    Finally, the analysis determined that fishing operations using 
sablefish ``A'' quota shares in the Aleutian Islands may begin 
processing at-sea and operating as catcher/processors in the Aleutian 
Islands if those vessels are eligible for placement in the partial 
observer coverage category. Section 3.7.5 of the Analysis provides 
additional detail on these vessels. NMFS identified that up to four 
vessels could operate as catcher/processors for sablefish. NMFS 
estimates that, with one exception, these vessels would be estimated to 
be small entities on the basis of estimates of their gross revenues, 
and of their known affiliations. Collectively, NMFS estimates that up 
to 9 of the 11 vessels identified in these four groups would be 
considered directly regulated small entities.
    The proposed action contains one new reporting and recordkeeping 
requirement that affects the small entities. Vessel owners or operators 
desiring to be placed in the partial observer coverage category for a 
fishing year will have to submit a simple form expressing that choice 
by July 1 (except for the 2016 fishing year, as described previously). 
This information is needed for preparation of the Observer Program 
annual deployment plan.
    This form will use production data that will be available to the 
owner or operator on the eLandings Web site. Given the simplicity of 
the form, and the accessibility of the data needed to complete it, NMFS 
estimates that it will take no more than 30 minutes to complete and 
file the form. For Paperwork Reduction Act estimation purposes, NMFS 
values this type of effort at $37 per hour. Approximately 9 small 
entities could be affected by this requirement. Thus, the total public 
time required to complete 9 forms a year x 30 minutes is 4.5 hours. At 
a cost of $37 per hour, the estimated cost would be about $167.
    The RFA requires identification of any significant alternatives to 
the proposed rule that accomplish the stated objectives of the proposed 
action, consistent with applicable statutes, and that would minimize 
any significant economic impact of the proposed rule on small entities. 
As noted in the IRFA, the proposed action is expected to

[[Page 81269]]

create a net benefit for the directly regulated small entities. In 
other words, the benefits of the proposed action are expected to 
outweigh the reporting, recordkeeping, and other compliance costs 
described above.
    The Council and NMFS adopted the average weekly production 
threshold of 79,000 lb (35.8 mt) as its preferred alternative. This 
production threshold would allow a catcher/processor to qualify for 
placement in the partial observer coverage category for a year, if its 
round weight equivalent of their processed product, two years previous, 
averaged less than 79,000 lb (35.8 mt) a week. If the vessel had not 
operated two years previously, NMFS would use its production in the 
first year with production since 2009, inclusive of 2009. If the vessel 
has not produced in this period, NMFS would allow the vessel to be 
placed in the partial observer coverage category in the year in which 
application is made, unless it is a trawl vessel, in which case it 
would be in the full observer coverage category.
    This action is meant to reduce the relative burden on directly 
regulated small catcher/processors in comparison with the status quo. 
For vessels that qualify, this action would allow them to forego full 
observer coverage and operate with less expensive partial observer 
coverage, should they choose to do so. There are three catcher/
processors that enjoy permanent placement in the partial observer 
coverage category under the status quo. These vessels would, under the 
action alternative, now have to qualify for placement in the partial 
observer coverage category each year. The Council and NMFS chose the 
79,000-lb average weekly threshold, rather than an alternative 42,000-
lb average weekly threshold, to maximize the potential for these three 
vessels to qualify for the option to be placed in the partial observer 
coverage category in future years. Moreover, one of the objectives of 
this action was to end the permanent placement in the partial observer 
coverage category for catcher/processor vessels and create a flexible 
system that could respond if a vessel increased production.
    The Council and NMFS considered multiple elements and options under 
Alternative 2 that would qualify more vessels or fewer vessels for 
placement in the partial observer coverage category. In addition to the 
two average weekly production thresholds, a low and a high average 
daily, maximum daily production, maximum weekly, and annual production 
measures were considered.
    The production thresholds analyzed under Element 1 Option 4B (high 
maximum weekly production) and Option 5B (high annual production) could 
have qualified one more small catcher/processor for partial observer 
coverage than is expected to qualify under the Council's preferred 
alternative (Option 2B: average weekly production threshold of 79,000 
lb). The Council did not select Option 4B because basing a threshold on 
maximum weekly production could have excluded some catcher/processors 
that had one week of relatively high production, but had relatively low 
average production over the remainder of the year. The Council did not 
select Option 5B because it could allow catcher/processors with 
relatively high production levels over the course of several weeks or 
months during the year into the partial observer coverage category. 
NMFS recommended that catcher/processors with these high intensity 
production periods during the year should remain in the full observer 
coverage category so that all of their fishing activity is observed.
    The average weekly measure was chosen, because it provided a 
measure of production intensity, which the annual, maximum daily, and 
maximum weekly measures, did not provide; it was readily measurable; 
and it was less prone to manipulation or unusually high levels of 
production than the other options considered. A week is also the 
standard measure of production for a catcher/processor trip in current 
regulation (Section 2.2.1 and Section 4.9 of the Analysis).
    No relevant Federal rules have been identified that would duplicate 
or overlap with the proposed action.
Collection-of-Information Requirements
    This proposed rule contains collection-of-information requirements 
subject to review and approval by the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). These requirements have 
been submitted to OMB for approval. The information collections are 
presented by OMB control number.
    OMB Control No. 0648-0318
    Public reporting burden for Catcher/Processor Observer Partial 
Coverage Request is estimated to average 30 minutes per response.
    OMB Control No. 0648-0515
    Public reporting burden for Catcher/Processor Landing Report 
through eLandings is estimated to average one minute per response.
    OMB Control No. 0648-0711
    Public reporting burden for submittal of Observer Fee through eFISH 
is estimated to average 1 minute per response.
    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 shall 
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 at 
the ADDRESSES above, and email to OIRA_Submission@omb.eop.gov, or fax 
to (202) 395-5806.
    Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is 
required to respond to, and no person shall be subject to 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. All currently approved NOAA 
collections of information may be viewed at: https://www.cio.noaa.gov/services_programs/prasubs.html.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 679

    Alaska, Fisheries, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    Dated: December 23, 2015.
Eileen Sobeck,
Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries 
Service.

    For the reasons set out in the preamble, 50 CFR part 679 is 
proposed to be amended as follows:

PART 679--FISHERIES OF THE EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE OFF ALASKA

0
1. The authority citation for 50 CFR part 679 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority:  16 U.S.C. 773 et seq.; 1801 et seq.; 3631 et seq.; 
Pub. L. 108-447; Pub. L. 111-281

0
2. In Sec.  679.2, add paragraph (3)(iii) to the definition of 
``Fishing trip'' to read as follows:


Sec.  679.2  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Fishing trip means: * * *
    (3) * * *
    (iii) For a catcher/processor in the partial observer coverage 
category, the period of time that begins when the vessel departs a port 
to harvest fish until

[[Page 81270]]

the vessel returns to port and offloads all processed product.
* * * * *
0
3. In Sec.  679.5, add paragraph (e)(13) to read as follows:


Sec.  679.5  Recordkeeping and reporting (R&R).

* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (13) Catcher/processor landing report. (i) The operator of a 
catcher/processor placed in the partial observer coverage category 
under Sec.  679.51(a)(3) must use eLandings or other NMFS-approved 
software to submit a catcher/processor landing report to NMFS for each 
fishing trip conducted while that catcher/processor is in the partial 
observer coverage category.
    (ii) The vessel operator must log into eLandings or other NMFS-
approved software and provide the information required on the computer 
screen. Additional instructions for submitting a catcher/processor 
landing report is on the Alaska Region Web site at https://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov.
    (iii) For purposes of this landing report requirement, the end of a 
fishing trip is defined in Sec.  679.2, paragraph (3)(iii) of the 
definition of a fishing trip.
    (iv) The vessel operator must submit the catcher/processor landing 
report to NMFS by 2400 hours, A.l.t., on the day after the end of the 
fishing trip.
* * * * *
0
4. In Sec.  679.51,
0
a. Revise paragraph (a)(1)(i)(B);
0
b. Add paragraph (a)(1)(i)(C);
0
c. Revise paragraph (a)(2)(i)(A);
0
d. Remove and reserve paragraphs (a)(2)(iv)(B) and (a)(2)(v);
0
e. Add paragraph (a)(3); and
0
f. Revise paragraph (e)(1)(iii)(B) introductory text to read as 
follows:


Sec.  679.51  Observer requirements for vessels and plants.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (i) * * *
    (B) A catcher vessel when fishing for halibut with hook-and-line 
gear and while carrying a person named on a permit issued under Sec.  
679.4(d)(1)(i), Sec.  679.4(d)(2)(i), or Sec.  679.4(e)(2), or for 
sablefish IFQ with hook-and-line or pot gear and while carrying a 
person named on a permit issued under Sec.  679.4(d)(1)(i) or Sec.  
679.4(d)(2)(i); or
    (C) A catcher/processor placed in the partial observer coverage 
category under paragraph (a)(3) of this section.
* * * * *
    (2) * * *
    (i) * * *
    (A) Catcher/processors, except a catcher/processor placed in the 
partial observer coverage category under paragraph (a)(3) of this 
section;
* * * * *
    (3) Catcher/processor placement in the partial observer coverage 
category for a year--(i) Definitions. For purposes of this paragraph 
(a)(3), these terms are defined as follows:
    (A) Average weekly groundfish production means the annual 
groundfish round weight production estimate for a catcher/processor, 
divided by the number of separate weeks during which production 
occurred, as determined by production reports, excluding any groundfish 
caught using trawl gear.
    (B) Fishing year means the year during which a catcher/processor 
might be placed in partial observer coverage.
    (C) Standard basis year means the fishing year minus two years.
    (D) Alternate basis year means the most recent year before the 
standard basis year in which a catcher/processor had any groundfish 
production but not earlier than 2009.
    (ii) Deadline for requesting partial observer coverage. For the 
2016 fishing year, the deadline for requesting partial observer 
coverage is [DATE 15 DAYS AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE FINAL RULE]. 
For the 2017 fishing year and every fishing year after 2017, the 
deadline for requesting partial observer coverage is July 1 of the year 
prior to the fishing year.
    (iii) Requirements for placing a catcher/processor in the partial 
observer coverage category. NMFS will place a catcher/processor in the 
partial observer coverage category for a fishing year if the owner of 
the catcher/processor requests placement in partial observer coverage 
by the deadline for requesting partial observer coverage for that 
fishing year and the catcher/processor meets the following 
requirements:
    (A) An average weekly groundfish production of:
    (1) 79,000 lb (35.8 mt) or less, but more than zero lb, in the 
standard basis year; or
    (2) Zero lb in the standard basis year and 79,000 lb (35.8 mt) or 
less, but more than zero lb, in the alternate basis year; or
    (3) Had no production from 2009 through the standard basis year; 
and
    (B) Is not a catcher/processor using trawl gear; and
    (C) Is not subject to additional observer coverage requirements in 
paragraph (a)(2)(vi) of this section.
    (iv) How to request placement of a catcher/processor in partial 
observer coverage. A vessel owner must submit a request form to NMFS. 
The request form must be completed with all required fields accurately 
completed. The request form is provided by NMFS and is available on the 
NMFS Alaska Region Web site (https://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov). The 
submittal methods are described on the form.
    (v) Notification of placement in the partial observer coverage 
category. NMFS will notify the owner if the catcher/processor has been 
placed in the partial observer coverage category in writing. Until NMFS 
provides notification, the catcher/processor is in the full observer 
coverage category for that fishing year.
    (vi) Initial Administrative Determination (IAD). If NMFS denies a 
request to place a catcher/processor in the partial observer coverage 
category, NMFS will provide an IAD, which will explain the basis for 
the denial.
    (vii) Appeal. If the owner of a catcher/processor wishes to appeal 
NMFS' denial of a request to place a catcher/processor in the partial 
observer coverage category, the owner may appeal the determination 
under the appeals procedure set out at 15 CFR part 906.
* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (iii) * * *
    (B) Communication equipment requirements. In the case of an 
operator of a catcher/processor (except for a catcher/processor placed 
in the partial observer coverage category under paragraph (a)(3) of 
this section), a mothership, a catcher vessel 125 ft. LOA or longer 
(except for a vessel fishing for groundfish with pot gear), or a 
catcher vessel participating in the Rockfish Program:
* * * * *
0
5. In Sec.  679.55, revise paragraphs (a) and (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  679.55  Observer fees.

    (a) Responsibility. The owner of a shoreside processor or 
stationary floating processor named on a Federal Processing Permit 
(FPP), a catcher/processor named on a Federal Fisheries Permit (FFP), 
or a person named on a Registered Buyer permit at the time of the 
landing subject to the observer fee as specified at Sec.  679.55(c) 
must comply with the requirements of this section. Subsequent non-
renewal of an FPP, FFP, or a Registered Buyer permit does not affect 
the permit holder's liability for noncompliance with this section.
* * * * *
    (c) Landings subject to the observer fee. The observer fee is 
assessed on landings by vessels not in the full

[[Page 81271]]

observer coverage category described at Sec.  679.51(a)(2) according to 
the following table:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Is fish from the landing subject to
                                             the observer fee?
   If fish in the landing by a   ---------------------------------------
 catcher vessel or production by   If the vessel is    If the vessel is
 a catcher/processor is from the   not designated on   designated on an
  following fishery or species:   an FFP or required  FFP or required to
                                   to be designated    be designated on
                                      on an FFP:            an FFP:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Groundfish listed in Table    Not applicable, an  Yes.
 2a to this part that are          FFP is required
 harvested in the EEZ and          to harvest these
 subtracted from a total           groundfish in the
 allowable catch limit specified   EEZ.
 under Sec.   679.20(a).
(2) Groundfish listed in Table    No................  Yes.
 2a to this part that are
 harvested in Alaska State
 waters, including in a parallel
 groundfish fishery, and
 subtracted from a total
 allowable catch limit specified
 under Sec.   679.20(a).
(3) Sablefish IFQ, regardless of  Yes...............  Yes.
 where harvested.
(4) Halibut IFQ or halibut CDQ,   Yes...............  Yes.
 regardless of where harvested.
(5) Groundfish listed in Table    No................  No.
 2a to this part that are
 harvested in Alaska State
 waters, but is not subtracted
 from a total allowable catch
 limit under Sec.   679.20(a).
(6) Any groundfish or other       No................  No.
 species not listed in Table 2a
 to part 679, except halibut IFQ
 or CDQ halibut, regardless of
 where harvested.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *


Sec. Sec.  679.2 and 679.5  [Amended]

0
6. At each of the locations shown in the ``Location'' column, remove 
the phrase indicated in the ``Remove'' column and replace it with the 
phrase indicated in the ``Add'' column for the number of times 
indicated in the ``Frequency'' column.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Location                            Remove                        Add                Frequency
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec.   679.2 Definition of                Sec.   679.50.............  Sec.   679.53.............               1
 ``Suspension''.
Sec.   679.2 Definition of                Sec.   679.50(j)..........  Sec.   679.53(c)..........               1
 ``Suspension''.
Sec.   679.5(e)(10)(iv)(B)..............  required to have 100        in the groundfish and                    1
                                           percent observer coverage   halibut fishery full
                                           or more,.                   observer coverage
                                                                       category described at
                                                                       Sec.   679.51(a)(2),.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[FR Doc. 2015-32742 Filed 12-28-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P