Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region; Amendment 42, 48890-48899 [2019-19899]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 180 (Tuesday, September 17, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 48890-48899]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-19899]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 622

[Docket No. 190909-0025]
RIN 0648-BI98


Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; 
Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region; Amendment 42

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 to implement management measures described in 
Amendment 42 to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for the Snapper-
Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (Amendment 42), as 
prepared and submitted by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council 
(South Atlantic Council). This proposed rule would add three new 
devices to the Federal regulations as options for fishermen with 
Federal commercial or charter vessel/headboat permits for South 
Atlantic snapper-grouper to meet existing requirements for sea turtle 
release gear, and would update the regulations to simplify and clarify 
the requirements for other sea turtle release

[[Page 48891]]

gear. This proposed rule would also modify the FMP framework procedure 
to allow for future changes to release gear and handling requirements 
for sea turtles and other protected resources. The purpose of this 
proposed rule is to allow the use of new devices to safely handle and 
release incidentally captured sea turtles, clarify existing 
requirements, and streamline the process for making changes to the 
release devices and handling procedures for sea turtles and other 
protected species.

DATES: Written comments must be received by October 17, 2019.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on the proposed rule identified by 
``NOAA-NMFS-2019-0047'' by either of the following methods:
     Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public 
comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to 
www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2019-0047, click the 
``Comment Now!'' icon, complete the required fields, and enter or 
attach your comments.
     Mail: Submit all written comments to Frank Helies, NMFS 
Southeast Regional Office, 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).
    Electronic copies of Amendment 42 may be obtained at 
www.regulations.gov or from the Southeast Regional Office website at 
https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/amendment-42-modifications-sea-turtle-release-gear-and-framework-procedure-snapper-grouper. Amendment 
42 includes a fishery impact statement, a regulatory impact review, and 
a Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) analysis.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Frank Helies, NMFS Southeast Regional 
Office, telephone: 727-824-5305; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS and the South Atlantic Council manage 
the snapper-grouper fishery under the FMP. The FMP was prepared by the 
South Atlantic Council and is implemented by NMFS through regulations 
at 50 CFR part 622 under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) (16 U.S.C. 1801 
et seq.).

Background

    The Endangered Species Act (ESA) directs all Federal agencies to 
ensure that any action they authorize, fund, or carry-out is not likely 
to jeopardize the continued existence of endangered or threatened 
species, or destroy or adversely modify designated critical habitat. In 
June 2006, NMFS issued a biological opinion (2006 BiOp), in accordance 
with section 7 of the ESA, that evaluated the impact of the South 
Atlantic snapper-grouper fishery on ESA-listed sea turtles and 
smalltooth sawfish. The 2006 BiOp concluded that the anticipated 
incidental take of sea turtles and smalltooth sawfish by the South 
Atlantic snapper-grouper fishery is not likely to jeopardize their 
continued existence, or destroy or adversely modify designated critical 
habitat. However, the 2006 BiOp required that within the fishery 
reasonable and prudent measures be taken to minimize stress and 
increase the survival rates of any sea turtles and smalltooth sawfish 
taken in the fishery.
    In response to the 2006 BiOp, the South Atlantic Council developed 
measures in Amendment 15B to the FMP (Amendment 15B) to increase the 
likelihood of survival of released sea turtles and smalltooth sawfish 
caught incidentally in the South Atlantic snapper-grouper fishery. The 
final rule for Amendment 15B required fishermen on vessels with Federal 
commercial or charter vessel/headboat permits for South Atlantic 
snapper-grouper to possess a specific set of release gear, and comply 
with sea turtle and smalltooth sawfish handling and release protocols 
and guidelines (74 FR 58902, November 16, 2009). The final rule also 
required those fishermen to maintain a reference copy of the NMFS sea 
turtle handling and release protocols document titled, ``Careful 
Release Protocols for Sea Turtle Release with Minimal Injury'' (Release 
Protocols), in the event a sea turtle is incidentally captured. These 
South Atlantic snapper-grouper permit holders are also required to post 
a NMFS placard of sea turtle handling and release guidelines inside 
their vessel wheelhouse or in an easily viewable area on the vessel if 
there is no wheelhouse.
    The required gear for safe sea turtle handling and release was 
initially the same gear as required for vessels using pelagic longline 
gear for highly migratory species. However, most effort in the snapper-
grouper fishery in the South Atlantic occurs on smaller vessels using 
lighter tackle than that used when longline fishing for pelagic 
species. Subsequent to Amendment 15B, Comprehensive Ecosystem-Based 
Amendment 2 modified sea turtle release gear requirements to allow 
smaller vessels to have fewer gear requirements than for pelagic 
longline vessels based on the freeboard height of the snapper-grouper 
fishing vessel (76 FR 82183, December 30, 2011).
    Since implementation of Amendment 15B, the Release Protocols have 
been revised twice, once in 2008, and again in 2010. NMFS recently 
published a 2019 revision to the Release Protocols that includes the 
sea turtle release devices recently approved by the NMFS Southeast 
Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) available at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/endangered-species-conservation/sea-turtle-and-smalltooth-sawfish-release-gear-protocols. Fishermen 
participating in the snapper-grouper fishery would be able to use these 
new devices to meet sea turtle release gear requirements if they are 
implemented as part of the regulations contained in this proposed rule.
    In 2018, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council took final 
action on similar management measures to allow federally permitted 
fishermen in the commercial and charter vessel/headboat components of 
the reef fish fishery to use the newly-approved devices to meet 
requirements for sea turtle release gear. The final rule for Amendment 
49 to the FMP for Reef Fish Resources in the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) 
updated those fishery regulations to incorporate the new devices, and 
simplified and clarified the requirements for other sea turtle release 
gear (84 FR 22383, May 17, 2019). If NMFS implements this proposed rule 
for Amendment 42, regulations for release gear and handling 
requirements for sea turtles in the Gulf and South Atlantic would be 
consistent, thereby benefiting fishermen that fish in both areas.

Management Measures Contained in This Proposed Rule

    This proposed rule would add three new sea turtle handling and 
release devices to the Federal regulations, clarify the requirements 
for other currently required gear, and modify the FMP framework 
procedure to include

[[Page 48892]]

future changes to release gear and handling requirements for sea 
turtles and other protected resources.

New Sea Turtle Release Gear

    For vessels with Federal commercial and charter vessel/headboat 
permits for South Atlantic snapper-grouper, this proposed rule would 
add three new devices to the Federal regulations that have been 
approved for use by SEFSC to safely handle and release sea turtles, and 
provide more options for fishermen to fulfill existing requirements. 
Details for these new devices can be found in Amendment 42 and this 
proposed rule, and the Release Protocols. Complete construction 
specifications for all SEFSC-approved handling and release devices are 
included in the 2019 NMFS SEFSC Technical Memorandum titled, ``Design 
Standards and Equipment for Careful Release of Sea Turtles Caught in 
Hook-and-Line Fisheries'' available at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/endangered-species-conservation/sea-turtle-and-smalltooth-sawfish-release-gear-protocols. NMFS expects the proposed new release 
devices in this proposed rule would increase flexibility for fishermen 
and regulatory compliance within the snapper-grouper fishery, which may 
result in positive benefits to sea turtles.
    Two of the new sea turtle handling devices are a collapsible hoop 
net and a sea turtle hoist (net). Both of these devices are more 
compact versions of the currently required long-handled dip net, and 
would be used for bringing an incidentally captured sea turtle on board 
the fishing vessel to remove fishing gear from the sea turtle. For the 
collapsible hoop net, the net portion is attached to hoops made of 
flexible stainless steel cable; when the collapsible hoop net is folded 
over on itself for storage, its size reduces to about half of its 
original diameter. Additionally, there are two versions of the sea 
turtle hoist. One version consists of the net portion securely fastened 
to a frame, providing a relatively taut platform for the sea turtle to 
be brought on board. Another version creates a basket with the frame 
and net that holds the sea turtle as it is brought on board. Both the 
collapsible hoop net and the sea turtle hoist use rope handles attached 
to either side of the frame, in place of the rigid handle on the dip 
net. Generally, the collapsible hoop net or hoist would be used to 
bring sea turtles on board vessels with a high freeboard when it is not 
feasible to use a dip net.
    The third new device is a dehooker that can be used to remove an 
externally embedded hook from a sea turtle. This device has a squeeze 
handle that secures the hook into notches at the end of the shaft of 
the dehooker, so the hook can be twisted out. This new device would 
provide another option for fishermen to comply with the regulations for 
a short-handled dehooker for external hooks.

Requirements for Existing Sea Turtle Release Gear

    This proposed rule also would update the requirements of some 
currently approved devices for clarity and simplicity, and to aid 
fishermen and law enforcement with compliance and enforcement efforts. 
Existing regulations use the word ``approximately'' to define some gear 
specifications, and this proposed rule would replace ``approximately'' 
in the applicable regulations where precise specifications would 
clarify requirements for the dimensions or lengths of several devices. 
The revisions would provide for either a minimum size dimension or a 
size range for the short-handled dehookers for external and internal 
hooks, bite block on the short-handled internal use dehooker, long-nose 
or needle-nose pliers, bolt cutters, and the block of hard wood and 
hank of rope when used as mouth openers and gags. In general, these 
clarifications would either establish the currently approximate 
dimensions as a minimum requirement, or establish the smaller end of 
the current size range for the required dimensions as a minimum. Other 
proposed changes to the gear requirements follow.
    Current regulations specify that short- and long-handled dehookers 
must be constructed of 316L stainless steel, which is resistant to 
corrosion from salt water. The SEFSC has also approved 304L stainless 
steel for the construction of all short-handled and long-handled 
dehookers. This proposed additional grade of stainless steel is 
commonly available and is also corrosion resistant.
    Another required device to assist with removing fishing gear from a 
sea turtle is a pair of monofilament line cutters. Current regulations 
state that the monofilament line cutters must have cutting blades of 1-
inch (2.5 cm) in length (appendix F to 50 CFR part 622). However, SEFSC 
has clarified that the blade length must be a minimum of 1 inch (2.5 
cm) but could be longer.
    Another required gear type is mouth openers and gags, used to hold 
a sea turtle's mouth open to remove fishing gear. At least two of the 
seven types of mouth openers and gags are required on board. Current 
regulations state that canine mouth gags, an option for this gear 
requirement, must have the ends covered with clear vinyl tubing, 
friction tape, or similar, to pad the surface. However, SEFSC 
determined that this was not necessary and could result in the canine 
mouth gags not functioning properly. This proposed rule would remove 
from the regulations the requirement to cover the ends of the canine 
mouth gags with these materials.
    A life-saving device on a vessel, such as a personal flotation 
device or life ring buoy, may currently be used as the required cushion 
or support device for sea turtles brought aboard a vessel to remove 
fishing gear. However, this proposed rule would add language to clarify 
that any life-saving device used to fulfill the sea turtle safe 
handling requirements cannot also be used to meet U.S. Coast Guard 
safety requirements of one flotation device per person on board the 
vessel.
    Lastly, fishermen are currently required to maintain a paper copy 
of the Release Protocols on each vessel for reference in the event a 
sea turtle is incidentally captured. This proposed rule would allow 
fishermen to use an electronic copy of the document to fulfill the 
requirement, as long as the electronic document is readily available 
for viewing and reference during a trip.

FMP Framework Procedure

    Currently, adding or changing careful release devices and protocols 
for incidentally caught sea turtles and other protected species 
requires an amendment to the FMP. This limits the South Atlantic 
Council and NMFS' ability to implement new release devices and handling 
requirements in a timely manner. The FMP amendment and rulemaking 
process generally involves more detailed analyses and a lengthier 
timeline prior to implementation than rulemaking done through a 
framework procedure. The FMP contains a framework procedure to allow 
the South Atlantic Council to modify certain management measures via an 
expedited process (see 50 CFR 622.194). The FMP framework procedure was 
last modified by the final rule implementing Amendment 27 to the FMP 
(78 FR 78770, December 27, 2013).
    Amendment 42 and this proposed rule would allow changes to the sea 
turtle release gear and handling techniques under the framework 
procedure. For example, the South Atlantic Council could more quickly 
add a new release device for sea turtles if approved by the SEFSC. The 
South Atlantic Council decided that making these changes through an 
expedited process may have beneficial biological and socio-economic 
impacts. The South Atlantic Council concluded that the revised 
framework procedure would

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still allow adequate opportunity for the public to comment on any 
future proposed regulatory changes.

Incorporation by Reference

    If a sea turtle is incidentally caught during fishing operations, 
the owner or operator of a federally permitted commercial vessel or a 
recreational charter vessel or headboat for South Atlantic snapper-
grouper must have the 2019 Release Protocols document (incorporated by 
reference, see Sec.  622.179(b) below) available for reference on board 
to safely handle and release the animal. In addition, a placard 
summarizing sea turtle handling and release guidelines (incorporated by 
reference, see Sec.  622.179(b) below) must be posted on the vessel. 
The Release Protocols document is a NOAA Technical Memorandum published 
by the NMFS SEFSC. The placard is also contained within the Release 
Protocols document, and the placard is available in English, Spanish, 
and Vietnamese. Both the Release Protocols document and placard are 
available at the NMFS Southeast Regional Office, 263 13th Ave. South, 
St. Petersburg, FL 33701, phone: 727-824-5301, or for digital download 
and printing from this website: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/endangered-species-conservation/sea-turtle-and-smalltooth-sawfish-release-gear-protocols.

Classification

    Pursuant to section 304(b)(1)(A) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the 
NMFS Assistant Administrator has determined that this proposed rule is 
consistent with Amendment 42, the FMP, other provisions of the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act, and other applicable laws, subject to further 
consideration after public comment.
    This proposed rule has been determined to be not significant for 
purposes of Executive Order 12866. This rule is expected to be an 
Executive Order 13771 deregulatory action.
    The Magnuson-Stevens Act provides the statutory basis for this 
proposed rule. No duplicative, overlapping, or conflicting Federal 
rules have been identified. In addition, no new reporting and record-
keeping requirements are introduced by this proposed rule. Accordingly, 
the Paperwork Reduction Act does not apply to this proposed rule. A 
description of this proposed rule, why it is being considered, and the 
purposes of this proposed rule are contained in the preamble and in the 
SUMMARY section of the preamble.
    The objectives of this proposed rule are to provide greater 
flexibility to vessels in the commercial and for-hire snapper-grouper 
fishing industries (i.e., with Federal commercial and charter vessel/
headboat permits for South Atlantic snapper-grouper) in complying with 
release gear regulations, to clarify existing requirements for fishery 
participants and law enforcement officers, and to streamline the 
process for future revisions to release gear and handling procedures 
for incidentally captured sea turtles and other protected species after 
approval by the SEFSC.
    On July 18, 2019, the Small Business Administration (SBA) issued an 
interim final rule (84 FR 34261) effective August 19, 2019, that 
adjusted the monetary-based industry size standards (i.e., receipts- 
and assets-based) for inflation for many industries. For for-hire 
fishing businesses, the interim final rule changes the small business 
size standard from $7.5 million in annual gross receipts to $8 million. 
See 84 FR 34273 (adjusting NAICS 487210 (Scenic and Sightseeing 
Transportation, Water)).
    Pursuant to the Regulatory Flexibility Act, and prior to SBA's July 
18, 2019 interim final rule, a certification was developed for this 
proposed rule using SBA's former size standard. NMFS has reviewed the 
analyses prepared for this proposed rule in light of the new size 
standards. Under the former SBA size standard, all for-hire fishing 
businesses subject to this proposed rule were considered small 
entities, and they all would continue to be considered small under the 
new standard. NMFS does not think that the new size standard affects 
analyses prepared for this proposed rule and solicits public comment on 
the analyses in light of the new size standard.
    The Chief Counsel for Regulation of the Department of Commerce 
certified to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the SBA that this 
proposed rule, if adopted, would not have a significant economic impact 
on a substantial number of small entities. A description of the factual 
basis for this determination follows. All monetary estimates are in 
2017 dollars, consistent with the data and estimates in Amendment 42.
    This proposed rule, if implemented, would allow vessels in the 
commercial and for-hire South Atlantic snapper-grouper fishing 
industries to use a collapsible hoop net or sea turtle hoist rather 
than a dip net to bring an incidentally captured sea turtle on board, 
and add a new dehooking device to remove an externally embedded hook 
from a sea turtle.
    This proposed rule would also clarify requirements for currently 
required gear used to remove fishing gear from sea turtles to aid 
fishermen and law enforcement personnel with compliance and enforcement 
efforts. Existing regulations use the word ``approximately'' to define 
some gear specifications, and this proposed rule would replace 
``approximately'' in the applicable regulations where precise 
specifications would clarify requirements for the dimensions or lengths 
of several devices, including the short-handled dehookers for internal 
and external hooks, bite block on the short-handled internal use 
dehooker, long-nose or needle-nose pliers, bolt cutters, and the block 
of hard wood and hank of rope when used as mouth openers and gags. In 
general, these clarifications would either establish the currently 
approximate dimensions as a minimum, or establish the smaller end of 
the current size range for the required dimensions as a minimum. 
Specific proposed changes of importance from a cost perspective are 
requiring long-nose or needle-nose pliers with a minimum length of 11 
inches (28 cm), rather than ``approximately'' 12 inches (30 cm) in 
overall length; and changing the required length of monofilament line 
cutters from ``approximately'' 7.5 inches (19 cm) to a minimum of 6 
inches (15 cm).
    This proposed rule is expected to directly regulate vessels 
(businesses) in the commercial and for-hire South Atlantic snapper-
grouper fishing industries. In 2017, the number of vessels with a valid 
or renewable Federal charter vessel/headboat permit for snapper-grouper 
was 1,982. In addition, there were 554 vessels with valid or renewable 
unlimited snapper-grouper commercial permits, and 114 vessels with 225-
lb trip-limited snapper-grouper commercial permits. Based on 
information provided in a recent analysis regarding permit portfolios 
of commercial snapper-grouper permit holders, NMFS assumes that 21.8 
percent of vessels with unlimited snapper-grouper commercial permits 
(121 vessels) and 23.6 percent of vessels with 225-lb trip limited 
commercial permits (27 vessels) also held a Federal charter vessel/
headboat permit for snapper-grouper. Based on this information, 148 
vessels are estimated to hold both a Federal commercial and a Federal 
charter vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper. 
Thus, an estimated 2,502 vessels are expected to be directly regulated 
by this proposed rule.
    Although NMFS possesses complete ownership data regarding 
businesses and vessels that participate in the Gulf red snapper, and 
the Gulf groupers and tilefishes individual fishing quota (IFQ) 
programs, ownership data are incomplete regarding businesses that

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possess commercial or charter vessel/headboat permits for South 
Atlantic snapper-grouper but do not also commercially harvest Gulf IFQ 
species. Therefore, it is not currently feasible to accurately 
determine affiliations between these particular businesses. Because of 
the incomplete ownership data, for purposes of this analysis, NMFS 
assumes each of these vessels is independently owned by a single 
business, which is expected to result in an overestimate of the actual 
number of businesses directly regulated by this proposed rule. Thus, 
this proposed rule is estimated to directly regulate 2,502 businesses 
in the commercial and for-hire snapper-grouper fishing industries.
    For vessels with commercial South Atlantic snapper-grouper permits 
that were active in the snapper-grouper fishing industry from 2013 
through 2017, average annual gross revenue was $45,476 per vessel. 
Annual net revenue from operations for vessels in the commercial 
snapper-grouper fishing industry was approximately 5 percent of their 
average annual gross revenue from 2014 through 2016, while average net 
cash flow was about 19 percent of their average annual gross revenue 
during this time. Net revenue from operations is the best available 
measure of economic profit for these vessels, though net cash flow may 
also be of interest to fishery participants and managers. Average 
annual net revenue from operations (economic profit) for snapper-
grouper vessels is estimated to be $2,046 per vessel, while average 
annual net cash flow per vessel is estimated to be $8,640 per vessel.
    The average annual gross revenue for a federally permitted headboat 
in the South Atlantic is $212,680, while the average annual gross 
revenue for a federally permitted charter vessel in the South Atlantic 
is $120,297. Estimates of net revenue from operations and net cash flow 
are not available for vessels with Federal charter vessel/headboat 
permits for South Atlantic snapper-grouper.
    The SBA has established size standards for all major industry 
sectors in the U.S. including for-hire fishing businesses (NAICS code 
487210). A business primarily 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 annual receipts (revenue) not in excess of $7.5 
million for all its affiliated operations worldwide. In 2017, the 
maximum annual gross revenue for a single headboat in the South 
Atlantic was about $748,000. Because average annual gross revenue for 
headboats in the South Atlantic is significantly greater than average 
annual gross revenue for charter vessels, it is assumed the maximum 
annual gross revenue for charter vessels is less than $748,000.
    On December 29, 2015, NMFS issued a final rule establishing a small 
business size standard of $11 million in annual gross receipts 
(revenue) for all businesses primarily engaged in the commercial 
fishing industry (NAICS code 11411) for RFA compliance purposes only 
(80 FR 81194, December 29, 2015). In addition to this gross revenue 
standard, a business primarily involved in commercial fishing is 
classified as a small business if it is independently owned and 
operated, and is not dominant in its field of operations (including its 
affiliates). For vessels with a Federal commercial permit for South 
Atlantic snapper-grouper, the maximum annual gross revenue earned by a 
single vessel that was active in the industry from 2013 through 2017 
was approximately $1.43 million.
    This proposed rule, if implemented, would be expected to directly 
regulate all 2,502 vessels with Federal commercial or charter vessel/
headboat permits in the South Atlantic snapper-grouper fishing 
industry. All directly regulated businesses have been determined, for 
the purpose of this analysis, to be small entities. Based on this 
information, the proposed rule is expected to affect a substantial 
number of small entities.
    Allowing federally permitted businesses (vessels) in the commercial 
and for-hire South Atlantic snapper-grouper fishing industries to use a 
collapsible hoop net or sea turtle hoist rather than a dip net to 
handle incidentally captured sea turtles is expected to reduce the cost 
of complying with the associated regulatory requirement by about $40 
per business (vessel) on average. However, when this gear is replaced, 
typically about once every 7 years, the average cost savings to each 
business (vessel) is about $6 per year and thus is expected to 
minimally increase these businesses' profitability.
    Allowing federally permitted businesses in the commercial and for-
hire South Atlantic snapper-grouper fishing industries to use a new 
dehooking device to remove an externally embedded hook from a sea 
turtle is not expected to change the cost of complying with the 
associated regulatory requirement as its cost is within the range of 
the currently allowed dehooking devices. Thus, NMFS does not expect the 
profitability of commercial and for-hire vessels to change as a result 
of allowing this new dehooking device.
    Clarifying the dimensions or length requirements for several other 
sea turtle release devices in cases where the regulations currently use 
the word ``approximately'' to describe those requirements or are 
otherwise ambiguous is expected to aid fishermen in the commercial and 
for-hire South Atlantic snapper-grouper fishing industries with 
compliance, as well as aid law enforcement efforts, though some 
clarifications would slightly reduce flexibility. As such, these 
clarifications are expected to reduce the risk of these businesses 
incurring a fine or other penalty for unintentional non-compliance with 
the requirements, and thus would generally be expected to reduce the 
costs of complying with those requirements.
    For example, allowing federally permitted vessels in the commercial 
and for-hire South Atlantic snapper-grouper fishing industries to use 
long-nose or needle-nose pliers with an overall length of 11 inches (28 
cm) or greater, rather than ``approximately'' 12 inches (30 cm), is 
expected to reduce the cost of complying with the associated regulatory 
requirement for at least some of these businesses. Due to the ambiguity 
of the current length requirement, as well as the limited market 
availability of pliers with an approximate length of 12 inches (30 cm), 
it has been difficult for some vessel owners to find pliers that 
clearly comply with the current regulation. As a result, some of these 
owners currently use pliers that have an overall length of 11 inches 
(28 cm). Thus, the proposed regulatory change would eliminate the risk 
of vessel owners that currently use pliers with an overall length of 11 
inches (28 cm) from potentially being found non-compliant with the 
current regulation and having to purchase new pliers, which cost around 
$10, that comply with the current regulation.
    In addition, modifying the required length for approved 
monofilament line cutters from ``approximately'' 7.5 inches (19 cm) in 
length to a minimum of 6 inches (15 cm) in length would allow federally 
permitted vessels in the commercial and for-hire South Atlantic 
snapper-grouper fishing industries to use monofilament line cutters as 
small as 6 inches (15 cm) in length. Monofilament line cutters 6 inches 
(15 cm) in length and longer are commonly available in the market. The 
cost of monofilament line cutters ranges from $15 to $66, depending on 
the material and features. Thus, the proposed regulatory change would 
eliminate the risk of vessel owners currently using

[[Page 48895]]

monofilament line cutters 6 inches (15 cm) in length from potentially 
being found non-compliant with the current regulation and having to 
purchase new monofilament line cutters that comply with the current 
regulations.
    Although federally permitted vessel owners are expected to be able 
to meet the clarified dimension and length requirements in this 
proposed rule without purchasing new gear, it is possible that a few 
may incur costs to replace gear that would be non-compliant. For 
example, though unlikely, it is possible that some commercial and for-
hire fishing vessel owners could be using monofilament line cutters 
less than 6 inches (15 cm) in length (e.g., 5.5 inches (14 cm) in 
length) and consider this to be compliant with the current 
``approximately'' 7.5-inch (19-cm) requirement. These vessel owners 
would have to purchase new monofilament line cutters and incur the 
associated cost. However, NMFS expects few if any commercial or for-
hire fishing vessel owners to consider a length more than 25 percent 
less than ``approximately'' 7.5 inches (19 cm) in length as compliant 
with the current requirement. Thus, the potential costs resulting from 
this remote possibility are expected to be minimal if not zero.
    Modifying the snapper-grouper FMP framework procedure to include 
changes to release gear requirements through the abbreviated framework 
process is an administrative action that does not alter any 
requirements that directly regulate federally permitted vessels in the 
commercial and for-hire South Atlantic snapper-grouper fishing 
industries. Therefore, this action is not expected to affect the 
profitability of any businesses that possess permits in these 
industries.
    Based on the information above, a reduction in profits for a 
substantial number of small entities is not expected as a result of 
this proposed rule. Thus, this proposed rule would not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, 
so an initial regulatory flexibility analysis is not required and none 
has been prepared.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 622

    Charter vessel, Commercial, Fisheries, Fishing, Headboat, 
Incorporation by reference, Sea turtle, South Atlantic.

    Dated: September 10, 2019.
Samuel D. Rauch, III,
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.  622.29, revise paragraph (a)(1)(ii) to read as follows:


Sec.  622.29  Conservation measures for protected resources.

    (a) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (ii) Such owner or operator must also comply with the sea turtle 
interaction mitigation measures, including the release gear and 
handling requirements specified in appendix F of this part.
* * * * *
0
3. In Sec.  622.179, revise paragraph (a)(1) and add paragraph (b) to 
read as follows:


Sec.  622.179  Conservation measures for protected resources.

    (a) * * *
    (1) Sea turtle conservation measures. (i) The owner or operator of 
a vessel for which a commercial vessel permit for South Atlantic 
snapper-grouper or a charter vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic 
snapper-grouper has been issued, as required under Sec.  622.170(a)(1) 
and (b)(1), respectively, and whose vessel has on board any hook-and-
line gear, must have the 2019 version of the NMFS document titled, 
``Careful Release Protocols for Sea Turtle Release with Minimal 
Injury'' available for reference on board electronically or have a 
paper copy on board inside the wheelhouse, or within a waterproof case 
if there is no wheelhouse. In addition, the NMFS sea turtle handling 
and release guidelines placard must be posted inside the wheelhouse or 
an easily viewable area on the vessel if there is no wheelhouse.
    (ii) Such owner or operator must also comply with the sea turtle 
interaction mitigation measures, including the release gear and 
handling requirements specified in appendix F of this part.
    (iii) Those permitted vessels with a freeboard height of 4 ft (1.2 
m) or less must have on board a net or hoist, tire or other support 
device, short-handled dehooker(s) for internal and external hooks, 
long-nose or needle-nose pliers, bolt cutters, monofilament line 
cutters, and at least two types of mouth openers or mouth gags. This 
equipment must meet the specifications described in appendix F of this 
part.
    (iv) Those permitted vessels with a freeboard height of greater 
than 4 ft (1.2 m) must have on board a net or hoist, tire or other 
support device, long-handled line clipper or cutter, short-handled 
dehooker(s) for internal and external hooks, long-handled dehooker(s) 
for internal and external hooks, a long-handled device to pull an 
inverted ``V'' in the fishing line, long-nose or needle-nose pliers, 
bolt cutters, monofilament line cutters, and at least two types of 
mouth openers or mouth gags. This equipment must meet the 
specifications described in appendix F of this part.
* * * * *
    (b) Incorporation by reference. The standards required in paragraph 
(a)(1) of this section are incorporated by reference into this section 
with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. All approved material is available for 
inspection at the National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Regional 
Office, 263 13th Ave. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, phone: 727-824-
5301, website: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/endangered-species-conservation/sea-turtle-and-smalltooth-sawfish-release-gear-protocols, and is available from the sources listed in paragraphs 
(b)(1) and (2) of this section. It is also available for inspection at 
the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For 
information on the availability of this material at NARA, email 
[email protected] or go to www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
    (1) U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries 
Science Center, 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, FL 33149.
    (i) Careful Release Protocols for Sea Turtle Release with Minimal 
Injury, NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-SEFSC-735, Stokes, L., and 
Bergmann, C. (Editors), 2019.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (2) U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Regional 
Office, 263 13th Ave. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.
    (i) Sea Turtle Handling/Release Guidelines: Quick Reference for 
Hook and Line Fisheries, English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Revised April 
2019.

[[Page 48896]]

    (ii) [Reserved]
0
4. In Sec.  622.194, revise the introductory text and add paragraph (b) 
to read as follows:


Sec.  622.194  Adjustment of management measures.

    In accordance with the framework procedures of the FMP for the 
Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region, the RA may 
establish or modify the items specified in paragraph (a) of this 
section for South Atlantic snapper-grouper and wreckfish, or paragraph 
(b) of this section for sea turtles and other protected species.
* * * * *
    (b) Possession, specifications, and use of required release gear 
and handling requirements for sea turtles and other protected species.
0
5. Revise appendix F to part 622 to read as follows:

Appendix F to Part 622--Specifications for Sea Turtle Release Gear and 
Handling Requirements

A. Sea Turtle Release Gear

    1. Long-handled line clipper or cutter. Line cutters are intended 
to cut fishing line as close as possible to the hook, and assist in 
removing line from an entangled sea turtle to minimize any remaining 
gear upon release. One long-handled line clipper or cutter and one set 
of replacement blades are required to be on board. The minimum design 
standards are as follows:
    (a) A protected and secured cutting blade. The cutting blade(s) 
must be capable of cutting 2.0 to 2.1-mm (0.078 to 0.083-inch) diameter 
monofilament line (approximately 400 to 450-lb test strength) or 
polypropylene multistrand material, known as braided or tarred 
mainline, and the cutting blade must be maintained in working order. 
The cutting blade must be curved, recessed, contained in a holder, or 
otherwise designed to facilitate its safe use so that direct contact 
between the cutting surface and the sea turtle or the user is 
prevented. The cutting instrument must be securely attached to an 
extended reach handle and the blade(s) must be easily replaceable 
during a trip if necessary. The extra set of replacement blades must 
meet these standards and be carried on board to replace all cutting 
surfaces on the line cutter or clipper.
    (b) An extended reach handle. The line cutter blade must be 
securely fastened to an extended reach handle or pole with a minimum 
length equal to or greater than 150 percent of the freeboard, or a 
minimum length of 6 ft (1.8 m), whichever is greater. The extended 
reach handle may break down into sections for storage, but it is not 
required. There is no restriction on the type of material used to 
construct this handle as long as it is sturdy and facilitates the 
secure attachment of the cutting blade.
    2. Long-handled dehooker for internal hooks. One long-handled 
dehooker to remove internal hooks from sea turtles that cannot be 
brought on board is required on the vessel. It should also be used to 
engage an unattached hook when a sea turtle is entangled but not 
hooked, and line is being removed. The design must shield the point of 
the hook and prevent the hook from re-engaging during the removal 
process. The minimum design standards are as follows:
    (a) Hook removal device. The dehooker must be constructed of \3/16\ 
inch (4.8-mm) to \5/16\ inch (7.9-mm) diameter 316L or 304L stainless 
steel and have a dehooking end no larger than 1\7/8\ inches (4.8 cm) 
outside diameter. The dehooker must securely engage and control the 
leader while shielding the point to prevent the hook from re-engaging 
during removal. It may not have any unprotected terminal points 
(including blunt ones), as these could cause injury to the esophagus 
during hook removal. The dehooker must be of a size appropriate to 
secure the range of hook sizes and styles used on the vessel.
    (b) Extended reach handle. The dehooking end that secures the 
fishhook must be securely fastened to an extended reach handle or pole 
with a minimum length equal to or greater than 150 percent of the 
freeboard, or a minimum of 6 ft (1.8 m), whichever is greater. The 
extended reach handle may break down into sections for storage, but it 
is not required. The handle must be sturdy and strong enough to 
facilitate the secure attachment of the dehooking end.
    3. Long-handled dehooker for external hooks. One long-handled 
dehooker to remove external hooks from sea turtles that cannot be 
brought on board is required on the vessel. The long-handled dehooker 
for internal hooks described in paragraph A.2. of this appendix may be 
used to comply with this requirement. The minimum design standards are 
as follows:
    (a) Hook removal device. A long-handled dehooker must be 
constructed of \3/16\ inch (4.8-mm) to \5/16\ inch (7.9-mm) diameter 
316L or 304L stainless steel and have a dehooking end no larger than 
1\7/8\ inches (4.8 cm) outside diameter. The dehooking end that secures 
the fishhook must be blunt with all edges rounded. The dehooker must be 
of a size appropriate to secure the range of hook sizes and styles used 
on the vessel.
    (b) Extended reach handle. The handle must be a minimum length 
equal to the freeboard of the vessel or 6 ft (1.8 m), whichever is 
greater. The extended reach handle may break down into sections for 
storage, but it is not required.
    4. Long-handled device to pull an ``inverted V''. One long-handled 
device to pull an ``inverted V'' is required on board. This tool is 
used to pull an ``inverted V'' in the fishing line when implementing 
the ``inverted V'' dehooking technique, as described in the 2019 
version of the document titled ``Careful Release Protocols for Sea 
Turtle Release with Minimal Injury,'' for dehooking and disentangling 
sea turtles. A long-handled J-style dehooker as described in paragraph 
A.3. of this appendix may be used to comply with this requirement. The 
minimum design standards are as follows:
    (a) Hook end. This device, such as a standard boat hook or gaff 
must be constructed of stainless steel or aluminum; if a long-handled 
J-style dehooker is used to comply with this requirement, it must be 
constructed of 316L or 304L stainless steel. The semicircular or ``J'' 
shaped hook end must be securely attached to the handle to allow the 
hook end to engage and pull an ``inverted V'' in the fishing line. A 
gaff or any other tool with a sharp point is to be used only for 
holding fishing lines and must never contact the sea turtle.
    (b) Extended reach handle. The handle must have a minimum length 
equal to the freeboard of the vessel or must be at least 6 ft (1.8 m) 
in length, whichever is greater. The extended reach handle may break 
down into sections for storage, but it is not required. The handle must 
be sturdy and strong enough to facilitate the secure attachment of the 
hook end.
    5. Net or hoist. One approved net or hoist is required on board. 
These devices are to be used to facilitate safe handling of sea turtles 
by allowing them to be brought on board for fishing gear removal, 
without causing further injury to the animal. Sea turtles must not be 
brought on board without the use of a net or hoist. There must be no 
sharp edges or burrs on the hoop or frame, or where the hoop or frame 
attaches to the handle. There is no requirement for the hoop or frame 
to be circular as long as it meets the applicable minimum 
specifications. In this appendix, bar measure means the non-stretched 
distance between a side knot and a bottom knot of a net mesh; also 
known as the square mesh measurement. The

[[Page 48897]]

types and minimum design standards for approved nets and hoists are as 
follows:
    (a) Dip net--(i) Size of the net. The dip net must have a sturdy 
net hoop or frame of at least 31 inches (78.7 cm) inside diameter and a 
bag depth of at least 38 inches (96.5 cm) to accommodate sea turtles up 
to 3 ft (0.9 m) in carapace (shell) length. The bag mesh size must not 
exceed 3 inches (7.6 cm), bar measure. The net hoop or frame must be 
made of a rigid material strong enough to facilitate the sturdy 
attachment of the net.
    (ii) Extended reach handle. The dip net hoop or frame must be 
securely fastened to an extended reach handle or pole with a minimum 
length equal to or greater than 150 percent of the freeboard, or at 
least 6 ft (1.8 m) in length, whichever is greater. The handle and net 
must be able to support a minimum of 100 lb (45.4 kg) without breaking 
or significant bending or distortion. The extended reach handle may 
break down into sections for storage, but it is not required.
    (b) Collapsible hoop net--(i) Size of the net. The collapsible hoop 
net must have a sturdy net hoop of at least 31 inches (78.7 cm) inside 
diameter and a bag depth of at least 38 inches (96.5 cm) to accommodate 
sea turtles up to 3 ft (0.9 m) in carapace (shell) length. The bag mesh 
size must not exceed 3 inches (7.6 cm), bar measure. The net hoop must 
be strong enough to facilitate the sturdy attachment of the net.
    (ii) Extended reach handle. The collapsible hoop net must be 
securely fastened with rope(s) or other line(s) connected to the hoop 
with a minimum length equal to or greater than 150 percent of the 
freeboard, or at least 6 ft (1.8 m) in length, whichever is greater. 
The rope(s) and net must be able to support a minimum of 100 lb (45.4 
kg) without breaking or significant distortion.
    (c) Small hoist--(i) Size of the hoist. The sea turtle hoist must 
have a sturdy net hoop or frame of at least 31 inches (78.7 cm) inside 
diameter to accommodate sea turtles up to 3 ft (0.9 m) in carapace 
(shell) length. The net mesh size must not exceed 3 inches (7.6 cm), 
bar measure. If polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, pipe is used to construct 
the hoist, the pipe fittings must be glued together and a minimum 
strength of Schedule 40 pipe must be used. The hoist hoop or frame must 
be made of a rigid material strong enough to facilitate the sturdy 
attachment of the net.
    (ii) Extended reach handle. The sea turtle hoist must be securely 
fastened with ropes or other lines connected to the hoop or frame with 
a minimum length equal to or greater than 150 percent of the freeboard, 
or at least 6 ft (1.8 m) in length, whichever is greater. The ropes and 
hoist hoop or frame must be able to support a minimum of 100 lb (45.4 
kg) without breaking or significant distortion.
    6. Cushion or support device. A standard automobile tire free of 
exposed steel belts, a boat cushion, or any other comparable cushioned 
and elevated surface, is required for supporting a sea turtle in an 
upright orientation while the sea turtle is on board. The cushion or 
support device must be appropriately sized to fully support a range of 
sea turtle sizes. Any life-saving device that would be used to support 
a sea turtle on board must be dedicated for that purpose and in 
addition to all minimum human safety at sea requirements.
    7. Short-handled dehooker for internal hooks. One short-handled 
dehooker for removing internal hooks is required on board. This 
dehooker is designed to remove internal hooks from sea turtles brought 
on board. This dehooker can also be used on external hooks. The minimum 
design standards are as follows:
    (a) General. The dehooker must allow the hook to be secured and the 
hook point shielded without re-engaging during the removal process. It 
may not have any unprotected terminal points, including blunt ones, as 
this could cause injury to the esophagus during hook removal. A sliding 
plastic bite block must be permanently installed around the shaft to 
protect the beak and facilitate hook removal in case a sea turtle bites 
down on the dehooker. The dehooker must be of a size appropriate to 
secure the range of hook sizes and styles used on the vessel.
    (b) Specifications. The dehooker must be constructed of 316L or 
304L stainless steel. The shaft must be \3/16\ inch (4.8-mm) to \5/16\ 
inch (7.9-mm) in diameter. The shaft must be 16 to 24 inches (40.6 cm 
to 60.7 cm) long, with approximately a 4 to 6 inch (10.2 to 15.2-cm) 
long tube T-handle, wire loop handle, or similar. The bite block must 
be constructed of a \3/4\ to 1-inch (1.9 to 2.5-cm) inside diameter 
high impact rated, rigid plastic cylinder (e.g., Schedule 80 PVC) that 
is 4 to 6 inches (10.2 to 15.2 cm) long to allow for 5 inches (12.7 cm) 
of slide along the shaft. The dehooking end must be no larger than 1\7/
8\ inches (4.8 cm) outside diameter.
    8. Short-handled dehooker for external hooks. One short-handled 
dehooker for external hooks is required on board. This dehooker is 
designed to remove external hooks from sea turtles brought on board. 
The short-handled dehooker for internal hooks required to comply with 
paragraph A.7. of this appendix may be used to comply with this 
requirement. The minimum design standards are as follows:
    (a) Fixed handle dehooker--(i) General. The dehooking end that 
secures the fishhook must be blunt and all edges rounded. The dehooker 
must be of a size appropriate to secure the range of hook sizes and 
styles used on the vessel.
    (ii) Specifications. The dehooker must be constructed of 316L or 
304L stainless steel. The shaft must be \3/16\ inch (4.8-mm) to \5/16\ 
inch (7.9-mm) in diameter. The shaft must be 16 to 24 inches (40.6 to 
60.7 cm) long with approximately a 4 to 6-inch (10.2 to 15.2-cm) long 
tube T-handle, wire loop handle, or similar.
    (b) Squeeze handle dehooker--(i) General. The dehooking end that 
secures the fishhook must be blunt and all edges rounded. The dehooker 
must be able to secure the range of hook sizes and styles used on the 
vessel. This dehooker secures a fishhook for removal by squeezing the 
handles together using one hand to grab and pull the hook into notches 
at the top of the shaft of the dehooker.
    (ii) Specifications. The dehooker must be constructed of 316L or 
304L stainless steel. The overall length must be a minimum of 11 inches 
(27.9 cm) long.
    9. Long-nose or needle-nose pliers. One pair of long-nose or 
needle-nose pliers is required on board. Required long-nose or needle-
nose pliers can be used to remove hooks from the sea turtle's flesh or 
for removing hooks from the front of the mouth. They can also hold PVC 
splice couplings in place, when used as mouth gags. The minimum design 
standards are as follows: The long-nose or needle-nose pliers must be a 
minimum of 11 inches (27.9 cm) in length. It is recommended that the 
pliers be constructed of stainless steel or other corrosion resistant 
metal material.
    10. Bolt cutters. One pair of bolt cutters is required on board. 
Required bolt cutters may be used to cut off the eye or barb of a hook 
to facilitate the hook removal without causing further injury to the 
sea turtle. They should also be used to cut off as much of the hook as 
possible, when the remainder of the hook cannot be removed. The minimum 
design standards are as follows: The bolt cutters must be a minimum of 
14 inches (35.6 cm) in total length, with blades that are a minimum of 
4 inches (10.2 cm) long and 2\1/4\ inches (5.7 cm) wide, when closed. 
Required bolt cutters must be able to cut hard metals, such as 
stainless or carbon steel hooks, up to \1/4\ inch (6.4-mm) wire 
diameter, and they

[[Page 48898]]

must be capable of cutting through the hooks used on the vessel.
    11. Monofilament line cutters. One pair of monofilament line 
cutters is required on board. Required monofilament line cutters must 
be used to remove fishing line entangling a sea turtle, or to cut 
fishing line as close to the eye of the hook as possible if the hook is 
swallowed or if the hook cannot be removed. The minimum design 
standards are as follows: The monofilament line cutters must be a 
minimum of 6 inches (15.2 cm) in length. The blades must be a minimum 
of 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length and \5/8\ inches (1.6 cm) wide, when 
closed.
    12. Mouth openers or mouth gags. Required mouth openers and mouth 
gags are used to open sea turtle mouths, and to keep them open when 
removing internal hooks from sea turtles brought on board. They must 
allow access to the hook or line without causing further injury to the 
sea turtle. Design standards are included in the item descriptions. At 
least two of the seven different types of mouth openers or mouth gags 
described in paragraphs A.12.(a) through (g) of this appendix are 
required.
    (a) A block of hard wood. A block of hard wood of a type that does 
not splinter (e.g., maple) with rounded and smoothed edges, or a 
wooden-handled brush with the bristles removed. The dimensions must be 
a minimum of 10 inches (25.4 cm) by \3/4\ inch (1.9 cm) by \3/4\ inch 
(1.9 cm).
    (b) A set of three canine mouth gags. A set of canine mouth gags 
must include one of each of the following sizes: Small--5 inches (12.7 
cm), medium--6 inches (15.2 cm), and large--7 inches (17.8 cm). They 
must be constructed of stainless steel.
    (c) A set of two sturdy dog chew bones. Required canine chews must 
be constructed of durable nylon or thermoplastic polymer, and strong 
enough to withstand biting without splintering. To accommodate a 
variety of sea turtle beak sizes, a set must include one large (5\1/2\ 
to 8 inches (14 cm to 20.3 cm) in length), and one small (3\1/2\ to 
4\1/2\ inches (8.9 cm to 11.4 cm) in length) canine chew bones.
    (d) A set of two rope loops covered with protective tubing. A 
required set consists of two 3-ft (0.9-m) lengths of poly braid rope 
(\3/8\ inch (9.5-mm) diameter suggested), each covered with an 8-inch 
(20.3-cm) long section of \1/2\ inch (1.3-cm) to \3/4\ inch (1.9-cm) 
diameter light duty garden hose or similar flexible tubing, and each 
rope tied into a loop.
    (e) A hank of rope. A length of soft braided or twisted nylon rope 
a minimum of \3/16\ inch (4.8-mm) diameter must be folded to create a 
hank, or looped bundle, of rope. The rope must create a hank of 2 to 4 
inches (5.1 cm to 10.2 cm) in thickness.
    (f) A set of four PVC splice couplings. A required set must consist 
of the following Schedule 40 PVC splice coupling sizes: 1 inch (2.5 
cm), 1\1/4\ inch (3.2 cm), 1\1/2\ inch (3.8 cm), and 2 inches (5.1 cm). 
PVC splice couplings are held in a sea turtle's mouth with the needle-
nose pliers.
    (g) A large avian oral speculum. The avian oral speculum must be 9 
inches (22.9 cm) long, and constructed of \3/16\ inch (4.8-mm) wire 
diameter 304 stainless steel. The wire must be covered with 8 inches 
(20.3 cm) of clear vinyl tubing (\5/16\ inch (7.9-mm) outside diameter, 
\3/16\ inch (4.8-mm) inside diameter), friction tape, or similar to pad 
the surface.
    B. Sea turtle handling requirements. Any sea turtle incidentally 
captured during fishing operations must be handled, and release gear 
must be used, in accordance with the NMFS careful handling, 
resuscitation, and release protocols as specified in this appendix, in 
the 2019 version of the NMFS document titled, ``Careful Release 
Protocols for Sea Turtle Release with Minimal Injury'', or on the NMFS 
sea turtle handling and release guidelines placard.
    1. Sea turtles brought on board. When practicable, both active and 
inactive (comatose) sea turtles must be brought on board the vessel 
without causing further injury to the animal, using a net or hoist as 
specified in paragraph A.5. of this appendix. Release gear specified in 
paragraphs A.6. through A.12. of this appendix must be used to remove 
fishing gear from sea turtles. All sea turtles up to 3 ft (0.9 m) 
carapace (shell) length must be brought on board to remove fishing gear 
if sea conditions allow.
    (a) Place a sea turtle upright on its bottom shell on a cushion or 
support device, as specified in paragraph A.6. of this appendix, to 
immobilize it and facilitate gear removal. Then, determine if the 
fishing gear can be removed without causing further injury. All 
externally embedded hooks should be removed, unless hook removal would 
result in further injury to the sea turtle. No attempt to remove a hook 
should be made if it has been swallowed and the insertion point of the 
hook is not clearly visible, or if it is determined that removal would 
result in further injury to the sea turtle.
    (b) If a hook cannot be removed, remove as much line as possible 
from the sea turtle and the hook using monofilament cutters as 
specified in paragraph A.11. of this appendix, and as much of the hook 
as possible should be removed before releasing the sea turtle, using 
bolt cutters as specified in paragraph A.10. of this appendix.
    (c) If a hook can be removed, an effective technique may be to cut 
off the barb or the eye of the hook using bolt cutters, and then to 
slide the hook out. When the hook is visible in the mouth, a mouth 
opener or mouth gag, as specified in paragraph A.12. of this appendix, 
may facilitate opening the sea turtle's mouth and keeping the mouth 
open. Short-handled dehookers for internal hooks, or long-nose or 
needle-nose pliers, as specified in paragraphs A.7. and A.8. of this 
appendix, respectively, should be used to remove visible hooks from the 
mouth that have not been swallowed on boated sea turtles, as 
appropriate.
    (d) If a sea turtle appears comatose or inactive, follow the NMFS 
resuscitation protocols to attempt revival before its release. As much 
gear as possible must be removed from the sea turtle without causing 
further injury prior to its release.
    (e) Sea turtle resuscitation. Resuscitation must be attempted on 
any sea turtle that is comatose or appears inactive by the following 
methods:
    (i) Place the sea turtle upright on its bottom shell and elevate 
its hindquarters at least 6 inches (15.2 cm) to drain any water from 
the sea turtle for a period of at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours. The 
amount of the elevation depends on the size of the sea turtle; greater 
elevations are needed for larger sea turtles.
    (ii) Periodically rock the sea turtle gently from left to right by 
holding the outer edge of the shell (carapace) and lift one side about 
3 inches (7.6 cm), and then alternate to the other side.
    (iii) The sea turtle being resuscitated must be shaded and kept 
damp or moist. Do not put the sea turtle into a container holding 
water. A water-soaked towel placed over the head, shell, and flippers 
is the most effective method to keep a sea turtle moist.
    (iv) Gently touch the corner of the eye and pinch the tail (reflex 
test) periodically to see if there is a response indicating the sea 
turtle may be recovering.
    (f) Sea turtle release. A sea turtle that is actively moving or 
determined to be dead as described in paragraph B.1.(g) of this 
appendix must be released. Release the sea turtle when fishing gear is 
not in use to avoid recapturing the sea turtle. Place the engine gear 
in neutral position, and then lower the sea turtle into the water from 
a low part on the vessel, in an area where the sea turtle is

[[Page 48899]]

unlikely to be recaptured or injured by vessels.
    (g) A sea turtle is determined to be dead if the muscles are stiff 
(rigor mortis) and/or the flesh has begun to rot; otherwise the sea 
turtle is determined to be comatose or inactive, and resuscitation 
attempts are necessary as specified in paragraph B.1.(e).
    (h) A sea turtle that fails to respond to the reflex test or fails 
to move within 4 hours (up to 24 hours if possible) must be returned to 
the water in the same manner as that for an actively moving sea turtle.
    2. Sea turtles that cannot be brought on board. If a sea turtle is 
too large, or is hooked or entangled in a manner that prevents bringing 
the sea turtle on board safely and without causing further injury, 
release gear specified in paragraph A. of this appendix must be used to 
remove the maximum amount of fishing gear from the sea turtle, or to 
remove as much line as possible from the sea turtle or from a hook that 
cannot be removed prior to releasing the sea turtle.
    (a) A non-boated sea turtle should be brought close to the boat. 
Then, determine whether the hook can be removed without causing further 
injury to the sea turtle. All externally embedded hooks should be 
removed, unless hook removal would result in further injury to the sea 
turtle. No attempt should be made to remove a hook if it has been 
swallowed and the insertion point is not clearly visible, or if it is 
determined that removal would result in further injury.
    (b) If the hook cannot be removed or if the sea turtle is only 
entangled, remove as much line as possible prior to its release using a 
long-handled line cutter or monofilament line cutters specified in 
paragraphs A.1. and A.11. of this appendix.
    (c) If the hook can be removed, it must be removed using the 
appropriate dehooker or other hook removal device specified in 
paragraph A. of this appendix. Without causing further injury, as much 
gear as possible must be removed from the sea turtle prior to its 
release.
    (3) Any sea turtle taken incidentally while fishing, regardless of 
whether the sea turtle is alive or dead, or whether it is brought on 
board, must not be consumed, sold, landed, offloaded, transshipped, or 
kept below deck.
    C. Incorporation by reference. The standards required in paragraphs 
A. and B. of this appendix are incorporated by reference into this 
appendix with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register 
under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. All approved material is 
available for inspection at the National Marine Fisheries Service, 
Southeast Regional Office, 263 13th Ave. South, St. Petersburg, FL 
33701, phone: 727-824-5301, website: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/endangered-species-conservation/sea-turtle-and-smalltooth-sawfish-release-gear-protocols, and is available from the sources 
listed below. It is also available for inspection at the National 
Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the 
availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030 or go to 
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
    1. U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries 
Science Center, 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, FL 33149.
    (a) Careful Release Protocols for Sea Turtle Release with Minimal 
Injury, NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-SEFSC-735, Stokes, L., and 
Bergmann, C. (Editors), 2019.
    (b) [Reserved]
    2. U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Regional 
Office, 263 13th Ave. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.
    (a) Sea Turtle Handling/Release Guidelines: Quick Reference for 
Hook and Line Fisheries, English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Revised April 
2019.
    (b) [Reserved]

[FR Doc. 2019-19899 Filed 9-16-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P