Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Authorize the Retention of Halibut in Pot Gear in the BSAI; Amendment 118, 52852-52863 [2019-21261]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 192 (Thursday, October 3, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 52852-52863]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-21261]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Parts 300, 600, and 679

[Docket No.: 190925-0042]
RIN 0648-BI65


Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Authorize 
the Retention of Halibut in Pot Gear in the BSAI; Amendment 118

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

ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: NMFS issues a proposed rule to implement Amendment 118 to the 
Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian 
Islands Management Area (BSAI FMP) and a regulatory amendment to revise 
regulations on Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) requirements in the 
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) and Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This 
proposed rule is necessary to improve efficiency and provide economic 
benefits for the Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) and Community 
Development Quota (CDQ) fleets, minimize whale depredation and seabird 
interactions in the IFQ and CDQ fisheries, and reduce the risk of

[[Page 52853]]

exceeding an overfishing limit for any species This action is intended 
to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act, the Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 
1982, the BSAI FMP, and other applicable laws.

DATES: Submit comments on or before November 4, 2019.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by NOAA-NMFS-2018-0134, 
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-2018-0134, 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. 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 the Environmental Assessment and the 
Regulatory Impact Review (collectively referred to as the ``Analysis'') 
and the Finding of No Significant Impact prepared for this proposed 
rule may be obtained from https://www.regulations.gov or from the NMFS 
Alaska Region website at https://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov.
    Written comments regarding the burden-hour estimates or other 
aspects of the collection-of-information requirements contained in this 
proposed rule may be submitted to NMFS at the above address; by email 
to [email protected]; or by fax to (202) 395-5806.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephanie Warpinski, 907-586-7228.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Authority for Action

    NMFS manages U.S. groundfish fisheries of the BSAI under the BSAI 
FMP. The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) prepared, 
and the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) approved, the BSAI FMP under 
the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 
Regulations governing U.S. fisheries and implementing the BSAI FMP 
appear at 50 CFR parts 600 and 679. The Council is authorized to 
prepare and recommend an FMP amendment for the conservation and 
management of a fishery managed under the FMP. NMFS conducts rulemaking 
to implement FMP amendments and regulatory amendments.
    The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) and NMFS manage 
fishing for Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) through 
regulations established under the authority of the Northern Pacific 
Halibut Act of 1982 (Halibut Act). The IPHC develops regulations 
governing the halibut fishery under the Convention between the United 
States and Canada for the Preservation of the Halibut Fishery of the 
Northern Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea (Convention), signed at Ottawa, 
Ontario, on March 2, 1953, as amended by a Protocol Amending the 
Convention, signed at Washington, DC, on March 29, 1979. The IPHC's 
regulations are subject to approval by the Secretary of State with the 
concurrence of the Secretary. NMFS promulgates the IPHC's regulations 
as annual management measures pursuant to 50 CFR 300.62. The final rule 
implementing the 2019 annual management measures published March 14, 
2019 (84 FR 9243).
    The Halibut Act provides the Secretary with general responsibility 
to carry out the Convention and the Halibut Act (16 U.S.C. 773c(a) & 
(b)). The Halibut Act also provides the Council with authority to 
develop regulations, including limited access regulations, that are in 
addition to, and not in conflict with, approved IPHC regulations (16 
U.S.C. 773c(c)). Regulations developed by the Council may be 
implemented by NMFS only after approval by the Secretary in 
consultation with the United States Coast Guard. Under the authority of 
the BSAI FMP and the Halibut Act, the Council developed the Individual 
Fishing Quota Program (IFQ Program) for the commercial halibut and 
sablefish fisheries. The IFQ Program allocates sablefish and halibut 
harvesting privileges among U.S. fishermen. The IFQ Program for the 
halibut fishery is implemented by Federal regulations at 50 CFR part 
679 under the authority of section 5 of the Halibut Act (16 U.S.C. 
773c). The IFQ Program for the sablefish fishery is implemented by the 
BSAI FMP and Federal regulations at 50 CFR part 679 under the authority 
of section 303(b) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act (16 U.S.C. 1853(b)).
    The Council has recommended Amendment 118 to the BSAI FMP 
(Amendment 118) to require the retention of halibut by vessels using 
pot gear in the IFQ and CDQ fisheries in the BSAI, to prohibit the use 
of pot gear in the PIHCZ, to require vessels using pot gear to fish IFQ 
and CDQ to use logbooks and VMS, and to develop regulations that allow 
NMFS to limit or close IFQ or CDQ fishing for halibut if a groundfish 
or shellfish overfishing level is approached, consistent with existing 
regulations for groundfish. In recommending Amendment 118, the Council 
intended to address whale depredation in the IFQ and CDQ fisheries and 
allow for more efficient harvest of halibut. FMP amendments and 
regulations developed by the Council may be implemented by NMFS only 
after approval by the Secretary.
    A notice of availability (NOA) for Amendment 118 was published in 
the Federal Register on October 3, 2019 with comments invited through 
December 2, 2019. Comments submitted on this proposed rule by the end 
of the comment period (See DATES) will be considered by NMFS and 
addressed in the response to comments in the final rule. Comments 
submitted on this proposed rule may address Amendment 118 or this 
proposed rule. However, all comments addressing Amendment 118 must be 
received by December 2, 2019, to be considered in the approval/
disapproval decision on Amendment 118. Commenters do not need to submit 
the same comments on both the NOA and this proposed rule. All relevant 
written comments received by December 2, 2019, whether specifically 
directed to the FMP amendment, this proposed rule, or both, will be 
considered by NMFS in the approval/disapproval decision for Amendment 
118 and addressed in the response to comments in the final rule.

Background

    The following background sections describe (1) the IFQ Program, (2) 
the CDQ Program, (3) IFQ Regulatory Areas, (4) retention of halibut by 
IFQ or CDQ fishermen using authorized gear, (5) limitations on the use 
of pot gear to

[[Page 52854]]

reduce bycatch concerns, and (6) whale depredation in the BSAI.

The IFQ Program

    The commercial halibut and sablefish fisheries in the GOA and the 
BSAI management areas are managed under the IFQ Program that was 
implemented in 1995 (58 FR 59375, November 9, 1993). The IFQ Program 
allocates quota share (QS), and each year that quota share yields an 
exclusive harvest privilege, an annual IFQ permit, among participants 
in the fixed gear commercial fishery. An IFQ permit is expressed in 
pounds and is based on the amount of quota share held in relation to 
the total quota share pool.
    The IFQ Program allows harvesters to tailor their fishing 
operations to the amount of quota that they hold and avoid an unsafe 
``race for fish'' that can occur when vessels race to harvest their 
catch as quickly as possible before an annual catch limit is reached. 
NMFS also allocates a small portion of the annual sablefish total 
allowable catch limit (TAC) to vessels using trawl gear. The trawl 
sablefish fishery is not managed under the IFQ Program, and this 
proposed rule does not modify regulations applicable to the trawl 
sablefish fishery. Many fishermen participate in both the halibut and 
sablefish fisheries because the species overlap in some fishing areas 
and are harvested with the same type of fishing gear.
    Each year, NMFS issues IFQ to each QS holder to harvest a specific 
percentage of either the TAC in the sablefish fishery or the annual 
commercial catch limit in the halibut fishery. In addition to being 
specific to sablefish or halibut, QS and IFQ are designated for 
specific geographic areas of harvest (the regulatory area), a specific 
vessel operation type (catcher vessel or catcher/processor), and for a 
specific range of vessel sizes that may be used to harvest the 
sablefish or halibut (vessel category). An annual IFQ permit authorizes 
the permit holder to harvest a specified amount of the IFQ species in a 
regulatory area from a specific operation type and vessel category. 
Section 4.5 of the Analysis (see ADDRESSES) provides additional 
information on the sablefish and halibut IFQ Program.

The CDQ Program

    The Western Alaska Community Development Program (CDQ Program) was 
implemented in 1992 (57 FR 54936, November 23, 1992). Subsequently, the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act was amended to include provisions specific to the 
CDQ Program. The purposes of the CDQ Program are (1) to provide 
eligible western Alaska villages with the opportunity to participate 
and invest in fisheries in the BSAI management area; (2) to support 
economic development in western Alaska; (3) to alleviate poverty and 
provide economic and social benefits for residents of western Alaska; 
and (4) to achieve sustainable and diversified local economies in 
western Alaska (16 U.S.C. 1855(i)(1)(A)).
    The CDQ Program consists of six different non-profit managing 
organizations (CDQ groups) representing different geographical regions 
in Alaska. The CDQ Program receives annual allocations of TAC for a 
variety of commercially valuable species in the BSAI groundfish, crab, 
and halibut fisheries, which are in turn allocated among the CDQ 
groups. CDQ groups use their allocations of halibut to provide 
opportunities for small vessel fishing by residents of their member 
communities. Pacific halibut is an important species allocated to CDQ 
groups for community resident employment and income. NMFS allocates 
halibut to CDQ groups, and those allocations correspond with the 
geographic area in which a CDQ group's member communities are located 
(see Section 4.5.1.2 of the Analysis). A CDQ group may transfer its 
halibut CDQ to another CDQ group provided that CDQ group has halibut 
CDQ allocations in the same regulatory area (50 CFR 679.31(c)). Section 
4.5.2 of the Analysis provides additional detail on the history of the 
CDQ halibut fishery.

IFQ Regulatory Areas

    The IFQ and CDQ fisheries are prosecuted in accordance with catch 
limits established by regulatory area. The sablefish IFQ regulatory 
areas defined for sablefish in the BSAI are the Bering Sea (BS) and the 
Aleutian Islands (AI). The sablefish regulatory areas are defined and 
shown in Figure 14 to 50 CFR part 679. This proposed rule preamble 
refers to these areas collectively as sablefish regulatory areas.
    This proposed rule would implement provisions that affect IFQ 
halibut and CDQ halibut fisheries in the BSAI. The IPHC defines halibut 
regulatory areas (Areas). The Areas are defined in 50 CFR part 679 and 
described in Figure 15 to 50 CFR part 679 and Section 1.3 of the 
Analysis. NMFS issues halibut IFQ and CDQ consistent with the IPHC's 
Areas. Halibut Areas encompass different geographic ranges than the 
sablefish regulatory areas, and the boundary lines do not coincide 
except at the border between the United States and Canada. For halibut, 
Area 2 is composed of Area 2A (Washington, Oregon, and California); 
Area 2B (British Columbia); and Area 2C (Southeast Alaska). Area 3 is 
composed of Area 3A (Central Gulf of Alaska) and Area 3B (Western Gulf 
of Alaska); and Area 4 (BSAI) is composed of Areas 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 
4E. The IPHC combines Areas 4C, 4D, and 4E into Area 4CDE for purposes 
of establishing a commercial fishery catch limit. Area 4CDE, Area 4B, 
and portions of Area 4A roughly correspond to the Bering Sea and 
Aleutian Islands Area defined in the BSAI FMP. A portion of Area 4A 
also includes part of the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA, as 
defined in the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of 
Alaska (GOA FMP). Action 1 under this proposed rule would apply within 
Areas 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, and that portion of Area 4A that occurs in the 
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area defined in the BSAI FMP.
    The commercial catch limits for Areas 4B and 4CDE are allocated 
between two distinct management programs: the CDQ Program and the IFQ 
Program. Throughout the duration of the IFQ Program, the Area 4E 
commercial catch limit has been exclusively allocated to the CDQ 
Program; therefore, no Area 4E QS is allocated to non-CDQ Program 
participants.

Retention of Halibut by IFQ Sablefish Fishermen Using Authorized Gear

    IFQ sablefish fishermen who also hold halibut IFQ are required to 
retain halibut of legal-size. Currently, the IPHC requires the 
retention of all halibut 32 inches or greater in length (84 FR 9243, 
March 14, 2019), although the IPHC may recommend in its annual 
management measures changes to the size limit for the retention of 
halibut. This retention requirement is intended to promote full 
utilization of halibut by reducing discards of halibut caught 
incidentally in the IFQ sablefish fishery. Many IFQ fishermen hold both 
sablefish and halibut IFQ, and the species can overlap in some fishing 
areas (see Section 4.5.2 of the Analysis).
    Pot gear has long been an authorized gear type for vessels that 
harvest IFQ sablefish and CDQ sablefish in the BSAI, and is now an 
authorized gear in the GOA. Beginning in 2017, Amendment 101 to the GOA 
FMP and implementing regulations authorized the use of longline pot 
gear in the GOA IFQ sablefish fishery (81 FR 95435, December 28, 2016).
    The IPHC authorizes fishing gear for halibut in the BSAI through 
its annual management measures and regulations. The IPHC meets annually 
to approve the regulations that apply to persons and

[[Page 52855]]

vessels fishing for and retaining halibut. In 2016, the IPHC 
recommended, and the U.S. approved, regulations to authorize the 
retention of halibut by vessels using pot gear in the GOA (81 FR 14000, 
March 16, 2016). Although the IPHC took action to authorize the use of 
pot gear to retain halibut, accompanying action was required by NMFS to 
authorize the use of longline pot gear for the commercial halibut 
fishery in Federal regulations under 50 CFR part 679. Therefore, the 
final rule implementing Amendment 101 to the GOA FMP also included 
regulations developed under the Halibut Act to authorize harvest of IFQ 
halibut caught incidentally in longline pot gear used in the GOA IFQ 
sablefish fishery.
    However, in the BSAI, IFQ sablefish fishermen who hold halibut IFQ 
currently are required to discard legal-size halibut that are harvested 
in the IFQ sablefish pot gear fishery. After implementation of 
Amendment 101 to the GOA FMP, IFQ sablefish fishermen requested greater 
consistency between the regulatory requirements in the BSAI and in the 
GOA, and sought revisions to regulations to authorize the retention of 
halibut while fishing for sablefish with pot gear in the BSAI to reduce 
the potential for discarding legal-sized halibut. Section 1.2 of the 
Analysis provides a more detailed description of the history of use of 
pot gear in the IFQ sablefish fishery.
    In 2018, the IPHC recommended, and the U.S. approved, regulations 
to authorize the retention of halibut by vessels using pot gear 
throughout Alaska (83 FR 12133, March 20, 2018). Section 20(1) of the 
IPHC's 2019 annual management measures authorizes a person to retain 
and possess IFQ halibut or CDQ halibut taken with hook-and-line or pot 
gear in the IFQ or CDQ fisheries provided retention and possession is 
authorized by NMFS regulations published at 50 CFR part 679. If the 
Secretary approves a final rule to implement Amendment 118, NMFS would 
amend regulations to require vessel operators using pot gear and 
holding sufficient halibut IFQ or CDQ to retain legal-size halibut in 
the BSAI IFQ or CDQ halibut or sablefish fisheries, as recommended by 
the Council and the IPHC. This regulatory requirement would be 
consistent with section 773c(c) of the Halibut Act (16 U.S.C. 773c(c)).

Limitations on the Use of Pot Gear To Reduce Bycatch Concerns

    Pribilof Islands Blue King Crab (PIBKC) are overfished and 
experienced overfishing most recently in 2016. Rebuilding the PIBKC 
stock has been a Council priority since 2002, when NMFS notified the 
Council that the PIBKC stock was overfished. NMFS initiated a 
rebuilding plan in 2002, and when that rebuilding plan did not rebuild 
PIBKC, a new rebuilding plan was instituted in 2011. In order to 
further protect PIBKC, the Council recommended closing the Pribilof 
Islands Habitat Conservation Zone (PIHCZ) year-round to directed 
fishing for Pacific cod with pot gear to minimize the bycatch of PIBKC.
    Bycatch of PIBKC in pot gear is a concern in the BSAI, particularly 
in areas where PIBKC are concentrated. The greatest concentration of 
PIBKC is within the PIHCZ. The PIHCZ is defined in Sec.  679.22(a)(6) 
and shown in Figure 10 to 50 CFR part 679. Initially, the PIHCZ was 
closed to directed fishing for groundfish using trawl gear to minimize 
the bycatch of PIBKC. In 2014, NMFS implemented Amendment 103 to the 
BSAI FMP to prohibit the use of Pacific cod pot gear in the PIHCZ to 
promote bycatch reduction of PIBKC (79 FR 71344, December 2, 2014). No 
pot fishing for Pacific cod has occurred within the PIHCZ since 2015. 
However, this existing pot gear closure in the PIHCZ does not include 
pot gear when fishing for halibut and sablefish. Section 3.6 of the 
Analysis provides more information about PIBKC and the PIHCZ.
    In addition to the current closure of the PIHCZ to all trawl gear 
and Pacific cod pot gear, regulations in Sec.  679.25 provide NMFS with 
inseason management authority to issue precise closures to BSAI 
groundfish and shellfish fisheries if a stock, in this case PIBKC, 
approaches its acceptable biological catch limit and is approaching the 
overfishing level (OFL). Regulations in Sec.  679.25 describe a series 
of progressively more restrictive measures that NMFS may implement if a 
stock approaches an OFL, including closures of specific geographic 
areas, limitations on use of specific gear, and closures of specific 
fisheries, if necessary, to ensure an OFL is not exceeded.

Whale Depredation in the BSAI

    At its June 2017 meeting, the Council received a public comment 
letter describing a worsening situation of whale depredation on BSAI 
IFQ hook-and-line gear. Killer whale (Orcinus orca) depredation is most 
common in the BSAI. Section 3.5 of the Analysis provides the most 
recent information on whale depredation in the IFQ sablefish and IFQ 
halibut fishery, and Figure 11 in the Analysis shows a map of observed 
depredation on sablefish longline surveys. Whale depredation events are 
difficult to observe because depredation occurs near the ocean floor in 
deep water or during active gear retrieval. Fishery participants have 
testified to the Council that depredation continues to be a major cost 
in the IFQ sablefish and IFQ halibut fisheries and appears to be 
occurring more frequently in the BSAI.
    Depredation can reduce fishing efficiency by increasing operating 
costs (e.g., fuel, labor) and the opportunity cost of time lost that 
would have been available for additional fishing effort or dedicated to 
other fishing and non-fishing activities. Depredation can result in 
lost catch, additional time waiting for whales to leave fishing grounds 
before hauling gear, and additional time and fuel spent relocating to 
avoid whales. Information provided in Section 3.5.3 in the Analysis 
indicates that depredation can reduce harvesting efficiency and impose 
substantial costs, thereby reducing revenue in the IFQ halibut and 
sablefish fisheries.
    Industry groups have tested a variety of methods to deter whales 
from preying on fish caught on hook-and-line gear, such as gear 
modifications and acoustic decoys, but these methods have not 
significantly reduced the problem of depredation in the BSAI IFQ 
sablefish and IFQ halibut fisheries. A summary of efforts to mitigate 
whale depredation in Alaska and elsewhere is provided in Section 3.5.2 
of the Analysis.
    Participants in the BSAI IFQ fisheries indicated to the Council and 
NMFS that authorizing the use of pot gear for IFQ halibut fishing could 
reduce the adverse impacts of depredation for those vessel operators 
who choose to switch from hook-and-line to pot gear. Section 1.2 of the 
Analysis provides additional information on the Council's development 
and recommendation of Amendment 118 and this proposed rule.

Need for Amendment 118 and This Proposed Rule

    Amendment 118 and this proposed rule would address several key 
management issues. First, this proposed rule would authorize the use of 
pot gear to target IFQ and CDQ halibut and would authorize the 
retention of halibut in the existing IFQ or CDQ sablefish pot 
fisheries. The proposed rule also would require retention of legal-
sized halibut in pot gear used to fish for IFQ or CDQ halibut or 
sablefish in the BSAI provided the IFQ or CDQ permit holder holds 
sufficient halibut IFQ or CDQ for the retained halibut. Requiring 
retention of legal-sized halibut incidentally harvested while fishing 
for sablefish using pot gear would minimize discard

[[Page 52856]]

mortality and would allow the development of a halibut pot fishery that 
could reduce fishery interactions with killer whales throughout the 
BSAI. This proposed rule would improve the ability of sablefish and 
halibut IFQ and CDQ permit holders to harvest their IFQ or CDQ by 
reducing potential whale depredation, reducing the costs associated 
with whale depredation, and reducing the additional mortality that may 
be caused by whale depredation. Second, this proposed rule would 
establish regulations to prohibit all use of pot gear for groundfish 
and halibut in the PIHCZ to limit the potential adverse effects on 
PIBKC from the use of pot gear. Third, this proposed rule would exempt 
vessel operators fishing IFQ or CDQ halibut or sablefish with pot gear 
from the requirement to have a tunnel opening of a specified size when 
the operator is required to retain halibut. Fourth, this proposed rule 
would specify the regulatory authority NMFS would use to limit or close 
IFQ or CDQ halibut fishing in the event there is a conservation concern 
for groundfish or shellfish. Finally, this proposed rule would require 
the use of VMS and logbooks and would add requirements for the Prior 
Notice of Landing (PNOL), in order to ensure accurate monitoring of the 
use of pot gear to retain halibut.
    In addition, NMFS proposes to modify existing regulations governing 
VMS. First, NMFS proposes to remove two obsolete reporting requirements 
at Sec. Sec.  679.28 and 679.42 that are no longer necessary for 
management or enforcement purposes. Removing these obsolete 
requirements will reduce reporting costs for vessels in the BSAI and 
GOA. Second, NMFS proposes to modify the VMS regulations at Sec.  
679.28, and related prohibitions at Sec.  679.7, to provide clarity 
regarding the VMS requirements for vessels in the BSAI and GOA.

Proposed Rule

    This section describes the proposed changes to current regulations. 
This proposed rule includes two actions that would revise 50 CFR part 
300, 50 CFR part 600, and 50 CFR part 679. The primary action, Action 
1, proposes management measures that would authorize retention of 
legal-size halibut in pot gear in the BSAI. The scope of this action 
would not authorize the retention of halibut IFQ or CDQ in other 
directed pot fisheries, including crab fisheries and Pacific cod 
fisheries. Action 2 would modify regulations to provide clarity and to 
remove from regulation two VMS requirements that are no longer 
necessary.

Action 1: Authorize the Use of Pot Gear To Retain Halibut and Other 
Related Regulatory Provisions

    Action 1 would include the following five elements: (1) Authorize 
retention of legal-size halibut in pot-and-line or longline pot gear 
used to fish for IFQ or CDQ halibut or sablefish in the BSAI and 
require retention of legal-sized halibut provided the IFQ or CDQ permit 
holder holds sufficient halibut IFQ or CDQ for that retained halibut; 
(2) close the PIHCZ to all groundfish and halibut fishing with pot 
gear; (3) remove the requirement for a 9-inch maximum width tunnel 
opening when an IFQ or CDQ permit holder fishes for halibut or 
sablefish IFQ in the BSAI with pot gear and is required to retain 
halibut; (4) clarify the inseason management measures, and 
determinations required, that NMFS would use to limit or close IFQ or 
CDQ fishing for halibut if an OFL is approached for a groundfish or 
shellfish species, consistent with regulations in place for groundfish; 
and (5) require logbooks and VMS for all vessels using pot gear to 
retain halibut and sablefish and add requirements for reporting on the 
PNOL.
    This action would not authorize the retention of IFQ halibut or CDQ 
halibut in other directed pot fisheries, other than sablefish. That 
means that an IFQ permit holder or a vessel fishing on behalf of a CDQ 
group would not be permitted, nor would they be required, to retain 
halibut on a pot fishing trip while directed fishing in other pot 
fisheries (e.g., Pacific cod or crab), even if they hold available IFQ 
or CDQ.
    The first action would authorize the harvest of IFQ halibut or CDQ 
halibut with pot gear and would provide halibut quota holders the 
opportunity to use pot gear on a trip solely intended to harvest 
halibut, or on a mixed trip in which both halibut and sablefish are the 
intended target, provided the vessel has quota for the appropriate 
areas for both species. Section 679.7(f)(11) prohibits IFQ permit 
holders from discarding halibut or sablefish caught with fixed gear for 
which they hold unused halibut or sablefish IFQ or CDQ for that vessel 
and IFQ regulatory area. Consistent with that regulatory requirement 
and with proposed Sec.  679.42(m)(2) & (3), Action 1 would prohibit IFQ 
and CDQ permit holders fishing in the BSAI with pot gear from 
discarding legal-size halibut for which they have the necessary quota. 
IFQ and CDQ participants that hold both sablefish and halibut quota 
would have more flexibility to use their quota opportunistically and 
minimize variable costs.
    This proposed rule would revise the definition of ``Fishing'' at 
Sec.  300.61 to include the deployment of pot gear in the BSAI halibut 
IFQ or CDQ fishery.
    This proposed rule would revise Sec.  679.2 to include pot gear as 
authorized fishing gear in the BSAI IFQ and CDQ fisheries. 
Specifically, this proposed rule would revise the definition of ``Fixed 
gear'' under the definition of ``Authorized fishing gear'' at Sec.  
679.2(4)(v) to include pot gear as an authorized gear in the BSAI 
halibut IFQ or CDQ fishery. The regulations currently define fixed gear 
for sablefish harvested in the BSAI to include hook-and-line gear and 
pot gear (Sec.  679.2(4)(ii)). Fixed gear is a general term that 
describes the multiple gear types allowed to fish sablefish and halibut 
under the IFQ and CDQ Programs and is referred to throughout 50 CFR 
part 679. This proposed rule would revise Sec.  679.24 (and Sec.  
679.42, discussed later) to require retention of halibut in pot gear in 
the BSAI IFQ and CDQ fisheries. Specifically, this proposed rule would 
revise Sec.  679.24(b) to require retention of groundfish for any 
person using pot gear while directed fishing for sablefish and halibut 
in the BSAI.
    This proposed rule would revise Sec.  679.42(b)(1) to specify that 
IFQ halibut may be harvested using pot gear, but the proposed rule 
would not change the existing prohibition on the use of trawl gear.
    The second element of Action 1 would close the PIHCZ to all fishing 
for groundfish and halibut with pot gear to avoid groundfish fishery 
and area closures that could be triggered by approaching an OFL for the 
PIBKC. This proposed rule would revise Sec.  679.22(a)(6) to close the 
PIHCZ to all directed fishing for groundfish and halibut with pot gear. 
The majority of the PIBKC stock is distributed within the PIHCZ. 
Regulations at Sec.  679.22 already prohibit the use of pot gear to 
harvest Pacific cod in the PIHCZ. The Pacific cod pot fishery is the 
largest groundfish pot fishery in the BSAI. Closing the PIHCZ to pot 
gear is necessary to avoid groundfish fishery and area closures that 
could be triggered by approaching an OFL for the PIBKC. Although the 
existing sablefish fishing grounds do not overlap with the PIHCZ, 
historical halibut fishing grounds for vessels using hook-and-line gear 
do overlap with the PIHCZ. Therefore, a general prohibition on the use 
of pot gear within the PIHCZ would limit the risk of bycatch of PIBKC 
by vessels using pot gear in the IFQ or CDQ halibut or sablefish 
fisheries. Section 3.6 of the Analysis provides additional details on

[[Page 52857]]

the distribution of halibut and potential overlap with the PIHCZ.
    The third element of Action 1 would amend regulations at Sec.  
679.2(15) that describe the definition of ``Authorized Fishing Gear'' 
to exempt vessel operators fishing halibut or sablefish IFQ or CDQ with 
pot gear from the requirement to have a tunnel opening no wider and no 
taller than 9 inches when the vessel operator is required to retain 
halibut. If the tunnel opening requirement remained in effect, the 
extent to which halibut quota holders in the BSAI could target halibut 
with pot gear would be greatly reduced, contrary to the intent of 
Amendment 118. Section 4.7.4.2 of the Analysis describes this element 
in more detail.
    The fourth element of Action 1 would specify the management 
measures, and required determinations, that NMFS would use to limit or 
close IFQ or CDQ fishing for halibut in the BSAI and GOA if an OFL for 
groundfish or shellfish is approached, consistent with regulations in 
place for directed fishing for groundfish. Under existing regulations 
at Sec.  679.25, NMFS has the authority to close groundfish fisheries, 
including the IFQ or CDQ sablefish fishery, to prevent overfishing of 
groundfish and shellfish species. However, these regulations do not 
apply to the IFQ or CDQ halibut fishery to prevent overfishing of 
groundfish or shellfish. While NMFS has authority to enact emergency 
regulations to limit fishing to avoid exceeding an OFL under section 
305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act and authority under the Halibut Act 
to implement measures that are in addition to and not in conflict with 
those adopted by the IPHC (16 U.S.C. 773(c)), the specific regulatory 
measures that NMFS could use to limit halibut fishing to prevent 
overfishing are not described in regulation. This proposed rule would 
apply the same regulations to limit halibut fishing if an OFL is 
approached as the procedure used for groundfish species: the proposed 
rule would authorize NMFS to make inseason adjustments for halibut 
fishing, including inseason closures of an area, district, or portions 
thereof, of harvest of halibut fisheries, and would authorize NMFS to 
close a management area or portion thereof, gear type, or season for 
halibut fishing, in both the BSAI and GOA, in addition to the existing 
regulatory authority under Sec.  679.25 for the management of 
groundfish fishing.
    This proposed rule therefore would revise Sec.  679.25 to specify 
the management measures NMFS can use, and the determinations required, 
to limit or close halibut fisheries in the BSAI and GOA in the event an 
OFL is approached for a groundfish or shellfish species, consistent 
with regulations in place for directed fishing for groundfish. These 
changes would provide the public with a clear understanding of NMFS's 
regulatory authority to limit or close halibut directed fishing in the 
event that the OFL for PIBKC, or other groundfish or shellfish species, 
is approached. Section 4.7.6 of the Analysis further describes this 
element in greater detail.
    The fifth element of Action 1 would require all vessels fishing IFQ 
or CDQ sablefish or halibut with pot gear to complete the Daily Fishing 
Logbook (DFL), to use VMS, and to provide additional pot gear 
information on the PNOL. A vessel operator records where and when 
fishing activity occurs and the number of sets and hauls in the DFL. 
Section 4.7.5 of the Analysis describes reporting and monitoring 
requirements for vessels using pot gear to fish IFQ, including the 
existing requirements to use logbooks and VMS. There are several types 
of logbooks, including a DFL, required by NMFS (Sec.  679.5) and an 
IPHC logbook. The Council's intent for this element is to require all 
vessels fishing sablefish or halibut IFQ or CDQ with pot gear to 
complete the DFL. The proposed rule would revise regulations at Sec.  
679.5 to require vessels fishing sablefish or halibut IFQ and CDQ to 
complete the DFL. In addition to the Council's recommendations, NMFS 
proposes to require vessels to report specific information on the use 
of pot gear in the BSAI on the PNOL under Sec.  679.5, including adding 
the requirement to report the number of pots set, the number of pots 
lost, and the number of pots left deployed on the fishing grounds, in 
addition to the information they currently submit in the PNOL.
    Due to concern over additional pot fishing in the PIHCZ and within 
the PIBKC stock boundary area, NMFS recommended that the Council also 
require all vessels retaining IFQ or CDQ halibut or sablefish with pot 
gear use a VMS to ensure consistency in monitoring fishery behavior. 
The proposed rule would revise Sec.  679.7 to prohibit vessels using 
pot gear to fish for sablefish or halibut IFQ and CDQ in the BSAI 
without functioning VMS equipment as would be required under the 
proposed Sec.  679.42(m).
    All vessels that participated in the BSAI IFQ or CDQ sablefish pot 
fishery in 2016 have VMS and maintain a DFL already. However, 
additional vessels may use pot gear to harvest IFQ or CDQ halibut or 
sablefish in the future. Any additional vessels would be required to 
install VMS and begin maintaining a DFL, as well as report pot gear 
information on the PNOL, under this proposed rule. Section 4.7.5 of the 
Analysis provides more information supporting these monitoring and 
reporting provisions.
    To effectuate each of the five elements described above, the 
proposed rule would also revise Sec.  679.42 to specify at Sec.  
679.42(m) the requirements for any vessel operator who fishes for IFQ 
or CDQ halibut or IFQ or CDQ sablefish in the BSAI using pot gear. This 
includes the proposed requirements that operators must retain legal-
sized halibut provided the operator has sufficient IFQ or CDQ for the 
retained halibut; that all operators must comply with the proposed VMS 
requirements; that all vessel operators must complete a DFL; and that 
all vessels operators must report pot gear set, lost, and left deployed 
on the fishing grounds when they submit a PNOL.
    Finally, to promote consistency and clarity with the provisions 
proposed under this action, this proposed rule would make editorial 
revisions throughout regulations at 50 CFR part 679. Existing 
regulations implementing the Observer Program state the gear type 
(hook-and-line) used to harvest halibut in the applicability paragraph 
for which vessels are in partial coverage or full coverage. Regulations 
at Sec.  679.51(a)(1) would be modified to remove the language 
describing the specific gear type used to fish for halibut, which is in 
accordance with this proposed action that would authorize another 
specific gear type (pot) in addition to hook-and-line gear. This would 
be an editorial change that would not modify existing observer coverage 
requirements for vessels participating in the IFQ or CDQ halibut or 
sablefish fisheries.

Action 2: NMFS's Proposed Regulatory Amendment To Modify VMS 
Regulations

    Action 2 would modify regulations to remove certain provisions that 
are no longer required for management and enforcement purposes and 
would make other minor revisions to the regulations governing VMS; 
however, Action 2 would not materially change existing VMS coverage, 
requirements, or equipment.
    First, this proposed rule would remove from Sec.  679.28 a check-in 
requirement for vessel owners activating VMS for the first time. 
Currently, vessel owners are required to check in by fax to register a 
new unit with the NMFS Office of Law Enforcement (OLE) (Sec.  
679.28(f)(4)(ii)). This faxed check-in is no longer necessary because 
the information OLE needs about a new VMS unit is provided 
automatically by

[[Page 52858]]

the VMS unit when the new unit is activated.
    Second, this action would remove from Sec.  679.42 a requirement 
for vessel operators in the IFQ sablefish fisheries in BSAI and GOA to 
contact NMFS by phone and receive confirmation that their VMS unit is 
operating. Currently, vessel operators are required to call OLE at 
least 72 hours prior to fishing for IFQ sablefish in the BSAI and prior 
to using longline pot gear to fish for IFQ sablefish in the GOA (Sec.  
679.42(k)). These vessel clearance requirements are no longer needed 
because the VMS unit provides the information needed by OLE to monitor 
these fisheries.
    This action also would modify in Sec.  679.28(f)(6) the list of 
circumstances in which a VMS unit must be transmitting to include 
reference to all of the VMS requirements elsewhere in 50 CFR part 679 
and 50 CFR part 680. The current list is only a partial list of the VMS 
requirements in Federally-managed fisheries off Alaska. Completion of 
the list will reduce confusion about the VMS requirements under Sec.  
679.28(f), but would not alter existing VMS requirements at Sec.  
679.28(f) when a VMS transmitter must be transmitting. The proposed 
action also would revise two cross references to the VMS requirements 
in Sec.  679.7(a)(21)-(22) to more accurately refer to the VMS 
regulations in Sec.  679.28(f). This revision will provide greater 
clarity and specificity in the VMS regulations without changing 
existing VMS requirements.

Anticipated Effects of Action 1

    This section describes the proposed rule implementing Amendment 118 
and the anticipated effects on fishery participants and the 
environment.

Fishery Participants

    This proposed rule would authorize the use of pot gear in the 
halibut IFQ and CDQ fisheries and would require retention of legal-
sized halibut in pot gear used in the existing IFQ and CDQ sablefish 
pot gear fisheries and in the new IFQ and CDQ halibut pot gear 
fisheries if the operator has sufficient IFQ or CDQ for the retained 
halibut. Pot gear includes pot-and-line gear and longline pot gear. 
Pot-and-line gear is pot gear with a stationary, buoyed line with a 
single pot attached. Longline pot gear is pot gear with a stationary, 
buoyed, and anchored line with two or more pots attached. Longline pot 
gear is often deployed as a series of many pots attached together in a 
``string'' of gear. For additional information on longline gear, pot-
and-line gear, and longline pot gear, see the definition of 
``Authorized Fishing Gear'' in Sec.  679.2.
    This action could improve operational efficiency of vessels 
participating in the IFQ or CDQ halibut or sablefish pot fisheries by 
reducing the discard mortality associated with halibut discard in the 
existing sablefish pot fisheries and reducing whale depredation for 
vessels that would choose to switch to using pot gear instead of hook-
and-line gear. The sablefish and halibut hook-and-line gear fisheries 
are prosecuted simultaneously. Vessels that fish sablefish IFQ 
typically also fish halibut IFQ. The majority of sablefish IFQ permit 
holders also hold a halibut IFQ permit (see Section 4.5 of the 
Analysis). As analyzed in Section 4.7.2 of the Analysis, replacing some 
hook-and-line effort with pot gear effort could benefit permit holders 
in the IFQ halibut fishery because many IFQ sablefish fishery 
participants also participate in the IFQ halibut fishery. This proposed 
rule would create efficiencies in the harvest of halibut and sablefish 
for these participants.
    The Council and NMFS also considered the impacts of this proposed 
rule on the hook-and-line IFQ and CDQ halibut fisheries. Based on the 
analysis in Section 4.7.2 of the Analysis, the overall impact of this 
proposed rule on the IFQ or CDQ halibut fishery is likely to be small.
    As explained in Section 4.5.2 of the Analysis, vessel operators who 
switch to pot gear to harvest halibut would benefit from this proposed 
rule from reduced whale depredation, reduced operating costs, and 
reduced fishing time. This proposed rule would provide vessel operators 
with the option to use pot gear if they determine it is appropriate for 
their fishing operation.
    The Analysis (see Section 4.7.2.1) recognizes that it is not 
possible to estimate how many hook-and-line vessel operators would 
switch to pot gear to harvest halibut under this action. Vessel 
operators that currently target sablefish with pot gear would be 
required to retain incidentally caught halibut. The total number of 
vessels using pot gear likely would be limited by the costs of pot gear 
and vessel reconfiguration. For some vessel operators, reconfiguration 
costs likely would be prohibitive. The Analysis suggests that vessel 
operators who already use pot gear in other fisheries (e.g., Pacific 
cod) would be the most likely operators to use pot gear in the BSAI IFQ 
halibut fishery because their conversion costs likely would be lower 
relative to participants who currently use only hook-and-line gear.
    This proposed rule would require vessel operators that catch 
halibut in pot gear to comply with current retention requirements under 
the IFQ Program and the provisions recommended by the Council and would 
not change other management components of the IFQ Program. The Council 
recommended, and NMFS agrees, that an IFQ or CDQ permit holder onboard 
a vessel that catches halibut with pot gear in the BSAI would be 
required to retain legal-size halibut provided they hold a halibut IFQ 
or CDQ permit with sufficient halibut IFQ or CDQ pounds to cover the 
retained halibut. This proposed rule would provide halibut permit 
holders the opportunity to use pot gear on a trip solely intended to 
harvest halibut, or on a mixed trip in which both halibut and sablefish 
are the intended target, provided the vessel has quota for the 
appropriate areas for both species. Section 679.7(f)(4) prohibits an 
IFQ or CDQ permit holder from retaining legal-size halibut if no person 
onboard the vessel holds sufficient IFQ or CDQ pounds to cover the 
retained halibut. In these instances, fishermen are required to discard 
the halibut with a minimum of injury consistent with regulatory 
requirements at Sec.  679.7(a)(13) and Section 15 of the IPHC annual 
management measures (84 FR 9243, March 14, 2019).

Gear Conflicts

    The Council and NMFS analyzed the extent to which this proposed 
rule could result in gear conflicts and grounds preemption. As 
explained in Section 4.7.3 of the Analysis, gear conflict and grounds 
preemption impose costs on fishermen who are unable to, or choose not 
to, deploy hook-and-line gear in an area because longline pot gear is 
used in that area. The Council considered possible gear tending 
regulations while balancing the risk of grounds preemption and gear 
conflict from a new sector, with the expected effectiveness of the 
measures and the implications to the BSAI IFQ and CDQ harvesters 
currently participating or wishing to participate with pot gear. 
Specifically, vessels unable to convert to pot gear that fish in the 
same footprint as the pot vessels may be disadvantaged if vessels set 
pot gear on mutual fishing grounds for extended periods, preventing 
hook-and-line vessels from deploying gear for fear of gear 
entanglement. Compared to other IFQ areas, such as in the GOA, the 
Analysis did not identify, and the Council did not receive public 
testimony indicating, the potential for gear conflict and grounds 
preemption concerns that would warrant additional

[[Page 52859]]

regulatory provisions under this proposed rule.
    As explained in Section 4.7.3 of the Analysis, it is extremely 
difficult to determine with certainty the extent to which gear 
conflicts and grounds preemption might occur under this proposed rule 
because it is not known at this time how many vessel operators will use 
pot gear in the BSAI IFQ or CDQ halibut or sablefish fisheries. After 
reviewing the Analysis and receiving public testimony, the Council and 
NMFS determined the likelihood of gear conflicts and grounds preemption 
was low, but not possible to determine with certainty.
    The Council's recommendation did not include gear retrieval 
requirements based on public testimony, and NMFS is not proposing to 
include gear retrieval requirements in this proposed rule. Stakeholders 
voiced that gear retrieval requirements would negatively impact 
fishermen in the existing sablefish pot fishery in the BSAI and that it 
was expected that a limited number of vessels would begin 
experimentally fishing for halibut using pot gear. Section 4.7.3.3 of 
the Analysis discusses in more detail the potential impacts of gear 
retrieval requirements on the existing sablefish pot fishery in the 
BSAI.
    The Council considered and did not recommend requiring an escape 
mechanism to release undersized halibut or other species as part of 
this proposed rule. NMFS is not including in this proposed rule a 
requirement for pot gear to have an escape mechanism. By not including 
specific recommendations for dimensions of escapement rings or slots at 
this time, the fleet retains the flexibility to test different gear 
specifications to minimize bycatch most effectively. Industry-led 
innovation could be more responsive than regulations to address the 
range of bycatch issues that may be experienced with a new gear type. 
NMFS and the Council will continue to review the performance of this 
gear, and if bycatch increases, additional regulatory revisions could 
be undertaken.
    To implement the Council's recommendation to close the PIHCZ to all 
fishing with pot gear, the proposed rule would require that all vessels 
retaining IFQ or CDQ halibut or sablefish in pot gear use logbooks and 
VMS to ensure consistency in monitoring fishery behavior.
    Section 304(d)(2)(A) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act obligates NMFS to 
recover the actual costs of management, data collection, and 
enforcement (direct program cost) of catch share programs, such as the 
IFQ fisheries. Therefore, NMFS implemented a cost recovery fee program 
for the IFQ fisheries in 2000 (65 FR 14919, March 20, 2000). The cost 
to implement and manage the IFQ sablefish and halibut pot gear fishery 
would be included in the annual calculation of NMFS's recoverable 
costs, and this proposed rule would be included under this cost 
recovery program. These costs will be part of the total management and 
enforcement costs used in the calculation of the annual fee percentage. 
While costs specific to the CDQ Program for halibut are recoverable 
through a separate cost recovery program (81 FR 150, January 5, 2016), 
this rule would not change the process that harvesters use to pay cost 
recovery fees.

Whale Interactions

    If some portion of the IFQ and CDQ halibut fleet switches to pot 
gear, interactions between whales and the halibut fishery could 
decrease. Unaccounted halibut mortality due to depredation would be 
expected to decline as IFQ and CDQ halibut fishermen voluntarily switch 
from hook-and-line gear to pot gear. Because the amount of depredation 
is not known with certainty, the potential effects of reduced 
depredation from this proposed rule cannot be quantified.
    Depredation by killer whales and sperm whales is common in the 
sablefish and IFQ halibut hook-and-line fisheries in the GOA and BSAI. 
Section 3.5 of the Analysis provides available information on the 
interactions of the IFQ fishery with killer whales and sperm whales. In 
the Analysis, NMFS examined data from the commercial fisheries and 
sablefish survey data and concluded that the use of pot gear would 
support the purpose and need of this proposed rule to reduce IFQ 
sablefish and halibut fishery interactions with whales in the BSAI. Use 
of pot gear is expected to reduce fishing gear interactions with whales 
and have a positive effect on killer whales and sperm whales compared 
to the status quo.
    Section 3.5.3.2 of the Analysis describes whale entanglement with 
vertical gear lines in the water. Determining future behavior of 
fishery participants and potential gear configurations is challenging, 
so a large amount of uncertainty exists regarding entanglement 
likelihood. However, based on the very low likelihood of whale 
entanglements in hook-and-line gear in Alaska fisheries and based on 
historic halibut fishing grounds, NMFS expects that whale entanglements 
with pot gear would be minimal.

Seabird Interactions

    This proposed rule would likely reduce the incidental catch of 
seabirds in the IFQ and CDQ halibut fisheries because it would provide 
vessel operators with the opportunity to use pot gear, which has a 
lower incidental catch rate of seabirds than hook-and-line gear. Many 
seabird species are attracted to fishing vessels to forage on bait, 
offal, discards, and other prey made available by fishing operations. 
These interactions can result in direct mortality for seabirds if they 
become entangled in fishing gear or strike the vessel or fishing gear 
while flying. In addition, seabirds are attracted to sinking baited 
hooks and can be hooked and drowned. Hook-and-line gear has the 
greatest impact on seabirds relative to other fishing gear.
    In Section 3.9 of the Analysis, NMFS compared the number of seabird 
mortalities by hook-and-line and pot gear and determined that a higher 
level of seabird mortality occurred with hook-and-line gear than pot 
gear. Data from 2007 to 2017 indicate the annual incidental catch of 
seabirds in all pot gear fisheries constitutes about 3 percent of 
total, fisheries-related seabird mortality in Alaska, while hook-and-
line gear constitutes 87.3 percent of total, fisheries-related seabird 
mortality in Alaska. From 2007 to 2017, 62 percent of the average 
seabird bycatch in all pot gear fisheries was attributed to the BS 
area.

Classification

    Pursuant to sections 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 the BSAI FMP, other provisions of the 
Magnuson-Stevens Act, and other applicable law, subject to further 
consideration after public comment.
    Regulations governing the U.S. fisheries for Pacific halibut are 
developed by the IPHC, the Pacific Fishery Management Council, the 
North Pacific Fishery Management Council, and the Secretary of 
Commerce. Section 5 of the Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 1982 
(Halibut Act, 16 U.S.C. 773c) allows the regional fishery management 
councils that have authority for a particular geographical area to 
develop regulations governing the allocation and catch of halibut in 
U.S. Convention waters which are in addition to, and not in conflict 
with, IPHC regulations (16 U.S.C. 773c(c)). This proposed rule is 
consistent with the Council's authority to allocate halibut catch among 
fishery participants in the waters in and off

[[Page 52860]]

Alaska. The Halibut Act provides the Secretary of Commerce with the 
general responsibility to carry out the Convention with the authority 
to, in consultation with the Secretary of the department in which the 
U.S. Coast Guard is operating, adopt such regulations as may be 
necessary to carry out the purposes and objectives of the Convention 
and the Halibut Act (16 U.S.C. 773c(a) & (b)). This proposed rule is 
consistent with the Halibut Act and other applicable law.
    This proposed rule has been determined to be not significant for 
the purposes of Executive Order 12866.
    A Regulatory Impact Review was prepared to assess costs and 
benefits of available regulatory alternatives. A copy of this analysis 
is available from NMFS (see ADDRESSES). The Council recommended and 
NMFS proposes Amendment 118 and these regulations based on those 
measures that maximize net benefits to the Nation. Specific aspects of 
the economic analysis are discussed below in the Initial Regulatory 
Flexibility Analysis section.

Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

    This Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) was prepared 
for this action, as required by Section 603 of the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 603), to describe the economic impact 
this proposed rule, if adopted, would have on small entities. The IRFA 
describes the action; the reasons why this action is proposed; the 
objectives and legal basis for this proposed rule; the number and 
description of directly regulated small entities to which this proposed 
rule would apply; the recordkeeping, reporting, and other compliance 
requirements of this proposed rule; and the relevant Federal rules that 
may duplicate, overlap, or conflict with this proposed rule. The IRFA 
also describes significant alternatives to this proposed rule that 
would accomplish the stated objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, and 
any other applicable statutes, and that would minimize any significant 
economic impact of this proposed rule on small entities. The 
description of the proposed action, its purpose, and the legal basis 
are explained in the preamble and are not repeated here.
    For RFA purposes only, NMFS has established a small business size 
standard for businesses, including their affiliates, whose primary 
industry is commercial fishing (see 50 CFR 200.2). A business primarily 
engaged in commercial fishing (NAICS code 11411) is classified as a 
small business if it is independently owned and operated, is not 
dominant in its field of operation (including its affiliates), and has 
combined annual receipts not in excess of $11 million for all its 
affiliated operations worldwide.

Number and Description of Small Entities Regulated by This Proposed 
Rule

    NMFS estimates that, between the BSAI and the GOA, 815 vessels 
participated in the IFQ or CDQ commercial halibut fisheries in 2018; 
802 of which are considered small entities based on the $11.0 million 
threshold. All of these small entities in the BSAI or GOA could be 
directly regulated by that aspect of the proposed rule that would 
specify NMFS's regulatory authority to limit or close IFQ or CDQ 
halibut fishing if NMFS determined it was necessary in the event of a 
conservation concern for groundfish or shellfish. In addition, vessels 
that currently participate in the GOA fisheries would be directly 
regulated by the proposed rule if they choose to participate in the IFQ 
or CDQ halibut or sablefish fisheries in the BSAI. NMFS estimates that, 
in the BSAI, 152 vessels participated in the IFQ or CDQ halibut or 
sablefish fisheries in 2018. Of those vessels, 125 are considered small 
entities. In the BSAI sablefish pot fishery, 5 of the 9 total vessels 
that participated in 2018 are defined as a small entity. Therefore, 
NMFS estimates a total of 130 small entities that would be directly 
regulated by this proposed rule if they decide to use pot gear to 
harvest IFQ or CDQ halibut or IFQ or CDQ sablefish. In addition, a 
portion of these small entities engaged in the IFQ or CDQ halibut or 
sablefish fisheries would be subject to the proposed requirements for 
using pot gear if they choose to use pot gear in the BSAI IFQ or CDQ 
halibut or sablefish fisheries. In addition, this proposed action would 
close the PIHCZ to all fishing with pot gear. No entities are currently 
using pot gear to fish within the PIHCZ, therefore, no additional 
entities other than the 130 entities engaged in the IFQ or CDQ 
fisheries would be affected by this provision. Those entities engaged 
in the IFQ or CDQ fisheries with pot gear in the BSAI would be required 
to use logbooks and VMS and submit additional pot gear information on 
the PNOL while IFQ or CDQ fishing with pot gear in the BSAI.

Description of Significant Alternatives That Minimize Adverse Impacts 
on Small Entities

    Several aspects of this rule directly regulate small entities. BSAI 
halibut harvesters that are directly regulated by this action are 
expected to benefit from the additional flexibility to use a new gear 
type in order to minimize the costs of whale depredation that occurs on 
hook-and-line gear. Additional impacts may be expected for small 
directly regulated IFQ or CDQ halibut and sablefish harvesters in terms 
of potential additional costs for daily fishing logbooks, reporting on 
the PNOLs, or VMS requirements. Small entities would be required to 
comply with the requirements for using pot gear in the BSAI IFQ and CDQ 
halibut and sablefish fisheries. Authorizing halibut retention in pot 
gear in this proposed rule would provide an opportunity for small 
entities to choose whether to use hook-and-line or pot gear to increase 
harvesting efficiencies and reduce operating costs in the IFQ and CDQ 
halibut and sablefish fisheries. Because NMFS currently has statutory 
authority to enact emergency regulations to prevent overfishing under 
section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, NMFS does not anticipate 
additional costs to small entities from potential inseason closures; 
however, NMFS expects that this proposed rule would provide better 
clarity and certainty to the regulated public by specifying in 
regulation the management measures, and required determinations, that 
NMFS would use to limit or close IFQ or CDQ fishing for halibut in the 
BSAI and GOA if an OFL for groundfish or shellfish is approached, 
consistent with regulations in place for directed fishing for 
groundfish.
    As noted in Section 4.7.12 of the Analysis, the proposed 
requirements for using pot gear are not expected to adversely impact 
small entities because such entities could choose to use pot gear or 
continue to use hook-and-line gear. In addition, the requirements for 
using pot gear would not be expected to restrict existing sablefish 
harvesting operations. The Council and NMFS considered requirements 
that would impose larger costs on directly regulated small entities. 
These included requiring all vessels to remove gear from the fishing 
grounds each time the vessel made a landing and requiring gear 
modifications, such as escape mechanisms for bycatch. The Council and 
NMFS determined that the costs of additional requirements on the 
existing fleet outweighed the benefits of increased regulations because 
the preferred specifications for gear modifications to reduce bycatch 
are unknown at this time but could be developed by industry in the 
future if allowed the flexibility to innovate. This proposed rule would 
meet the objectives

[[Page 52861]]

of the action while minimizing adverse impacts on fishery participants.
    Small entities would be required to comply with additional 
recordkeeping and reporting requirements under this proposed rule if 
they choose to use pot gear in the BSAI IFQ or CDQ halibut fishery. 
Directly regulated small entities using pot gear would be required to 
maintain and submit logbooks to NMFS, report specific information on 
the PNOL, and have an operating VMS on board the vessel. These 
additional recordkeeping and reporting requirements would not be 
expected to adversely impact directly regulated small entities because 
the costs of complying with these requirements is de minimus relative 
to total gross fishing revenue that the opportunity to fish with pot 
gear would provide. More detail can be found in Section 4.7.5 of the 
Analysis. In addition, it is likely that vessels will not incur new 
costs under the proposed rule because many of the vessels that may 
choose to use pot gear under this proposed rule likely currently comply 
with the logbook and VMS reporting requirements when participating in 
the IFQ sablefish fishery and in other fisheries.
    The Council and NMFS considered alternatives to implement 
additional requirements to report locations of deployed and lost gear 
in an electronic database. The Council and NMFS determined that these 
additional requirements were not necessary to meet the objectives of 
the action; could undermine other aspects of the Magnuson-Stevens Act 
because coordinates of lost pot gear are confidential under section 
402(b) of the MSA; and were not practicable at this time because NMFS 
cannot enforce a location reporting requirement since it is not 
currently possible to verify the location of lost fishing gear. In 
addition, this action eliminates the requirement for a one-time report 
that must be faxed into NMFS OLE, which results in an estimated savings 
of $1,340 a year in personnel and miscellaneous costs to the industry. 
And this action also eliminates the requirements for vessels using pot 
gear to harvest IFQ sablefish to check-in when using VMS, which results 
in estimated annual savings of $268 for all vessel operators in the 
BSAI and GOA. This proposed rule would meet the objectives of the 
action while minimizing the reporting burden for fishery participants.
    There are no significant alternatives to this proposed rule that 
would accomplish the objectives to authorize retention of halibut in 
pot gear in the BSAI IFQ or CDQ halibut or sablefish fisheries and that 
would minimize adverse economic impacts on small entities.

Duplicate, Overlapping, or Conflicting Federal Rules

    NMFS has not identified any duplication, overlap, or conflict 
between this proposed action and existing Federal rules.

Recordkeeping, Reporting, and Other Compliance Requirements

    The recordkeeping, reporting, and other compliance requirements of 
some vessels affected by this action would be increased slightly. This 
proposed rule contains new requirements for vessels participating in 
the proposed IFQ and CDQ halibut pot fishery in the BSAI. This proposed 
rule would remove two unnecessary VMS check-in requirements in the BSAI 
and GOA.
    NMFS currently requires catcher vessels 60 feet (ft) or greater 
length overall (LOA), using fixed gear, setline, or pot gear to harvest 
IFQ sablefish or IFQ halibut to maintain a longline and pot gear 
Federal DFL. Catcher/processors currently must also maintain a daily 
catcher/processor logbook (DCPL). All vessels participating in the BSAI 
sablefish IFQ or CDQ pot fishery maintain a longline and pot gear DFL. 
This proposed rule would revise regulations to also require all vessels 
using pot gear to harvest IFQ or CDQ halibut in the BSAI to maintain a 
longline and pot gear DFL.
    NMFS currently requires vessels in the BSAI to have an operating 
VMS on board while participating in the IFQ or CDQ sablefish pot 
fishery. This proposed rule would revise regulations to extend this 
requirement to vessels using pot gear in the BSAI IFQ or CDQ halibut 
fishery.
    NMFS currently requires all vessels in the IFQ sablefish and 
halibut fisheries to submit a PNOL to NMFS. This proposed rule would 
revise regulations to require vessels using pot gear in the BSAI IFQ or 
CDQ halibut fishery to report the number of pots set, the number of 
pots lost, and the number of pots left deployed on the fishing grounds 
in addition to the information they currently submit in the PNOL.
    Two regulations would be removed because they are no longer 
necessary, but these proposed removals would not materially change 
existing VMS coverage, requirements, or equipment. This action would 
remove a check-in requirement for vessel operators activating VMS for 
the first time and would remove a requirement for vessel operators to 
contact NMFS and receive a VMS confirmation number at least 72 hours 
prior to fishing for IFQ sablefish in the BSAI or using longline pot 
gear to fish for sablefish in the GOA.

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). NMFS has submitted these 
requirements to OMB for approval under Control Numbers 0648-0213, 0648-
0272, and 0648-0445.
OMB Control Number 0648-0213
    Public reporting burden is estimated to average 35 minutes per 
individual response for the Catcher Vessel Longline and Pot Gear Daily 
Fishing Logbook.
OMB Control Number 0648-0272
    Public reporting burden is estimated to average 15 minutes per 
individual response for the Prior Notice of Landing.
OMB Control Number 0648-0445
    VMS transmissions are not assigned a reporting burden because the 
transmissions are automatic. Public reporting burden is estimated to 
average 12 minutes per individual response for the VMS check-in report 
and 12 minutes for the sablefish call-in; both are being removed 
because they are no longer necessary.
    Public comment is sought regarding whether these proposed 
collections of information are 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 collections 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 collections of information to NMFS 
(see ADDRESSES), and by email to [email protected] or fax to 
202-395-5806.
    Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is 
required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to penalty for 
failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the 
requirement 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.

[[Page 52862]]

List of Subjects

50 CFR Part 300

    Administrative practice and procedure, Fisheries, Fishing, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

50 CFR Part 600

    Administrative practice and procedure, Confidential business 
information, Fish, Fisheries, Fishing, Fishing regulations, Fishing 
vessels, Foreign relations, Intergovernmental relations, Penalties, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Statistics

50 CFR Part 679

    Alaska, Fisheries, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    Dated: September 25, 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 parts 300, 600, and 
679 are proposed to be amended as follows:

PART 300--INTERNATIONAL FISHERIES REGULATIONS

Subpart E--Pacific Halibut Fisheries

0
1. The authority citation for part 300, subpart E, continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority:  16 U.S.C. 773-773k.

0
2. In Sec.  300.61, add paragraph (3) to the definition of ``Fishing'' 
to read as follows:


Sec.  300.61  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Fishing means the taking, harvesting, or catching of fish, or any 
activity that can reasonably be expected to result in the taking, 
harvesting, or catching of fish, including:
* * * * *
    (3) The deployment of pot gear as defined in Sec.  679.2 of this 
title in Commission regulatory areas 4B, 4C, 4D, and 4E and the portion 
of Area 4A in the Bering Sea Aleutian Islands west of 170[deg]00' W 
long.
* * * * *

PART 600--MAGNUSON-STEVENS ACT PROVISIONS

0
3. The authority citation for 50 CFR part 600 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority:  5 U.S.C. 561 and 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.

0
4. In Sec.  600.725, revise paragraph (v) table entry ``7. Pacific 
Halibut Fishery (Non-FMP):'' row A to read as follows:


Sec.  600.725   General prohibitions.

* * * * *
    (v) * * *

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Fishery                       Authorized gear types
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              VII. North Pacific Fishery Management Council
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                * * * * *
7. Pacific Halibut Fishery (Non-FMP):       ............................
    A. Commercial (IFQ and CDQ)...........  A. Hook and line, pot.
 
                                * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *

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

0
5. 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
6. In Sec.  679.2, for the definition of ``Authorized fishing gear,'' 
add paragraphs (4)(v) and (15)(iii) to read as follows:


Sec.  679.2  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Authorized fishing gear (see also Sec.  679.24 for gear limitations 
and Table 15 to this part for gear codes) means trawl gear, fixed gear, 
longline gear, pot gear, and nontrawl gear as follows:
    (4) * * *
    (v) For halibut harvested from any IFQ regulatory area in the BSAI, 
all pot gear, if the vessel operator is fishing for IFQ or CDQ halibut 
in accordance with Sec.  679.42.
* * * * *
    (15) * * *
    (iii) Halibut retention exception. If required to retain halibut 
when harvesting halibut from any IFQ regulatory area in the BSAI, 
vessel operators are exempt from requirements to comply with a tunnel 
opening for pots when fishing for IFQ or CDQ halibut or IFQ or CDQ 
sablefish in accordance with Sec.  679.42(m).
* * * * *
0
7. In Sec.  679.5,
0
a. Revise paragraph (a)(4)(i);
0
b. Revise paragraph (c)(3)(i)(B) heading and paragraphs (c)(3)(i)(B)(1) 
and (c)(3)(i)(B)(3); and
0
c. Revise paragraph (l)(1)(iii)(I).
    The revisions read as follows:


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

    (a) * * *
    (4) * * * (i) Catcher vessels less than 60 ft (18.3 m) LOA. Except 
for vessels using pot gear as described in paragraph (c)(3)(i)(B)(1) of 
this section and the vessel activity report described at paragraph (k) 
of this section, the owner or operator of a catcher vessel less than 60 
ft (18.3 m) LOA is not required to comply with the R&R requirements of 
this section.
* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (3) * * *
    (i) * * *
    (B) IFQ or CDQ halibut, or IFQ or CDQ sablefish fisheries. (1) The 
operator of a catcher vessel less than 60 ft (18.3 m) LOA, using 
longline pot gear to harvest IFQ sablefish or IFQ halibut in the GOA, 
or using pot gear to harvest IFQ or CDQ halibut or IFQ or CDQ sablefish 
in the BSAI, must maintain a longline and pot gear DFL according to 
paragraph (c)(3)(iv)(A)(2) of this section.
* * * * *
    (3) Except as described in paragraph (f)(1)(i) of this section, the 
operator of a catcher vessel 60 ft (18.3 m) or greater LOA in the BSAI 
must maintain a longline and pot gear DFL according to paragraph 
(c)(3)(iv)(A)(2) of this section, when using hook-and-line gear or pot 
gear to harvest IFQ or CDQ sablefish, and when using pot gear or gear 
composed of lines with hooks attached or setline gear (IPHC) to harvest 
IFQ halibut or CDQ halibut.
* * * * *
    (l) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (iii) * * *
    (I) If using longline pot gear in the GOA or pot gear in the BSAI, 
report the number of pots set, the number of pots lost, and the number 
of pots left deployed on the fishing grounds.
* * * * *
0
8. In Sec.  679.7:
0
a. In paragraphs (a)(21) and (a)(22), remove the words ``Sec.  679.28'' 
and add in its place the words ``Sec.  679.28 (f)'';
0
b. Remove paragraph (f)(6)(ii) and redesignate paragraph (f)(6)(iii) as 
paragraph (f)(6)(ii); and
0
c. Add paragraph (f)(26).
    The revisions and additions read as follows:


Sec.  679.7  Prohibitions.

* * * * *
    (f) * * *
    (26) Operate a catcher vessel or a catcher/processor using pot gear 
to fish for IFQ or CDQ halibut or IFQ or CDQ sablefish in the BSAI and 
fail to use

[[Page 52863]]

functioning VMS equipment as required in Sec.  679.42(m).
* * * * *
0
9. In Sec.  679.22, revise paragraph (a)(6) to read as follows:


Sec.  679.22  Closures.

    (a) * * *
    (6) Pribilof Islands Habitat Conservation Zone. Directed fishing 
for groundfish using trawl gear or pot gear, or fishing for halibut 
using pot gear, is prohibited at all times in the area defined in 
Figure 10 to this part as the Pribilof Islands Habitat Conservation 
Zone.
* * * * *
0
10. In Sec.  679.24, add paragraph (b)(1)(iv) to read as follows:


Sec.  679.24  Gear limitations.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (iv) While fishing for IFQ or CDQ halibut in the BSAI.
* * * * *
0
11. In Sec.  679.25,
0
a. Revise paragraph (a)(1) introductory text;
0
b. Add paragraph (a)(1)(v); and
0
c. Revise paragraphs (a)(2)(i) introductory text and (a)(2)(iii)(C);
    The additions and revisions read as follows:


Sec.  679.25  Inseason adjustments.

    (a) * * *
    (1) Types of adjustments. Inseason adjustments for directed fishing 
for groundfish or fishing for IFQ or CDQ halibut issued by NMFS under 
this section include:
* * * * *
    (v) Inseason closures of an area, district, or portions thereof, of 
harvest of specified halibut fisheries.
    (2) * * *
    (i) Any inseason adjustment taken under paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (ii), 
(iii), or (iv) of this section must be based on a determination that 
such adjustments are necessary to prevent:
* * * * *
    (iii) * * *
    (C) Closure of a management area or portion thereof, or gear type, 
or season to all groundfish or halibut fishing; or
* * * * *
0
12. In Sec.  679.28,
0
a. Remove and reserve paragraph (f)(4)(ii);
0
b. In paragraph (f)(6)(iv) remove ``or''; and
0
c. Add paragraphs (f)(6)(vi) through (f)(6)(ix).
    The additions read as follows:


Sec.  679.28  Equipment and operational requirements.

* * * * *
    (f) * * *
    (6) * * *
    (vi) You operate an Amendment 80 catcher/processor (see Sec.  
679.5(s));
    (vii) You are fishing for IFQ sablefish in the Bering Sea or 
Aleutian Islands (see Sec.  679.42(k));
    (viii) You are fishing for IFQ sablefish in the GOA using longline 
pot gear (see Sec.  679.42(l)) or fishing for IFQ or CDQ halibut or CDQ 
sablefish in the BSAI using pot gear (see Sec.  679.42(m)); or
    (ix) You are required under the Crab Rationalization Program 
regulations at 50 CFR 680.23(d).
* * * * *
0
13. In Sec.  679.42,
0
a. Revise paragraph (b)(1)(i);
0
b. Revise paragraphs (k)(1) and (k)(2); and
0
c. Add paragraph (m).
    The revisions and additions read as follows:


Sec.  679.42  Limitations on use of QS and IFQ.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (i) IFQ halibut. IFQ halibut must not be harvested with trawl gear 
in any IFQ regulatory area.
* * * * *
    (k) * * *
    (1) Bering Sea or Aleutian Islands. Any vessel operator who fishes 
for IFQ sablefish in the Bering Sea or Aleutian Islands must possess a 
transmitting VMS transmitter while fishing for IFQ sablefish. The 
operator of the vessel must comply with VMS requirements at Sec.  
679.28(f)(3), (f)(4), and (f)(5).
    (2) Gulf of Alaska. A vessel operator using longline pot gear to 
fish for IFQ sablefish in the Gulf of Alaska must possess a 
transmitting VMS transmitter while fishing for sablefish. The operator 
of the vessel must comply with VMS requirements at Sec.  679.28(f)(3), 
(f)(4), and (f)(5).
* * * * *
    (m) BSAI halibut and sablefish pot gear requirements. Additional 
regulations that implement specific requirements for any vessel 
operator who fishes for IFQ or CDQ halibut or IFQ or CDQ sablefish in 
the BSAI using pot gear are set out under Sec.  300.61 Definitions, 
Sec.  679.2 Definitions, Sec.  679.5 Recordkeeping and reporting (R&R), 
Sec.  679.7 Prohibitions, Sec.  679.20 General limitations, Sec.  
679.22 Closures, Sec.  679.24 Gear limitations, Sec.  679.25 Inseason 
adjustments, Sec.  679.28 Equipment and operational requirements, Sec.  
679.42 Limitations on use of QS and IFQ, and Sec.  679.51 Observer 
requirements for vessels and plants.
    (1) Applicability. Any vessel operator who fishes for IFQ or CDQ 
halibut or IFQ or CDQ sablefish with pot gear in the BSAI must comply 
with the requirements of paragraph (m) of this section. The IFQ 
regulatory areas in the BSAI include 4B, 4C, 4D, and 4E and the portion 
of Area 4A in the Bering Sea Aleutian Islands west of 170[deg]00' W 
long.
    (2) General. To use pot gear to fish for IFQ or CDQ halibut or IFQ 
or CDQ sablefish in the BSAI, a vessel operator must:
    (i) Retain IFQ or CDQ halibut caught in pot gear if sufficient 
halibut IFQ or CDQ is held by persons on board the vessel as specified 
in paragraph (m)(3) of this section; and
    (ii) Comply with other requirements as specified in paragraph 
(m)(4) of this section.
    (3) Retention of halibut. A vessel operator who fishes for IFQ or 
CDQ halibut or IFQ or CDQ sablefish using pot gear must retain IFQ or 
CDQ halibut if:
    (i) The IFQ or CDQ halibut is caught in any IFQ regulatory area in 
the BSAI in accordance with paragraph (m) of this section; and
    (ii) An IFQ or CDQ permit holder on board the vessel has unused 
halibut IFQ or CDQ for the IFQ regulatory area fished and IFQ vessel 
category.
    (4) Other requirements. A vessel operator who fishes for IFQ or CDQ 
halibut or IFQ or CDQ sablefish using pot gear in the BSAI must:
    (i) Complete a longline and pot gear Daily Fishing Logbook (DFL) or 
Daily Cumulative Production Logbook (DCPL) as specified in Sec.  
679.5(c); and
    (ii) Possess a transmitting VMS transmitter and comply with the VMS 
requirements at Sec.  679.28(f)(3), (f)(4), and (f)(5).
    (iii) Report pot gear information required when submitting a PNOL 
as described in Sec.  679.5.


Sec.  679.51  [Amended]

0
14. In paragraph (a)(1)(i) introductory text remove the phrase ``with 
hook-and-line gear''.

[FR Doc. 2019-21261 Filed 10-2-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P