International Fisheries; Pacific Tuna Fisheries; Procedures for the Active and Inactive Vessel Register, 70040-70048 [2019-26394]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 245 (Friday, December 20, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 70040-70048]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-26394]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Parts 216 and 300

[Docket No. 191203-0099]
RIN 0648-BH48


International Fisheries; Pacific Tuna Fisheries; Procedures for 
the Active and Inactive Vessel Register

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: NMFS is issuing regulations under the Tuna Conventions Act of 
1950 (TCA), as amended, and Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), as 
amended, to implement International Maritime Organization (IMO) 
requirements in Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) 
Resolution C-18-06 (Resolution (Amended) on a Regional Vessel Register) 
and amendments to existing regulations governing inclusion on the IATTC 
Regional Vessel Register (Vessel Register) by purse seine vessels 
fishing in the eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO). This final rule would 
expand the IMO number requirements to include certain categories of 
smaller U.S. vessels fishing for tuna and tuna-like species in the EPO. 
This final rule would also relax the restrictions on retention of 
incidental catch by purse seine vessels. These revisions would provide 
more clarity and make U.S. regulations more consistent with the IATTC 
management framework, while allowing controlled operational flexibility 
for the U.S. industry.

DATES: The final rule is effective January 21, 2020, except for 
amendatory instructions 2 and 6, which are delayed. NMFS will publish a 
document in the Federal Register announcing the effective date.

ADDRESSES: Copies of supporting documents are available via the Federal 
eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov, docket NOAA-NMFS-2018-
0030, or by contacting Daniel Studt, NMFS West Coast Region, 501 W 
Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802, or emailing 
[email protected].
    Written comments regarding the burden-hour estimates or other 
aspects of the collection-of-information requirements contained in this 
rule may be submitted to the NMFS West Coast Region Long Beach Office 
at the address listed above, by email to [email protected], 
or by fax to (202) 395-5806.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Daniel Studt, NMFS, West Coast Region, 
562-980-4073.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    On April 16, 2019, NMFS published a proposed rule in the Federal 
Register (84 FR 15556) to implement IMO requirements in IATTC 
Resolution C-18-06, amendments to existing regulations related to the 
Vessel Register, and prohibition and incidental catch provisions for 
purse seine vessels fishing in the EPO. The 30-day public comment 
period for the proposed rule closed on May 16, 2019. Two comments were 
received and are addressed below. NMFS is finalizing the rule as 
proposed, except for minor revisions in response to comments, as 
described below. The preamble to the proposed rule contains additional 
background information, including information on the IATTC, the 
international obligations of the United States as an IATTC member, and 
the need for regulations.
    This final rule is implemented under authority of the TCA (16 
U.S.C. 951 et seq.) and MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq). The authority of 
the Secretary of Commerce to promulgate such regulations has been 
delegated to NMFS. This rule implements IMO requirements of IATTC 
Resolution C-18-06 and amends several regulations that govern listing 
of U.S. commercial fishing vessels on the IATTC Vessel Register for 
vessels that fish for tuna or tuna-like species in the IATTC Convention 
Area (Convention Area). The Convention Area is defined as waters of the 
EPO within the area bounded by the west coast of the Americas and by 
50[deg] N latitude, 150[deg] W longitude, and 50[deg] S latitude. NMFS 
notes that some of the requirements described below that include new or 
revised information collections (i.e., those contained in amendatory 
sections 2 and 6) will become effective upon further publication of an 
effective date in the Federal Register.

New Requirements

IMO Numbers

    This final rule requires that the owner of a fishing vessel of the 
United States engaging in fishing activities for tuna or tuna-like 
species in the Convention Area, and for which a high seas fishing 
permit under 50 CFR 300.333 is required, shall ensure that an IMO 
number has been issued for the vessel if the vessel's total internal 
volume is less than 100 gross registered tons (GRT) or less than 100 
gross tons (GT) but equal to or greater than 12 meters in overall 
length. Vessel measurements are based on the vessel's Certificate of 
Documentation issued under 46 CFR part 67, or State documentation. 
Currently, IMO numbers are issued on behalf of the IMO by IHS Markit, 
formerly known as IHS Maritime, at no cost to the vessel owner (https://imonumbers.lrfairplay.com/). The instructions for requesting an 
exemption at 50 CFR 300.22(b)(3)(iv) also apply to the vessels subject 
to this requirement.

Purse Seine Well Volume Capacity Correction

    This final rule makes a technical correction to the vessel capacity 
limit for the U.S. tuna purse seine fishery

[[Page 70041]]

operating in the EPO, to ensure the limit is consistent with the amount 
authorized by the IATTC. This adds 91 cubic meters to the current U.S. 
fleet capacity limit of 31,775 cubic meters, bringing the limit to 
31,866 cubic meters. The additional 91 cubic meters of capacity is a 
result of an IATTC revision to the historical U.S. fleet capacity.

Inactive Vessels on the Vessel Register

    This final rule updates the regulations to clarify that purse seine 
vessels listed as inactive or sunk on the Vessel Register count towards 
the United States' 31,866 cubic meter fleet-wide capacity limit.
    Additionally, this final rule sets a time limit of 2 consecutive 
calendar years for vessels holding inactive or sunk status, after which 
a request by such a vessel to be listed on the Vessel Register would be 
subject to the prioritization hierarchy at 50 CFR 300.22(b)(4)(v) as 
added by this rule. Requests for listing on the Vessel Register for the 
following year received between August 1 and November 30 will be 
prioritized in the following order: Currently active, currently 
inactive, first-come first-served, and, lastly, those who made a 
frivolous request, as described below, or were listed as inactive or 
sunk for more than two consecutive calendar years. This revision is 
consistent with the intent of the inactive status provision (i.e., to 
allow for vessel replacement or repair while not paying a full active 
vessel assessment fee), while preventing an indefinite hold on 
capacity.
    This final rule allows an owner or managing owner of a purse seine 
vessel that has sunk but is listed as active on the Vessel Register to 
request the vessel be listed as sunk and categorized as inactive on the 
Vessel Register within 30 days of its sinking. Previous regulations 
required sunken vessels to be immediately removed from the Vessel 
Register. Under this final rule, if a request is not made to list the 
vessel as sunk within 30 days of its sinking, the vessel may be removed 
from the Vessel Register by the NMFS West Coast Regional Administrator.

Frivolous Request Requirements for Small Purse Seiner Vessels

    A request for a small purse seine vessel (i.e., vessel with a 
carrying capacity of 400 short tons (362.8 metric tons) or less) to be 
listed as active on the Vessel Register for the following year will be 
considered frivolous if both of the following conditions apply: (1) The 
vessel has been listed as active during current and previous calendar 
years; and (2) the vessel has not landed tuna caught in the Convention 
Area in the calendar year prior to the request through November 15th of 
the year in which the request is made. For example, a request for 
active status made in 2019 to fish in 2020 for a small purse seine 
vessel that has already been on the active list of the Vessel Register 
for two calendar years or more would require one landing of tuna 
between January 1, 2018, and November 15, 2019, or the request would be 
considered frivolous. If a small purse seine vessel meets the two 
conditions described above and requests active status on the Vessel 
Register, the request is considered frivolous and subject to the 
prioritization hierarchy of requests under 50 CFR 300.22(b)(4)(v). This 
will prioritize inclusion on the Vessel Register of vessels that are 
actively fishing and landing tuna. The frivolous request provision for 
small purse seine vessels allows considerations of force majeure or 
other extraordinary circumstances that may have prevented a vessel from 
making a landing during the two year time period. Extraordinary 
circumstances may include lack of tuna availability, or other unique 
situations as determined by the Regional Administrator. If the Regional 
Administrator determines that extraordinary circumstances prevented a 
vessel from making a landing, the frivolous request provision would not 
apply and the vessel may be listed on the Vessel Register.

Revisions to Regulations on Bycatch

    This final rule revises the regulatory text at 50 CFR 300.24(f) and 
(g) and 300.27(b) to be more consistent with IATTC Resolution C-04-05. 
For example, in 50 CFR 300.24(f) and 300.27(b), this final rule amends 
the release requirements so that they no longer apply to tuna-like 
species. Exempting tuna-like species from the release requirement 
allows purse seine vessels to retain tuna-like species, such as Pacific 
bonito and black skipjack, while remaining consistent with the goal of 
the Resolution to conserve non-target species. The prohibition on 
landing non-tuna species is also removed from 50 CFR 300.24(g) to allow 
for the landing of tuna-like species. Purse seine vessels are still 
prohibited from landing non-tuna species, other than tuna-like species, 
because the prohibition on failing to release any non-tuna species 
other than tuna-like species remains in 50 CFR 300.24(f) and 50 CFR 
300.27(b). The continued requirement to release fish other than tuna 
and tuna-like species, and those retained for consumption on board the 
vessel, is necessary to comply with the Resolution and to promote the 
conservation of such species.

Advance Notice of Vessel Departure

    This final rule amends the 5-day advance notice of vessel departure 
requirement under 50 CFR 216.24(b)(8)(iv)(A) for purposes of 
facilitating use of the EPO tuna fleet capacity. If a vessel would like 
to use an IATTC and Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission 
(WCPFC) cross-endorsed observer when fishing in the IATTC Convention 
Area, the notification must also include a request for the placement of 
a cross-endorsed observer pursuant to the Memorandum of Cooperation 
between the IATTC and WCPFC.

Vessel Assessment Fees, Notifications to NMFS, and Housekeeping 
Revisions

    This final rule amends regulatory text at 50 CFR 300.22(b)(4)(i), 
300.22(b)(4)(iii), 216.24(b)(6)(iii) and 216.24(b)(8) to clarify that 
vessel owners must coordinate with NMFS to pay the vessel assessment 
fee directly to the IATTC, and not to NMFS. As established by the IATTC 
and implemented in existing regulations, the vessel assessment fee 
supports maintenance of the observer program and the placement of 
observers on tuna purse seine vessels.
    This final rule also amends notification requirements to facilitate 
requests for active and inactive status on the Vessel Register. A 
business email address is now required, to assist in communications 
between NMFS and vessel owners. NMFS does not specify which 
notification method to use in sending requests for active status, or 
requests under the aging fleet provision, to the NMFS West Coast 
Regional Administrator. Written notifications not related to payment of 
the vessel assessment fee or permit applications are directed to the 
Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Branch of the NMFS West Coast Region to 
facilitate communication. The HMS Branch definition in 50 CFR 300.21 is 
amended to include the branch email address, [email protected]
    Regulations at 50 CFR 216.24(b)(4) will now specify that applicants 
have the option of submitting eastern tropical Pacific Ocean (ETP) 
vessel permit applications to NMFS by either fax, email, or via an 
online application including online payment by credit card as described 
below.
    This final rule amends text in 50 CFR 300.22(b)(7) to clarify that 
the carrying capacity of inactive purse seine vessels is counted 
towards the U.S. fleet

[[Page 70042]]

capacity limit, for reasons explained above. Text in 50 CFR 
300.22(b)(1) is also amended to clarify that the vessel carrying 
capacity of a purse seine vessel that is permitted and authorized under 
an alternative international tuna purse seine fisheries management 
regime in the Pacific Ocean and authorized to exercise an option to 
fish with purse seine gear to target tuna in the Convention Area is not 
counted towards the U.S. carrying capacity limit. This rule further 
clarifies that any vessel exercising this single trip exception must 
follow the procedures described in 50 CFR 300.22(b)(4), where 
applicable.
    The regulatory text of the proposed rule included a revision to the 
definition of tuna at 50 CFR 300.21, which is currently defined as any 
fish of the genus Thunnus and the species Euthynnus (Katsuwonus) 
pelamis. NMFS did not explain this proposed revision in the preamble to 
the proposed rule, which was an oversight. NMFS is revising the 
definition of tuna to any fish of the genus Thunnus and the species 
Katsuwonus pelamis, removing the reference to Euthynnus because 
Euthynnus is no longer commonly used by taxonomers. The revision to the 
definition is a technical correction, and has no effect on the 
regulated community or fishery resources.
    This final rule also removes the phrase ``Eastern Pacific 
Fisheries'' from the section headings for 50 CFR 300.22 and 50 CFR 
300.23, because the heading for 50 CFR part 300, subpart C, clearly 
identifies that the entire subpart deals with ``Eastern Pacific Tuna 
Fisheries.''
    This final rule also reorganizes, and amends, 50 CFR 300.22(b)(4) 
and 50 CFR 300.22(b)(7) to implement changes to purse seine Vessel 
Register listings and procedures for replacing purse seine vessels 
removed from the Vessel Register, as described above.

Public Comments and Responses

    NMFS received comments from two entities during the 30-day comment 
period of the proposed rule. The summarized comments from both entities 
and NMFS' responses are below. Changes made to the proposed regulatory 
text in response to these comments may be found in the following 
section.
    Comment 1: One commenter expressed concern that the aging fleet 
provision does not address a situation where the replacement vessel has 
a greater carrying capacity than the vessel it is replacing, and noted 
that vessel owners may wish to replace with a larger vessel. The 
commenter suggested that the replacement vessel should be granted 
priority for the same capacity that the existing vessel had on the 
Vessel Register, but noted that if there was available capacity, the 
replacement vessel should be eligible to request the use of this 
capacity. The commenter further noted that a replacement vessel could 
seal off wells to reduce the carrying capacity of the vessel, as 
permitted by the IATTC, until there was enough carrying capacity 
available to accommodate opening of those wells.
    Response: NMFS understands that vessel owners may wish to purchase 
larger replacement vessels and agrees that any replacement vessels 
should only be granted priority use of the capacity that the existing 
vessel previously held. NMFS has changed the proposed regulatory text 
such that the regulatory text would now state that replacement vessels 
may have a carrying capacity greater than the vessel being replaced, 
but that the replacement vessel must have wells sealed in accordance 
with the protocol adopted by the IATTC, prior to being granted active 
status, such that the carrying capacity is equal to or less than that 
granted to the vessel it is replacing. The current IATTC protocol for 
sealing wells is described in IATTC Resolution C-12-08 (Protocol for 
sealing wells on purse-seine vessels). If additional carrying capacity 
becomes available, the replacement vessel may request additional 
carrying capacity subject to the prioritization hierarchy of requests 
as described in 50 CFR 300.22(b)(4)(v). NMFS notes that the vessel 
assessment required for listing a vessel as active or inactive on the 
Vessel Register may be based on the volume of both sealed and non-
sealed vessel wells.
    Comment 2: The second commenter suggested that vessel owners should 
not have to commit to fishing in the Convention Area before leaving 
port in response to the advanced notice of vessel departure requirement 
revision.
    Response: An advanced notice of a vessel's departure to fish in the 
Convention Area has been a requirement since 2004 (69 FR 55288, 
September 13, 2004) and the rationale for this notice remains 
unchanged. Large purse seine vessels (i.e., vessels with a carrying 
capacity of more than 400 short tons (362.8 metric tons)), and certain 
other vessels fishing in the Convention Area are obligated to carry an 
approved observer, and the advanced notice of departure facilitates the 
placement of an approved observer onboard the vessel. If an advanced 
notice of departure is not received, then the placement of an IATTC-
approved observer could not occur. The new requirement to supplement 
the vessel departure notification with the request for a cross-endorsed 
observer if the vessel intends to also fish in both the IATTC and 
Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) Convention 
Areas during the same trip further facilitates the placement of such an 
approved observer. There are a limited number of cross-endorsed 
observers (those approved to observe in both the IATTC and WCPFC 
Convention Areas) and it benefits the fleet to coordinate placement of 
such observers on vessels fully authorized and intending to fish in 
both Convention areas, so as not to require the placement of two 
approved observers (i.e., one for each Convention Area).
    Comment 3: The second commenter also requested the ability to apply 
for an eastern tropical Pacific Ocean (ETP) vessel permit online and 
for the ability to pay for the permit with a credit card.
    Response: NMFS agrees and has modified the regulatory text at 
216.24(b)(4) to allow applicants the option of submitting ETP vessel 
permit applications to NMFS by either fax, email, or via an online 
application including online payment by credit card. To apply for an 
ETP vessel permit online, the applicant must first email a request to 
[email protected] Depending on the availability of permits, detailed 
instructions for applying online will then be supplied to the 
applicant.

Changes From the Proposed Rule

Aging Fleet Provision

    NMFS agrees with comment 1, above, that the proposed aging fleet 
provision did not address a situation in which a vessel is to be 
replaced by one with a greater carrying capacity, therefore NMFS has 
changed the text from the proposed rule to take into account such a 
situation. In instances where the replacement vessel has a greater 
carrying capacity than that of the vessel being replaced, the 
replacement vessel will be eligible to be listed as active on the 
Vessel Register at the same or lesser carrying capacity as that of the 
vessel it is replacing. If the replacement vessel has a carrying 
capacity greater than the vessel being replaced, the vessel owner or 
managing owner may request additional carrying capacity be allocated to 
the vessel in accordance with the listing hierarchy for vessels on a 
first-come, first-served basis, under 50 CFR 300.22(b)(4)(v)(D). If 
additional carrying capacity is not available at the time the request 
to be listed as active on the Vessel Register is received by the 
Regional Administrator, the replacement vessel must reduce its carrying 
capacity to no more than the

[[Page 70043]]

previously authorized carrying capacity of the vessel being replaced, 
by complying with the protocol for sealing wells adopted by the IATTC, 
prior to it being listed as active on the Vessel Register. Such a 
vessel may apply for additional carrying capacity as it becomes 
available, under the procedures described in 50 CFR 300.22(b)(4)(v)(D). 
Other processes of the aging fleet provision described in the preamble 
of the proposed rule remain unchanged.

ETP Vessel Permit Application

    As described above, in response to comment 3, through this final 
rule NMFS is modifying the regulatory text at 216.24(b)(4) to allow ETP 
vessel permit applications to be submitted by email to NMFS at 
[email protected], or through an online permit system. Previously, only 
faxed applications were allowed. The online application option would 
require payment of permit fees by credit card. Applications by fax or 
email require payment by check or money order. To apply for an ETP 
vessel permit online, the applicant must first email a request to 
[email protected] Directions for applying online will then be supplied 
to the applicant. First contacting NMFS to request application online 
is necessary to ensure that there is enough capacity to accommodate the 
vessel on the Vessel Register prior to processing of a credit card 
payment for a permit.

Classification

    The NMFS Assistant Administrator, in consultation with the 
Department of State and the U.S. Coast Guard, has determined that this 
final rule is consistent with the TCA and other applicable laws.
    This final rule has been determined to be not significant for 
purposes of Executive Order 12866. This rule is not an Executive Order 
13771 regulatory action because this rule is not significant under 
Executive Order 12866.
    This final rule contains revised collection-of-information 
requirements subject to review and approval by the Office of Management 
and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) under control 
number 0648-0387. A request for revision to account for the additional 
information and updated notification requirements that would be 
required pursuant to this rule is under OMB review. Public reporting 
burden for obtaining an IMO number (50 CFR 300.22(b)(3)(iii)), for 
making an IMO exemption request (50 CFR 300.22(b)(3)(iv)), for making a 
sunk status request (50 CFR 300.22(b)(4)(iii)(D)), and for making an 
aging fleet provision request (50 CFR 300.22(b)(9)(iii)), are each 
estimated to average 30 minutes per response. This includes time for 
reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and 
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. Public reporting burden for requesting 
utilization of a cross-endorsed observer at 50 CFR 216.24(b)(8)(iv)(A) 
is estimated to add 2 minutes to the vessel departure notification 
requirement, which is estimated to average 10 minutes per response. 
Additionally, revisions to 50 CFR 216.24(b)(4) requiring an email 
notification to NMFS to request an online ETP vessel permit application 
is expected to add 1 minute per response. Revisions made to the vessel 
register annual notification and vessel permit application fees at 50 
CFR 216.24(b)(6)(iii) and 216.24(b)(6)(8)(iv) are not expected to 
change the public reporting burden.
    Comments regarding these burden estimates, or any other aspects of 
the collection of information should be sent to the NMFS West Coast 
Region Long Beach office at the addresses above, by email to 
[email protected], or by fax to (202) 395-5806. All currently 
approved NOAA collections of information may be viewed at: https://www.cio.noaa.gov/services_programs/prasubs.html.
    The Chief Counsel for Regulation of the Department of Commerce 
certified to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business 
Administration during the proposed rule stage that, for purposes of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act, this action would not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The factual 
basis for the certification was published in the proposed rule and is 
not repeated here. No comments were received about the certification. 
As such, no information received during the public comment period 
changes NMFS' analysis. Therefore, the initial certification published 
with the proposed rule--that this rule is not expected to have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities--
remains unchanged. As a result, a regulatory flexibility analysis was 
not required and none was prepared.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Parts 216 and 300

    Fish, Fisheries, Fishing, Fishing vessels, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

    Dated: December 3, 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 216 and 300 
are amended as follows:

PART 216--REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE TAKING AND IMPORTING OF MARINE 
MAMMALS

0
1. The authority citation for part 216 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq., unless otherwise noted.


0
2. In Sec.  216.24, revise paragraphs (b)(4), (b)(6)(iii)(A) through 
(D), (b)(6)(iii)(F), and (b)(8)(iv)(A) to read as follows:


Sec.  216.24  Taking and related acts in commercial fishing operations 
including tuna purse seine vessels in the eastern tropical Pacific 
Ocean.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (4) Application for vessel permit. ETP tuna purse seine vessel 
permit application forms and instructions for their completion are 
available from NMFS. To apply for an ETP vessel permit, a vessel owner 
or managing owner must complete, sign, and submit the appropriate form 
via fax to (562) 980-4047, by email to [email protected], or through an 
online permit system, allowing at least 15 days for processing. To 
submit an ETP vessel permit application online, a request must first be 
made to [email protected], and NMFS will give instructions about whether 
and how an online application can be made. To request that a vessel in 
excess of 400 st (362.8 mt) carrying capacity be categorized as active 
on the Vessel Register under Sec.  300.22(b)(4)(ii) of this title in 
the following calendar year, the owner or managing owner must submit 
the vessel permit application, payment of the vessel permit application 
fee, and payment of the vessel assessment fee no later than September 
15 for vessels for which a DML is requested for the following year, and 
no later than November 30 for vessels for which a DML is not requested 
for the following year.
* * * * *
    (6) * * *
    (iii) * * *
    (A) The owner or managing owner of a purse seine vessel for which a 
DML has been requested must submit the vessel assessment fee to the 
IATTC, no later than September 15 of the year prior to the calendar 
year for which the DML is requested. Payment of the vessel

[[Page 70044]]

assessment fee must be consistent with the fee for active status on the 
Vessel Register under Sec.  300.22(b)(4) of this title.
    (B) The owner or managing owner of a purse seine vessel for which 
active or inactive status on the Vessel Register, as defined in Sec.  
300.21 of this title, has been requested, but for which a DML has not 
been requested, must submit payment of the vessel assessment fee to the 
IATTC, no later than November 30 of the year prior to the calendar year 
in which the vessel will be listed on the Vessel Register. Payment of 
the vessel assessment fee is required only if the vessel is listed as 
active and is required to carry an observer, or if the vessel is listed 
as inactive and exceeds 400 st (362.8 mt) in carrying capacity. Payment 
of the vessel assessment fee must be consistent with the vessel's 
status, either active or inactive, on the Vessel Register in Sec.  
300.22(b)(4) of this title.
    (C) The owner or managing owner of a purse seine vessel that is 
permitted and authorized under an alternative international tuna purse 
seine fisheries management regime in the Pacific Ocean must submit the 
vessel assessment fee to the IATTC, prior to obtaining an observer and 
entering the ETP to fish. Consistent with Sec.  300.22(b)(1) of this 
title, this class of purse seine vessels is not required to be listed 
on the Vessel Register under Sec.  300.22(b)(4) of this title in order 
to purse seine for tuna in the ETP during a single fishing trip per 
calendar year of 90 days or less. Payment of the vessel assessment fee 
must be consistent with the fee for active status on the Vessel 
Register under Sec.  300.22(b)(4)(ii) of this title.
    (D) The owner or managing owner of a purse seine vessel listed as 
inactive on the Vessel Register at the beginning of the calendar year 
and who requests active status on the Vessel Register under Sec.  
300.22(b)(4) of this title during the year, must pay the vessel 
assessment fee associated with active status, less the vessel 
assessment fee associated with inactive status that was already paid, 
before NMFS will request the IATTC Director change the status of the 
vessel from inactive to active. Payment of the vessel assessment fee is 
required only if the vessel is required to carry an observer.
* * * * *
    (F) Payments will be subject to a 10 percent surcharge if received 
under paragraph (b)(6)(iii)(E) of this section for vessels that were 
listed as active on the Vessel Register in the calendar year prior to 
the year for which active status was requested; or if received after 
the dates specified in paragraph (b)(6)(iii)(A) or (B) of this section 
for vessels for which active status is requested if the vessel was 
listed as active during the year the request was made. Payments will 
not be subject to a 10 percent surcharge if received under paragraph 
(b)(6)(iii)(C) or (D) of this section, or if received under paragraph 
(b)(6)(iii)(E) of this section for vessels that were not listed as 
active on the Vessel Register in the calendar year prior to the year 
for which active status was requested. Payments will also not be 
subject to a 10 percent surcharge if received after the date specified 
in paragraph (b)(6)(iii)(B) of this section for vessels for which 
inactive status is requested, or for vessels for which active status is 
requested if the vessel was not listed as active during the year the 
request was made. Payment of all vessel assessment fees described in 
this section must be made to the IATTC.
* * * * *
    (8) * * *
    (iv) * * *
    (A) The vessel permit holder of each permitted vessel must notify 
the Administrator, West Coast Region, or the IATTC contact designated 
by the Administrator, West Coast Region, at least 5 days in advance of 
the vessel's departure on a fishing trip to allow for observer 
placement on every trip. If the vessel permit holder would like to use 
an IATTC and Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) 
cross-endorsed observer when fishing in the IATTC Convention Area, the 
notification must also include a request for the placement of a cross-
endorsed observer pursuant to the Memorandum of Cooperation between the 
IATTC and WCPFC.
* * * * *

PART 300--INTERNATIONAL FISHERIES REGULATIONS

Subpart C--Eastern Pacific Tuna Fisheries

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

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 951 et seq.


0
4. In Sec.  300.21, revise the definitions of ``Highly Migratory 
Species (HMS) Branch'' and ``Tuna'' to read as follows:


Sec.  300.21  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Branch means the Chief of the HMS 
Branch of the Sustainable Fisheries Division, National Marine Fisheries 
Service West Coast Region, Suite 4200, 501 W Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, 
CA 90802, and [email protected]
* * * * *
    Tuna means any fish of the genus Thunnus and the species Katsuwonus 
pelamis.
* * * * *

0
5. In Sec.  300.22:
0
a. Revise paragraphs (b)(1) and (2), (b)(3)(v), (b)(4), and (b)(5)(ii) 
through (viii);
0
b. Add paragraph (b)(5)(ix);
0
c. Revise paragraphs (b)(7) and (8); and
0
d. Add paragraph (b)(9).
    The revisions and addition read as follows:


Sec.  300.22   Recordkeeping and reporting requirements.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) Exception. Once per year, a vessel that is permitted and 
authorized under an alternative international tuna purse seine 
fisheries management regime in the Pacific Ocean may exercise an option 
to fish with purse seine gear to target tuna in the Convention Area 
without the vessel's capacity counted towards the cumulative carrying 
capacity described under paragraph (b)(4)(i)(A) of this section. This 
exception is for a single fishing trip that does not exceed 90 days in 
duration. At any time during the calendar year, a vessel exercising 
this exception shall follow the procedures, where applicable, described 
in paragraphs (b)(4) of this section. No more than 32 of such trips are 
allowed each calendar year. After the commencement of the 32nd such 
trip, the Regional Administrator shall announce, in the Federal 
Register and by other appropriate means, that no more such trips are 
allowed for the remainder of the calendar year. Under Sec.  
[thinsp]216.24(b)(6)(iii)(C) of this title, vessel assessment fees must 
be paid for vessels exercising this option.
    (2) Requirements for inclusion of purse seine vessels on the Vessel 
Register. The tuna purse seine portion of the Vessel Register shall 
include, consistent with resolutions of the IATTC, only vessels that 
fished in the Convention Area prior to June 28, 2002. Inclusion on the 
tuna purse seine portion of the Vessel Register is valid through 
December 31 of each year. New tuna purse seine vessels may be added to 
the Vessel Register at any time to replace those previously removed by 
the Regional Administrator, provided that the total capacity of the 
replacement vessel or vessels does not exceed that of the tuna purse 
seine vessel or vessels being replaced.

[[Page 70045]]

    (3) * * *
    (v) Exemption process. Upon receipt of a request for an exemption 
under paragraph (b)(3)(iv) of this section, the Regional Administrator 
will, to the extent he or she determines appropriate, assist the 
fishing vessel owner in requesting an IMO number. If the Regional 
Administrator determines that the fishing vessel owner has followed all 
appropriate procedures and yet is unable to obtain an IMO number for 
the fishing vessel, he or she will issue an exemption from the 
requirements of paragraph (b)(3)(iii) of this section for the vessel 
and its owner and notify the owner of the exemption. The Regional 
Administrator may limit the duration of the exemption. The Regional 
Administrator may rescind an exemption at any time. If an exemption is 
rescinded, the fishing vessel owner must comply with the requirements 
of paragraph (b)(3)(iii) of this section within 30 days of being 
notified of the rescission. If the ownership of a fishing vessel 
changes, an exemption issued to the former fishing vessel owner becomes 
void.
    (4) Purse seine Vessel Register listing. For a tuna purse seine 
vessel to be listed on the Vessel Register and to be categorized as 
either ``active'' or ``inactive'' in the following calendar year, the 
vessel owner or managing owner must submit to the Regional 
Administrator the required permit applications, written notifications, 
and fees as described under Sec.  [thinsp]216.24(b) of this title and 
under paragraphs (b)(4)(ii) and (iii) of this section as well as 
payment of the vessel assessment fee, where applicable, to the IATTC.
    (i) Restrictions. The following restrictions apply:
    (A) The cumulative carrying capacity of all tuna purse seine 
vessels on the Vessel Register may not exceed 31,866 cubic meters in a 
given year; and
    (B) A purse seine vessel in excess of 400 st (362.8 mt) carrying 
capacity may not be added to active status on the Vessel Register 
unless the captain of the vessel has obtained a valid operator permit 
under Sec.  [thinsp]216.24(b)(2) of this title.
    (ii) Active status. As early as August 1 of each year, vessel 
owners or managing owners may request that a purse seine vessel 
qualified to be listed on the Vessel Register under paragraph (b)(2) of 
this section be categorized as active for the following calendar year. 
To request a purse seine vessel in excess of 400 st (362.8 mt) carrying 
capacity be listed on the Vessel Register and be categorized as active, 
the vessel owner or managing owner must submit to the Regional 
Administrator the vessel permit application and payment of the permit 
application fee and submit to the IATTC payment of the vessel 
assessment fee.
    (A) To request a purse seine vessel of 400 st (362.8 mt) carrying 
capacity or less be listed on the Vessel Register and be categorized as 
active, the vessel owner or managing owner must submit to the HMS 
Branch written notification including, but not limited to, a vessel 
photograph, the vessel information as described under paragraph (b)(3) 
of this section, and the owner or managing owner's signature, business 
email address, and business telephone and fax numbers. If a purse seine 
vessel of 400 st (362.8 mt) carrying capacity or less is required by 
the Agreement on the IDCP to carry an observer, the vessel owner or 
managing owner must also submit payment of the vessel assessment fee to 
the IATTC.
    (B) The Regional Administrator must receive the vessel permit 
application or written notification and payment of the permit 
application fee and payment confirmation of the vessel assessment fee 
no later than September 15 for vessels for which a DML was requested 
for the following year and no later than November 30 for vessels for 
which a DML was not requested for the following year. Submission of the 
vessel permit application or written notification and payment of the 
vessel assessment fee and permit application fee will be interpreted by 
the Regional Administrator as a request for a vessel to be categorized 
as active.
    (iii) Inactive status. (A) From August 1 through November 30 of 
each year, vessel owners or managing owners may request that purse 
seine vessels qualified to be listed on the Vessel Register under 
paragraph (b)(2) of this section be categorized as inactive for the 
following calendar year. To request a purse seine vessel in excess of 
400 st (362.8 mt) carrying capacity be listed on the Vessel Register 
and categorized as inactive for the following calendar year, the vessel 
owner or managing owner must submit to the IATTC payment of the 
associated vessel assessment fee. Payment of the vessel assessment fee 
consistent with inactive status will be interpreted by the Regional 
Administrator as a request for the vessel to be categorized as 
inactive.
    (B) To request a tuna purse seine vessel of 400 st (362.8 mt) 
carrying capacity or less be listed on the Vessel Register and 
categorized as inactive for the following calendar year, the vessel 
owner or managing owner must submit to the HMS Branch a written 
notification including, but not limited to, the vessel name and 
registration number and the vessel owner or managing owner's name, 
signature, business address, business email address, and business 
telephone and fax numbers. Payment of the vessel assessment fee is not 
required for vessels of 400 st (362.8 mt) carrying capacity or less to 
be categorized as inactive.
    (C) At any time during the year, a vessel owner or managing owner 
may request that a tuna purse seine vessel qualified to be listed on 
the Vessel Register under paragraph (b)(2) of this section be 
categorized as inactive for the remainder of the calendar year, 
provided the cumulative carrying capacity described in (b)(4)(i)(A) of 
this section is not exceeded. To request a purse seine vessel in excess 
of 400 st (362.8 mt) carrying capacity be listed on the Vessel Register 
and categorized as inactive for the remainder of the calendar year, the 
vessel owner or managing owner must submit to the IATTC payment of the 
associated vessel assessment fee. To request a tuna purse seine vessel 
of 400 st (362.8 mt) carrying capacity or less be listed on the Vessel 
Register and categorized as inactive for the remainder of the calendar 
year, the vessel owner or managing owner must submit to the HMS Branch 
written notification as described in (b)(4)(iii)(A) of this section. 
Payment of the vessel assessment fee is not required for such vessels.
    (D) [Reserved]
    (E) A vessel listed as inactive or sunk on the Vessel Register for 
more than two consecutive calendar years after January 21, 2020 
requesting active status will be prioritized according to the hierarchy 
under paragraph (b)(4)(v) of this section. A vessel listed as inactive 
or sunk on the Vessel Register for more than two consecutive calendar 
years after January 21, 2020 will be removed from the Vessel Register 
as described in paragraph (b)(5)(ix) of this section.
    (iv) Frivolous requests. (A) Except as described under paragraph 
(b)(4)(iv)(B) of this section, requests for active status under 
paragraph (b)(4)(ii) of this section will be considered frivolous if, 
for a vessel categorized as active on the Vessel Register in a given 
calendar year:
    (1) Less than 20 percent of the vessel's total landings, by weight, 
in that same year is comprised of tuna harvested by purse seine in the 
Convention Area; or
    (2) The vessel did not fish for tuna at all in the Convention Area 
in that same year.
    (B) Requests described under paragraph (b)(4)(iv)(A) of this 
section will not be considered frivolous requests if:
    (1) The vessel's catch pattern fell within the criteria described 
in

[[Page 70046]]

paragraph (b)(4)(iv)(A) of this section as a result of force majeure or 
other extraordinary circumstances as determined by the Regional 
Administrator; or
    (2) The vessel's carrying capacity is 400 st (362.8 mt) or less and 
there was at least one documented landing of tuna caught by the vessel 
in the Convention Area in the calendar year prior to the year in which 
the request is made and through November 15 of the year of the request, 
unless the vessel was not able to make a landing as a result of force 
majeure or other extraordinary circumstances as determined by the 
Regional Administrator.
    (3) The vessel was listed as inactive before January 21, 2020 and 
has not been listed as inactive for more than two consecutive calendar 
years since January 21, 2020.
    (v) Listing hierarchy. Requests for active status and inactive 
status will be prioritized according to the following hierarchy:
    (A) Requests received for replacement vessels with a carrying 
capacity equal to or less than a vessel removed from the Vessel 
Register under a request described in paragraph (b)(9) of this section;
    (B) Requests received for vessels that were categorized as active 
in the previous year, unless the request was determined to be frivolous 
by the Regional Administrator under paragraph (b)(4)(ii) of this 
section;
    (C) Requests received for vessels that were categorized as inactive 
under paragraph (b)(4)(iii) of this section in the previous year, 
unless that vessel has been listed as inactive or sunk under paragraph 
(b)(4)(iii) of this section for more than 2 consecutive calendar years 
after January 21, 2020;
    (D) Requests for vessels not described in paragraphs (b)(4)(v)(A) 
through (C) of this section, and requests, if applicable, by 
replacement vessels for the portion of the carrying capacity greater 
than the amount authorized to the vessel that was replaced under 
paragraph (b)(9) of this section, will be prioritized on a first-come, 
first-served basis according to the date and time of receipt, provided 
that the associated vessel assessment fee is paid by the applicable 
deadline described in Sec.  [thinsp]216.24(b)(6)(iii) of this title; 
and
    (E) Requests received from owners or managing owners of vessels 
that were determined by the Regional Administrator to have made a 
frivolous request for active status under paragraph (b)(4)(iv) of this 
section or that have been listed as inactive or sunk as described in 
paragraph (b)(4)(iii) of this section for more than two consecutive 
calendar years after January 21, 2020.
    (5) * * *
    (ii) Upon written request by the vessel's owner or managing owner;
    (iii) Following a final agency action on a permit sanction for a 
violation; and
    (iv) For failure to pay a penalty or for default on a penalty 
payment agreement resulting from a final agency action for a violation.
    (v) If the U.S. Maritime Administration or the U.S. Coast Guard 
notifies NMFS that:
    (A) The owner has submitted an application for transfer of the 
vessel to foreign registry and flag; or
    (B) The documentation for the vessel will be or has been deleted 
for any reason.
    (vi) If the vessel does not have a valid state registration or U.S. 
Coast Guard certificate of documentation;
    (vii) For tuna purse seine vessels, upon receipt of written 
notification from the owner or managing owner of the intent to transfer 
the vessel to foreign registry and flag, as described in paragraph 
(b)(8) of this section; or
    (viii) For tuna purse seine vessels, if the request for active 
status on the Vessel Register has been determined to be a frivolous 
request; or
    (ix) If the vessel has been listed as inactive or sunk on the 
Vessel Register for more than two consecutive calendar years after 
January 21, 2020.
* * * * *
    (7) Procedures for replacing purse seine vessels removed from the 
Vessel Register. (i) A purse seine vessel that was previously listed on 
the Vessel Register, but not included for a given year or years, may be 
added back to the Vessel Register and categorized as inactive at any 
time during the year, provided the cumulative carrying capacity 
described in (b)(4)(i)(A) of this section is not exceeded. The owner or 
managing owner of a purse seine vessel of more than 400 st (362.8 mt) 
carrying capacity must pay the vessel assessment fee associated with 
inactive status. The owner or managing owner of a purse seine vessel of 
400 st (362.8 mt) carrying capacity or less must submit written 
notification as described in paragraph (b)(4)(iii) of this section.
    (ii) A purse seine vessel may be added to the Vessel Register and 
categorized as active in order to replace a vessel or vessels removed 
from active or inactive status under paragraph (b)(5) of this section, 
provided the total carrying capacity described in (b)(4)(i)(A) of this 
section is not exceeded and the owner submits a complete request under 
paragraph (b)(7)(iv) or (v) of this section.
    (iii) Notification of available capacity after a purse seine vessel 
has been removed from the Vessel Register will be conducted as follows:
    (A) After a purse seine vessel categorized as active or inactive is 
removed from the Vessel Register, the Regional Administrator will 
notify owners or managing owners of vessels eligible for, but not 
included on, the Vessel Register that replacement capacity is available 
on the active or inactive list of the Vessel Register.
    (B) When a purse seine vessel categorized as active or inactive on 
the Vessel Register has been removed from the Vessel Register under the 
procedures described in (b)(9) of this section, the Regional 
Administrator will not make available the capacity of the vessel 
removed from the Vessel Register, and will reserve that capacity for a 
replacement vessel for a period of 2 years from the date of 
notification described in (b)(9)(iv) of this section. The replacement 
vessel will be eligible to be listed as active on the Vessel Register 
at the same carrying capacity or less as that of the vessel it is 
replacing. If the replacement vessel has a carrying capacity greater 
than the vessel being replaced, the vessel owner or managing owner may 
request additional carrying capacity allocated to the vessel in 
accordance with paragraph (b)(4)(v)(D) of this section. If additional 
carrying capacity is not available, the replacement vessel must reduce 
its carrying capacity to no more than the previously authorized 
carrying capacity amount for the vessel being replaced by complying 
with the protocol for sealing wells adopted by the IATTC, prior to it 
being listed as active on the Vessel Register. Such a vessel may apply 
for additional carrying capacity as it becomes available under the 
procedures described in (b)(4)(v)(D) of this section.
    (iv) Vessel owners or managing owners may request a purse seine 
vessel of 400 st (362.8 mt) carrying capacity or less be categorized as 
active to replace a vessel or vessels removed from the Vessel Register 
by submitting to the HMS Branch written notification as described in 
paragraph (b)(4)(ii) of this section and, only if the vessel is 
required by the Agreement on the IDCP to carry an observer, payment of 
the vessel assessment fee to the IATTC within 10 business days after 
submission of the written notification. The replacement vessel will be 
eligible to be categorized as active on the Vessel Register at the same 
carrying capacity or less as that of the vessel or vessels it is 
replacing. If the replacement vessel has a carrying capacity greater 
than the vessel being replaced, the vessel owner

[[Page 70047]]

or managing owner may request additional carrying capacity allocated to 
the vessel in accordance with paragraph (b)(4)(v)(D) of this section. 
If additional carrying capacity is not available, the replacement 
vessel must reduce its capacity to no more than the previously 
authorized carrying capacity for the vessel or vessels being replaced 
by complying with the protocol for sealing wells adopted by the IATTC, 
prior to it being listed as active on the Vessel Register. Such a 
vessel may apply for additional carrying capacity as it becomes 
available. Payments received will be subject to a 10 percent surcharge 
for vessels that were listed as active on the Vessel Register in the 
previous calendar year, but not listed as inactive at the beginning of 
the calendar year for which active status was requested.
    (v) Vessel owners or managing owners may request a purse seine 
vessel in excess of 400 st (362.8 mt) carrying capacity be categorized 
as active to replace a vessel or vessels removed from the Vessel 
Register by submitting to the Regional Administrator the vessel permit 
application as described under Sec.  [thinsp]216.24(b) of this title 
and payment of the vessel assessment fee to the IATTC and payment of 
the permit application fee to the Regional Administrator within 10 
business days after submission of the vessel permit application for the 
replacement vessel. The replacement vessel will be eligible to be 
categorized as active on the Vessel Register at the same carrying 
capacity as that of the vessel or vessels it is replacing. If the 
replacement vessel has a carrying capacity greater than the vessel 
being replaced, the vessel owner or managing owner may request 
additional carrying capacity allocated to the vessel in accordance with 
paragraph (b)(4)(v)(D) of this section. If additional carrying capacity 
is not available, the replacement vessel must reduce its carrying 
capacity to no more than the previously authorized carrying capacity 
for the vessel or vessels being replaced by complying with the protocol 
for sealing wells adopted by the IATTC, prior to it being listed as 
active on the Vessel Register. Such a vessel may apply for additional 
carrying capacity as it becomes available. The replacement vessel will 
also only be eligible to be categorized as active on the Vessel 
Register if the captain of the replacement vessel possesses an operator 
permit under Sec.  [thinsp]216.24(b) of this title. Payments received 
will be subject to a 10 percent surcharge for vessels that were listed 
as active on the Vessel Register in the previous calendar year, but not 
listed as inactive at the beginning of the calendar year for which 
active status was requested.
    (vi) The Regional Administrator will forward requests to replace 
vessels removed from the Vessel Register within 15 days of receiving 
each request.
    (8) Transfers to a foreign registry and flag. The owner or managing 
owner of a purse seine vessel listed on the Vessel Register must 
provide written notification to the Regional Administrator prior to 
submitting an application for transfer of the vessel to foreign 
registry and flag. Written notification must be submitted to the 
Regional Administrator at least 10 business days prior to submission of 
the application for transfer. The written notification must include the 
vessel name and registration number; the expected date that the 
application for transfer will be submitted; and the vessel owner or 
managing owner's name and signature. Vessels that require approval by 
the U.S. Maritime Administration prior to transfer of the vessel to 
foreign registry and flag will not be subject to the notification 
requirement described in this paragraph.
    (9) Aging fleet provision. (i) The vessel owner or managing owner 
of a purse seine vessel listed as active or inactive on the Vessel 
Register may request to replace the current vessel with a new or used 
vessel without losing the vessel's placement in the hierarchy of 
requests for active status as described in paragraph (b)(4)(v) of this 
section. The replacement vessel will be eligible to be listed as active 
on the Vessel Register at the same carrying capacity or less as that of 
the vessel it is replacing. If the replacement vessel has a carrying 
capacity greater than the vessel being replaced, the vessel owner or 
managing owner may request additional carrying capacity be allocated to 
the vessel in accordance with paragraph (b)(4)(v)(D) of this section. 
If additional carrying capacity is not available at the time the 
request to be listed as active on the Vessel Register is received by 
the Regional Administrator, the replacement vessel must reduce its 
carrying capacity to no more than the previously authorized carrying 
capacity of the vessel being replaced by complying with the protocol 
for sealing wells adopted by the IATTC, prior to it being listed as 
active on the Vessel Register. Such a vessel may apply for additional 
carrying capacity as it becomes available under the procedures 
described in paragraph (b)(4)(v)(D) of this section. This aging fleet 
provision may be used only once per vessel by the vessel owner or 
managing owner.
    (ii) A request made under this provision may include a request to 
remove the vessel from the Vessel Register. The Regional Administrator 
will ensure the amount of carrying capacity equal to or less of the 
vessel being replaced will be available for the replacement vessel for 
up to 2 years from the date of notification described in paragraph 
(b)(9)(iv) of this section.

0
6. Section 300.22 is further amended by revising paragraphs (b)(3)(iii) 
and (iv) and adding paragraphs (b)(4)(iii)(D), (b)(5)(i), and 
(b)(9)(iii) and (iv) to read as follows:


Sec.  300.22  Recordkeeping and reporting requirements.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (3) * * *
    (iii) Requirements for IMO numbers. The owner of a fishing vessel 
of the United States used for commercial fishing for tuna and tuna-like 
species in the IATTC Convention Area shall ensure that an IMO number 
has been issued for the vessel if the vessel's Certificate of 
Documentation issued under 46 CFR part 67 indicates that the vessel's 
total internal volume is 100 gross register tons or greater or 100 
gross tonnage or greater. In addition, the owner of a fishing vessel of 
the United States engaging in fishing activities for tuna or tuna-like 
species in the IATTC Convention Area, and for which a high seas fishing 
permit under Sec.  300.333 is required, shall ensure that an IMO number 
has been issued for the vessel if the vessel's total internal volume is 
less than 100 gross registered tons or less than 100 gross tons, but 
equal to or greater than 12 meters in overall length, as indicated in 
the vessel's Certificate of Documentation issued under 46 CFR part 67 
or State documentation. A vessel owner may request that an IMO number 
be issued for a vessel by following the instructions given by the 
administrator of the IMO ship identification number scheme; those 
instructions are currently available on the website of IHS Markit, 
https://imonumbers.lrfairplay.com/.
    (iv) Request for exemption. In the event that a fishing vessel 
owner, after following the instructions given by the designated manager 
of the IMO ship identification number scheme, is unable to ensure that 
an IMO number is issued for the fishing vessel, the fishing vessel 
owner may request an exemption from the requirement from the Regional 
Administrator. The request must be sent by mail to NMFS HMS Branch, 
West Coast Region, 501 W Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802, 
or by email to [email protected], and must include the vessel's name, 
the vessel's

[[Page 70048]]

official number, a description of the steps taken to request an IMO 
number, and a description of any responses from the administrator of 
the IMO ship identification number scheme.
* * * * *
    (4) * * *
    (iii) * * *
    (D) The vessel owner or managing owner of a purse seine vessel 
listed as active on the Vessel Register that has sunk may request the 
vessel be listed as sunk and categorized as inactive on the Vessel 
Register. To request the vessel be listed as sunk and categorized as 
inactive on the Vessel Register, the vessel owner or managing owner 
must submit to the HMS Branch written notification within 30 days of 
the vessel's sinking. Written notification shall include, but is not 
limited to, the vessel name, date of sinking, registration number, the 
vessel owner or managing owner's name, signature, business address, 
business email address, and business telephone and fax numbers. For 
subsequent calendar years, vessel assessment fee payment shall be made 
as described in paragraph (b)(4)(iii) of this section.
* * * * *
    (5) * * *
    (i) If the vessel has sunk, and the vessel owner or managing owner 
has not submitted written notification as described in paragraph 
(b)(4)(iii)(D) of this section;
    (9) * * *
    (iii) To request a vessel be replaced under this provision, the 
vessel owner or managing owner must submit to the HMS Branch written 
notification including, but not limited to, the vessel name and 
registration number, the vessel owner or managing owner's name, 
signature, business address, business email address, and business 
telephone and fax numbers, and the expected month and year the 
replacement vessel will be ready to fish in the Convention Area.
    (iv) Within 30 days of receiving each request described in 
(b)(9)(iii) of this section, the Regional Administrator shall notify 
the vessel owner or managing owner in writing whether the request has 
been accepted or denied, and the reasons therefore.
* * * * *

0
7. In Sec.  300.23, revise the section heading to read as follows:


Sec.  300.23  Persons and vessels exempted.

* * * * *

0
8. In Sec.  300.24, revise paragraph (f) and remove and reserve 
paragraph (g).
    The revision reads as follows:


Sec.  300.24  Prohibitions.

* * * * *
    (f) When using purse seine gear to fish for tuna in the Convention 
Area, fail to release any fish species (excluding mobulid rays, tuna, 
tuna-like species, and those being retained for consumption aboard the 
vessel) as soon as practicable after being identified on board the 
vessel during the brailing operation as required in Sec.  300.27(b).
* * * * *

0
9. In Sec.  300.27, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  300.27  Incidental catch and tuna retention requirements.

* * * * *
    (b) Release requirements for fish species on purse seine vessels. 
All purse seine vessels must release, as soon as practicable after 
being identified on board the vessel during the brailing operation, all 
billfish, rays (not including mobulid rays, which are subject to 
paragraph (i) of this section), dorado (Coryphaena hippurus), and other 
fish species. This requirement does not apply to tuna or tuna-like 
species, or to other fish retained for consumption aboard the vessel. 
Sharks caught in the IATTC Convention Area and that are not retained 
for consumption aboard the vessel must be released according to the 
requirements in paragraph (k) of this section. Tuna caught in the IATTC 
Convention Area are subject to the retention requirements in paragraph 
(a) of this section.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2019-26394 Filed 12-19-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P