Department of Commerce October 24, 2008 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

In accordance with the regulations implementing the individual fishing quota (IFQ) program for the commercial red snapper fishery in the Gulf of Mexico, the Administrator, Southeast Region, NMFS (RA) has determined that catastrophic conditions still exist in certain parts of Louisiana and Texas, specifically from Cameron, Louisiana southwest to Galveston Island, Texas, as a result of recent hurricanes. The RA, therefore, is extending authorization for the use of paper-based forms for basic required IFQ administrative functions, e.g., landing transactions, through December 31, 2008. Although electronic transactions are to be used if power to the affected area has been restored, paper-based forms will be authorized in the areas from Cameron, Louisiana southwest to Galveston Island, Texas. The determination of catastrophic conditions and allowance of alternative methods for completing required IFQ administrative functions is intended to facilitate continuation of IFQ operations during the period of catastrophic conditions.