Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 46 / Monday, March 10, 1997 / Rules and Regulations 10747

Dated: February 28, 1997.

J.L. Gerst,

Acting Director, Fish and Wildlife Service.

[FR Doc. 97–5788 Filed 3–7–97; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4310–55–P

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric

Administration

50 CFR Parts 648 and 649

[Docket No. 970221036–7036–01; I.D.

012797D]

RIN 0648–AJ48

Fisheries of the Northeastern United

States; Framework Adjustments to the

Northeast Multispecies and American

Lobster Fishery Management Plans

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries

Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),

Commerce.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY: NMFS issues this final rule to

implement measures contained in

Framework Adjustment 22 to the

Northeast Multispecies Fishery

Management Plan (FMP) and

Framework Adjustment 4 to the

American Lobster FMP. This rule will

close certain areas to specific gear types,

thereby alleviating the gear conflicts in

Southern New England.

EFFECTIVE DATE: March 17, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Copies of Amendment 7 to

the Northeast Multispecies FMP,

Amendment 5 to the American Lobster

FMP, the regulatory impact review and

the initial regulatory flexibility analysis,

its final supplemental environmental

impact statement (FSEIS), and the

supporting documents for Framework

Adjustment 22 to the Northeast

Multispecies FMP and Framework 4 to

the American Lobster FMP are available

from Christopher B. Kellogg, Acting

Executive Director, New England

Fishery Management Council, 5

Broadway, (Route 1), Saugus, MA

01906–1097.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul

H. Jones, Fishery Policy Analyst, 508–

281–9273.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: An

emergency interim rule to the American

Lobster FMP was published on March

27, 1996 (61 FR 13454). This action

implemented a prohibition on mobile

gear vessels fishing in Restricted Gear

Areas I and II, a prohibition on lobster

pot vessels fishing in and lobster pots in

Restricted Gear Area III, and a

requirement that all mobile gear vessels

in Restricted Gear Areas I and II and all

lobster pot (fixed gear) vessels in

Restricted Gear Area III stow their gear

while transiting the restricted gear areas.

This action became necessary after a

New England Fishery Management

Council (Council) and Industrynegotiated voluntary agreement

concerning gear conflicts failed to

resolve the problem.

Regulations implementing

Amendment 8 to the Northeast

Multispecies, Amendment 6 to the

Atlantic Sea Scallop, and Amendment 6

to the American Lobster FMPs became

effective on February 10, 1997 (62 FR

1403, January 10, 1997). The regulations

added to each FMP a list of management

measures from which the Council could

select future solutions to gear conflicts

through the framework adjustment

process. The regulations authorize the

Council to recommend adjustments to

any of the measures currently in the

FMPs.

Framework Adjustment 22 to the

Northeast Multispecies FMP and

Framework Adjustment 4 to the

American Lobster FMP closes four

small, defined areas to fishers using

certain gears during certain times of the

year. Specifically, the action

implements a prohibition on mobile

gear vessels fishing in Restricted Gear

Area I during October 1 through June

15, in Restricted Gear Area IV during

June 16 through September 30, in

Restricted Gear Area II during

November 27 through June 15, and in

Restricted Gear Area III during June 16

through November 26, and a prohibition

on lobster pot vessels fishing in

Restricted Gear Area I during June 16

through September 30, in Restricted

Gear Area II during June 16 through

November 26, and in Restricted Gear

Area III during January 1 through April

30. Vessels may transit these areas

provided that all mobile gear is on board

the vessel while inside these areas.

This action is necessary because

substantial harm and disruption to the

fishery is again occurring through gear

conflicts since the emergency action

expired on June 25, 1996. These

conflicts are occurring because of

increased targeting of monkfish by

mobile gear vessels since the emergency

action and the failure of the Council’s

voluntary industry agreement. The

framework measures build upon the

emergency action and provisions of the

Council’s voluntary industry agreement.

The measures in this rulemaking were

selected from among other options

because they are relatively less

controversial, as evidenced by the near

unanimous support of the Council. The

action is expected to reduce gear

damage and economic loss.

Direct economic losses to individual

lobster vessels from gear loss are

reported by the Council to be as high as

$125,780. As reported to the Council by

eight lobster vessels, the value of lost

gear for a partial season totaled more

than $290,000. There are approximately

50 active lobster vessels fishing within

the gear conflict areas. If the above data

are representative of the fleet, the direct

economic loss as the result of lost gear

was potentially $1.8 million, or more

than $36,000 per lobster vessel.

The value of lobster landings during

October through June, when lobster

vessels move their gear inshore,

averaged more than $8.5 million for

1991–93. Landings data showing the

magnitude of lost fishing opportunity

during 1994 and 1995 are unavailable.

Lobster fishers, however, reported

setting their gear in a severely restricted

band that had a significant effect on

catch per trap. Even if the number of

traps remained constant and catch per

trap only declined 25 percent, the lost

revenue could have totaled more than

$2.1 million. The total estimated

economic loss that could be prevented

by taking this action is, therefore, nearly

$4 million. Furthermore, the action is

consistent with the American Lobster

FMP objectives to minimize social,

cultural, and economic dislocation in

the lobster fishery.

The Council requests publication of

the management measures as a final rule

after considering the required factors

stipulated in the regulations governing

the Northeast multispecies fishery and

the American lobster fishery and

providing supporting analysis for each

factor considered. The Regional

Administrator, Northeast Region,

NMFS, concurs with the Council’s

recommendation and has determined

the framework adjustments should be

published as a final rule.

NMFS is amending the multispecies

and lobster regulations following the

procedure for framework adjustments

codified in 50 CFR parts 648 and 649.

The Council followed this procedure

when making adjustments to the FMPs

by developing and analyzing the actions

at two Council meetings held on August

21–22 and October 2, 1996.

Comments and Responses

The August 21–22, 1996, Council

meeting was the first of two meetings

that provided an opportunity for public

comment on the frameworks. A draft

document containing the proposed

management measures and their

rationale was available to the public

during the second week in August 1996
10748 Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 46 / Monday, March 10, 1997 / Rules and Regulations

and notice of the initial and final

Council meetings were mailed to

approximately 1,900 people and

published in the Federal Register. The

final public hearing was held on

October 2, 1996. Testimony provided by

industry members at the public

meetings favored the framework

adjustments.

Classification

This final rule has been determined to

be not significant for the purposes of

E.O. 12866.

NMFS recently reinitiated

consultation on the Northeast

Multispecies and American Lobster

FMPs. These consultations were

reinitiated as the result of new

information concerning the status of the

northern right whale and concluded

that: (1) The fishing activities carried

out under the Northeast Multispecies

and American Lobster FMPs are likely

to jeopardize the continued existence of

the northern right whale; (2) the

prosecution of the multispecies and

lobster fisheries will not adversely

modify right whale critical habitat; and

(3) the current fishing practices allowed

under the American Lobster and

Northeast Multispecies FMPs may

affect, but are not likely to jeopardize

the continued existence of the harbor

porpoise and the distinct population

segment of Atlantic salmon stocks found

in certain Maine rivers that are both

currently proposed to be listed as

threatened. The new information

provided above does not change the

basis for the conclusions of the 1996

Biological Opinion regarding right

whales nor does this information change

the basis for, or conclusions that, the

fishing activities carried out under the

American Lobster and Northeast

Multispecies FMPs may affect, but are

not likely to jeopardize the continued

existence of the other endangered and

threatened whale and sea turtle species

under NMFS jurisdiction.

Public meetings held by the Council

to discuss the management measures

implemented by this rule provided prior

notice and an opportunity for public

comment to be heard and considered.

The Council considered this action at

public meetings on August 21–22, 1996,

and October 2, 1996. Therefore, the

Assistant Administrator for Fisheries,

NOAA (AA), finds cause, under 5 U.S.C.

553(b)(B), to waive the requirement to

provide prior notice and an opportunity

for public comment as such procedures

are unnecessary. The AA finds that

under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(1), the need to

have this regulation in place by March

17, 1997, is good cause to waive the 30-

day delay in effectiveness of this

regulation. Implementation of this

regulation by March 17, 1997, will

alleviate the increased gear conflicts in

Southern New England, while providing

enough time to notify fishermen to be

prepared for the new requirements.

Because a general notice of proposed

rulemaking is not required to be

published for this rule by 5 U.S.C. 553

or by any other law, this rule is exempt

from the requirement to prepare an

initial or final regulatory flexibility

analysis under the Regulatory

Flexibility Act. As such, none has been

prepared.

List of Subjects

50 CFR Part 649

Fisheries.

50 CFR Part 648

Fisheries, Fishing, Reporting and

recordkeeping requirements.

Dated: February 28, 1997.

Gary Matlock,

Acting Assistant Administrator for Fisheries,

National Marine Fisheries Service.

For the reasons set out in the

preamble, 50 CFR parts 648 and 649 are

amended as follows:

PART 648—FISHERIES OF THE

NORTHEASTERN UNITED STATES

1. The authority citation for part 648

continues to read as follows:

Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.

2. In § 648.2, definitions for ‘‘Beam

trawl,’’ ‘‘Mobile gear,’’ and ‘‘Trawl’’ are

added, in alphabetical order, to read as

follows:

§ 648.2 Definitions.

* * * * *

Beam trawl means gear, consisting of

a twine bag attached to a beam attached

to a towing wire, designed so that the

beam does not contact the bottom. The

beam is constructed with sinkers or

shoes on either side that support the

beam above the bottom or any other

modification so that the beam does not

contact the bottom. The beam trawl is

designed to slide along the bottom

rather than dredge the bottom.

* * * * *

Mobile gear means trawls, beam

trawls, and dredges that are designed to

maneuver with that vessel.

* * * * *

Trawl means gear consisting of a net

that is towed, including but not limited

to beam trawls, pair trawls, otter trawls,

and Danish and Scottish seine gear.

* * * * *

3. In § 648.14, paragraphs (a)(97),

(a)(98), and (a)(99) are added to read as

follows:

§ 648.14 Prohibitions.

(a) * * *

(97) Fish, or be in the areas described

in § 648.81(j)(1), (k)(1), (l)(1), and (m)(1)

on a fishing vessel with mobile gear

during the time periods specified in

§ 648.81(j)(2), (k)(2), (l)(2), and (m)(2),

except as provided in § 648.81(j)(2),

(k)(2), (l)(2), and (m)(2).

(98) Fish, or be in the areas described

in § 648.81(j)(1), (k)(1), and (l)(1) on a

fishing vessel with lobster pot gear

during the time periods specified in

§ 648.81(j)(2), (k)(2), and (l)(2).

(99) Deploy in or fail to remove

lobster pot gear from the areas described

in § 648.81(j)(1), (k)(1), and (l)(1), during

the time periods specified in

§ 648.81(j)(2), (k)(2), and (l)(2).

* * * * *

4. In § 648.81, paragraphs (j), (k), (l),

and (m) are added to read as follows:

§ 648.81 Closed areas.

* * * * *

(j) Restricted Gear Area I. (1)

Restricted Gear Area I is defined by

straight lines connecting the following

points in the order stated:

Point Latitude Longitude

Inshore Boundary

to 120

69 .............. 40°07.9′ N. 68°36.0′ W.

70 .............. 40°07.2′ N. 68°38.4′ W.

71 .............. 40°06.9′ N. 68°46.5′ W.

73 .............. 40°08.1′ N. 68°51.0′ W.

74 .............. 40°05.7′ N. 68°52.4′ W.

75 .............. 40°03.6′ N. 68°57.2′ W.

76 .............. 40°03.65′ N. 69°00.0′ W.

77 .............. 40°04.35′ N. 69°00.5′ W.

78 .............. 40°05.2′ N. 69°00.5′ W

79 .............. 40°05.3′ N. 69°01.1′ W.

80 .............. 40°08.9′ N. 69°01.75′ W.

81 .............. 40°11.0′ N. 69°03.8′ W.

82 .............. 40°11.6′ N. 69°05.4′ W.

83 .............. 40°10.25′ N. 69°04.4′ W.

84 .............. 40°09.75′ N. 69°04.15′ W.

85 .............. 40°08.45′ N. 69°03.6′ W.

86 .............. 40°05.65′ N. 69°03.55′ W.

87 .............. 40°04.1′ N. 69°03.9′ W.

88 .............. 40°02.65′ N. 69°05.6′ W.

89 .............. 40°02.00′ N. 69°08.35′ W.

90 .............. 40°02.65′ N. 69°11.15′ W.

91 .............. 40°00.05′ N. 69°14.6′ W.

92 .............. 39°57.8′ N. 69°20.35′ W.

93 .............. 39°56.65′ N. 69°24.4′ W.

94 .............. 39°56.1′ N. 69°26.35′ W.

95 .............. 39°56.55′ N. 69°34.1′ W.

96 .............. 39°57.85′ N. 69°35.5′ W.

97 .............. 40°00.65′ N. 69°36.5′ W.

98 .............. 40°00.9′ N. 69°37.3′ W.

99 .............. 39°59.15′ N. 69°37.3′ W.

100 ............ 39°58.8′ N. 69°38.45′ W.

102 ............ 39°56.2′ N. 69°40.2’′W.

103 ............ 39°55.75′ N. 69°41.4′ W.

104 ............ 39°56.7′ N. 69°53.6′ W.

105 ............ 39°57.55′ N. 69°54.05′ W.

106 ............ 39°57.4′ N. 69°55.9′ W.

107 ............ 39°56.9′ N. 69°57.45′ W.

108 ............ 39°58.25′ N. 70°03.0′ W.
Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 46 / Monday, March 10, 1997 / Rules and Regulations 10749

Point Latitude Longitude

110 ............ 39°59.2′ N. 70°04.9′ W.

111 ............ 40°00.7′ N. 70°08.7′ W.

112 ............ 40°03.75′ N. 70°10.15′ W.

115 ............ 40°05.2′ N. 70°10.9′ W.

116 ............ 40°02.45′ N. 70°14.1′ W.

119 ............ 40°02.75′ N. 70°16.1′ W.

to 181

Offshore Boundary

to 69

120 ............ 40°06.4′ N. 68°35.8′ W.

121 ............ 40°05.25′ N. 68°39.3′ W.

122 ............ 40°05.4′ N. 68°44.5′ W.

123 ............ 40°06.0′ N. 68°46.5′ W.

124 ............ 40°07.4′ N. 68°49.6′ W.

125 ............ 40°05.55′ N. 68°49.8′ W.

126 ............ 40°03.9′ N. 68°51.7′ W.

127 ............ 40°02.25′ N. 68°55.4′ W.

128 ............ 40°02.6′ N. 69°00.0′ W.

129 ............ 40°02.75′ N. 69°00.75′ W.

130 ............ 40°04.2′ N. 69°01.75′ W.

131 ............ 40°06.15′ N. 69°01.95′ W.

132 ............ 40°07.25′ N. 69°02.0′ W.

133 ............ 40°08.5′ N. 69°02.25′ W.

134 ............ 40°09.2′ N. 69°02.95′ W.

135 ............ 40°09.75′ N. 69°03.3′ W.

136 ............ 40°09.55′ N. 69°03.85′ W.

137 ............ 40°08.4′ N. 69°03.4′ W.

138 ............ 40°07.2′ N. 69°03.3′ W.

139 ............ 40°06.0′ N. 69°03.1′ W.

140 ............ 40°05.4′ N. 69°03.05′ W.

141 ............ 40°04.8′ N. 69°03.05′ W.

142 ............ 40°03.55′ N. 69°03.55′ W.

143 ............ 40°01.9′ N. 69°03.95′ W.

144 ............ 40°01.0′ N. 69°04.4′ W.

146 ............ 39°59.9′ N. 69°06.25′ W.

147 ............ 40°00.6′ N. 69°10.05′ W.

148 ............ 39°59.25′ N. 69°11.15′ W.

149 ............ 39°57.45′ N. 69°16.05′ W.

150 ............ 39°56.1′ N. 69°20.1′ W.

151 ............ 39°54.6′ N. 69°25.65′ W.

152 ............ 39°54.65′ N. 69°26.9′ W.

153 ............ 39°54.8′ N. 69°30.95′ W.

154 ............ 39°54.35′ N. 69°33.4′ W.

155 ............ 39°55.0′ N. 69°34.9′ W.

156 ............ 39°56.55′ N. 69°36.0′ W.

157 ............ 39°57.95′ N. 69°36.45′ W.

158 ............ 39°58.75′ N. 69°36.3′ W.

159 ............ 39°58.8′ N. 69°36.95′ W.

160 ............ 39°57.95′ N. 69°38.1′ W.

161 ............ 39°54.5′ N. 69°38.25′ W.

162 ............ 39°53.6′ N. 69°46.5′ W.

163 ............ 39°54.7′ N. 69°50.0′ W.

164 ............ 39°55.25′ N. 69°51.4′ W.

165 ............ 39°55.2′ N. 69°53.1′ W.

166 ............ 39°54.85′ N. 69°53.9′ W.

167 ............ 39°55.7′ N. 69°54.9′ W.

168 ............ 39°56.15′ N. 69°55.35′ W.

169 ............ 39°56.05′ N. 69°56.25′ W.

170 ............ 39°55.3′ N. 69°57.1′ W.

171 ............ 39°54.8′ N. 69°58.6′ W.

172 ............ 39°56.05′ N. 70°00.65′ W.

173 ............ 39°55.3′ N. 70°02.95′ W.

174 ............ 39°56.9′ N. 70°11.3′ W.

175 ............ 39°58.9′ N. 70°11.5′ W.

176 ............ 39°59.6′ N. 70°11.1′ W.

177 ............ 40°01.35′ N. 70°11.2′ W.

178 ............ 40°02.6′ N. 70°12.0′ W.

179 ............ 40°00.4′ N. 70°12.3′ W.

180 ............ 39°59.75′ N. 70°13.05′ W.

181 ............ 39°59.3′ N. 70°14.0′ W.

to 119

(2) Duration. (i) Mobile gear. From

October 1 through June 15, no fishing

vessel with mobile gear or person on a

fishing vessel with mobile gear may

fish, or be in Restricted Gear Area I

unless transiting. Vessels may transit

this area provided that mobile gear is on

board the vessel while inside the area.

(ii) Lobster pot gear. From June 16

through September 30, no fishing vessel

with lobster pot gear or person on a

fishing vessel with lobster pot gear may

fish, and no lobster pot gear may be

deployed or remain, in Restricted Gear

Area I.

(k) Restricted Gear Area II. (1)

Restricted Gear Area II is defined by

straight lines connecting the following

points in the order stated:

Point Latitude Longitude

Inshore Boundary

to 1

49. ............. 40°02.75′ N. 70°16.1′ W.

50. ............. 40°00.7′ N. 70°18.6′ W.

51. ............. 39°59.8′ N. 70°21.75′ W.

52. ............. 39°59.75′ N. 70°25.5′ W.

53. ............. 40°03.85′ N. 70°28.75′ W.

54. ............. 40°00.55′ N. 70°32.1′ W.

55. ............. 39°59.15′ N. 70°34.45′ W.

56. ............. 39°58.9′ N. 70°38.65′ W.

57. ............. 40°00.1′ N. 70°45.1′ W.

58. ............. 40°00.5′ N. 70°57.6′ W.

59. ............. 40°02.0′ N. 71°01.3′ W.

60. ............. 39°59.3′ N. 71°18.4′ W.

61. ............. 40°00.7′ N. 71°19.8′ W.

62. ............. 39°57.5′ N. 71°20.6′ W.

63. ............. 39°53.1′ N. 71°36.1′ W.

64. ............. 39°52.6′ N. 71°40.35′ W.

65. ............. 39°53.1′ N. 71°42.7′ W.

66. ............. 39°46.95′ N. 71°49.0′ W.

67. ............. 39°41.15′ N. 71°57.1′ W.

68. ............. 39°35.45′ N. 72°02.0′ W.

69. ............. 39°32.65′ N. 72°06.1′ W.

70. ............. 39°29.75′ N. 72°09.8′ W.

to 48

Offshore Boundary

to 49

1. ............... 39°59.3′ N. 70°14.0′ W.

2. ............... 39°58.85′ N. 70°15.2′ W.

3. ............... 39°59.3′ N. 70°18.4′ W.

4. ............... 39°58.1′ N. 70°19.4′ W.

5. ............... 39°57.0′ N. 70°19.85′ W.

6. ............... 39°57.55′ N. 70°21.25′ W.

7. ............... 39°57.5′ N. 70°22.8′ W.

8. ............... 39°57.1′ N. 70°25.4′ W.

9. ............... 39°57.65′ N. 70°27.05′ W.

10. ............. 39°58.58′ N. 70°27.7′ W.

11. ............. 40°00.65′ N. 70°28.8′ W.

12. ............. 40°02.2′ N. 70°29.15′ W.

13. ............. 40°01.0′ N. 70°30.2′ W.

14. ............. 39°58.58′ N. 70°31.85′ W.

15. ............. 39°57.05′ N. 70°34.35′ W.

16. ............. 39°56.42′ N. 70°36.8′ W.

21. ............. 39°58.15′ N. 70°48.0′ W.

24. ............. 39°58.3′ N. 70°51.1′ W.

25. ............. 39°58.1′ N. 70°52.25′ W.

26. ............. 39°58.05′ N. 70°53.55′ W.

27. ............. 39°58.4′ N. 70°59.6′ W.

28. ............. 39°59.8′ N. 71°01.05′ W.

Point Latitude Longitude

29. ............. 39°58.2′ N. 71° 05.85′ W.

30. ............. 39°57.45′ N. 71°12.15′ W.

31. ............. 39°57.2′ N. 71°15.0′ W.

32. ............. 39°56.3′ N. 71°18.95′ W.

33. ............. 39°51.4′ N. 71°36.1′ W.

34. ............. 39°51.75′ N. 71°41.5′ W.

35. ............. 39°50.05′ N. 71°42.5′ W.

36. ............. 39°50.0′ N. 71°45.0′ W.

37. ............. 39°48.95′ N. 71°46.05′ W.

38. ............. 39°46.6′ N. 71°46.1′ W.

39. ............. 39°43.5′ N. 71°49.4′ W.

40. ............. 39°41.3′ N. 71°55.0′ W.

41. ............. 39°39.0′ N. 71°55.6′ W.

42. ............. 39°36.72′ N. 71°58.25′ W.

43. ............. 39°35.15′ N. 71°58.55′ W.

44. ............. 39°34.5′ N. 72°00.75′ W.

45. ............. 39°32.2′ N. 72°02.25′ W.

46. ............. 39°32.15′ N. 72°04.1′ W.

47. ............. 39°28.5′ N. 72°06.5′ W.

48. ............. 39°29.0′ N. 72°09.25′ W.

to 70

(2) Duration. (i) Mobile Gear. From

November 27 through June 15, no

fishing vessel with mobile gear or

person on a fishing vessel with mobile

gear may fish, or be in Restricted Gear

Area II unless transiting. Vessels may

transit this area provided that all mobile

gear is on board the vessel while inside

the area.

(ii) Lobster pot gear. From June 16

through November 26, no fishing vessel

with lobster pot gear or person on a

fishing vessel with lobster pot gear may

fish, and no lobster pot gear may be

deployed or remain, in Restricted Gear

Area II.

(l) Restricted Gear Area III. (1)

Restricted Gear Area III is defined by

straight lines connecting the following

points in the order stated:

Point Latitude Longitude

Inshore Boundary

to 49

182 ............ 40°05.6′ N. 70°17.7′ W.

183 ............ 40°06.5′ N. 70°40.05′ W.

184 ............ 40°11.05′ N. 70°45.8′ W.

185 ............ 40°12.75′ N. 70°55.05′ W.

186 ............ 40°10.7′ N. 71°10.25′ W.

187 ............ 39°57.9′ N. 71°28.7′ W.

188 ............ 39°55.6′ N. 71°41.2′ W.

189 ............ 39°55.85′ N. 71°45.0′ W.

190 ............ 39°53.75′ N. 71°52.25′ W.

191 ............ 39°47.2′ N. 72°01.6′ W.

192 ............ 39°33.65′ N. 72°15.0′ W.

to 70

Offshore Boundary

to 182

49 .............. 40°02.75′ N. 70°16.1′ W.

50 .............. 40°00.7′ N. 70°18.6′ W.

51 .............. 39°59.8′ N. 70°21.75′ W.

52 .............. 39°59.75′ N. 70°25.5′ W.

53 .............. 40°03.85′ N. 70°28.75′ W.

54 .............. 40°00.55′ N. 70°32.1′ W.

55 .............. 39°59.15′ N. 70°34.45′ W.

56 .............. 39°58.9′ N. 70°38.65′ W.
10750 Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 46 / Monday, March 10, 1997 / Rules and Regulations

Point Latitude Longitude

57 .............. 40°00.1′ N. 70°45.1′ W.

58 .............. 40°00.5′ N. 70°57.6′ W.

59 .............. 40°02.0′ N. 71°01.3′ W.

60 .............. 39°59.3′ N. 71°18.4′ W.

61 .............. 40°00.7′ N. 71°19.8′ W.

62 .............. 39°57.5′ N. 71°20.6′ W.

63 .............. 39°53.1′ N. 71°36.1′ W.

64 .............. 39°52.6′ N. 71°40.35′ W.

65 .............. 39°53.1′ N. 71°42.7′ W.

66 .............. 39°46.95′ N. 71°49.0′ W.

67 .............. 39°41.15′ N. 71°57.1′ W.

68 .............. 39°35.45′ N. 72°02.0′ W.

69 .............. 39°32.65′ N. 72°06.1′ W.

70 .............. 39°29.75′ N. 72°09.8′ W.

to 192

(2) Duration. (i) Mobile gear. From

June 16 through November 26, no

fishing vessel with mobile gear or

person on a fishing vessel with mobile

gear may fish, or be in Restricted Gear

Area III unless transiting.

Vessels may transit this area provided

that all mobile gear is on board the

vessel while inside the area.

(ii) Lobster pot gear.

From January 1 through April 30, no

fishing vessel with lobster pot gear or

person on a fishing vessel with lobster

pot gear may fish, and no lobster pot

gear may be deployed or remain, in

Restricted Gear Area III.

(m) Restricted Gear Area IV. (1)

Restricted Gear Area IV is defined by

straight lines connecting the following

points in the order stated:

Point Latitude Longitude

Inshore Boundary

193 ............ 40°13.60′ N. 68°40.60′ W.

194 ............ 40°11.60′ N. 68°53.00′ W.

195 ............ 40°14.00′ N. 69°04.70′ W.

196 ............ 40°14.30′ N. 69°05.80′ W.

197 ............ 40°05.50′ N. 69°09.00′ W.

198 ............ 39°57.30′ N. 69°25.10′ W.

199 ............ 40°00.40′ N. 69°35.20′ W.

200 ............ 40°01.70′ N. 69°35.40′ W.

201 ............ 40°01.70′ N. 69°37.40′ W.

202 ............ 40°00.50′ N. 69°38.80′ W.

203 ............ 40°01.30′ N. 69°45.00′ W.

204 ............ 40°02.10′ N. 69°45.00′ W.

205 ............ 40°07.60′ N. 70°04.50′ W.

206 ............ 40°07.80′ N. 70°09.20′ W.

to 119

Offshore Boundary

69 .............. 40°07.90′ N. 68°36.00′ W.

70 .............. 40°07.20′ N. 68°38.40′ W.

71 .............. 40°06.90′ N. 68°46.50′ W.

72 .............. 40°08.70′ N. 68°49.60′ W.

73 .............. 40°08.10′ N. 68°51.00′ W.

74 .............. 40°05.70′ N. 68°52.40′ W.

75 .............. 40°03.60′ N. 68°57.20′ W.

76 .............. 40°03.65′ N. 69°00.00′ W.

77. ............. 40°04.35′ N. 69°00.50′ W.

78 .............. 40°05.20′ N. 69°00.50′ W.

79 .............. 40°05.30′ N. 69°01.10′ W.

80 .............. 40°08.90′ N. 69°01.75′ W.

81 .............. 40°11.00′ N. 69°03.80′ W.

Point Latitude Longitude

82 .............. 40°11.60′ N. 69°05.40′ W.

83 .............. 40°10.25′ N. 69°04.40′ W.

84 .............. 40°09.75′ N. 69°04.15′ W.

85 .............. 40°08.45′ N. 69°03.60′ W.

86 .............. 40°05.65′ N. 69°03.55′ W.

87 .............. 40°04.10′ N. 69°03.90′ W.

88 .............. 40°02.65′ N. 69°05.60′ W.

89 .............. 40°02.00′ N. 69°08.35′ W.

90 .............. 40°02.65′ N. 69°11.15′ W.

91 .............. 40°00.05′ N. 69°14.60′ W.

92 .............. 39°57.80′ N. 69°20.35′ W.

93 .............. 39.56.75′ N. 69°24.40′ W.

94 .............. 39°56.50′ N. 69°26.35′ W.

95 .............. 39.56.80′ N. 69°34.10′ W.

96 .............. 39°57.85′ N. 69°35.05′ W.

97 .............. 40°00.65′ N. 69°36.50′ W.

98 .............. 40°00.90′ N. 69°37.30′ W.

99 .............. 39°59.15′ N. 69°37.30′ W.

100 ............ 39°58.80′ N. 69°38.45′ W.

102 ............ 39°56.20′ N. 69°40.20′ W.

103 ............ 39°55.75′ N. 69°41.40′ W.

104 ............ 39°56.70′ N. 69°53.60′ W.

105 ............ 39°57.55′ N. 69°54.05′ W.

106 ............ 39°57.40′ N. 69°55.90′ W.

107 ............ 39°56.90′ N. 69°57.45′ W.

108 ............ 39°58.25′ N. 70°03.00′ W.

110 ............ 39°59.20′ N. 70°04.90′ W.

111 ............ 40°00.70′ N. 70°08.70′ W.

112 ............ 40°03.75′ N. 70°10.15′ W.

115 ............ 40°05.20′ N. 70°10.90′ W.

116 ............ 40°02.45′ N. 70°14.1′ W.

119 ............ 40°02.75′ N. 70°16.1′ W.

to 206

(2) Duration. (i) Mobile gear. From

June 16 through September 30, no

fishing vessel with mobile gear or

person on a fishing vessel with mobile

gear may fish, or be in Restricted Gear

Area IV unless transiting.

Vessels may transit this area provided

that all mobile gear is on board the

vessel while inside the area.

PART 649—AMERICAN LOBSTER

FISHERY

5. The authority citation for part 649

continues to read as follows:

Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.

6. In § 649.2, definitions for ‘‘Beam

trawl,’’ ‘‘Mobile gear,’’ and ‘‘Trawl’’ are

added, in alphabetical order, to read as

follows:

§ 649.2 Definitions.

* * * * *

Beam trawl means gear, consisting of

a twine bag attached to a beam attached

to a towing wire, designed so that the

beam does not contact the bottom. The

beam is constructed with sinkers or

shoes on either side that support the

beam above the bottom or any other

modification so that the beam does not

contact the bottom. The beam trawl is

designed to slide along the bottom

rather than dredge the bottom.

* * * * *

Mobile gear means trawls, beam

trawls, and dredges that are designed to

maneuver with that vessel.

* * * * *

Trawl means gear consisting of a net

that is towed, including but not limited

to beam trawls, pair trawls, otter trawls,

and Danish and Scottish seine gear.

* * * * *

7. In § 649.8, paragraphs (c)(11),

(c)(12), and (c)(13) are added to read as

follows:

§ 649.8 Prohibitions.

* * * * *

(c) * * *

(11) Fish, or be in the areas described

in § 649.23(a)(1), (b)(1), (c)(1), and (d)(1)

on a fishing vessel with mobile gear

during the time periods specified in

§ 649.23(a)(2), (b)(2), (c)(2), and (d)(2),

except as provided in § 649.23(a)(2),

(b)(2), (c)(2), and (d)(2).

(12) Fish, or be in the areas described

in § 649.23(a)(1), (b)(1), and (c)(1) on a

fishing vessel with lobster pot gear

during the time periods specified in

§ 649.23(a)(2), (b)(2), and (c)(2).

(13) Deploy or fail to remove lobster

pot gear in the areas described in

§ 649.23(a)(1), (b)(1), and (c)(1) during

the time periods specified in

§ 649.23(a)(2), (b)(2), and (c)(2).

* * * * *

8. Section 649.23 is added to Subpart

B to read as follows:

§ 649.23 Restricted gear areas.

(a) Restricted Gear Area I. (1)

Restricted Gear Area I is defined by

straight lines connecting the following

points in the order stated:

Point Latitude Longitude

Inshore Boundary

to 120

69 .............. 40°07.9′ N. 68°36.0′ W.

70 .............. 40°07.2′ N. 68°38.4′ W.

71 .............. 40°06.9′ N. 68°46.5′ W.

72 .............. 40°08.7′ N. 68°49.6′ W.

73 .............. 40°08.1′ N. 68°51.0′ W.

74 .............. 40°05.7′ N. 68°52.4′ W.

75 .............. 40°03.6′ N. 68°57.2′ W.

76 .............. 40°03.65′ N. 69°00.0′ W.

77 .............. 40°04.35′ N. 69°00.5′ W.

78 .............. 40°05.2′ N. 69°00.5′ W.

79 .............. 40°05.3′ N. 69°01.1′ W.

80 .............. 40°08.9′ N. 69°01.75′ W.

81 .............. 40°11.0′ N. 69°03.8′ W.

82 .............. 40°11.6′ N. 69°05.4′ W.

83 .............. 40°10.25′ N. 69°04.4′ W.

84 .............. 40°09.75′ N. 69°04.15′ W.

85 .............. 40°08.45′ N. 69°03.6′ W.

86 .............. 40°05.65′ N. 69°03.55′ W.

87 .............. 40°04.1′ N. 69°03.9′ W.

88 .............. 40°02.65′ N. 69°05.6′ W.

89 .............. 40°02.00′ N. 69°08.35′ W.

90 .............. 40°02.65′ N. 69°11.15′ W.

91 .............. 40°00.05′ N. 69°14.6′ W.
Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 46 / Monday, March 10, 1997 / Rules and Regulations 10751

Point Latitude Longitude

92 .............. 39°57.8′ N. 69°20.35′ W.

93 .............. 39°56.65′ N. 69°24.4′ W.

94 .............. 39°56.1′ N. 69°26.35′ W.

95 .............. 39°56.55′ N. 69°34.1′ W.

96 .............. 39°57.85′ N. 69°35.5′ W.

97 .............. 40°00.65′ N. 69°36.5′ W.

98 .............. 40°00.9′ N. 69°37.3′ W.

99 .............. 39°59.15′ N. 69°37.3′ W.

100 ............ 39°58.8′ N. 69°38.45′ W.

102 ............ 39°56.2′ N. 69°40.2′ W.

103 ............ 39°55.75′ N. 69°41.4′ W.

104 ............ 39°56.7′ N. 69°53.6′ W.

105 ............ 39°57.55′ N. 69°54.05′ W.

106 ............ 39°57.4′ N. 69°55.9′ W.

107 ............ 39°56.9′ N. 69°57.45′ W.

108 ............ 39°58.25′ N. 70°03.0′ W.

110 ............ 39°59.2′ N. 70°04.9′ W.

111 ............ 40°00.7′ N. 70°08.7′ W.

112 ............ 40°03.75′ N. 70°10.15′ W.

115 ............ 40°05.2′ N. 70°10.9′ W.

116 ............ 40°02.45′ N. 70°14.1′ W.

119 ............ 40°02.75′ N. 70°16.1′ W.

to 181

Offshore Boundary

to 69

120 ............ 40°06.4′ N. 68°35.8′ W.

121 ............ 40°05.25′ N. 68°39.3′ W.

122 ............ 40°05.4′ N. 68°44.5′ W.

123 ............ 40°06.0′ N. 68°46.5′ W.

124 ............ 40°07.4′ N. 68°49.6′ W.

125 ............ 40°05.55′ N. 68°49.8′ W.

126 ............ 40°03.9′ N. 68°51.7′ W.

127 ............ 40°02.25′ N. 68°55.4′ W.

128 ............ 40°02.6′ N. 69°00.0′ W.

129 ............ 40°02.75′ N. 69°00.75′ W.

130 ............ 40°04.2′ N. 69°01.75′ W.

131 ............ 40°06.15′ N. 69°01.95′ W.

132 ............ 40°07.25′ N. 69°02.0′ W.

133 ............ 40°08.5′ N. 69°02.25′ W.

134 ............ 40°09.2′ N. 69°02.95′ W.

135 ............ 40°09.75′ N. 69°03.3′ W.

136 ............ 40°09.55′ N. 69°03.85′ W.

137 ............ 40°08.4′ N. 69°03.4′ W.

138 ............ 40°07.2′ N. 69°03.3′ W.

139 ............ 40°06.0′ N. 69°03.1′ W.

140 ............ 40°05.4′ N. 69°03.05′ W.

141 ............ 40°04.8′ N. 69°03.05′ W.

142 ............ 40°03.55′ N. 69°03.55′ W.

143 ............ 40°01.9′ N. 69°03.95′ W.

144 ............ 40°01.0′ N. 69°04.4′ W.

146 ............ 39°59.9′ N. 69°06.25′ W.

147 ............ 40°00.6′ N. 69°10.05′ W.

148 ............ 39°59.25′ N. 69°11.15′ W.

149 ............ 39°57.45′ N. 69°16.05′ W.

150 ............ 39°56.1′ N. 69°20.1′ W.

151 ............ 39°54.6′ N. 69°25.65′ W.

152 ............ 39°54.65′ N. 69°26.9′ W.

153 ............ 39°54.8′ N. 69°30.95′ W.

154 ............ 39°54.35′ N. 69°33.4′ W.

155 ............ 39°55.0′ N. 69°34.9′ W.

156 ............ 39°56.55′ N. 69°36.0′ W.

157 ............ 39°57.95′ N. 69°36.45′ W.

158 ............ 39°58.75′ N. 69°36.3′ W.

159 ............ 39°58.8′ N. 69°36.95′ W.

160 ............ 39°57.95′ N. 69°38.1′ W.

161 ............ 39°54.5′ N. 69°38.25′ W.

162 ............ 39°53.6′ N. 69°46.5′ W.

163 ............ 39°54.7′ N. 69°50.0′ W.

164 ............ 39°55.25′ N. 69°51.4′ W.

165 ............ 39°55.2′ N. 69°53.1′ W.

166 ............ 39°54.85′ N. 69°53.9′ W.

167 ............ 39°55.7′ N. 69°54.9′ W.

Point Latitude Longitude

168 ............ 39°56.15′ N. 69°55.35′ W.

169 ............ 39°56.05′ N. 69°56.25′ W.

170 ............ 39°55.3′ N. 69°57.1′ W.

171 ............ 39°54.8′ N. 69°58.6′ W.

172 ............ 39°56.05′ N. 70°00.65′ W.

173 ............ 39°55.3′ N. 70°02.95′ W.

174 ............ 39°56.9′ N. 70°11.3′ W.

175 ............ 39°58.9′ N. 70°11.5′ W.

176 ............ 39°59.6′ N. 70°11.1′ W.

177 ............ 40°01.35′ N. 70°11.2′ W.

178 ............ 40°02.6′ N. 70°12.0′ W.

179 ............ 40°00.4′ N. 70°12.3′ W.

180 ............ 39°59.75′ N. 70°13.05′ W.

181 ............ 39°59.3′ N. 70°14.0′ W.

to 119

(2) Duration—(i) Mobile Gear. From

October 1 through June 15, no fishing

vessel with mobile gear or person on a

fishing vessel with mobile gear may

fish, or be in Restricted Gear Area I

unless transiting. Vessels may transit

this area provided that all mobile gear

is on board the vessel while inside the

area.

(ii) Lobster pot gear. From June 16

through September 30, no fishing vessel

with lobster pot gear or person on a

fishing vessel with lobster pot gear may

fish, and no lobster pot gear may be

deployed or remain, in Restricted Gear

Area I.

(b) Restricted Gear Area II. (1)

Restricted Gear Area II is defined by

straight lines connecting the following

points in the order stated:

Point Latitude Longitude

Inshore Boundary

to 1

49 .............. 40°02.75′ N. 70°16.1′ W.

50 .............. 40°00.7′ N. 70°18.6′ W.

51 .............. 39°59.8′ N. 70°21.75′ W.

52 .............. 39°59.75′ N. 70°25.5′ W.

53 .............. 40°03.85′ N. 70°28.75′ W.

54 .............. 40°00.55′ N. 70°32.1′ W.

55 .............. 39°59.15′ N. 70°34.45′ W.

56 .............. 39°58.9′ N. 70°38.65′ W.

57 .............. 40°00.1′ N. 70°45.1′ W.

58 .............. 40°00.5′ N. 70°57.6′ W.

59 .............. 40°02.0′ N. 71°01.3′ W.

60 .............. 39°59.3′ N. 71°18.4′ W.

61 .............. 40°00.7′ N. 71°19.8′ W.

62 .............. 39°57.5′ N. 71°20.6′ W.

63 .............. 39°53.1′ N. 71°36.1′ W.

64 .............. 39°52.6′ N. 71°40.35′ W.

65 .............. 39°53.1′ N. 71°42.7′ W.

66 .............. 39°46.95′ N. 71°49.0′ W.

67 .............. 39°41.15′ N. 71°57.1′ W.

68 .............. 39°35.45′ N. 72°02.0′ W.

69 .............. 39°32.65′ N. 72°06.1′ W.

70 .............. 39°29.75′ N. 72°09.8′ W.

to 48

Offshore Boundary

to 49

1 ................ 39°59.3′ N. 70°14.0′ W.

2 ................ 39°58.85′ N. 70°15.2′ W.

3 ................ 39°59.3′ N. 70°18.4′ W.

Point Latitude Longitude

4 ................ 39°58.1′ N. 70°19.4′ W.

5 ................ 39°57.0′ N. 70°19.85′ W.

6 ................ 39°57.55′ N. 70°21.25′ W.

7 ................ 39°57.5′ N. 70°22.8′ W.

8 ................ 39°57.1′ N. 70°25.4′ W.

9 ................ 39°57.65′ N. 70°27.05′ W.

10 .............. 39°58.58′ N. 70°27.7′ W.

11 .............. 40°00.65′ N. 70°28.8′ W.

12 .............. 40°02.2′ N. 70°29.15′ W.

13 .............. 40°01.0′ N. 70°30.2′ W.

14 .............. 39°58.58′ N. 70°31.85′ W.

15 .............. 39°57.05′ N. 70°34.35′ W.

16 .............. 39°56.42′ N. 70°36.8′ W.

21 .............. 39°58.15′ N. 70°48.0′ W.

24 .............. 39°58.3′ N. 70°51.1′ W.

25 .............. 39°58.1′ N. 70°52.25′ W.

26 .............. 39°58.05′ N. 70°53.55′ W.

27 .............. 39°58.4′ N. 70°59.6′ W.

28 .............. 39°59.8′ N. 71°01.05′ W.

29 .............. 39°58.2′ N. 71°05.85′ W.

30 .............. 39°57.45′ N. 71°12.15′ W.

31 .............. 39°57.2′ N. 71°15.0′ W.

32 .............. 39°56.3′ N. 71°18.95′ W.

33 .............. 39°51.4′ N. 71°36.1′ W.

34 .............. 39°51.75′ N. 71°41.5′ W.

35 .............. 39°50.05′ N. 71°42.5′ W.

36 .............. 39°50.0′ N. 71°45.0′ W.

37 .............. 39°48.95′ N. 71°46.05′ W.

38 .............. 39°46.6′ N. 71°46.1′ W.

39 .............. 39°43.5′ N. 71°49.4′ W.

40 .............. 39°41.3′ N. 71°55.0′ W.

41 .............. 39°39.0′ N. 71°55.6′ W.

42 .............. 39°36.72′ N. 71°58.25′ W.

43 .............. 39°35.15′ N. 71°58.55′ W.

44 .............. 39°34.5′ N. 72°00.75′ W.

45 .............. 39°32.2′ N. 72°02.25′ W.

46 .............. 39°32.15′ N. 72°04.1′ W.

47 .............. 39°28.5′ N. 72°06.5′ W.

48 .............. 39°29.0′ N. 72°09.25′ W.

to 70

(2) Duration—(i) Mobile Gear. From

November 27 through June 15, no

fishing vessel with mobile gear or

person on a fishing vessel with mobile

gear may fish, or be in Restricted Gear

Area II unless transiting Vessels may

transit this area provided that all mobile

gear is on board the vessel while inside

the area.

(ii) Lobster pot gear. From June 16

through November 26, no fishing vessel

with lobster pot gear or person on a

fishing vessel with lobster pot gear may

fish, and no lobster pot gear may be

deployed or remain, in Restricted Gear

Area II.

(c) Restricted Gear Area III. (1)

Restricted Gear Area III is defined by

straight lines connecting the following

points in the order stated, except as

specified in paragraph (c)(3) of this

section:

Point Latitude Longitude

Inshore Boundary

to 49

182 ............ 40°05.6′ N. 70°17.7′ W.

183 ............ 40°06.5′ N. 70°40.05′ W.
10752 Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 46 / Monday, March 10, 1997 / Rules and Regulations

Point Latitude Longitude

184 ............ 40°11.05′ N. 70°45.8′ W.

185 ............ 40°12.75′ N. 70°55.05′ W.

186 ............ 40°10.7′ N. 71°10.25′ W.

187 ............ 39°57.9′ N. 71°28.7′ W.

188 ............ 39°55.6′ N. 71°41.2′ W.

189 ............ 39°55.85′ N. 71°45.0′ W.

190 ............ 39°53.75′ N. 71°52.25′ W.

191 ............ 39°47.2′ N. 72°01.6′ W.

192 ............ 39°33.65′ N. 72°15.0′ W.

to 70

Offshore Boundary

to 182

49 .............. 40°02.75′ N. 70°16.1′ W.

50 .............. 40°00.7′ N. 70°18.6′ W.

51 .............. 39°59.8′ N. 70°21.75′ W.

52 .............. 39°59.75′ N. 70°25.5′ W.

53 .............. 40°03.85′ N. 70°28.75′ W.

54 .............. 40°00.55′ N. 70°32.1′ W.

55 .............. 39°59.15′ N. 70°34.45′ W.

56 .............. 39°58.9′ N. 70°38.65′ W.

57 .............. 40°00.1′ N. 70°45.1′ W.

58 .............. 40°00.5′ N. 70°57.6′ W.

59 .............. 40°02.0′ N. 71°01.3′ W.

60 .............. 39°59.3′ N. 71°18.4′ W.

61 .............. 40°00.7′ N. 71°19.8′ W.

62 .............. 39°57.5′ N. 71°20.6′ W.

63 .............. 39°53.1′ N. 71°36.1′ W.

64 .............. 39°52.6′ N. 71°40.35′ W.

65 .............. 39°53.1′ N. 71°42.7′ W.

66 .............. 39°46.95′ N. 71°49.0′ W.

67 .............. 39°41.15′ N. 71°57.1′ W.

68 .............. 39°35.45′ N. 72°02.0′ W.

69 .............. 39°32.65′ N. 72°06.1′ W.

70 .............. 39°29.75′ N. 72°09.8′ W.

to 192

(2) Duration—(i) Mobile Gear. From

June 16 through November 26, no

fishing vessel with mobile gear or

person on a fishing vessel with mobile

gear may fish, or be in Restricted Gear

Area III unless transiting. Vessels may

transit this area provided that all mobile

gear is on board the vessel while inside

the area.

(ii) Lobster pot gear. From January 1

through April 30, no fishing vessel with

lobster pot gear or person on a fishing

vessel with lobster pot gear may fish,

and no lobster pot gear may be deployed

or remain, in Restricted Gear Area III.

(d) Restricted Gear Area IV. (1)

Restricted Gear Area IV is defined by

straight lines connecting the following

points in the order stated:

Point Latitude Longitude

Inshore Boundary

193 ............ 40°13.60′ N. 68°40.60′ W.

194 ............ 40°11.60′ N. 68°53.00′ W.

195 ............ 40°14.00′ N. 69°04.70′ W.

196 ............ 40°14.30′ N. 69°05.80′ W.

197 ............ 40°05.50′ N. 69°09.00′ W.

198 ............ 39°57.30′ N. 69°25.10′ W.

199 ............ 40°00.40′ N. 69°35.20′ W.

200 ............ 40°01.70′ N. 69°35.40′ W.

201 ............ 40°01.70′ N. 69°37.40′ W.

202 ............ 40°00.50′ N. 69°38.80′ W.

Point Latitude Longitude

203 ............ 40°01.30′ N. 69°45.00′ W.

204 ............ 40°02.10′ N. 69°45.00′ W.

205 ............ 40°07.60′ N. 70°04.50′ W.

206 ............ 40°07.80′ N. 70°09.20′ W.

to 119

Offshore Boundary

to 193

69 .............. 40°07.90′ N. 68°36.00′ W.

70 .............. 40°07.20′ N. 68°38.40′ W.

71 .............. 40°06.90′ N. 68°46.50′ W.

72 .............. 40°08.70′ N. 68°49.60′ W.

73 .............. 40°08.10′ N. 68°51.00′ W.

74 .............. 40°05.70′ N. 68°52.40′ W.

75 .............. 40°03.60′ N. 68°57.20′ W.

76 .............. 40°03.65′ N. 69°00.00′ W.

77 .............. 40°04.35′ N. 69°00.50′ W.

78 .............. 40°05.20′ N. 69°00.50′ W.

79 .............. 40°05.30′ N. 69°01.10′ W.

80 .............. 40°08.90′ N. 69°01.75′ W.

81 .............. 40°11.00′ N. 69°03.80′ W.

82 .............. 40°11.60′ N. 69°05.40′ W.

83 .............. 40°10.25′ N. 69°04.40′ W.

84 .............. 40°09.75′ N. 69°04.15′ W.

85 .............. 40°08.45′ N. 69°03.60′ W.

86 .............. 40°05.65′ N. 69°03.55′ W.

87 .............. 40°04.10′ N. 69°03.90′ W.

88 .............. 40°02.65′ N. 69°05.60′ W.

89 .............. 40°02.00′ N. 69°08.35′ W.

90 .............. 40°02.65′ N. 69°11.15′ W.

91 .............. 40°00.05′ N. 69°14.60′ W.

92 .............. 39°57.80′ N. 69°20.35′ W.

93 .............. 39.56.75′ N. 69°24.40′ W.

94 .............. 39°56.50′ N. 69°26.35′ W.

95 .............. 39.56.80′ N. 69°34.10′ W.

96 .............. 39°57.85′ N. 69°35.05′ W.

97 .............. 40°00.65′ N. 69°36.50′ W.

98 .............. 40°00.90′ N. 69°37.30′ W.

99 .............. 39°59.15′ N. 69°37.30′ W.

100 ............ 39°58.80′ N. 69°38.45′ W.

102 ............ 39°56.20′ N. 69°40.20′ W.

103 ............ 39°55.75′ N. 69°41.40′ W.

104 ............ 39°56.70′ N. 69°53.60′ W.

105 ............ 39°57.55′ N. 69°54.05′ W.

106 ............ 39°57.40′ N. 69°55.90′ W.

107 ............ 39°56.90′ N. 69°57.45′ W.

108 ............ 39°58.25′ N. 70°03.00′ W.

110 ............ 39°59.20′ N. 70°04.90′ W.

111 ............ 40°00.70′ N. 70°08.70′ W.

112 ............ 40°03.75′ N. 70°10.15′ W.

115 ............ 40°05.20′ N. 70°10.90′ W.

116 ............ 40°02.45′ N. 70°14.1′ W.

119 ............ 40°02.75′ N. 70°16.1′ W.

to 206

(2) Duration—(i) Mobile Gear. From

June 16 through September 30, no

fishing vessel with mobile gear or

person on a fishing vessel with mobile

gear may fish, or be in Restricted Gear

Area IV unless transiting. Vessels may

transit this area provided that all mobile

gear is on board the vessel while inside

the area.

[FR Doc. 97–5478 Filed 3–5–97; 10:22 am]

BILLING CODE 3510–22–P

50 CFR Part 679

[Docket No. 961107312–7021–02; I.D.

030497A]

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic

Zone Off Alaska; Inshore Component

Pollock in the Aleutian Islands Subarea

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries

Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),

Commerce.

ACTION: Inseason adjustment; request for

comments.

SUMMARY: NMFS issues an inseason

adjustment closing directed fishing for

pollock by vessels catching pollock for

processing by the inshore component in

the Aleutian Islands subarea (AI) of the

Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands

management area (BSAI). An adjustment

to the normal time of closure is

necessary to prevent the underharvest of

pollock by vessels catching pollock for

processing by the inshore component in

the AI of the BSAI.

DATES: 2400 hrs, Alaska local time

(A.l.t.), March 4, 1997, until 2400 hrs,

A.l.t., December 31, 1997. Comments

must be received no later than 1630 hrs,

A.l.t., March 19, 1997 (see ADDRESSES).

ADDRESSES: Comments may be sent to

Ronald J. Berg, Chief, Fisheries

Management Division, Alaska Region,

NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK

99802, Attn. Lori Gravel, or be delivered

to the fourth floor of the Federal

Building, 709 West 9th Street, Juneau,

AK.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Mary Furuness, 907–586-7228.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The

groundfish fishery in the BSAI exclusive

economic zone is managed by NMFS

according to the Fishery Management

Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea

and Aleutian Islands Area (FMP)

prepared by the North Pacific Fishery

Management Council under authority of

the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery

Conservation and Management Act.

Fishing by U.S. vessels is governed by

regulations implementing the FMP at

subpart H of 50 CFR part 600 and 50

CFR part 679.

In accordance with § 679.20(c)(3)(iii),

the allocation of the pollock total

allowable catch for vessels catching

pollock for processing by the inshore

component in the AI was established by

the Final 1997 Harvest Specifications

for Groundfish of the BSAI (62 FR 7168,

February 18, 1997) as 9,065 metric tons

(mt).

In accordance with § 679.20(d)(1)(i),

the Administrator, Alaska Region,

NMFS (Regional Administrator), has