15378 Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 62 / Tuesday, April 1, 1997 / Rules and Regulations

Pages Revision

level Date

1 and 4 .......... Revision 2 November 12,

1992.

2, 3, and 5

through 26.

Revision 1 May 18, 1992.

This incorporation by reference was

approved by the Director of the Federal

Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a)

and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained

from Jetstream Aircraft Limited, Manager

Product Support, Prestwick Airport,

Ayrshire, KA9 2RW Scotland; or Jetstream

Aircraft Inc., Librarian, P.O. Box 16029,

Dulles International Airport, Washington,

DC, 20041–6029. Copies may be inspected at

the FAA, Central Region, Office of the

Assistant Chief Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E.

12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the

Office of the Federal Register, 800 North

Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington,

DC.

(g) This amendment (39–9985) becomes

effective on

May 23, 1997.

Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on March

26, 1997.

Michael Gallagher,

Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft

Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 97–8248 Filed 3–31–97; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910–13–U

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 96–ANE–36; Amendment 39–

9955; AD 97–05–11]

RIN 2120–AA64

Airworthiness Directives; AlliedSignal

Inc. ALF502 and LF507 Series

Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation

Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for

comments.

SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes

an existing airworthiness directive (AD),

applicable to AlliedSignal Inc. ALF502R

series turbofan engines, that currently

requires initial and repetitive

inspections of the oil system chip

detectors and oil filter bypass valve, and

optional installation of an improved oil

filter bypass valve, to ensure the

integrity of the reduction gear system

and overspeed protection system. The

optional installation of the improved oil

filter bypass valve provides terminating

action for the oil bypass valve spring

compression test requirements of the

current AD. This amendment requires

more stringent oil system inspection

requirements and expands the

applicable engine models to include

ALF502L and LF507 series turbofan

engines. This amendment is prompted

by power turbine (PT) shaft separations

on engines that had been inspected in

accordance with the current AD. The

actions specified by this AD are

intended to prevent No. 4 and 5 duplex

bearing failure, which can result in a

Stage 4 low pressure turbine (LPT) rotor

failure, an uncontained engine failure,

and damage to the aircraft.

DATES: Effective April 16, 1997.

The incorporation by reference of

certain publications listed in the

regulations is approved by the Director

of the Federal Register as of April 16,

1997. Comments for inclusion in the

Rules Docket must be received on or

before June 2, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in

triplicate to the Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA), New England

Region, Office of the Assistant Chief

Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No.

96-ANE–36, 12 New England Executive

Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299.

Comments may also be sent via the

Internet using the following address: ‘‘9-

ad-engineprop@dot.faa.gov’’. Comments

sent via the Internet must contain the

docket number in the subject line.

The service information referenced in

this AD may be obtained from

AlliedSignal Aerospace, Attn: Data

Distribution, M/S 64–3/2101–201, P.O.

Box 29003, Phoenix, AZ 85038–9003;

telephone (602) 365–2493, fax (602)

365–5577. This information may be

examined at the FAA, New England

Region, Office of the Assistant Chief

Counsel, Burlington, MA; or at the

Office of the Federal Register, 800 North

Capitol Street, NW., suite 700,

Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Raymond Vakili, Aerospace Engineer,

Los Angeles Aircraft Certification

Office, FAA, Transport Airplane

Directorate, 3960 Paramount Blvd.,

Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; telephone

(310) 627–5262; fax (310) 627–5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On July

17, 1987, the Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA) issued

airworthiness directive (AD) 87–06–52

R1, Amendment 39–5688 (52 FR 31979,

August 25, 1987), applicable to

AlliedSignal Inc. (formerly Avco

Lycoming Textron) ALF502R series

turbofan engines, to require initial and

repetitive inspections of the oil system

chip detectors and oil filter bypass

valve, and optional installation of an

improved oil filter bypass valve, to

ensure the integrity of the reduction

gear system and overspeed protection

system. The optional installation of the

improved oil filter bypass valve

provides terminating action for the

repetitive oil filter bypass valve spring

compression test requirements of the

AD 87–06–52 R1, Amendment 39–5688.

That action was prompted by reports of

power turbine (PT) overspeed and

uncontained PT blade failure resulting

from reduction gear system decouple

and inaccurate PT overspeed signal

generation. That condition, if not

corrected, could result in No. 4 and 5

duplex bearing failure, which can result

in a Stage 4 low pressure turbine (LPT)

rotor failure, an uncontained engine

failure, and damage to the aircraft.

Since the issuance of that AD, the

FAA has received reports of four

additional failures of the Stage 4 low

pressure turbine (LPT) rotor on

AlliedSignal Inc. ALF502 series

turbofan engines. The LPT failures were

caused by failure of the No. 4 and 5

duplex bearing, causing bearing seizure

and LPT shaft separation between the

two bearings forward of the Stage 4 LPT

rotor. In one incident the Stage 4 LPT

shaft separation caused an uncontained

rotor failure.

The FAA has reviewed and approved

the technical contents of the following

AlliedSignal Inc. Service Bulletins

(SBs): No. ALF502L 79–0171, Revision

1, dated November 27, 1996; No.

LF507–1F 79–5, Revision 1, dated

November 27, 1996; No. LF507–1H 79–

5, Revision 1, dated November 27, 1996;

and No. ALF502R 79–9, Revision 1,

dated November 27, 1996. These SBs

describe procedures for oil system

inspection. In addition, the FAA has

reviewed and approved the technical

contents of Textron Lycoming SB No.

ALF 502R–79–0162 R2, dated

September 8, 1987, to ensure that

portions of the accomplishment

instructions paragraph of this SB

continue to provide the terminating

action for the oil filter bypass valve

compression spring test, which is

required by AD 87–06–52 R1,

Amendment 39–5688. Also, the FAA
Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 62 / Tuesday, April 1, 1997 / Rules and Regulations 15379

has reviewed and approved the

technical contents of Avco Lycoming

Textron SB No. ALF 502R–72–0160,

Revision 2, dated May 26, 1987, and

Revision 1, dated March 23, 1987, that

describe procedures for chip detector

inspections. Finally, the FAA has

reviewed and approved the technical

contents of Avco Lycoming Textron SB

No. ALF 502R–79–0162, Revision 1,

dated May 26, 1987, and Original, dated

March 23, 1987, that describe

procedures of inspection of the oil filter

bypass valve.

Since an unsafe condition has been

identified that is likely to exist or

develop on other engines of this same

type design, this AD supersedes AD 87–

06–52 R1 to require more stringent oil

system inspection requirements,

including inspection of the full flow

chip detector, oil filter impending

bypass button, oil acid number, oil

color, and oil quantity. The actions are

required to be accomplished in

accordance with the SBs described

previously.

Since a situation exists that requires

the immediate adoption of this

regulation, it is found that notice and

opportunity for prior public comment

hereon are impracticable, and that good

cause exists for making this amendment

effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

Although this action is in the form of

a final rule that involves requirements

affecting flight safety and, thus, was not

preceded by notice and an opportunity

for public comment, comments are

invited on this rule. Interested persons

are invited to comment on this rule by

submitting such written data, views, or

arguments as they may desire.

Communications should identify the

Rules Docket number and be submitted

in triplicate to the address specified

under the caption ADDRESSES. All

communications received on or before

the closing date for comments will be

considered, and this rule may be

amended in light of the comments

received. Factual information that

supports the commenter’s ideas and

suggestions is extremely helpful in

evaluating the effectiveness of the AD

action and determining whether

additional rulemaking action would be

needed.

Comments are specifically invited on

the overall regulatory, economic,

environmental, and energy aspects of

the rule that might suggest a need to

modify the rule. All comments

submitted will be available, both before

and after the closing date for comments,

in the Rules Docket for examination by

interested persons. A report that

summarizes each FAA-public contact

concerned with the substance of this AD

will be filed in the Rules Docket.

Commenters wishing the FAA to

acknowledge receipt of their comments

submitted in response to this notice

must submit a self-addressed, stamped

postcard on which the following

statement is made: ‘‘Comments to

Docket Number 96–ANE–36.’’ The

postcard will be date stamped and

returned to the commenter.

The regulations adopted herein will

not have substantial direct effects on the

States, on the relationship between the

national government and the States, or

on the distribution of power and

responsibilities among the various

levels of government. Therefore, in

accordance with Executive Order 12612,

it is determined that this final rule does

not have sufficient federalism

implications to warrant the preparation

of a Federalism Assessment.

The FAA has determined that this

regulation is an emergency regulation

that must be issued immediately to

correct an unsafe condition in aircraft,

and is not a ‘‘significant regulatory

action’’ under Executive Order 12866. It

has been determined further that this

action involves an emergency regulation

under DOT Regulatory Policies and

Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26,

1979). If it is determined that this

emergency regulation otherwise would

be significant under DOT Regulatory

Policies and Procedures, a final

regulatory evaluation will be prepared

and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy

of it, if filed, may be obtained from the

Rules Docket at the location provided

under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation

safety, Incorporation by reference,

Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

Accordingly, pursuant to the

authority delegated to me by the

Administrator, the Federal Aviation

Administration amends part 39 of the

Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR

part 39) as follows:

PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS

DIRECTIVES

1. The authority citation for part 39

continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 USC 106(g), 40113, 44701.

§39.13 [Amended]

2. Section 39.13 is amended by

removing Amendment 39–5688, (52 FR

31979, August 25, 1987), and by adding

a new airworthiness directive,

Amendment 39–9955, to read as

follows:

97–05–11 AlliedSignal Inc.: Amendment 39–

9955. Docket 96–ANE–36. Supersedes

AD 87–06–52 R1, Amendment 39–5688.

Applicability: AlliedSignal Inc. Model

ALF502 and LF507 series turbofan engines,

installed on but not limited to British

Aerospace BAe146–100A, BAe146–200A,

BAe146–300A, AVRO 146–RJ70A, AVRO

146–RJ85A, AVRO 146–RJ100A, and

Canadair Model CL–600–1A11 series aircraft.

Note 1: This airworthiness directive (AD)

applies to each engine identified in the

preceding applicability provision, regardless

of whether it has been modified, altered, or

repaired in the area subject to the

requirements of this AD. For engines that

have been modified, altered, or repaired so

that the performance of the requirements of

this AD is affected, the owner/operator must

request approval for an alternative method of

compliance in accordance with paragraph (f)

of this AD. The request should include an

assessment of the effect of the modification,

alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition

addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe

condition has not been eliminated, the

request should include specific proposed

actions to address it.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless

accomplished previously.

To prevent No. 4 and 5 duplex bearing

failure, which can result in a Stage 4 low

pressure turbine (LPT) rotor failure, an

uncontained engine failure, and damage to

the aircraft, accomplish the following:

(a) For ALF502R series engines equipped

with oil filter bypass valve, part number (P/

N) 2–303–432–01, accomplish the following:

(1) Inspect the engine oil filter bypass valve

for leakage within the next 25 engine hours

or 25 flights in service, whichever occurs

first, from the effective date of this AD, in

accordance with Avco Lycoming Textron

Service Bulletin (SB) No. ALF 502R–79–

0160, Revision 1, dated March 20, 1987. Prior

to further flight, remove from service oil

filters exhibiting any leakage and replace

with serviceable parts.

(2) Thereafter, inspect the oil filter bypass

valve for any leakage in accordance with

Avco Lycoming Textron SB No. ALF 502R–

79–0162, Original, dated March 23, 1987, or

Revision 1, dated May 26, 1987, at intervals

not to exceed 50 engine hours or 50 flights

in service since last inspection, whichever

occurs first, and accomplish the following:

(i) Visually inspect engine chip detectors

for metal contamination as follows:

(A) Inspect the full flow chip detector for

engines installed with a full flow chip

detector.

(B) Inspect the chip detectors located in the

accessory gearbox, Number 2 bearing

scavenge line, and Number 4/5 bearing

scavenge line, for engines without a full flow

chip detector installed.

(ii) For engines with engine chip detectors

exhibiting Conditions 2 or 3, and for engines

with engine chip detectors exhibiting

Condition 1 where the oil filter bypass

indicator is extended, prior to further flight,

remove oil filter bypass valves exhibiting any

leakage and replace with a serviceable part.
15380 Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 62 / Tuesday, April 1, 1997 / Rules and Regulations

Note 2: Chip detector conditions are

described in Avco Lycoming Textron SB No.

ALF502R–72–0160, Revision 1, dated March

20, 1987, Figures 1, 2 and 3.

(3) At the next engine shop visit, or within

2,500 engine hours after the effective date of

this AD, whichever occurs first, conduct the

oil filter bypass valve spring compression

force check, in accordance with Avco

Lycoming Textron SB No. ALF 502R–79–

0162, Original, dated March 23, 1987. Oil

filter bypass valves which do not comply

with the spring compression force limits

contained in Avco Lycoming Textron SB No.

ALF 502R–79–0162, Original, dated March

23, 1987, must be removed and replaced with

oil filter bypass valve, P/N 2–303–432–02.

Replacement of oil filter bypass valve, P/N 2–

303–432–01, with the improved oil filter

bypass valve, P/N 2–303–432–02, constitutes

terminating action for inspection

requirements of paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2)

of this AD.

(4) For the purpose of this AD, an engine

shop visit is defined as engine maintenance

that entails any of the following:

(i) Separation of a major engine flange

(lettered or numbered) other than flanges

mating with major sections of the nacelle

reverser. Separation of flanges purely for

purposes of shipment, without subsequent

internal maintenance, is not a ‘‘shop visit.’’

(ii) Removal of a disk, hub, or spool.

(iii) Removal of the fuel nozzles.

(b) For ALF 502R series engines equipped

with the No. 4 and 5 duplex bearing

assembly numbers 2–141–930–01, or 2–141–

930–02, or 2–141–930–03, perform repetitive

oil system maintenance and inspections in

accordance with the intervals and procedures

described in AlliedSignal Inc. SB No.

ALF502R 79–9, Revision 1, dated November

27, 1996.

(c) For ALF502L series engines equipped

with the No. 4 and 5 duplex bearing

assembly numbers 2–141–930–01, or 2–141–

930–02, or 2–141–930–03, perform repetitive

oil system maintenance and inspections in

accordance with the intervals and procedures

described in AlliedSignal Inc. SB No.

ALF502L 79–071, Revision 1, dated

November 27, 1996.

(d) For LF507–1F series engines equipped

with the No. 4 and 5 duplex bearing

assembly numbers 2–141–930–01, or 2–141–

930–02, or 2–141–930–03, perform repetitive

oil system maintenance and inspections in

accordance with the intervals and procedures

described in AlliedSignal Inc. SB No. LF507–

1F–79–5, Revision 1, dated November 27,

1996.

(e) For LF507–1H series engines equipped

with the No. 4 and 5 duplex bearing

assembly numbers 2–141–930–01, or 2–141–

930–02, or 2–141–930–03, perform repetitive

oil system maintenance and inspections in

accordance with the intervals and procedures

described in AlliedSignal Inc. SB No. LF507–

1H–79–5, Revision 1, dated November 27,

1996.

(f) An alternative method of compliance or

adjustment of the compliance time that

provides an acceptable level of safety may be

used if approved by the Manager, Los

Angeles Aircraft Certification Office. The

request should be forwarded through an

appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance

Inspector, who may add comments and then

send it to the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft

Certification Office.

Note 3: Information concerning the

existence of approved alternative methods of

compliance with this airworthiness directive,

if any, may be obtained from the Los Angeles

Aircraft Certification Office.

(g) Special flight permits may be issued in

accordance with §§ 21.197 and 21.199 of the

Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197

and 21.199) to operate the aircraft to a

location where the inspection requirements

of this AD can be accomplished.

(h) The actions required by this AD shall

be done in accordance with the

accomplishment instructions paragraphs of

the following documents:

Document No. Pages Revision Date

Avco Lycoming Textron SB No. ALF 502R–72–0160 ........................................... 1–7 ................... 2 ....................... May 26, 1987.

Total Pages: 7.

Avco Lycoming Textron SB No. ALF 502R–72–0160 ........................................... 1–7 ................... 1 ....................... March 23, 1987.

Total Pages: 7.

Avco Lycoming Textron SB No. ALF 502R–79–0162 ........................................... 1–5 ................... 2 ....................... September 8, 1987.

Total Pages: 5.

Avco Lycoming Textron SB No. ALF 502R–79–0162 ........................................... 1–4 ................... 1 ....................... May 26, 1987.

Total Pages: 4.

Avco Lycoming Textron SB No. ALF 502R–79–0162 ........................................... 1–6 ................... Original ............. March 23, 1987.

Total Pages: 6.

AlliedSignal Inc. SB No. ALF502R 79–9 ............................................................... 1 ....................... 1 ....................... November 27, 1996.

2 ....................... Original ............. June 29, 1995.

3–7 ................... 1 ....................... November 27, 1996.

8 ....................... Original ............. June 29, 1995.

9–12 ................. 1 ....................... November 27, 1996.

13,14 ................ Original ............. June 29, 1995.

Total Pages: 14.

AlliedSignal Inc. SB No. LF507–1F.

79–5 1 ....................... 1 ....................... November 27, 1996.

2 ....................... Original ............. June 29, 1995.

3–7 ................... 1 ....................... November 27, 1996.

8 ....................... Original ............. June 29, 1995.

9–12 ................. 1 ....................... November 27, 1996.

13,14 ................ Original ............. June 29, 1995.

Total Pages: 14.

AlliedSignal Inc. SB No. LF507–1H 79–5 ............................................................. 1 ....................... 1 ....................... November 27, 1996.

2 ....................... Original ............. June 29, 1995.

3–7 ................... 1 ....................... November 27, 1996.

8 ....................... Original ............. June 29, 1995.

9–12 ................. 1 ....................... November 27, 1996.

13,14 ................ Original ............. June 29, 1995.

Total Pages: 14.

AlliedSignal Inc. SB ALF502L 79–0171 ................................................................ 1 ....................... 1 ....................... November 27, 1996.

2 ....................... Original ............. November 3, 1995.

3–7 ................... 1 ....................... November 27, 1996.

8 ....................... Original ............. November 3, 1995.

9–12 ................. 1 ....................... November 27, 1996.

13,14 ................ Original ............. November 3, 1995.

Total Pages: 14.
Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 62 / Tuesday, April 1, 1997 / Rules and Regulations 15381

This incorporation by reference was

approved by the Director of the Federal

Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C.

552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may

be obtained from AlliedSignal

Aerospace, Attn: Data Distribution, M/S

64–3/2101–201, P.O. Box 29003,

Phoenix, AZ 85038–9003; telephone

(602) 365–2493, fax (602) 365–5577.

Copies may be inspected at the FAA,

New England Region, Office of the

Assistant Chief Counsel, 12 New

England Executive Park, Burlington,

MA; or at the Office of the Federal

Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW.,

suite 700, Washington, DC.

(i) This amendment becomes effective

on April 16, 1997.

Issued in Burlington, MA, on March 27,

1997.

James C. Jones,

Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller

Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 97–8427 Filed 3–28–97; 3:15 pm]

BILLING CODE 4910–13–U

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric

Administration

15 CFR Part 902

50 CFR Part 648

[Docket No. 970318056–7056–01; I.D.

021397B]

RIN 0648–AJ43

Fisheries of the Northeastern United

States; Northeast Multispecies

Fishery; Framework Adjustment 20

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries

Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),

Commerce.

ACTION: Interim final rule; request for

comments.

SUMMARY: NMFS issues this interim

final rule to implement measures

contained in Framework 20 of the

Northeast Multispecies Fishery

Management Plan (FMP). This interim

final rule implements management

measures that include: A daily trip limit

for cod for vessels when fishing north of

42°00′ N. lat.; a seasonal increase in the

haddock limit from 1,000 lb (453.6 kg)

per trip to 1,000 lb (453.6 kg) per day

up to a maximum of 10,000 lb (4,536.0

kg) per trip beginning September 1,

1997, and ending when 1,150 mt are

harvested; gillnet effort-reduction

measures including a limit on the

number of nets; and several exempted

fishery actions, including exemptions

for monkfish, skate, and dogfish in the

Gulf of Maine and Southern New

England Regulated Mesh Areas. The

intent of this rule is to achieve the

conservation goals established by

Amendment 7 to the FMP while

mitigating its economic impacts and to

simultaneously incorporate several

other Council actions that would

otherwise have been submitted as

separate frameworks.

DATES: Effective: May 1, 1997. Public

comments on the rule are invited

through May 1, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Comments on the rule

should be sent to Dr. Andrew A.

Rosenberg, Regional Administrator,

NMFS, Northeast Regional Office, 1

Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930,

Attention: Susan A. Murphy. Copies of

Amendment 7 to the FMP (Amendment

7), its regulatory impact review (RIR),

and the final regulatory flexibility

analysis (FRFA) contained with the RIR,

its final supplemental environmental

impact statement (FSEIS), and

Framework Adjustment 20 documents

are available on request from Paul J.

Howard, Executive Director, New

England Fishery Management Council, 5

Broadway, Saugus, MA, 01906–1097.

Comments regarding burden-hour

estimates for collection-of-information

requirements contained in this final rule

should be sent to Dr. Andrew A.

Rosenberg, Regional Administrator, 1

Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930,

and the Office of Information and

Regulatory Affairs, Office of

Management and Budget (OMB),

Washington, D.C. 20502 (Attention:

NOAA Desk Officer).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Susan A. Murphy, Fishery Policy

Analyst, 508–281–9252.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The

regulations implementing Amendment 7

(61 FR 27710, May 31, 1996) became

effective on July 1, 1996. The objective

of the amendment to the FMP is to

rebuild depleted stocks of Georges Bank

(GB) and Gulf of Maine (GOM) cod, GB

haddock, and GB and Southern New

England (SNE) yellowtail flounder by

reducing fishing effort through a

number of management measures,

primarily controls on days-at-sea (DAS)

and area closures. To ensure that this

goal is achieved, the regulations

established a procedure for setting

annual target total allowable catches

(TACs) for the primary cod, haddock,

and yellowtail flounder stocks and an

aggregate TAC for the combined stocks

of the remaining regulated multispecies,

based on the biological reference points

of Fmax for GOM cod and F0.1 for the

remaining stocks of cod, haddock, and

yellowtail flounder. The target TACs

provide a measure by which to evaluate

the effectiveness of the management

program and to make determinations on

the need for annual adjustments to this

program.

The regulations require the

Multispecies Monitoring Committee

(MSMC) to review the best available

scientific information, adjust target

TACs, and recommend management

options to achieve the plan objectives.

In its report delivered at the December

11–12, 1996, New England Fishery

Management Council (Council) meeting,

the MSMC concluded that spawning

stock biomass (SSB) has increased or is

projected to increase for the primary

stocks. In addition, the MSMC

concluded that, with the exception of

GOM cod, fishing mortality rates have

been reduced to below their respective

overfishing definitions. The MSMC

report offered optimistic news

concerning increased or increasing SSB

levels for the major stocks, and

decreasing fishing mortality rates for all

but the GOM cod stock, but cautioned

that SSB for 1996 GB cod, haddock, and

yellowtail flounder stocks remain below

the biological thresholds established in

the FMP and recommended additional

reductions in fishing mortality,

particularly for GOM cod.

Based on projected 1997 stock sizes

and the FMP’s 1997 fishing mortality

targets, the target TACs for the 1997

fishing year, recommended by the

MSMC and adopted by the Council, are

as follows:

Species/area

1997 target TACs

(metric

tons)

1996 target TACs

(metric

tons)

Georges Bank cod .... 3,646 1,851

Georges Bank haddock ....................... 1,608 2,801

Georges Bank

yellowtail flounder .. 776 385

Gulf of Maine cod ..... 2,605 2,761

Southern New England yellowtail

flounder .................. 824 150

Aggregate for remaining regulated species ........................ 25,500 25,500

In addition to setting the target TACs,

the MSMC report provided the Council

with five management options projected

to keep the target TACs from being

exceeded. These options were based on

DAS reductions and/or year-round area

closures.

At its December 1996 and January 7,

1997, meetings, the Council considered

the range of events, circumstances and

regulations occurring or projected to

take effect in 1997, and their collective