Source: https://regulations.justia.com/regulations/fedreg/2013/10/25/2013-25263.html
Timestamp: 2020-07-16 14:03:11
Document Index: 514064741

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 622', 'art 622', 'art 622', 'art 622', 'ART 622', 'art 622', '§ 622', '§ 622', '§ 622', '§ 622', '§ 622', '§ 622', '§ 622', '§ 622', '§ 622', 'art 622']

Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Revisions to Headboat Reporting Requirements for Species Managed by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, 63946-63950 [2013-25263] :: National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration :: Department Of Commerce :: Regulation Tracker :: Justia
Justia Regulation Tracker Department Of Commerce National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Revisions to Headboat Reporting Requirements for Species Managed by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, 63946-63950 [2013-25263]
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Revisions to Headboat Reporting Requirements for Species Managed by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, 63946-63950 [2013-25263]
Download as PDF 63946 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 207 / Friday, October 25, 2013 / Proposed Rules tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS qualify for listing as endangered or threatened under the ESA. Siderastrea glynni was first discovered in 1992 as an endemic species in Panama in a small area near the Pacific opening of the Panama Canal. Only five individual colonies have ever been discovered. Four currently survive. According to the IUCN assessment, during the 1997–98 El ˜ Nino the four S. glynni colonies started to deteriorate, displaying bleaching and tissue loss. Due to their unhealthy state, the four colonies were moved to Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) aquaria in Panama where they remain to this day. Attempts made by STRI staff to propagate this coral in the STRI aquaria have produced 11 propagules, which also remain in captivity. Recent genetic work by Forsman et al. (2005) has shown that this species is genetically very similar to the Caribbean species S. siderea. Their study could not differentiate between the possibility that S. siderea and S. glynni are the same species and that S. glynni may have recently passed through or been carried across the Panama Canal to the Pacific Ocean side, or the alternate possibility that S. glynni evolved from S. siderea 2 to 2.3 million years ago during a period of high sea level that may have breached the Isthmus of Panama. However, because of the possibility that S. glynni is a unique species, we conclude that the species-specific information presented in the petition and our files constitutes substantial information that listing this species may be warranted. Some species-specific abundance data exist for Tubastraea floreana. The species is also endemic to the Galapagos Islands. According to the IUCN assessment, prior to the 1982–83 ENSO the species was known from six sites on four islands. Since the 1982–83 ENSO specimens have only been observed at two sites. At one of these two sites the species has not been seen since 2001, leaving only a single confirmed site with living specimens. We have no additional information on this species in our files. Therefore, we conclude that the species-specific information presented in the petition constitutes substantial information that listing may be warranted for T. floreana. Petition Finding After reviewing the information contained in the petition, as well as information readily available in our files, including the sections of the petition applicable to all of the petitioned corals as well as the speciesspecific information, we conclude the petition in its entirety does not present VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:00 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 232001 substantial scientific or commercial information indicating the petitioned action may be warranted for 20 of the 23 species of corals. These 20 species are: Acropora roseni, Acropora suharsoni, Alveopora excelsa, Alveopora minuta, Ctenella chagius, Hydnophora bonsai, Isopora togianensis, Lithophyllon ranjithi, Lobophyllia serratus, Millepora boschmai, Millepora striata, Montipora setosa, Parasimplastrea sheppardi, Pectinia maxima, Pocillopora fungiformis, Porites desilveri, Porites eridani, Porites ornata, Rhizopsammia wellingtoni, and Stylophora madagascarensis. In contrast, as described above, we find that there is substantial scientific or commercial information indicating the petitioned action may be warranted for 3 of the 23 species of corals and we hereby announce the initiation of a status review for each of these three species to determine whether the petition action is warranted. These 3 species are: Cantharellus noumeae, Siderastrea glynni, and Tubastraea floreana. Information Solicited To ensure that the status review is based on the best available scientific and commercial data, we are soliciting information relevant to whether the three species we believe may be warranted for listing (Cantharellus noumeae, Siderastrea glynni, and Tubastraea floreana) are threatened or endangered. Specifically, we are soliciting information, including unpublished information, in the following areas: (1) Historical and current distribution and abundance of each species throughout its range; (2) historical and current population trends; (3) life history; (4) data on international trade; (5) any current or planned activities, including additional details on those threats discussed above, that may adversely impact the species; (6) current status and plans for husbandry or release of Siderstrea glynni, (7) ongoing or planned efforts to protect and restore the population and its habitat; and (8) management, regulatory, and enforcement information. We request that all information be accompanied by: (1) supporting documentation such as maps, bibliographic references, or reprints of pertinent publications; and (2) the submitter’s name, address, and any association, institution, or business that the person represents. References Cited A complete list of references is available upon request to the Office of Protected Resources (see ADDRESSES). PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Authority The authority for this action is the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Dated: October 18, 2013. Alan D. Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, performing the functions and duties of the Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2013–25095 Filed 10–24–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 622 [Docket No. 130802673–3673–01] RIN 0648–BD49 Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Revisions to Headboat Reporting Requirements for Species Managed by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comments. AGENCY: NMFS proposes regulations to implement management measures described in a framework action to the Fishery Management Plans for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf), as prepared by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Gulf Council); and Coastal Migratory Pelagic (CMP) Resources of the Gulf and South Atlantic Region, as prepared by the Gulf Council and the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (South Atlantic Council) (Headboat Reporting Framework). If implemented, this rule would modify the recordkeeping and reporting requirements for headboat owners and operators who fish for species managed by the Gulf Council through the previously mentioned FMPs. These revisions would require fishing records to be submitted electronically (via computer or internet) on a weekly basis or at intervals shorter than a week if notified by the NMFS’ Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) Science and Research Director (SRD), and would prohibit headboats from continuing to fish if they are delinquent in submitting reports. The purpose of this rule is to obtain timelier fishing information from headboats to SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\25OCP1.SGM 25OCP1 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 207 / Friday, October 25, 2013 / Proposed Rules better monitor recreational annual catch limits (ACLs), improve stock assessments, and improve compliance with reporting in Gulf fisheries. DATES: Written comments must be received on or before November 25, 2013. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on the proposed rule, identified by ‘‘NOAA–NMFS–2013–0111’’, by any of the following methods: • Electronic submissions: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to www.regulations.gov/ #!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-20130111, click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments. • Mail: Submit written comments to Rich Malinowski, Southeast Regional Office, NMFS, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered by NMFS. All comments received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying information (e.g., name, address, etc.), confidential business information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily by the sender will be publicly accessible. NMFS will accept anonymous comments (enter ‘‘N/A’’ in the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous). Attachments to electronic comments will be accepted in Microsoft Word, Excel, or Adobe PDF file formats only. Electronic copies of the Headboat Reporting Framework, which includes an environmental assessment and a regulatory impact review, may be obtained from the Southeast Regional Office Web site at http:// sero.nmfs.noaa.gov. Comments regarding the burden-hour estimates or other aspects of the collection-of-information requirements contained in this proposed rule may be submitted in writing to Anik Clemens, Southeast Regional Office, NMFS, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701; and OMB, by email at OIRA Submission@omb.eop.gov, or by fax to 202–395–7285. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rich Malinowski, Southeast Regional Office, NMFS, telephone 727–824–5305; email: Rich.Malinowski@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS and the Councils manage the fisheries for Gulf reef fish and Gulf and South Atlantic CMP under their respective VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:00 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 232001 FMPs. The FMPs were prepared by the Gulf and South Atlantic Councils and are implemented through regulations at 50 CFR part 622 under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). Background The Magnuson-Stevens Act requires NMFS and regional fishery management councils to prevent overfishing and achieve, on a continuing basis, the optimum yield from federally managed fish stocks. These mandates are intended to ensure that fishery resources are managed for the greatest overall benefit to the nation, particularly with respect to providing food production and recreational opportunities, and protecting marine ecosystems. To further this goal, the Magnuson-Stevens Act requires fishery managers to specify their strategy to rebuild overfished stocks to a sustainable level within a certain time frame, to minimize bycatch and bycatch mortality to the extent practicable, and to establish accountability measures (AMs) for stocks to ensure that ACLs are not exceeded. One of the purposes of this proposed rule is to allow better monitoring of recreational ACLs to reduce the amount of recreational ACL overages. Currently, overages have the potential to result in significant disruption in fishing behavior the following fishing year and to reduce revenue and profit for fishermen. Overages also may decrease the ability of stocks to rebuild when overfished and may lead to overfishing conditions. The management measures contained in this proposed rule, including requiring headboats to report electronically and increasing the frequency of headboat reporting, would help improve monitoring of the recreational ACLs. The other purposes of this proposed rule are to improve stock assessments and to improve data reporting compliance in Gulf fisheries. Headboat landings are an important component of stock assessments. The increased frequency of headboat data reporting and electronic reporting required by this rule would help to improve stock assessments because it would provide a more accurate picture of headboat landings. Headboat owners and operators who are delinquent on submitting reports would not be allowed to fish until all required reports have been submitted. This requirement should help to improve compliance with data reporting within the recreational sector. PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 63947 In addition, the management measures contained in this proposed rule are compatible with the proposed revisions to headboat reporting requirements for fisheries managed by the South Atlantic Council. Management Measures Contained in the Proposed Rule This proposed rule would: require electronic reporting for headboat vessels in the Gulf reef fish and Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fisheries; increase the reporting frequency for headboat vessels in these fisheries; and prohibit headboats from continuing to fish if they are delinquent in submitting their reports. Mandatory Electronic Reporting for Headboat Vessels Currently, a headboat selected to report by the SRD must maintain a fishing record for each trip, or a portion of such trips, as specified by the SRD, and on forms provided by the SRD. Until January 1, 2013, the SRD provided federally permitted headboats with paper forms to submit their fishing data. However, as of January 1, 2013, the SRD requested that federally-permitted headboats report electronically. This proposed rule would revise the regulations to explicitly require that headboats submit their fishing information electronically (via computer or Internet). NMFS would require headboat owners and operators, who are selected by the SRD, to submit a detailed electronic fishing record of all fish caught through the ‘‘Southeast Region Headboat Survey,’’ an electronic reporting system developed by the SEFSC for trips completed, and to submit no fishing reports when no trips are taken. Headboat owners and operators would be required to submit an electronic logbook (eLog) form instead of a paper form. This form is available through a password protected Web site that can be accessed by personal computer, computer tablet, or ‘‘smart’’ phone (an application can be downloaded on both Android phones and iPhones). The Web site can be accessed at https://selogbook.com. An access code is required to log in to the Web site. Bluefin Data also requires a current email address for each vessel owner to send access codes and other information regarding the Web site to vessel owners. Once Bluefin Data registers a vessel owner and provides the vessel owner with an access code via email, the vessel owner is able to log in to the Web site and create a password for his account. The vessel owner can register more than one vessel under his E:\FR\FM\25OCP1.SGM 25OCP1 63948 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 207 / Friday, October 25, 2013 / Proposed Rules password and more than one captain. The vessel owner determines who can access the Web site using his password. The data elements for completed trips that are currently being collected by the SRD include date(s) and duration of fishing; vessel name and official number of the vessel; captain name; location of fishing in lat/long; number of anglers; minimum, maximum and primary depth fished; number of fish of each species kept; and number of fish of each species released. During catastrophic conditions only, this rule would allow headboat owners and operators to use a paper-based system for submitting electronic fishing records. The Regional Administrator (RA) would determine when catastrophic conditions exist, the duration of the catastrophic conditions, and which participants are affected. The RA would provide notice of a paperbased system via notification in the Federal Register, NOAA weather radio, fishery bulletins, and other appropriate means and would authorize the use of the paper-based system for the duration of the catastrophic conditions. The paper forms would be available from NMFS. During catastrophic conditions, the RA would have the authority to waive or modify reporting time requirements. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Increase Reporting Frequency for the Headboat Sector Currently, headboat reporting forms are due on a monthly basis, and must either be made available to a fisheries statistics reporting agent or be postmarked no later than 7 days after the end of each month and sent to the SRD. This proposed rule would modify the frequency of reporting to be on a weekly basis (or intervals shorter than a week if notified by the SRD) and would be due by 11:59 p.m., local time, the Sunday following a reporting week. A reporting week is defined as beginning at 12:01 a.m., local time, on Sunday and ending at 11:59 p.m., local time, the following Saturday. If no fishing activity occurred during a reporting week, an electronic report so stating would be required to be submitted for that reporting week. Non-compliance With Reporting Requirement This rule would prohibit headboat owners and operators who are delinquent in submitting their fishing records from continuing to harvest and possess Gulf reef fish and Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fish until all required fishing records have been submitted. The owner and operator are liable for all prohibited harvest and possession VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:00 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 232001 onboard the vessel, including that by the crew and/or passengers. This provision would aid in enforcement efforts to ensure that electronic fishing records are submitted in a timely manner. Classification Pursuant to section 304(b)(1)(A) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the NOAA Assistant Administrator for Fisheries (AA) has determined that this proposed rule is consistent with the two affected FMPs, the Magnuson-Stevens Act, and other applicable law, subject to further consideration after public comment. This proposed rule has been determined to be not significant for purposes of Executive Order 12866. The Chief Counsel for Regulation of the Department of Commerce certified to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration that this proposed rule, if implemented, would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The factual basis for this determination is as follows: The purpose of this proposed rule is to change the current reporting requirements for federally permitted headboats that operate in the Gulf exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in order to improve data collection methods to help ensure that landings of managed fish stocks are recorded accurately and in a timely manner so that recreational ACLs are not exceeded. The MagnusonStevens Act provides the statutory basis for this proposed rule. This proposed rule, if implemented, would be expected to directly affect an estimated 70 headboat for-hire fishing businesses that operate in the Gulf EEZ. The average headboat is estimated to receive approximately $247,000 (2012 dollars) in annual gross revenue. NMFS has not identified any other small entities that would be expected to be directly affected by this proposed rule. The Small Business Administration (SBA) has established size criteria for all major industry sectors in the U.S. including seafood dealers and harvesters. A business involved in the for-hire fishing industry is classified as a small business if it is independently owned and operated, is not dominant in its field of operation (including its affiliates), and has combined annual receipts not in excess of $7.0 million (NAICS code 487210, fishing boat charter operation). The SBA periodically reviews the size criteria and establishes new thresholds when appropriate. The most recent final rule establishing new size criteria was published June 20, 2013 (78 FR 37398). However, the receipts threshold for the PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 for-hire industry was not changed as a result of the latest or other recent review and rulemaking by the SBA. Because the average annual revenue for the headboat businesses expected to be directly affected by this proposed rule is significantly less than the SBA revenue threshold, all these businesses are determined, for the purpose of this analysis, to be small business entities. This proposed rule, if implemented, would require headboat fishing businesses selected by the SRD to submit weekly records, or at shorter intervals if notified by the SRD, of their fishing activity via computer or Internet (electronic reporting). This requirement would not be expected to require special professional skills. The use of computers, the Internet, or other forms of electronic connections and communication is commonplace in the business environment. As a result, all affected small entities would be expected to already have staff with the appropriate skills and training to meet this requirement. This proposed rule, if implemented, would be expected to have little to no impact on the profits of any of the small entities expected to be directly affected. Although not currently explicitly required by regulation, the SRD has requested electronic reporting since January 1, 2013, for federally-permitted Gulf headboats. As a result, most, if not all, Gulf headboat businesses are expected to currently be submitting reports of their fishing activity electronically. For any headboat business that may not currently use the electronic reporting system, any increase in operating expenses should be minor. The use of computers and the Internet is commonplace and a vital tool in business management. The SBA estimated that in 2010 approximately 94 percent of businesses had a computer and 95 percent of these had Internet service. As a result, the majority of the affected entities would not be expected to need to incur new operational expenses to report electronically. For those few entities that might not already be reporting electronically, any new expenses that might need to be incurred would not be expected to constitute a significant increase in business expenses. Computers under $750 are readily available and Internet services under $100 per month would be expected to be available in most locations. The estimated average annual revenue for a Gulf headboat business is approximately $247,000 (2012 dollars). NMFS estimates that the requirement for Gulf headboat owners and operators to report electronically would result in a net zero effect on the reporting burden E:\FR\FM\25OCP1.SGM 25OCP1 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 207 / Friday, October 25, 2013 / Proposed Rules of affected entities compared to paper reporting. The estimated reporting burden under either paper or electronic reporting is 10 minutes per report, or approximately 16.7 hours per entity per year based on an average of 100 reports per year. Assuming an hourly wage rate of $22.42 (2012 dollars, mean hourly wage rate, first-line supervisors of farming, fishing, and forestry workers), the estimated total annual cost to submit 100 reports would be approximately $374. As previously stated, this cost would not be expected to change as a result of the proposed requirement for electronic reporting. Therefore, the proposed requirement for electronic submission of headboat reports would be expected to result in minor to no direct economic effect on most, if not all, Gulf headboat businesses. This proposed rule, if implemented, would also increase the frequency of reporting by Gulf headboat businesses selected by the SRD from the current requirement of monthly reports that must be submitted within 7 days of the end of each month to weekly reporting (7 days after the end of each week ending on Sunday) or at shorter intervals if notified by the SRD. Keeping accurate records is essential to successful business operation. As a result, recording trips as they are completed, or as soon as is practical, is expected to be the common business practice. Electronic recording and reporting would be expected to support additional labor and business management efficiencies because it would be expected to allow better data storage, retrieval, and production of annual performance summaries for use in business planning. Therefore, the proposed increase in the frequency of reporting would be expected to require little, if any, change in business practices or associated operational costs. Additionally, this proposed rule would prohibit vessels from fishing if required fishing records have not been submitted within the required timeframe. Although a prohibition on fishing could have a significant adverse economic effect on the affected business, depending on the duration of prohibition and revenue from nonfishing activities, failure to submit the required electronic fishing records would not be an economically rational business practice in light of the minimal burden to submit fishing records and potential consequences of noncompliance. As a result, few if any headboat businesses would be expected to experience any reduction in profit as a result of this component of this proposed rule. VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:00 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 232001 Based on the discussion above, NMFS determines that this proposed rule, if implemented, would not have a significant economic effect on a substantial number of small entities. As a result, an initial regulatory flexibility analysis is not required and none has been prepared. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with, a collection-of-information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), unless that collection-of-information displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. This proposed rule contains collection-of-information requirements subject to the PRA. NMFS is revising the collection-of-information requirements under OMB control number 0648–0016. NMFS estimates the requirement for Gulf headboat owners and operators to report electronically would result in a net zero effect on the reporting burden under OMB control number 0648–0016, because headboat owners and operators would continue to report all species harvested, however, now it would be electronically instead of by paper. NMFS estimates the requirement for headboat owners and operators to report more frequently (weekly instead of monthly) would not create more burden on headboat owners and operators, because the headboat owners and operators would still be reporting the same amount of information, they would just be transmitting the data more frequently. These estimates of the public reporting burden include the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection-of-information. These requirements have been submitted to OMB for approval. NMFS seeks public comment regarding: Whether this proposed collection-ofinformation is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; the accuracy of the burden estimate; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the collection-of-information, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of the collection-ofinformation requirement, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to NMFS and to OMB (see ADDRESSES). PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 63949 List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 622 Fisheries, Fishing, Gulf, Headboat, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Dated: October 21, 2013. Alan D. Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, performing the functions and duties of the Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service. For the reasons set out in the preamble, 50 CFR part 622 is proposed to be amended as follows: PART 622—FISHERIES OF THE CARIBBEAN, GULF OF MEXICO, AND SOUTH ATLANTIC 1. The authority citation for part 622 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. 2. In § 622.26, paragraph (b) is revised to read as follows: ■ § 622.26 Recordkeeping and reporting. * * * * * (b) Charter vessel/headboat owners and operators—(1) General reporting requirement—(i) Charter vessels. The owner or operator of a charter vessel for which a charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf reef fish has been issued, as required under § 622.20(b), or whose vessel fishes for or lands such reef fish in or from state waters adjoining the Gulf EEZ, who is selected to report by the SRD must maintain a fishing record for each trip, or a portion of such trips as specified by the SRD, on forms provided by the SRD and must submit such record as specified in paragraph (b)(2) of this section. (ii) Headboats. The owner or operator of a headboat for which a charter vessel/ headboat permit for Gulf reef fish has been issued, as required under § 622.20(b), or whose vessel fishes for or lands such reef fish in or from state waters adjoining the Gulf EEZ, who is selected to report by the SRD must submit an electronic fishing record for each trip of all fish harvested within the time period specified in paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section, via the Southeast Region Headboat Survey. (2) Reporting deadlines—(i) Charter vessels. Completed fishing records required by paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section for charter vessels must be submitted to the SRD weekly, postmarked no later than 7 days after the end of each week (Sunday). Information to be reported is indicated on the form and its accompanying instructions. (ii) Headboats. Electronic fishing records required by paragraph (b)(1)(ii) E:\FR\FM\25OCP1.SGM 25OCP1 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS 63950 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 207 / Friday, October 25, 2013 / Proposed Rules of this section for headboats must be submitted at weekly intervals (or intervals shorter than a week if notified by the SRD) by 11:59 p.m., local time, the Sunday following a reporting week. If no fishing activity occurred during a reporting week, an electronic report so stating must be submitted for that reporting week by 11:59 p.m., local time, the Sunday following a reporting week. (3) Catastrophic conditions. During catastrophic conditions only, NMFS provides for use of paper forms for basic required functions as a backup to the electronic reports required by paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section. The RA will determine when catastrophic conditions exist, the duration of the catastrophic conditions, and which participants or geographic areas are deemed affected by the catastrophic conditions. The RA will provide timely notice to affected participants via publication of notification in the Federal Register, NOAA weather radio, fishery bulletins, and other appropriate means and will authorize the affected participants’ use of paper-based components for the duration of the catastrophic conditions. The paper forms will be available from NMFS. During catastrophic conditions, the RA has the authority to waive or modify reporting time requirements. (4) Compliance requirement. Electronic reports required by paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section must be submitted and received by NMFS according to the reporting requirements under this section. A report not received within the time specified in paragraph (b)(2)(ii) is delinquent. A delinquent report automatically results in the owner and operator of a headboat for which a charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf reef fish has been issued being prohibited from harvesting or possessing such species, regardless of any additional notification to the delinquent owner and operator by NMFS. The owner and operator who are prohibited from harvesting or possessing such species due to delinquent reports are authorized to harvest or possess such species only after all required and delinquent reports have been submitted and received by NMFS according to the reporting requirements under this section. * * * * * ■ 3. In § 622.374, paragraph (b) is revised, to read as follows: § 622.374 Recordkeeping and reporting. * * * * * (b) Charter vessel/headboat owners and operators—(1) General reporting requirement—(i) Charter vessels. The owner or operator of a charter vessel for VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:00 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 232001 which a charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fish or South Atlantic coastal migratory pelagic fish has been issued, as required under § 622.370(b)(1), or whose vessel fishes for or lands Gulf or South Atlantic coastal migratory fish in or from state waters adjoining the Gulf or South Atlantic EEZ, who is selected to report by the SRD must maintain a fishing record for each trip, or a portion of such trips as specified by the SRD, on forms provided by the SRD and must submit such record as specified in paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section. (ii) Gulf headboats. The owner or operator of a headboat for which a charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf coastal migratory fish has been issued, as required under § 622.370(b)(1), or whose vessel fishes for or lands Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fish in or from state waters adjoining the Gulf EEZ, who is selected to report by the SRD must submit an electronic fishing record for each trip of all fish harvested within the time period specified in paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section, via the Southeast Region Headboat Survey. (iii) South Atlantic headboats. The owner or operator of a headboat for which a charter vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic migratory pelagic fish, as required under § 622.370(b)(1), or whose vessel fishes for or lands South Atlantic coastal migratory fish in or from state waters adjoining the South Atlantic EEZ, who is selected to report by the SRD must maintain a fishing record for each trip, or a portion of such trips as specified by the SRD, on forms provided by the SRD and must submit such record as specified in paragraph (b)(2) of this section. (2) Reporting deadlines—(i) Charter vessels. Completed fishing records required by paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section for charter vessels must be submitted to the SRD weekly, postmarked no later than 7 days after the end of each week (Sunday). Information to be reported is indicated on the form and its accompanying instructions. (ii) Gulf headboats. Electronic fishing records required by paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section for Gulf headboats must be submitted at weekly intervals (or intervals shorter than a week if notified by the SRD) by 11:59 p.m., local time, the Sunday following a reporting week. If no fishing activity occurred during a reporting week, an electronic report so stating must be submitted for that reporting week by 11:59 p.m., local time, the Sunday following a reporting week. (iii) South Atlantic headboats. Completed fishing records required by PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 9990 paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section for South Atlantic headboats must be submitted to the SRD monthly and must either be made available to an authorized statistical reporting agent or be postmarked no later than 7 days after the end of each month. Information to be reported is indicated on the form and its accompanying instructions. (3) Catastrophic conditions. During catastrophic conditions only, NMFS provides for use of paper forms for basic required functions as a backup to the electronic reports required by paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section. The RA will determine when catastrophic conditions exist, the duration of the catastrophic conditions, and which participants or geographic areas are deemed affected by the catastrophic conditions. The RA will provide timely notice to affected participants via publication of notification in the Federal Register, NOAA weather radio, fishery bulletins, and other appropriate means and will authorize the affected participants’ use of paper-based components for the duration of the catastrophic conditions. The paper forms will be available from NMFS. During catastrophic conditions, the RA has the authority to waive or modify reporting time requirements. (4) Compliance requirement. Electronic reports required by paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section must be submitted and received by NMFS according to the reporting requirements under this section. A report not received within the time specified in paragraph (b)(2)(ii) is delinquent. A delinquent report automatically results in the owner and operator of a headboat for which a charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fish has been issued being prohibited from harvesting or possessing such species, regardless of any additional notification to the delinquent owner and operator by NMFS. The owner and operator who are prohibited from harvesting or possessing such species due to delinquent reports are authorized to harvest or possess such species only after all required and delinquent reports have been submitted and received by NMFS according to the reporting requirements under this section. * * * * * [FR Doc. 2013–25263 Filed 10–24–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P E:\FR\FM\25OCP1.SGM 25OCP1
[Pages 63946-63950]
[FR Doc No: 2013-25263]
[Docket No. 130802673-3673-01]
RIN 0648-BD49
described in a framework action to the Fishery Management Plans for the
Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf), as prepared by the
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Gulf Council); and Coastal
Migratory Pelagic (CMP) Resources of the Gulf and South Atlantic
Region, as prepared by the Gulf Council and the South Atlantic Fishery
Management Council (South Atlantic Council) (Headboat Reporting
Framework). If implemented, this rule would modify the recordkeeping
and reporting requirements for headboat owners and operators who fish
for species managed by the Gulf Council through the previously
mentioned FMPs. These revisions would require fishing records to be
submitted electronically (via computer or internet) on a weekly basis
or at intervals shorter than a week if notified by the NMFS' Southeast
Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) Science and Research Director (SRD),
and would prohibit headboats from continuing to fish if they are
delinquent in submitting reports. The purpose of this rule is to obtain
timelier fishing information from headboats to
better monitor recreational annual catch limits (ACLs), improve stock
assessments, and improve compliance with reporting in Gulf fisheries.
``NOAA-NMFS-2013-0111'', by any of the following methods:
www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2013-0111, click the
Mail: Submit written comments to Rich Malinowski,
Electronic copies of the Headboat Reporting Framework, which
the collection-of-information requirements contained in this proposed
by email at OIRA Submission@omb.eop.gov, or by fax to 202-395-7285.
Office, NMFS, telephone 727-824-5305; email: Rich.Malinowski@noaa.gov.
for Gulf reef fish and Gulf and South Atlantic CMP under their
respective FMPs. The FMPs were prepared by the Gulf and South Atlantic
Councils and are implemented through regulations at 50 CFR part 622
frame, to minimize bycatch and bycatch mortality to the extent
practicable, and to establish accountability measures (AMs) for stocks
to ensure that ACLs are not exceeded.
One of the purposes of this proposed rule is to allow better
monitoring of recreational ACLs to reduce the amount of recreational
ACL overages. Currently, overages have the potential to result in
significant disruption in fishing behavior the following fishing year
and to reduce revenue and profit for fishermen. Overages also may
decrease the ability of stocks to rebuild when overfished and may lead
to overfishing conditions. The management measures contained in this
proposed rule, including requiring headboats to report electronically
and increasing the frequency of headboat reporting, would help improve
monitoring of the recreational ACLs.
The other purposes of this proposed rule are to improve stock
assessments and to improve data reporting compliance in Gulf fisheries.
Headboat landings are an important component of stock assessments. The
increased frequency of headboat data reporting and electronic reporting
required by this rule would help to improve stock assessments because
it would provide a more accurate picture of headboat landings. Headboat
owners and operators who are delinquent on submitting reports would not
be allowed to fish until all required reports have been submitted. This
requirement should help to improve compliance with data reporting
within the recreational sector.
In addition, the management measures contained in this proposed
rule are compatible with the proposed revisions to headboat reporting
requirements for fisheries managed by the South Atlantic Council.
This proposed rule would: require electronic reporting for headboat
vessels in the Gulf reef fish and Gulf coastal migratory pelagic
fisheries; increase the reporting frequency for headboat vessels in
these fisheries; and prohibit headboats from continuing to fish if they
are delinquent in submitting their reports.
Currently, a headboat selected to report by the SRD must maintain a
fishing record for each trip, or a portion of such trips, as specified
by the SRD, and on forms provided by the SRD. Until January 1, 2013,
the SRD provided federally permitted headboats with paper forms to
submit their fishing data. However, as of January 1, 2013, the SRD
requested that federally-permitted headboats report electronically.
This proposed rule would revise the regulations to explicitly require
that headboats submit their fishing information electronically (via
computer or Internet). NMFS would require headboat owners and
operators, who are selected by the SRD, to submit a detailed electronic
fishing record of all fish caught through the ``Southeast Region
Headboat Survey,'' an electronic reporting system developed by the
SEFSC for trips completed, and to submit no fishing reports when no
trips are taken.
Headboat owners and operators would be required to submit an
electronic logbook (eLog) form instead of a paper form. This form is
available through a password protected Web site that can be accessed by
personal computer, computer tablet, or ``smart'' phone (an application
can be downloaded on both Android phones and iPhones). The Web site can
be accessed at https://selogbook.com. An access code is required to log
in to the Web site. Bluefin Data also requires a current email address
for each vessel owner to send access codes and other information
regarding the Web site to vessel owners. Once Bluefin Data registers a
vessel owner and provides the vessel owner with an access code via
email, the vessel owner is able to log in to the Web site and create a
password for his account. The vessel owner can register more than one
vessel under his
password and more than one captain. The vessel owner determines who can
access the Web site using his password.
The data elements for completed trips that are currently being
collected by the SRD include date(s) and duration of fishing; vessel
name and official number of the vessel; captain name; location of
fishing in lat/long; number of anglers; minimum, maximum and primary
depth fished; number of fish of each species kept; and number of fish
of each species released.
During catastrophic conditions only, this rule would allow headboat
owners and operators to use a paper-based system for submitting
electronic fishing records. The Regional Administrator (RA) would
determine when catastrophic conditions exist, the duration of the
catastrophic conditions, and which participants are affected. The RA
would provide notice of a paper-based system via notification in the
Federal Register, NOAA weather radio, fishery bulletins, and other
appropriate means and would authorize the use of the paper-based system
for the duration of the catastrophic conditions. The paper forms would
be available from NMFS. During catastrophic conditions, the RA would
have the authority to waive or modify reporting time requirements.
Currently, headboat reporting forms are due on a monthly basis, and
must either be made available to a fisheries statistics reporting agent
or be postmarked no later than 7 days after the end of each month and
sent to the SRD. This proposed rule would modify the frequency of
reporting to be on a weekly basis (or intervals shorter than a week if
notified by the SRD) and would be due by 11:59 p.m., local time, the
Sunday following a reporting week. A reporting week is defined as
beginning at 12:01 a.m., local time, on Sunday and ending at 11:59
p.m., local time, the following Saturday. If no fishing activity
occurred during a reporting week, an electronic report so stating would
be required to be submitted for that reporting week.
This rule would prohibit headboat owners and operators who are
delinquent in submitting their fishing records from continuing to
harvest and possess Gulf reef fish and Gulf coastal migratory pelagic
fish until all required fishing records have been submitted. The owner
and operator are liable for all prohibited harvest and possession
onboard the vessel, including that by the crew and/or passengers. This
provision would aid in enforcement efforts to ensure that electronic
fishing records are submitted in a timely manner.
NOAA Assistant Administrator for Fisheries (AA) has determined that
this proposed rule is consistent with the two affected FMPs, the
The purpose of this proposed rule is to change the current
reporting requirements for federally permitted headboats that operate
in the Gulf exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in order to improve data
collection methods to help ensure that landings of managed fish stocks
are recorded accurately and in a timely manner so that recreational
ACLs are not exceeded. The Magnuson-Stevens Act provides the statutory
affect an estimated 70 headboat for-hire fishing businesses that
operate in the Gulf EEZ. The average headboat is estimated to receive
approximately $247,000 (2012 dollars) in annual gross revenue. NMFS has
not identified any other small entities that would be expected to be
criteria for all major industry sectors in the U.S. including seafood
dealers and harvesters. A business involved in the for-hire fishing
industry is classified as a small business if it is independently owned
affiliates), and has combined annual receipts not in excess of $7.0
million (NAICS code 487210, fishing boat charter operation). The SBA
periodically reviews the size criteria and establishes new thresholds
when appropriate. The most recent final rule establishing new size
criteria was published June 20, 2013 (78 FR 37398). However, the
receipts threshold for the for-hire industry was not changed as a
result of the latest or other recent review and rulemaking by the SBA.
Because the average annual revenue for the headboat businesses expected
to be directly affected by this proposed rule is significantly less
than the SBA revenue threshold, all these businesses are determined,
This proposed rule, if implemented, would require headboat fishing
businesses selected by the SRD to submit weekly records, or at shorter
intervals if notified by the SRD, of their fishing activity via
computer or Internet (electronic reporting). This requirement would not
be expected to require special professional skills. The use of
computers, the Internet, or other forms of electronic connections and
communication is commonplace in the business environment. As a result,
all affected small entities would be expected to already have staff
with the appropriate skills and training to meet this requirement.
This proposed rule, if implemented, would be expected to have
little to no impact on the profits of any of the small entities
expected to be directly affected. Although not currently explicitly
required by regulation, the SRD has requested electronic reporting
since January 1, 2013, for federally-permitted Gulf headboats. As a
result, most, if not all, Gulf headboat businesses are expected to
currently be submitting reports of their fishing activity
electronically. For any headboat business that may not currently use
the electronic reporting system, any increase in operating expenses
should be minor. The use of computers and the Internet is commonplace
and a vital tool in business management. The SBA estimated that in 2010
approximately 94 percent of businesses had a computer and 95 percent of
these had Internet service. As a result, the majority of the affected
entities would not be expected to need to incur new operational
expenses to report electronically. For those few entities that might
not already be reporting electronically, any new expenses that might
need to be incurred would not be expected to constitute a significant
increase in business expenses. Computers under $750 are readily
available and Internet services under $100 per month would be expected
to be available in most locations. The estimated average annual revenue
for a Gulf headboat business is approximately $247,000 (2012 dollars).
NMFS estimates that the requirement for Gulf headboat owners and
operators to report electronically would result in a net zero effect on
of affected entities compared to paper reporting. The estimated
reporting burden under either paper or electronic reporting is 10
minutes per report, or approximately 16.7 hours per entity per year
based on an average of 100 reports per year. Assuming an hourly wage
rate of $22.42 (2012 dollars, mean hourly wage rate, first-line
supervisors of farming, fishing, and forestry workers), the estimated
total annual cost to submit 100 reports would be approximately $374. As
previously stated, this cost would not be expected to change as a
result of the proposed requirement for electronic reporting. Therefore,
the proposed requirement for electronic submission of headboat reports
would be expected to result in minor to no direct economic effect on
most, if not all, Gulf headboat businesses.
This proposed rule, if implemented, would also increase the
frequency of reporting by Gulf headboat businesses selected by the SRD
from the current requirement of monthly reports that must be submitted
within 7 days of the end of each month to weekly reporting (7 days
after the end of each week ending on Sunday) or at shorter intervals if
notified by the SRD. Keeping accurate records is essential to
successful business operation. As a result, recording trips as they are
completed, or as soon as is practical, is expected to be the common
business practice. Electronic recording and reporting would be expected
to support additional labor and business management efficiencies
because it would be expected to allow better data storage, retrieval,
and production of annual performance summaries for use in business
planning. Therefore, the proposed increase in the frequency of
reporting would be expected to require little, if any, change in
business practices or associated operational costs.
Additionally, this proposed rule would prohibit vessels from
fishing if required fishing records have not been submitted within the
required timeframe. Although a prohibition on fishing could have a
significant adverse economic effect on the affected business, depending
on the duration of prohibition and revenue from non-fishing activities,
failure to submit the required electronic fishing records would not be
an economically rational business practice in light of the minimal
burden to submit fishing records and potential consequences of non-
compliance. As a result, few if any headboat businesses would be
expected to experience any reduction in profit as a result of this
component of this proposed rule.
rule, if implemented, would not have a significant economic effect on a
requirements under OMB control number 0648-0016. NMFS estimates the
requirement for Gulf headboat owners and operators to report
electronically would result in a net zero effect on the reporting
burden under OMB control number 0648-0016, because headboat owners and
operators would continue to report all species harvested, however, now
it would be electronically instead of by paper. NMFS estimates the
(weekly instead of monthly) would not create more burden on headboat
owners and operators, because the headboat owners and operators would
still be reporting the same amount of information, they would just be
transmitting the data more frequently. These estimates of the public
reporting burden include the time for reviewing instructions, gathering
any other aspect of the collection-of-information requirement,
Fisheries, Fishing, Gulf, Headboat, Reporting and recordkeeping
2. In Sec.  622.26, paragraph (b) is revised to read as follows:
Sec.  622.26  Recordkeeping and reporting.
charter vessel for which a charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf reef
fish has been issued, as required under Sec.  622.20(b), or whose
vessel fishes for or lands such reef fish in or from state waters
adjoining the Gulf EEZ, who is selected to report by the SRD must
maintain a fishing record for each trip, or a portion of such trips as
specified by the SRD, on forms provided by the SRD and must submit such
record as specified in paragraph (b)(2) of this section.
charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf reef fish has been issued, as
required under Sec.  622.20(b), or whose vessel fishes for or lands
such reef fish in or from state waters adjoining the Gulf EEZ, who is
selected to report by the SRD must submit an electronic fishing record
for each trip of all fish harvested within the time period specified in
paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section, via the Southeast Region Headboat
of this section for headboats must be submitted at weekly intervals (or
intervals shorter than a week if notified by the SRD) by 11:59 p.m.,
local time, the Sunday following a reporting week. If no fishing
activity occurred during a reporting week, an electronic report so
stating must be submitted for that reporting week by 11:59 p.m., local
time, the Sunday following a reporting week.
authorize the affected participants' use of paper-based components for
the duration of the catastrophic conditions. The paper forms will be
is delinquent. A delinquent report automatically results in the owner
and operator of a headboat for which a charter vessel/headboat permit
for Gulf reef fish has been issued being prohibited from harvesting or
possessing such species, regardless of any additional notification to
the delinquent owner and operator by NMFS. The owner and operator who
are prohibited from harvesting or possessing such species due to
delinquent reports are authorized to harvest or possess such species
only after all required and delinquent reports have been submitted and
received by NMFS according to the reporting requirements under this
3. In Sec.  622.374, paragraph (b) is revised, to read as follows:
migratory fish in or from state waters adjoining the Gulf or South
Atlantic EEZ, who is selected to report by the SRD must maintain a
fishing record for each trip, or a portion of such trips as specified
(ii) Gulf headboats. The owner or operator of a headboat for which
a charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf coastal migratory fish has
been issued, as required under Sec.  622.370(b)(1), or whose vessel
fishes for or lands Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fish in or from
state waters adjoining the Gulf EEZ, who is selected to report by the
SRD must submit an electronic fishing record for each trip of all fish
(iii) South Atlantic headboats. The owner or operator of a headboat
for which a charter vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic migratory
pelagic fish, as required under Sec.  622.370(b)(1), or whose vessel
fishes for or lands South Atlantic coastal migratory fish in or from
state waters adjoining the South Atlantic EEZ, who is selected to
report by the SRD must maintain a fishing record for each trip, or a
portion of such trips as specified by the SRD, on forms provided by the
SRD and must submit such record as specified in paragraph (b)(2) of
(ii) Gulf headboats. Electronic fishing records required by
paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section for Gulf headboats must be
submitted at weekly intervals (or intervals shorter than a week if
notified by the SRD) by 11:59 p.m., local time, the Sunday following a
reporting week. If no fishing activity occurred during a reporting
(iii) South Atlantic headboats. Completed fishing records required
by paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section for South Atlantic headboats
must be submitted to the SRD monthly and must either be made available
to an authorized statistical reporting agent or be postmarked no later
than 7 days after the end of each month. Information to be reported is
for Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fish has been issued being
prohibited from harvesting or possessing such species, regardless of
any additional notification to the delinquent owner and operator by