Source: https://regulations.justia.com/regulations/fedreg/2013/12/27/2013-31069.html
Timestamp: 2019-10-13 22:47:25
Document Index: 649844511

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 622', 'art 622', 'art 622', 'art 622', 'ART 622', 'art 622', '§ 622', '§ 622', '§ 622', '§ 622', '§ 622', '§ 622', '§ 622', '§ 622', '§ 622', '§ 622', '§ 622', '§ 622', '§ 622', '§ 622', '§ 622', '§ 622', 'art.\n3']

Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Revisions to Headboat Reporting Requirements for Species Managed by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 78779-78782 [2013-31069] :: 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 South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 78779-78782 [2013-31069]
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Revisions to Headboat Reporting Requirements for Species Managed by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 78779-78782 [2013-31069]
Download as PDF tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 249 / Friday, December 27, 2013 / Rules and Regulations large entities does not arise in the present case. The vessel permit holders’ share of the cost of the new ELB program consists of a one-time cost of installing the ELB unit, an annual cost of transmitting data from the ELB unit to NMFS servers, and a periodic cost of repairing or replacing defective ELB units. On a per vessel basis, the installation cost is $200 and the annual data transmission cost is $240. In the event of equipment failure, the cost of repair could run from a de minimis amount to $425, which is the cost of replacing an ELB unit. During the period from 2006 through 2010, an average permitted shrimp vessel had negative net operating revenues in all years, except 2009. Its net profits (i.e., net operating revenues plus net receipts from non-operating activities, such as government payments) were positive in 2006 ($2,961), 2009 ($1,238), and 2010 ($94,279). However, it should be noted that the 2010 profits came mainly from earnings associated with the Deepwater Horizon MC252 (DWH) oil spill in the form of damage claims and revenues from the vessel’s participation in BP’s clean-up program. Without these oil spill related revenues, net profits in 2010 would have been negative $2,480. For active federally permitted shrimp vessels, net operating revenues were negative in all years from 2006 through 2010. In addition, profits in all of those years were negative, except in 2010. Again, the positive net profits in 2010 were due to revenues associated with the DWH oil spill. The situation is worse for inactive permitted shrimp vessels, with net revenues and profits (except for 2010) being more negative than those of active permitted shrimp vessels. The average inactive permitted shrimp vessel had higher net profit in 2010 than the average active permitted shrimp vessel. The cost of the new ELB program will impose a significant impact on the profits of an average permitted shrimp vessel. The effects will be even more significant for vessels that are not active in the fishery. It is noted that there are some vessels that are substantially more profitable than the average vessel, and thus will be able to absorb the per vessel cost of the ELB program. However, there are other vessels that are only slightly more profitable than the average vessel, and very likely the impacts on their profits will be significant. The following discussion analyzes the alternatives that were not selected as preferred by the Council. The management measures contained in the framework action continue the VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:49 Dec 26, 2013 Jkt 232001 ELB program. Being adjudged and proven to be very effective in collecting shrimp effort data in the Gulf EEZ, continuation of the ELB program has been deemed necessary so that NMFS can effectively carry out its mandate to base conservation and management measures on the best scientific information available and to minimize bycatch to the extent practicable. To date, no other means of collecting shrimp effort data have been developed and tested that would be more technically and economically effective than the ELB. Therefore, no other alternative to collect shrimp effort data was considered. However, three alternatives, including the preferred alternative, were considered for funding the ELB program. As noted above, the preferred alternative will provide for cost sharing between NMFS and the vessel permit holders in the Gulf shrimp fishery. The second alternative will require NMFS to bear the entire cost of the ELB program. NMFS recognizes the vital role that the ELB program has played in estimating shrimp effort in the Gulf, but due to budget constraints, NMFS cannot fully fund the ELB program. The third alternative will require the Gulf shrimp vessel permit holders to fund the entire cost of the ELB program. For several years now, the Gulf shrimp industry has been in relatively dire financial condition. Thus the Gulf shrimp fishery indicated that it could not possibly fund the entire cost of the ELB. These final changes to management measures contain collection-ofinformation requirements subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), which have been approved by Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under control number 0648–0543. NMFS estimates the requirement for the Gulf shrimp fishery to share in the costs of the new ELB units, which includes installation ($200) and data transmission ($240), to average 1 hour and $440 per response for the first year. After the first year, NMFS estimates the requirement for vessel permit holders in the Gulf shrimp fishery to share in the costs of the new ELB units, which includes data transmission, to average 1 hour and $240 per response. 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. 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 PO 00000 Frm 00087 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 78779 requirements of the PRA, unless that collection-of-information displays a currently valid OMB control number. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: December 20, 2013. Alan D. Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries,performing the functions and duties of the Deputy Assistant Administratorfor Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2013–30949 Filed 12–26–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 622 [Docket No. 130409354–3999–02] RIN 0648–BD21 Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Revisions to Headboat Reporting Requirements for Species Managed by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: NMFS issues this final rule to implement the Joint South Atlantic/Gulf of Mexico Generic Charter Vessel/ Headboat Reporting in the South Atlantic Amendment (For-Hire Reporting Amendment). The For-Hire Reporting Amendment amends the following Fishery Management Plans (FMPs): the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region and the Dolphin and Wahoo Fishery of the Atlantic, as prepared by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (South Atlantic Council); and the Coastal Migratory Pelagic (CMP) Resources of the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico (Gulf), as prepared by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Gulf Council) and the South Atlantic Council. This final rule modifies the recordkeeping and reporting requirements for headboat owners and operators who fish for species managed by the South Atlantic Council through the previously mentioned FMPs. These revisions 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 prohibits SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\27DER1.SGM 27DER1 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES 78780 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 249 / Friday, December 27, 2013 / Rules and Regulations headboats from continuing to fish if they are delinquent in submitting reports. The purpose of this final rule is to obtain timelier fishing information from headboats to better monitor recreational annual catch limits (ACLs), improve stock assessments, and to help obtain 100 percent compliance with reporting in South Atlantic fisheries. DATES: This rule is effective January 27, 2014. ADDRESSES: Electronic copies of the ForHire Reporting Amendment, 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 final rule may be submitted in writing to Anik Clemens, Southeast Regional Office, NMFS, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701; and Office of Management and Budget (OMB), by email at OIRA Submission@omb.eop.gov, or by fax to 202–395–7285. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karla Gore, Southeast Regional Office, NMFS, telephone 727–824–5305; email: Karla.Gore@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS and the Councils manage the fisheries for South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper, Atlantic Dolphin and Wahoo, 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 under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). On September 18, 2013, NMFS published a notice of availability for the For-Hire Reporting Amendment and requested public comment (78 FR 57339). On September 27, 2013, NMFS published a proposed rule for the ForHire Reporting Amendment and requested public comment (78 FR 59641). NMFS approved the For-Hire Reporting Amendment on December 16, 2013. The proposed rule and the ForHire Reporting Amendment outline the rationale for the actions contained in this final rule. A summary of the actions implemented by the For-Hire Reporting Amendment and this final rule is provided below. This final rule requires electronic reporting for headboat vessels in the South Atlantic snapper-grouper, Atlantic dolphin and wahoo, and South Atlantic CMP fisheries, increases the reporting frequency for the headboat VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:49 Dec 26, 2013 Jkt 232001 vessels in these fisheries, and prohibits headboats from continuing to fish if they are delinquent in submitting their reports. Comments and Responses NMFS received a total of 6 comments on the For-Hire Reporting Amendment and the proposed rule, which included comments from private citizens, fishermen, non-governmental organizations, and fishermen associations. Four comments were in support of the action contained in the amendment. Three comments provided recommendations that were outside the scope of the amendment and rulemaking. Two comments expressed concern with the requirement for increased reporting frequency. These two comments are summarized into one comment which is responded to below. Comment: The requirement to report weekly instead of monthly is too burdensome on fishermen. Response: NMFS estimates the requirement for headboat owners and operators to report more frequently (weekly instead of monthly) does not create more burden on headboat owners and operators. 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 is expected to support additional labor and business management efficiencies because it is expected to allow better data storage, retrieval, and production of annual performance summaries for use in business planning. Therefore, the increase in the frequency of reporting is expected to require little, if any, change in business practices or associated operational costs. Headboat owners and operators will still be reporting the same amount of information; they will just be clicking the send button to transmit the data more frequently. Currently, 95 percent of headboats are reporting electronically, and 80 to 90 percent of these headboats are submitting their monthly reports on time. This requirement is intended to obtain timelier fishing information from headboats to better monitor recreational ACLs, improve stock assessments, and to help obtain 100 percent compliance with reporting in South Atlantic fisheries. Classification The Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, NMFS, has determined that this final rule is necessary for the management of the South Atlantic snapper-grouper, PO 00000 Frm 00088 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 dolphin and wahoo, and CMP fisheries and is consistent with the For-Hire Reporting Amendment, the FMPs, the Magnuson-Stevens Act and other applicable law. This final 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 during the proposed rule stage that this rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The factual basis for this determination was published in the proposed rule and is not repeated here. No comments were received regarding the certification and NMFS has not received any new information that would affect its determination. As a result, a final regulatory flexibility analysis was not required and none was prepared. This final rule contains collection-ofinformation requirements subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), which have been approved by OMB under control number 0648–0016. NMFS estimates the requirement for South Atlantic headboat owners and operators to report electronically results in a net zero effect on the reporting burden under OMB control number 0648–0016, because headboat owners and operators will continue to report all species harvested, however, now electronically instead of by paper. NMFS estimates the requirement for headboat owners and operators to report more frequently (weekly instead of monthly) does not create more burden on headboat owners and operators, because the headboat owners and operators will still be reporting the same amount of information; they will just be clicking the send button to transmit the data more frequently. 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. 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. 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 PRA, unless that collection-of-information displays a currently valid OMB control number. E:\FR\FM\27DER1.SGM 27DER1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 249 / Friday, December 27, 2013 / Rules and Regulations List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 622 Fisheries, Fishing, Headboat, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, South Atlantic. Dated: December 20, 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 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 § 622.13, paragraph (g) is added to read as follows: ■ § 622.13 Prohibitions—general. * * * * * (g) Harvest or possess fish if the required headboat reports have not been submitted in accordance with this part. * * * * * ■ 3. In § 622.176, paragraph (b) is revised to read as follows: § 622.176 Recordkeeping and reporting. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES * * * * * (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 South Atlantic snapper-grouper has been issued, as required under § 622.170(b)(1), or whose vessel fishes for or lands such snapper-grouper 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. (ii) Headboats. The owner or operator of a headboat for which a charter vessel/ headboat permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper has been issued, as required under § 622.170(b)(1), or whose vessel fishes for or lands such snappergrouper in or from state waters adjoining the South Atlantic 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. VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:49 Dec 26, 2013 Jkt 232001 (iii) Electronic logbook/video monitoring reporting. The owner or operator of a vessel for which a charter vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper has been issued, as required under § 622.170(b)(1), or whose vessel fishes for or lands such snapper-grouper in or from state waters adjoining the South Atlantic EEZ, who is selected to report by the SRD must participate in the NMFS-sponsored electronic logbook and/or video monitoring program as directed by the SRD. Compliance with the reporting requirements of this paragraph (b)(1)(iii) is required for permit renewal. (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). Completed fishing records required by paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section for charter vessels may be required weekly or daily, as directed by the SRD. Information to be reported is indicated on the form and its accompanying instructions. (ii) Headboats. Electronic fishing records required by paragraph (b)(1)(ii) 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 forms 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 PO 00000 Frm 00089 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 78781 (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) of this section is delinquent. A delinquent report automatically results in the owner and operator of a headboat for which a charter vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic snappergrouper 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. * * * * * ■ 4. In § 622.271, paragraph (b) is revised to read as follows: § 622.271 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 Atlantic dolphin and wahoo has been issued, as required under § 622.270(b)(1), or whose vessel fishes for or lands Atlantic dolphin or wahoo in or from state waters adjoining the 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. (ii) Headboats. The owner or operator of a headboat for which a charter vessel/ headboat permit for Atlantic dolphin and wahoo has been issued, as required under § 622.270(b)(1), or whose vessel fishes for or lands Atlantic dolphin or wahoo in or from state waters adjoining the South Atlantic 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). E:\FR\FM\27DER1.SGM 27DER1 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES 78782 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 249 / Friday, December 27, 2013 / Rules and Regulations Information to be reported is indicated on the form and its accompanying instructions. (ii) Headboats. Electronic fishing records required by paragraph (b)(1)(ii) 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 fishing records 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 forms 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) of this section is delinquent. A delinquent report automatically results in the owner and operator of a headboat for which a charter vessel/headboat permit for Atlantic dolphin and wahoo 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. * * * * * 5. In § 622.374, paragraph (b) is revised to read as follows: ■ VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:49 Dec 26, 2013 Jkt 232001 § 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 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 pelagic 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) South Atlantic headboats. The owner or operator of a headboat for which a charter vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic coastal migratory fish has been issued, as required under § 622.370(b)(1), or whose vessel fishes for or lands South Atlantic coastal migratory pelagic fish in or from state waters adjoining the South Atlantic EEZ, who is selected to report by the SRD must submit an electronic fishing record of 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) Gulf headboats. The owner or operator of a headboat for which a charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fish has been issued, as required under § 622.370(b)(1), or whose vessel fishes for or lands Gulf coastal migratory 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)(iii) 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) South Atlantic headboats. Electronic fishing records required by paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section for South Atlantic 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. PO 00000 Frm 00090 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 9990 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) Gulf headboats. Completed fishing records required by paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section for Gulf headboats must be submitted to the SRD monthly and must 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 forms 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) of this section is delinquent. A delinquent report automatically results in the owner and operator of a headboat for which a charter vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic 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. 2013–31069 Filed 12–26–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P E:\FR\FM\27DER1.SGM 27DER1
[Pages 78779-78782]
[FR Doc No: 2013-31069]
[Docket No. 130409354-3999-02]
RIN 0648-BD21
Revisions to Headboat Reporting Requirements for Species Managed by the
SUMMARY: NMFS issues this final rule to implement the Joint South
Atlantic/Gulf of Mexico Generic Charter Vessel/Headboat Reporting in
the South Atlantic Amendment (For-Hire Reporting Amendment). The For-
Hire Reporting Amendment amends the following Fishery Management Plans
(FMPs): the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region and
the Dolphin and Wahoo Fishery of the Atlantic, as prepared by the South
Atlantic Fishery Management Council (South Atlantic Council); and the
Coastal Migratory Pelagic (CMP) Resources of the Atlantic and Gulf of
Mexico (Gulf), as prepared by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management
Council (Gulf Council) and the South Atlantic Council. This final rule
modifies the recordkeeping and reporting requirements for headboat
owners and operators who fish for species managed by the South Atlantic
Council through the previously mentioned FMPs. These revisions 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 prohibits
[[Page 78780]]
headboats from continuing to fish if they are delinquent in submitting
reports. The purpose of this final rule is to obtain timelier fishing
information from headboats to better monitor recreational annual catch
limits (ACLs), improve stock assessments, and to help obtain 100
percent compliance with reporting in South Atlantic fisheries.
DATES: This rule is effective January 27, 2014.
ADDRESSES: Electronic copies of the For-Hire Reporting Amendment, which
Comments regarding the burden-hour estimates or other aspects of
the collection-of-information requirements contained in this final rule
may be submitted in writing to Anik Clemens, Southeast Regional Office,
NMFS, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701; and Office of
Management and Budget (OMB), by email at OIRA Submission@omb.eop.gov,
or by fax to 202-395-7285.
NMFS, telephone 727-824-5305; email: Karla.Gore@noaa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS and the Councils manage the fisheries
for South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper, Atlantic Dolphin and Wahoo, and
Gulf and South Atlantic CMP under their respective FMPs. The FMPs were
prepared by the Gulf and South Atlantic Councils and are implemented
On September 18, 2013, NMFS published a notice of availability for
the For-Hire Reporting Amendment and requested public comment (78 FR
57339). On September 27, 2013, NMFS published a proposed rule for the
For-Hire Reporting Amendment and requested public comment (78 FR
59641). NMFS approved the For-Hire Reporting Amendment on December 16,
2013. The proposed rule and the For-Hire Reporting Amendment outline
of the actions implemented by the For-Hire Reporting Amendment and this
This final rule requires electronic reporting for headboat vessels
in the South Atlantic snapper-grouper, Atlantic dolphin and wahoo, and
South Atlantic CMP fisheries, increases the reporting frequency for the
headboat vessels in these fisheries, and prohibits headboats from
continuing to fish if they are delinquent in submitting their reports.
NMFS received a total of 6 comments on the For-Hire Reporting
Amendment and the proposed rule, which included comments from private
citizens, fishermen, non-governmental organizations, and fishermen
associations. Four comments were in support of the action contained in
the amendment. Three comments provided recommendations that were
outside the scope of the amendment and rulemaking. Two comments
expressed concern with the requirement for increased reporting
frequency. These two comments are summarized into one comment which is
Comment: The requirement to report weekly instead of monthly is too
burdensome on fishermen.
Response: NMFS estimates the requirement for headboat owners and
operators to report more frequently (weekly instead of monthly) does
not create more burden on headboat owners and operators. 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 is expected to support additional labor and
business management efficiencies because it is expected to allow better
data storage, retrieval, and production of annual performance summaries
for use in business planning. Therefore, the increase in the frequency
of reporting is expected to require little, if any, change in business
practices or associated operational costs. Headboat owners and
operators will still be reporting the same amount of information; they
will just be clicking the send button to transmit the data more
frequently. Currently, 95 percent of headboats are reporting
electronically, and 80 to 90 percent of these headboats are submitting
their monthly reports on time. This requirement is intended to obtain
timelier fishing information from headboats to better monitor
recreational ACLs, improve stock assessments, and to help obtain 100
that this final rule is necessary for the management of the South
Atlantic snapper-grouper, dolphin and wahoo, and CMP fisheries and is
consistent with the For-Hire Reporting Amendment, the FMPs, the
Magnuson-Stevens Act and other applicable law.
subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), which
have been approved by OMB under control number 0648-0016. NMFS
estimates the requirement for South Atlantic headboat owners and
operators to report electronically results in a net zero effect on the
reporting burden under OMB control number 0648-0016, because headboat
owners and operators will continue to report all species harvested,
however, now electronically instead of by paper. NMFS estimates the
requirement for headboat owners and operators to report more frequently
(weekly instead of monthly) does not create more burden on headboat
owners and operators, because the headboat owners and operators will
still be reporting the same amount of information; they will just be
clicking the send button to transmit the data more frequently. Keeping
practical, is expected to be the common business practice. 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.
to comply with, a collection-of-information subject to the requirements
of the PRA, unless that collection-of-information displays a currently
[[Page 78781]]
Fisheries, Fishing, Headboat, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, South Atlantic.
2. In Sec.  622.13, paragraph (g) is added to read as follows:
Sec.  622.13  Prohibitions--general.
(g) Harvest or possess fish if the required headboat reports have
not been submitted in accordance with this part.
3. In Sec.  622.176, paragraph (b) is revised to read as follows:
Sec.  622.176  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 South
Atlantic snapper-grouper has been issued, as required under Sec.
622.170(b)(1), or whose vessel fishes for or lands such snapper-grouper
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
(ii) Headboats. The owner or operator of a headboat for which a
been issued, as required under Sec.  622.170(b)(1), or whose vessel
fishes for or lands such snapper-grouper in or from state waters
adjoining the South Atlantic 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) Electronic logbook/video monitoring reporting. The owner or
operator of a vessel for which a charter vessel/headboat permit for
South Atlantic snapper-grouper has been issued, as required under Sec.
selected to report by the SRD must participate in the NMFS-sponsored
electronic logbook and/or video monitoring program as directed by the
SRD. Compliance with the reporting requirements of this paragraph
(b)(1)(iii) is required for permit renewal.
(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). Completed fishing records
required by paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section for charter vessels
may be required weekly or daily, as directed by the SRD. Information to
be reported is indicated on the form and its accompanying instructions.
(ii) Headboats. Electronic fishing records required by paragraph
(b)(1)(ii) 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 forms 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)
of this section is delinquent. A delinquent report automatically
results in the owner and operator of a headboat for which a charter
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.
4. In Sec.  622.271, paragraph (b) is revised to read as follows:
Sec.  622.271  Recordkeeping and reporting.
charter vessel for which a charter vessel/headboat permit for Atlantic
dolphin and wahoo has been issued, as required under Sec.
622.270(b)(1), or whose vessel fishes for or lands Atlantic dolphin or
wahoo in or from state waters adjoining the Atlantic EEZ, who is
charter vessel/headboat permit for Atlantic dolphin and wahoo has been
issued, as required under Sec.  622.270(b)(1), or whose vessel fishes
for or lands Atlantic dolphin or wahoo in or from state waters
days after the end of each week (Sunday).
[[Page 78782]]
Information to be reported is indicated on the form and its
backup to the electronic fishing records 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 forms for the
vessel/headboat permit for Atlantic dolphin and wahoo 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
5. In Sec.  622.374, paragraph (b) is revised to read as follows:
Sec.  622.374  Recordkeeping and reporting.
charter vessel for 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 Sec.  622.370(b)(1), or
whose vessel fishes for or lands Gulf or South Atlantic coastal
migratory pelagic 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) South Atlantic headboats. The owner or operator of a headboat
for which a charter vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic coastal
migratory fish has been issued, as required under Sec.  622.370(b)(1),
or whose vessel fishes for or lands South Atlantic coastal migratory
pelagic fish in or from state waters adjoining the South Atlantic EEZ,
who is selected to report by the SRD must submit an electronic fishing
record of 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) Gulf headboats. The owner or operator of a headboat for which
a charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf coastal migratory pelagic
fish has been issued, as required under Sec.  622.370(b)(1), or whose
vessel fishes for or lands Gulf coastal migratory 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)(iii) of this
days after the end of each week (Sunday). Information to be reported is
indicated on the form and its accompanying instructions.
(ii) South Atlantic headboats. Electronic fishing records required
by paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section for South Atlantic 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
(iii) Gulf headboats. Completed fishing records required by
paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section for Gulf headboats must be
submitted to the SRD monthly and must 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
vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic 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. 2013-31069 Filed 12-26-13; 8:45 am]