Source: https://regulations.justia.com/regulations/fedreg/2005/12/20/05-24152.html
Timestamp: 2019-06-19 07:28:13
Document Index: 797521577

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 648', 'art 648', '§ 648', 'art 648', 'arts 679', '§ 680', '§ 680', 'art 679', 'art 679', 'art 680', 'arts 679', 'arts 679', 'ART 679', 'art 679', '§ 679', 'ART 679', 'art 679', 'ART 680', 'art 680', '§ 680', '§ 679', '§ 680', '§ 680', '§ 680', '§ 680', '§ 680', '§ 680', '§ 680', '§ 680', '§ 680', '§ 680', '§ 680', '§ 680', '§ 680', 'art 680', 'art 680', 'art 679', 'art 679', 'arts 679', 'ART 679', 'art 679', 'art 680', 'art 680']

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Allocating Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crab Fishery Resources; Correction, 75418-75422 [05-24152] :: 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 Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Allocating Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crab Fishery Resources; Correction, 75418-75422 [05-24152]
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Allocating Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crab Fishery Resources; Correction, 75418-75422 [05-24152]
Download as PDF 75418 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 243 / Tuesday, December 20, 2005 / Rules and Regulations BLS. The wage component is weighted by 40% and the equipment component by 60%. 2. For the wage component, the average of the data from Form A—STB Wage Statistics for Group No. 300 (Maintenance of Way and Structures) and Group No. 400 (Maintenance of Equipment and Stores) employees is used. 3. For the equipment component, LABSTAT Series Report, Producer Price Index (PPI) Series WPU 144 for Railroad Equipment is used. 4. In the month of October, second-quarter wage data are obtained from the STB. For equipment costs, the corresponding BLS railroad equipment indices for the second quarter are obtained. As the equipment index is reported monthly rather than quarterly, the average for the months of April, May and June is used for the threshold calculation. 5. The wage data are reported in terms of dollars earned per hour, while the equipment cost data are indexed to a base year of 1982. 6. The procedure for adjusting the reporting threshold is shown in the formula below. The wage component appears as a fractional change relative to the prior year, while the equipment component is a difference of two percentages which must be divided by 100 to present it in a consistent fractional form. After performing the calculation, the result is rounded to the nearest $100. 7. The weightings result from using STB wage data and BLS equipment cost data to produce a reasonable estimation of the reporting threshold that was calculated using the threshold formula in effect immediately before calendar year 2006, a formula that assumed damage repair costs, at levels at or near the threshold, were split approximately evenly between labor and materials. 8. Formula: New Threshold = Prior Threshold × [1 + 0.4(Wnew—Wprior)/Wprior + 0.6(Enew ¥ Eprior)/100] Where: Wnew = New average hourly wage rate ($). Wprior = Prior average hourly wage rate ($). Enew = New equipment average PPI value. Eprior = Prior equipment average PPI value. Issued in Washington, DC, on December 14, 2005. Clifford C. Eby, Deputy Administrator, Federal Railroad Administration. [FR Doc. 05–24267 Filed 12–19–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–06–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 648 [Docket No. 041221358–5065–02; I.D. 121205E] Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries; Closure of the Quarter IV Fishery for Loligo Squid National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. AGENCY: ACTION: Temporary rule; closure. SUMMARY: NMFS announces that the directed fishery for Loligo squid in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) will be closed effective 0001hrs local time, December 18, 2005. Vessels issued a Federal permit to harvest Loligo squid may not retain or land more than 2,500 lb (1.13 mt) of Loligo squid per trip for the remainder of the year (through December 31, 2005). This action is necessary to prevent the fishery from exceeding its annual quota and allow for effective management of this stock. Effective 0001 hours, December 18, 2005, through 2400 hours, December 31, 2005. DATES: Don Frei, Fishery Management Specialist, 978–281–9221, fax 978–281–9135, email don.frei@noaa.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Regulations governing the Loligo squid fishery are found at 50 CFR part 648. The regulations require specifications for maximum sustainable yield, initial optimum yield, allowable biological catch, domestic annual harvest (DAH), domestic annual processing, joint venture processing and total allowable levels of foreign fishing for the species managed under the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan. The procedures for setting the annual initial specifications are described in § 648.21. The 2005 specification of DAH for Loligo squid was set at 16,872.4 mt (70 FR 21971, April 28, 2005). This amount is allocated by quarter, as shown below. TABLE. 1 Loligo SQUID QUARTERLY ALLOCATIONS Quarter Percent Metric Tons1 Research Set-aside I (JanMar) II (AprJun) III (JulSep) IV (OctDec) Total 33.23 5,564.3 N/A 17.61 2,948.8 N/A 17.30 2,896.9 N/A 31.86 5,334.9 N/A 100 16,744.9 255.1 1Quarterly allocations after 255.1 mt research set-aside deduction. Section 648.22 requires NMFS to close the directed Loligo squid fishery in the EEZ when 80 percent of the quarterly allocation is harvested in Quarters I, II and III, and when 95 percent of the total annual DAH has been harvested. NMFS is further required to notify, in advance of the closure, the Executive Directors of the Mid-Atlantic, New England, and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils; mail notification of the closure to all holders of Loligo squid permits at least 72 hours before the effective date of the closure; provide adequate notice of the closure to recreational participants in the fishery; and publish notification of the closure in the Federal Register. The Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, based on dealer reports and other available information, has determined that 95 percent of the total DAH for Loligo squid has been harvested. Therefore, effective 0001 hours, December 18, 2005, the directed fishery for Loligo squid is closed and vessels issued Federal permits for Loligo squid may not retain or land more than 2,500 lb (1.13 mt) of Loligo. Such vessels may not land more than 2,500 lb (1.13 mt) of Loligo during a calendar day. The directed fishery will reopen effective 0001 hours, January 1, 2006, when the 2006 quota becomes available. Classification This action is required by 50 CFR part 648 and is exempt from review under Executive Order 12866. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: December 14, 2005. Alan D. Risenhoover, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 05–24266 Filed 12–15–05; 2:38 pm] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:09 Dec 19, 2005 Jkt 208001 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\20DER1.SGM 20DER1 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 243 / Tuesday, December 20, 2005 / Rules and Regulations DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Parts 679 and 680 [Docket No. 040831251–5309–05; I.D. 082504A] RIN 0648–AS47 Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Allocating Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crab Fishery Resources; Correction National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Final rule; correcting amendment. AGENCY: SUMMARY: NMFS issues this final rule, correcting amendment to the regulations governing the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands crab fisheries. This action is necessary to clarify procedures and to correct discrepancies provided in a previous rulemaking. This final rule is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands (BSAI) King and Tanner Crabs (FMP), the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), and other applicable law. DATES: Effective December 20, 2005. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patsy A. Bearden, 907–586–7008 or patsy.bearden@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background In January 2004, the U.S. Congress amended section 313(j) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2004 (Pub. L. 108–199, section 801). As amended, section 313(j)(1) requires the Secretary of Commerce to approve and implement by regulation the Crab Rationalization Program (Program), as it was approved by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) between June 2002 and April 2003, and all trailing amendments, including those reported to Congress on May 6, 2003. In June 2004, the Council consolidated its actions on the Program into the Council motion, which is contained in its entirety in Amendment 18. Additionally, in June 2004, the Council developed Amendment 19, which represents minor changes necessary to implement the Program. The Notice of Availability for these amendments was published in the Federal Register on September 1, 2004 (69 FR 53397). NMFS VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:09 Dec 19, 2005 Jkt 208001 published a proposed rule to implement Amendments 18 and 19 on October 29, 2004 (69 FR 63200). NMFS approved Amendments 18 and 19 on November 19, 2004. NMFS published a final rule to implement Amendments 18 and 19 on March 2, 2005 (70 FR 10174). NMFS published a final rule (70 FR 13097; March 18, 2005) to correct OMB control numbers provided in the final rule dated March 2, 2005 (70 FR 10174). NMFS also published a final rule (70 FR 33390; June 8, 2005) to correct certain regulations in the final rule dated March 2, 2005 (70 FR 10174). Need for Corrections NMFS seeks to ensure the final rule (March 2, 2005; 70 FR 10174) conforms to the statutory requirements and intent of the Program, to provide clarification regarding the Program’s regulatory requirements, and to correct minor technical errors. 1. Statutory Conformance Corrections These corrections are made to sections of the rule that do not currently conform to the statutory requirements of the Program. This correction ensures that the final rule conforms to statutory requirements. Section 680.20 Arbitration System Paragraph (a)(1) is amended by removing ‘‘June 30, 2005’’ and adding in its place ‘‘June 30, 2008’’. This correction ensures that the final rule conforms to statutory requirements. Paragraph (h)(5)(iv) is amended by removing ‘‘arbitration proceedings as provided’’ and adding in its place ‘‘arbitration proceedings except as provided’’. Section 680.40 Quota Share (QS), Processor QS (PQS), Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ), and Individual Processor Quota (IPQ) Issuance Paragraph (c)(4)(vi) is amended by removing ‘‘equation: Adj. Factor’’ and adding in its place ‘‘equation: Adj. Amount.’’ 2. Regulatory Intent Corrections and Clarifications These corrections are clarifications that explain regulatory changes that are more substantive than typographical/ editorial type corrections. Section 679.5 Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements (R&R) Paragraph (a)(1)(iv)(C) is added to state that any catcher vessel that is using pot gear in the CR crab fisheries must use a combined groundfish/IFQ logbook to record all CR crab. This note was inadvertently omitted from the crab final rule. This regulatory text is found PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 75419 at § 680.5(a)(2)(i)(A); therefore, this is not a new requirement. Paragraph (g)(3)(iii) is amended by removing the words ‘‘and indicate the confirmation number of the original PTR’’ from the last line of the paragraph. Paragraph (g)(4)(i) is revised by removing the last sentence from the paragraph. Removal of the confirmation number is necessary because in actual PTR use, NMFS discovered that the confirmation number was not needed for recordkeeping and that the confirmation number caused confusion. The heading for paragraph (k)(1) is amended by removing ‘‘Fish or fish product other than crab onboard’’ and replacing it with ‘‘Fish or fish product onboard.’’ Early in the planning stages, the PTR was not to be used for crab. Later on, the decision was made to use the PTR to record crab product; however, this regulatory heading was inadvertently not changed. Section 680.5 Recordkeeping and Reporting Paragraph (b)(2) is amended by removing ‘‘An RCR must’’ and adding in its place ‘‘An RCR and his or her designee(s) must’’. Paragraph (b)(3) is removed and reserved. Only the RCR and his or her designees must apply for a password. The information contained in this paragraph has been included in the eLanding report (see paragraph (d)(7)). Because it is the same information, only requested in a different place, this change does not add new information. The heading of paragraph (c)(1) is amended by removing ‘‘IERS application for user ID’’ and adding in its place ‘‘IERS processor registration.’’ The three agencies involved in the IERS determined to change the name of the form, and the changed forms subsequently posted on the Internet. This change inadvertently was not reflected in the regulatory text. This revision ensures that the regulations are uniform with the form. Paragraph (c)(1)(i) is amended to reflect actual practice that an RCR and designee(s) of the RCR must submit an application for User ID, instead of ‘‘the crab IFQ permit holder, crab IFQ hired master, IPQ permit holder, or person who harvested Adak or CDQ crab.’’ In addition, the web page address and specific reference to the landing reporting system, eLandings, are added. The name of the form required to obtain a User ID is changed to read ‘‘IERS processor registration’’ in the heading for paragraph (c)(1) and in paragraph (c)(1)(i). E:\FR\FM\20DER1.SGM 20DER1 75420 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 243 / Tuesday, December 20, 2005 / Rules and Regulations Paragraph (c)(1)(ii) is amended to clarify how the IERS processor registration information will be processed. The form must be signed and mailed to the address on the form in addition to submittal by Internet. Changes to paragraphs (c)(1)(i) and (ii) are necessary to indicate that only the RCR and his/her designees submit landing data; therefore, only these participants are required to submit an IERS processor registration form. These changes also clarify that applicants may obtain IERS processor registration forms from the NMFS Alaska Region home page. The heading for paragraph (c)(2) is amended by removing ‘‘Contents of IERS application for user ID’’ and adding in its place ‘‘Contents of IERS processor registration.’’ The introductory paragraph (c)(2) is amended by removing ‘‘The IERS application for user ID’’ and adding in its place ‘‘The application for IERS processor registration.’’ Paragraph (d)(4)(i) is amended by removing ‘‘within 6 hours of the end of each weekly reporting period’’ and adding in its place ‘‘by Tuesday noon after the end of each weekly reporting period.’’ The time limit for submitting this catcher/processor report in existing regulatory text actually means the report would need to be submitted between midnight and 6:00; this is because the weekly reporting period ends at 2400 hr, Alaska local time. In addition to the inconvenience to the regulated community, this is also difficult for NMFS, because the Internet server isn’t processing return receipts during that time, and no staff are available for technical support. The original paragraph does not reflect the intent of the time limit for submitting of the crab landing report, which was intended to match the time limit for submitting the groundfish weekly production report. This revision fixes that problem. Paragraph (d)(7)(i) is amended by removing ‘‘RCR permit number’’ and adding in its place ‘‘RCR permit number, IFQ permit number, and IPQ permit number, as appropriate.’’ The regulations currently request the IFQ permit number and IPQ permit number in paragraph (b)(3). In actual practice the IFQ and IPQ permit number are requested in the landing report. In addition, no other person than the RCR and his/her designees need to obtain a password; therefore, with this action, paragraph (b)(3) is removed and reserved. Paragraph (d)(7)(xxi) is amended by removing ‘‘scale weight of live crab in pounds;’’ and adding in its place ‘‘sold weight of live crab in pounds.’’ This VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:09 Dec 19, 2005 Jkt 208001 change is necessary to align the regulations with actual practice. Section 680.42 Limitations on Use of QS, PQS, IFQ, and IPQ Section 680.23 Equipment and Operational Requirements Paragraphs (a)(2)(i)(A), (B), and (C) are changed to correct inadvertent typographical errors. Paragraph (a)(2)(i)(A) is amended by removing ‘‘2.0% = 240,00’’ and adding in its place ‘‘2.0% = 240,000’’. Paragraph (a)(2)(i)(B) is amended by removing ‘‘2.0% = 600,00’’ and adding in its place ‘‘2.0% = 600,000’’. Paragraph (a)(2)(i)(C) is amended by removing ‘‘2.0% = 120,00’’ and adding in its place ‘‘2.0% = 120,000’’. Paragraph (a)(3)(ii) is amended by removing ‘‘(a)(2)(i)’’ and adding in its place ‘‘(a)(3)(i)’’. Paragraph (a)(4)(ii) is amended by removing ‘‘(a)(2)(i)’’ and adding in its place ‘‘(a)(4)(i)’’. Paragraph (b)(4) is amended by removing ‘‘by the State in which the product is landed’’ and adding in its place ‘‘by a state in which CR crab is landed’’. Current regulations require that a catcher/processor offload crab product and weigh that product on a scale approved by the state in which the crab is landed. Rationale for this change is as follows. In some cases, crab catcher/processors may offload product in more than one state. Because scale approval requirements are similar and adequate in all states, it does not make sense for a catcher/processor to be required to have the offload scale approved by more than one state. Regulations at § 680.23(b)(4) are revised to allow a crab catcher/processor to use a scale approved by any state where CR crab is landed. Section 680.42 Limitations on Use of QS, PQS, IFQ, and IPQ Paragraph (b)(3)(iii) is amended by removing ‘‘QS or IFQ’’ and adding in its place ‘‘PQS.’’ This corrects an inadvertent error. Paragraph (c)(2) is amended by removing ‘‘CPC QS used’’ and adding in its place ‘‘CPC IFQ used’’. This corrects an inadvertent error. Paragraph (c)(4) is amended by removing ‘‘IFQ’’ in two places and adding in its place ‘‘CVO or CPO IFQ.’’ This corrects an inadvertent error. Figures 16 and 17 to Part 679 Figures 16 and 17 to Part 679 are removed. These figures relate to the License Limitation Program boundaries that were revised in the crab final rule. The removal of these figures clarifies potential confusion. 3. Technical Corrections The following typographical and editorial corrections are made in this rule. Section 679.5 Recordkeeping and Reporting (R&R) Paragraph (l)(1)(iii)(B) is amended by removing ‘‘Table 14’’ and adding in its place ‘‘Tables 14a and 14b.’’ Section 680.20 Arbitration System Paragraph (h)(3)(iv) is amended by removing ‘‘a crab fishery’’ and adding in its place ‘‘each crab fishery.’’ This change is necessary for clarification. PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Table 9 to Part 680 Table 9 is amended by removing ‘‘totally’’ from Column B for BST and adding in its place ‘‘total’’. Classification The Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS (Regional Administrator), has determined that this final rule is necessary for the conservation and management of the BSAI crab fisheries. The Regional Administrator also has determined that this final rule is consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Act and other applicable laws. This final rule has been determined to be not significant for the purposes of Executive Order 12866. Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 (b)(B), the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA (AA) finds good cause to waive prior notice and an opportunity for public comment on this action, as notice and comment would be impracticable, unnecessary, and contrary to the public interest. Through this action, NOAA seeks to ensure that the final rule conforms to the statutory requirements and intent of the Program, provide clarification regarding the Program’s regulatory requirements and correct minor technical errors. Prior notice and an opportunity for public comment on this action would be impracticable, unnecessary, and contrary to the public interest for the following reasons. First, corrections are necessary to ensure the rule’s conformance with the Program’s statutory requirements. Accordingly, NMFS has no discretion as to whether to implement them. As such, prior notice and an opportunity for public comment are unnecessary as the agency has no choice but to ensure its regulations are consistent with the statute. Second, corrections and clarifications to ensure the rules E:\FR\FM\20DER1.SGM 20DER1 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 243 / Tuesday, December 20, 2005 / Rules and Regulations compliance with the intent of the Program are necessary to ensure consistency and to accurately describe the various provisions of the regulations. Prior notice and an opportunity for public comment on these measures are impracticable and contrary to the public interest due to the ongoing nature of the fisheries. Finally, the editorial changes made by this rule are non-substantive. As a result, prior notice and an opportunity for comment on these changes are unnecessary. Because prior notice and opportunity for public comment are not required for this rule by 5 U.S.C. 553, or any other law, the analytical requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., are inapplicable. The changes made by this rule are not subject to the 30-day delay in effective date requirement of 5 U.S.C. 553(d). The waiver of the 30-day delay in effective date requirement of 5 U.S.C. 553(d) is necessary to provide the regulated community with timely, adequate and accurate information with which to prosecute the ongoing fisheries. List of Subjects in 50 CFR Parts 679 and 680 Alaska, Fisheries, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Dated: December 5, 2005. James W. Balsiger, Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service. For the reasons discussed in the preamble, 50 CFR parts 679 and 680 are corrected by making the following correcting amendments: PART 679—FISHERIES OF THE EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE OFF ALASKA 1. The authority citation for part 679 continues to read as follows: I Authority: 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq., 1801 et seq., and 3631 et seq.; Title II of Division C, Pub. L. 105–277; Sec. 3027, Pub. L. 106–31, 113 Stat. 57; 16 U.S.C. 1540(f). 2. In § 679.5, add paragraph (a)(1)(iv)(C); revise the heading for paragraph (k)(1) and revise paragraphs (g)(3)(iii), (g)(4)(i), and (l)(1)(iii)(B) to read as follows: I Recordkeeping and reporting (a) * * * (1) * * * (iv) * * * (C) Any catcher vessel that is using pot gear in the CR crab fisheries must use a combined groundfish/IFQ logbook to record all CR crab. * * * * * (g) * * * VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:09 Dec 19, 2005 Jkt 208001 PART 679—[AMENDED] 3. Remove Figures 16 and 17 to Part 679. I PART 680—SHELLFISH FISHERIES OF THE EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE OFF ALASKA 4. The authority citation for part 680 continues to read as follows: I Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1862. 5. In § 680.5, revise paragraph (b)(2), (c)(1) paragraph heading, (c)(1)(i), (c)(1)(ii), (c)(2) paragraph heading and first sentence, and remove and reserve paragraph (b)(3) to read as follows: I I § 679.5 (R&R). (3) * * * (iii) If any information on the original PTR changes prior to the first destination of the shipment, submit a revised PTR by facsimile or electronic file to OLE, Juneau, AK (907–586–7313), by 1200 hours, A.l.t., on the Tuesday following the end of the applicable weekly reporting period in which the change occurred. (4) * * * (i) Original or revised PTR. Whether a submittal is an original or revised PTR. (k) * * * (1) Fish or fish product onboard. * * * * * * * * (l) * ** (1) * * * (iii) * * * (B) Port of landing and port code from Tables 14a and 14b to this part; * * * * * § 680.5 (R&R). Recordkeeping and reporting * * * * * (b) * * * (2) An RCR and his or her designee(s) must enter his or her authorized user ID and password to access the IERS. * * * * * (c) * * * (1) IERS processor registration. (i) Before an RCR and his or her designee(s) can use the eLandings system to report landings, he/she must request authorization to use the system, reserve a particular user ID, and receive a password. Each RCR and his or her designee(s) must provide information needed to process account access into the IERS by completing an IERS Processor Registration at http:// www.fakr.noaa.gov/sustainablefisheries/ crab/crfaq.htm. Upon receiving the signed registration, the IERS will validate that all required information is submitted, that the information entered is in correct format, and that the requested user ID is not already in use. The IERS will generate a PDF document from the information entered by the applicant. PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 75421 (ii) The user must print, sign, and submit the application to the address provided on the registration form. A user ID will be activated after a signed registration form is received. The signature of an applicant on the form means that the applicant agrees to use access privileges to the IERS for purposes of submitting legitimate fishery landing reports and to safeguard the user ID and password to prevent their use by unauthorized persons. In addition, signature of the RCR ensures that the applicant is authorized to submit landing reports for the processor permit number(s) listed. * * * * * (2) Contents of the IERS processor registration. The application for IERS processor registration must contain the following information: * * * * * * * * § 680.5 [Corrected] 6. Correct § 680.5(d) as follows: I a. In paragraph (d)(4)(i), remove ‘‘within 6 hours of the end’’ and add in its place ‘‘by Tuesday noon after the end’’; I b. In paragraph (d)(7)(i), remove ‘‘RCR permit number’’ and add in its place ‘‘RCR permit number, IFQ permit number, and IPQ permit number, as appropriate;’’ and I c. In paragraph (d)(7)(xxi), remove ‘‘Scale weight of live crab in pounds’’ and add in its place ‘‘Sold weight of live crab in pounds.’’ I § 680.20 [Corrected] 7. Correct § 680.20 as follows: I a. Paragraph (a)(1), remove ‘‘June 30, 2005’’ and add in its place ‘‘June 30, 2008’’; I b. Paragraph (h)(3)(iv)(A), remove ‘‘a crab QS fishery’’ and add in its place ‘‘each crab fishery’’; and I c. Paragraph (h)(5)(iv), remove ‘‘arbitration proceeding as provided’’ and add in its place ‘‘arbitration proceeding except as provided’’. I § 680.23 [Corrected] 8. In § 680.23, paragraph (b)(4), remove ‘‘approved by the State in which the product is landed’’ and add in its place ‘‘approved by a state in which CR crab is landed’’. I § 680.40 [Corrected] 9. In § 680.40, paragraph (c)(4)(vi), remove ‘‘Adj. Factor’’ and add in its place ‘‘Adj. Amount.’’ I § 680.42 I [Corrected] 10. Correct § 680.42 as follows: E:\FR\FM\20DER1.SGM 20DER1 75422 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 243 / Tuesday, December 20, 2005 / Rules and Regulations a. Paragraph (a)(3)(ii), remove ‘‘(a)(2)(i)’’ and add in its place ‘‘(a)(3)(i)’’; I b. Paragraph (a)(4)(ii), remove ‘‘(a)(2)(i)’’ and add in its place ‘‘(a)(4)(i);’’ I c. Paragraph (b)(3)(iii), remove ‘‘QS or IFQ’’ and add in its place ‘‘PQS;’’ d. Paragraph (c)(2), remove ‘‘CPC QS used’’ and add in its place ‘‘CPC IFQ used;’’ and I e. Paragraph (c)(4), remove ‘‘IFQ’’ in two places and add in its place ‘‘CVO or CPO IFQ.’’ I I 11. In § 680.42, correct table entries in paragraphs (a)(2)(i)(A), (B), and (C) to read as follows: I § 680.42 Limitations on use of QS, PQS, IFQ, and IPQ. (a) * * * (2) * * * (ii) * * * CVO/CPO Use Cap in QS Units (A) Percent of the initial QS pool for BBR (B) Percent of the initial QS pool for BSS (C) Percent of the initial QS pool for BST * 12. In Table 9 to Part 680, correct the entry for Bering Sea Tanner crab (BST) to read as follows: * * * CVC/CPC Use Cap in QS Units 1.0 %= 3,880,000 1.0% = 9,700,000 1.0% = 1,940,000 Fishery 2.0% = 240,000 2.0% = 600,000 2.0% = 120,000 * Table 9 to Part 680 Initial Issuance of Crab PQS by Crab QS Fishery I Column B: The Regional Administrator shall calculate PQS for any qualified person based on that person’s total legal purchase of crab in each of the crab QS fisheries for any ... Column A: For each crab QS fishery * * * Equivalent to 50 percent of the total legally processed crab in the Bering Sea snow crab fishery during the qualifying years established for that fishery, and 50 percent of the total legally processed crab in the Bristol Bay red king crab fishery during the qualifying years established for that fishery. * * * * Bering Sea Tanner Crab (BST) * * * [FR Doc. 05–24152 Filed 12–19–04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S VerDate Aug<31>2005 20:33 Dec 19, 2005 Jkt 208001 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\20DER1.SGM 20DER1
[Pages 75418-75422]
[FR Doc No: 05-24152]
[[Page 75419]]
[Docket No. 040831251-5309-05; I.D. 082504A]
RIN 0648-AS47
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crab Fishery Resources;
SUMMARY: NMFS issues this final rule, correcting amendment to the
regulations governing the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands crab
fisheries. This action is necessary to clarify procedures and to
correct discrepancies provided in a previous rulemaking. This final
rule is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Fishery
Management Plan for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands (BSAI) King and Tanner
Crabs (FMP), the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management
Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), and other applicable law.
DATES: Effective December 20, 2005.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patsy A. Bearden, 907-586-7008 or
In January 2004, the U.S. Congress amended section 313(j) of the
Magnuson-Stevens Act through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of
2004 (Pub. L. 108-199, section 801). As amended, section 313(j)(1)
requires the Secretary of Commerce to approve and implement by
regulation the Crab Rationalization Program (Program), as it was
approved by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council)
between June 2002 and April 2003, and all trailing amendments,
including those reported to Congress on May 6, 2003. In June 2004, the
Council consolidated its actions on the Program into the Council
motion, which is contained in its entirety in Amendment 18.
Additionally, in June 2004, the Council developed Amendment 19, which
represents minor changes necessary to implement the Program. The Notice
of Availability for these amendments was published in the Federal
Register on September 1, 2004 (69 FR 53397). NMFS published a proposed
rule to implement Amendments 18 and 19 on October 29, 2004 (69 FR
63200). NMFS approved Amendments 18 and 19 on November 19, 2004. NMFS
published a final rule to implement Amendments 18 and 19 on March 2,
2005 (70 FR 10174). NMFS published a final rule (70 FR 13097; March 18,
2005) to correct OMB control numbers provided in the final rule dated
March 2, 2005 (70 FR 10174). NMFS also published a final rule (70 FR
33390; June 8, 2005) to correct certain regulations in the final rule
dated March 2, 2005 (70 FR 10174).
NMFS seeks to ensure the final rule (March 2, 2005; 70 FR 10174)
conforms to the statutory requirements and intent of the Program, to
provide clarification regarding the Program's regulatory requirements,
and to correct minor technical errors.
These corrections are made to sections of the rule that do not
currently conform to the statutory requirements of the Program. This
correction ensures that the final rule conforms to statutory
Paragraph (a)(1) is amended by removing ``June 30, 2005'' and
adding in its place ``June 30, 2008''. This correction ensures that the
final rule conforms to statutory requirements.
Paragraph (h)(5)(iv) is amended by removing ``arbitration
proceedings as provided'' and adding in its place ``arbitration
proceedings except as provided''.
Section 680.40 Quota Share (QS), Processor QS (PQS), Individual Fishing
Quota (IFQ), and Individual Processor Quota (IPQ) Issuance
Paragraph (c)(4)(vi) is amended by removing ``equation: Adj.
Factor'' and adding in its place ``equation: Adj. Amount.''
These corrections are clarifications that explain regulatory
changes that are more substantive than typographical/editorial type
Section 679.5 Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements (R&R)
Paragraph (a)(1)(iv)(C) is added to state that any catcher vessel
that is using pot gear in the CR crab fisheries must use a combined
groundfish/IFQ logbook to record all CR crab. This note was
inadvertently omitted from the crab final rule. This regulatory text is
found at Sec.  680.5(a)(2)(i)(A); therefore, this is not a new
Paragraph (g)(3)(iii) is amended by removing the words ``and
indicate the confirmation number of the original PTR'' from the last
line of the paragraph. Paragraph (g)(4)(i) is revised by removing the
last sentence from the paragraph. Removal of the confirmation number is
necessary because in actual PTR use, NMFS discovered that the
confirmation number was not needed for recordkeeping and that the
confirmation number caused confusion.
The heading for paragraph (k)(1) is amended by removing ``Fish or
fish product other than crab onboard'' and replacing it with ``Fish or
fish product onboard.'' Early in the planning stages, the PTR was not
to be used for crab. Later on, the decision was made to use the PTR to
record crab product; however, this regulatory heading was inadvertently
Section 680.5 Recordkeeping and Reporting
Paragraph (b)(2) is amended by removing ``An RCR must'' and adding
in its place ``An RCR and his or her designee(s) must''.
Paragraph (b)(3) is removed and reserved. Only the RCR and his or
her designees must apply for a password. The information contained in
this paragraph has been included in the eLanding report (see paragraph
(d)(7)). Because it is the same information, only requested in a
different place, this change does not add new information.
The heading of paragraph (c)(1) is amended by removing ``IERS
application for user ID'' and adding in its place ``IERS processor
registration.'' The three agencies involved in the IERS determined to
change the name of the form, and the changed forms subsequently posted
on the Internet. This change inadvertently was not reflected in the
regulatory text. This revision ensures that the regulations are uniform
Paragraph (c)(1)(i) is amended to reflect actual practice that an
RCR and designee(s) of the RCR must submit an application for User ID,
instead of ``the crab IFQ permit holder, crab IFQ hired master, IPQ
permit holder, or person who harvested Adak or CDQ crab.'' In addition,
the web page address and specific reference to the landing reporting
system, eLandings, are added. The name of the form required to obtain a
User ID is changed to read ``IERS processor registration'' in the
heading for paragraph (c)(1) and in paragraph (c)(1)(i).
[[Page 75420]]
Paragraph (c)(1)(ii) is amended to clarify how the IERS processor
registration information will be processed. The form must be signed and
mailed to the address on the form in addition to submittal by Internet.
Changes to paragraphs (c)(1)(i) and (ii) are necessary to indicate
that only the RCR and his/her designees submit landing data; therefore,
only these participants are required to submit an IERS processor
registration form. These changes also clarify that applicants may
obtain IERS processor registration forms from the NMFS Alaska Region
The heading for paragraph (c)(2) is amended by removing ``Contents
of IERS application for user ID'' and adding in its place ``Contents of
IERS processor registration.''
The introductory paragraph (c)(2) is amended by removing ``The IERS
application for user ID'' and adding in its place ``The application for
Paragraph (d)(4)(i) is amended by removing ``within 6 hours of the
end of each weekly reporting period'' and adding in its place ``by
Tuesday noon after the end of each weekly reporting period.'' The time
limit for submitting this catcher/processor report in existing
regulatory text actually means the report would need to be submitted
between midnight and 6:00; this is because the weekly reporting period
ends at 2400 hr, Alaska local time. In addition to the inconvenience to
the regulated community, this is also difficult for NMFS, because the
Internet server isn't processing return receipts during that time, and
no staff are available for technical support. The original paragraph
does not reflect the intent of the time limit for submitting of the
crab landing report, which was intended to match the time limit for
submitting the groundfish weekly production report. This revision fixes
Paragraph (d)(7)(i) is amended by removing ``RCR permit number''
and adding in its place ``RCR permit number, IFQ permit number, and IPQ
permit number, as appropriate.'' The regulations currently request the
IFQ permit number and IPQ permit number in paragraph (b)(3). In actual
practice the IFQ and IPQ permit number are requested in the landing
report. In addition, no other person than the RCR and his/her designees
need to obtain a password; therefore, with this action, paragraph
(b)(3) is removed and reserved.
Paragraph (d)(7)(xxi) is amended by removing ``scale weight of live
crab in pounds;'' and adding in its place ``sold weight of live crab in
pounds.'' This change is necessary to align the regulations with actual
Paragraph (b)(4) is amended by removing ``by the State in which the
product is landed'' and adding in its place ``by a state in which CR
crab is landed''. Current regulations require that a catcher/processor
offload crab product and weigh that product on a scale approved by the
state in which the crab is landed. Rationale for this change is as
follows. In some cases, crab catcher/processors may offload product in
more than one state. Because scale approval requirements are similar
and adequate in all states, it does not make sense for a catcher/
processor to be required to have the offload scale approved by more
than one state. Regulations at Sec.  680.23(b)(4) are revised to allow
a crab catcher/processor to use a scale approved by any state where CR
crab is landed.
Paragraph (b)(3)(iii) is amended by removing ``QS or IFQ'' and
adding in its place ``PQS.'' This corrects an inadvertent error.
Paragraph (c)(2) is amended by removing ``CPC QS used'' and adding
in its place ``CPC IFQ used''. This corrects an inadvertent error.
Paragraph (c)(4) is amended by removing ``IFQ'' in two places and
adding in its place ``CVO or CPO IFQ.'' This corrects an inadvertent
Figures 16 and 17 to Part 679
Figures 16 and 17 to Part 679 are removed. These figures relate to
the License Limitation Program boundaries that were revised in the crab
final rule. The removal of these figures clarifies potential confusion.
The following typographical and editorial corrections are made in
Section 679.5 Recordkeeping and Reporting (R&R)
Paragraph (l)(1)(iii)(B) is amended by removing ``Table 14'' and
adding in its place ``Tables 14a and 14b.''
Paragraph (h)(3)(iv) is amended by removing ``a crab fishery'' and
adding in its place ``each crab fishery.'' This change is necessary for
Paragraphs (a)(2)(i)(A), (B), and (C) are changed to correct
inadvertent typographical errors.
Paragraph (a)(2)(i)(A) is amended by removing ``2.0% = 240,00'' and
adding in its place ``2.0% = 240,000''.
Paragraph (a)(2)(i)(B) is amended by removing ``2.0% = 600,00'' and
adding in its place ``2.0% = 600,000''.
Paragraph (a)(2)(i)(C) is amended by removing ``2.0% = 120,00'' and
adding in its place ``2.0% = 120,000''.
Paragraph (a)(3)(ii) is amended by removing ``(a)(2)(i)'' and
adding in its place ``(a)(3)(i)''.
Paragraph (a)(4)(ii) is amended by removing ``(a)(2)(i)'' and
adding in its place ``(a)(4)(i)''.
Table 9 is amended by removing ``totally'' from Column B for BST
and adding in its place ``total''.
The Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS (Regional Administrator),
has determined that this final rule is necessary for the conservation
and management of the BSAI crab fisheries. The Regional Administrator
also has determined that this final rule is consistent with the
would be impracticable, unnecessary, and contrary to the public
interest. Through this action, NOAA seeks to ensure that the final rule
conforms to the statutory requirements and intent of the Program,
provide clarification regarding the Program's regulatory requirements
and correct minor technical errors. Prior notice and an opportunity for
public comment on this action would be impracticable, unnecessary, and
contrary to the public interest for the following reasons.
First, corrections are necessary to ensure the rule's conformance
with the Program's statutory requirements. Accordingly, NMFS has no
discretion as to whether to implement them. As such, prior notice and
an opportunity for public comment are unnecessary as the agency has no
choice but to ensure its regulations are consistent with the statute.
Second, corrections and clarifications to ensure the rules
[[Page 75421]]
compliance with the intent of the Program are necessary to ensure
consistency and to accurately describe the various provisions of the
regulations. Prior notice and an opportunity for public comment on
these measures are impracticable and contrary to the public interest
due to the ongoing nature of the fisheries. Finally, the editorial
changes made by this rule are non-substantive. As a result, prior
notice and an opportunity for comment on these changes are unnecessary.
The changes made by this rule are not subject to the 30-day delay
in effective date requirement of 5 U.S.C. 553(d). The waiver of the 30-
day delay in effective date requirement of 5 U.S.C. 553(d) is necessary
to provide the regulated community with timely, adequate and accurate
information with which to prosecute the ongoing fisheries.
For the reasons discussed in the preamble, 50 CFR parts 679 and 680 are
seq.; Title II of Division C, Pub. L. 105-277; Sec. 3027, Pub. L.
106-31, 113 Stat. 57; 16 U.S.C. 1540(f).
2. In Sec.  679.5, add paragraph (a)(1)(iv)(C); revise the heading for
paragraph (k)(1) and revise paragraphs (g)(3)(iii), (g)(4)(i), and
(l)(1)(iii)(B) to read as follows:
(C) Any catcher vessel that is using pot gear in the CR crab
fisheries must use a combined groundfish/IFQ logbook to record all CR
(iii) If any information on the original PTR changes prior to the
first destination of the shipment, submit a revised PTR by facsimile or
electronic file to OLE, Juneau, AK (907-586-7313), by 1200 hours,
A.l.t., on the Tuesday following the end of the applicable weekly
reporting period in which the change occurred.
(i) Original or revised PTR. Whether a submittal is an original or
revised PTR.
(1) Fish or fish product onboard. * * *
(l) * **
(B) Port of landing and port code from Tables 14a and 14b to this
PART 679--[AMENDED]
3. Remove Figures 16 and 17 to Part 679.
5. In Sec.  680.5, revise paragraph (b)(2), (c)(1) paragraph heading,
(c)(1)(i), (c)(1)(ii), (c)(2) paragraph heading and first sentence, and
remove and reserve paragraph (b)(3) to read as follows:
(2) An RCR and his or her designee(s) must enter his or her
authorized user ID and password to access the IERS.
(1) IERS processor registration. (i) Before an RCR and his or her
designee(s) can use the eLandings system to report landings, he/she
must request authorization to use the system, reserve a particular user
ID, and receive a password. Each RCR and his or her designee(s) must
provide information needed to process account access into the IERS by
completing an IERS Processor Registration at http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/
sustainablefisheries/crab/crfaq.htm. Upon receiving the signed
registration, the IERS will validate that all required information is
submitted, that the information entered is in correct format, and that
the requested user ID is not already in use. The IERS will generate a
PDF document from the information entered by the applicant.
(ii) The user must print, sign, and submit the application to the
address provided on the registration form. A user ID will be activated
after a signed registration form is received. The signature of an
applicant on the form means that the applicant agrees to use access
privileges to the IERS for purposes of submitting legitimate fishery
landing reports and to safeguard the user ID and password to prevent
their use by unauthorized persons. In addition, signature of the RCR
ensures that the applicant is authorized to submit landing reports for
the processor permit number(s) listed.
(2) Contents of the IERS processor registration. The application
for IERS processor registration must contain the following information:
Sec.  680.5  [Corrected]
6. Correct Sec.  680.5(d) as follows:
a. In paragraph (d)(4)(i), remove ``within 6 hours of the end'' and add
in its place ``by Tuesday noon after the end'';
b. In paragraph (d)(7)(i), remove ``RCR permit number'' and add in its
place ``RCR permit number, IFQ permit number, and IPQ permit number, as
appropriate;'' and
c. In paragraph (d)(7)(xxi), remove ``Scale weight of live crab in
pounds'' and add in its place ``Sold weight of live crab in pounds.''
Sec.  680.20  [Corrected]
7. Correct Sec.  680.20 as follows:
a. Paragraph (a)(1), remove ``June 30, 2005'' and add in its place
``June 30, 2008'';
b. Paragraph (h)(3)(iv)(A), remove ``a crab QS fishery'' and add in its
place ``each crab fishery''; and
c. Paragraph (h)(5)(iv), remove ``arbitration proceeding as provided''
and add in its place ``arbitration proceeding except as provided''.
Sec.  680.23  [Corrected]
8. In Sec.  680.23, paragraph (b)(4), remove ``approved by the State in
which the product is landed'' and add in its place ``approved by a
state in which CR crab is landed''.
Sec.  680.40  [Corrected]
9. In Sec.  680.40, paragraph (c)(4)(vi), remove ``Adj. Factor'' and
add in its place ``Adj. Amount.''
Sec.  680.42  [Corrected]
10. Correct Sec.  680.42 as follows:
[[Page 75422]]
a. Paragraph (a)(3)(ii), remove ``(a)(2)(i)'' and add in its place
``(a)(3)(i)'';
b. Paragraph (a)(4)(ii), remove ``(a)(2)(i)'' and add in its place
``(a)(4)(i);''
c. Paragraph (b)(3)(iii), remove ``QS or IFQ'' and add in its place
``PQS;''
d. Paragraph (c)(2), remove ``CPC QS used'' and add in its place ``CPC
IFQ used;'' and
e. Paragraph (c)(4), remove ``IFQ'' in two places and add in its place
``CVO or CPO IFQ.''
11. In Sec.  680.42, correct table entries in paragraphs (a)(2)(i)(A),
CVO/CPO Use Cap   CVC/CPC Use Cap
Fishery                   in QS Units       in QS Units
(A) Percent of the initial QS pool     1.0 %= 3,880,000   2.0% = 240,000
for BBR
(B) Percent of the initial QS pool     1.0% = 9,700,000   2.0% = 600,000
(C) Percent of the initial QS pool     1.0% = 1,940,000   2.0% = 120,000
12. In Table 9 to Part 680, correct the entry for Bering Sea Tanner
crab (BST) to read as follows:
Table 9 to Part 680 Initial Issuance of Crab PQS by Crab QS Fishery
Column B: The Regional Administrator
shall calculate PQS for any
qualified person based on that
Column A: For each crab QS fishery    person's total legal purchase of
crab in each of the crab QS
fisheries for any ...
Bering Sea Tanner Crab (BST)        Equivalent to 50 percent of the
total legally processed crab in the
Bering Sea snow crab fishery during
the qualifying years established
for that fishery, and 50 percent of
the total legally processed crab in
the Bristol Bay red king crab
fishery during the qualifying years
established for that fishery.
[FR Doc. 05-24152 Filed 12-19-04; 8:45 am]