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[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 7073, Feb. 12, 1998; 64 FR 39020, July 21, 1999; 69 FR 8341, Feb. 24, 2004] § 600.503 Vessel and gear identification.
(a) Vessel identification. (1) The operator of each FFV assigned an IRCS must display that call sign amidships on both the port and starboard sides of the deckhouse or hull, so that it is visible from an enforcement vessel, and on an appropriate weather deck so it is visible from the air.
(2) The operator of each FFV not assigned an IRCS, such as a small trawler associated with a mothership or one of a pair of trawlers, must display the IRCS of the associated vessel, followed by a numerical suffix. (For example, JCZM–1, JCZM–2, etc., would be displayed on small trawlers not assigned an IRCS operating with a mothership whose IRCS is JCZM; JANP–1 would be displayed by a pair trawler not assigned an IRCS operating with a trawler whose IRCS is JANP.)
(3) The vessel identification must be in a color in contrast to the background and must be permanently affixed to the FFV in block Roman alphabet letters and Arabic numerals at least 1 m in height for FFV's over 20 m in length, and at least 0.5 m in height for all other FFV's.
(b) Navigational lights and shapes. Each FFV must display the lights and shapes prescribed by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (TIAS 8587, and 1981 amendment TIAS 10672), for the activity in which the FFV is engaged (as described at 33 CFR part 81).
(c) Gear identification. (1) The operator of each FFV must ensure that all deployed fishing gear that is not physically and continuously attached to an FFV:
(i) Is clearly marked at the surface with a buoy displaying the vessel identification of the FFV (see paragraph (a) of this section) to which the gear belongs.
(ii) Has attached a light visible for 2 nautical miles (3.70 km) at night in good visibility.
(iii) Has a radio buoy.
Trawl codends passed from one vessel to another are considered continuously attached gear and are not required to be marked.
(2) The operator of each FFV must ensure that deployed longlines, strings of traps or pots, and gillnets are marked at the surface at each terminal end with: (see paragraphs (c)(1)(i) through (c)(1)(iii) of this section).
(3) Additional requirements may be specified for the fishery in which the vessel is engaged.
(4) Unmarked or incorrectly identified fishing gear may be considered abandoned and may be disposed of in accordance with applicable Federal regulations by any authorized officer.
(d) Maintenance. The operator of each FFV must—
(1) Keep the vessel and gear identification clearly legible and in good repair.
(2) Ensure that nothing on the FFV obstructs the view of the markings from an enforcement vessel or aircraft.
(3) Ensure that the proper navigational lights and shapes are displayed for the FFV's activity and are properly functioning. § 600.504 Facilitation of enforcement.
(a) General. (1) The owner, operator, or any person aboard any FFV subject to this subpart must immediately comply with instructions and signals issued by an authorized officer to stop the FFV; to move the FFV to a specified location; and to facilitate safe boarding and inspection of the vessel, its gear, equipment, records, and fish and fish products on board for purposes of enforcing the Magnuson-Stevens Act and this subpart.
(2) The operator of each FFV must provide vessel position or other information when requested by an authorized officer within the time specified in the request.
(b) Communications equipment. (1) Each FFV must be equipped with a VHF-FM radiotelephone station located so that it may be operated from the wheelhouse. Each operator must maintain a continuous listening watch on channel 16 (156.8 mHz).
(2) Each FFV must be equipped with a radiotelephone station capable of communicating via 2182 kHz (SSB) radiotelephony and at least one set of working frequencies identified in table 3 to §600.502 appropriate to the fishery in which the FFV is operating. Each operator must monitor and be ready to communicate via 2182 kHz (SSB) radiotelephone each day from 0800 GMT to 0830 GMT and 2000 to 2030 GMT, and in preparation for boarding.
(3) FFV's that are not equipped with processing facilities and that deliver all catches to a foreign processing vessel are exempt from the requirements of paragraph (b)(2) of this section.
(4) FFV's with no IRCS that do not catch fish and are used as auxiliary vessels to handle codends, nets, equipment, or passengers for a processing vessel are exempt from the requirements of paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this section.
(5) The appropriate Regional Administrator, with the agreement of the appropriate USCG commander, may, upon request by a foreign nation, accept alternatives to the radio requirements of this section to certain FFV's or types of FFV's operating in a fishery, provided they are adequate for the communications needs of the fishery.
(c) Communications procedures. (1) Upon being approached by a USCG vessel or aircraft, or other vessel or aircraft with an authorized officer aboard, the operator of any FFV subject to this subpart must be alert for communications conveying enforcement instructions. The enforcement unit may communicate by channel 16 VHF-FM radiotelephone, 2182 kHz (SSB) radiotelephone, message block from an aircraft, flashing light or flag signals from the International Code of Signals, hand signal, placard, loudhailer, or other appropriate means. The following signals, extracted from the International Code of Signals, are among those that may be used.
(i) “AA, AA, AA, etc.”, which is the call for an unknown station. The signaled vessel should respond by identifying itself or by illuminating the vessel identification required by §600.505.
(ii) “RY-CY”, meaning “You should proceed at slow speed, a boat is coming to you”.
(iii) “SQ3”, meaning “You should stop or heave to; I am going to board you”.
(iv) “L”, meaning “You should stop your vessel instantly.”
(2) Failure of an FFV's operator to stop the vessel when directed to do so by an authorized officer using VHF-FM radiotelephone (channel 16), 2182 kHz (SSB) radiotelephone (where required), message block from an aircraft, flashing light signal, flaghoist, or loudhailer constitutes a violation of this subpart.
(3) The operator of or any person aboard an FFV who does not understand a signal from an enforcement unit and who is unable to obtain clarification by radiotelephone or other means must consider the signal to be a command to stop the FFV instantly.
(d) Boarding. The operator of an FFV signaled for boarding must—
(1) Monitor 2182 kHz (SSB) radiotelephone and channel 16 (156.8 mHz) VHF-FM radiotelephone.
(2) Stop immediately and lay to or maneuver in such a way as to maintain the safety of the FFV and facilitate boarding by the authorized officer and the boarding party or an observer.
(3) Provide the authorized officer, boarding party, or observer a safe pilot ladder. The operator must ensure the pilot ladder is securely attached to the FFV and meets the construction requirements of Regulation 17, Chapter V of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974 (TIAS 9700 and 1978 Protocol, TIAS 10009), or a substantially equivalent national standard approved by letter from the Assistant Administrator, with agreement with the USCG. Safe pilot ladder standards are summarized below:
(i) The ladder must be of a single length of not more than 9 m (30 ft), capable of reaching the water from the point of access to the FFV, accounting for all conditions of loading and trim of the FFV and for an adverse list of 15°. Whenever the distance from sea level to the point of access to the ship is more than 9 m (30 ft), access must be by means of an accommodation ladder or other safe and convenient means.
(ii) The steps of the pilot ladder must be—
(A) Of hardwood, or other material of equivalent properties, made in one piece free of knots, having an efficient non-slip surface; the four lowest steps may be made of rubber of sufficient strength and stiffness or of other suitable material of equivalent characteristics.
(B) Not less than 480 mm (19 inches) long, 115 mm (4.5 inches) wide, and 25 mm (1 inch) in depth, excluding any non-slip device.
(C) Equally spaced not less than 300 millimeters (12 inches) nor more than 380 mm (15 inches) apart and secured in such a manner that they will remain horizontal.
(iii) No pilot ladder may have more than two replacement steps that are secured in position by a method different from that used in the original construction of the ladder.
(iv) The side ropes of the ladder must consist of two uncovered manila ropes not less than 60 mm (2.25 inches) in circumference on each side (or synthetic ropes of equivalent size and equivalent or greater strength). Each rope must be continuous, with no joints below the top step.
(v) Battens made of hardwood, or other material of equivalent properties, in one piece and not less than 1.80 m (5 ft 10 inches) long must be provided at such intervals as will prevent the pilot ladder from twisting. The lowest batten must be on the fifth step from the bottom of the ladder and the interval between any batten and the next must not exceed nine steps.
(vi) Where passage onto or off the ship is by means of a bulwark ladder, two handhold stanchions must be fitted at the point of boarding or leaving the FFV not less than 0.70 m (2 ft 3 inches) nor more than 0.80 m (2 ft 7 inches) apart, not less than 40 mm (2.5 inches) in diameter, and must extend not less than 1.20 m (3 ft 11 inches) above the top of the bulwark.
(4) When necessary to facilitate the boarding or when requested by an authorized officer or observer, provide a manrope, safety line, and illumination for the ladder; and
(5) Take such other actions as necessary to ensure the safety of the authorized officer and the boarding party and to facilitate the boarding and inspection.
(e) Access and records. (1) The owner and operator of each FFV must provide authorized officers access to all spaces where work is conducted or business papers and records are prepared or stored, including but not limited to, personal quarters and areas within personal quarters.
(2) The owner and operator of each FFV must provide to authorized officers all records and documents pertaining to the fishing activities of the vessel, including but not limited to, production records, fishing logs, navigation logs, transfer records, product receipts, cargo stowage plans or records, draft or displacement calculations, customs documents or records, and an accurate hold plan reflecting the current structure of the vessel's storage and factory spaces.
(f) Product storage. The operator of each permitted FFV storing fish or fish products in a storage space must ensure that all non-fish product items are neither stowed beneath nor covered by fish products, unless required to maintain the stability and safety of the vessel. These items include, but are not limited to, portable conveyors, exhaust fans, ladders, nets, fuel bladders, extra bin boards, or other movable non-product items. These items may be in the space when necessary for safety of the vessel or crew or for storage of the product. Lumber, bin boards, or other dunnage may be used for shoring or bracing of product to ensure safety of crew and to prevent shifting of cargo within the space.
[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 7075, Feb. 12, 1998] § 600.505 Prohibitions.
(a) It is unlawful for any person to do any of the following:
(1) Ship, transport, offer for sale, sell, purchase, import, export, or have custody, control, or possession of any fish taken or retained in violation of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the applicable GIFA, this subpart, or any permit issued under this subpart;
(2) Refuse to allow an authorized officer to board an FFV for purposes of conducting any search or inspection in connection with the enforcement of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the applicable GIFA, this subpart, or any other permit issued under this subpart;
(3) Assault, resist, oppose, impede, intimidate, or interfere with any authorized officer in the conduct of any inspection or search described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section;
(4) Resist a lawful arrest for any act prohibited by the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the applicable GIFA, this subpart, or any permit issued under this subpart;
(5) Interfere with, delay, or prevent by any means the apprehension or arrest of another person with the knowledge that such other person has committed any act prohibited by the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the applicable GIFA, this subpart, or any permit issued under this subpart;
(6) Interfere with, obstruct, delay, oppose, impede, intimidate, or prevent by any means any boarding, investigation or search, wherever conducted, in the process of enforcing the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the applicable GIFA, this subpart, or any permit issued under this subpart;
(7) Engage in any fishing activity for which the FFV does not have a permit as required under §600.501;
(8) Engage in any fishing activity within the EEZ without a U.S. observer aboard the FFV, unless the requirement has been waived by the Assistant Administrator or appropriate Regional Administrator;
(9) Retain or attempt to retain, directly or indirectly, any U.S. harvested fish, unless the FFV has a permit for Activity Codes 4, 6, or 10;
(10) Use any fishing vessel to engage in fishing after the revocation, or during the period of suspension, of an applicable permit issued under this subpart;
(11) Violate any provision of the applicable GIFA;
(12) Falsely or incorrectly complete (including by omission) a permit application or permit form as specified in §600.501 (d) and (k);
(13) Fail to report to the Assistant Administrator within 15 days any change in the information contained in the permit application for a FFV, as specified in §600.501(k);
(14) Assault, resist, oppose, impede, intimidate, or interfere with an observer placed aboard an FFV under this subpart;
(15) Interfere with or bias the sampling procedure employed by an observer, including sorting or discarding any catch prior to sampling, unless the observer has stated that sampling will not occur; or tamper with, destroy, or discard an observer's collected samples, equipment, records, photographic film, papers, or effects without the express consent of the observer;
(16) Prohibit or bar by command, impediment, threat, coercion, or refusal of reasonable assistance, an observer from collecting samples, conducting product recovery rate determinations, making observations, or otherwise performing the observer's duties;
(17) Harass or sexually harass an authorized officer or observer;
(18) Fail to provide the required assistance to an observer as described at §600.506 (c) and (e);
(19) Fail to identify, falsely identify, fail to properly maintain, or obscure the identification of the FFV or its gear as required by this subpart;
(20) Falsify or fail to make, keep, maintain, or submit any record or report required by this subpart;
(21) Fail to return to the sea or fail to otherwise treat prohibited species as required by this subpart;
(22) Fail to report or falsely report any gear conflict;
(23) Fail to report or falsely report any loss, jettisoning, or abandonment of fishing gear or other article into the EEZ that might interfere with fishing, obstruct fishing gear or vessels, or cause damage to any fishery resource or marine mammals;
(24) Continue Activity Codes 1 through 4 after those activity codes have been canceled under §600.511;
(25) Fail to maintain health and safety standards set forth in §600.506(d);
(26) Violate any provisions of regulations for specific fisheries of this subpart;
(27) On a scientific research vessel, engage in fishing other than recreational fishing authorized by applicable state, territorial, or Federal regulations;
(28) Violate any provision of this subpart, the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the applicable GIFA, any notice issued under this subpart or any permit issued under this subpart; or
(29) Attempt to do any of the foregoing.
(b) It is unlawful for any FFV, and for the owner or operator of any FFV except an FFV engaged only in recreational fishing, to fish—
(1) Within the boundaries of any state, unless:
(i) The fishing is authorized by the Governor of that state as permitted by section 306(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act to engage in a joint venture for processing and support with U.S. fishing vessels in the internal waters of that state; or
(ii) The fishing is authorized by, and conducted in accordance with, a valid permit issued under §600.501, and the Governor of that state has indicated concurrence to allow fishing consisting solely of transporting fish or fish products from a point within the boundaries of that state to a point outside the United States; or
(2) Within the EEZ, or for any anadromous species or continental shelf fishery resources beyond the EEZ, unless the fishing is authorized by, and conducted in accordance with, a valid permit issued under §600.501.
[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 7075, Feb. 12, 1998; 64 FR 39020, July 21, 1999] § 600.506 Observers.
(a) General. To carry out such scientific, compliance monitoring, and other functions as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the appropriate Regional Administrator or Science and Research Director (see table 2 to §600.502) may assign U.S. observers to FFV's. Except as provided for in section 201(h)(2) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, no FFV may conduct fishing operations within the EEZ unless a U.S. observer is aboard.
(b) Effort plan. To ensure the availability of an observer as required by this section, the owners and operators of FFV's wanting to fish within the EEZ will submit to the appropriate Regional Administrator or Science and Research Director and also to the Chief, Financial Services Division, NMFS, 1315 East West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 a schedule of fishing effort 30 days prior to the beginning of each quarter. A quarter is a time period of 3 consecutive months beginning January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1 of each year. The schedule will contain the name and IRCS of each FFV intending to fish within the EEZ during the upcoming quarter, and each FFV's expected date of arrival and expected date of departure.
(1) The appropriate Regional Administrator or Science and Research Director must be notified immediately of any substitution of vessels or any cancellation of plans to fish in the EEZ for FFV's listed in the effort plan required by this section.
(2) If an arrival date of an FFV will vary more than 5 days from the date listed in the quarterly schedule, the appropriate Regional Administrator or Science and Research Director must be notified at least 10 days in advance of the rescheduled date of arrival. If the notice required by this paragraph (b)(2) is not given, the FFV may not engage in fishing until an observer is available and has been placed aboard the vessel or the requirement has been waived by the appropriate Regional Administrator or Science and Research Director.
(c) Assistance to observers. To assist the observer in the accomplishment of his or her assigned duties, the owner and operator of an FFV to which an observer is assigned must—
(1) Provide, at no cost to the observer or the United States, accommodations for the observer aboard the FFV that are equivalent to those provided to the officers of that vessel.
(2) Cause the FFV to proceed to such places and at such times as may be designated by the appropriate Regional Administrator or Science and Research Director for the purpose of embarking and debarking the observer.
(3) Allow the observer to use the FFV's communications equipment and personnel upon demand for the transmission and receipt of messages.
(4) Allow the observer access to and use of the FFV's navigation equipment and personnel upon demand to determine the vessel's position.
(5) Allow the observer free and unobstructed access to the FFV's bridge, trawl, or working decks, holding bins, processing areas, freezer spaces, weight scales, cargo holds and any other space that may be used to hold, process, weigh, or store fish or fish products at any time.
(6) Allow the observer to inspect and copy the FFV's daily log, communications log, transfer log, and any other log, document, notice, or record required by these regulations.
(7) Provide the observer copies of any records required by these regulations upon demand.
(8) Notify the observer at least 15 minutes before fish are brought on board or fish or fish products are transferred from the FFV to allow sampling the catch or observing the transfer, unless the observer specifically requests not to be notified.
(9) Provide all other reasonable assistance to enable the observer to carry out his or her duties.
(d) Health and safety standards. All foreign fishing vessels to which an observer is deployed must maintain, at all times that the vessel is in the EEZ, the following:
(1) At least one working radar.
(2) Functioning navigation lights as required by international law.
(3) A watch on the bridge by appropriately trained and experienced personnel while the vessel is underway.
(4) Lifeboats and/or inflatable life rafts with a total carrying capacity equal to or greater than the number of people aboard the vessel. Lifeboats and inflatable life rafts must be maintained in good working order and be readily available.
(5) Life jackets equal or greater in number to the total number of persons aboard the vessel. Life jackets must be stowed in readily accessible and plainly marked positions throughout the vessel, and maintained in a state of good repair.
(6) At least one ring life buoy for each 25 ft (7.6 m) of vessel length, equipped with automatic water lights. Ring life buoys must have an outside diameter of not more than 32 inches (81.3 cm) nor less than 30 inches (76.2 cm), and must be maintained in a state of good repair. Ring life buoys must be readily available, but not positioned so they pose a threat of entanglement in work areas. They must be secured in such a way that they can be easily cast loose in the event of an emergency.
(7) At least one VHF-FM radio with a functioning channel 16 (156.8 mHz), International Distress, Safety and Calling Frequency, and one functioning AM radio (SSB-Single Side Band) capable of operating at 2182 kHz (SSB). Radios will be maintained in a radio room, chartroom, or other suitable location.
(8) At least one Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), approved by the USCG for offshore commercial use, stowed in a location so as to make it readily available in the event of an emergency.
(9) At least six hand-held, rocket-propelled, parachute, red-flare distress signals, and three orange-smoke distress signals stowed in the pilothouse or navigation bridge in portable watertight containers.
(10) All lights, shapes, whistles, foghorns, fog bells and gongs required by and maintained in accordance with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.
(11) Clean and sanitary conditions in all living spaces, food service and preparation areas and work spaces aboard the vessel.
(e) Observer transfers. (1) The operator of the FFV must ensure that transfers of observers at sea via small boat or raft are carried out during daylight hours as weather and sea conditions allow, and with the agreement of the observer involved. The FFV operator must provide the observer 3 hours advance notice of at-sea transfers, so that the observer may collect personal belongings, equipment, and scientific samples.
(2) The FFV's involved must provide a safe pilot ladder and conduct the transfer according to the procedures of §600.504(d) to ensure the safety of the during the transfer.
(3) An experienced crew member must assist the observer in the small boat or raft in which the transfer is made.
(f) Supplementary observers. In the event funds are not available from Congressional appropriations of fees collected to assign an observer to a foreign fishing vessel, the appropriate Regional Administrator or Science and Research Director will assign a supplementary observer to that vessel. The costs of supplementary observers will be paid for by the owners and operators of foreign fishing vessels as provided for in paragraph (h) of this section.
(g) Supplementary observer authority and duties. (1) A supplementary observer aboard a foreign fishing vessel has the same authority and must be treated in all respects as an observer who is employed by NMFS, either directly or under contract.
(2) The duties of supplementary observers and their deployment and work schedules will be specified by the appropriate Regional Administrator or Science and Research Director.
(3) All data collected by supplementary observers will be under the exclusive control of the Assistant Administrator.
(h) Supplementary observer payment—(1) Method of payment. The owners and operators of foreign fishing vessels must pay directly to the contractor the costs of supplementary observer coverage. Payment must be made to the contractor supplying supplementary observer coverage either by letter of credit or certified check drawn on a federally chartered bank in U.S. dollars, or other financial institution acceptable to the contractor. The letter of credit used to pay supplementary observer fees to contractors must be separate and distinct from the letter of credit required by §600.518(b)(2). Billing schedules will be specified by the terms of the contract between NOAA and the contractors. Billings for supplementary observer coverage will be approved by the appropriate Regional Administrator or Science and Research Director and then transmitted to the owners and operators of foreign fishing vessels by the appropriate designated representative. Each country will have only one designated representative to receive observer bills for all vessels of that country, except as provided for by the Assistant Administrator. All bills must be paid within 10 working days of the billing date. Failure to pay an observer bill will constitute grounds to revoke fishing permits. All fees collected under this section will be considered interim in nature and subject to reconciliation at the end of the fiscal year in accordance with paragraph (h)(4) of this section and §600.518(d).
(2) Contractor costs. The costs charged for supplementary observer coverage to the owners and operators of foreign fishing vessels may not exceed the costs charged to NMFS for the same or similar services, except that contractors may charge to the owners and operators of foreign fishing vessels an additional fee to cover the administrative costs of the program not ordinarily part of contract costs charged to NMFS. The costs charged foreign fishermen for supplementary observers may include, but are not limited to the following:
(i) Salary and benefits, including overtime, for supplementary observers.
(ii) The costs of post-certification training required by paragraph (j)(2) of this section.
(iii) The costs of travel, transportation, and per diem associated with deploying supplementary observers to foreign fishing vessels including the cost of travel, transportation, and per diem from the supplementary observer's post of duty to the point of embarkation to the foreign fishing vessel, and then from the point of disembarkation to the post of duty from where the trip began. For the purposes of these regulations, the appropriate Regional Administrator or Science and Research Director will designate posts of duty for supplementary observers.
(iv) The costs of travel, transportation, and per diem associated with the debriefing following deployment of a supplementary observer by NMFS officials.
(v) The administrative and overhead costs incurred by the contractor and, if appropriate, a reasonable profit.
(3) NMFS costs. The owners and operators of foreign fishing vessels must also pay to NMFS as part of the surcharge required by section 201(i)(4) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the following costs:
(i) The costs of certifying applicants for the position of supplementary observer.
(ii) The costs of any equipment, including safety equipment, sampling equipment, operations manuals, or other texts necessary to perform the duties of a supplementary observer. The equipment will be specified by the appropriate Regional Administrator or Science and Research Director according to the requirements of the fishery to which the supplementary observer will be deployed.
(iii) The costs associated with communications with supplementary observers for transmission of data and routine messages.
(iv) For the purposes of monitoring the supplementary observer program, the costs for the management and analysis of data.
(v) The costs for data editing and entry.
(vi) Any costs incurred by NMFS to train, deploy or debrief a supplementary observer.
(vii) The cost for U.S. Customs inspection for supplementary observers disembarking after deployment.
(4) Reconciliation. Fees collected by the contractor in excess of the actual costs of supplementary observer coverage will be refunded to the owners and operators of foreign fishing vessels, or kept on deposit to defray the costs of future supplementary observer coverage. Refunds will be made within 60 days after final costs are determined and approved by NMFS.
(i) Supplementary observer contractors—(1) Contractor eligibility. Supplementary observers will be obtained by NMFS from persons or firms having established contracts to provide NMFS with observers. In the event no such contract is in place, NMFS will use established, competitive contracting procedures to select persons or firms to provide supplementary observers. The services supplied by the supplementary observer contractors will be as described within the contract and as specified below.
(2) Supplementary observer contractors must submit for the approval of the Assistant Administrator the following:
(i) A copy of any contract, including all attachments, amendments, and enclosures thereto, between the contractor and the owners and operators of foreign fishing vessels for whom the contractor will provide supplementary observer services.
(ii) All application information for persons whom the contractor desires to employ as certified supplementary observers.
(iii) Billing schedules and billings to the owners and operators of foreign fishing vessels for further transmission to the designated representative of the appropriate foreign nation.
(iv) All data on costs.
(j) Supplementary observers—certification, training—(1) Certification. The appropriate Regional Administrator or Science and Research Director will certify persons as qualified for the position of supplementary observer once the following conditions are met:
(i) The candidate is a citizen or national of the United States.
(ii) The candidate has education or experience equivalent to the education or experience required of persons used as observers by NMFS as either Federal personnel or contract employees. The education and experience required for certification may vary according to the requirements of managing the foreign fishery in which the supplementary observer is to be deployed. Documentation of U.S. citizenship or nationality, and education or experience will be provided from personal qualification statements on file with NMFS contractors who provide supplementary observer services, and will not require the submission of additional information to NMFS.
(2) Training. Prior to deployment to foreign fishing vessels, certified supplementary observers must also meet the following conditions:
(i) Each certified supplementary observer must satisfactorily complete a course of training approved by the appropriate Regional Administrator or Science and Research Director as equivalent to that received by persons used as observers by NMFS as either Federal personnel or contract employees. The course of training may vary according to the foreign fishery in which the supplementary observer is to be deployed.
(ii) Each certified supplementary observer must agree in writing to abide by standards of conduct as set forth in Department of Commerce Administrative Order 202–735 (as provided by the contractor).
(k) Supplementary observer certification suspension or revocation. (1) Certification of a supplementary observer may be suspended or revoked by the Assistant Administrator under the following conditions:
(i) A supplementary observer fails to perform the duties specified in paragraph (g)(2) of this section.
(ii) A supplementary observer fails to abide by the standards of conduct described by Department of Commerce Administrative Order 202–735.
(2) The suspension or revocation of the certification of a supplementary observer by the Assistant Administrator may be based on the following:
(i) Boarding inspection reports by authorized officers of the USCG or NMFS, or other credible information, that indicate a supplementary observer has failed to abide by the established standards of conduct; or
(ii) An analysis by NMFS of the data collected by a supplementary observer indicating improper or incorrect data collection or recording. The failure to properly collect or record data is sufficient to justify decertification of supplementary observers; no intent to defraud need be demonstrated.
(3) The Assistant Administrator will notify the supplementary observer, in writing, of the Assistant Administrator's intent to suspend or revoke certification, and the reasons therefor, and provide the supplementary observer a reasonable opportunity to respond. If the Assistant Administrator determines that there are disputed questions of material fact, then the Assistant Administrator may in this respect appoint an examiner to make an informal fact-finding inquiry and prepare a report and recommendations.
[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 7074, 7075, Feb. 12, 1998; 64 FR 39020, July 21, 1999] § 600.507 Recordkeeping.
(a) General. The owner and operator of each FFV must maintain timely and accurate records required by this section as modified by the regulations for the fishery in which the FFV is engaged.
(1) The owner and operator of each FFV must maintain all required records in English, based on Greenwich mean time (GMT) unless otherwise specified in the regulation, and make them immediately available for inspection upon the request of an authorized officer or observer.
(2) The owner and operator of each FFV must retain all required records on board the FFV whenever it is in the EEZ, for 3 years after the end of the permit period.
(3) The owner and operator of each FFV must retain the required records and make them available for inspection upon the request of an authorized officer at any time during the 3 years after the end of the permit period, whether or not such records are on board the vessel.
(4) The owner and operator of each FFV must provide to the Assistant Administrator, in the form and at the times prescribed, any other information requested that the Assistant Administrator determines is necessary to fulfill the fishery conservation, management and enforcement purposes of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
(b) Communications log. The owner and operator of each FFV must record in a separate communications log, at the time of transmittal, the time and content of each notification made under §600.504.
(c) Transfer log. Except for the transfer of unsorted, unprocessed fish via codend from a catching vessel to a processing vessel (Activity Code 2 or 4), the owner and operator of each FFV must record, in a separate transfer log, each transfer or receipt of any fish or fishery product, including quantities transferred or offloaded outside the EEZ. The operator must record in the log within 12 hours of the completion of the transfer:
(1) The time and date (GMT) and location (in geographic coordinates) the transfer began and was completed.
(2) The product weight, by species and product (use species and product codes), of all fish transferred, to the nearest 0.01 mt.
(3) The name, IRCS, and permit number of both the FFV offloading the fish and the FFV receiving the fish.
(d) Daily fishing log. (1) The owner or operator of each FFV authorized to catch fish (Activity Code 1) must maintain a daily fishing log of the effort, catch and production of the FFV, as modified by paragraph (d)(2) of this section and the regulations for the fishery in which the FFV is engaged. The operator must maintain on a daily and cumulative basis for the permit period a separate log for each fishery (see table 2 to §600.502) in which the FFV is engaged according to this section and in the format specified in the instructions provided with the permit or other format authorized under paragraph (i) of this section. Daily effort entries are required for each day the vessel conducts fishing operations within the EEZ. Daily entries are not required whenever the FFV is in port or engaged in a joint venture in the internal waters of a state. Each page of log may contain entries pertaining to only one day's fishing operations or one gear set, whichever is longer.
(2) The owner or operator of each FFV authorized to catch fish (Activity Code 1) and that delivers all catches to a processing vessel, must maintain only “SECTION ONE-EFFORT”, of the daily fishing log, provided the processing vessel maintains a daily consolidated fishing log as described in paragraphs (f) and (g) of this section.
(e) Daily fishing log—contents. The daily fishing log must contain the following information, as modified by paragraph (d)(2) of this section and the regulations for the fishery in which the FFV is engaged, and be completed according to the format and instructions provided with the permit or other format authorized under paragraph (i) of this section.
(1) “SECTION ONE-EFFORT” must contain on a daily basis—
(i) A consecutive page number, beginning with the first day the vessel started fishing operations within the EEZ and continuing throughout the log.
(ii) The date (based on GMT).
(iii) The FFV's name.
(iv) The FFV's IRCS.
(v) The FFV's U.S. permit number.
(vi) The FFV's noon (1200 GMT) position in geographic coordinates.
(vii) The master or operator's signature or title.
(2) “SECTION ONE-EFFORT” must contain, for each trawl or set, as appropriate to the gear type employed—
(i) The consecutive trawl or set number, beginning with the first set of the calendar year.
(ii) The fishing area in which the trawl or set was completed.
(iii) The gear type.
(iv) The time the gear was set.
(v) The position of the set.
(vi) The course of the set.
(vii) The sea depth.
(viii) The depth of the set.
(ix) The duration of the set.
(x) The hauling time.
(xi) The position of the haul.
(xii) The number of pots or longline units (where applicable).
(xiii) The average number of hooks per longline unit (where applicable).
(xiv) The trawl speed (where applicable).
(xv) The mesh size of the trawl's codend (where applicable).
(xvi) The estimated total weight of the catch for the trawl of set, to at least the nearest metric ton round weight.
(3) “SECTION TWO-CATCH” must contain, for each trawl or set—
(i) The consecutive set or trawl number from “SECTION ONE”.
(ii) The catch of each allocated species or species group to at least the nearest 0.1 mt round weight.
(iii) The prohibited species catch to at least the nearest 0.1 mt round weight or by number, as required by the regulations for the fishery in which the FFV is engaged.
(iv) The species code of each marine mammal caught and its condition when released.
(4) “SECTION TWO-CATCH” must contain, on a daily basis—
(i) The species codes for all allocated or prohibited species or species groups caught.
(ii) For each allocated species—the amount, to at least the nearest 0.1 mt, and the daily disposition, either processed for human consumption, used for fishmeal, or discarded; the daily catch by fishing area; the daily catch for all fishing areas; and the cumulative total catch.
(iii) For the total catch of allocated species—the amount to at least the nearest 0.1 mt and the daily disposition, daily total catch by fishing area, daily total catch for all fishing areas, and cumulative total catch.
(iv) The catch by fishing area, daily total, and cumulative total of each prohibited species.
(5) “SECTION THREE—PRODUCTION” must contain, on a daily basis, for each allocated species caught and product produced—
(i) The product by species code and product type.
(ii) The daily product recovery rate of each species and product.
(iii) The daily total product produced by species to at least the nearest 0.01 mt.
(iv) The cumulative total of each product to at least the nearest 0.01 mt.
(v) The cumulative amount of product transferred.
(vi) The balance of product remaining aboard the FFV.
(vii) The total daily amount, cumulative amount, transferred product and balance of frozen product aboard the FFV to the nearest 0.01 mt.
(viii) Transferred amount and balance of fishmeal and fish oil aboard to at least the nearest 0.01 mt.
(f) Daily consolidated fishing or joint venture log. The operator of each FFV that receives unsorted, unprocessed fish from foreign catching vessels (Activity Code 2) for processing or receives U.S.-harvested fish from U.S. fishing vessels in a joint venture (Activity Code 4) must maintain a daily joint venture log of the effort, catch and production of its associated U.S. or foreign fishing vessels and the processing vessel as modified by the regulations for the fishery in which the FFV is engaged. This log is separate and in addition to the log required by paragraph (d) of this section. The operator must maintain a separate log for each fishery in which the FFV is engaged, on a daily and cumulative basis, according to this section and in the format specified in the instructions provided with the permit or other format authorized under paragraph (i) of this section. Receipts of fish caught outside the EEZ must be included. Each page of the log may contain entries pertaining to only one day's fishing operations.
(g) Daily joint venture log—contents. Daily joint venture logs must contain the following information, as modified by the fishery in which the vessel is engaged, and be completed according to the format and instructions provided with the permit or other format authorized under paragraph (i) of this section.
(1) “SECTION ONE-EFFORT” must contain, on a daily basis, that information required in paragraph (e)(1) of this section.
(2) “SECTION ONE-EFFORT” must contain for each receipt of a codend—
(i) The consecutive codend number, beginning with the first codend received for the calendar year.
(ii) The name of the U.S. fishing vessel or the name and IRCS of the foreign fishing vessel the codend was received from.
(iii) The fishing area where the codend was received.
(iv) The time the codend was received.
(v) The position the codend was received.
(vi) The estimated weight of the codend to at least the nearest metric ton round weight.
(3) “SECTION TWO-CATCH” must contain, for each codend received—
(i) The consecutive codend number from “SECTION ONE”.
(ii) The receipts of each authorized species or species group and its disposition, either processed for human consumption, used for fishmeal, discarded, or returned to the U.S. fishing vessel, to at least the nearest 0.1 mt round weight.
(iii) The estimated receipts of each prohibited species or species group and its disposition, either discarded or returned to the U.S. fishing vessel if authorized in the fishery in which the U.S. vessel is engaged, to at least the nearest 0.1 mt round weight.
(iv) The species code of each marine mammal received and its condition when released.
(4) “SECTION TWO-CATCH” must contain on a daily basis—
(i) The species codes of all authorized or prohibited species or species groups received.
(ii) The daily disposition, as described in paragraph (g)(3)(ii) of this section, daily total, and cumulative total receipts of each authorized species or species groups.
(iii) The daily disposition, daily total and cumulative total receipts of all authorized species or species groups.
(iv) The daily and cumulative total receipts of prohibited species groups and their disposition as described in paragraph (g)(3)(iii) of this section.
(5) “SECTION THREE—PRODUCTION” must contain, on a daily basis, for each authorized species or species group received and product produced, that information required in paragraph (e)(5) of this section.
(h) Daily log maintenance. The logs required by paragraphs (e) through (g) of this section must be maintained separately for each fishery (see table 2 to §600.502).
(1) The effort section (all of “SECTION ONE”) of the daily logs must be updated within 2 hours of the hauling or receipt time. The catch or receipt by trawl or set (“SECTION TWO”) must be entered within 12 hours of the hauling or receipt time. The daily and cumulative total catch or receipts (“SECTION TWO”) and the production portion (“SECTION THREE”) of the log must be updated within 12 hours of the end of the day on which the catch was taken. The date of catch is the day and time (GMT) the gear is hauled.
(2) Entries for total daily and cumulative catch or receipt weights (disposition “C” or “M”) must be based on the most accurate method available to the vessel, either scale round weights or factory weights converted to round weights. Entries for daily and cumulative weights of discarded or returned fish (disposition “D” or “R”) must be based on the most accurate method available to the vessel, either actual count, scale round weight, or estimated deck weights. Entries for product weights must be based on the number of production units (pans, boxes, blocks, trays, cans, or bags) and the average weight of the production unit, with reasonable allowances for water added. Allowances for water added cannot exceed 5 percent of the unit weight. Product weights cannot be based on the commercial or arbitrary wholesale weight of the product, but must be based on the total actual weight of the product as determined by representative samples.
(3) The owner or operator must make all entries in indelible ink, with corrections to be accomplished by lining out and rewriting, rather than erasure.
(i) Alternative log formats. As an alternative to the use of the specific formats provided, a Nation may submit a proposed log format for FFV's of that Nation for a general type of fishery operation in a fishery (i.e., joint venture operations) to the appropriate Regional Administrator and the USCG commander (see tables 1 and 2 to §600.502). With the agreement of the USCG commander, the Regional Administrator may authorize the use of that log format for vessels of the requesting Nation.
[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 7075, Feb. 12, 1998] § 600.508 Fishing operations.
(a) Catching. Each FFV authorized for activity code 1 may catch fish. An FFV may retain its catch of any species or species group for which there is an unfilled national allocation. All fish caught will be counted against the national allocation, even if the fish are discarded, unless exempted by the regulations of the fishery in which the FFV is engaged. Catching operations may be conducted as specified by the regulations of the fishery in which the FFV is engaged and as modified by the FFV's permit.
(b) Scouting. Each FFV authorized for Activity Codes 1 through 6 may scout for fish. Scouting may be conducted only in the fisheries area authorized by the scouting vessel's permit and under such other circumstances as may be designated in this subpart or the permit.
(c) Processing. Each FFV with Activity Code 1 or 2 may process fish. Processing may only be conducted whenever and wherever catching operations for FFV's of that Nation are permitted, whenever and wherever joint venture operations are authorized by an FFV's permit under Activity Code 4, and under such other circumstances as may be designated in this subpart or the permit.
(d) Support. Each FFV with Activity Codes 1, 2, 3, 5, or 8 may support other permitted FFV's. Each FFV with Activity Codes 4 or 6 may support U.S. vessels. Support operations may be conducted only in the fisheries areas authorized by the supporting vessel's permit, and under such other circumstances as may be designated in this subpart or the permit.
(e) Joint ventures. Each FFV with Activity Code 4 in addition to Activity Codes 1 or 2 may also conduct operations with U.S. fishing vessels. These joint venture operations with U.S. fishing vessels may be conducted throughout the EEZ, and under such other circumstances as may be designated in these regulations or the permit. FFV's with activity code 4 may continue operations assisting U.S. fishing vessels, despite closures under §600.511(a).
(f) Internal waters. For FFV's authorized under section 306(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act:
(1) Each FFV may engage in fish processing and support of U.S. fishing vessels within the internal waters of that state in compliance with terms and conditions set by the authorizing Governor.
(2) The owner or operator of each FFV must submit weekly reports on the amount of fish received from vessels of the United States and the location(s) where such fish were harvested.
(i) Reports must include:
(A) Vessel identification information for the FFV.
(B) Date of each receipt of fish.
(C) Amount of fish received, by species.
(D) Location(s) from which the fish received were harvested and the name and official number of the vessel of the United States that harvested the fish.
(ii) Owners or operators of FFV's processing fish in internal waters under the provisions of this paragraph (f) must request, from the Regional Administrator, the requirements regarding timing and submission of the reports, at least 15 days prior to the first receipt of fish from a vessel of the United States. The Regional Administrator shall stipulate the timing and submission requirements in writing.
(g) Transshipping. Each FFV with Activity Code 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 10 may transship in accordance with this subpart and the vessel's permit.
[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 27183, May 19, 1997; 62 FR 34397, June 26, 1997; 64 FR 39020, July 21, 1999] § 600.509 Prohibited species.
(a) The owner or operator of each FFV must minimize its catch or receipt of prohibited species.
(b) After allowing for sampling by an observer (if any), the owner or operator of each FFV must sort its catch of fish received as soon as possible and return all prohibited species and species parts to the sea immediately with a minimum of injury, regardless of condition, unless a different procedure is specified by the regulations for the fishery in which the FFV is engaged. All prohibited species must be recorded in the daily fishing log and other fishing logs as specified by the regulations for the fishery in which the FFV is engaged.
(c) All species of fish that an FFV has not been specifically allocated or authorized under this subpart to retain, including fish caught or received in excess of any allocation or authorization, are prohibited species.
(d) It is a rebuttable presumption that any prohibited species or species part found on board an FFV was caught and retained in violation of this section. § 600.510 Gear avoidance and disposal.
(a) Vessel and gear avoidance. (1) FFV's arriving on fishing grounds where fishing vessels are already fishing or have set their gear for that purpose must ascertain the position and extent of gear already placed in the sea and must not place themselves or their fishing gear so as to interfere with or obstruct fishing operations already in progress. Vessels using mobile gear must avoid fixed fishing gear.
(2) The operator of each FFV must maintain on its bridge a current plot of broadcast fixed-gear locations for the area in which it is fishing, as required by the regulations for the fishery in which the FFV is engaged.
(b) Gear conflicts. The operator of each FFV that is involved in a conflict or that retrieves the gear of another vessel must immediately notify the appropriate USCG commander identified in tables 1 and 2 to §600.502 and request disposal instructions. Each report must include:
(1) The name of the reporting vessel.
(2) A description of the incident and articles retrieved, including the amount, type of gear, condition, and identification markings.
(3) The location of the incident.
(4) The date and time of the incident.
(c) Disposal of fishing gear and other articles. (1) The operator of an FFV in the EEZ may not dump overboard, jettison or otherwise discard any article or substance that may interfere with other fishing vessels or gear, or that may catch fish or cause damage to any marine resource, including marine mammals and birds, except in cases of emergency involving the safety of the ship or crew, or as specifically authorized by communication from the appropriate USCG commander or other authorized officer. These articles and substances include, but are not limited to, fishing gear, net scraps, bale straps, plastic bags, oil drums, petroleum containers, oil, toxic chemicals or any manmade items retrieved in an FFV's gear.
(2) The operator of an FFV may not abandon fishing gear in the EEZ.
(3) If these articles or substances are encountered, or in the event of accidental or emergency placement into the EEZ, the vessel operator must immediately report the incident to the appropriate USCG Commander indicated in tables 1 and 2 to §600.502, and give the information required in paragraph (b) of this section. § 600.511 Fishery closure procedures.
(a) Activity Codes 1 and 2 for a fishery are automatically canceled in the following cases, unless otherwise specified by regulations specific to a fishery, when—
(1) The OY for any allocated species or species group has been reached in that fishery;
(2) The TALFF or catch allowance for any allocated species or species group has been reached in that fishery;
(3) The foreign nation's allocation for any allocated species or species group has been reached; or
(4) The letter of credit required in §600.518(b)(2) is not established and maintained.
(b) Activity Code 4 is automatically canceled when—
(1) The OY for a species with a JVP amount is reached;
(2) The JVP amount for a species or species group is reached; or
(3) The letter of credit required in §600.518(b)(2) is not established and maintained.
(c) Notification. (1) The Regional Administrator is authorized to close a fishery on behalf of NMFS. The Regional Administrator will notify each FFV's designated representative of closures.
(2) If possible, notice will be given 48 hours before the closure. However, each Nation and the owners and operators of all FFV's of that Nation are responsible for ending fishing operations when an allocation is reached.
(d) Catch reconciliation. Vessel activity reports, U.S. surveillance observations, observer reports, and foreign catch and effort reports will be used to make the determination listed in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section. If NMFS estimates of catch or other values made during the season differ from those reported by the foreign fleets, efforts may be initiated by the designated representative of each Nation to resolve such differences with NMFS. If, however, differences still persist after such efforts have been made, NMFS estimates will be the basis for decisions and will prevail.
(e) Duration. Any closure under this section will remain in effect until an applicable new or increased allocation or JVP becomes available or the letter of credit required by §600.518(b)(2) is reestablished.
[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 7075, Feb. 12, 1998] § 600.512 Scientific research.
(a) Scientific research activity. Persons planning to conduct scientific research activities in the EEZ that may be confused with fishing are encouraged to submit to the appropriate Regional Administrator, Director, or designee, 60 days or as soon as practicable prior to its start, a scientific research plan for each scientific cruise. The Regional Administrator, Director, or designee will acknowledge notification of scientific research activity by issuing to the operator or master of that vessel, or to the sponsoring institution, a letter of acknowledgment. This letter of acknowledgment is separate and distinct from any permit required under any other applicable law. If the Regional Administrator, Director, or designee, after review of a research plan, determines that it does not constitute scientific research activity, but rather fishing, the Regional Administrator, Director, or designee will inform the applicant as soon as practicable and in writing. The Regional Administrator, Director, or designee may also make recommendations to revise the research plan to make the cruise acceptable as scientific research activity. In order to facilitate identification of activity as scientific research, persons conducting scientific research activities are advised to carry a copy of the scientific research plan and the letter of acknowledgment on board the scientific research vessel. Activities conducted in accordance with a scientific research plan acknowledged by such a letter are presumed to be scientific research activities. The presumption may be overcome by showing that an activity does not fit the definition of scientific research activity or is outside the scope of the scientific research plan.
(b) Reports. Persons conducting scientific research are requested to submit a copy of any cruise report or other publication created as a result of the cruise, including the amount, composition, and disposition of their catch, to the appropriate Science and Research Director.
[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 7075, Feb. 12, 1998] § 600.513 Recreational fishing.
(a) Foreign vessels conducting recreational fishing must comply only with this section, and §§600.10, 600.504(a)(1), and 600.505 (as applicable). Such vessels may conduct recreational fishing within the EEZ and within the boundaries of a state. Any fish caught may not be sold, bartered, or traded.
(b) The owners or operator and any other person aboard any foreign vessel conducting recreational fishing must comply with any Federal laws or regulations applicable to the domestic fishery while in the EEZ, and any state laws or regulations applicable while in state waters. § 600.514 Relation to other laws.
(a) Persons affected by these regulations should be aware that other Federal and state statutes may apply to their activities.
(b) Fishing vessel operators must exercise due care in the conduct of fishing activities near submarine cables. Damage to submarine cables resulting from intentional acts or from the failure to exercise due care in the conduct of fishing operations subjects the fishing vessel operator to enforcement action under the International Convention for the Protection of Submarine Cables, and to the criminal penalties prescribed by the Submarine Cable Act (47 U.S.C. 21) and other laws that implement that Convention. Fishing vessel operators also should be aware that the Submarine Cable Act prohibits fishing operations at a distance of less than 1 nautical mile (1.85 km) from a vessel engaged in laying or repairing a submarine cable; or at a distance of less than 0.25 nautical mile (0.46 km) from a buoy or buoys intended to mark the position of a cable when being laid, or when out of order, or broken. § 600.515 Interpretation of 16 U.S.C. 1857(4).
Section 307(4) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act prohibits any fishing vessel other than a vessel of the United States (foreign fishing vessel) from operating in the EEZ if all of the fishing gear on board the vessel is not stowed in compliance with that section “unless such vessel is authorized to engage in fishing in the area in which the vessel is operating.” If such a vessel has a permit authorization that is limited to fishing activities other than catching, taking or harvesting (such as support, scouting or processing activities), it must have all of its fishing gear stowed at all times while it is in the EEZ. If such a vessel has a permit authorization to engage in catching, taking or harvesting activities, but such authorization is limited to a specific area within the EEZ, and/or to a specific period of time, the vessel must have all of its fishing gear stowed while it is in the EEZ, except when it is in the specific area authorized, and/or during the specific period of time authorized.
[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 7075, Feb. 12, 1998] § 600.516 Total allowable level of foreign fishing (TALFF).
(a) The TALFF, if any, with respect to any fishery subject to the exclusive fishery management authority of the United States, is that portion of the OY of such fishery that will not be caught by vessels of the United States.
(b) Each specification of OY and each assessment of the anticipated U.S. harvest will be reviewed during each fishing season. Adjustments to TALFF's will be made based on updated information relating to status of stocks, estimated and actual performance of domestic and foreign fleets, and other relevant factors.
(c) Specifications of OY and the initial estimates of U.S. harvests and TALFF's at the beginning of the relevant fishing year will be published in the Federal Register. Adjustments to those numbers will be published in the Federal Register upon occasion or as directed by regulations implementing FMPs. For current apportionments, contact the appropriate Regional Administrator or the Director.
[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 7075, Feb. 12, 1998] § 600.517 Allocations.
The Secretary of State, in cooperation with the Secretary, determines the allocation among foreign nations of fish species and species groups. The Secretary of State officially notifies each foreign nation of its allocation. The burden of ascertaining and accurately transmitting current allocations and status of harvest of an applicable allocation to fishing vessels is upon the foreign nation and the owner or operator of the FFV. § 600.518 Fee schedule for foreign fishing.
(a) Permit application fees. Each vessel permit application submitted under §600.501 must be accompanied by a fee. The amount of the fee will be determined in accordance with the procedures for determining administrative costs of each special product or service contained in the NOAA Finance Handbook, which is available upon request from the International Fisheries Division (see address at §600.501(d)(1)). The fee is specified with the application form. At the time the application is submitted, a check for the fees, drawn on a U.S. bank, payable to the order of “Department of Commerce, NOAA,” must be sent to the Assistant Administrator. The permit fee payment must be accompanied by a list of the vessels for which the payment is made. In the case of applications for permits authorizing activity code 10, the permit application fee will be waived if the applicant provides satisfactory documentary proof to the Assistant Administrator that the foreign nation under which the vessel is registered does not collect a fee from a vessel of the United States engaged in similar activities in the waters of such foreign nation. The documentation presented (e.g., copy of foreign fishing regulations applicable to vessels of the United States) must clearly exempt vessels of the United States from such a fee.
(b) Poundage fees—(1) Rates. If a Nation chooses to accept an allocation, poundage fees must be paid at the rate specified in the following table.
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