50 C.F.R. § 622.4 Permits and fees.
Title 50 - Wildlife and Fisheries
Link to an amendment published at 71 FR 45434, Aug. 9, 2006.
Link to a correction published at 71 FR 48483, Aug. 21, 2006. (a) Permits required. To conduct activities in fisheries governed in this part, valid permits, licenses, and endorsements are required as follows: (1) Charter vessel/headboat permits. (i) For a person aboard a vessel that is operating as a charter vessel or headboat to fish for or possess, in or from the EEZ, species in any of the following species groups, a valid charter vessel/headboat permit for that species group must have been issued to the vessel and must be on board— (A) Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fish. (B) South Atlantic coastal migratory pelagic fish. (C) Gulf reef fish. (D) South Atlantic snapper-grouper. (E) Atlantic dolphin and wahoo. (See paragraph (a)(5) of this section for the requirements for operator permits in the dolphin and wahoo fishery.) (ii) See paragraph (r) of this section regarding a limited access system for charter vessel/headboat permits for Gulf reef fish and Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fish. (iii) A charter vessel or headboat may have both a charter vessel/headboat permit and a commercial vessel permit. However, when a vessel is operating as a charter vessel or headboat, a person aboard must adhere to the bag limits. See the definitions of “Charter vessel” and “Headboat” in §622.2 for an explanation of when vessels are considered to be operating as a charter vessel or headboat, respectively. (2) Commercial vessel permits, licenses, and endorsements—(i) Fish traps in the Gulf. For a person to possess or use a fish trap in the EEZ in the Gulf of Mexico, a commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef fish with a fish trap endorsement must have been issued to the vessel and must be on board. See paragraph (n) of this section regarding fish trap endorsements. (ii) Gillnets for king mackerel in the southern Florida west coast subzone. For a person aboard a vessel to use a run-around gillnet for king mackerel in the southern Florida west coast subzone (see §622.42(c)(1)(i)(A)(3)), a commercial vessel permit for king mackerel and a king mackerel gillnet permit must have been issued to the vessel and must be on board. See paragraph (o) of this section regarding a limited access system applicable to king mackerel gillnet permits and restrictions on transferability of king mackerel gillnet permits. (iii) King mackerel. For a person aboard a vessel to be eligible for exemption from the bag limits and to fish under a quota for king mackerel in or from the Gulf, Mid-Atlantic, or South Atlantic EEZ, a commercial vessel permit for king mackerel must have been issued to the vessel and must be on board. To obtain or renew a commercial vessel permit for king mackerel, at least 25 percent of the applicant's earned income, or at least $10,000, must have been derived from commercial fishing (i.e., harvest and first sale of fish) or from charter fishing during one of the three calendar years preceding the application. See paragraph (q) of this section regarding a limited access system applicable to commercial vessel permits for king mackerel, transfers of permits under the limited access system, and limited exceptions to the earned income or gross sales requirement for a permit. (iv) Spanish mackerel. For a person aboard a vessel to be eligible for exemption from the bag limits and to fish under a quota for Spanish mackerel in or from the Gulf, Mid-Atlantic, or South Atlantic EEZ, a commercial vessel permit for Spanish mackerel must have been issued to the vessel and must be on board. To obtain or renew a commercial vessel permit for Spanish mackerel, at least 25 percent of the applicant's earned income, or at least $10,000, must have been derived from commercial fishing (i.e., harvest and first sale of fish) or from charter fishing during one of the 3 calendar years preceding the application. (v) Gulf reef fish. For a person aboard a vessel to be eligible for exemption from the bag limits, to fish under a quota, or to sell Gulf reef fish in or from the Gulf EEZ, a commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef fish must have been issued to the vessel and must be on board. To obtain or renew a commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef fish, more than 50 percent of the applicant's earned income must have been derived from commercial fishing (i.e., harvest and first sale of fish) or from charter fishing during either of the 2 calendar years preceding the application. See paragraph (m) of this section regarding a limited access system for commercial vessel permits for Gulf reef fish and limited exceptions to the earned income requirement for a permit. (vi) South Atlantic snapper-grouper. For a person aboard a vessel to be eligible for exemption from the bag limits for South Atlantic snapper-grouper in or from the South Atlantic EEZ, to engage in the directed fishery for tilefish in the South Atlantic EEZ, to use a longline to fish for South Atlantic snapper-grouper in the South Atlantic EEZ, or to use a sea bass pot in the South Atlantic EEZ between 35°15.19' N. lat. (due east of Cape Hatteras Light, NC) and 28°35.1' N. lat. (due east of the NASA Vehicle Assembly Building, Cape Canaveral, FL), a commercial vessel permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper must have been issued to the vessel and must be on board. A vessel with longline gear and more than 200 lb (90.7 kg) of tilefish on board is considered to be in the directed fishery for tilefish. It is a rebuttable presumption that a fishing vessel with more than 200 lb (90.7 kg) of tilefish on board harvested such tilefish in the EEZ. See §622.18 for limitations on the use, transfer, and renewal of a commercial vessel permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper. (vii) Wreckfish. For a person aboard a vessel to fish for wreckfish in the South Atlantic EEZ, possess wreckfish in or from the South Atlantic EEZ, offload wreckfish from the South Atlantic EEZ, or sell wreckfish in or from the South Atlantic EEZ, a commercial vessel permit for wreckfish must have been issued to the vessel and must be on board. To obtain a commercial vessel permit for wreckfish, the applicant must be a wreckfish shareholder; and either the shareholder must be the vessel owner or the owner or operator must be an employee, contractor, or agent of the shareholder. (See §622.15 for information on wreckfish shareholders.) (viii) South Atlantic rock shrimp. (A) For a person aboard a vessel to fish for rock shrimp in the South Atlantic EEZ or possess rock shrimp in or from the South Atlantic EEZ, a commercial vessel permit for rock shrimp must be issued to the vessel and must be on board. (See paragraph (a)(5) of this section for the requirements for operator permits for the South Atlantic rock shrimp fishery.) (B) In addition, for a person aboard a vessel to fish for rock shrimp in the South Atlantic EEZ off Georgia or off Florida or possess rock shrimp in or from the South Atlantic EEZ off Georgia or off Florida, a limited access endorsement for South Atlantic rock shrimp must be issued to the vessel and must be on board. See §622.19 for limitations on the issuance, transfer, renewal, and reissuance of a limited access endorsement for South Atlantic rock shrimp. (ix) Gulf red snapper. For a person aboard a vessel for which a commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef fish has been issued to retain red snapper under the trip limits specified in §622.44(d)(1) or (2), a Class 1 or Class 2 Gulf red snapper license must have been issued to the vessel and must be on board. See paragraph (p) of this section regarding initial issue of red snapper licenses. (x) South Atlantic golden crab. For a person aboard a vessel to fish for golden crab in the South Atlantic EEZ, possess golden crab in or from the South Atlantic EEZ, off-load golden crab from the South Atlantic EEZ, or sell golden crab in or from the South Atlantic EEZ, a commercial vessel permit for golden crab must be issued to the vessel and must be on board. It is a rebuttable presumption that a golden crab on board a vessel in the South Atlantic or off-loaded from a vessel in a port adjoining the South Atlantic was harvested from the South Atlantic EEZ. See §622.17 for limitations on the use, transfer, and renewal of a commercial vessel permit for golden crab. (xi) Gulf shrimp. For a person aboard a vessel to fish for shrimp in the Gulf EEZ or possess shrimp in or from the Gulf EEZ, a valid commercial vessel permit for Gulf shrimp must have been issued to the vessel and must be on board. (xii) Atlantic dolphin and wahoo. (A) For a person aboard a vessel to be eligible for exemption from the bag and possession limits for dolphin or wahoo in or from the Atlantic EEZ or to sell such dolphin or wahoo, a commercial vessel permit for Atlantic dolphin and wahoo must be issued to the vessel and must be on board, except as provided in paragraph (a)(2)(xii)(B) of this section. (See paragraph (a)(5) of this section for the requirements for operator permits in the Atlantic dolphin and wahoo fishery). (B) The provisions of paragraph (a)(2)(xii)(A) of this section notwithstanding, a fishing vessel, except a vessel operating as a charter vessel or headboat, that does not have a commercial vessel permit for Atlantic dolphin and wahoo but has a Federal commercial vessel permit in any other fishery, is exempt from the bag and possession limits for dolphin and wahoo and may sell dolphin and wahoo, subject to the trip and geographical limits specified in §622.44(f)(2). (A charter vessel/headboat permit is not a commercial vessel permit.) (xiii) South Atlantic penaeid shrimp. For a person aboard a trawler to fish for penaeid shrimp in the South Atlantic EEZ or possess penaeid shrimp in or from the South Atlantic EEZ, a valid commercial vessel permit for South Atlantic penaeid shrimp must have been issued to the vessel and must be on board. (3) Coral permits—(i) Allowable chemical. For an individual to take or possess fish or other marine organisms with an allowable chemical in a coral area, other than fish or other marine organisms that are landed in Florida, a Federal allowable chemical permit must have been issued to the individual. Such permit must be available when the permitted activity is being conducted and when such fish or other marine organisms are possessed, through landing ashore. (ii) Allowable octocoral. For an individual to take or possess allowable octocoral in the Gulf or South Atlantic EEZ, other than allowable octocoral that is landed in Florida, a Federal allowable octocoral permit must have been issued to the individual. Such permit must be available for inspection when the permitted activity is being conducted and when allowable octocoral is possessed, through landing ashore. (iii) Aquacultured live rock. For a person to take or possess aquacultured live rock in the Gulf or South Atlantic EEZ, a Federal aquacultured live rock permit must have been issued for the specific harvest site. Such permit, or a copy, must be on board a vessel depositing or possessing material on an aquacultured live rock site or harvesting or possessing live rock from an aquacultured live rock site. (iv) Prohibited coral. A Federal permit may be issued to take or possess Gulf and South Atlantic prohibited coral or Caribbean prohibited coral only as scientific research activity, exempted fishing, or exempted educational activity. See §600.745 of this chapter for the procedures and limitations for such activities and fishing. (v) Florida permits. Appropriate Florida permits and endorsements are required for the following activities, without regard to whether they involve activities in the EEZ or Florida's waters: (A) Landing in Florida fish or other marine organisms taken with an allowable chemical in a coral area. (B) Landing allowable octocoral in Florida. (C) Landing live rock in Florida. (4) Dealer permits. For a dealer to receive Gulf reef fish, golden crab harvested from the South Atlantic EEZ, South Atlantic snapper-grouper, rock shrimp harvested from the South Atlantic EEZ, dolphin or wahoo harvested from the Atlantic EEZ, or wreckfish, a dealer permit for Gulf reef fish, golden crab, South Atlantic snapper-grouper, rock shrimp, Atlantic dolphin and wahoo, or wreckfish, respectively, must be issued to the dealer. To obtain a dealer permit, the applicant must have a valid state wholesaler's license in the state(s) where the dealer operates, if required by such state(s), and must have a physical facility at a fixed location in such state(s). (5) Operator permits. (i) The following persons are required to have operator permits: (A) An operator of a vessel that has or is required to have a valid permit for South Atlantic rock shrimp issued under this section. (B) An operator of a vessel that has or is required to have a charter vessel/headboat or commercial permit for Atlantic dolphin and wahoo issued under this section. (ii) A person required to have an operator permit under paragraph (a)(5)(i) of this section must carry on board such permit and one other form of personal identification that includes a picture (driver's license, passport, etc.). (iii) An owner of a vessel that is required to have a permitted operator under paragraph (a)(5)(i) of this section must ensure that at least one person with a valid operator permit is aboard while the vessel is at sea or offloading. (iv) An owner of a vessel that is required to have a permitted operator under paragraph (a)(5)(i) of this section and the operator of such vessel are responsible for ensuring that a person whose operator permit is suspended, revoked, or modified pursuant to subpart D of 15 CFR part 904 is not aboard that vessel. (b) Applications for permits. Application forms for all permits are available from the RA. Completed application forms and all required supporting documents must be submitted to the RA at least 30 days prior to the date on which the applicant desires to have the permit made effective. All vessel permits are mailed to owners, whether the applicant is an owner or an operator. (1) Coral permits. (i) The applicant for a coral permit must be the individual who will be conducting the activity that requires the permit. In the case of a corporation or partnership that will be conducting live rock aquaculture activity, the applicant must be the principal shareholder or a general partner. (ii) An applicant must provide the following: (A) Name, address, telephone number, and other identifying information of the applicant. (B) Name and address of any affiliated company, institution, or organization. (C) Information concerning vessels, harvesting gear/methods, or fishing areas, as specified on the application form. (D) Any other information that may be necessary for the issuance or administration of the permit. (E) If applying for an aquacultured live rock permit, identification of each vessel that will be depositing material on or harvesting aquacultured live rock from the proposed aquacultured live rock site, specification of the port of landing of aquacultured live rock, and a site evaluation report prepared pursuant to generally accepted industry standards that— (1) Provides accurate coordinates of the proposed harvesting site so that it can be located using LORAN or Global Positioning System equipment; (2) Shows the site on a chart in sufficient detail to determine its size and allow for site inspection; (3) Discusses possible hazards to safe navigation or hindrance to vessel traffic, traditional fishing operations, or other public access that may result from aquacultured live rock at the site; (4) Describes the naturally occurring bottom habitat at the site; and (5) Specifies the type and origin of material to be deposited on the site and how it will be distinguishable from the naturally occurring substrate. (2) Dealer permits. (i) The application for a dealer permit must be submitted by the owner (in the case of a corporation, an officer or shareholder; in the case of a partnership, a general partner). (ii) An applicant must provide the following: (A) A copy of each state wholesaler's license held by the dealer. (B) Name, address, telephone number, date the business was formed, and other identifying information of the business. (C) The address of each physical facility at a fixed location where the business receives fish. (D) Name, address, telephone number, other identifying information, and official capacity in the business of the applicant. (E) Any other information that may be necessary for the issuance or administration of the permit, as specified on the application form. (3) Vessel permits. (i) The application for a commercial vessel permit, other than for wreckfish, or for a charter vessel/headboat permit must be submitted by the owner (in the case of a corporation, an officer or shareholder; in the case of a partnership, a general partner) or operator of the vessel. A commercial vessel permit that is issued based on the earned income qualification of an operator is valid only when that person is the operator of the vessel. The applicant for a commercial vessel permit for wreckfish must be a wreckfish shareholder. (ii) An applicant must provide the following: (A) A copy of the vessel's valid USCG certificate of documentation or, if not documented, a copy of its valid state registration certificate. (B) Vessel name and official number. (C) Name, address, telephone number, and other identifying information of the vessel owner and of the applicant, if other than the owner. (D) Any other information concerning the vessel, gear characteristics, principal fisheries engaged in, or fishing areas, as specified on the application form. (E) Any other information that may be necessary for the issuance or administration of the permit, as specified on the application form. (F) If applying for a commercial vessel permit, documentation, as specified in the instructions accompanying each application form, showing that applicable eligibility requirements of paragraph (a)(2) of this section have been met. (G) If a fish trap or sea bass pot will be used, the number, dimensions, and estimated cubic volume of the traps/pots that will be used and the applicant's desired color code for use in identifying his or her vessel and buoys (white is not an acceptable color code). (4) Operator permits. An applicant for an operator permit must provide the following: (i) Name, address, telephone number, and other identifying information specified on the application. (ii) Two recent (no more than 1–yr old), color, passport-size photographs. (iii) Any other information that may be necessary for the issuance or administration of the permit, as specified on the application form. (c) Change in application information. The owner or operator of a vessel with a permit, a person with a coral permit, a person with an operator permit, or a dealer with a permit must notify the RA within 30 days after any change in the application information specified in paragraph (b) of this section. The permit is void if any change in the information is not reported within 30 days. (d) Fees. A fee is charged for each application for a permit, license, or endorsement submitted under this section, for each request for transfer or replacement of such permit, license, or endorsement, and for each fish trap or sea bass pot identification tag required under §622.6(b)(1)(i)(B). The amount of each fee is calculated in accordance with the procedures of the NOAA Finance Handbook, available from the RA, for determining the administrative costs of each special product or service. The fee may not exceed such costs and is specified with each application form. The appropriate fee must accompany each application, request for transfer or replacement, or request for fish trap/sea bass pot identification tags. (e) Initial issuance. (1) The RA will issue an initial permit at any time to an applicant if the application is complete and the specific requirements for the requested permit have been met. An application is complete when all requested forms, information, and documentation have been received. (2) Upon receipt of an incomplete application, the RA will notify the applicant of the deficiency. If the applicant fails to correct the deficiency within 30 days of the date of the RA's letter of notification, the application will be considered abandoned. (f) Duration. A permit remains valid for the period specified on it unless it is revoked, suspended, or modified pursuant to subpart D of 15 CFR part 904 or, in the case of a vessel or dealer permit, the vessel or dealership is sold. (g) Transfer—(1) Vessel permits, licenses, and endorsements and dealer permits. A vessel permit, license, or endorsement or a dealer permit issued under this section is not transferable or assignable, except as provided in paragraph (m) of this section for a commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef fish, in paragraph (n) of this section for a fish trap endorsement, in paragraph (o) of this section for a king mackerel gillnet permit, in paragraph (p) of this section for a red snapper license, in paragraph (q) of this section for a commercial vessel permit for king mackerel, in paragraph (r) of this section for a charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fish or Gulf reef fish, in §622.17(c) for a commercial vessel permit for golden crab, in §622.18(e) for a commercial vessel permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper, or in §622.19(e) for a commercial vessel permit for South Atlantic rock shrimp. A person who acquires a vessel or dealership who desires to conduct activities for which a permit, license, or endorsement is required must apply for a permit, license, or endorsement in accordance with the provisions of this section. If the acquired vessel or dealership is currently permitted, the application must be accompanied by the original permit and a copy of a signed bill of sale or equivalent acquisition papers. (2) Operator permits. An operator permit is not transferable. (h) Renewal—(1) Vessel permits, licenses, and endorsements and dealer permits. Although a vessel permit, license, or endorsement or a dealer permit required by this section is issued on an annual basis, an application for its renewal is required only every 2 years. In the interim years, renewal is automatic (without application) for a vessel owner or a dealer who has met the specific requirements for the requested permit, license, or endorsement; who has complied with all reporting and data collection requirements, including observer requirements, under the Magnuson-Stevens Act; and who is not subject to a sanction or denial under paragraph (j) of this section. An owner or dealer whose permit, license, or endorsement is expiring will be mailed a notification by the RA approximately 2 months prior to its expiration. That notification will advise the status of the renewal. That is, the notification will advise that the renewal will be issued without further action by the owner or dealer (automatic renewal); that the permit, license, or endorsement is ineligible for automatic renewal; or that a new application is required. (i) If eligible for automatic renewal. If the RA's notification indicates that the owner's or dealer's permit, license, or endorsement is eligible for automatic renewal, the RA will mail the automatically renewed permit, license, or endorsement approximately 1 month prior to expiration of the old permit, license, or endorsement. (ii) If ineligible for automatic renewal. If the RA's notification indicates that the owner's or dealer's permit, license, or endorsement is ineligible for automatic renewal, the notification will specify the reasons and, if applicable, will provide an opportunity for correction of any deficiencies. If the owner or dealer does not correct such deficiencies within 60 days after the date of the RA's notification, the renewal will be considered abandoned. A permit, license, or endorsement that is not renewed within the applicable deadline will not be reissued. (iii) If new application is required. If the RA's notification indicates that a new application is required, the notification will include a preprinted renewal application. If the RA receives an incomplete application, the RA will notify the applicant of the deficiency. If the applicant fails to correct the deficiency within 30 days of the date of the RA's letter of notification, the application will be considered abandoned. A permit, license, or endorsement that is not renewed within the applicable deadline will not be reissued. (iv) If notification is not received. A vessel owner or dealer must contact the RA if he/she does not receive a notification from the RA regarding status of renewal of a permit, license, or endorsement by 45 days prior to expiration of the current permit. (2) Operator permits. An operator permit required by this section is issued for a period not longer than 3 years. A permit not renewed immediately upon its expiration would expire at the end of the operator's birth month that is between 2 and 3 years after issuance. For renewal, a new application must be submitted in accordance with paragraph (b)(4) of this section. (i) Display. A vessel permit, license, or endorsement issued under this section must be carried on board the vessel. A dealer permit issued under this section, or a copy thereof, must be available on the dealer's premises. In addition, a copy of the dealer's permit must accompany each vehicle that is used to pick up from a fishing vessel reef fish harvested from the Gulf EEZ. The operator of a vessel must present the vessel permit, license, or endorsement for inspection upon the request of an authorized officer. A dealer or a vehicle operator must present the permit or a copy for inspection upon the request of an authorized officer. An operator of a vessel in a fishery in which an operator permit is required must present his/her operator permit and one other form of personal identification that includes a picture (driver's license, passport, etc.) for inspection upon the request of an authorized officer. (j) Sanctions and denials. (1) A permit, license, or endorsement issued pursuant to this section may be revoked, suspended, or modified, and a permit, license, or endorsement application may be denied, in accordance with the procedures governing enforcement-related permit sanctions and denials found at subpart D of 15 CFR part 904. (2) A person whose operator permit is suspended, revoked, or modified may not be aboard any fishing vessel subject to Federal fishing regulations in any capacity, if so sanctioned by NOAA, while the vessel is at sea or offloading. The vessel's owner and operator are responsible for compliance with this measure. A list of operators whose permits are revoked or suspended may be obtained from the RA. (k) Alteration. A permit, license, or endorsement that is altered, erased, or mutilated is invalid. (l) Replacement. A replacement permit, license, or endorsement may be issued. An application for a replacement permit, license, or endorsement is not considered a new application. An application for a replacement operator permit must include two new photographs, as specified in paragraph (b)(4)(ii) of this section. (m) Limited access system for commercial vessel permits for Gulf reef fish. (1) No applications for additional commercial vessel permits for Gulf reef fish will be accepted. Existing vessel permits may be renewed, are subject to the restrictions on transfer or change in paragraphs (m)(2) through (5) of this section, and are subject to the requirement for timely renewal in paragraph (m)(6) of this section. (2) An owner of a permitted vessel may transfer the commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef fish to another vessel owned by the same entity. (3) An owner whose earned income qualified for the commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef fish may transfer the permit to the owner of another vessel, or to the new owner when he or she transfers ownership of the permitted vessel. Such owner of another vessel, or new owner, may receive a commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef fish for his or her vessel, and renew it through April 15 following the first full calendar year after obtaining it, without meeting the earned income requirement of paragraph (a)(2)(v) of this section. However, to further renew the commercial vessel permit, the owner of the other vessel, or new owner, must meet the earned income requirement not later than the first full calendar year after the permit transfer takes place. (4) An owner of a permitted vessel, the permit for which is based on an operator's earned income and, thus, is valid only when that person is the operator of the vessel, may transfer the permit to the income qualifying operator when such operator becomes an owner of a vessel. (5) An owner of a permitted vessel, the permit for which is based on an operator's earned income and, thus, is valid only when that person is the operator of the vessel, may have the operator qualification on the permit removed, and renew it without such qualification through April 15 following the first full calendar year after removing it, without meeting the earned income requirement of paragraph (a)(2)(v) of this section. However, to further renew the commercial vessel permit, the owner must meet the earned income requirement not later than the first full calendar year after the operator qualification is removed. To have an operator qualification removed from a permit, the owner must return the original permit to the RA with an application for the changed permit. (6) A commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef fish that is not renewed or that is revoked will not be reissued. A permit is considered to be not renewed when an application for renewal is not received by the RA within 1 year of the expiration date of the permit. (n) Endorsements for fish traps in the Gulf. The provisions of this paragraph (n) are applicable through February 7, 2007. After February 7, 2007, no fish trap endorsements are valid. (1) Only those fish trap endorsements that are valid on February 7, 1997, may be renewed. Such endorsements are subject to the restrictions on transfer in paragraphs (n)(2) and (3) of this section and are subject to the requirement for timely renewal in paragraph (n)(5) of this section. (2) Through February 7, 1999, a fish trap endorsement may be transferred only to a vessel that has a commercial permit for reef fish. (3) After February 7, 1999, a fish trap endorsement is not transferable except as follows: (i) An owner of a vessel with a fish trap endorsement may transfer the endorsement to another vessel owned by the same entity. (ii) A fish trap endorsement is transferable upon a change of ownership of a permitted vessel with such endorsement from one to another of the following: Husband, wife, son, daughter, brother, sister, mother, or father. (iii) When a change of ownership of a vessel with a fish trap endorsement is directly related to the disability or death of the owner, the RA may issue such endorsement, temporarily or permanently, with the commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef fish that is issued for the vessel under the new owner. Such new owner will be the person specified by the owner or his/her legal guardian, in the case of a disabled owner, or by the will or executor/administrator of the estate, in the case of a deceased owner. (Paragraphs (m)(3) and (4) of this section apply for the transfer of a commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef fish upon disability or death of an owner.) (iv) A fish trap endorsement may be transferred to a vessel with a commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef fish whose owner has a record of landings of reef fish from fish traps in the Gulf EEZ, as reported on fishing vessel logbooks received by the SRD, from November 20, 1992, through February 6, 1994, and who was unable to obtain a fish trap endorsement for the vessel with the reported landings. (4) The owner of a vessel that is to receive a transferred endorsement must return the originals of the endorsed commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef fish and the unendorsed permit to the RA with an application for a fish trap endorsement for his or her vessel. (5) A fish trap endorsement that is not renewed or that is revoked will not be reissued. Such endorsement is considered to be not renewed when an application for renewal is not received by the RA within 1 year of the expiration date of the permit. (o) Limited access system for king mackerel gillnet permits applicable in the southern Florida west coast subzone. Except for applications for renewals of king mackerel gillnet permits, no applications for king mackerel gillnet permits will be accepted. Application forms for permit renewal are available from the RA. (1) An owner of a vessel with a king mackerel gillnet permit issued under this limited access system may transfer that permit upon a change of ownership of a permitted vessel with such permit from one to another of the following: Husband, wife, son, daughter, brother, sister, mother, or father. Such permit also may be transferred to another vessel owned by the same entity. (2) A king mackerel gillnet permit that is not renewed or that is revoked will not be reissued. A permit is considered to be not renewed when an application for renewal is not received by the RA within one year after the expiration date of the permit. (p) Gulf red snapper licenses—(1) Class 1 licenses. To be eligible for the 2,000–lb (907–kg) trip limit for Gulf red snapper specified in §622.44(d)(1), a vessel must have been issued both a valid commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef fish and a valid Class 1 Gulf red snapper license, and such permit and license must be on board. (2) Class 2 licenses. To be eligible for the 200–lb (91–kg) trip limit for Gulf red snapper specified in §622.44(d)(2), a vessel must have been issued both a valid commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef fish and a valid Class 2 Gulf red snapper license, and such permit and license must be on board. (3) Operator restriction. An initial Gulf red snapper license that is issued for a vessel based on the qualification of an operator or historical captain is valid only when that operator or historical captain is the operator of the vessel. When applicable, this operator restriction is shown on the license. (4) Transfer of Gulf red snapper licenses. A red snapper license may be transferred independently of a commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef fish. To request the transfer of a red snapper license, complete the transfer information on the reverse of the license and return it to the RA. (5) Initial issue of Gulf red snapper licenses—(i) Class 1 licenses. (A) An initial Class 1 license will be issued for the vessel specified by the holder of a valid red snapper endorsement on March 1, 1997, and to a historical captain. In the event of death or disability of such holder between March 1, 1997, and the date Class 1 licenses are issued, a Class 1 license will be issued for the vessel specified by the person to whom the red snapper endorsement was transferred. (B) Status as a historical captain is based on information collected under Amendment 9 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP) (59 FR 39301, August 2, 1994). A historical captain is an operator who— (1) From November 6, 1989, through 1993, fished solely under verbal or written share agreements with an owner, and such agreements provided for the operator to be responsible for hiring the crew, who was paid from the share under his or her control; (2) Landed from that vessel at least 5,000 lb (2,268 kg) of red snapper per year in 2 of the 3 years 1990, 1991, and 1992; (3) Derived more than 50 percent of his or her earned income from commercial fishing, that is, sale of the catch, in each of the years 1989 through 1993; and (4) Landed red snapper prior to November 7, 1989. (ii) Class 2 licenses. (A) An initial Class 2 license will be issued for the vessel specified by an owner or operator whose income qualified for a commercial vessel permit for reef fish that was valid on March 1, 1997, and such owner or operator was the person whose earned income qualified for a commercial vessel permit for reef fish that had a landing of red snapper during the period from January 1, 1990, through February 28, 1997. (B) For the purpose of paragraph (p)(5)(ii)(A) of this section, landings of red snapper are as recorded in the information collected under Amendment 9 to the FMP (59 FR 39301, August 2, 1994) for the period 1990 through 1992 and in fishing vessel logbooks, as required under §622.5(a)(1)(ii), received by the SRD not later than March 31, 1997, for the period from January 1, 1993, through February 28, 1997. (C) A vessel's red snapper landings record during the period from January 1, 1990, through February 28, 1997, is retained by the owner at the time of the landings if the vessel's permit was transferred to another vessel owned by him or her. When a vessel has had a change of ownership and concurrent transfer of its permit, the vessel's red snapper landings record is credited to the owner of that vessel on March 1, 1997, unless there is a legally binding agreement under which a previous owner retained the landings record. An owner who claims such retention of a landings record must submit a copy of the agreement to the RA postmarked or hand delivered not later than January 30, 1998. However, an owner who submits a copy of such agreement after January 6, 1998, is not assured that a red snapper license will be issued before the opening of the commercial fishery for red snapper on February 1, 1998. (6) Implementation procedures—(i) Initial notification. The RA will notify each owner of a vessel that had a valid permit for Gulf reef fish on March 1, 1997, each operator whose earned income qualified for a valid permit on that date, and each potential historical captain of his or her eligibility for a Class 1 or Class 2 red snapper license. Initial determinations of eligibility will be based on NMFS' records of red snapper endorsements, red snapper landings during the period from January 1, 1990, through February 28, 1997, and applications for historical captain status under Amendment 9 to the FMP (59 FR 39301, August 2, 1994). An owner, operator, or potential historical captain who concurs with NMFS' initial determination of eligibility need take no further action. Each owner, operator, and historical captain who is initially determined to be eligible will be issued an appropriate license not later than January 23, 1998. (ii) Reconsideration. (A) An owner, operator, or potential historical captain who does not concur with NMFS' initial determination of eligibility for historical captain status or for a Class 2 red snapper license may request reconsideration of that initial determination by the RA. (B) A written request for reconsideration must be submitted to the RA postmarked or hand delivered not later than February 10, 1998, and must provide written documentation supporting the basis for reconsideration. However, an owner who submits such request after January 13, 1998, is not assured that a red snapper license will be issued before the opening of the commercial fishery for red snapper on February 1, 1998. Upon request by the owner, operator, or potential historical captain, the RA will forward the initial determination, the request for reconsideration, and pertinent records to a committee consisting of the principal state officials who are members of the GMFMC, or their designees. An owner, operator, or potential historical captain may request to make a personal appearance before the committee in his or her request for reconsideration. If an owner, operator, or potential historical captain requests that his or her request be forwarded to the committee, such a request constitutes the applicant's written authorization under section 402(b)(1)(F) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.) for the RA to make available to the committee members such confidential catch and other records as are pertinent to the matter under reconsideration. (C) Members of the committee will provide their individual recommendations for each application for reconsideration referred to the committee to the RA. The committee may only deliberate whether the eligibility criteria specified in paragraph (p)(5) of this section were applied correctly in the applicant's case, based solely on the available record, including documentation submitted by the applicant. Neither the committee nor the RA may consider whether a person should have been eligible for historical captain status or a Class 2 license because of hardship or other factors. The RA will make a final decision based on the initial eligibility criteria in paragraph (p)(5) of this section and the available record, including documentation submitted by the applicant, and, if the request is considered by the committee, the recommendations and comments from each member of the committee. The RA will notify the applicant of the decision and the reason therefore, in writing, within 15 days of receiving the recommendations of the committee members. If the application is not considered by the committee, the RA will provide such notification within 15 days of the RA's receipt of the request for reconsideration. The RA's decision will constitute the final administrative action by NMFS on an application for reconsideration. (q) Limited access system for commercial vessel permits for king mackerel. (1) No applications for additional commercial vessel permits for king mackerel will be accepted. Existing vessel permits may be renewed, are subject to the restrictions on transfer or change in paragraphs (q)(2) through (q)(5) of this section, and are subject to the requirement for timely renewal in paragraph (q)(6) of this section. (2) An owner of a permitted vessel may transfer the commercial vessel permit for king mackerel issued under this limited access system to another vessel owned by the same entity. (3) An owner whose percentage of earned income or gross sales qualified him/her for the commercial vessel permit for king mackerel issued under this limited access system may request that NMFS transfer that permit to the owner of another vessel, or to the new owner when he or she transfers ownership of the permitted vessel. Such owner of another vessel, or new owner, may receive a commercial vessel permit for king mackerel for his or her vessel, and renew it through April 15 following the first full calendar year after obtaining it, without meeting the percentage of earned income or gross sales requirement of paragraph (a)(2)(iii) of this section. However, to further renew the commercial vessel permit, the owner of the other vessel, or new owner, must meet the earned income or gross sales requirement not later than the first full calendar year after the permit transfer takes place. (4) An owner of a permitted vessel, the permit for which is based on an operator's earned income and, thus, is valid only when that person is the operator of the vessel, may request that NMFS transfer the permit to the income-qualifying operator when such operator becomes an owner of a vessel. (5) An owner of a permitted vessel, the permit for which is based on an operator's earned income and, thus, is valid only when that person is the operator of the vessel, may have the operator qualification on the permit removed, and renew it without such qualification through April 15 following the first full calendar year after removing it, without meeting the earned income or gross sales requirement of paragraph (a)(2)(iii) of this section. However, to further renew the commercial vessel permit, the owner must meet the earned income or gross sales requirement not later than the first full calendar year after the operator qualification is removed. To have an operator qualification removed from a permit, the owner must return the original permit to the RA with an application for the changed permit. (6) NMFS will not reissue a commercial vessel permit for king mackerel if the permit is revoked or if the RA does not receive an application for renewal within one year of the permit's expiration date. (r) Limited access system for charter vessel/headboat permits for Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fish and Gulf reef fish. No applications for additional charter vessel/headboat permits for Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fish or Gulf reef fish will be accepted. Existing permits may be renewed, are subject to the restrictions on transfer in paragraph (r)(1) of this section, and are subject to the renewal requirements in paragraph (r)(2) of this section. (1) Transfer of permits—(i) Permits without a historical captain endorsement. A charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fish or Gulf reef fish that does not have a historical captain endorsement is fully transferable, with or without sale of the permitted vessel, except that no transfer is allowed to a vessel with a greater authorized passenger capacity than that of the vessel to which the moratorium permit was originally issued, as specified on the face of the permit being transferred. An application to transfer a permit to an inspected vessel must include a copy of that vessel's current USCG Certificate of Inspection (COI). A vessel without a valid COI will be considered an uninspected vessel with an authorized passenger capacity restricted to six or fewer passengers. (ii) Permits with a historical captain endorsement. A charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fish or Gulf reef fish that has a historical captain endorsement may only be transferred to a vessel operated by the historical captain, cannot be transferred to a vessel with a greater authorized passenger capacity than that of the vessel to which the moratorium permit was originally issued, as specified on the face of the permit being transferred, and is not otherwise transferable. (iii) Procedure for permit transfer. To request that the RA transfer a charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fish or Gulf reef fish, the owner of the vessel who is transferring the permit and the owner of the vessel that is to receive the transferred permit must complete the transfer information on the reverse side of the permit and return the permit and a completed application for transfer to the RA. See paragraph (g)(1) of this section for additional transfer-related requirements applicable to all permits issued under this section. (2) Renewal. (i) Renewal of a charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fish or Gulf reef fish is contingent upon the permitted vessel and/or captain, as appropriate, being included in an active survey frame for, and, if selected to report, providing the information required in one of the approved fishing data surveys. Surveys include, but are not limited to— (A) NMFS' Marine Recreational Fishing Vessel Directory Telephone Survey (conducted by the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission); (B) NMFS' Southeast Headboat Survey (as required by §622.5(b)(1); (C) Texas Parks and Wildlife Marine Recreational Fishing Survey; or (D) A data collection system that replaces one or more of the surveys in paragraph (r)(2)(i)(A),(B), or (C) of this section. (ii) A charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fish or Gulf reef fish that is not renewed or that is revoked will not be reissued. A permit is considered to be not renewed when an application for renewal, as required, is not received by the RA within 1 year of the expiration date of the permit. (3) Requirement to display a vessel decal. Upon renewal or transfer of a charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf coastal migratory pelagic fish or Gulf reef fish, the RA will issue the owner of the permitted vessel a vessel decal for the applicable permitted fishery or fisheries. The vessel decal must be displayed on the port side of the deckhouse or hull and must be maintained so that it is clearly visible. [61 FR 34937, July 3, 1996, as amended at 61 FR 43956, Aug. 27, 1996; 61 FR 47448, Sept 9, 1996; 61 FR 48414, Sept. 13, 1996; 62 FR 13986, Mar. 25, 1997; 62 FR 67721, 67722, Dec. 30, 1997; 63 FR 10565, 10569, Mar. 4, 1998; 63 FR 38301, July 16, 1998; 63 FR 57590, Oct. 28, 1998; 64 FR 59126, Nov. 2, 1999; 65 FR 16339, Mar. 28, 2000; 65 FR 41017, July 3, 2000; 65 FR 52956, Aug. 31, 2000; 65 FR 61115, Oct. 16, 2000; 67 FR 22362, May 3, 2002; 67 FR 43562, June 28, 2002; 67 FR 51078, Aug. 7, 2002; 68 FR 2192, Jan. 16, 2003; 68 FR 26235, May 15, 2003; 69 FR 30240, May 27, 2004; 68 FR 38232, June 27, 2003; 69 FR 30240, May 27, 2004; 70 FR 32271, June 2, 2005; 70 FR 39189, July 7, 2005; 70 FR 41163, July 18, 2005; 70 FR 73387, Dec. 12, 2005; 71 FR 28284, May 16, 2006]
Title 50: Wildlife and Fisheries
PART 622—FISHERIES OF THE CARIBBEAN, GULF, AND SOUTH ATLANTIC
Subpart A—General Provisions
§ 622.4 Permits and fees.
