Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery; Framework Adjustment 19

AGENCY:

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION:

Proposed rule; request for comments.

SUMMARY:

NMFS proposes regulations to approve and implement Framework Adjustment 19 (Framework 19) to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan (FMP) which was developed by the New England Fishery Management Council (Council). Framework 19 proposes the following management measures for the scallop fishery: Limited access scallop fishery specifications for 2008 and 2009 (open area days-at-sea (DAS) and Sea Scallop Access Area (access area) trip allocations); Elephant Trunk Access Area (ETAA) and Delmarva Access Area (Delmarva) in-season trip adjustment procedures; new Hudson Canyon Access Area (HCAA) measures; DAS allocation adjustments if an access area yellowtail flounder (yellowtail) total allowable catch (TAC) is caught; adjustments to the scallop overfishing definition; a prohibition on deckloading of scallops on access area trips; adjustments to the industry-funded observer program; a 30-day vessel monitoring system (VMS) power down provision; general category access area specifications for 2008 and 2009; and general category measures dependent on the implementation of Amendment 11 to the FMP as proposed by the Council, including a quarterly TAC, 2008 and 2009 general category quota allocations, and individual fishing quota (IFQ) permit cost recovery program requirements. NMFS will disapprove the Council's recommendation to eliminate the September 1 through October 31, ETAA seasonal closure, which was implemented under Framework 18 to the FMP to reduce sea turtle interactions with the scallop fishery. NMFS has determined that the Council's recommendation is not consistent with National Standard 2 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act).

DATES:

Comments must be received by 5 p.m., local time, on April 8, 2008.

ADDRESSES:

An environmental assessment (EA) was prepared for Framework 19 that describes the proposed action and other considered alternatives and provides a thorough analysis of the impacts of the proposed measures and alternatives. Copies of Framework 19, the EA, and the Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA), are available upon request from Paul J. Howard, Executive Director, New England Fishery Management Council (Council), 50 Water Street, Newburyport, MA 01950.

You may submit comments, identified by 0648-AV90, by any one of the following methods:

• Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal http://www.regulations.gov .
• Fax: (978) 281-9135, Attn: Ryan Silva.
• Mail: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, NMFS, Northeast Regional Office, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930. Mark the outside of the envelope, “Comments on Scallop Framework 19 Proposed Rule.”

Instructions: All comments received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted to http://www.regulations.gov without change. All Personal Identifying Information (for example, name, address, etc.) voluntarily submitted by the commenter may be publicly accessible. Do not submit Confidential Business Information or otherwise sensitive or protected information. NMFS will accept anonymous comments. Attachments to electronic comments will be accepted in Microsoft Word, Excel, WordPerfect, or Adobe PDF file formats only.

Written comments regarding the burden-hour estimate or other aspects of the collection-of-information requirement contained in this proposed rule should be submitted to the Regional Administrator at the address above and by e-mail to David_Rostker@omb.eop.gov, or fax to 202-395-7285.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ryan Silva, Cooperative Research Program Specialist, 978-281-9326; fax 978-281-9135.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

The Council adopted Framework 19 on October 25, 2007, and submitted it to NMFS on November 8, 2007, for review and approval. Framework 19 was developed and adopted by the Council in order to meet the FMP's requirement to adjust biennially the management measures for the scallop fishery. The FMP requires biennial adjustments to ensure that the measures meet the fishing mortality rate (F) and other goals of the FMP and achieve optimum yield (OY) from the scallop resource on a continuing basis. This rule proposes measures as adopted by the Council and described in detail here. The Council has reviewed the Framework 19 proposed rule regulations as drafted by NOAA Fisheries Service, which included regulations proposed by NOAA Fisheries Service under the authority of section 305(d) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, and deemed them to be necessary and consistent with section 303(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

The Council recommended in Framework 19 to eliminate the September 1 through October 31 ETAA seasonal closure, which was implemented under Framework 18 to the FMP to reduce sea turtle interactions with the scallop fishery. NMFS has deemed this measure as inconsistent with National Standard 2 of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. NMFS has determined that the Council's recommendation to eliminate the ETAA seasonal closure may not be justified given the information and analysis provided in the Framework 19 document and analysis, and therefore is not consistent with National Standard 2 of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. National Standard 2 specifies that conservation and management measures shall be based upon the best scientific information available. Although the Council considered scientific information, the information is not sufficient to justify removal of the seasonal closure adopted under Framework 18.

Open Area DAS Allocations

To achieve optimum yield at the target F=0.20 for the scallop resource, limited access open area DAS allocations are required to be adjusted every 2 years. Since the calculation of overall F also includes the mortality in controlled access areas, the calculation of the open area DAS allocations depends on the access area measures, including the rotation schedule, management measures, and access area trip allocations. Framework 19 would implement the following vessel-specific DAS allocations: Full-time vessels would be allocated 35 DAS in 2008 and 42 DAS in 2009; part-time vessels would be allocated 14 DAS in 2008 and 17 DAS in 2009; and occasional vessels would receive 3 DAS in 2008 and 3 DAS in 2009.

Because Framework 19 will not be implemented by the start of the fishing year on March 1, 2008, and interim regulations that will be in effect at the start of the 2008 fishing year are inconsistent with proposed Framework 19 specifications, it is possible that scallop vessels may exceed their DAS allocations during the interim period between March 1, 2008, and the implementation of Framework 19. Therefore, any limited access open area DAS used in 2008 by a vessel that is above the final 2008 allocation for that vessel would be deducted from the vessel's 2009 DAS allocation.

Limited Access Trip Allocations, and Possession Limits for Scallop Access Areas

In the 2008 fishing year, full-time scallop vessels would be allocated one trip in the Nantucket Lightship Access Area (NLCA), and four trips in the ETAA. A part-time scallop vessel would be allocated two trips, which could be taken as follows: One trip in the ETAA and one trip in the NLCA, or two trips in the ETAA. An occasional vessel would be allocated one trip which could be taken in either the NLCA or the ETAA. The 2008 limited access scallop possession limit for access area trips would be 18,000 lb (8,165 kg) for full-time and part-time vessels, and 7,500 lb (3,402 kg) for occasional vessels.

In the 2009 fishing year, full-time scallop vessels would be allocated one trip in the Closed Area II Access Area (CAII), up to three trips in the ETAA, and up to 1 trip in Delmarva. A part-time scallop vessel would be allocated two trips, and could distribute these trips between the following access areas as follows: Up to two trips in the ETAA, up to one trip in CAII, and up to one trip in Delmarva (unless ETAA and/or Delmarva trips are reduced due to updated exploitable scallop biomass estimates). An occasional vessel would be allocated one trip, which could be taken in CAII, the ETAA, or Delmarva (unless ETAA and/or Delmarva trips are reduced due to updated exploitable scallop biomass estimates). The 2009 limited access scallop possession limit for access area trips would be 18,000 lb (8,165 kg) for full-time and part-time vessels, and 7,500 lb (3,402 kg) for occasional vessels.

Although the Framework 19 document submitted to NMFS did not specify 2009 Delmarva trip options for part-time and occasional vessels, NMFS has interpreted this as an oversight, and has included Delmarva trip options for part-time and occasional vessels in 2009. ETAA and Delmarva trip allocations and possession limits in 2009 are subject to change per the proposed ETAA and Delmarva trip reduction procedures described below.

Because Framework 19 will not be implemented by March 1, 2008, and interim regulations that will be in effect at the start of the 2008 fishing year are inconsistent with proposed Framework 19 specifications, it is possible that scallop vessels may fish in an access area that would otherwise be closed under Framework 19 during the interim period between March 1, 2008, and the implementation of Framework 19. Therefore, if a limited access vessel takes a 2008 Closed Area I Access Area (CAI) trip, one ETAA trip would be deducted from the vessel's 2009 allocation. Although the Council did not specify this measure in Framework 19, based on other Framework 19 measures adopted by the Council and the overall objectives of the FMP, NMFS proposed this measure under the authority of section 305(d) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

Regulatory Procedure to Reduce 2009 ETAA and/or Delmarva Allocations

ETAA and Delmarva specifications are based on 2007 scallop resource survey information, which was the best scientific information available when the Council established the proposed ETAA and Delmarva allocations for Framework 19. If 2008 ETAA and/or Delmarva survey data indicate that there is less estimated exploitable biomass of scallops in the ETAA and/or Delmarva for the 2009 fishing year, the Regional Administrator may reduce ETAA and/or Delmarva allocations to prevent overfishing.

If a reduction in the ETAA is necessary, as dictated by pre-determined thresholds detailed in Table 1, the Regional Administrator would publish a final rule consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) on or about December 1, 2008. If the ETAA exploitable biomass estimate is between 20,000 and 29,999 mt, part-time vessels would be authorized to take one trip in the ETAA at a reduced possession limit of 3,600 lb (1,633 kg), and one trip in the NLCA at the normal possession limit of 18,000 lb (8,165 kg). The reduced possession limit for part time vessels under this scenario results from the FMP structure, which allocates to part-time vessels 40 percent of what is allocated to a full-time vessel. If updated exploitable biomass information is not available so that a final rule pursuant to the APA cannot be published on or about December 1, 2008, no reductions would be made.

In addition, if an updated estimate of overall F exceeds 0.29 in 2008, then ETAA allocations would be reduced consistent with the reductions specified in Table 1 under exploitable biomass estimates of 20,000-29,000 mt. If both the biomass and F thresholds were exceeded, the allocation level would be established using the biomass adjustment schedule.Under the same procedures and dates, if the Delmarva biomass for the 2009 fishing year is estimated to be below 10,000 mt, then the area would remain closed to scallop fishing for the 2009 fishing year, and no trips or set-aside would be authorized there.

New Hudson Canyon Rotational Management Area

Due to the high concentration of small scallops in the HCAA, Framework 19, consistent with the FMP's area rotation program strategy to protect young scallop concentrations, would establish the HCAA as a rotational management area, and close the HCAA to all scallop fishing, including general category vessels, for at least the 2008 and 2009 fishing years. The expected increase in exploitable biomass in the absence of F is expected to exceed 30 percent per year. The area could be considered again as an access area and re-open to fishing when the annual increase in exploitable biomass in the absence of fishing mortality is less than 15 percent per year.

Open Area DAS Adjustment if a Scallop Access Area Yellowtail TAC Allocated to the Scallop Fishery is Caught

Under the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan, 10 percent of the Southern New England (SNE) and Georges Bank (GB) yellowtail TACs are allocated to scallop vessels fishing in the NLCA, CAI, and CAII. If the SNE and/or GB yellowtail TAC is caught, the respective access area(s) are closed to further scallop fishing for the remainder of the fishing year. If a vessel has unutilized trip(s) in an access area closed by a scallop fishery yellowtail TAC, Framework 19 would allocate additional open area DAS in a manner that maintains the F objectives of the FMP. This trip/DAS conversion would apply only to full-time vessels, and to occasional or part-time vessels that have no other available access areas in which to take their access area trip(s). Unused access area trip(s) would be converted to open area DAS so that scallop fishing mortality that would have resulted from the access area trip(s) would be equivalent to the scallop fishing mortality resulting from the open area DAS allocation. Consequently, if the NLCA or CAII is closed in 2008 or 2009, respectively, each vessel with unutilized trip(s) would be allocated a specific amount of additional open area DAS according to permit category. Full-time vessels would be allocated 7.7 DAS per unutilized trip in the NLCA and 7.9 DAS per unutilized trip in CAII. Part-time vessels would receive the same DAS conversion as full-time vessels, as long as there was no other access area available for the vessel to take a trip(s) in. If an occasional vessel has no available access area in which to take its trip, it would be allocated converted DAS according to the most recent closure: 3.2 DAS if it was the NLCA, 3.3 DAS if it was CAII. Although the Council did not specify this measure regarding occasional vessels in Framework 19, based on other Framework 19 measures adopted by the Council and the overall objectives of the FMP, NMFS proposed this measure under the authority of section 305(d) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

If a vessel has unused broken trip compensation trip(s) when an access area closes due to reaching a yellowtail TAC, it would be issued additional DAS in proportion to the un-harvested possession limit. For example, if a full-time vessel had an unused 9,000 lb (4,082 kg) NLCA compensation trip (half of the full possession limit) at the time of a NLCA yellowtail TAC closure, the vessel would be allocated 3.85 DAS (half of the 7.7 DAS that would be allocated for a full NLCA trip).

Research Set-Aside (RSA) Allocations

Two percent of each scallop access area quota and 2 percent of the DAS allocation is set aside as part of the Scallop RSA Program to fund scallop research and compensates participating vessels through the sale of scallops harvested under the research set-aside quota. The 2008 research set-aside access area allocations would be: NLCA—110,000 lb (50 mt); ETAA—440,000 lb (200 mt). The 2009 research set-aside access area allocations would be: CAII—116,000 lb (53 mt); ETAA—324,000 lb (147 mt); Delmarva—120,000 lb (54 mt). If 2008 ETAA and/or Delmarva survey data indicate that there is less estimated exploitable biomass of scallops in the ETAA and/or Delmarva, the 2009 RSA allocations in these areas would be reduced as specified in Table 1.

The 2008 and 2009 research set-aside DAS allocations would be 235 and 282, respectively.

Observer Set-Aside Allocations

One percent of each scallop access area quota and 1 percent of the DAS allocation is set aside as part of the industry funded observer program to help defray the cost of carrying an observer. Scallop vessels on an observed DAS trip are charged a reduced DAS rate, currently 0.85 per DAS; scallop vessels on an observed access area trip are authorized to have an increased possession limit, currently 400 lb of shucked scallops per DAS.

The 2008 access area observer set-aside allocations would be: NLCA— 55,000 lb (25 mt); ETAA—222,000 lb (111mt). The 2009 access area observer set-aside allocations would be: CAII—58,000 lb (26 mt); ETAA—162,000 lb (73 mt); Delmarva—60,000 lb (27 mt). If 2008 ETAA and/or Delmarva survey data indicate that there is less estimated exploitable biomass of scallops in the ETAA and/or Delmarva, the 2009 RSA allocations in these areas would be reduced as specified in Table 1.

The 2008 and 2009 DAS observer set-aside allocations would be 118 and 141, respectively.

Adjustment of the Scallop Overfishing Definition

The Council recommended a new overfishing definition based on results from the recent scallop stock assessment (SAW 45), which used a new model to characterize the scallop resource, including a new biomass target and threshold, and a new F threshold. Because the Council recommended the new reference points and a modified overfishing definition to reflect the new parameters, the Council also considered whether the current target of F=0.20 should be adjusted upward consistent with the F threshold adjustment. The overfishing threshold of F=0.29 is based on an assumption that F is spatially uniform. However, uniform F does not occur in the scallop fishery due to unfished biomass in closed areas and highly variable F's in open and access areas. In the case of highly non-uniform fishing effort, the F that maximizes yield per recruit will be less than the spatially uniform target (F=0.29). The Council was concerned that setting the F target at the typical 80 percent of the threshold (F=0.23) would result in localized overfishing in open areas. Therefore, the Council recommended keeping the target at F=0.20 in recognition that F is not uniformly distributed in the scallop fishery, and the resource is prone to localized overfishing, particularly in open areas. An F target of 0.20 would help maintain a stable fishery rather than maximize individual catch on an annual basis, compared to higher F targets.

In addition, based on the results of SAW 45, the Council recommended establishing scallop biomass reference points using absolute scallop meat biomass estimates instead of scallop resource survey indices, as in the past.

Based on these recommendations, the scallop overfishing definition would be as follows: If stock biomass is equal to or greater than Bmax, as measured by an absolute value of scallop meat (mt) (currently estimated at 108,600 mt for scallops in the GB and Mid-Atlantic resource areas), overfishing occurs when F exceeds Fmax, currently estimated as 0.29. If the total stock biomass is below Bmax, overfishing occurs when F exceeds the level that has a 50-percent probability to rebuild stock biomass to Bmax in 10 years. The scallop stock is in an overfished condition when stock biomass is below 1/2Bmax and, in that case, overfishing occurs when F is above a level expected to rebuild the stock in 5 years, or when F is greater than zero when the stock is below 1/4Bmax.

The following table details the biomass and F reference points proposed by Framework 19.

Prohibition on deckloading

To minimize scallop discard mortality, no scallop vessel that is declared into the Area Access Program as specified in § 648.60 could possess more than 50 bu (17.6 hL) of in-shell scallops, as specified in § 648.52(d), outside the boundaries of a Sea Scallop Access Area.

Adjustments to the Industry-funded Observer Program

There are several proposed measures to improve the industry-funded observer program.

1. Proposed Measures Pertaining to Observer Service Providers

Providers must respond to a fisherman's request for an observer, within 18 hr of the fisherman's call, to let him/her know if an observer is available.

Providers must provide the NMFS Northeast Fishery Observer Program (NMFS/NEFOP) with an updated list of contact information for all observers that includes the observer identification number, observer's name, mailing address, email address, phone numbers, homeports or fisheries/trip types assigned, and must include whether or not the observer is “in service,” indicating when the observer has requested for leave and/or is not currently working for the industry-funded program.

Providers must submit to NMFS/NEFOP, if requested, a copy of each type of signed and valid contract (including all attachments, appendices, addendums, and exhibits incorporated into the contract) between the observer provider and those entities requiring observer services;

Providers must submit to NMFS/NEFOP, if requested, a copy of each type of signed and valid contract (including all attachments, appendices, addendums, and exhibits incorporated into the contract) between the observer provider and specific observers.

Providers must submit to NMFS/NEFOP, if requested, copies of any information developed and used by the observer providers distributed to vessels, such as informational pamphlets, payment notification, description of observer duties, etc.

Providers are required to charge vessel owners in a way that is consistent with the compensation received by the observed vessel. NMFS authorizes vessel compensation from the industry-funded observer set-aside using VMS transmission data. For the purpose of compensating scallop vessels carrying an observer, NMFS would calculate the duration of the trip as the period from the first VMS polling position outside of the demarcation line at the beginning of the trip to the first VMS polling position inside of the demarcation line at the end of the trip. For example, if the first VMS polling position outside of the demarcation line of a vessel with an observer on an access area trip was 9:00 pm on the 1st, and the first VMS polling position inside of the demarcation line at the end of the trip was at 1:00 am on the 3rd, the duration of the trip equals 27 hr or 2 “days” (24 hr + 3 hr) for the purposes of observer set-aside compensation. Therefore, the provider would charge for 2 days of observer coverage. For observed open area DAS trips, “day” would be defined as a 24-hour period and portions of days would be pro-rated at an hourly charge. For example, for the trip described above, the provider would charge 1 day and 3 hr.

Providers would no longer be required to maintain at least eight certified observers.

Providers must provide NMF/NEFOP with observer contract data within 24 hr of landing, and raw data within 72 hr of landing.

2. Proposed Measures Pertaining to Scallop Fishermen

NMFS/NEFOP may take up to 72 hr to respond to a pre-sailing notice and, if selected to carry an observer, the observer provider may take up to 48 hr to respond to an observer deployment request. Currently, NMFS/NEFOP may take up to 24 hr to respond to a pre-sailing notice, and the observer service provider may take up to 72 hr to respond to an observer deployment request.

Limited access trip notification calls can not be made more than 10 days in advance of a trip, and not more than 10 trips may be called in at a time.

General Category vessels making an access area trip(s) must call in with the same notice described above, but make weekly calls rather than daily calls. For example, a general category vessel could call in on Tuesday for all the trips it plans to take from the following Sunday through Saturday. The vessel would either get a waiver for that week, or be selected for observer coverage. If selected, a vessel could be required to carry an observer on up to two trips made that week.

Vessel owners, operators, or managers are required to notify NMFS/NEFOP of any trip plan changes at least 48 hr prior to vessel departure.

Confirmation numbers for trip notification calls are valid for 48 hr from the intended sail date.

A vessel is prohibited from fishing in an access area without an observer waiver confirmation number specific to that trip and that was issued for the trip plan that was called in to NMFS.

3. Proposed Observer Program Observer Training Adjustments

NMFS/NEFOP observer training sessions would no longer have a minimum class size of eight.

An observer's first three deployments and the resulting data would be immediately edited and approved after each trip by NMFS/NEFOP, prior to any further deployments by that observer. If data quality is considered acceptable, the observer would be certified. If the data is not acceptable, the observer will not be certified.

An observer provider would not deploy any observer on the same vessel for more than two consecutive multi-day trips and not more than twice in any given month for multi-day deployments.

Providers would be required to provide at least 7 days advance notice to NMFS/NEFOP when requesting an observer training class.

Prior to the end of an observer training course, the observer would be required to complete a cardiopulmonary resuscitation/first aid course.

4. DAS and TAC Compensation Rates

The Council has recommended the DAS and TAC compensation rates be adjusted to more accurately reflect the costs associated with observed trips. NMFS will consider information included in Framework 19 and any other relevant fishery information and will notify scallop permit holders through a permit holder letter if an adjustment is made.

30-day VMS Power Down Provision for Scallop Vessels

The proposed action would allow all scallop vessels to power down their VMS unit for a minimum of 30 days provided the vessel does not engage in any fisheries until the unit is turned back on. Such vessels would be required to obtain a letter of exemption from the Regional Administrator. This provision would provide more flexibility and would reduce operating costs for some scallop vessel owners that do not engage in fisheries for extended periods of time.

General Category Access Area Harvest Specifications for 2008 and 2009

In 2008, the general category fishery would be allocated 5 percent of the overall NLCA and ETAA TACs, resulting in up to 667 trips in the NLCA, and up to 2,668 trips in the ETAA, respectively. If 2008 scallop resource surveys indicate a reduced exploitable scallop biomass, or overall 2008 scallop F exceeds 0.29, general category ETAA trip allocations would be subject to trip reduction procedures as specified under Table 1—2009 ETAA Trip Reduction Table.

In 2009, the general category scallop fishery would be allocated 5 percent of the overall ETAA and Delmarva TACs, resulting in up to 1,964 trips and 728 trips, respectively. If updated 2008 scallop resource surveys indicate the exploitable biomass in Delmarva is less than 10,000 mt, Delmarva would be closed for the 2009 fishing year, and no general category trips would be allocated. General category vessels would not be allocated any trips in CAII because of concerns that negligible fishing effort by general category vessels would occur there. Because general category vessels would receive overall TAC, the zero allocation in CAII would be offset by a higher percentage of overall catch in open areas.

Because Framework 19 will not be implemented by the start of the 2008 fishing year on March 1, 2008, and current regulations that will roll over into the 2008 fishing year are inconsistent with proposed Framework 19 specifications, it is possible that scallop vessels may exceed their allocation or fish in an area that would otherwise be closed under Framework 19. Therefore, if general category vessels take 2008 CAI trips, a like number of ETAA trips as specified under default regulations would be deducted from the general category fleet in 2009. Although the Council did not address this scenario in their Framework 19 document, and therefore did not recommend this adjustment procedure, NMFS is proposing this measure to remain consistent with the intent of the FMP. Although the Council did not specify this measure in Framework 19, based on other Framework 19 measures adopted by the Council and the overall objectives of the FMP, NMFS proposed this measure under the authority of section 305(d) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

General Category Measures Dependent on Amendment 11 to the FMP (Amendment 11)

Several measures in Framework 19 are dependent on the implementation of Amendment 11 as proposed (72 FR 71315, December 17, 2007). The primary intent of Amendment 11 is to reduce fishing capacity in the general category fishery by establishing a limited entry program that would include three permit categories; IFQ, Northern Gulf of Maine Management Area (NGOM), and incidental. Framework 19 proposed regulations have been drafted under the assumption that Amendment 11 will be implemented as proposed. The following measures in Framework 19 are contingent on the implementation of Amendment 11 as currently proposed: Allocation of 10 percent of the overall scallop TAC in 2008 (and 2009 if the IFQ program is not implemented by March 1, 2009), and 5 percent in 2009 and beyond; a quarterly hard TAC for the directed general category scallop fishery for the 2008 scallop fishing year; a separate 0.5-percent TAC allocation of the overall scallop TAC in 2009 and beyond for full-time, part-time, or occasional vessels that qualify for an IFQ permit; cost recovery payment procedures for IFQ permit holders that land IFQ scallops; 2008 and 2009 NGOM TACs; and incidental catch target TACs for 2008 and 2009. The legal basis and rationale for these measures are described in the proposed rule for Amendment 11 and are not repeated here. The following provides details on the specific allocations and other specifications for the Amendment 11 measures.

1. Quarterly TAC

Framework 19 would allocate approximately 10 percent of the overall 2008 scallop TAC to the general category fishery. The quarterly TAC would be effective during the transitional period as the IFQ program is implemented, which is scheduled for the start of the 2009 fishing year. Framework 19 would allocate 35 percent (1,523,375 lb (690.99 mt)) of the 2008 directed general category annual TAC to Quarter 1, 40 percent (1,741,000 lb, (789.70 mt)) to Quarter 2, 15 percent (652,875 lb, (296.14 mt)) to Quarter 3, and 10 percent (435,250 lb (197.43 mt)) to Quarter 4. If any portion of the Quarter 1 TAC is not caught, the remainder would be rolled over into Quarter 3; if any portion of the Quarter 2 TAC is not caught, it would be rolled over into Quarter 4. Open area, access area, and NGOM scallop landings by directed general category trips would count against the quarterly TACs. Consequently, if a quarterly TAC is caught, all directed general category scallop fishing would cease for the remainder of the quarter; including access area, and open areas, but excluding the NGOM. If the Quarter 1 TAC (March 1-May 31) is exceeded, those pounds would be removed from Quarters 3 and/or 4.

2. IFQ Allocation

Amendment 11 proposes to establish a separate IFQ allocation for full-time, part-time, or occasional scallop vessels that qualify for an IFQ permit. Starting with the first year of the IFQ program in 2009, the pool of IFQ vessels that do not qualify for a full-time, part-time, or occasional scallop permit would be allocated 5 percent of the overall scallop TAC; and the pool of full-time, part-time, or occasional vessels that qualify for an IFQ permit would be allocated 0.5 percent of the overall scallop TAC.

General category vessels that qualify for an IFQ permit in 2009 would be allocated 5 percent of the overall scallop TAC as follows: 1,182,500 lb (536.37 mt) from open areas, 785,700 lb (356.79 mt) from ETAA, and 291,000 lb (13.20 mt) from Delmarva. Full-time, part-time, and occasional scallop vessels that qualify for an IFQ permit in 2009 would be allocated 225,950 lb (112.96 mt) from open areas.

In the event that implementation of the IFQ program is delayed beyond the start of the 2009 fishing year (March 1, 2009), the IFQ scallop fishery would be allocated 10 percent of the overall scallop TAC and be divided among quarters as described in the preceding section.

3. Cost Recovery

NMFS is required by the Magnuson-Stevens Act to recover the costs directly related to the management, data collection and analysis, and enforcement of IFQ programs such as the one proposed by Amendment 11. Under section 304(d)(2)(A) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the Secretary of Commerce is authorized to collect a fee, not to exceed 3 percent of the ex-vessel value of fish harvested, to recover these costs. Therefore, a scallop IFQ vessel would incur a cost recovery fee liability for every landing of scallops. The IFQ permit holder that landed the IFQ scallops would be responsible for submitting this payment to NMFS once per year. The ex-vessel value of scallops used to calculate the cost-recovery fees due for a fishing year would be based on an average of the ex-vessel value of all general category scallops landed between March 1 and September 30 of the initial year of the IFQ program, and October 1 through September 30 of each year thereafter. The Amendment 11 proposed rule proposed to require IFQ permit owners that transferred IFQ scallops (transferor) to another IFQ vessel (transferee) as part of the IFQ scallop transfer program to submit a cost recovery fee for scallops landed by the transferee. However, upon further evaluation, Framework 19 would adjust this requirement; the transferee, and not the transferor, would be required to submit the cost recovery fee. The administrative burden would be the same, if not greater, if the IFQ transferor, and not the transferee, were required to submit the cost recovery fee. This adjustment would also reduce the cost recovery administrative burden of NMFS.

Payment of the cost recovery fee would be a permit condition that must be met before permits could be renewed. On or about October 30 of each year, NMFS would mail a cost recovery bill for the IFQ fee incurred by each IFQ vessel to each IFQ permit holder. Owners of IFQ vessels would be required to submit payment by January 1 of each year. An IFQ scallop vessel's permit would not be renewed (i.e., not issued) by NMFS until payment for the prior year's fees is received in full. Bills would also be made available electronically via the internet. Fee liabilities due January 1 would be for the previous cost recovery period (October 1 —September 30 of the year preceding the January 1 due date). For example, for scallops landed October 1, 2009 — September 30, 2010, NMFS would issue a cost recovery bill on or about October 30, 2010, and the IFQ permit holder would be required to submit the cost recovery fee by January 1, 2011. If an IFQ permit holder does not pay, or pays less than the full amount due, the vessel's IFQ permit would not be renewed.

Disputes regarding fee liabilities would be resolved through an administrative appeal procedure. If an IFQ permit holder makes a timely payment to NMFS of an amount less than the fee liability NMFS has determined, the IFQ permit holder would have the burden of demonstrating that the fee amount submitted is correct and that the fee calculated by NMFS is incorrect. If, upon preliminary review of the accuracy and completeness of a fee payment, NMFS determines the IFQ permit holder has not paid the amount due in full, NMFS would notify the IFQ permit holder by letter. NMFS would explain the discrepancy and the IFQ permit holder would have 30 days to either pay the amount that NMFS has determined should be paid, or provide evidence that the amount paid was correct. The IFQ permit for the vessel would not be renewed until the payment discrepancy is resolved. If the IFQ permit holder submits evidence in support of his/her payment, NMFS would evaluate it and, if there is any remaining disagreement as to the appropriate IFQ fee, prepare a Final Administrative Determination (FAD). The FAD would set out the facts, discuss those facts within the context of the relevant agency policies and regulations, and make a determination as to the appropriate disposition of the matter. A FAD would be the final agency action. If the FAD determines that the IFQ permit holder is out of compliance, the IFQ scallop permit in question would not be renewed until the conditions established by the FAD are met. If the FAD determines that the IFQ permit holder owes additional fees, and if the IFQ permit holder has not paid such fees, all IFQ permit(s) held by the IFQ permit holder would not be renewed until the required payment is received by NMFS. If NMFS does not receive such payment within 30 days of the issuance of the final agency action, NMFS would refer the matter to the appropriate authorities within the U.S. Treasury for purposes of collection, and the vessel's IFQ permit(s) would remain invalid. If NMFS does not receive such payment prior to the end of the fishing year, the IFQ permit would be considered voluntarily abandoned.

Cost recovery payments would be made electronically via the Federal web portal, www.pay.gov,, or other internet sites as designated by the Regional Administrator. Instructions for electronic payment would be made available on both the payment website and the paper bill. Payment options may include payment via a credit card (the Regional Administrator would specify in the cost recovery bill acceptable credit cards) or direct ACH (automated clearing house) withdrawal from a designated checking account. Payment by check could be authorized by the Regional Administrator if the Regional Administrator has determined that electronic payment is not possible (for example, if the geographical area or an individual(s) is affected by catastrophic conditions).

NMFS would create an annual IFQ report and provide it to the owner of the IFQ permit. The report would include quarterly and annual information regarding the amount and value of IFQ scallops landed during the fishing year, the associated cost recovery fees, and the status of those fees. This report would also detail the costs incurred by NMFS, including the calculation of the recoverable costs for the management, enforcement, and data collection, incurred by NMFS during the fishing year.

4. NGOM TACS

Framework 19 proposes a 70,000-lb (31,751-kg) annual NGOM TAC for the 2008 and 2009 fishing years.

5. Scallop Incidental Catch Target TAC

Framework 19 proposes a 50,000-lb (22,680-kg) scallop incidental catch target TAC for the 2008 and 2009 fishing years to account for mortality from this component of the fishery and to ensure that F targets are not exceeded.

Status of Framework 19 if Amendment 11 is Not Implemented as Proposed

Several measures in Framework 19 are dependent on the implementation of Amendment 11 as proposed. If Amendment 11 is not implemented, the general category scallop fishery would remain an open access fishery; any individual could obtain a permit for a vessel. Vessels would be limited to the 400-lb (181-kg) possession limit if they have a 1B permit; vessels with a 1A permit would be restricted to a 40 (18-kg) pound possession limit. Limited access vessels would be permitted to fish under general category rules when not on a DAS. General category vessels would be permitted to fish in access areas up to a maximum number of trips assigned through biennial frameworks such as Framework 19. The total level of catch from this component of the fishery would not be restricted.

Classification

At this time, NMFS has not determined that this proposed rule is consistent with the national standards of the Magnuson-Stevens Act and other applicable law. NMFS, in making that determination, will take into account the data, views, and comments received during the comment period.

This proposed rule has been determined to be not significant for purposes of Executive Order 12866.

This proposed rule contains collection-of-information requirements subject to review and approval by OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). Public reporting burden for these collections of information are estimated to average as follows:

1. Service provider observer contact information reports—5 min per response;

2. Service provider observer availability reports—1 min per response;

3. Copies of service provider outreach materials—30 min per response;

4. Copies of service provider contracts—30 min per response.

These estimates include the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection information.

Public comment is sought regarding: Whether this proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of the burden estimate; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Send comments on these or any other aspects of the collection of information to the Regional Administrator as specified in ADDRESSES above, and by e-mail to David_Rostker@omb.eop.gov or fax to (202) 395-7285.

Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is required to respond to, and no person shall be subject to penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the requirements of the PRA, unless that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number.

An IRFA was prepared, as required by section 603 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), and consists of the discussion and analyses in the preamble to this action and the analyses of this action and its impacts in Framework 19. The IRFA describes the economic impact this proposed rule, if adopted, would have on small entities. A description of the action, why it is being considered, and the legal basis for this action are contained at the beginning of this section of the preamble and in the SUMMARY. A complete description of the economic impacts of the Framework 19 measures and alternatives is provided in Section 5.4 of the EA for Framework 19, and the details are not provided in this summary.

Description and Estimate of Number of Small Entities to Which the Rule Would Apply

The vessels in the Atlantic sea scallop fishery are all considered small business entities and, therefore, there is no disproportionate impact on large and small entities. All of the vessels grossed less than $3.5 million according to dealer data for the 2004 to 2006 scallop fishing years. Annual total revenue averaged over $1 million in the 2005 fishing year, and about $881,990 in the 2006 fishing year, per limited access vessel. Total revenues per vessel, including revenues from species other than scallops, exceeded these amounts, but were less than $3 million per vessel. Average scallop revenue per general category vessel was $88,702 in 2005 and $66,785 in the 2006 fishing years. Average total revenue per general category vessel, including revenue from species other than scallops, exceeded $250,000 in the 2005 and 2006 fishing years. Average revenues per vessel were lower in the 2006 fishing year for all permit categories because of lower scallop prices.

The proposed regulations would affect all Federal scallop vessels. The Amendment 11 and Framework 19 documents provide extensive information on the number, port, state, and size of vessels and small businesses that would be affected by the proposed regulations. In 2007, there were 346 full-time, 33 part-time, and 1 occasional limited access scallop permits issued, and 2,332 general category permits issued to vessels in the open access general category fishery: 915 category 1B permits, and 1,417 category 1A incidental catch permits.

Description of Projected Reporting, Recordkeeping, and Other Compliance Requirements

This action contains several new collection-of-information, reporting, and recordkeeping requirements. The following describes these requirements.

1. Observer Contact List

Observer service providers would be required to provide and maintain an updated list of contact information for all observers. This would facilitate the ability of NMFS/NEFOP to contact observers. Maintaining an up-to-date observer contact list is estimated to entail 5 min per response, 12 responses per year, for a total of 1 burden hour annually. These updates do not have any associated miscellaneous costs.

2. Observer Availability List

Service providers would be required to provide and maintain a listing of whether or not the observer is “in service,” indicating when the observer has requested leave and/or is not currently working for the industry-funded program. This would facilitate the ability of NMFS/NEFOP to confirm observer availability. Maintaining an up-to-date observer availability list is estimated to entail 1 min per response, 300 responses per year, for a total of 5 burden hr annually. These updates do not have any associated miscellaneous costs.

3. Copies of Observer Service Provider Materials

Service providers would be required to submit to NMFS/NEFOP, if requested, copies of any materials developed and distributed to vessels, such as informational pamphlets, payment notification, description of observer duties, etc. This would allow NMFS/NEFOP to ensure that information distributed to industry is accurate and in keeping with the objectives of the observer program. It is estimated that NMFS/NEFOP would request copies of service provider outreach materials once a year. It is estimated it would take 30 min to submit this information, for a total burden of 1 hour. It is estimated the service providers would incur a total of $5 in mailing fees to submit these materials.

4. Copies of Observer Service Provider Contracts

Service providers would be required to submit to NMFS/NEFOP, if requested, a copy of each type of signed and valid contract (including all attachments, appendices, addendums, and exhibits incorporated into the contract) between the observer provider and those entities requiring observer services. This would allow NMFS/NEFOP to ensure contractual information is accurate and in keeping with the objectives of the observer program and help resolve disagreements between industry and the service provider. It is estimated that NMFS/NEFOP would request copies of service provider contracts once a year. It is estimated it would take 30 min to submit this information, for a total burden of 1 hour. It is estimated the service providers would incur a total of $5 in mailing fees to submit these materials.

Summary of the Aggregate Economic Impacts

In the event that Framework 19 is not approved and implemented by the start of the 2008 scallop fishing year (March 1, 2008), measures and allocations that are specified in the present regulations (Part 648 Subpart D) would roll over into the 2008 fishing year and beyond, unless superseded by subsequent specifications.

The long-term overall economic effects of the proposed measures are estimated to be slightly positive on revenues; an average of about a 0.5-percent increase per year during 2008-2021.

Average overall annual scallop revenue for a limited access vessel is estimated to increase by 1.3 percent in the 2008 fishing year and by 6.2 percent in the 2009 fishing year compared to no action. Because fishing costs are estimated to decline due to fewer DAS used in the access areas and the open areas, the impacts on the net revenue and vessel profits would be positive, with a 2.1-percent increase in fishing year 2008 and a 6-percent increase in fishing year 2009 (Section 5.4.2.2).

The economic impacts of the proposed alternative for the general category fleet would be positive because the general category TAC would be higher under the preferred alternative compared to the no action alternative. As a result, average scallop revenues and profits for general category vessels are expected to be higher for the preferred alternative compared to no action.

However, the level of general category TAC would be lower than general category scallop landings in recent years, resulting in negative short-term economic impacts. These short-term impacts are due to measures proposed in Amendment 11 that would establish a limited entry program for the general category fishery, thereby reducing general category fishing effort and landings. Since Framework 19 does not propose any changes to measures proposed by Amendment 11, the impacts to the general category limited entry program are not analyzed here. Section 7.9 of the Environmental Impact Statement for Amendment 11 provides a comprehensive analysis of the economic impacts of the general category limited entry program on small business entities. These analyses indicate that, despite the negative impacts in the short-term, the medium to long-term economic impacts of the limited entry program are expected to be positive for the scallop fishery as a whole.

The overall economic impacts of general category measures proposed by Framework 19 are not expected to be significantly different from the impacts analyzed in Amendment 11. Amendment 11 analyzed the economic impacts by assuming that the general category TAC would be 5 million lb (2,2668 mt) in 2008 and 2.5 million lb (1,134 mt) in 2009. The preferred option in Framework 19 would result in a lower TAC: About 4.3 million lb (1,950 mt) TAC in 2008 and 2.2 million lb (998 mt) TAC in 2009. Although these amounts exceed potential TAC levels under the no action alternative, they are slightly less than the landings by the general category vessels in recent years. Landings by vessels that had a general category permit before the control date and that are expected to fish in 2008 were 4.6 million lb (2,087 mt) in 2006. The vessels that are expected to qualify for the limited access general category program, and thus fish in 2009, landed about 2.4 million lb (1,089 mt). Therefore, short-term economic impacts of the general category TAC would be negative on the general category fleet to the extent that the overall TAC prevents these vessels from landing the amount of scallops they would catch without such a constraint. Again, those distributional impacts were analyzed in Amendment 11 (Sections 5.4.8.5, 5.4.8.6 and 5.4.13). However, a limited access general category fishery would have positive economic impacts over the medium to long term on the vessels that qualify for general category limited access permits and for limited access vessels by preventing overfishing of the scallop resource and the dissipation of profits by uncontrolled entry and effort into the general category fishery.

Other proposed Framework 19 measures, such as the general category quarterly hard TAC, 5-percent access area allocation for general category vessels, observer program improvements, a 30-day VMS power down provision, NGOM hard TAC, and yellowtail TAC adjustments, are expected to provide additional positive impacts by providing vessels the opportunity to reduce fishing costs and increase revenues from scallop fishing.

Because the intent of framework actions are to make minor adjustments to an FMP, and not major program changes, the council, in some cases where the adjustment measure was deemed minor, only considered one alternative versus a no action alternative.

Economic Impacts of the Proposed Measures and Alternatives

1. GB Access Area Schedule Revision

Framework 19 would adjust the GB access area schedule so that the NLCA would be open in 2008 and CAII would be open in 2009. The proposed action to revise the GB access area schedule is expected to have positive economic impacts by providing access to areas with more scallop biomass. This would help increase yield, landings, and revenues from the fishery both in the short and the long term, benefiting both limited access and general category vessels. The only alternative is the no action option, which would provide access in 2008 to CAI instead of the NLCA. Due to low biomass, CAI would not likely support a fleet-wide trip allocation. Consequently, since both the NLCA and CAII have higher scallop concentrations than CAI, the proposed alternative would result in higher economic benefits than the no action alternative.

2. DAS Conversion and Yellowtail TAC

The proposed action to allocate additional open area DAS if an access area closes due to the attainment of a scallop yellowtail TAC would continue under the no action alternative, but the values would be changed to reflect current fishery and resource conditions. The proposed DAS conversion rates would be higher than those under no action because scallop biomass in the NLCA and CAII is lower than when the no action DAS conversion rates were established. This DAS conversion measure helps minimize lost revenue that would result from a yellowtail TAC closure. Although this measure would have positive economic impacts on scallop vessels that lost access area trip(s), they would likely receive less revenue from the DAS due to the access area trip to DAS conversion rate, which is based on scallop fishing mortality, not trip revenue. The conversion rate was established so that scallop mortality from the additional DAS would be equivalent to the scallop mortality from an access area. Scallops in open areas are generally smaller than scallops in access areas. No alternatives, other than maintaining conversion rates that are currently in the regulations, were considered. The proposed higher DAS conversion rates would result in higher economic benefits than no action.

3. HCAA Trip Expiration

The proposed no action alternative to allow all un-used 2005 HCAA trips to expire on February 29, 2008, instead of the rejected alternative of extending them to May 31, 2008, could have negative economic impacts on those vessels that could not take an economically viable trip to HCAA due to the poor resource conditions in this area. But these negative impacts are on 2007 fishing year revenues, not projected revenues under Framework 19. Landings per unit effort (LPUE) could improve in early 2007 and could provide some vessels incentive to take their trips rather than let them expire, minimizing these negative impacts. The proposed alternative to extend the trip expiration deadline to May 31, 2008, could reduce the negative impacts compared to no action. However, extending the duration of Hudson Canyon trips until May 31, 2008, could have negative impacts on future scallop yields resulting in negative long-term economic impacts.

4. ETAA and Delmarva Schedule

The proposed no action alternative to provide access to the ETAA in 2008 and 2009 and Delmarva in 2009 would have positive economic impacts on both limited access and general category vessels because this area has more scallop biomass compared to areas such as open areas and CAI. The procedure to reduce trips would help prevent overfishing, and thus have positive impacts on the scallop resource, and on the long term landings and revenues of scallop vessels. There are no alternatives under the current FMP that would generate higher benefits for the scallop vessels. The only alternative is the no action, which would allocate fewer ETAA trips and zero Delmarva trips.

5. Access Area Crew Limits

The proposed no action alternative would continue to allow a vessel to carry any number of crew on an access area trip. No crew limit would give vessels the most flexibility, potentially reducing total fishing costs, and would therefore have positive economic impacts on scallop vessels. The alternative option would restrict the crew size to eight or nine persons. This would potentially help reduce scallop mortality and control effort, with positive impacts on the scallop resource, landings, and revenues over the long term. On the other hand, limiting crew size would reduce a vessel's flexibility and increase trip costs. Therefore, the economic benefits of this alternative are expected to be small compared to the proposed alternative.

6. In-Shell Possession Limit

The proposed action would prohibit any scallop vessel on an access area trip from possessing more than 50 U.S. bu (17.6 hL) of in-shell scallops. This prohibition would help prevent scallop discard mortality, and therefore result in higher yields, revenues, and economic benefits. There are no alternatives that would generate higher benefits for the scallop vessels. The only alternative is the no action which would continue to allow deckloading and result in lower economic benefits compared to the proposed action alternative.

7. Research and Observer Set-Asides

The proposed no action alternative would continue to set-aside 2 percent of the scallop TAC for the research set-aside program and 1 percent of the scallop TAC for the industry-funded observer set-aside program. These set-asides are expected to have indirect economic benefits for the scallop fishery by improving scallop information and data made possible by research and the observer program. There are no alternatives that would generate higher benefits for scallop vessels.

8. DAS Allocations and Access Areas Trip Allocations

The proposed open area DAS allocations are expected to prevent overfishing in open areas and to have positive economic impacts on scallop vessels when combined with controlled access area allocations. Framework 19 would implement the following vessel-specific DAS allocations: Full-time vessels would be allocated 35 DAS in 2008 and 42 DAS in 2009; part-time vessels would be allocated 14 DAS in 2008 and 17 DAS in 2009; and occasional vessels would receive 3 DAS for each year. Except for the no action alternatives, other alternatives would result in slightly higher revenues and profits compared to the preferred action during 2008-2009. Alternatives with higher DAS allocations would provide higher short-term revenues, but could be offset by lower DAS allocations in future years as the result of lower exploitable scallop biomass. The proposed action would allocate fewer open area DAS compared to the no action in both the 2008 and 2009 fishing years, but it would allocate more trips to access areas. As a result, the proposed action would generate higher benefits than the no action alternative.

9. General Category Quarterly TAC

Amendment 11 proposes to establish an IFQ limited entry program for the general category scallop fishery starting in 2009. The 2008 fishing year would be a transition year as IFQ shares are established. The proposed action would distribute the 2008 general category quota allocation into quarters to minimize derby-style fishing. This measure would have positive economic impacts over the long-term for vessels that qualify for the general category limited entry program. Although management of the general category fishery by a quarterly hard TAC during the transition period to an IFQ program would create some derby-style fishing, the quarterly TACs would reduce derby fishing and lessen the negative economic impacts associated with derby fishing. The proposed alternative (Option A) would allocate 35 percent (1,056,563 lb, (475.25 mt) of the 2008 directed general category annual TAC to Quarter 1, 40 percent (1,207,750 lb, (547.83 mt)) to Quarter 1, 15 percent (452,813 lb, (205.39 mt)) to Quarter 1, and 10 percent (301,875 lb, (136.93 mt)) to Quarter 4. Quarters 1 and 2 would be allocated 75 percent of the TAC because general category access area trips primarily occur in those quarters. Unused TAC from Quarter 1 would roll over to Quarter 3, and unused TAC from Quarter 2 would roll over to the fourth quarter, thereby ensuring the full benefit of the scallop TAC is realized. There is no alternative to the proposed action (no action) alternative to allocate 10 percent of the overall 2008 scallop TAC to the general category fishery. However, Option B would distribute a greater percentage of the quarterly 10-percent hard TAC to the first and second quarters (85 percent) and less (15 percent) to the last two quarters, reducing the derby fishing in the first two quarters but increasing it in the last two quarters. This option is not expected to have larger positive economic impacts on the general category fishery compared to the proposed action (Option A).

10. General Category Access Area Allocations

The proposed action to allocate 5 percent of the scallop access area TACs in the 2008 and 2009 fishing years is expected to have positive economic impacts on the general category vessels compared to the no action allocation of 2 percent. In 2008, the general category fishery would be allocated 5 percent of the overall NLCA and ETAA TACs, resulting in up to 665 trips in the NLCA, and up to 2,662 trips in the ETAA. In 2009, the general category scallop fishery would be allocated 5 percent of the overall ETAA and Delmarva TACs, resulting in up to 1,967 trips and 726, respectively. General category vessels would not be allocated any trips in CAII.

Because access areas are more productive and have higher LPUE than open areas, it would take less fishing time to catch the 400-lb (181-kg) possession limit. As a result, fishing costs would be lower and profits would be higher for trips taken in the access areas when compared to open areas. Since most general category vessels do not fish in CAII, zero percent allocation for this area would increase open area landings and overall revenues of the general category fishery. The alternative option would allocate 2 percent of the 2008 and 5 percent of the 2009 access area TACs, which would likely have less economic benefits for general category vessels.

11. IFQ Cost Recovery

Framework 19 would implement a cost recovery program that would collect 3 percent of the ex-vessel value of scallop product landed to recover the costs directly related to management, data collection and analysis, and enforcement of the general category IFQ program as mandated by the Magnuson-Stevens Act. The preferred alternative estimates total scallop landings would be 45.9 million lb (20,820 mt) in 2009. With ex-vessel prices estimated from $7.55—$8.30, a 3-percent cost recovery would likely range from $519,818 to $571,455 in 2009. The positive economic impacts of the IFQ program for the general category limited access qualifiers are expected to exceed the costs of this cost recovery program. There are no other alternative options to the proposed cost recovery program and the no action alternative would be inconsistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

12. NGOM TAC

Amendment 11 would establish a NGOM Management Area that would be managed under a hard quota system. Framework 19 would establish the NGOM annual specifications. The proposed NGOM TAC is expected to have positive economic impacts for vessels that do not qualify for limited access IFQ permit but do qualify for a NGOM permit because it would allow them to land scallops in this area during favorable resource conditions. The proposed hard TAC of 70,000 lb (32 mt) is expected to generate more than $500,000 in scallop revenue for NGOM vessels in 2008-2009. The Council discussed higher TACs for the NGOM, but none were considered consistent with Amendment 11 and therefore were rejected and not analyzed.

13. Incidental Scallop Catch Target TAC

Amendment 11 includes a provision that the FMP should consider the level of mortality from incidental catch and remove that from the projected total catch before allocations are made to general category and limited access fisheries. The proposed action to remove incidental scallop catch before making allocations to limited access and directed general category vessels would ensure F targets are not exceeded, and thus would have positive impacts on the resource, scallop yield, and on the revenues and profits of scallop vessels. Framework 19 would establish the incidental catch target TAC for the 2008 and 2009 fishing years. The target TAC would be established at 50,000 lb (22.68 mt) per year in 2008 and 2009. This measure is based on an estimate of incidental catch and therefore, no alternatives were considered.

14. Overfishing Definition Adjustment

The Council recommended a new overfishing definition based on results from the recent scallop stock assessment (SAW 45) which used a new model to characterize the scallop resource, including a new biomass target and threshold, as well as a new F threshold. The proposed action to adjust the overfishing definition would have positive impacts on the scallop resource, scallop landings, revenues and profits of scallop vessels over the long term by more accurately defining the biomass reference points and appropriate F threshold based on the biomass reference points. Maintaining the F target at the precautionary level of F=0.20 would also reduce the risk of localized overfishing in open areas. The Council also considered maintaining the current overfishing definition but, for the reasons stated, the new overfishing definition would provide greater benefits to the fishery. The alternative that would increase the F target is less precautionary. Although it would increase landings and economic benefits over the short term, it could result in overfishing and lower long-term economic benefits.

15. Observer Program Improvements

Framework 19 includes several proposed measures that would improve oversight and administration of the scallop observer program. Measures include: Greater oversight by NNMFS/NEFOP of observer availability; observer provider materials and contracts; closer correlation between service provider fees and observer set-aside compensation rates; adjusted general category access area trip notification requirements; and observer notification and observer waiver requirements, among others. The proposed action would have positive economic impacts by improving the administration and reducing the cost burden of the observer program on scallop vessels by improving observer program efficiency and by making provider fees more commensurate with observer set-aside compensation rates. The no action alternatives would not include observer program improvements, and therefore, would not facilitate the effectiveness and efficiency of the industry-funded observer program.

16. HCAA Rotational Management Area

The proposed action would establish the HCAA as a rotational management area and close it for at least the 2008 and 2009 fishing years to protect young scallops. This is expected to have positive economic impacts by reducing mortality and increasing yield from this area over the long term. As a rotational closed area, the HCAA is expected to provide for increased economic benefits to the scallop industry, consistent with the area rotation program. The foundation of the area rotation program is to increase yield from the scallop resource and increase overall benefits. Two different boundary alternatives for HCAA were considered but not selected by the Council. These alternative closures would slightly increase the revenues and economic benefits for the scallop vessels compared to the proposed HCAA closure boundaries, but would allocate fewer open-area DAS in the 2008 fishing year.

17. 30-day VMS Power Down Provision

The proposed action to implement a 30-day VMS power down provision would reduce the burden on vessel-owners to maintain a transmitting VMS on their vessel for long periods when it is not fishing. This provision would have some positive economic impacts by reducing vessel operation costs. There are no other alternatives other than no action which does not allow vessels to power down the VMS unit.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 648

Fisheries, Fishing, Recordkeeping and reporting requirements.

For the reasons set out in the preamble, 50 CFR part 648 is proposed to be amended as follows:

PART 648—FISHERIES OF THE NORTHEASTERN UNITED STATES

1. The authority citation for part 648 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.

2. The following revision to § 648.4 is based on the proposed rule for Amendment 11 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop FMP (72 FR 71315, December 17, 2007). In § 648.4 revise paragraph (a)(2)(ii)(H) to read as follows:

3. In § 648.9, paragraph (c)(2)(i)(B) is revised to read as follows:

4. In § 648.11, paragraphs (g)(2), (g)(3), (g)(4)(i), (g)(4)(ii), (g)(5), (h)(5)(i), (h)(5)(iv), (h)(5)(vi), (h)(5)(vii)(A), and (h)(5)(vii)(E) are revised, and paragraphs (h)(5)(vii)(G) through (h)(5)(vii)(J) are added to read as follows:

5. The following revisions to § 648.11 are based on the proposed rule for Amendment 11 (72 FR 71315, December 17, 2007). In § 648.14, paragraphs (h)(27) and (i)(2)(iv) are revised, and paragraphs (h)(29), (i)(1)(xx), and (i)(2)(xvii) are added to read as follows:

6. The following revisions to § 648.53 are based on the proposed rule for Amendment 11 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop FMP (72 FR 71315, December 17, 2007). In § 648.53 paragraphs (a), (b)(5)(i), (b)(5)(ii), (b)(6), (g)(1), (g)(2), and (h)(4) are revised, the table in paragraph (b)(4) introductory text is revised, paragraph (b)(4)(ii) is added and reserved, paragraph (b)(5)(iii) is removed and reserved, and paragraph (b)(4)(i) is added to read as follows.

7. In § 648.58, paragraph (a) is added and paragraph (b) is revised, and paragraphs (e) through (h) are removed:

8. In § 648.59, paragraph (e)(3) is removed and reserved, and paragraphs (a), (b)(5)(ii)(B), (c)(5)(ii)(B), (d)(5)(ii)(B), and (e)(6)(ii)(B) are revised to read as follows. The revisions to (c)(5)(ii)(B), (d)(5)(ii)(B), and (e)(6)(ii)(B) are based on the proposed rule for Amendment 11 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop FMP (72 FR 71315, December 17, 2007).

9. The revision in § 648.60 paragraph (a) introductory text is based on the proposed rule for Amendment 11 (72 FR 71315, December 17, 2007) as follows. The revision in § 648.60 paragraph (a)(3)(i), (d)(1), and (e)(1) is revised based on current regulations as follows:

10. The following revision to § 648.62 is based on the proposed rule for Amendment 11 (72 FR 71315, December 17, 2007). In § 648.62, paragraph (b)(1) is revised to read as follows.