[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 82 (Friday, April 29, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-10195]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: April 29, 1994]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Parts 672 and 675

[Docket No. 930954-4110; I.D. 092193A]
RIN 0648-AF54

 

Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska; Groundfish Fishery of the 
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area

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

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: NMFS issues final regulations to change requirements for 
observer coverage of the groundfish fisheries in the Gulf of Alaska 
(GOA) and the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). 
This action is necessary to improve management of the groundfish 
fisheries off Alaska. The intended effect of this action is to increase 
observer coverage of the groundfish harvests and to promote the fishery 
management objectives of the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for 
Groundfish of the GOA and the FMP for the Groundfish Fishery of the 
BSAI.

EFFECTIVE DATE: Effective July 1, 1994, except for 
Sec. 672.27(c)(1)(iii)(F), which will become effective May 31, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the environmental assessment/regulatory impact 
review/final regulatory flexibility analysis (EA/RIR/FRFA) and the 
Observer Plan may be obtained from the Fisheries Management Division, 
Alaska Region, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 (Attn: Lori 
Gravel).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan J. Salveson, Fisheries 
Management Division, Alaska Region, NMFS at 907-586-7228.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Fishing for groundfish by vessels in the exclusive economic zone 
(EEZ) of the GOA and the BSAI is managed by the Secretary of Commerce 
(Secretary) according to the FMP for Groundfish of the GOA and the FMP 
for the Groundfish Fishery of the BSAI. The FMPs were prepared by the 
North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) under the Magnuson 
Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson Act) and are 
implemented by regulations governing the U.S. groundfish fisheries at 
50 CFR parts 620, 672, and 675.
    Amendments 13 and 18 to the groundfish FMPs for the BSAI and GOA, 
respectively, authorize a comprehensive domestic fishery observer 
program. An Observer Plan to implement the program was prepared by the 
Secretary in consultation with the Council and issued by NMFS, 
effective February 7, 1990 (55 FR 4839, February 12, 1990). At its 
December 1992 meeting, the Council reviewed draft changes to the 
Observer Plan that were developed by NMFS and a Council-Appointed 
Industry Oversight Committee. The Council recommended that NMFS make 
the draft changes and initiate a rulemaking to implement them.
    A proposed rule to implement the Council's recommendation was 
published in the Federal Register October 28, 1993 (58 FR 57979). 
Comments on the proposed rule were invited through November 29, 1993. 
Two letters of comments were received and are summarized in the 
``Response to Comments'' section of this preamble.
    After reviewing the reasons for the draft changes to the Observer 
Plan and the comments on the proposed rule to implement them, NMFS has 
determined that this action is necessary for fishery conservation and 
management and implements the following changes to the Observer Plan 
and its implementing regulations at Secs. 672.27 and 675.25.

    (1) Change the definition of a ``fishing trip'' and base 
observer coverage requirements on a new definition of ``fishing 
days'' instead of ``fishing trip days''. ``Fishing day'' is defined 
as a 24-hour period from 0001 Alaska local time (A.l.t.) through 
2400 A.l.t. during which fishing gear is retrieved and groundfish, 
as defined at 50 CFR 672.2 and 675.2, are retained for further 
processing.
    (2) Increase observer coverage on vessels equal to or greater 
than 60 feet (ft)(18.3 m) in length overall (LOA) but less than 125 
ft (38.1 m) LOA during each calendar quarter, so that vessels in 
this size category are required to carry an observer 30 percent of 
the fishing days in each calendar quarter in which the vessels 
participate for more than 3 fishing days in a directed fishery for 
groundfish. Each vessel required to carry an observer during a 
calendar quarter must carry an observer during at least one fishing 
trip for each of the following fisheries in which the vessel 
participates: Pollock, Pacific cod, sablefish, rockfish, flatfish, 
and other species of groundfish.
    (3) Increase observer coverage of vessels using hook-and-line 
gear in the Eastern Regulatory Area of the GOA by requiring 
operators of catcher/processor and catcher vessels using hook-and-
line gear that participate in a directed fishery for groundfish to 
carry a NMFS-certified observer during at least one fishing trip in 
the Eastern Regulatory Area during each calendar quarter that they 
participate in a directed fishery for groundfish in this area;
    (4) Revise observer coverage requirements for vessels using pot 
gear to participate in a directed fishery for groundfish, so that 
each vessel using pot gear that is equal to or greater than 60 ft 
(18.3 m) LOA is required to carry an observer during at least 30 
percent of its fishing days during each calendar quarter in which it 
participates for more than 3 days in a directed groundfish pot gear 
fishery; and
    (5) Revise the conflict of interest standards for NMFS-certified 
observers and observer contractors. Revisions include: (1) Placing 
restrictions on observers who were employed in the observed fishery 
within the preceding 12 months; and (2) prohibiting observer 
contractors from assigning observers in response to requests for or 
against a specific individual or a specific gender, race, creed, or 
age of individual.

    The intent of these measures is to increase observer coverage of 
the groundfish harvests and to promote the fishery management 
objectives of the FMPs. Further descriptions of, and reasons for, these 
measures are contained in the preamble to the proposed rule (58 FR 
57979, October 28, 1993).
    With the exception of Sec. 672.27(c)(1)(iii)(F), the effective date 
of the final rule is July 1, 1994. This date coincides with the 
beginning of the third calendar quarter and will facilitate the 
implementation of new quarterly observer coverage requirements by 
reducing confusion that would result from a mid-quarter effective date. 
Section 672.27(c)(1)(iii)(F) reduces observer coverage requirements for 
vessels 125 ft LOA or longer fishing for groundfish with pot gear, and 
thus, provides relief to vessel operators in this category. Therefore, 
NMFS has determined that the effective date for this section should not 
be delayed until July 1, 1994. The effective date for 
Sec. 672.27(c)(1)(iii)(F) is May 31, 1994.

Changes in the Final Rule From the Proposed Rule

    This final rule includes three changes from the proposed rule. 
These changes are described as follows:
    First, technical changes are made to Secs. 672.27 and 675.25 to 
include minor editorial revisions and metric equivalents for specified 
lengths of vessels that require different levels of observer coverage.
    Second, Sec. 672.27(c)(1)(v)(C) is amended to clarify that a 
catcher vessel delivering groundfish to a shoreside processor or to a 
mothership in Alaska State waters during a weekly reporting period will 
be assigned to a fishery category based on the retained catch 
composition of all groundfish delivered to processors during that 
weekly reporting period and reported on Alaska Department of Fish and 
Game fish tickets.
    Finally, the Observer Plan is corrected by removing from Attachment 
3 (Standards of Observer Conduct) an inappropriate reference to title 
15 CFR subtitle A, part O, of the U.S. Department of Commerce 
Regulations. These regulations pertained to standards of conduct for 
employees of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Certified observers are 
not NMFS employees and therefore cannot be held to these standards. The 
Observer Plan continues to require certified observers to comply with 
the conflict of interest standards and general standards of behavior 
set out in Attachments 3 and 4 of the amended Plan.

Response to Comments

    Two letters were received within the comment period that ended 
November 29, 1993. A summary of comments and NMFS's responses follow.
    Comment 1. The proposed action bases observer coverage on fishing 
days instead of fishing trip days and increases observer coverage on 
vessels equal to or greater than 60 ft (18.3 m) LOA but less than 125 
ft (38.1 m) LOA. This action would increase the financial burden on the 
catcher boat fleet, particularly on those vessels delivering to 
shoreside facilities that are required to have observer coverage. This 
results in an inequitable impact on the catcher boat fleet and further 
aggravates the disproportionate effect of the Observer Program on 
catcher vessels. Given these effects, implementation of measures to 
increase observer coverage should be delayed until after the North 
Pacific Fisheries Research Plan is effective.
    Response. NMFS acknowledges that the proposed rule would increase 
observer costs for vessels equal to or greater than 60 ft (18.3 m) LOA 
but less than 125 ft (38.1 m) LOA that use trawl or hook-and-line gear 
to participate in a directed fishery for Alaska groundfish. Larger 
vessels currently are required to have an observer on board at all 
times and are not affected by the proposed change in coverage 
requirements. The increased observer coverage for vessels equal to or 
greater than 60 ft (18.3 m) LOA but less than 125 ft (38.1 m) LOA is 
necessary to obtain more adequate information on which the groundfish 
fisheries are managed, including better estimates of groundfish catch, 
discard amounts, and prohibited species bycatch rates. Delay of 
regulatory action to increase observer coverage until the North Pacific 
Fisheries Research Plan is effective would neglect identified data 
requirements necessary for effective management of the Alaska 
groundfish fisheries.
    Comment 2. The increased financial burden to the small boat fleet 
that will ensue from increased observer coverage is out of proportion 
to the benefits that might result, particularly if NMFS continues to 
use observer data primarily as a basis for fishery closures or 
enforcement, rather than for more effective fishery management.
    Response. NMFS's primary responsibility for inseason management of 
the groundfish resource is to monitor groundfish harvests and 
prohibited species bycatch rates, so that when a groundfish total 
allowable catch (TAC) or a prohibited species bycatch allowance is 
reached, fishery closures can be implemented to prevent specified TACs 
or bycatch allowances from being exceeded.
    Existing observer coverage requirements established for vessels 
equal to or greater than 60 ft (18.3 m) LOA but less than 125 ft (38.1 
m) LOA were determined by the Council and its ad hoc Observer Committee 
to be inadequate to meet data needs for effective monitoring of 
groundfish and prohibited species catch amounts by this segment of the 
groundfish fleet. NMFS concurs in this determination and has approved 
the Council's recommended increase in observer coverage for vessels 
equal to or greater than 60 ft (18.3 m) LOA but less than 125 ft (38.1 
m) LOA. The increase is intended to improve the level of observer 
coverage from this size class of vessel without imposing costs that are 
disproportionate to the benefits that are anticipated to result from 
better inseason management of the groundfish fisheries.
    Use of observer data is not limited to inseason management of the 
fisheries and compliance monitoring of regulatory programs. Observer 
data also are used to assess the status of fishery resources and as a 
basis for assessment and development of management measures. NMFS has 
released certain observer data to the public under the Freedom of 
Information Act for purposes of independent industry analyses of 
prohibited species bycatch rates and operational factors that may 
reduce bycatch rates of these species. Additional observer data may be 
disclosed to support industry initiatives to reduce prohibited species 
bycatch rates under a proposed rule published in the Federal Register 
January 19, 1994 (59 FR 2817). These Federal and private initiatives to 
use observer data for more effective fishery management will be 
enhanced to the extent that more observer data are collected from 
vessels under 125 ft (38.1 m) LOA as set out in this final rule.
    Comment 3. The purpose and intent of the proposed rule to correct 
problems encountered by NMFS in administering observer coverage on 
vessels equal to or greater than 60 ft (18.3 m) LOA but less than 125 
ft (38.1 m) LOA are supported. However, given the direction in which 
the fishery management process is progressing, 30 percent coverage for 
these vessels likely is inadequate; 100 percent observer coverage on 
all vessels capable of carrying an observer should be considered.
    Response. One hundred percent observer coverage on vessels equal to 
or greater than 60 ft LOA but less than 125 ft LOA has been required 
for particular fisheries for specified areas and limited time periods 
to meet special management needs (59 FR 3000, January 20, 1994, as 
modified at 59 FR 4009, January 28, 1994, and 59 FR 15346, April l, 
1994). However, the additional costs associated with 100 percent 
observer coverage on all vessels in the groundfish fishery under 125 ft 
LOA in all areas at all times would impose disproportionate costs on 
this sector of the groundfish fleet and, therefore, are not now 
justified under the current open access groundfish management program. 
NMFS will continue to assess the need for increased observer coverage 
to meet special resource or fishery management needs.
    Comment 4. Despite support for the proposed action, concerns remain 
about the ability of vessels to manipulate observer coverage in certain 
fisheries and/or in certain areas where prohibited species bycatch 
rates may be higher. To address these concerns, the final rule should 
be amended to require a vessel equal to or greater than 60 ft (18.3 m) 
LOA but less than 125 ft (38.1 m) LOA to carry an observer for 30 
percent of the days it engages in any particular fishery during any 
calendar quarter in which it meets the threshold (3-day) minimum 
requirement on a fishery-by-fishery basis.
    Response. The final rule limits the manipulation of observer 
coverage by decreasing the number of fishing days in a quarter that 
trigger observer coverage requirements, basing coverage requirements on 
fishing days rather than fishing trip days, and requiring observation 
of at least one trip for each fishery that a vessel participates in 
during a quarter. These measures should reduce the potential for 
manipulation of observer coverage and increase the amount of observer 
data available for the management of specific fisheries. Nonetheless, 
an opportunity still exists for a vessel operator to manipulate 
observer coverage to reduce or increase coverage in different 
fisheries.
    The EA/RIR/FRFA prepared for this action considered an alternative 
for increased observer coverage similar to the one presented in Comment 
4. The alternative was more stringent and could provide more observer 
data of certain fisheries relative to the preferred alternative 
implemented under this final rule. However, this alternative was not 
adopted by the Council for several reasons. First, concerns were 
expressed that some fishermen would have difficulties complying with 30 
percent observer coverage in each fishery because fishermen would need 
to be aware of and plan for the target fishery each trip and keep track 
of the exact number of fishing days by fishery. Second, 30 percent 
coverage by fishery would be relatively more expensive for a vessel in 
the 60-125 ft (18.3 m-38.1 m) LOA category to comply with relative to 
the preferred alternative. Last, compliance monitoring would be more 
difficult and associated enforcement costs would be increased relative 
to the preferred alternative under the final rule due to calculations 
to check 30 percent observer coverage by fishery.
    Comment 5. The proposed action to increase coverage of the longline 
fisheries in the eastern GOA is inadequate for two reasons. First, the 
proposed action is subject to manipulation. Second, the overall level 
of reliable observer-generated data from the hook-and-line gear fleet 
in the eastern GOA is deplorable. To respond to these inadequacies, the 
final rule should require all vessels in the 60-125 ft (18.3-38.1 m) 
LOA category that use hook-and-line gear to carry observers a minimum 
of 30 percent of the fishing days they operate in the eastern GOA 
during any particular calendar quarter on a fishery-by-fishery basis. 
Furthermore, NMFS should make a concerted effort to place observers on 
vessels under 60 ft (18.3 m) LOA so that data can be gathered about the 
operating characteristics of the small boat fleet that accounts for 
most of the hook-and-line harvest in the eastern GOA.
    Response. The alternative coverage requirements suggested in 
Comment 5 for longline vessels in the eastern GOA was considered by the 
Council, but not adopted for reasons similar to those presented in the 
response to Comment 4.
    The Council considered lowering the size limit for vessels required 
to carry observers to vessels less than 60 ft (18.3 m) LOA. The Council 
did not adopt this alternative because of increased costs to industry 
and increased chance of injury to an observer or crew on small vessels 
because of limited working space and accommodations. Under the current 
Observer Plan, NMFS has determined that implementation of changes to 
the observer coverage requirements for vessels under 60 ft (18.3 m) LOA 
would require separate regulatory action. Furthermore, staffing and 
budget constraints prevent NMFS from placing employees onboard small 
vessels to serve as observers. Given these regulatory and practical 
constraints, observer coverage requirements for the small boat fleet 
would best be pursued under the North Pacific Fisheries Research Plan, 
which is pending approval and implementation by the Secretary.
    Comment 6. The proposed action to lower observer coverage on 
vessels using pot gear is premature and not supported as long as 
observer data generated from the pot gear fisheries are used for 
allocative purposes. Data used to support allocative measures should be 
based on comparable levels of observer coverage. Therefore, observer 
coverage on vessels using pot gear should remain unchanged until an 
individual vessel quota system is implemented that will effectively 
address resource allocation issues.
    Response. Since the implementation of the domestic observer program 
in 1990, observer data collected onboard pot gear vessels participating 
in a directed fishery for groundfish consistently indicate that 
relatively low levels of prohibited species bycatch mortality are 
associated with these operations. The Council recommended that NMFS 
reduce the observer coverage requirements for pot vessels equal to or 
greater than 125 ft (38.1 m) LOA from 100 percent to 30 percent because 
of the very low bycatch mortality associated with these operations and 
the Council's expressed policy to encourage selective fishing practices 
that typically experience low prohibited species bycatch mortality 
rates. Under the final rule, the resulting levels of observer coverage 
of vessels using pot gear will assure the collection of sufficient 
observer data to identify any changes in assumed bycatch mortality 
rates and other factors that may affect future resource allocation 
issues.

Classification

    The FRFA prepared for this rule concluded that it could have 
significant effects on a substantial number of small entities (i.e., 
small businesses, small organizations, and small governmental 
jurisdictions with limited resources). A copy of the EA/RIR/FRFA 
prepared for this action is available (see ADDRESSES).
    This final rule has been determined to be not significant for 
purposes of E.O. 12866.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Parts 672 and 675

    Fisheries, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    Dated: April 22, 1994.
Rolland A. Schmitten,
Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries 
Service.

    For the reasons set out in the preamble, 50 CFR parts 672 and 
675 are amended as follows:

PART 672--GROUNDFISH OF THE GULF OF ALASKA

    1. The authority citation for part 672 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    2. In Sec. 672.27, the first sentence of paragraph (a) and 
paragraphs (b), (c)(1)(ii)(D) and (c)(1)(iii)(C) and (D) are revised 
and paragraphs (c)(1)(ii)(E), (c)(1)(iii)(E), (c)(1)(iii)(F), 
(c)(1)(iv) and (c)(1)(v) are added to read as follows:


Sec. 672.27  Observers.

    (a) Observer Plan. The operator of a fishing vessel subject to 50 
CFR parts 672 and 675, and the manager of a shoreside processing 
facility that receives groundfish from a vessel subject to 50 CFR parts 
672 and 675, must comply with the Observer Plan. * * *
    (b) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to allow observers to 
collect Alaska fisheries data deemed by the Regional Director to be 
necessary and appropriate for research, management, and compliance 
monitoring of fisheries for groundfish, as defined at Sec. 672.2 and 
Sec. 675.2 of this chapter, or for other purposes consistent with the 
Marine Mammal Protection Act.
    (c) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (ii) * * *
    (D) Fishing trip means the time period that starts on the day when 
fishing gear is first deployed and ends on the day the vessel offloads 
groundfish, returns to an Alaskan port, or leaves the EEZ off Alaska 
and adjacent waters of the State of Alaska, and during which one or 
more fishing days, as defined in this section, occur.
    (E) Fishing day means a 24-hour period, from 0001 A.l.t. through 
2400 A.l.t., in which fishing gear is retrieved and groundfish, defined 
at Sec. 672.2 or Sec. 675.2 of this chapter, are retained. Days during 
which a vessel only delivers unsorted codends to a processor are not 
fishing days.
    (iii) * * *
    (C) A catcher/processor or catcher vessel 125 feet (38.1 meters) in 
length overall or longer must carry a NMFS-certified observer at all 
times while fishing for groundfish, except for a vessel fishing for 
groundfish with pot gear as provided for in paragraph (c)(1)(iii)(F) of 
this section.
    (D) A catcher/processor or catcher vessel equal to or greater than 
60 feet (18.3 meters) length overall but less than 125 feet (38.1 
meters) length overall must carry a NMFS-certified observer during at 
least 30 percent of its fishing days in each calendar quarter in which 
the vessel participates for more than 3 fishing days in a directed 
fishery for groundfish. Each vessel that participates for more than 3 
fishing days in a directed fishery for groundfish in a calendar quarter 
must carry a NMFS-certified observer during at least one fishing trip 
during that calendar quarter for each of the groundfish fishery 
categories defined under paragraph (c)(1)(iv)(A) through (F) of this 
section in which the vessel participates.
    (E) A catcher/processor or catcher vessel fishing with hook-and-
line gear that is required to carry an observer under paragraph 
(c)(1)(iii)(D) of this section must carry a NMFS-certified observer 
during at least one fishing trip in the Eastern Regulatory Area of the 
Gulf of Alaska during each calendar quarter in which the vessel 
participates in a directed fishery for groundfish in the Eastern 
Regulatory Area.
    (F) A catcher/processor or catcher vessel equal to or greater than 
60 feet (18.3 meters) length overall fishing with pot gear must carry a 
NMFS-certified observer during at least 30 percent of its fishing days 
in each calendar quarter in which the vessel participates for more than 
3 fishing days in a directed fishery for groundfish. Each vessel that 
participates for more than 3 fishing days in a directed fishery for 
groundfish using pot gear must carry a NMFS-certified observer during 
at least one fishing trip during a calendar quarter for each of the 
groundfish fishery categories defined under paragraph (c)(1)(iv)(A) 
through (F) of this section in which it participates.
    (iv) Groundfish fishery categories requiring separate coverage--(A) 
Pollock fishery. Fishing that results in a retained amount of pollock, 
during any weekly reporting period, that is greater than the retained 
amount of any other groundfish species or species group that is 
specified as a separate groundfish fishery under this paragraph 
(c)(1)(iv) (A) through (F).
    (B) Pacific cod fishery. Fishing that results in a retained amount 
of Pacific cod, during any weekly reporting period, that is greater 
than the retained amount of any other groundfish species or species 
group that is specified as a separate groundfish fishery under this 
paragraph (c)(1)(iv) (A) through (F).
    (C) Sablefish fishery. Fishing that results in a retained amount of 
sablefish, during any weekly reporting period, that is greater than the 
retained amount of any other groundfish species or species group that 
is specified as a separate groundfish fishery under this paragraph 
(c)(1)(iv) (A) through (F).
    (D) Rockfish fishery. Fishing that results in a retained aggregate 
amount of rockfish of the genera Sebastes and Sebastolobus, during any 
weekly reporting period, that is greater than the retained amount of 
any other groundfish species or species group that is specified as a 
separate groundfish fishery under this paragraph (c)(1)(iv) (A) through 
(F).
    (E) Flatfish fishery. Fishing that results in a retained aggregate 
amount of all flatfish species, except Pacific halibut, during any 
weekly reporting period, that is greater than the retained amount of 
any other groundfish species or species group that is specified as a 
separate groundfish fishery under this paragraph (c)(1)(iv) (A) through 
(F).
    (F) Other species fishery. Fishing that results in a retained 
amount of groundfish, during any weekly reporting period, that does not 
qualify as a pollock, Pacific cod, sablefish, rockfish, or flatfish 
fishery as defined under paragraphs (c)(1)(iv) (A) through 
(c)(1)(iv)(E) of this section.
    (v) Assignment of vessels to fisheries. During any weekly reporting 
period, the retained catch composition of groundfish species or species 
groups of a vessel for which a TAC has been specified under Sec. 672.20 
or Sec. 675.20 of this chapter, in round-weight equivalents, will 
determine to which of the fishery categories listed under paragraph 
(c)(1)(iv) (A) through (F) of this section the vessel is assigned.
    (A) A catcher/processor vessel will be assigned to fishery 
categories at the end of each weekly reporting period based on the 
round-weight equivalent of the retained groundfish catch composition 
included in the weekly production report for the vessel submitted to 
the Regional Director under Sec. 672.5(c)(2) or Sec. 675.5(c)(2) of 
this chapter.
    (B) A catcher vessel that delivers to mothership processors in 
Federal waters during a weekly reporting period will be assigned to 
fishery categories based on the round-weight equivalent of the retained 
groundfish catch composition included in the weekly production report 
for the mothership submitted to the Regional Director for that week 
under Sec. 672.5(c)(2) or Sec. 675.5(c)(2) of this chapter.
    (C) A catcher vessel that delivers groundfish to shoreside 
processors or to mothership processors in Alaska State waters during a 
weekly reporting period will be assigned to a fishery category based on 
the round-weight equivalent of the groundfish delivered to processors 
during that weekly reporting period and reported on one or more Alaska 
Department of Fish and Game fish ticket or tickets as required under 
Alaska State regulations at A.S. 16.05.690.
 * * * * *

PART 675--GROUNDFISH OF THE BERING SEA AND ALEUTIAN ISLANDS AREA

    3. The authority citation for 50 CFR part 675 continues to read as 
follows:

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

    4. Section 675.25 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 675.25  Observers.

    Observer requirements authorized under the Observer Plan are set 
out at Sec. 672.27 of this chapter.

[FR Doc. 94-10195 Filed 4-28-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P