[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 46 (Monday, March 10, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 10747-10752]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-5478]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Parts 648 and 649

[Docket No. 970221036-7036-01; I.D. 012797D]
RIN 0648-AJ48


Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Framework 
Adjustments to the Northeast Multispecies and American Lobster Fishery 
Management Plans

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: NMFS issues this final rule to implement measures contained in 
Framework Adjustment 22 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery 
Management Plan (FMP) and Framework Adjustment 4 to the American 
Lobster FMP. This rule will close certain areas to specific gear types, 
thereby alleviating the gear conflicts in Southern New England.

EFFECTIVE DATE: March 17, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Copies of Amendment 7 to the Northeast Multispecies FMP, 
Amendment 5 to the American Lobster FMP, the regulatory impact review 
and the initial regulatory flexibility analysis, its final supplemental 
environmental impact statement (FSEIS), and the supporting documents 
for Framework Adjustment 22 to the Northeast Multispecies FMP and 
Framework 4 to the American Lobster FMP are available from Christopher 
B. Kellogg, Acting Executive Director, New England Fishery Management 
Council, 5 Broadway, (Route 1), Saugus, MA 01906-1097.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul H. Jones, Fishery Policy Analyst, 
508-281-9273.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: An emergency interim rule to the American 
Lobster FMP was published on March 27, 1996 (61 FR 13454). This action 
implemented a prohibition on mobile gear vessels fishing in Restricted 
Gear Areas I and II, a prohibition on lobster pot vessels fishing in 
and lobster pots in Restricted Gear Area III, and a requirement that 
all mobile gear vessels in Restricted Gear Areas I and II and all 
lobster pot (fixed gear) vessels in Restricted Gear Area III stow their 
gear while transiting the restricted gear areas. This action became 
necessary after a New England Fishery Management Council (Council) and 
Industry-negotiated voluntary agreement concerning gear conflicts 
failed to resolve the problem.
    Regulations implementing Amendment 8 to the Northeast Multispecies, 
Amendment 6 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop, and Amendment 6 to the 
American Lobster FMPs became effective on February 10, 1997 (62 FR 
1403, January 10, 1997). The regulations added to each FMP a list of 
management measures from which the Council could select future 
solutions to gear conflicts through the framework adjustment process. 
The regulations authorize the Council to recommend adjustments to any 
of the measures currently in the FMPs.
    Framework Adjustment 22 to the Northeast Multispecies FMP and 
Framework Adjustment 4 to the American Lobster FMP closes four small, 
defined areas to fishers using certain gears during certain times of 
the year. Specifically, the action implements a prohibition on mobile 
gear vessels fishing in Restricted Gear Area I during October 1 through 
June 15, in Restricted Gear Area IV during June 16 through September 
30, in Restricted Gear Area II during November 27 through June 15, and 
in Restricted Gear Area III during June 16 through November 26, and a 
prohibition on lobster pot vessels fishing in Restricted Gear Area I 
during June 16 through September 30, in Restricted Gear Area II during 
June 16 through November 26, and in Restricted Gear Area III during 
January 1 through April 30. Vessels may transit these areas provided 
that all mobile gear is on board the vessel while inside these areas.
    This action is necessary because substantial harm and disruption to 
the fishery is again occurring through gear conflicts since the 
emergency action expired on June 25, 1996. These conflicts are 
occurring because of increased targeting of monkfish by mobile gear 
vessels since the emergency action and the failure of the Council's 
voluntary industry agreement. The framework measures build upon the 
emergency action and provisions of the Council's voluntary industry 
agreement. The measures in this rulemaking were selected from among 
other options because they are relatively less controversial, as 
evidenced by the near unanimous support of the Council. The action is 
expected to reduce gear damage and economic loss.
    Direct economic losses to individual lobster vessels from gear loss 
are reported by the Council to be as high as $125,780. As reported to 
the Council by eight lobster vessels, the value of lost gear for a 
partial season totaled more than $290,000. There are approximately 50 
active lobster vessels fishing within the gear conflict areas. If the 
above data are representative of the fleet, the direct economic loss as 
the result of lost gear was potentially $1.8 million, or more than 
$36,000 per lobster vessel.
    The value of lobster landings during October through June, when 
lobster vessels move their gear inshore, averaged more than $8.5 
million for 1991-93. Landings data showing the magnitude of lost 
fishing opportunity during 1994 and 1995 are unavailable. Lobster 
fishers, however, reported setting their gear in a severely restricted 
band that had a significant effect on catch per trap. Even if the 
number of traps remained constant and catch per trap only declined 25 
percent, the lost revenue could have totaled more than $2.1 million. 
The total estimated economic loss that could be prevented by taking 
this action is, therefore, nearly $4 million. Furthermore, the action 
is consistent with the American Lobster FMP objectives to minimize 
social, cultural, and economic dislocation in the lobster fishery.
    The Council requests publication of the management measures as a 
final rule after considering the required factors stipulated in the 
regulations governing the Northeast multispecies fishery and the 
American lobster fishery and providing supporting analysis for each 
factor considered. The Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, 
concurs with the Council's recommendation and has determined the 
framework adjustments should be published as a final rule.
    NMFS is amending the multispecies and lobster regulations following 
the procedure for framework adjustments codified in 50 CFR parts 648 
and 649. The Council followed this procedure when making adjustments to 
the FMPs by developing and analyzing the actions at two Council 
meetings held on August 21-22 and October 2, 1996.

Comments and Responses

    The August 21-22, 1996, Council meeting was the first of two 
meetings that provided an opportunity for public comment on the 
frameworks. A draft document containing the proposed management 
measures and their rationale was available to the public during the 
second week in August 1996

[[Page 10748]]

and notice of the initial and final Council meetings were mailed to 
approximately 1,900 people and published in the Federal Register. The 
final public hearing was held on October 2, 1996. Testimony provided by 
industry members at the public meetings favored the framework 
adjustments.

Classification

    This final rule has been determined to be not significant for the 
purposes of E.O. 12866.
    NMFS recently reinitiated consultation on the Northeast 
Multispecies and American Lobster FMPs. These consultations were 
reinitiated as the result of new information concerning the status of 
the northern right whale and concluded that: (1) The fishing activities 
carried out under the Northeast Multispecies and American Lobster FMPs 
are likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the northern right 
whale; (2) the prosecution of the multispecies and lobster fisheries 
will not adversely modify right whale critical habitat; and (3) the 
current fishing practices allowed under the American Lobster and 
Northeast Multispecies FMPs may affect, but are not likely to 
jeopardize the continued existence of the harbor porpoise and the 
distinct population segment of Atlantic salmon stocks found in certain 
Maine rivers that are both currently proposed to be listed as 
threatened. The new information provided above does not change the 
basis for the conclusions of the 1996 Biological Opinion regarding 
right whales nor does this information change the basis for, or 
conclusions that, the fishing activities carried out under the American 
Lobster and Northeast Multispecies FMPs may affect, but are not likely 
to jeopardize the continued existence of the other endangered and 
threatened whale and sea turtle species under NMFS jurisdiction.
    Public meetings held by the Council to discuss the management 
measures implemented by this rule provided prior notice and an 
opportunity for public comment to be heard and considered. The Council 
considered this action at public meetings on August 21-22, 1996, and 
October 2, 1996. Therefore, the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, 
NOAA (AA), finds cause, under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), to waive the 
requirement to provide prior notice and an opportunity for public 
comment as such procedures are unnecessary. The AA finds that under 5 
U.S.C. 553(d)(1), the need to have this regulation in place by March 
17, 1997, is good cause to waive the 30-day delay in effectiveness of 
this regulation. Implementation of this regulation by March 17, 1997, 
will alleviate the increased gear conflicts in Southern New England, 
while providing enough time to notify fishermen to be prepared for the 
new requirements.
    Because a general notice of proposed rulemaking is not required to 
be published for this rule by 5 U.S.C. 553 or by any other law, this 
rule is exempt from the requirement to prepare an initial or final 
regulatory flexibility analysis under the Regulatory Flexibility Act. 
As such, none has been prepared.

List of Subjects

50 CFR Part 649

    Fisheries.

50 CFR Part 648

    Fisheries, Fishing, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    Dated: February 28, 1997.
Gary Matlock,
Acting Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries 
Service.
    For the reasons set out in the preamble, 50 CFR parts 648 and 649 
are 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. In Sec. 648.2, definitions for ``Beam trawl,'' ``Mobile gear,'' 
and ``Trawl'' are added, in alphabetical order, to read as follows:


Sec. 648.2  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Beam trawl means gear, consisting of a twine bag attached to a beam 
attached to a towing wire, designed so that the beam does not contact 
the bottom. The beam is constructed with sinkers or shoes on either 
side that support the beam above the bottom or any other modification 
so that the beam does not contact the bottom. The beam trawl is 
designed to slide along the bottom rather than dredge the bottom.
* * * * *
    Mobile gear means trawls, beam trawls, and dredges that are 
designed to maneuver with that vessel.
* * * * *
    Trawl means gear consisting of a net that is towed, including but 
not limited to beam trawls, pair trawls, otter trawls, and Danish and 
Scottish seine gear.
* * * * *
    3. In Sec. 648.14, paragraphs (a)(97), (a)(98), and (a)(99) are 
added to read as follows:


Sec. 648.14  Prohibitions.

    (a) * * *
    (97) Fish, or be in the areas described in Sec. 648.81(j)(1), 
(k)(1), (l)(1), and (m)(1) on a fishing vessel with mobile gear during 
the time periods specified in Sec. 648.81(j)(2), (k)(2), (l)(2), and 
(m)(2), except as provided in Sec. 648.81(j)(2), (k)(2), (l)(2), and 
(m)(2).
    (98) Fish, or be in the areas described in Sec. 648.81(j)(1), 
(k)(1), and (l)(1) on a fishing vessel with lobster pot gear during the 
time periods specified in Sec. 648.81(j)(2), (k)(2), and (l)(2).
    (99) Deploy in or fail to remove lobster pot gear from the areas 
described in Sec. 648.81(j)(1), (k)(1), and (l)(1), during the time 
periods specified in Sec. 648.81(j)(2), (k)(2), and (l)(2).
* * * * *
    4. In Sec. 648.81, paragraphs (j), (k), (l), and (m) are added to 
read as follows:


Sec. 648.81  Closed areas.

* * * * *
    (j) Restricted Gear Area I. (1) Restricted Gear Area I is defined 
by straight lines connecting the following points in the order stated:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                     Latitude            Longitude    
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Inshore Boundary                            
------------------------------------------------------------------------
to 120                                                                  
  69...........................  40 deg.07.9' N.      68 deg.36.0' W.   
  70...........................  40 deg.07.2' N.      68 deg.38.4' W.   
  71...........................  40 deg.06.9' N.      68 deg.46.5' W.   
  73...........................  40 deg.08.1' N.      68 deg.51.0' W.   
  74...........................  40 deg.05.7' N.      68 deg.52.4' W.   
  75...........................  40 deg.03.6' N.      68 deg.57.2' W.   
  76...........................  40 deg.03.65' N.     69 deg.00.0' W.   
  77...........................  40 deg.04.35' N.     69 deg.00.5' W.   
  78...........................  40 deg.05.2' N.      69 deg.00.5' W    
  79...........................  40 deg.05.3' N.      69 deg.01.1' W.   
  80...........................  40 deg.08.9' N.      69 deg.01.75' W.  
  81...........................  40 deg.11.0' N.      69 deg.03.8' W.   
  82...........................  40 deg.11.6' N.      69 deg.05.4' W.   
  83...........................  40 deg.10.25' N.     69 deg.04.4' W.   
  84...........................  40 deg.09.75' N.     69 deg.04.15' W.  
  85...........................  40 deg.08.45' N.     69 deg.03.6' W.   
  86...........................  40 deg.05.65' N.     69 deg.03.55' W.  
  87...........................  40 deg.04.1' N.      69 deg.03.9' W.   
  88...........................  40 deg.02.65' N.     69 deg.05.6' W.   
  89...........................  40 deg.02.00' N.     69 deg.08.35' W.  
  90...........................  40 deg.02.65' N.     69 deg.11.15' W.  
  91...........................  40 deg.00.05' N.     69 deg.14.6' W.   
  92...........................  39 deg.57.8' N.      69 deg.20.35' W.  
  93...........................  39 deg.56.65' N.     69 deg.24.4' W.   
  94...........................  39 deg.56.1' N.      69 deg.26.35' W.  
  95...........................  39 deg.56.55' N.     69 deg.34.1' W.   
  96...........................  39 deg.57.85' N.     69 deg.35.5' W.   
  97...........................  40 deg.00.65' N.     69 deg.36.5' W.   
  98...........................  40 deg.00.9' N.      69 deg.37.3' W.   
  99...........................  39 deg.59.15' N.     69 deg.37.3' W.   
  100..........................  39 deg.58.8' N.      69 deg.38.45' W.  
  102..........................  39 deg.56.2' N.      69 deg.40.2''W.   
  103..........................  39 deg.55.75' N.     69 deg.41.4' W.   
  104..........................  39 deg.56.7' N.      69 deg.53.6' W.   
  105..........................  39 deg.57.55' N.     69 deg.54.05' W.  
  106..........................  39 deg.57.4' N.      69 deg.55.9' W.   
  107..........................  39 deg.56.9' N.      69 deg.57.45' W.  
  108..........................  39 deg.58.25' N.     70 deg.03.0' W.   

[[Page 10749]]

                                                                        
  110..........................  39 deg.59.2' N.      70 deg.04.9' W.   
  111..........................  40 deg.00.7' N.      70 deg.08.7' W.   
  112..........................  40 deg.03.75' N.     70 deg.10.15' W.  
  115..........................  40 deg.05.2' N.      70 deg.10.9' W.   
  116..........................  40 deg.02.45' N.     70 deg.14.1' W.   
  119..........................  40 deg.02.75' N.     70 deg.16.1' W.   
to 181                                                                  
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Offshore Boundary                           
------------------------------------------------------------------------
to 69                                                                   
  120..........................  40 deg.06.4' N.      68 deg.35.8' W.   
  121..........................  40 deg.05.25' N.     68 deg.39.3' W.   
  122..........................  40 deg.05.4' N.      68 deg.44.5' W.   
  123..........................  40 deg.06.0' N.      68 deg.46.5' W.   
  124..........................  40 deg.07.4' N.      68 deg.49.6' W.   
  125..........................  40 deg.05.55' N.     68 deg.49.8' W.   
  126..........................  40 deg.03.9' N.      68 deg.51.7' W.   
  127..........................  40 deg.02.25' N.     68 deg.55.4' W.   
  128..........................  40 deg.02.6' N.      69 deg.00.0' W.   
  129..........................  40 deg.02.75' N.     69 deg.00.75' W.  
  130..........................  40 deg.04.2' N.      69 deg.01.75' W.  
  131..........................  40 deg.06.15' N.     69 deg.01.95' W.  
  132..........................  40 deg.07.25' N.     69 deg.02.0' W.   
  133..........................  40 deg.08.5' N.      69 deg.02.25' W.  
  134..........................  40 deg.09.2' N.      69 deg.02.95' W.  
  135..........................  40 deg.09.75' N.     69 deg.03.3' W.   
  136..........................  40 deg.09.55' N.     69 deg.03.85' W.  
  137..........................  40 deg.08.4' N.      69 deg.03.4' W.   
  138..........................  40 deg.07.2' N.      69 deg.03.3' W.   
  139..........................  40 deg.06.0' N.      69 deg.03.1' W.   
  140..........................  40 deg.05.4' N.      69 deg.03.05' W.  
  141..........................  40 deg.04.8' N.      69 deg.03.05' W.  
  142..........................  40 deg.03.55' N.     69 deg.03.55' W.  
  143..........................  40 deg.01.9' N.      69 deg.03.95' W.  
  144..........................  40 deg.01.0' N.      69 deg.04.4' W.   
  146..........................  39 deg.59.9' N.      69 deg.06.25' W.  
  147..........................  40 deg.00.6' N.      69 deg.10.05' W.  
  148..........................  39 deg.59.25' N.     69 deg.11.15' W.  
  149..........................  39 deg.57.45' N.     69 deg.16.05' W.  
  150..........................  39 deg.56.1' N.      69 deg.20.1' W.   
  151..........................  39 deg.54.6' N.      69 deg.25.65' W.  
  152..........................  39 deg.54.65' N.     69 deg.26.9' W.   
  153..........................  39 deg.54.8' N.      69 deg.30.95' W.  
  154..........................  39 deg.54.35' N.     69 deg.33.4' W.   
  155..........................  39 deg.55.0' N.      69 deg.34.9' W.   
  156..........................  39 deg.56.55' N.     69 deg.36.0' W.   
  157..........................  39 deg.57.95' N.     69 deg.36.45' W.  
  158..........................  39 deg.58.75' N.     69 deg.36.3' W.   
  159..........................  39 deg.58.8' N.      69 deg.36.95' W.  
  160..........................  39 deg.57.95' N.     69 deg.38.1' W.   
  161..........................  39 deg.54.5' N.      69 deg.38.25' W.  
  162..........................  39 deg.53.6' N.      69 deg.46.5' W.   
  163..........................  39 deg.54.7' N.      69 deg.50.0' W.   
  164..........................  39 deg.55.25' N.     69 deg.51.4' W.   
  165..........................  39 deg.55.2' N.      69 deg.53.1' W.   
  166..........................  39 deg.54.85' N.     69 deg.53.9' W.   
  167..........................  39 deg.55.7' N.      69 deg.54.9' W.   
  168..........................  39 deg.56.15' N.     69 deg.55.35' W.  
  169..........................  39 deg.56.05' N.     69 deg.56.25' W.  
  170..........................  39 deg.55.3' N.      69 deg.57.1' W.   
  171..........................  39 deg.54.8' N.      69 deg.58.6' W.   
  172..........................  39 deg.56.05' N.     70 deg.00.65' W.  
  173..........................  39 deg.55.3' N.      70 deg.02.95' W.  
  174..........................  39 deg.56.9' N.      70 deg.11.3' W.   
  175..........................  39 deg.58.9' N.      70 deg.11.5' W.   
  176..........................  39 deg.59.6' N.      70 deg.11.1' W.   
  177..........................  40 deg.01.35' N.     70 deg.11.2' W.   
  178..........................  40 deg.02.6' N.      70 deg.12.0' W.   
  179..........................  40 deg.00.4' N.      70 deg.12.3' W.   
  180..........................  39 deg.59.75' N.     70 deg.13.05' W.  
  181..........................  39 deg.59.3' N.      70 deg.14.0' W.   
to 119                                                                  
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Duration. (i) Mobile gear. From October 1 through June 15, no 
fishing vessel with mobile gear or person on a fishing vessel with 
mobile gear may fish, or be in Restricted Gear Area I unless 
transiting. Vessels may transit this area provided that mobile gear is 
on board the vessel while inside the area.
    (ii) Lobster pot gear. From June 16 through September 30, no 
fishing vessel with lobster pot gear or person on a fishing vessel with 
lobster pot gear may fish, and no lobster pot gear may be deployed or 
remain, in Restricted Gear Area I.
    (k) Restricted Gear Area II. (1) Restricted Gear Area II is defined 
by straight lines connecting the following points in the order stated:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                     Latitude            Longitude    
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Inshore Boundary                            
------------------------------------------------------------------------
to 1                                                                    
  49...........................  40 deg.02.75' N.     70 deg.16.1' W.   
  50...........................  40 deg.00.7' N.      70 deg.18.6' W.   
  51...........................  39 deg.59.8' N.      70 deg.21.75' W.  
  52...........................  39 deg.59.75' N.     70 deg.25.5' W.   
  53...........................  40 deg.03.85' N.     70 deg.28.75' W.  
  54...........................  40 deg.00.55' N.     70 deg.32.1' W.   
  55...........................  39 deg.59.15' N.     70 deg.34.45' W.  
  56...........................  39 deg.58.9' N.      70 deg.38.65' W.  
  57...........................  40 deg.00.1' N.      70 deg.45.1' W.   
  58...........................  40 deg.00.5' N.      70 deg.57.6' W.   
  59...........................  40 deg.02.0' N.      71 deg.01.3' W.   
  60...........................  39 deg.59.3' N.      71 deg.18.4' W.   
  61...........................  40 deg.00.7' N.      71 deg.19.8' W.   
  62...........................  39 deg.57.5' N.      71 deg.20.6' W.   
  63...........................  39 deg.53.1' N.      71 deg.36.1' W.   
  64...........................  39 deg.52.6' N.      71 deg.40.35' W.  
  65...........................  39 deg.53.1' N.      71 deg.42.7' W.   
  66...........................  39 deg.46.95' N.     71 deg.49.0' W.   
  67...........................  39 deg.41.15' N.     71 deg.57.1' W.   
  68...........................  39 deg.35.45' N.     72 deg.02.0' W.   
  69...........................  39 deg.32.65' N.     72 deg.06.1' W.   
  70...........................  39 deg.29.75' N.     72 deg.09.8' W.   
to 48                                                                   
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Offshore Boundary                           
------------------------------------------------------------------------
to 49                                                                   
  1............................  39 deg.59.3' N.      70 deg.14.0' W.   
  2............................  39 deg.58.85' N.     70 deg.15.2' W.   
  3............................  39 deg.59.3' N.      70 deg.18.4' W.   
  4............................  39 deg.58.1' N.      70 deg.19.4' W.   
  5............................  39 deg.57.0' N.      70 deg.19.85' W.  
  6............................  39 deg.57.55' N.     70 deg.21.25' W.  
  7............................  39 deg.57.5' N.      70 deg.22.8' W.   
  8............................  39 deg.57.1' N.      70 deg.25.4' W.   
  9............................  39 deg.57.65' N.     70 deg.27.05' W.  
  10...........................  39 deg.58.58' N.     70 deg.27.7' W.   
  11...........................  40 deg.00.65' N.     70 deg.28.8' W.   
  12...........................  40 deg.02.2' N.      70 deg.29.15' W.  
  13...........................  40 deg.01.0' N.      70 deg.30.2' W.   
  14...........................  39 deg.58.58' N.     70 deg.31.85' W.  
  15...........................  39 deg.57.05' N.     70 deg.34.35' W.  
  16...........................  39 deg.56.42' N.     70 deg.36.8' W.   
  21...........................  39 deg.58.15' N.     70 deg.48.0' W.   
  24...........................  39 deg.58.3' N.      70 deg.51.1' W.   
  25...........................  39 deg.58.1' N.      70 deg.52.25' W.  
  26...........................  39 deg.58.05' N.     70 deg.53.55' W.  
  27...........................  39 deg.58.4' N.      70 deg.59.6' W.   
  28...........................  39 deg.59.8' N.      71 deg.01.05' W.  
  29...........................  39 deg.58.2' N.      71 deg. 05.85' W. 
  30...........................  39 deg.57.45' N.     71 deg.12.15' W.  
  31...........................  39 deg.57.2' N.      71 deg.15.0' W.   
  32...........................  39 deg.56.3' N.      71 deg.18.95' W.  
  33...........................  39 deg.51.4' N.      71 deg.36.1' W.   
  34...........................  39 deg.51.75' N.     71 deg.41.5' W.   
  35...........................  39 deg.50.05' N.     71 deg.42.5' W.   
  36...........................  39 deg.50.0' N.      71 deg.45.0' W.   
  37...........................  39 deg.48.95' N.     71 deg.46.05' W.  
  38...........................  39 deg.46.6' N.      71 deg.46.1' W.   
  39...........................  39 deg.43.5' N.      71 deg.49.4' W.   
  40...........................  39 deg.41.3' N.      71 deg.55.0' W.   
  41...........................  39 deg.39.0' N.      71 deg.55.6' W.   
  42...........................  39 deg.36.72' N.     71 deg.58.25' W.  
  43...........................  39 deg.35.15' N.     71 deg.58.55' W.  
  44...........................  39 deg.34.5' N.      72 deg.00.75' W.  
  45...........................  39 deg.32.2' N.      72 deg.02.25' W.  
  46...........................  39 deg.32.15' N.     72 deg.04.1' W.   
  47...........................  39 deg.28.5' N.      72 deg.06.5' W.   
  48...........................  39 deg.29.0' N.      72 deg.09.25' W.  
                                                       to 70            
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Duration. (i) Mobile Gear. From November 27 through June 15, no 
fishing vessel with mobile gear or person on a fishing vessel with 
mobile gear may fish, or be in Restricted Gear Area II unless 
transiting. Vessels may transit this area provided that all mobile gear 
is on board the vessel while inside the area.
    (ii) Lobster pot gear. From June 16 through November 26, no fishing 
vessel with lobster pot gear or person on a fishing vessel with lobster 
pot gear may fish, and no lobster pot gear may be deployed or remain, 
in Restricted Gear Area II.
    (l) Restricted Gear Area III. (1) Restricted Gear Area III is 
defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the order 
stated:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                     Latitude            Longitude    
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Inshore Boundary                            
------------------------------------------------------------------------
to 49                                                                   
  182..........................  40 deg.05.6' N.      70 deg.17.7' W.   
  183..........................  40 deg.06.5' N.      70 deg.40.05' W.  
  184..........................  40 deg.11.05' N.     70 deg.45.8' W.   
  185..........................  40 deg.12.75' N.     70 deg.55.05' W.  
  186..........................  40 deg.10.7' N.      71 deg.10.25' W.  
  187..........................  39 deg.57.9' N.      71 deg.28.7' W.   
  188..........................  39 deg.55.6' N.      71 deg.41.2' W.   
  189..........................  39 deg.55.85' N.     71 deg.45.0' W.   
  190..........................  39 deg.53.75' N.     71 deg.52.25' W.  
  191..........................  39 deg.47.2' N.      72 deg.01.6' W.   
  192..........................  39 deg.33.65' N.     72 deg.15.0' W.   
to 70                                                                   
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Offshore Boundary                           
------------------------------------------------------------------------
to 182                                                                  
  49...........................  40 deg.02.75' N.     70 deg.16.1' W.   
  50...........................  40 deg.00.7' N.      70 deg.18.6' W.   
  51...........................  39 deg.59.8' N.      70 deg.21.75' W.  
  52...........................  39 deg.59.75' N.     70 deg.25.5' W.   
  53...........................  40 deg.03.85' N.     70 deg.28.75' W.  
  54...........................  40 deg.00.55' N.     70 deg.32.1' W.   
  55...........................  39 deg.59.15' N.     70 deg.34.45' W.  
  56...........................  39 deg.58.9' N.      70 deg.38.65' W.  

[[Page 10750]]

                                                                        
  57...........................  40 deg.00.1' N.      70 deg.45.1' W.   
  58...........................  40 deg.00.5' N.      70 deg.57.6' W.   
  59...........................  40 deg.02.0' N.      71 deg.01.3' W.   
  60...........................  39 deg.59.3' N.      71 deg.18.4' W.   
  61...........................  40 deg.00.7' N.      71 deg.19.8' W.   
  62...........................  39 deg.57.5' N.      71 deg.20.6' W.   
  63...........................  39 deg.53.1' N.      71 deg.36.1' W.   
  64...........................  39 deg.52.6' N.      71 deg.40.35' W.  
  65...........................  39 deg.53.1' N.      71 deg.42.7' W.   
  66...........................  39 deg.46.95' N.     71 deg.49.0' W.   
  67...........................  39 deg.41.15' N.     71 deg.57.1' W.   
  68...........................  39 deg.35.45' N.     72 deg.02.0' W.   
  69...........................  39 deg.32.65' N.     72 deg.06.1' W.   
  70...........................  39 deg.29.75' N.     72 deg.09.8' W.   
to 192                                                                  
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Duration. (i) Mobile gear. From June 16 through November 26, no 
fishing vessel with mobile gear or person on a fishing vessel with 
mobile gear may fish, or be in Restricted Gear Area III unless 
transiting.
Vessels may transit this area provided that all mobile gear is on board 
the vessel while inside the area.
    (ii) Lobster pot gear.
From January 1 through April 30, no fishing vessel with lobster pot 
gear or person on a fishing vessel with lobster pot gear may fish, and 
no lobster pot gear may be deployed or remain, in Restricted Gear Area 
III.
    (m) Restricted Gear Area IV. (1) Restricted Gear Area IV is defined 
by straight lines connecting the following points in the order stated:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                     Latitude            Longitude    
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Inshore Boundary                            
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  193..........................  40 deg.13.60' N.     68 deg.40.60' W.  
  194..........................  40 deg.11.60' N.     68 deg.53.00' W.  
  195..........................  40 deg.14.00' N.     69 deg.04.70' W.  
  196..........................  40 deg.14.30' N.     69 deg.05.80' W.  
  197..........................  40 deg.05.50' N.     69 deg.09.00' W.  
  198..........................  39 deg.57.30' N.     69 deg.25.10' W.  
  199..........................  40 deg.00.40' N.     69 deg.35.20' W.  
  200..........................  40 deg.01.70' N.     69 deg.35.40' W.  
  201..........................  40 deg.01.70' N.     69 deg.37.40' W.  
  202..........................  40 deg.00.50' N.     69 deg.38.80' W.  
  203..........................  40 deg.01.30' N.     69 deg.45.00' W.  
  204..........................  40 deg.02.10' N.     69 deg.45.00' W.  
  205..........................  40 deg.07.60' N.     70 deg.04.50' W.  
  206..........................  40 deg.07.80' N.     70 deg.09.20' W.  
to 119                                                                  
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Offshore Boundary                           
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  69...........................  40 deg.07.90' N.     68 deg.36.00' W.  
  70...........................  40 deg.07.20' N.     68 deg.38.40' W.  
  71...........................  40 deg.06.90' N.     68 deg.46.50' W.  
  72...........................  40 deg.08.70' N.     68 deg.49.60' W.  
  73...........................  40 deg.08.10' N.     68 deg.51.00' W.  
  74...........................  40 deg.05.70' N.     68 deg.52.40' W.  
  75...........................  40 deg.03.60' N.     68 deg.57.20' W.  
  76...........................  40 deg.03.65' N.     69 deg.00.00' W.  
  77...........................  40 deg.04.35' N.     69 deg.00.50' W.  
  78...........................  40 deg.05.20' N.     69 deg.00.50' W.  
  79...........................  40 deg.05.30' N.     69 deg.01.10' W.  
  80...........................  40 deg.08.90' N.     69 deg.01.75' W.  
  81...........................  40 deg.11.00' N.     69 deg.03.80' W.  
  82...........................  40 deg.11.60' N.     69 deg.05.40' W.  
  83...........................  40 deg.10.25' N.     69 deg.04.40' W.  
  84...........................  40 deg.09.75' N.     69 deg.04.15' W.  
  85...........................  40 deg.08.45' N.     69 deg.03.60' W.  
  86...........................  40 deg.05.65' N.     69 deg.03.55' W.  
  87...........................  40 deg.04.10' N.     69 deg.03.90' W.  
  88...........................  40 deg.02.65' N.     69 deg.05.60' W.  
  89...........................  40 deg.02.00' N.     69 deg.08.35' W.  
  90...........................  40 deg.02.65' N.     69 deg.11.15' W.  
  91...........................  40 deg.00.05' N.     69 deg.14.60' W.  
  92...........................  39 deg.57.80' N.     69 deg.20.35' W.  
  93...........................  39.56.75' N.         69 deg.24.40' W.  
  94...........................  39 deg.56.50' N.     69 deg.26.35' W.  
  95...........................  39.56.80' N.         69 deg.34.10' W.  
  96...........................  39 deg.57.85' N.     69 deg.35.05' W.  
  97...........................  40 deg.00.65' N.     69 deg.36.50' W.  
  98...........................  40 deg.00.90' N.     69 deg.37.30' W.  
  99...........................  39 deg.59.15' N.     69 deg.37.30' W.  
  100..........................  39 deg.58.80' N.     69 deg.38.45' W.  
  102..........................  39 deg.56.20' N.     69 deg.40.20' W.  
  103..........................  39 deg.55.75' N.     69 deg.41.40' W.  
  104..........................  39 deg.56.70' N.     69 deg.53.60' W.  
  105..........................  39 deg.57.55' N.     69 deg.54.05' W.  
  106..........................  39 deg.57.40' N.     69 deg.55.90' W.  
  107..........................  39 deg.56.90' N.     69 deg.57.45' W.  
  108..........................  39 deg.58.25' N.     70 deg.03.00' W.  
  110..........................  39 deg.59.20' N.     70 deg.04.90' W.  
  111..........................  40 deg.00.70' N.     70 deg.08.70' W.  
  112..........................  40 deg.03.75' N.     70 deg.10.15' W.  
  115..........................  40 deg.05.20' N.     70 deg.10.90' W.  
  116..........................  40 deg.02.45' N.     70 deg.14.1' W.   
  119..........................  40 deg.02.75' N.     70 deg.16.1' W.   
to 206                                                                  
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Duration. (i) Mobile gear. From June 16 through September 30, 
no fishing vessel with mobile gear or person on a fishing vessel with 
mobile gear may fish, or be in Restricted Gear Area IV unless 
transiting.
Vessels may transit this area provided that all mobile gear is on board 
the vessel while inside the area.

PART 649--AMERICAN LOBSTER FISHERY

    5. The authority citation for part 649 continues to read as 
follows:

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

    6. In Sec. 649.2, definitions for ``Beam trawl,'' ``Mobile gear,'' 
and ``Trawl'' are added, in alphabetical order, to read as follows:


Sec. 649.2  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Beam trawl means gear, consisting of a twine bag attached to a beam 
attached to a towing wire, designed so that the beam does not contact 
the bottom. The beam is constructed with sinkers or shoes on either 
side that support the beam above the bottom or any other modification 
so that the beam does not contact the bottom. The beam trawl is 
designed to slide along the bottom rather than dredge the bottom.
* * * * *
    Mobile gear means trawls, beam trawls, and dredges that are 
designed to maneuver with that vessel.
* * * * *
    Trawl means gear consisting of a net that is towed, including but 
not limited to beam trawls, pair trawls, otter trawls, and Danish and 
Scottish seine gear.
* * * * *
    7. In Sec. 649.8, paragraphs (c)(11), (c)(12), and (c)(13) are 
added to read as follows:


Sec. 649.8  Prohibitions.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (11) Fish, or be in the areas described in Sec. 649.23(a)(1), 
(b)(1), (c)(1), and (d)(1) on a fishing vessel with mobile gear during 
the time periods specified in Sec. 649.23(a)(2), (b)(2), (c)(2), and 
(d)(2), except as provided in Sec. 649.23(a)(2), (b)(2), (c)(2), and 
(d)(2).
    (12) Fish, or be in the areas described in Sec. 649.23(a)(1), 
(b)(1), and (c)(1) on a fishing vessel with lobster pot gear during the 
time periods specified in Sec. 649.23(a)(2), (b)(2), and (c)(2).
    (13) Deploy or fail to remove lobster pot gear in the areas 
described in Sec. 649.23(a)(1), (b)(1), and (c)(1) during the time 
periods specified in Sec. 649.23(a)(2), (b)(2), and (c)(2).
* * * * *
    8. Section 649.23 is added to Subpart B to read as follows:


Sec. 649.23  Restricted gear areas.

    (a) Restricted Gear Area I. (1) Restricted Gear Area I is defined 
by straight lines connecting the following points in the order stated:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                     Latitude            Longitude    
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Inshore Boundary                            
------------------------------------------------------------------------
to 120                                                                  
  69...........................  40 deg.07.9' N.      68 deg.36.0' W.   
  70...........................  40 deg.07.2' N.      68 deg.38.4' W.   
  71...........................  40 deg.06.9' N.      68 deg.46.5' W.   
  72...........................  40 deg.08.7' N.      68 deg.49.6' W.   
  73...........................  40 deg.08.1' N.      68 deg.51.0' W.   
  74...........................  40 deg.05.7' N.      68 deg.52.4' W.   
  75...........................  40 deg.03.6' N.      68 deg.57.2' W.   
  76...........................  40 deg.03.65' N.     69 deg.00.0' W.   
  77...........................  40 deg.04.35' N.     69 deg.00.5' W.   
  78...........................  40 deg.05.2' N.      69 deg.00.5' W.   
  79...........................  40 deg.05.3' N.      69 deg.01.1' W.   
  80...........................  40 deg.08.9' N.      69 deg.01.75' W.  
  81...........................  40 deg.11.0' N.      69 deg.03.8' W.   
  82...........................  40 deg.11.6' N.      69 deg.05.4' W.   
  83...........................  40 deg.10.25' N.     69 deg.04.4' W.   
  84...........................  40 deg.09.75' N.     69 deg.04.15' W.  
  85...........................  40 deg.08.45' N.     69 deg.03.6' W.   
  86...........................  40 deg.05.65' N.     69 deg.03.55' W.  
  87...........................  40 deg.04.1' N.      69 deg.03.9' W.   
  88...........................  40 deg.02.65' N.     69 deg.05.6' W.   
  89...........................  40 deg.02.00' N.     69 deg.08.35' W.  
  90...........................  40 deg.02.65' N.     69 deg.11.15' W.  
  91...........................  40 deg.00.05' N.     69 deg.14.6' W.   

[[Page 10751]]

                                                                        
  92...........................  39 deg.57.8' N.      69 deg.20.35' W.  
  93...........................  39 deg.56.65' N.     69 deg.24.4' W.   
  94...........................  39 deg.56.1' N.      69 deg.26.35' W.  
  95...........................  39 deg.56.55' N.     69 deg.34.1' W.   
  96...........................  39 deg.57.85' N.     69 deg.35.5' W.   
  97...........................  40 deg.00.65' N.     69 deg.36.5' W.   
  98...........................  40 deg.00.9' N.      69 deg.37.3' W.   
  99...........................  39 deg.59.15' N.     69 deg.37.3' W.   
  100..........................  39 deg.58.8' N.      69 deg.38.45' W.  
  102..........................  39 deg.56.2' N.      69 deg.40.2' W.   
  103..........................  39 deg.55.75' N.     69 deg.41.4' W.   
  104..........................  39 deg.56.7' N.      69 deg.53.6' W.   
  105..........................  39 deg.57.55' N.     69 deg.54.05' W.  
  106..........................  39 deg.57.4' N.      69 deg.55.9' W.   
  107..........................  39 deg.56.9' N.      69 deg.57.45' W.  
  108..........................  39 deg.58.25' N.     70 deg.03.0' W.   
  110..........................  39 deg.59.2' N.      70 deg.04.9' W.   
  111..........................  40 deg.00.7' N.      70 deg.08.7' W.   
  112..........................  40 deg.03.75' N.     70 deg.10.15' W.  
  115..........................  40 deg.05.2' N.      70 deg.10.9' W.   
  116..........................  40 deg.02.45' N.     70 deg.14.1' W.   
  119..........................  40 deg.02.75' N.     70 deg.16.1' W.   
to 181                                                                  
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Offshore Boundary                           
------------------------------------------------------------------------
to 69                                                                   
  120..........................  40 deg.06.4' N.      68 deg.35.8' W.   
  121..........................  40 deg.05.25' N.     68 deg.39.3' W.   
  122..........................  40 deg.05.4' N.      68 deg.44.5' W.   
  123..........................  40 deg.06.0' N.      68 deg.46.5' W.   
  124..........................  40 deg.07.4' N.      68 deg.49.6' W.   
  125..........................  40 deg.05.55' N.     68 deg.49.8' W.   
  126..........................  40 deg.03.9' N.      68 deg.51.7' W.   
  127..........................  40 deg.02.25' N.     68 deg.55.4' W.   
  128..........................  40 deg.02.6' N.      69 deg.00.0' W.   
  129..........................  40 deg.02.75' N.     69 deg.00.75' W.  
  130..........................  40 deg.04.2' N.      69 deg.01.75' W.  
  131..........................  40 deg.06.15' N.     69 deg.01.95' W.  
  132..........................  40 deg.07.25' N.     69 deg.02.0' W.   
  133..........................  40 deg.08.5' N.      69 deg.02.25' W.  
  134..........................  40 deg.09.2' N.      69 deg.02.95' W.  
  135..........................  40 deg.09.75' N.     69 deg.03.3' W.   
  136..........................  40 deg.09.55' N.     69 deg.03.85' W.  
  137..........................  40 deg.08.4' N.      69 deg.03.4' W.   
  138..........................  40 deg.07.2' N.      69 deg.03.3' W.   
  139..........................  40 deg.06.0' N.      69 deg.03.1' W.   
  140..........................  40 deg.05.4' N.      69 deg.03.05' W.  
  141..........................  40 deg.04.8' N.      69 deg.03.05' W.  
  142..........................  40 deg.03.55' N.     69 deg.03.55' W.  
  143..........................  40 deg.01.9' N.      69 deg.03.95' W.  
  144..........................  40 deg.01.0' N.      69 deg.04.4' W.   
  146..........................  39 deg.59.9' N.      69 deg.06.25' W.  
  147..........................  40 deg.00.6' N.      69 deg.10.05' W.  
  148..........................  39 deg.59.25' N.     69 deg.11.15' W.  
  149..........................  39 deg.57.45' N.     69 deg.16.05' W.  
  150..........................  39 deg.56.1' N.      69 deg.20.1' W.   
  151..........................  39 deg.54.6' N.      69 deg.25.65' W.  
  152..........................  39 deg.54.65' N.     69 deg.26.9' W.   
  153..........................  39 deg.54.8' N.      69 deg.30.95' W.  
  154..........................  39 deg.54.35' N.     69 deg.33.4' W.   
  155..........................  39 deg.55.0' N.      69 deg.34.9' W.   
  156..........................  39 deg.56.55' N.     69 deg.36.0' W.   
  157..........................  39 deg.57.95' N.     69 deg.36.45' W.  
  158..........................  39 deg.58.75' N.     69 deg.36.3' W.   
  159..........................  39 deg.58.8' N.      69 deg.36.95' W.  
  160..........................  39 deg.57.95' N.     69 deg.38.1' W.   
  161..........................  39 deg.54.5' N.      69 deg.38.25' W.  
  162..........................  39 deg.53.6' N.      69 deg.46.5' W.   
  163..........................  39 deg.54.7' N.      69 deg.50.0' W.   
  164..........................  39 deg.55.25' N.     69 deg.51.4' W.   
  165..........................  39 deg.55.2' N.      69 deg.53.1' W.   
  166..........................  39 deg.54.85' N.     69 deg.53.9' W.   
  167..........................  39 deg.55.7' N.      69 deg.54.9' W.   
  168..........................  39 deg.56.15' N.     69 deg.55.35' W.  
  169..........................  39 deg.56.05' N.     69 deg.56.25' W.  
  170..........................  39 deg.55.3' N.      69 deg.57.1' W.   
  171..........................  39 deg.54.8' N.      69 deg.58.6' W.   
  172..........................  39 deg.56.05' N.     70 deg.00.65' W.  
  173..........................  39 deg.55.3' N.      70 deg.02.95' W.  
  174..........................  39 deg.56.9' N.      70 deg.11.3' W.   
  175..........................  39 deg.58.9' N.      70 deg.11.5' W.   
  176..........................  39 deg.59.6' N.      70 deg.11.1' W.   
  177..........................  40 deg.01.35' N.     70 deg.11.2' W.   
  178..........................  40 deg.02.6' N.      70 deg.12.0' W.   
  179..........................  40 deg.00.4' N.      70 deg.12.3' W.   
  180..........................  39 deg.59.75' N.     70 deg.13.05' W.  
  181..........................  39 deg.59.3' N.      70 deg.14.0' W.   
to 119                                                                  
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Duration--(i) Mobile Gear. From October 1 through June 15, no 
fishing vessel with mobile gear or person on a fishing vessel with 
mobile gear may fish, or be in Restricted Gear Area I unless 
transiting. Vessels may transit this area provided that all mobile gear 
is on board the vessel while inside the area.
    (ii) Lobster pot gear. From June 16 through September 30, no 
fishing vessel with lobster pot gear or person on a fishing vessel with 
lobster pot gear may fish, and no lobster pot gear may be deployed or 
remain, in Restricted Gear Area I.
    (b) Restricted Gear Area II. (1) Restricted Gear Area II is defined 
by straight lines connecting the following points in the order stated:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                     Latitude            Longitude    
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Inshore Boundary                            
------------------------------------------------------------------------
to 1                                                                    
  49...........................  40 deg.02.75' N.     70 deg.16.1' W.   
  50...........................  40 deg.00.7' N.      70 deg.18.6' W.   
  51...........................  39 deg.59.8' N.      70 deg.21.75' W.  
  52...........................  39 deg.59.75' N.     70 deg.25.5' W.   
  53...........................  40 deg.03.85' N.     70 deg.28.75' W.  
  54...........................  40 deg.00.55' N.     70 deg.32.1' W.   
  55...........................  39 deg.59.15' N.     70 deg.34.45' W.  
  56...........................  39 deg.58.9' N.      70 deg.38.65' W.  
  57...........................  40 deg.00.1' N.      70 deg.45.1' W.   
  58...........................  40 deg.00.5' N.      70 deg.57.6' W.   
  59...........................  40 deg.02.0' N.      71 deg.01.3' W.   
  60...........................  39 deg.59.3' N.      71 deg.18.4' W.   
  61...........................  40 deg.00.7' N.      71 deg.19.8' W.   
  62...........................  39 deg.57.5' N.      71 deg.20.6' W.   
  63...........................  39 deg.53.1' N.      71 deg.36.1' W.   
  64...........................  39 deg.52.6' N.      71 deg.40.35' W.  
  65...........................  39 deg.53.1' N.      71 deg.42.7' W.   
  66...........................  39 deg.46.95' N.     71 deg.49.0' W.   
  67...........................  39 deg.41.15' N.     71 deg.57.1' W.   
  68...........................  39 deg.35.45' N.     72 deg.02.0' W.   
  69...........................  39 deg.32.65' N.     72 deg.06.1' W.   
  70...........................  39 deg.29.75' N.     72 deg.09.8' W.   
to 48                                                                   
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Offshore Boundary                           
------------------------------------------------------------------------
to 49                                                                   
  1............................  39 deg.59.3' N.      70 deg.14.0' W.   
  2............................  39 deg.58.85' N.     70 deg.15.2' W.   
  3............................  39 deg.59.3' N.      70 deg.18.4' W.   
  4............................  39 deg.58.1' N.      70 deg.19.4' W.   
  5............................  39 deg.57.0' N.      70 deg.19.85' W.  
  6............................  39 deg.57.55' N.     70 deg.21.25' W.  
  7............................  39 deg.57.5' N.      70 deg.22.8' W.   
  8............................  39 deg.57.1' N.      70 deg.25.4' W.   
  9............................  39 deg.57.65' N.     70 deg.27.05' W.  
  10...........................  39 deg.58.58' N.     70 deg.27.7' W.   
  11...........................  40 deg.00.65' N.     70 deg.28.8' W.   
  12...........................  40 deg.02.2' N.      70 deg.29.15' W.  
  13...........................  40 deg.01.0' N.      70 deg.30.2' W.   
  14...........................  39 deg.58.58' N.     70 deg.31.85' W.  
  15...........................  39 deg.57.05' N.     70 deg.34.35' W.  
  16...........................  39 deg.56.42' N.     70 deg.36.8' W.   
  21...........................  39 deg.58.15' N.     70 deg.48.0' W.   
  24...........................  39 deg.58.3' N.      70 deg.51.1' W.   
  25...........................  39 deg.58.1' N.      70 deg.52.25' W.  
  26...........................  39 deg.58.05' N.     70 deg.53.55' W.  
  27...........................  39 deg.58.4' N.      70 deg.59.6' W.   
  28...........................  39 deg.59.8' N.      71 deg.01.05' W.  
  29...........................  39 deg.58.2' N.      71 deg.05.85' W.  
  30...........................  39 deg.57.45' N.     71 deg.12.15' W.  
  31...........................  39 deg.57.2' N.      71 deg.15.0' W.   
  32...........................  39 deg.56.3' N.      71 deg.18.95' W.  
  33...........................  39 deg.51.4' N.      71 deg.36.1' W.   
  34...........................  39 deg.51.75' N.     71 deg.41.5' W.   
  35...........................  39 deg.50.05' N.     71 deg.42.5' W.   
  36...........................  39 deg.50.0' N.      71 deg.45.0' W.   
  37...........................  39 deg.48.95' N.     71 deg.46.05' W.  
  38...........................  39 deg.46.6' N.      71 deg.46.1' W.   
  39...........................  39 deg.43.5' N.      71 deg.49.4' W.   
  40...........................  39 deg.41.3' N.      71 deg.55.0' W.   
  41...........................  39 deg.39.0' N.      71 deg.55.6' W.   
  42...........................  39 deg.36.72' N.     71 deg.58.25' W.  
  43...........................  39 deg.35.15' N.     71 deg.58.55' W.  
  44...........................  39 deg.34.5' N.      72 deg.00.75' W.  
  45...........................  39 deg.32.2' N.      72 deg.02.25' W.  
  46...........................  39 deg.32.15' N.     72 deg.04.1' W.   
  47...........................  39 deg.28.5' N.      72 deg.06.5' W.   
  48...........................  39 deg.29.0' N.      72 deg.09.25' W.  
to 70                                                                   
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Duration--(i) Mobile Gear. From November 27 through June 15, no 
fishing vessel with mobile gear or person on a fishing vessel with 
mobile gear may fish, or be in Restricted Gear Area II unless 
transiting Vessels may transit this area provided that all mobile gear 
is on board the vessel while inside the area.
    (ii) Lobster pot gear. From June 16 through November 26, no fishing 
vessel with lobster pot gear or person on a fishing vessel with lobster 
pot gear may fish, and no lobster pot gear may be deployed or remain, 
in Restricted Gear Area II.
    (c) Restricted Gear Area III. (1) Restricted Gear Area III is 
defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the order 
stated, except as specified in paragraph (c)(3) of this section:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                     Latitude            Longitude    
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Inshore Boundary                            
------------------------------------------------------------------------
to 49                                                                   
  182..........................  40 deg.05.6' N.      70 deg.17.7' W.   
  183..........................  40 deg.06.5' N.      70 deg.40.05' W.  

[[Page 10752]]

                                                                        
  184..........................  40 deg.11.05' N.     70 deg.45.8' W.   
  185..........................  40 deg.12.75' N.     70 deg.55.05' W.  
  186..........................  40 deg.10.7' N.      71 deg.10.25' W.  
  187..........................  39 deg.57.9' N.      71 deg.28.7' W.   
  188..........................  39 deg.55.6' N.      71 deg.41.2' W.   
  189..........................  39 deg.55.85' N.     71 deg.45.0' W.   
  190..........................  39 deg.53.75' N.     71 deg.52.25' W.  
  191..........................  39 deg.47.2' N.      72 deg.01.6' W.   
  192..........................  39 deg.33.65' N.     72 deg.15.0' W.   
to 70                                                                   
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Offshore Boundary                           
------------------------------------------------------------------------
to 182                                                                  
  49...........................  40 deg.02.75' N.     70 deg.16.1' W.   
  50...........................  40 deg.00.7' N.      70 deg.18.6' W.   
  51...........................  39 deg.59.8' N.      70 deg.21.75' W.  
  52...........................  39 deg.59.75' N.     70 deg.25.5' W.   
  53...........................  40 deg.03.85' N.     70 deg.28.75' W.  
  54...........................  40 deg.00.55' N.     70 deg.32.1' W.   
  55...........................  39 deg.59.15' N.     70 deg.34.45' W.  
  56...........................  39 deg.58.9' N.      70 deg.38.65' W.  
  57...........................  40 deg.00.1' N.      70 deg.45.1' W.   
  58...........................  40 deg.00.5' N.      70 deg.57.6' W.   
  59...........................  40 deg.02.0' N.      71 deg.01.3' W.   
  60...........................  39 deg.59.3' N.      71 deg.18.4' W.   
  61...........................  40 deg.00.7' N.      71 deg.19.8' W.   
  62...........................  39 deg.57.5' N.      71 deg.20.6' W.   
  63...........................  39 deg.53.1' N.      71 deg.36.1' W.   
  64...........................  39 deg.52.6' N.      71 deg.40.35' W.  
  65...........................  39 deg.53.1' N.      71 deg.42.7' W.   
  66...........................  39 deg.46.95' N.     71 deg.49.0' W.   
  67...........................  39 deg.41.15' N.     71 deg.57.1' W.   
  68...........................  39 deg.35.45' N.     72 deg.02.0' W.   
  69...........................  39 deg.32.65' N.     72 deg.06.1' W.   
  70...........................  39 deg.29.75' N.     72 deg.09.8' W.   
to 192                                                                  
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Duration--(i) Mobile Gear. From June 16 through November 26, no 
fishing vessel with mobile gear or person on a fishing vessel with 
mobile gear may fish, or be in Restricted Gear Area III unless 
transiting. Vessels may transit this area provided that all mobile gear 
is on board the vessel while inside the area.
    (ii) Lobster pot gear. From January 1 through April 30, no fishing 
vessel with lobster pot gear or person on a fishing vessel with lobster 
pot gear may fish, and no lobster pot gear may be deployed or remain, 
in Restricted Gear Area III.
    (d) Restricted Gear Area IV. (1) Restricted Gear Area IV is defined 
by straight lines connecting the following points in the order stated:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Point                     Latitude            Longitude    
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Inshore Boundary                            
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  193..........................  40 deg.13.60' N.     68 deg.40.60' W.  
  194..........................  40 deg.11.60' N.     68 deg.53.00' W.  
  195..........................  40 deg.14.00' N.     69 deg.04.70' W.  
  196..........................  40 deg.14.30' N.     69 deg.05.80' W.  
  197..........................  40 deg.05.50' N.     69 deg.09.00' W.  
  198..........................  39 deg.57.30' N.     69 deg.25.10' W.  
  199..........................  40 deg.00.40' N.     69 deg.35.20' W.  
  200..........................  40 deg.01.70' N.     69 deg.35.40' W.  
  201..........................  40 deg.01.70' N.     69 deg.37.40' W.  
  202..........................  40 deg.00.50' N.     69 deg.38.80' W.  
  203..........................  40 deg.01.30' N.     69 deg.45.00' W.  
  204..........................  40 deg.02.10' N.     69 deg.45.00' W.  
  205..........................  40 deg.07.60' N.     70 deg.04.50' W.  
  206..........................  40 deg.07.80' N.     70 deg.09.20' W.  
to 119                                                                  
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Offshore Boundary                           
------------------------------------------------------------------------
to 193                                                                  
  69...........................  40 deg.07.90' N.     68 deg.36.00' W.  
  70...........................  40 deg.07.20' N.     68 deg.38.40' W.  
  71...........................  40 deg.06.90' N.     68 deg.46.50' W.  
  72...........................  40 deg.08.70' N.     68 deg.49.60' W.  
  73...........................  40 deg.08.10' N.     68 deg.51.00' W.  
  74...........................  40 deg.05.70' N.     68 deg.52.40' W.  
  75...........................  40 deg.03.60' N.     68 deg.57.20' W.  
  76...........................  40 deg.03.65' N.     69 deg.00.00' W.  
  77...........................  40 deg.04.35' N.     69 deg.00.50' W.  
  78...........................  40 deg.05.20' N.     69 deg.00.50' W.  
  79...........................  40 deg.05.30' N.     69 deg.01.10' W.  
  80...........................  40 deg.08.90' N.     69 deg.01.75' W.  
  81...........................  40 deg.11.00' N.     69 deg.03.80' W.  
  82...........................  40 deg.11.60' N.     69 deg.05.40' W.  
  83...........................  40 deg.10.25' N.     69 deg.04.40' W.  
  84...........................  40 deg.09.75' N.     69 deg.04.15' W.  
  85...........................  40 deg.08.45' N.     69 deg.03.60' W.  
  86...........................  40 deg.05.65' N.     69 deg.03.55' W.  
  87...........................  40 deg.04.10' N.     69 deg.03.90' W.  
  88...........................  40 deg.02.65' N.     69 deg.05.60' W.  
  89...........................  40 deg.02.00' N.     69 deg.08.35' W.  
  90...........................  40 deg.02.65' N.     69 deg.11.15' W.  
  91...........................  40 deg.00.05' N.     69 deg.14.60' W.  
  92...........................  39 deg.57.80' N.     69 deg.20.35' W.  
  93...........................  39.56.75' N.         69 deg.24.40' W.  
  94...........................  39 deg.56.50' N.     69 deg.26.35' W.  
  95...........................  39.56.80' N.         69 deg.34.10' W.  
  96...........................  39 deg.57.85' N.     69 deg.35.05' W.  
  97...........................  40 deg.00.65' N.     69 deg.36.50' W.  
  98...........................  40 deg.00.90' N.     69 deg.37.30' W.  
  99...........................  39 deg.59.15' N.     69 deg.37.30' W.  
  100..........................  39 deg.58.80' N.     69 deg.38.45' W.  
  102..........................  39 deg.56.20' N.     69 deg.40.20' W.  
  103..........................  39 deg.55.75' N.     69 deg.41.40' W.  
  104..........................  39 deg.56.70' N.     69 deg.53.60' W.  
  105..........................  39 deg.57.55' N.     69 deg.54.05' W.  
  106..........................  39 deg.57.40' N.     69 deg.55.90' W.  
  107..........................  39 deg.56.90' N.     69 deg.57.45' W.  
  108..........................  39 deg.58.25' N.     70 deg.03.00' W.  
  110..........................  39 deg.59.20' N.     70 deg.04.90' W.  
  111..........................  40 deg.00.70' N.     70 deg.08.70' W.  
  112..........................  40 deg.03.75' N.     70 deg.10.15' W.  
  115..........................  40 deg.05.20' N.     70 deg.10.90' W.  
  116..........................  40 deg.02.45' N.     70 deg.14.1' W.   
  119..........................  40 deg.02.75' N.     70 deg.16.1' W.   
to 206                                                                  
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Duration--(i) Mobile Gear. From June 16 through September 30, 
no fishing vessel with mobile gear or person on a fishing vessel with 
mobile gear may fish, or be in Restricted Gear Area IV unless 
transiting. Vessels may transit this area provided that all mobile gear 
is on board the vessel while inside the area.

[FR Doc. 97-5478 Filed 3-5-97; 10:22 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P