50 CFR 679.28(f)

50 CFR § 679.28 - Equipment and operational
requirements.
CFR

§ 679.28 Equipment and operational requirements.
(a) Applicability. This section contains the operational requirements for
scales, observer sampling stations, vessel monitoring system hardware, catch
monitoring and control plans, catcher vessel electronic logbook software, and
video monitoring systems. The operator or manager must retain a copy of all
records described in this section (§ 679.28) as indicated at § 679.5(a)(5) and
(6) and make available the records upon request of NMFS observers and
authorized officers as indicated at § 679.5(a)(5).
(b) Scales used to weigh catch at sea. In order to be approved by NMFS a
scale used to weigh catch at sea must meet the type evaluation requirements
set forth in paragraph (b)(1) of this section and the initial inspection and
annual reinspection requirements set forth in paragraph (b)(2) of this section.
Once a scale is installed on a vessel and approved by NMFS for use to weigh
catch at sea, it must be reinspected annually and must be tested daily and
meet the maximum permissible error (MPE) requirements described in
paragraph (b)(3) of this section.
(1) List of scales eligible for approval. The model of scale must be
included on the Regional Administrator's list of scales eligible to be approved
for weighing catch at sea before an inspector will schedule or conduct a
scale inspection under paragraph (b)(2) of this section. A scale will be
included on the list when the Regional Administrator receives the
information specified in paragraphs (b)(1)(i) through (iv) of this section.
This information identifies and describes the scale, sets forth contact
information regarding the manufacturer, and sets forth the results of

required type evaluations and testing. Type evaluation and testing must be
conducted by a laboratory accredited by the government of the country in
which the tests are conducted.
(i) Information about the scale.
(A) Name of scale manufacturer.
(B) Name of manufacturer's representative.
(C) Mailing address of scale manufacturer and manufacturer's
representative.
(D) Telephone and fax number of manufacturer's representative.
(E) Model and serial number of the scale tested.
(F) A written description of the scale and diagrams explaining how the
scale operates and how it compensates for motion.
(G) A list of the model numbers of all scales for which type evaluation
results are applicable, identifying the differences between the model
evaluated in the laboratory and other models listed. The scales may
differ only in the elements of the scale that perform motion
compensation, the size or capacity of the scale, and the software used
by the scale.
(H) A list of types of scale adjustments that will be recorded on the
audit trail, including the name of the adjustment as it will appear on the
audit trail, and a written description of the adjustment.
(ii) Information about the laboratory.
(A) Name of laboratory.
(B) Mailing address of laboratory.
(C) Telephone and fax number of laboratory's representative.
(D) Name and address of government agency accrediting the
laboratory.
(E) Name and signature of person responsible for evaluation of the
scale and the date of signature.
(iii) Checklist. A completed checklist indicating that all applicable
technical and performance standards in appendix A to this part and the
laboratory tests in the annex to appendix A to this part have been met.

(iv) Verification of test results. Verification that a scale meets the
laboratory evaluation and testing requirements in appendix A of this part
and each of the influence quantity and disturbance tests as specified in
the annex to appendix A to this part:
(A) Test results and data on forms supplied by NMFS;
(B) National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP) Certificates of
Conformance, test results and data for a component of a scale or for the
entire device. NTEP Certificates of Conformance, test results, and data
may be submitted only in lieu of the specific influence factor tests
conducted to obtain the NTEP Certificates of Conformance. Additional
information must be submitted to verify compliance with the laboratory
tests that are not performed under the NTEP; and/or
(C) International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) Certificates of
Conformance, test results and data.
(v) Exceptions. A scale manufacturer or their representative may
request that NMFS approve a custom built automatic hopper scale under
the following conditions:
(A) The scale electronics are the same as those used in other scales on
the Regional Administrator's list of scales eligible for approval;
(B) Load cells have received Certificates of Conformance from NTEP or
OIML;
(C) The scale compensates for motion in the same manner as other
scales made by that manufacturer which have been listed on the
Regional Administrator's list of scales eligible for approval;
(D) The scale, when installed, meets all of the requirements set forth in
paragraph 3 of appendix A to this part, except those requirements set
forth in paragraph 3.2.1.1.
(2) Inspection of at-sea scales (i) What is an inspection? An inspection is a visual assessment and
test of a scale after it is installed on the vessel and while the vessel is tied
up at a dock and not under power at sea to determine if the scale meets
all of the applicable performance and technical requirements in paragraph
(b)(2) of this section and in appendix A to this part. A scale will be
approved by the inspector if it meets all of the applicable performance and
technical requirements in paragraph (b)(2) of this section and appendix A
to this part.

(ii) How often must a scale be inspected? Each scale must be
inspected and approved before the vessel may participate in any fishery
requiring the weighing of catch at sea with an approved scale. Each scale
must be reinspected within 12 months of the date of the most recent
inspection.
(iii) Who may perform scale inspections and approvals? Scales
must be inspected and approved by a NMFS-staff scale inspector or an
inspector designated by NMFS and trained by a NMFS-staff scale inspector.
(iv) How does a vessel owner arrange for a scale inspection? The
operator must submit a request for a scale inspection at least 10 working
days in advance of the requested date of inspection by filing a request
online or by printing and faxing the scale inspection request at
http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/scales/default.htm.
(v) Where will scale inspections be conducted? Scales inspections
by inspectors paid by NMFS will be conducted on vessels tied up at docks
in Kodiak, Alaska; Dutch Harbor, Alaska; and in the Puget Sound area of
Washington State.
(vi) Responsibilities of the vessel owner during a scale inspection.
After the vessel owner has installed a model of scale that is on the
Regional Administrator's list of scales eligible to be approved for weighing
catch at sea, the vessel owner must:
(A) Make the vessel and scale available for inspection by the scale
inspector.
(B) Provide a copy of the scale manual supplied by the scale
manufacturer to the inspector at the beginning of the inspection.
(C) Transport test weights, test material, and equipment required to
perform the test to and from the inspector's vehicle and the location on
the vessel where the scale is installed.
(D) Apply test weights to the scale or convey test materials across the
scale, if requested by the scale inspector.
(E) Assist the scale inspector in performing the scale inspection and
testing.
(vii) Scale inspection report.
(A) A scale is approved for use when the scale inspector completes and
signs a scale inspection report verifying that the scale meets all of the
requirements specified in this paragraph (b)(2) and appendix A to this
part.

(B) The scale inspector must provide the original inspection report to
the vessel owner and a copy to NMFS.
(C) The vessel owner must either:
(1) Maintain a copy of the report on board when use of the scale is
required and make the report available to the observer, NMFS
personnel, or an authorized officer, upon request, or;
(2) Display a valid NMFS-sticker on each approved scale.
(D) When in use, an approved scale must also meet the requirements
described in paragraphs (b)(3) through (b)(6) of this section.
(3) At-sea scale tests. To verify that the scale meets the MPEs specified
in this paragraph (b)(3), the vessel operator must test each scale or scale
system used by the vessel to weigh catch at least one time during each
calendar day. No more than 24 hours may elapse between tests when use
of the scale is required. The vessel owner must ensure that these tests are
performed in an accurate and timely manner.
(i) Belt scales and automatic hopper scales.
(A) The MPE in the daily at-sea scale tests is plus or minus 3 percent of
the known weight of the test material.
(B) Test procedure. The vessel operator must conduct a material test
by weighing no less than 400 kg of test material, supplied by the scale
manufacturer or approved by a NMFS-authorized scale inspector, on the
scale under test. The test material may be run across the scale multiple
times in order to total 400 kg; however, no single batch of test material
may weigh less than 40 kg. The known weight of the test material must
be determined at the time of each scale test by weighing it on a
platform scale approved for use under paragraph (b)(7) of this section.
(ii) Platform and hanging scales.
(A) The MPE for platform and hanging scales is plus or minus 0.5
percent of the known weight of the test material.
(B) Test weights. Each test weight must have its weight stamped on
or otherwise permanently affixed to it. The weight of each test weight
must be annually certified by a National Institute of Standards and
Technology approved metrology laboratory or approved for continued
use by the NMFS authorized inspector at the time of the annual scale
inspection. The amount of test weights that must be provided by the
vessel owner is specified in paragraphs (b)(3)(ii)(B)(1) and (b)(3)(ii)(B)
(2) of this section.

(1) Platform scales used as observer sampling scales or to determine
the known weight of test materials. Any combination of test weights
that will allow the scale to be tested at 10 kg, 25 kg, and 50 kg.
(2) Scales used to weigh catch. Test weights equal to the largest
amount of fish that will be weighed on the scale in one weighment.
(iii) Requirements for all scale tests.
(A) Notify the observer at least 15 minutes before the time that the test
will be conducted, and conduct the test while the observer is present.
(B) Conduct the scale test by placing the test material or test weights
on or across the scale and recording the following information on the atsea scale test report form:
(1) Vessel name;
(2) Month, day, and year of test;
(3) Time test started to the nearest minute;
(4) Known weight of test material or test weights;
(5) Weight of test material or test weights recorded by scale;
(6) Percent error as determined by subtracting the known weight of
the test material or test weights from the weight recorded on the
scale, dividing that amount by the known weight of the test material
or test weights, and multiplying by 100; and
(7) Signature of vessel operator.
(4) Scale maintenance. The vessel owner must ensure that the vessel
operator maintains the scale in proper operating condition throughout its
use; that adjustments made to the scale are made so as to bring the
performance errors as close as practicable to a zero value; and that no
adjustment is made that will cause the scale to weigh fish inaccurately.
(5) Printed reports from the scale (not applicable to observer sampling
scales). The vessel owner must ensure that the printed reports are provided
as required by this paragraph. Printed reports from the scale must be
maintained on board the vessel until the end of the year during which the
reports were made and be made available to observers, NMFS personnel, or
an authorized officer. In addition, printed reports must be retained by the
vessel owner for 3 years after the end of the year during which the printouts
were made.

(i) Reports of catch weight and cumulative weight. Reports must be
printed at least once every 24 hours when use of the scale is required.
Reports must also be printed before any information stored in the scale
computer memory is replaced. Scale weights must not be adjusted by the
scale operator to account for the perceived weight of water, mud, debris,
or other materials. Scale printouts must show:
(A) The vessel name and Federal fisheries or processor permit number;
(B) The haul or set number as recorded in the processor's DCPL (see §
679.5);
(C) The total weight of the haul or set;
(D) The total cumulative weight of all fish or other material weighed on
the scale.
(ii) Printed report from the audit trail. The printed report must
include the information specified in sections 2.3.1.8, 3.3.1.7, and 4.3.1.8
of appendix A to this part. The printed report must be provided to the
authorized scale inspector at each scale inspection and must also be
printed at any time upon request of the observer, the scale inspector,
NMFS staff, or an authorized officer.
(iii) Printed reports from the calibration log. The vessel operator
must print the calibration log on request by NMFS employees or any
individual authorized by NMFS. The calibration log must be printed and
retained by the vessel owner and operator before any information stored
in the scale computer memory is replaced. The calibration log must detail
either the prior 1,000 calibrations or all calibrations since the scale
electronics were first put into service, whichever is less. The printout from
the calibration log must show:
(A) The vessel name and Federal fisheries or processor permit number;
(B) The month, day, and year of the calibration;
(C) The time of the calibration to the nearest minute in A.l.t.;
(D) The weight used to calibrate the scale; and
(E) The magnitude of the calibration in comparison to the prior
calibration.
(iv) Printed reports from the fault log. The vessel operator must print
the fault log on request by NMFS employees or any individual authorized
by NMFS. The fault log must be printed and retained by the vessel owner
and operator before any information stored in the scale computer memory

is replaced. The fault log must detail either the prior 1,000 faults and
startups, or all faults and startups since the scale electronics were first put
into service, whichever is less. A fault, for the purposes of the fault log, is
any condition other than underflow detected by the scale electronics that
could affect the metrological accuracy of the scale. The printout from the
fault log must show:
(A) The vessel name and Federal fisheries or processor permit number;
(B) The month, day, year, and time of each startup to the nearest
minute in A.l.t.;
(C) The month, day, year, and time that each fault began to the nearest
minute in A.l.t.;
(D) The month, day, year, and time that each fault was resolved to the
nearest minute in A.l.t.
(6) Scale installation requirements. The scale display must be readable
from the location where the observer collects unsorted catch unless
otherwise authorized by a NMFS-authorized scale inspector.
(7) Platform scales used as observer sampling scales or to
determine the known weight of test materials. Platform scales used
only as observer sampling scales or to determine the known weight of fish
for a material test of another scale are required to meet all of the
requirements of paragraph (b) of this section and appendix A to this part
except sections 4.3.1 and 4.3.1.5 of appendix A to this part (printer) or
section 4.3.1.8 (audit trail) of appendix A to this part.
(8) Video monitoring for scales used by the vessel crew to weigh
catch. The owner and operator of a vessel fishing for groundfish who are
required to weigh catch under the regulations in this section must provide
and maintain a NMFS-approved video monitoring system as specified in
paragraph (e) of this section. Additionally, the system must:
(i) Provide sufficient resolution and field of view to monitor: All areas
where catch enters the scale, moves across the scale and leaves the
scale; any access point to the scale from which the scale may be adjusted
or modified by vessel crew while the vessel is at sea; and the scale display
and the indicator for the scale operating in a fault state.
(ii) Record and retain video for all periods when catch that must be
weighed is on board the vessel.

(c) Scales approved by the State of Alaska. Scale requirements in this
paragraph are in addition to those requirements set forth by the State of
Alaska, and nothing in this paragraph may be construed to reduce or
supersede the authority of the State to regulate, test, or approve scales within
the State of Alaska or its territorial sea. Scales used to weigh groundfish catch
that are also required to be approved by the State of Alaska under Alaska
Statute 45.75 must meet the following requirements:
(1) Verification of approval. The scale must display a valid State of
Alaska sticker indicating that the scale was inspected and approved within
the previous 12 months.
(2) Visibility. The owner and manager of the processor must ensure that
the scale and scale display are visible simultaneously to the observer.
Observers, NMFS personnel, or an authorized officer must be allowed to
observe the weighing of fish on the scale and be allowed to read the scale
display at all times.
(3) Printed scale weights.
(i) The owner and manager of the processor must ensure that printouts of
the scale weight of each haul, set, or delivery are made available to
observers, NMFS personnel, or an authorized officer at the time printouts
are generated and thereafter upon request for the duration of the fishing
year. The owner and manager must retain scale printouts as records as
specified in § 679.5(a)(5)(ii).
(ii) A scale identified in a CMCP (see paragraph (g) of this section) must
produce a printed record for each delivery, or portion of a delivery,
weighed on that scale. If approved by NMFS as part of the CMCP, scales
not designed for automatic bulk weighing may be exempted from part or
all of the printed record requirements. The printed record must include:
(A) The processor name;
(B) The weight of each load in the weighing cycle;
(C) The total weight of fish in each delivery, or portion of the delivery
that was weighed on that scale;
(D) The total cumulative weight of all fish or other material weighed on
the scale since the last annual inspection;
(E) The date and time the information is printed;
(F) The name and ADF&G number of the vessel making the delivery.
This information may be written on the scale printout in pen by the
scale operator at the time of delivery.

(4) Inseason scale testing. Scales identified in an approved CMCP (see
paragraph (g) of this section) must be tested by plant personnel in
accordance with the CMCP when testing is requested by NMFS-staff or
NMFS-authorized personnel. Plant personnel must be given no less than 20
minutes notice that a scale is to be tested and no testing may be requested
if a scale test has been requested and the scale has been found to be
accurate within the last 24 hours.
(i) How does a scale pass an inseason test? To pass an inseason
test, NMFS staff or NMFS-authorized personnel will verify that the scale
display and printed information are clear and easily read under all
conditions of normal operation, weight values are visible on the display
until the value is printed, and the scale does not exceed the maximum
permissible errors specified below:
Test Load in Scale
Divisions

Maximum Error in Scale Divisions

(A) 0-500

1

(B) 501-2,000

2

(C) 2,001-4,000

3

(D) >4,000

5

(ii) How much weight is required to do an inseason scale test? Scales
must be tested with the amount and type of weight specified for each
scale type in the following tables:
(A) Automatic hopper 0 to 150 kg (0 to 300 lb) capacity.

Certified Test Weights
(1) Minimum weighment or 10 kg (20 lb), whichever is
greater
(2) Maximum

Other test
material
Minimum
Maximum

(B) Automatic hopper >150 kg (300 lb) capacity.

Certified Test Weights

Other test
material

(1) Minimum weighment or 10 kg (20 lb), whichever is
greater
(2) 25 percent of maximum or 150 kg (300 lb),
whichever is greater.

Minimum
Maximum

(C) Platform or flatbed 0 to 150 kg (0 to 300 lb) capacity.
Certified Test Weights

Other test material

(1) 10 kg (20 lb)

Not Acceptable

(2) Midpoint

Not Acceptable

(3) Maximum

Not Acceptable

(D) Platform or flatbead >150 kg (300 lb) capacity.
Certified Test Weights

Other test material

(1) 10 kg (20 lb)

Not Acceptable

(2) 12.5 percent of maximum or 75 kg
(150 lb), whichever is greater

50 percent of maximum or 75 kg
(150 lb), whichever is greater

(3) 25 percent of maximum or 150 kg
(300 lb), whichever is greater

75 percent of maximum or 150 kg
(300 lb), whichever is greater

(E) Observer sampling scale >50 kg capacity.
Certified Test Weights

Other test material

(1) 10 kg

Not Acceptable

(2) 25 kg

Not Acceptable

(3) 50 kg

Not Acceptable

(iii) Certified test weights. Each test weight used for inseason scale
testing must have its weight stamped on or otherwise permanently affixed
to it. The weight of each test weight must be certified by a National
Institute of Standards and Technology approved metrology laboratory
every 2 years. An observer platform scale must be provided with sufficient
test weights to test the scale at 10 kg, 25 kg, and 50 kg. All other scales
identified in an approved CMCP must be provided with sufficient test

weights to test the scale as described in this paragraph (c)(4) of this
section. Test weights for observer platform scales must be denominated in
kilograms. Test weights for other scales may be denominated in pounds.
(iv) Other test material. When permitted in paragraph (c)(4)(ii) of this
section, a scale may be tested with test material other than certified test
weights. This material must be weighed on an accurate observer platform
scale at the time of each use.
(v) Observer sampling scales. Platform scales used as observer
sampling scales must:
(A) Have a capacity of no less than 50 kg;
(B) Have a division size of no less than 5 g;
(C) Indicate weight in kilograms and decimal subdivisions; and
(D) Be accurate within plus or minus 0.5 percent when tested at 10 kg,
25 kg, and 50 kg by NMFS staff or an observer.
(d) Observer sampling station (1) Accessibility. All the equipment required for an observer sampling
station must be available to the observer at all times while a sampling
station is required and the observer is aboard the vessel, except that the
observer sampling scale may be used by vessel personnel to conduct
material tests of the scale used to weigh catch under paragraph (b)(3) of
this section, as long as the use of the observer's sampling scale by others
does not interfere with the observer's sampling duties.
(2) Location (i) Motherships and catcher/processors or catcher vessels using
trawl gear. The observer sampling station must be located within 4 m of
the location from which the observer collects unsorted catch. Clear,
unobstructed passage must be provided between the observer sampling
station and the location where the observer collects unsorted catch. When
standing where unsorted catch is sampled, the observer must be able to
see that no fish have been removed between the bin and the scale used to
weigh total catch.
(ii) Vessels using nontrawl gear. The observer sampling station must
be located within 5 m of the collection area, described at § 679.28(d)(8)
(ii)(B) of this section, unless any location within this distance is unsafe for
the observer. Clear, unobstructed passage must be provided between the
observer sampling station and the collection area. Access must be
provided to the tally station, described at § 679.28(d)(8)(ii)(A) of this

section. NMFS may approve an alternative location if the vessel owner
submits a written proposal describing the alternative location and the
reasons why a location within 5 m of where fish are brought on board the
vessel is unsafe, and the proposed observer sampling station meets all
other applicable requirements of this section.
(iii) What is clear, unobstructed passage? Where clear and
unobstructed passage is required, passageways must be at least 65 cm
wide at their narrowest point, be free of tripping hazards, and be at least
1.8 m high. Doorways or companionways must be free of obstacles.
(3) Minimum work space. The observer must have a working area for
sampling of at least 4.5 square meters. This working area includes the
observer's sampling table. The observer must be able to stand upright and
have a work area at least 0.9 m deep in the area in front of the table and
scale.
(4) Table. The observer sampling station must include a table at least 0.6
m deep, 1.2 m wide and 0.9 m high and no more than 1.1 m high. The
entire surface area of the table must be available for use by the observer.
Any area used for the observer sampling scale is in addition to the minimum
space requirements for the table. The observer's sampling table must be
secured to the floor or wall.
(5) Observer sampling scale. The observer sampling station must
include a NMFS-approved platform scale with a capacity of at least 50 kg
located within 1 m of the observer's sampling table. The scale must be
mounted so that the weighing surface is no more than 0.7 m above the
floor. The scale must be approved by NMFS under paragraph (b) of this
section and must meet the maximum permissible error requirement
specified in paragraph (b)(3)(ii)(A) of this section when tested by the
observer.
(6) Other requirements. The sampling station must include flooring that
prevents slipping and drains well (grating or other material where
appropriate), adequate lighting, and a hose that supplies fresh or sea water
to the observer.
(7) Catcher/processors and motherships in the BS pollock fishery,
including pollock CDQ. Catcher/processors directed fishing for pollock in
the BS or motherships taking deliveries from vessels directed fishing for
pollock in the BS also must meet the following requirements:
(i) A salmon storage container must be located adjacent to the observer
sampling station;

(ii) The salmon storage container must remain in view of the observer at
the observer sampling station at all times during the sorting of each haul;
and
(iii) The salmon storage container must be at least 1.5 cubic meters.
(8) Requirements for sampling catch (i) Motherships and catcher/processors using trawl gear. The
conveyor belt conveying unsorted catch must have a removable board to
allow fish to be diverted from the belt directly into the observer's sampling
baskets. The diverter board must be located downstream of the scale used
to weigh total catch so that the observer can use this scale to weigh large
samples. At least 1 m of accessible belt space, located downstream of the
scale used to weigh total catch, must be available for the observer's use
when sampling a haul.
(ii) Catcher/processors using non-trawl gear. In addition to the
sampling station, vessels using non-trawl gear must provide:
(A) Tally station. A place where the observer can see the gear as it
leaves the water and can count and identify fish. It must be within 5 m
of where fish are brought aboard the vessel and in a location where the
observer is not in danger of falling overboard or being injured during
gear retrieval. Where exposed to wind or seas, it must be equipped with
a railing at least 1.0 m high, grating or other non-slip material, and
adequate lighting.
(B) Collection area. A collection area is a place where the observer, or
vessel crew under the observer's guidance, collects fish as they come off
the line or are removed from pots. It must be located where the
observer can see the gear when it leaves the water. Where exposed to
wind or seas, it must be equipped with a railing at least 1.0 m high and
grating or other non-slip material.
(9) Observer deck sampling station. Motherships and
catcher/processors subject to § 679.120 must be equipped with a deck
sampling station that meets the following requirements:
(i) Accessibility. All equipment required for an observer deck sampling
station must be available to the observer at all times when halibut deck
sorting.
(ii) Location. The observer deck sampling station must be located
adjacent to the point of discard.

(iii) Work space. The observer must be able to stand upright in front of
the table.
(iv) Table (A) Size. The observer deck sampling station must include a table at
least 0.6 m deep, 1.2 m wide, and 0.9 m high, and no more than 1.1 m
high. The entire surface area of the table must be available for use by
the observer. The table must be secured to the deck when halibut deck
sorting. The table must be constructed to prevent fish from sliding off.
(B) Length measuring device. The table must have a NMFSapproved length measuring device secured to the surface of the table.
(v) Single pathway. There must be a single pathway for halibut to be
conveyed to the observer deck sampling station. All halibut sorted on deck
must pass over the observer table. There must be a single point of discard
after the observer deck sampling station visible to the observer. Halibut
too large to be lifted to the table may be measured on deck.
(10) Inspection of the observer sampling station. Each observer
sampling station must be inspected and approved by NMFS prior to its use
for the first time and then once each year within 12 months of the most
recent inspection with the following exceptions: If the observer sampling
station is moved or if the space or equipment available to the observer is
reduced or removed when use of the observer sampling station is required,
the Observer Sampling Station Inspection Report issued under this section
is no longer valid, and the observer sampling station must be reinspected
and approved by NMFS. Inspection of the observer sampling station is in
addition to inspection of the at-sea scales by an authorized scale inspector
required at paragraph (b)(2) of this section.
(i) How does a vessel owner arrange for an observer sampling
station inspection? The vessel owner must submit an Inspection
Request for Observer Sampling Station with all the information fields
accurately filled in to NMFS by fax (206-526-4066) or emailing
([email protected]) at least 10 working days in advance of the
requested date of inspection. The request form is available on the NMFS
Alaska Region Web site at https://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov.
(ii) Where will Observer sampling station inspections be conducted?
Inspections will be conducted on vessels tied up at docks in Kodiak,
Alaska, Dutch Harbor, Alaska, and in the Puget Sound area of Washington
State.

(iii) Observer Sampling Station Inspection Report. An Observer
Sampling Station Inspection Report will be issued by NMFS to the vessel
owner if the observer sampling station meets the requirements in this
paragraph (d). The vessel owner must maintain a current Observer
Sampling Station Inspection Report on board the vessel at all times when
the vessel is required to provide an observer sampling station approved
for use under this paragraph (d). The Observer Sampling Station
Inspection Report must be made available to the observer, NMFS
personnel, or to an authorized officer upon request.
(A) Deck Sorting. An Observer Sampling Station Inspection Report
issued to the owner of a vessel participating in halibut deck sorting as
described at § 679.120 will indicate the time limit for halibut deck
sorting activities. Considerations used by NMFS to determine the time
limit for halibut deck sorting include, but are not limited to, deck space
and configuration, and best available halibut viability information.
(B) [Reserved].
(e) Video Monitoring System Requirements (1) What requirements must a vessel owner and operator comply
with for a video monitoring system? (i) The system must have sufficient
data storage capacity to store all video data from an entire trip. Each frame
of stored video data must record a time/date stamp in Alaska local time
(A.l.t.).
(ii) The system must include at least one external USB port or other
removable storage device approved by NMFS.
(iii) The system must output video files to an open source format or the
vessel owner must provide software capable of converting the output
video file to an open source format or commercial software must be
available for converting the output video file to an open source format.
(iv) Color cameras must have at a minimum 470 TV lines of resolution,
auto-iris capabilities, and output color video to the recording device with
the ability to revert to black and white video output when light levels
become too low for color recognition.
(v) The video data must be maintained by the vessel operator and made
available on request by NMFS employees, or any individual authorized by
NMFS. The data must be retained on board the vessel for no less than 120
days after the date the video is recorded, unless NMFS has notified the
vessel operator that the video data may be retained for less than this 120day period.

(vi) The system must record at a speed of no less than 5 unique frames
per second at all times when the use of a video monitoring system is
required.
(vii) NMFS employees, or any individual authorized by NMFS, must be
able to view any video footage from any point in the trip using a 16-bit or
better color monitor that can display all camera views simultaneously and
must be assisted by crew knowledgeable in the operation of the system.
(viii) Unless exempted under paragraph (D) below, a 16-bit or better
color monitor must be provided within the observer sampling station or at
the location where the observer sorts and weighs samples. The monitor:
(A) Must have the capacity to display all camera views simultaneously;
(B) Must be operating when the use of a video monitoring system is
required;
(C) Must be securely mounted at or near eye level;
(D) Is not applicable to longline C/Ps subject to § 679.100(b)(2).
(2) How does a vessel owner or operator arrange for NMFS to
conduct a video monitoring system inspection? The vessel owner or
operator must submit an Inspection Request for a Video Monitoring System
to NMFS with all information fields accurately filled in at least 10 working
days in advance of the requested date of inspection. The request form is
available on the NMFS Alaska Region Web site
(https://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov).
(3) What additional information is required for a video monitoring
system inspection? (i) A diagram drawn to scale showing all sorting
locations, the location of the motion-compensated scale, the location of
each camera and its coverage area, and the location of any additional video
equipment must be submitted with the Inspection Request for a Video
Monitoring System form. Diagrams for C/Ps and motherships in the BSAI
pollock fishery, including pollock CDQ, must include the location of the
salmon storage container.
(ii) Any additional information requested by the Regional Administrator.
(4) Where will NMFS conduct video monitoring and bin monitoring
system inspections? Inspections will be conducted on vessels tied to
docks at Dutch Harbor, Alaska; Kodiak, Alaska; and in the Puget Sound area
of Washington State.

(5) A video monitoring system is approved for use when NMFS employees,
or any individual authorized by NMFS, completes and signs a Video
Monitoring Inspection Report verifying that the video system meets all
applicable requirements of this section.
(6) A vessel owner or operator must maintain a current NMFS-issued Video
Monitoring System Inspection Report on board the vessel at all times the
vessel is required to provide an approved video monitoring system. The
Video Monitoring System Inspection Report must be made available to the
observer, NMFS personnel, or to an authorized officer upon request.
(7) How does a vessel owner make a change to the video
monitoring system? Any change to the video monitoring system that
would affect the system's functionality must be submitted by a vessel owner
to, and be approved by, the Regional Administrator in writing before that
change is made.
(f) Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) Requirements (1) What is a VMS? A VMS consists of a NMFS-approved VMS transmitter
that automatically determines the vessels position and transmits it to a
NMFS-approved communications service provider. The communications
service provider receives the transmission and relays it to NMFS.
(2) How are VMS transmitters and communications service
providers approved by NMFS? (i) NMFS publishes type approval
specifications for VMS components in the F

R

.

(ii) Transmitter manufacturers or communication service providers may
submit products or services to NMFS for evaluation based on the
published specifications.
(iii) NMFS will publish a list of NMFS-approved transmitters and
communication service providers in the F

R

. As necessary,

NMFS will publish amendments to the list of approved components in the
F
R
.
(3) What are the vessel owner's responsibilities? If you are a vessel
owner that must participate in a VMS, you or your crew must:
(i) Obtain a NMFS-approved VMS transmitter with transmission
capabilities required for the areas of vessel operation and have it installed
onboard your vessel in accordance with the instructions provided by
NMFS. You may get a copy of the VMS installation and operation
instructions from the Regional Administrator upon request.

(ii) Activate the VMS transmitter and receive confirmation from NMFS that
the VMS transmissions are being received before engaging in operations
when a VMS is required.
(iii) Continue the VMS transmissions until no longer engaged in
operations requiring VMS.
(iv) Stop fishing immediately if:
(A) Informed by NMFS staff or an authorized officer that NMFS is not
receiving position reports from the VMS transmitter, or
(B) The vessel operator determines that the VMS is not transmitting
properly.
(v) Make the VMS transmitter available for inspection by NMFS personnel,
observers or an authorized officer.
(vi) Ensure that the VMS transmitter is not tampered with, disabled,
destroyed or operated improperly.
(vii) Pay all charges levied by the communication service provider.
(4) What must the vessel owner do before activating a VMS transmitter for
the first time? If you are a vessel owner who must use a VMS and you are
activating a VMS transmitter for the first time, you must:
(i) Register the vessel's VMS unit with an appropriate service provider;
(ii) [Reserved]
(iii) Call OLE at 907-586-7225, Monday through Friday, between the
hours of 0800 hours, A.l.t., and 1630 hours, A.l.t., at least 72 hours
before leaving port and receive confirmation that the transmissions are
being received.
(5) What must the vessel owner do when the vessel replaces a VMS
transmitter? A vessel owner who must use a VMS and who intends to
replace a transmitter, must follow the reporting and confirmation procedure
for the replacement transmitter, as described in paragraph (f)(4) of this
section.
(6) When must the VMS transmitter be transmitting? Your vessel's
transmitter must be transmitting if:
(i) You operate a vessel in any reporting area (see definitions at § 679.2)
off Alaska while any fishery requiring VMS, for which the vessel has a
species and gear endorsement on its Federal Fisheries Permit under §
679.4(b), is open.

(ii) You operate a vessel required to be federally permitted in reporting
areas located in the Aleutian Islands subarea or operate a federally
permitted vessel in adjacent State waters;
(iii) You operate a vessel required to be Federally permitted with nonpelagic trawl or dredge gear onboard in reporting areas located in the
GOA or operate a federally permitted vessel with non-pelagic trawl or
dredge gear onboard in adjacent State waters;
(iv) When that vessel is required to use functioning VMS equipment in the
Rockfish Program as described in § 679.7(n)(3);
(v) You operate a vessel in federal reporting areas 610, 620, or 630, and
receive and process groundfish from other vessels;
(vi) You operate an Amendment 80 catcher/processor (see § 679.5(s));
(vii) You are fishing for IFQ sablefish in the Bering Sea or Aleutian Islands
(see § 679.42(k));
(viii) You are fishing for IFQ sablefish in the GOA using longline pot gear
(see § 679.42(l)) or fishing for IFQ or CDQ halibut or CDQ sablefish in the
BSAI using pot gear (see § 679.42(m)); or
(ix) You are required under the Crab Rationalization Program regulations
at 50 CFR 680.23(d).
(7) What additional requirements does an operator have if trawling
in the Aleutian Islands reporting areas? Operators of vessels named on
a Federal Fisheries Permit under § 679.4(b), and that are using trawl gear in
the Aleutian Islands reporting areas to harvest groundfish that is required to
be deducted from a Federal TAC specified at § 679.20, must set their VMS
to transmit the vessel location at least 10 times per hour.
(g) Catch monitoring and control plan requirements (CMCP) (1) What is a CMCP? A CMCP is a plan submitted by the owner and
manager of a processing plant, and approved by NMFS, detailing how the
processing plant will meet the catch monitoring and control standards
detailed in paragraph (g)(7) of this section.
(2) Who is required to prepare and submit a CMCP for approval? The
owner and manager of shoreside or stationary floating processors receiving
fish harvested in the following fisheries must prepare, submit, and have
approved a CMCP prior to the receipt of fish harvested in these fisheries:
(i) AFA and CDQ pollock,
(ii) AI directed pollock,

(iii) Rockfish Program, unless those fish are harvested under the rockfish
entry level longline fishery as described under § 679.83.
(3) How is a CMCP approved by NMFS? NMFS will approve a CMCP if it
meets all the requirements specified in paragraph (g)(7) of this section. The
processor must be inspected by NMFS prior to approval of the CMCP to
ensure that the processor conforms to the elements addressed in the CMCP.
NMFS will complete its review of the CMCP within 14 working days of
receiving a complete CMCP and conducting a CMCP inspection. If NMFS
disapproves a CMCP, the plant owner or manager may resubmit a revised
CMCP or file an administrative appeal as set forth under the administrative
appeals procedures described at § 679.43.
(4) How is a CMCP inspection arranged? The time and place of a CMCP
inspection may be arranged by submitting a written request for an
inspection to NMFS, Alaska Region. NMFS will schedule an inspection within
10 working days after NMFS receives a complete application for an
inspection. The inspection request must include:
(i) Name and signature of the person submitting the application and the
date of the application;
(ii) Address, telephone number, fax number, and email address (if
available) of the person submitting the application;
(iii) A proposed CMCP detailing how the processor will meet each of the
performance standards in paragraph (g)(7) of this section.
(5) For how long is a CMCP approved? NMFS will approve a CMCP for 1
year if it meets the performance standards specified in paragraph (e)(2) of
this section. An owner or manager must notify NMFS in writing if changes
are made in plant operations or layout that do not conform to the CMCP.
(6) How do I make changes to my CMCP? An owner and manager may
change an approved CMCP by submitting a CMCP addendum to NMFS. NMFS
will approve the modified CMCP if it continues to meet the performance
standards specified in paragraph (e)(2) of this section. Depending on the
nature and magnitude of the change requested, NMFS may require a CMCP
inspection as described in paragraph (g)(3) of this section. A CMCP
addendum must contain:
(i) Name and signature of the person submitting the addendum;
(ii) Address, telephone number, fax number and email address (if
available) of the person submitting the addendum;
(iii) A complete description of the proposed CMCP change.

(7) Catch monitoring and control standards (i) Catch sorting and weighing requirements. All groundfish
delivered to the plant must be sorted and weighed by species. The CMCP
must detail the amount and location of space for sorting catch, the
number of staff assigned to catch sorting and the maximum rate that
catch will flow through the sorting area.
(ii) Scales used for weighing groundfish. The CMCP must identify by
serial number each scale used to weigh groundfish and describe the
rational for its use.
(iii) Scale testing procedures. Scales identified in the CMCP must be
accurate within the limits specified in paragraph (c)(4)(i) of this section.
For each scale identified in the CMCP a testing plan must be developed
that:
(A) Describes the procedure the plant will use to test the scale;
(B) Lists the test weights and equipment required to test the scale;
(C) Lists where the test weights and equipment will be stored; and
(D) Lists the plant personnel responsible for conducting the scale
testing.
(iv) Printed record. The owner and manager must ensure that the scale
produces a complete and accurate printed record of the weight of each
species in a delivery. All of the groundfish in a delivery must be weighed
on a scale capable of producing a complete printed record as described in
paragraph (c)(3) of this section. However, NMFS may exempt scales not
designed for automatic bulk weighing from some or all of the printed
record requirements if the CMCP identifies any scale that cannot produce
a complete printed record, states how the processor will use the scale,
and states how the plant intends to produce a complete record of the total
weight of each delivery.
(v) Delivery point. Each CMCP must identify a single delivery point. The
delivery point is the first location where fish removed from a delivering
catcher vessel can be sorted or diverted to more than one location. If the
catch is pumped from the hold of a catcher vessel or a codend, the
delivery point normally will be the location where the pump first
discharges the catch. If catch is removed from a vessel by brailing, the
delivery point normally will be the bin or belt where the brailer discharges
the catch.

(vi) Observation area. Each CMCP must designate an observation area.
The observation area is a location designated on the CMCP where an
individual may monitor the flow of fish during a delivery. The owner and
manager must ensure that the observation area meets the following
standards:
(A) Access to the observation area. The observation area must be
freely accessible to NMFS staff or NMFS-authorized personnel at any
time a valid CMCP is required.
(B) Monitoring the flow of fish. From the observation area, an
individual must have an unobstructed view or otherwise be able to
monitor the entire flow of fish between the delivery point and a location
where all sorting has taken place and each species has been weighed.
(C) For shoreside processors or stationary floating processors taking
deliveries from vessels directed fishing for pollock in the BS, including
vessels directed fishing for pollock CDQ in the BS, the observation area
must provide a clear, unobstructed view of the salmon storage container
to ensure no salmon of any species are removed without the observer's
knowledge.
(vii) Observer work station. Each CMCP must identify and include an
observer work station for the exclusive use of observers. Unless otherwise
approved by NMFS, the work station must meet the following criteria:
(A) Location of observer work station.
(1) The observer work station must be located in an area protected from
the weather where the observer has access to unsorted catch.
(2) For shoreside processors or stationary floating processors taking
deliveries from vessels directed fishing for pollock in the BS, including
vessels directed fishing for pollock CDQ in the BS, the observer work station
must be adjacent to the location where salmon will be counted and
biological samples or scientific data are collected.
(B) Platform scale. The observer work station must include a platform
scale as described in paragraph (c)(4) of this section;
(C) Proximity of observer work station. The observation area must
be located near the observer work station. The plant liaison must be
able to walk between the work station and the observation area in less
than 20 seconds without encountering safety hazards.

(D) Workspace. The observer work station must include: A working
area of at least 4.5 square meters, a table as specified in paragraph (d)
(4) of this section, and meet the other requirements as specified in
paragraph (d)(6) of this section.
(E) Lockable cabinet. The observer work station must include a
secure and lockable cabinet or locker of at least 0.5 cubic meters.
(viii) Communication with observer. The CMCP must describe what
communication equipment such as radios, pagers or cellular phones, is
used to facilitate communications within the plant. The plant owner must
ensure that the plant manager provides the observer with the same
communications equipment used by plant staff.
(ix) Plant liaison. The CMCP must designate a plant liaison. The plant
liaison is responsible for:
(A) Orienting new observers to the plant and providing a copy of the
approved CMCP;
(B) Assisting in the resolution of observer concerns; and
(C) Informing NMFS if changes must be made to the CMCP.
(x) Scale drawing of plant. The CMCP must be accompanied by a scale
drawing of the plant showing:
(A) The delivery point;
(B) The observation area;
(C) The observer work station;
(D) The location of each scale used to weigh catch;
(E) Each location where catch is sorted including the last location where
sorting could occur; and
(F) For shoreside processors or stationary floating processors taking
deliveries from vessels directed fishing for BS pollock, including vessels
directed fishing for pollock CDQ in the BS, the location of the salmon
storage container.
(xi) CMCP specialist notification. For shoreside processors receiving
deliveries of groundfish harvested under the authority of a rockfish CQ
permit, describe how the CMCP specialist will be notified of deliveries of
groundfish harvested under the authority of a rockfish CQ permit.
(h) ELB software (1) How do I get my ELB software approved by NMFS? -

(i) Specifications. NMFS will provide specifications for ELB software upon
request. Interested parties may contact NMFS by mail at NMFS Alaska Region,
Sustainable Fisheries Division, Catch Accounting/Data Quality, P.O. Box
21668, Juneau, AK 99802-1668; by telephone at 907-586-7228. The four
types of ELB software are:
(A) Catcher vessel longline or pot gear (see § 679.5(c)(3));
(B) Catcher/processor longline or pot gear (see § 679.5(c)(3));
(C) Catcher vessel trawl gear (see § 679.5(c)(4)); and
(D) Catcher/processor trawl gear (see § 679.5(c)(4)).
(ii) ELB submittal package. A vendor or developer wishing to have an
ELB approved by NMFS must submit:
(A) A fully operational test copy of the software; and
(B) An application for ELB-approval giving the following information
(see paragraphs (h)(1)(ii)(B)(1) through (3) of this section):
(1) Company, contact person, address, telephone number, and fax
number for the company developing the software;
(2) Name and type of software; and
(3) Printed name and signature of individual submitting the software
for approval.
(C) Copies of all manuals and documentation for the software.
(iii) ELB approval. NMFS will approve ELB software within 60 working
days of receipt of all required information if the software meets the
following standards in paragraphs (h)(1)(iii)(A) through (H) of this
section):
(A) Has fields for the entry of all information required for a paper DFL
or DCPL as described in § 679.5(c)(3) and (4), as appropriate.
(B) The software must automatically time and date stamp each printed
copy of the ELB logsheet and ELB discard report and clearly identify the
first printed copy as an original. If any changes are made to the data in
the ELB, subsequent printed copies must clearly be identified as revised.
The software must be designed to prevent the operator from overriding
this feature.
(C) The software must export data as an ASCII comma delimited text
file, xml file, or other format approved by NMFS.

(D) The software must integrate with the vessel's global positioning
system (GPS) to allow vessel location fields to be completed
automatically.
(E) When the software is started, it must clearly show the software
version number.
(F) The software must be designed to facilitate the transfer of an export
file to NMFS as an email attachment.
(G) The software must be designed to ensure that an operator can
comply with the requirements for ELB use as described in § 679.5(f).
(H) The software must include sufficient data validation capability to
prevent a submitter from accidentally transmitting a data file or printing
an ELB logsheet that is incomplete or contains clearly erroneous data.
(2) What if I need to make changes to NMFS-approved ELB
software? (i) NMFS-instigated changes. NMFS will provide the developer with
information that affects the ELB software as soon as it is available for
distribution, e.g., changes in species codes or product codes.
(ii) Developer-instigated changes. The developer must submit a copy
of the changed software along with documentation describing the need for
the change to NMFS for review and approval as described in paragraph (h)
(1)(ii) of this section. NMFS will review and approve the new version
according to the guidelines set forth in paragraph (h)(1)(iii) of this
section.
(iii) NMFS-approved ELB changes. If changes to ELB software are
approved by NMFS, the developer must:
(A) Give the revised software a new version number;
(B) Notify all known ELB users of the software that a new version is
available; and
(C) Ensure that the ELB users are provided with a revised copy within
15 days of notification.
(i) Bin monitoring (1) Bin monitoring standards. The vessel owner or operator must
comply with the requirements specified in paragraph (i)(1)(i) of this section
unless the vessel owner or operator has requested, and NMFS has
approved, the video monitoring option described at paragraph (i)(1)(ii) of
this section.

(i) Option 1 - No crew in bin or tank. No crew may enter any bin or
tank preceding the point where the observer samples unsorted catch,
unless:
(A) The flow of fish has been stopped between the tank and the location
where the observer samples unsorted catch;
(B) All catch has been cleared from all locations between the tank and
the location where the observer samples unsorted catch;
(C) The observer has been given notice that the vessel crew must enter
the tank; and either
(D) The observer is given the opportunity to observe the activities of
the person(s) in the tank; or
(E) The observer informs the vessel operator, or his designee, that all
sampling has been completed for a given haul, in which case crew may
enter a tank containing fish from that haul without stopping the flow of
fish or clearing catch between the tank and the observer sampling
station.
(ii) Option 2 - Video monitoring system option. A vessel owner and
operator must provide and maintain a NMFS-approved video monitoring
system as specified in paragraph (e) of this section. Additionally, the
vessel owner and operator must ensure that the system:
(A) Records and retains all video for all periods when fish are inside the
bin; and
(B) Provides sufficient resolution and field of view to see crew activities
from any location within the tank where crew could be located.
(2) Who must have a bin monitoring option inspection? A vessel
owner or operator choosing to operate under the video option (option 2) in
paragraph (i)(1)(ii) of this section must receive an annual bin monitoring
option inspection.
(3) How does a vessel owner arrange for a bin monitoring option
inspection? The owner must submit an Inspection Request for Bin
Monitoring to NMFS with all the information fields filled in at least 10
working days in advance of the requested date of inspection. The request
form is available on the NMFS Alaska Region Web site
(https://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov).
(4) Where will bin monitoring option inspections be conducted?
Inspections will be conducted on vessels tied to docks at Dutch Harbor,
Alaska, Kodiak, Alaska, and in the Puget Sound area of Washington State.

(5) Bin monitoring option inspection report. A bin monitoring option
inspection report will be issued to the vessel owner if the bin monitoring
option meets the requirements of paragraph (i)(1)(ii) of this section. The
vessel owner must maintain a current bin option inspection report on board
the vessel at all times the vessel is required to provide an approved bin
monitoring option under this paragraph (i)(5). The bin monitoring option
inspection report must be made available to the observer, NMFS personnel,
or to an authorized officer upon request.
(j) Video monitoring on catcher/processors and motherships in the
BS pollock fishery, including pollock CDQ. The owner and operator of a
catcher/processor or a mothership must provide and maintain a video
monitoring system approved under paragraph (e) of this section. These video
monitoring system requirements must be met when the catcher/processor is
directed fishing for pollock in the BS, including pollock CDQ, and when the
mothership is taking deliveries from catcher vessels directed fishing for
pollock in the BS, including pollock CDQ. Additionally, the system must (1) Record and retain video for all periods when fish are flowing past the
sorting area or salmon are in the storage container.
(2) The system must provide sufficient resolution and field of view to
observe all areas where salmon are sorted from the catch, all crew actions
in these areas, and discern individual fish in the salmon storage container.
(k) Video monitoring in the longline catcher/processor subsector. The
owner and operator of a catcher/processor subject to § 679.100(b)(2) must
provide and maintain a video monitoring system approved under paragraph
(e) of this section. These video monitoring system requirements must be met
when the vessel is operating in either the BSAI or GOA groundfish fisheries
when directed fishing for Pacific cod is open in the BSAI, or while the vessel is
groundfish CDQ fishing. Additionally, the system must:
(1) Record and retain video for all periods when Pacific cod are being sorted
and weighed.
(2) Provide sufficient resolution and field of view to monitor all areas where
Pacific cod are sorted from the catch, all fish passing over the motioncompensated scale, and all crew actions in these areas.
(l) Video monitoring for halibut deck sorting. The owner and operator of
a mothership or catcher/processor subject to § 679.120 must provide and
maintain a video monitoring system approved under paragraph (e) of this
section when the vessel is halibut deck sorting. Additionally, the system must
-

(1) Record and retain video for an entire trip when halibut deck sorting may
occur; and
(2) Provide sufficient resolution and field of view to monitor all areas on
deck where halibut may be sorted from the catch and discarded, and all
crew actions in these areas.
[63 FR 5843, Feb. 4, 1998]
E
For F

N

:

R

citations affecting § 679.28, see the List of CFR Sections

Affected, which appears in the Finding Aids section of the printed volume and
at www.govinfo.gov.

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