50 CFR Part 660

50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR Part 660 (Jan. 8, 2026)

This content is from the eCFR and is authoritative but unofficial.

Title 50 —Wildlife and Fisheries
Chapter VI —Fishery Conservation and Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, Department of Commerce
Part 660 Fisheries off West Coast States
Subpart A General
§ 660.1 Purpose and scope.
§ 660.2 Relation to other laws.
§ 660.3 Reporting and recordkeeping.
§ 660.4 Usual and accustomed fishing areas for Pacific Coast treaty Indian tribes.
Subpart B All West Coast EEZ Fisheries
§ 660.5 Shared Ecosystem Component Species.
§ 660.6 Prohibitions.
Subpart C West Coast Groundfish Fisheries
§ 660.10 Purpose and scope.
§ 660.11 General definitions.
§ 660.12 General groundfish prohibitions.
§ 660.13 Recordkeeping and reporting.
§ 660.14 Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) requirements.
§ 660.15 Equipment requirements.
§ 660.16 Groundfish observer program.
§ 660.17 Catch monitor program.
§ 660.18 Observer and catch monitor provider permits and endorsements.
§ 660.19 Appeals process for catch monitors, observers, and provider permits.
§ 660.20 Vessel and gear identification.
§ 660.21 Seabird Avoidance Program.
§ 660.24 Limited entry and open access fisheries.
§ 660.25 Permits.
§ 660.30 Compensation with fish for collecting resource information—EFPs.
§ 660.40 Rebuilding plans.
§ 660.50 Pacific Coast treaty Indian fisheries.
§ 660.55 Allocations.
§ 660.60 Specifications and management measures.
§ 660.65 Groundfish harvest specifications.
§ 660.70 Groundfish conservation areas.
§ 660.71 Latitude/longitude coordinates defining the 10-fm (18-m) through 40-fm (73-m)
depth contours.
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50 CFR Part 660 (Jan. 8, 2026)

§ 660.72 Latitude/longitude coordinates defining the 50 fm (91 m) through 75 fm (137 m)
depth contours.
§ 660.73 Latitude/longitude coordinates defining the 100 fm (183 m) through 150 fm (274 m)
depth contours.
§ 660.74 Latitude/longitude coordinates defining the 180 fm (329 m) through 250 fm (457 m)
depth contours.
§ 660.75 Essential Fish Habitat (EFH).
§ 660.76 Coastwide EFHCAs.
§ 660.77 EFHCAs off the Coast of Washington.
§ 660.78 EFHCAs off the Coast of Oregon.
§ 660.79 EFHCAs off the Coast of California.
Table 1a to Part 660, Subpart C
2025, Specifications of OFL, ABC, ACL, ACT and Fishery HG
Table 1b to Part 660, Subpart C
2025, Allocations by Species or Species Group
Table 1c to Part 660, Subpart C
Sablefish North of 36° N Lat. Allocations, 2025
Table 1d to Part 660, Subpart C
Whiting and non-whiting initial issuance allocation percentage
for IFQ decided through the harvest specifications, 2011
Table 2a to Part 660, Subpart C
2026, and Beyond, Specifications of OFL, ABC, ACL, ACT, and
Fishery HG
Table 2b to Part 660, Subpart C
2026, and Beyond, Allocations by Species or Species Group
Table 2c to Part 660, Subpart C
Sablefish North of 36° N Lat. Allocations, 2026 and Beyond
Table 3 to Part 660, Subpart C
Vessel Capacity Ratings for West Coast Groundfish Limited
Entry Permits
Subpart D West Coast Groundfish—Limited Entry Trawl Fisheries
§ 660.100 Purpose and scope.
§ 660.111 Trawl fishery—definitions.
§ 660.112 Trawl fishery—prohibitions.
§ 660.113 Trawl fishery—recordkeeping and reporting.
§ 660.114 Trawl fishery—economic data collection program.
§ 660.115 Trawl fishery—cost recovery program.
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§ 660.120
§ 660.130
§ 660.131
§ 660.140
§ 660.150
§ 660.160

50 CFR Part 660 (Jan. 8, 2026)

Trawl fishery—crossover provisions.
Trawl fishery—management measures.
Pacific whiting fishery management measures.
Shorebased IFQ Program.
Mothership (MS) Co-op Program.
Catcher/processor (C/P) Co-op Program.

Table 1a (North) to Part 660, Subpart D
Limited Entry Trawl Rockfish Conservation Areas for North of
40°10′ N Lat.
Table 1b (North) to Part 660, Subpart D
Landing Allowances for Non-IFQ Species and Pacific Whiting
North of 40°10′ N Lat.
Table 1a (South) to Part 660, Subpart D
Limited Entry Trawl Rockfish Conservation Areas for South of
40°10′ N Lat.
Table 1b (South) to Part 660, Subpart D
Landing Allowances for Non-IFQ Species and Pacific Whiting
South of 40°10′ N Lat.
Figure 1 to Part 660, Subpart D
Diagram of Selective Flatfish Trawl
Subpart E West Coast Groundfish—Limited Entry Fixed Gear Fisheries
§ 660.210 Purpose and scope.
§ 660.211 Fixed gear fishery—definitions.
§ 660.212 Fixed gear fishery—prohibitions.
§ 660.213 Fixed gear fishery—recordkeeping and reporting.
§ 660.216 Fixed gear fishery—observer requirements.
§ 660.219 Fixed gear identification and marking.
§ 660.220 Fixed gear fishery—crossover provisions.
§ 660.230 Fixed gear fishery—management measures.
§ 660.231 Limited entry fixed gear sablefish primary fishery.
§ 660.232 Limited entry daily trip limit (DTL) fishery for sablefish.
Table 2a (North) to Part 660, Subpart E
Non-Trawl Rockfish Conservation Area Boundaries
Table 2b (North) to Part 660, Subpart E
Trip Limits for Limited Entry Fixed Gear North of 40°10′ N Lat.
Table 2a (South) to Part 660, Subpart E
Non-Trawl Rockfish Conservation Area Boundaries
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Table 2b (South) to Part 660, Subpart E
Trip Limits for Limited Entry Fixed Gear South of 40°10′ N. Lat.
Subpart F West Coast Groundfish—Open Access Fisheries
§ 660.310 Purpose and scope.
§ 660.311 Open access fishery—definitions.
§ 660.312 Open access fishery—prohibitions.
§ 660.313 Open access fishery—recordkeeping and reporting.
§ 660.316 Open access fishery—observer requirements.
§ 660.319 Open access fishery gear identification and marking.
§ 660.320 Open access fishery—crossover provisions.
§ 660.330 Open access fishery—management measures.
§ 660.332 Open access daily trip limit (DTL) fishery for sablefish.
§ 660.333 Open access non-groundfish trawl fishery—management measures.
§ 660.334 Open access non-groundfish salmon troll fishery—management measures.
Table 3a (North) to Part 660, Subpart F
Non-Trawl Rockfish Conservation Area Boundaries
Table 3b (North) to Part 660, Subpart F
Trip Limits for Open Access North of 40°10′ N. lat.
Table 3a (South) to Part 660, Subpart F
Non-Trawl Rockfish Conservation Area Boundaries
Table 3b (South) to Part 660, Subpart F
Trip Limits for Open Access South of 40°10′ N. lat.
Subpart G West Coast Groundfish—Recreational Fisheries
§ 660.350 Purpose and scope.
§ 660.351 Recreational fishery—definitions.
§ 660.352 Recreational fishery—prohibitions.
§ 660.353 Recreational fishery—recordkeeping and reporting.
§ 660.360 Recreational fishery—management measures.
Subpart H West Coast Salmon Fisheries
§ 660.401 Purpose and scope.
§ 660.402 Definitions.
§ 660.403 Relation to other laws.
§ 660.404 Recordkeeping and reporting.
§ 660.405 Prohibitions.
§ 660.406 Exempted fishing.
§ 660.407 Treaty Indian fishing.
§ 660.408 Annual actions.
§ 660.409 Inseason actions.
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§ 660.410
§ 660.411
§ 660.412
§ 660.413

50 CFR Part 660 (Jan. 8, 2026)

Conservation objectives, ACLs, and de minimis control rules.
Notification and publication procedures.
EFH identifications and descriptions for Pacific salmon.
Overfished species rebuilding plans.

Table 1 to Subpart H of Part 660
Pacific Salmon EFH Identified by USGS Hydrologic Unit Code
(HUC)
Subpart I Coastal Pelagics Fisheries
§ 660.501 Purpose and scope.
§ 660.502 Definitions.
§ 660.503 Management subareas.
§ 660.504 Vessel identification.
§ 660.505 Prohibitions.
§ 660.506 Gear restrictions.
§ 660.507 Closed areas to reduction fishing.
§ 660.508 Annual specifications.
§ 660.509 Accountability measures (season closures).
§ 660.510 Fishing seasons.
§ 660.511 Catch restrictions.
§ 660.512 Limited entry fishery.
§ 660.513 Permit conditions.
§ 660.514 Transferability.
§ 660.515 Renewal of limited entry permits.
§ 660.516 Exempted fishing.
§ 660.517 Framework for revising regulations.
§ 660.518 Pacific Coast Treaty Indian Rights.
§ 660.519 Scientific observers.
§ 660.520 Reporting requirements.
Figure 1 to Subpart I of Part 660
Existing California Area Closures (hatched areas extend to 3
miles offshore; cross-hatched areas extend beyond 3 miles
offshore) and Optional Catalina Channel Foreign Vessel
Closure (outlined by dashed lines)
Subpart J West Coast Groundfish Electronic Monitoring Program
§ 660.600 Applicability.
§ 660.601 Definitions.
§ 660.602 Prohibitions.
§ 660.603 Electronic monitoring provider permits and responsibilities.
§ 660.604 Vessel and first receiver responsibilities.
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50 CFR Part 660 (Jan. 8, 2026)

Subpart K Highly Migratory Fisheries
§ 660.701 Purpose and scope.
§ 660.702 Definitions.
§ 660.703 Management area.
§ 660.704 Vessel identification.
§ 660.705 Prohibitions.
§ 660.706 Pacific Coast Treaty Indian rights.
§ 660.707 Permits.
§ 660.708 Reporting and recordkeeping.
§ 660.709 Annual specifications.
§ 660.710 Closure of directed fishery.
§ 660.711 General catch restrictions.
§ 660.712 Longline fishery.
§ 660.713 Drift gillnet fishery.
§ 660.714 Purse seine fishery. [Reserved]
§ 660.715 Deep-set buoy gear fishery.
§ 660.716 [Reserved]
§ 660.717 Framework for revising regulations.
§ 660.718 Exempted fishing.
§ 660.719 Scientific observers.
§ 660.720 Interim protection for sea turtles.
§ 660.721 Recreational fishing bag limits and filleting requirements.

PART 660—FISHERIES OFF WEST COAST STATES
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq., 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq., and 16 U.S.C. 7001 et seq.
Source: 61 FR 34572, July 2, 1996, unless otherwise noted.

Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to part 660 appear at 67 FR 65906, Oct. 29, 2002, 88 FR 81358, Nov. 22,
2023, and 89 FR 101522, Dec. 16, 2024.

Subpart A—General
§ 660.1 Purpose and scope.
(a) The regulations in this part govern fishing activity by vessels of the United States that fish or support
fishing inside the outer boundary of the EEZ off the states of Washington, Oregon, and California.
(b) General regulations governing fishing by all vessels of the United States and by fishing vessels other than
vessels of the United States are contained in part 600 of this chapter.
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50 CFR 660.1(c)

(c) Regulations governing the harvest, possession, landing, purchase, and sale of shark fins are found at part
600, subpart N, of this chapter.
[61 FR 34572, July 2, 1996, as amended at 67 FR 6201, Feb. 11, 2002; 69 FR 53362, Sept. 1, 2004; 71 FR 17989, Apr. 10, 2006; 81
FR 19057, Apr. 4, 2016]

§ 660.2 Relation to other laws.
(a) NMFS recognizes that any state law pertaining to vessels registered under the laws of that state while
operating in the fisheries regulated under this part, and that is consistent with this part and the FMPs
implemented by this part, shall continue in effect with respect to fishing activities regulated under this
part.
(b) Fishing activities addressed by this Part may also be subject to regulation under 15 CFR part 922, subpart
G, if conducted in the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary.
(c) Fishing activities on the high seas are governed by regulations of the High Seas Fishing Compliance Act
set forth in 50 CFR part 300, subparts A and R.
[72 FR 29235, May 24, 2007, as amended at 80 FR 62501, Oct. 16, 2015; 81 FR 51138, Aug. 3, 2016]

§ 660.3 Reporting and recordkeeping.
Any person who is required to do so by applicable state law or regulation must make and/or file all reports of
management unit species landings containing all data and in the exact manner required by applicable state law or
regulation.
[71 FR 17989, Apr. 10, 2006]

§ 660.4 Usual and accustomed fishing areas for Pacific Coast treaty Indian tribes.
(a) The Pacific Coast treaty Indian tribes' usual and accustomed (U&A) fishing areas within the EEZ are set
out below in paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(4) of this section. Boundaries of a tribe's fishing area may be
revised as ordered by a Federal court.
(1) Makah. The area north of 48°02.25′ N. lat. (Norwegian Memorial) and east of 125°44′ W. long.
(2) Quileute. The area commencing at Cape Alava, located at 48°10′00″ N lat., 124°43′56.9″ W long.; then
proceeding west approximately forty nautical miles at that latitude to a northwestern point located
at 48°10′00″ N lat., 125°44′00″ W long.; then proceeding in a southeasterly direction mirroring the
coastline at a distance no farther than forty nautical miles from the mainland Pacific coast shoreline
at any line of latitude, to a southwestern point at 47°31′42″ N lat., 125°20′26″ W long.; then
proceeding east along that line of latitude to the Pacific coast shoreline at 47°31′42″ N lat.,
124°21′9.0″ W long.
(3) Hoh. A polygon commencing at the Pacific coast shoreline near the mouth of the Quillayute River,
located at latitude 47°54′30″ north, longitude 124°38′31″ west; then proceeding west approximately
forty nautical miles at that latitude to a northwestern point located at latitude 47°54′30″ north,
longitude 125°38′18″ west; then proceeding in a southeasterly direction mirroring the coastline at a
distance no farther than forty nautical miles from the mainland Pacific coast shoreline, to a point
located at latitude 47°31′42″ north, longitude 125°20′26″ west, then proceeding east along that line
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50 CFR 660.4(a)(4)

of latitude approximately ten nautical miles to a point located at latitude 47°31′42″ north, longitude
125°5′48″ west, then proceeding in a southeasterly direction mirroring the coastline at a distance no
farther than thirty nautical miles from the mainland Pacific coast shoreline to a point located at
latitude 47°21′00″ north, longitude 125°2′52″ west; then proceeding east along that line of latitude to
the Pacific coast shoreline near the mouth of the Quinault River, located at latitude 47°21′00″ north,
longitude 124°18′8″ west.
(4) Quinault. The area commencing at the Pacific coast shoreline near Destruction Island, located at
47°40′06″ N lat., 124°23′51.362″ W long.; then proceeding west approximately thirty nautical miles at
that latitude to a northwestern point located at 47°40′06″ N lat., 125°08′30″ W long.; then proceeding
in a southeasterly direction mirroring the coastline no farther than thirty nautical miles from the
mainland Pacific coast shoreline at any line of latitude, to a southwestern point at 46°53′18″ N lat.,
124°53′53″ W long.; then proceeding east along that line of latitude to the Pacific coast shoreline at
46°53′18″ N lat., 124°7′36.6″ W long.
(b) [Reserved]
[81 FR 36807, June 8, 2016, as amended at 83 FR 53828, Oct. 25, 2018; 89 FR 59678, July 23, 2024]

Subpart B—All West Coast EEZ Fisheries
Source: 81 FR 19057, Apr. 4, 2016, unless otherwise noted.

§ 660.5 Shared Ecosystem Component Species.
(a) General. The FMPs implemented in this part 660 each contain ecosystem component species specific to
each FMP, as well as a group of ecosystem component species shared between all of the FMPs.
Ecosystem component species shared between all of the Pacific Fishery Management Council's FMPs,
and known collectively as “Shared EC Species,” are:
(1) Round herring (Etrumeus teres) and thread herring (Ophisthonema libertate and O. medirastre).
(2) Mesopelagic fishes of the families Myctophidae, Bathylagidae, Paralepididae, and Gonostomatidae.
(3) Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes personatus)
(4) Pacific saury (Cololabis saira).
(5) Silversides (family Atherinopsidae).
(6) Smelts of the family Osmeridae.
(7) Pelagic squids (families: Cranchiidae, Gonatidae, Histioteuthidae, Octopoteuthidae, Ommastrephidae
except Humboldt squid [Dosidicus gigas,] Onychoteuthidae, and Thysanoteuthidae).
(b) Directed commercial fishing for Shared EC Species. For the purposes of this section, “directed commercial
fishing” means that a fishing vessel lands Shared EC Species without landing any species other than
Shared EC Species, or lands Shared EC Species with other species and in amounts more than:
(1) 10 mt combined weight of all Shared EC Species from any fishing trip; or
(2) 30 mt combined weight of all Shared EC Species in any calendar year.
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50 CFR 660.6

[81 FR 19057, Apr. 4, 2016, as amended at 89 FR 101522, Dec. 16, 2024]

§ 660.6 Prohibitions.
In addition to the general prohibitions specified in § 600.725 of this chapter, and the other prohibitions specified in
this part, it is unlawful for any person to:
(a) Directed commercial fishing. Engage in directed commercial fishing for Shared EC Species from a vessel
engaged in commercial fishing within the EEZ off Washington, Oregon, or California. This prohibition does
not apply to:
(1) Fishing authorized by the Hoh, Makah, or Quileute Indian Tribes, or by the Quinault Indian Nation, or
(2) Fishing trips conducted entirely within state marine waters.
(b) At-sea processing. At-sea processing of Shared EC Species is prohibited within the EEZ, except while
processing groundfish in accordance with subpart D of this part.

Subpart C—West Coast Groundfish Fisheries
Source: 75 FR 60897, Oct. 1, 2010, unless otherwise noted.

§ 660.10 Purpose and scope.
(a) Subparts C through G of this part implement the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan
(PCGFMP) developed by the Pacific Fishery Management Council. Subparts C through G govern fishing
vessels of the U.S. in the EEZ off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California. All weights are in
round weight or round-weight equivalents, unless specified otherwise.
(b) Any person fishing subject to subparts C through G of this part is bound by the international boundaries
described in this section, notwithstanding any dispute or negotiation between the U.S. and any
neighboring country regarding their respective jurisdictions, until such time as new boundaries are
established or recognized by the U.S.

§ 660.11 General definitions.
These definitions are specific to the fisheries covered in subparts C through G of this part.
Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) means a harvest specification that is set below the overfishing limit to
account for scientific uncertainty in the estimate of OFL, and other scientific uncertainty.
Active sampling unit means the portion of the groundfish fleet in which an observer coverage plan is being
applied.
Address of Record means the business address a person has provided to NMFS for NMFS use in providing
notice of agency actions and other business with that person.
Allocation. (See § 600.10 of this chapter)
Annual Catch Limit (ACL) is a harvest specification set equal to or below the ABC threshold in consideration of
conservation objectives, socioeconomic concerns, management uncertainty and other factors. The ACL
is a harvest limit that includes all sources of fishing-related mortality including landings, discard mortality,
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50 CFR 660.11 “Annual Catch Target (ACT)”

research catches, and catches in exempted fishing permit activities. Sector-specific annual catch limits
can be specified, especially in cases where a sector has a formal, long-term allocation of the harvestable
surplus of a stock or stock complex.
Annual Catch Target (ACT) is a management target set below the annual catch limit and may be used as an
accountability measure in cases where there is great uncertainty in inseason catch monitoring to ensure
against exceeding an annual catch limit. Since the annual catch target is a target and not a limit it can be
used in lieu of harvest guidelines or strategically to accomplish other management objectives. Sectorspecific annual catch targets can also be specified to accomplish management objectives.
Artificial lure means any manufactured or man-made non-scented/non-flavored (regardless if scent or flavor is
added in the manufacturing process or added afterwards) device complete with hooks, intended to attract
fish. Artificial lures include, but are not limited to: spoons, spinners, artificial flies, and plugs. Artificial
lures are made of metal, plastic, wood, or other non-edible materials.
Bait (natural or artificial) means any substance which attracts fish. Natural bait includes any natural biological
substance used to attract or catch fish (e.g., herring/fish eggs). Artificial bait includes any manufactured
device used to attract or catch fish.
Base permit means a sablefish-endorsed limited entry permit described at § 660.25(b)(3)(i), subpart C,
registered for use with a vessel that meets the permit length endorsement requirements appropriate to
that vessel, as described at § 660.25(b)(3)(iii), subpart C.
Biennial fishing period means a 24-month period beginning at 0001 local time on January 1 and ending at 2400
local time on December 31 of the subsequent year.
BMSY means the biomass level that produces maximum sustainable yield (MSY), as stated in the PCGFMP at
Section 4.3.
Calendar day means the day beginning at 0001 hours local time and continuing for 24 consecutive hours.
Calendar year. (see “fishing year”)
Catch, take, harvest. (See § 600.10 of this chapter)
Catch monitor means an individual that is certified by NMFS, is deployed to a first receiver, and whose primary
duties include: monitoring and verification of the sorting of fish relative to Federal requirements defined in
§ 660.60(h)(6); documentation of the weighing of such fish relative to the requirements of § 660.13(b);
and verification of first receivers' reporting relative to the requirements defined in § 660.113(b)(4).
Catch Monitor Program or Catch Monitor Program Office means the Catch Monitor Program Office of the West
Coast Region, National Marine Fisheries Service.
Catch monitor provider means any person that is granted a permit by NMFS to provide certified catch monitors
as required in § 660.140.
Change in partnership or corporation means the addition of a new shareholder or partner to the corporate or
partnership membership. This definition of a “change” will apply to any person added to the corporate or
partnership membership since November 1, 2000, including any family member of an existing
shareholder or partner. A change in membership is not considered to have occurred if a member dies or
becomes legally incapacitated and a trustee is appointed to act on his behalf, nor if the ownership of
shares among existing members changes, nor if a member leaves the corporation or partnership and is
not replaced. Changes in the ownership of publicly held stock will not be deemed changes in ownership of
the corporation.
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50 CFR 660.11 “Closure or closed”

Closure or closed means, when referring to closure of a fishery or a closed fishery, that taking and retaining,
possessing, or landing the particular species or species group covered by the fishing closure is prohibited.
Unless otherwise announced in the FEDERAL REGISTER or authorized in this subpart, offloading must begin
before the closure time.
Commercial fishing means:
(1) Fishing by a person who possesses a commercial fishing license or is required by law to possess
such license issued by one of the states or the Federal Government as a prerequisite to taking,
landing and/or sale of fish; or
(2) Fishing that results in or can be reasonably expected to result in sale, barter, trade or other
disposition of fish for other than personal consumption.
Commercial harvest guideline means the fishery harvest guideline minus the estimated recreational catch.
Limited entry and open access allocations are derived from the commercial harvest guideline.
Conservation area(s) means an enclosed geographic area defined by coordinates expressed in degrees latitude
and longitude where NMFS may prohibit fishing with particular gear types. Conservation areas include
Groundfish Conservation Areas (GCA), Essential Fish Habitat Conservation Areas (EFHCA) and Deep-sea
Ecosystem Conservation Areas (DECA).
(1) Groundfish Conservation Area or GCA means a conservation area created or modified and enforced
to control catch of groundfish or protected species. Regulations at § 660.60(c)(3) describe the
various purposes for which NMFS may implement certain types of GCAs through routine
management measures. Regulations at § 660.70 further describe and define coordinates for certain
GCAs, including: Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Areas; Cowcod Conservation Areas; Groundfish
Exclusion Areas; waters encircling the Farallon Islands; and waters encircling the Cordell Bank. GCAs
also include closures bounded by the EEZ or depth-based lines approximating depth contours,
including Bycatch Reduction Areas or BRAs, or bounded by depth contours and lines of latitude,
including Block Area Closures, or BACs, and Rockfish Conservation Areas, or RCAs, which may be
closed to fishing with particular gear types. BRA, BAC, and RCA boundaries may change seasonally
according to conservation needs. Regulations at §§ 660.71 through 660.74, and § 660.76 define
depth-based boundary lines with latitude/longitude coordinates that may be used to enact depthbased closures. Regulations in this section describe commonly used geographic coordinates that
define lines of latitude. Fishing prohibitions associated with GCAs are in addition to those
associated with other conservation areas.
(i)

Block Area Closures or BACs are bounded on the north and south by commonly used
geographic coordinates defined in this section, and on the east and west by the EEZ, and
boundary lines approximating depth contours, defined with latitude and longitude coordinates
at §§ 660.71 through 660.74 (10 fm (18 m) through 250 fm (457 m)), and § 660.76 (700 fm
(1,280 m)). BACs may be implemented or modified as routine management measures, per the
provisions of § 660.60(c). BACs may be implemented to control catch of groundfish by vessels
taking and retaining groundfish in the EEZ seaward of Washington, Oregon, and California for
vessels using any gear type (trawl or non-trawl). BACs may be implemented to minimize
bycatch of Chinook salmon and coho salmon by bottom trawl or midwater trawl vessels in the
EEZ seaward of Oregon and California, and by midwater trawl vessels in the EEZ seaward of
Washington, but shoreward of the boundary line approximating the 250 fm (457 m) depth
contour as defined in § 660.74. BACs may vary in their geographic boundaries, duration, and the
gears to which they apply. Their geographic boundaries, applicable gear type(s) and/or specific

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50 CFR 660.11 “Conservation area(s)” (1)(ii)

fishery program, and effective dates will be announced in the FEDERAL REGISTER. BACs may be
implemented within tribal Usual and Accustomed fishing areas but may only apply to non-tribal
vessels. BACs may have a specific termination date as described in the FEDERAL REGISTER, or
may be in effect until modified. BACs that are in effect until modified by NMFS are set out in the
trip limit tables of subparts D through F of this part.
(ii) Bycatch Reduction Areas or BRAs are conservation areas that apply to vessels using midwater
groundfish trawl gear during the Pacific whiting primary season, as described at §§ 660.60(d)
and 660.131(c).
(iii) Cordell Bank is defined at § 660.70.
(iv) Cowcod Conservation Areas are defined at § 660.70.
(v) Groundfish Exclusion Areas or GEAs are closed areas intended to mitigate potential impacts to
sensitive environments from certain groundfish fishing activity. GEAs may prohibit fishing by
certain groundfish sectors or certain groundfish gear types. Geographic coordinates for GEAs
are defined at § 660.70.
(vi) Rockfish Conservation Areas or RCAs. RCA restrictions are detailed in subparts D through G of
this part. RCAs may apply to a single gear type or to a group of gear types such as “trawl RCAs”
or “non-trawl RCAs.” Specific latitude and longitude coordinates for RCA boundaries that
approximate the depth contours selected for trawl, non-trawl, and recreational RCAs are
provided in §§ 660.71 through 660.74. Also provided in §§ 660.71 through 660.74, are
references to islands and rocks that serve as reference points for the RCAs.
(A) Trawl (Limited Entry and Open Access Non-groundfish Trawl Gears) RCAs. The Trawl RCAs
are intended to protect a complex of species, such as overfished shelf rockfish species,
and have boundaries defined by specific latitude and longitude coordinates approximating
depth contours. Boundaries for the limited entry Trawl RCA throughout the year are
provided in table 1a (North) subpart D of this part. Boundaries for the open access nongroundfish Trawl RCA throughout the year are provided in § 660.333(e). Boundaries of the
Trawl RCAs may be modified by NMFS inseason pursuant to § 660.60(c).
(B) Non-Trawl (Limited Entry Fixed Gear and Open Access Non-Trawl Gears) RCAs. Non-Trawl
RCAs are intended to protect a complex of species, such as overfished shelf rockfish
species, and have boundaries defined by specific latitude and longitude coordinates
approximating depth contours. Boundaries for the Non-Trawl RCA throughout the year are
provided in tables 2a (North) and 2a (South) of subpart E of this part and tables 3a (North)
and 3a (South) of subpart F of this part and may be modified by NMFS inseason pursuant
to § 660.60(c).
(C) Recreational RCAs. Recreational RCAs are closed areas intended to protect overfished
rockfish species. In the EEZ seaward of California, recreational RCAs are also intended to
limit catch of non-overfished groundfish species. Recreational RCAs may either have
boundaries defined by general depth contours or boundaries defined by specific latitude
and longitude coordinates approximating depth contours. Boundaries for the recreational
RCAs throughout the year are provided in the text in subpart G of this part under each
state (Washington, Oregon and California) and may be modified by NMFS inseason
pursuant to § 660.60(c).
(vii) Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Areas or YRCAs are defined at § 660.70.
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50 CFR 660.11 “Conservation area(s)” (2)

(2) Essential Fish Habitat Conservation Area or EFHCA means an area created and enforced to contribute
to the protection of groundfish essential fish habitat. Regulations at §§ 660.75 through 660.79
define EFHCA boundaries. Fishing prohibitions associated with EFHCAs, which are found at §§
660.12, 660.112, 660.212, and 660.312, are in addition to those prohibitions associated with other
conservation areas.
(3) Deep-sea Ecosystem Conservation Area or DECA is the area within the EEZ deeper than 3,500 m
(1,914 fm) that is not designated as EFH, defined at § 660.75 with latitude and longitude
coordinates. The DECA is closed to bottom contact gear for the reasons described under MSA
Section 303(b), and contributes to the protection of deep-water habitats including deep-sea corals.
Fishing prohibitions associated with DECAs, at § 660.12, are in addition to those associated with
other conservation areas.
Continuous transiting or transit through means that a vessel crosses a groundfish conservation area or EFHCA
on a heading as nearly as practicable to a direct route, consistent with navigational safety, while
maintaining expeditious headway throughout the transit without loitering or delay.
Corporation means a legal, business entity, including incorporated (INC) and limited liability corporations (LLC).
Council means the Pacific Fishery Management Council, including its Groundfish Management Team (GMT),
Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC), Groundfish Advisory Subpanel (GAP), and any other advisory
body established by the Council.
Date of landing means the date on which the transfer of fish or offloading of fish from any vessel to a processor
or other first receiver begins.
Direct financial interest means any source of income to or capital investment or other interest held by an
individual, partnership, or corporation or an individual's spouse, immediate family member or parent that
could be influenced by performance or non-performance of observer or catch monitor duties.
Dock ticket means a form accepted by the state to record the landing, receipt, purchase, or transfer of fish.
Electronic fish ticket means a web-based form that is used to send landing data to the Pacific States Marine
Fisheries Commission. Electronic fish tickets are used to collect information similar to the information
required in state fish receiving tickets or landing receipts, but do not replace or change any state
requirements.
Electronic Monitoring System or EMS means a data collection tool that uses a software operating system
connected to an assortment of electronic components, including video recorders, to create a collection of
data on vessel activities.
Endorsement means an additional specification affixed to the limited entry permit that further restricts fishery
participation or further specifies a harvest privilege, and is non-severable from a limited entry permit.
Entity. (See “Person”)
Essential Fish Habitat or EFH. (See § 600.10 of this chapter)
Exclusive Economic Zone or EEZ is defined at § 600.10. See also Fishery management area of this section.
First Receiver means a person who receives, purchases, or takes custody, control, or possession of catch
onshore directly from a vessel.
Fiscal year means the year beginning at 0001 local time on October 1 and ending at 2400 local time on
September 30 of the following year.
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50 CFR 660.11 “Fish”

Fish. (See § 600.10 of this chapter)
Fishery (See § 600.10 of this chapter)
Fishery harvest guideline means the harvest guideline or quota after subtracting from the TAC, ACL, or ACT when
specified, any allocation or projected catch for the Pacific Coast treaty Indian Tribes, projected research
catch, deductions for fishing mortality in non-groundfish fisheries, and deductions for EFPs.
Fishery management area means the EEZ off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California between 3 and
200 nm offshore, and bounded on the north by the Provisional International Boundary between the U.S.
and Canada, and bounded on the south by the International Boundary between the U.S. and Mexico. The
inner boundary of the fishery management area is a line coterminous with the seaward boundaries of the
States of Washington, Oregon, and California (the “3-mile limit”). The outer boundary of the fishery
management area is a line drawn in such a manner that each point on it is 200 nm from the baseline from
which the territorial sea is measured, or is a provisional or permanent international boundary between the
U.S. and Canada or Mexico. All groundfish possessed between 0-200 nm offshore or landed in
Washington, Oregon, or California are presumed to have been taken and retained from the EEZ, unless
otherwise demonstrated by the person in possession of those fish.
Fishing. (See § 600.10 of this chapter)
Fishing gear includes the following types of gear and equipment:
(1) Bottom contact gear means fishing gear designed or modified to make contact with the bottom. This
includes, but is not limited to, beam trawl, bottom trawl, dredge, fixed gear, set net, demersal seine,
dinglebar gear, and other gear (including experimental gear) designed or modified to make contact
with the bottom. Gear used to harvest bottom dwelling organisms (e.g. by hand, rakes, and knives)
are also considered bottom contact gear for purposes of this subpart. Non-bottom contact gear is
defined in paragraph (12) of this definition.
(2) Demersal seine means a net designed to encircle fish on the seabed. The demersal seine is
characterized by having its net bounded by lead-weighted ropes that are not encircled with bobbins
or rollers. Demersal seine gear is fished without the use of steel cables or otter boards (trawl doors).
Scottish and Danish Seines are demersal seines. Purse seines, as defined at § 600.10 of this
chapter, are not demersal seines. Demersal seine gear is included in the definition of bottom trawl
gear in paragraph (11)(i) of this definition.
(3) Dredge gear means a gear consisting of a metal frame attached to a holding bag constructed of
metal rings or mesh. As the metal frame is dragged upon or above the seabed, fish are pushed up
and over the frame, then into the mouth of the holding bag.
(4) Entangling nets include the following types of net gear:
(i)

Gillnet. (See § 600.10 of this chapter)

(ii) Set net means a stationary, buoyed, and anchored gillnet or trammel net.
(iii) Trammel net means a gillnet made with two or more walls joined to a common float line.
(5) Fixed gear (anchored non-trawl gear) means the following gear types: longline, trap or pot, set net,
and stationary hook-and-line (including commercial vertical hook-and-line) gears.
(6) Hook-and-line means one or more hooks attached to one or more lines. It may be stationary
(commercial vertical hook-and-line) or mobile (troll).
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(i)

50 CFR 660.11 “Fishing gear” (6)(i)

Bottom longline means a stationary, buoyed, and anchored groundline with hooks attached, so
as to fish along the seabed. It does not include pelagic hook-and-line or troll gear.
(A) Snap gear means a type of bottom longline gear where the hook and gangion are attached
to the groundline using a mechanical fastener or snap.
(B) [Reserved]

(ii) Commercial vertical hook-and-line means commercial fishing with hook-and-line gear that
involves a single line anchored at the bottom and buoyed at the surface so as to fish vertically.
(iii) Dinglebar gear means one or more lines retrieved and set with a troll gurdy or hand troll gurdy,
with a terminally attached weight from which one or more leaders with one or more lures or
baited hooks are pulled through the water while a vessel is making way.
(iv) Troll gear means a lure or jig towed behind a vessel via a fishing line. Troll gear is used in
commercial and recreational fisheries.
(7) Mesh size means the opening between opposing knots, or opposing corners for knotless webbing.
Minimum mesh size means the smallest distance allowed between the inside of one knot or corner
to the inside of the opposing knot or corner, regardless of twine size.
(8) Non-trawl gear means all legal commercial groundfish gear other than trawl gear.
(9) Spear means a sharp, pointed, or barbed instrument on a shaft.
(10) Trap or pot See § 600.10 of this chapter, definition of “trap”. These terms are used as
interchangeable synonyms.
(11) Trawl gear means a cone or funnel-shaped net that is towed through the water, and can include a pair
trawl that towed simultaneously by two boats. For the purpose of this definition, trawl gear includes
groundfish and non-groundfish trawl. See definitions for groundfish trawl and non-groundfish trawls
(previously called “exempted trawl”).
(i)

Bottom trawl means a trawl in which the otter boards or the footrope of the net are in contact
with the seabed. It includes demersal seine gear, and pair trawls fished on the bottom. Any
trawl not meeting the requirements for a midwater trawl in § 660.130(b), subpart D is a bottom
trawl.
(A) Beam trawl gear means a type of trawl gear in which a beam is used to hold the trawl open
during fishing. Otter boards or doors are not used.
(B) Large footrope trawl gear means a bottom trawl gear with a footrope diameter larger than
8 inches (20 cm,) and no larger than 19 inches (48 cm) including any rollers, bobbins, or
other material encircling or tied along the length of the footrope.
(C) Small footrope trawl gear means a bottom trawl gear with a footrope diameter of 8 inches
(20 cm) or smaller, including any rollers, bobbins, or other material encircling or tied along
the length of the footrope. Selective flatfish trawl gear that meets the gear component
requirements in § 660.130(b), subpart D is a type of small footrope trawl gear.

(ii) Midwater (pelagic or off-bottom) trawl means a trawl in which the otter boards and footrope of
the net remain above the seabed. It includes pair trawls if fished in midwater. A midwater trawl
has no rollers or bobbins on any part of the net or its component wires, ropes, and chains. For
additional midwater trawl gear requirements and restrictions, see § 660.130(b), subpart D.
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50 CFR 660.11 “Fishing gear” (11)(iii)

(iii) Trawl gear components include:
(A) Breastline means a rope or cable that connects the end of the headrope and the end of the
trawl fishing line along the edge of the trawl web closest to the towing point.
(B) Chafing gear means webbing or other material that is attached to the trawl net to protect
the net from wear and abrasions either when fishing or hauling on deck.
(C) Codend. (See § 600.10 of this chapter)
(D) Double-bar mesh means webbing comprised of two lengths of twine tied into a single knot.
(E) Double-walled codend means a codend constructed of two walls (layers) of webbing.
(F) Footrope means a chain, rope, or wire attached to the bottom front end of the trawl
webbing forming the leading edge of the bottom panel of the trawl net, and attached to
the fishing line.
(G) Headrope means a chain, rope, or wire attached to the trawl webbing forming the leading
edge of the top panel of the trawl net.
(H) Rollers or bobbins means devices made of wood, steel, rubber, plastic, or other hard
material that encircle the trawl footrope. These devices are commonly used to either
bounce or pivot over seabed obstructions, in order to prevent the trawl footrope and net
from snagging on the seabed.
(I)

Single-walled codend means a codend constructed of a single wall of webbing knitted with
single or double-bar mesh.

(J) Trawl fishing line means a length of chain, rope, or wire rope in the bottom front end of a
trawl net to which the webbing or lead ropes are attached.
(K) Trawl riblines means a heavy rope or line that runs down the sides, top, or underside of a
trawl net from the mouth of the net to the terminal end of the codend to strengthen the net
during fishing.
(12) Non-bottom contact gear means fishing gear designed or modified to not make contact with the
bottom. This includes, but is not limited to, commercial vertical hook-and-line gear not anchored to
the bottom (e.g., vertical jig gear or rod-and-reel gear with weights suspended off the bottom) and
troll gear.
Fishing or Calendar year means the year beginning at 0001 local time on January 1 and ending at 2400 local
time on December 31 of the same year. There are two fishing years in each biennial fishing period.
Fishing trip means a period of time between landings when fishing is conducted.
Fishing vessel. (See § 600.10 of this chapter)
Fund means, for the purposes of subparts C through G of this part, the U.S. Treasury's Limited Access System
Administration Fund (LASAF) established by the Magnuson-Stevens Act, 16 U.S.C. 1855(h)(5)(B),
specifically the LASAF subaccounts associated with the PCGFMP cost recovery programs.

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50 CFR 660.11 “Gear testing”

Gear testing means the deployment of lawful gear without retaining fish, for the following purposes, including,
but not limited to: Deployment of nets using open codends; calibration of engines and transmission under
load (i.e., towing a net with an open codend); deployment of wire and/or doors; testing new electronic
equipment associated with deploying fishing gear; and testing and calibration of newly installed
propulsion systems (i.e., engine, transmission, shaft, propeller, etc.).
Groundfish means species managed by the PCGFMP, specifically:
(1) Sharks: Leopard shark, Triakis semifasciata; soupfin shark, Galeorhinus zyopterus; Pacific spiny
dogfish, Squalus suckleyi.
(2) Skates: “Skates” in the PCGFMP include all genera and species in the family Arhynchobatidae that
occur off Washington, Oregon, and California, including but not limited to Aleutian skate, Bathyraja
aleutica; Bering/sandpaper skate, B. interrupta; big skate, Raja binoculata; California skate, R. inornata;
longnose skate, R. rhina; roughtail/black skate, B. trachura.
(3) Ratfish: Ratfish, Hydrolagus colliei.
(4) Morids: Finescale codling, Antimora microlepis.
(5) Grenadiers: “Grenadiers” in the PCGFMP include all genera and species in the family Macrouridae
that occur off Washington, Oregon, and California, including but not limited to Giant grenadier,
Albatrossia pectoralis; Pacific grenadier, Coryphaenoides acrolepis.
(6) Roundfish: Cabezon, Scorpaenichthys marmoratus; kelp greenling, Hexagrammos decagrammus;
lingcod, Ophiodon elongatus; Pacific cod, Gadus macrocephalus; Pacific whiting, Merluccius
productus; sablefish, Anoplopoma fimbria. Species listed in paragraphs (6)(i) and (ii) of this definition
with an area-specific listing are managed within a complex in that area-specific listing.
(i)

Between 46°16′ N lat. and the U.S. Canada border (Washington): Cabezon, S. marmoratus and
kelp greenling, H. decagrammus.

(ii) Between 46°16′ N lat. and 42° N lat. (Oregon): Cabezon, S. marmoratus and kelp greenling, H.
decagrammus.
(7) Rockfish: “Rockfish” in the PCGFMP include all genera and species of the family Scorpaenidae that
occur off Washington, Oregon, and California, even if not listed below, including longspine
thornyhead, Sebastolobus altivelis, and shortspine thornyhead, S. alascanus. Where species below
are listed both in a geographic category (nearshore, shelf, slope) and as an area-specific listing
(north or south of 40°10′ N lat.) those species are managed within a complex in that area-specific
listing.
(i)

Nearshore rockfish includes black rockfish, Sebastes melanops (off Washington and California)
and the following nearshore rockfish species managed in complexes:
(A) Nearshore Rockfish Complex North of 46°16′ N lat. (Washington): Black and yellow rockfish,
S. chrysomelas; blue rockfish, S. mystinus; brown rockfish, S. auriculatus; calico rockfish, S.
dalli; China rockfish, S. nebulosus; copper rockfish, S. caurinus; deacon rockfish, S.
diaconus, gopher rockfish, S. carnatus; grass rockfish, S. rastrelliger; kelp rockfish, S.
atrovirens; olive rockfish, S. serranoides; quillback rockfish, S. maliger; treefish, S. serriceps.

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50 CFR 660.11 “Groundfish” (7)(i)(B)

(B) Nearshore Rockfish Complex between 46°16′ N lat. and 42° N lat. (Oregon): Black and
yellow rockfish, S. chrysomelas; brown rockfish, S. auriculatus; calico rockfish, S. dalli;
China rockfish, S. nebulosus; copper rockfish, S. caurinus; gopher rockfish, S. carnatus;
grass rockfish, S. rastrelliger; kelp rockfish, S. atrovirens; olive rockfish, S. serranoides;
quillback rockfish, S. maliger; treefish, S. serriceps.
(C) Black/blue/deacon Rockfish Complex between 46°16′ N lat. and 42° N lat. (Oregon): Black
rockfish, S. melanops, blue rockfish, S. mystinus, and deacon rockfish, S. diaconus.
(D) Nearshore Rockfish Complex between 42° N lat. and 40°10′ N lat. (northern California):
Black and yellow rockfish, S. chrysomelas; blue rockfish, S. mystinus; brown rockfish, S.
auriculatus; calico rockfish, S. dalli; China rockfish, S. nebulosus; copper rockfish, S.
caurinus; deacon rockfish, S. diaconus, gopher rockfish, S. carnatus; grass rockfish, S.
rastrelliger; kelp rockfish, S. atrovirens; olive rockfish, S. serranoides; treefish, S. serriceps.
(E) Nearshore Rockfish Complex South of 40°10′ N lat. (Southern California): Nearshore
rockfish are divided into three management categories:
(1) Shallow nearshore rockfish consists of black and yellow rockfish, S. chrysomelas;
China rockfish, S. nebulosus; gopher rockfish, S. carnatus; grass rockfish, S.
rastrelliger; kelp rockfish, S. atrovirens.
(2) Deeper nearshore rockfish consists of black rockfish, S. melanops; blue rockfish, S.
mystinus; brown rockfish, S. auriculatus; calico rockfish, S. dalli; copper rockfish, S.
caurinus; deacon rockfish, S. diaconus; olive rockfish, S. serranoides; treefish, S.
serriceps.
(3) California scorpionfish, Scorpaena guttata.
(ii) Shelf rockfish includes bocaccio, Sebastes paucispinis; canary rockfish, S. pinniger; chilipepper,
S. goodei; cowcod, S. levis; shortbelly rockfish, S. jordani; widow rockfish, S. entomelas;
yelloweye rockfish, S. ruberrimus; yellowtail rockfish, S. flavidus and the following shelf rockfish
species managed in complexes:
(A) Shelf Rockfish Complex North of 40°10′ N lat.: Bronzespotted rockfish, S. gilli; bocaccio, S.
paucispinis; chameleon rockfish, S. phillipsi; chilipepper, S. goodei; cowcod, S. levis; dusky
rockfish, S. ciliatus; dwarf-red rockfish, S. rufianus; flag rockfish, S. rubrivinctus; freckled
rockfish, S. lentiginosus; greenblotched rockfish, S. rosenblatti; greenspotted rockfish, S.
chlorostictus; greenstriped rockfish, S. elongatus; halfbanded rockfish, S. semicinctus;
harlequin rockfish, S. variegatus; honeycomb rockfish, S. umbrosus; Mexican rockfish, S.
macdonaldi; pink rockfish, S. eos; pinkrose rockfish, S. simulator; pygmy rockfish, S. wilsoni;
redstripe rockfish, S. proriger; rosethorn rockfish, S. helvomaculatus; rosy rockfish, S.
rosaceus; silvergray rockfish, S. brevispinis; speckled rockfish, S. ovalis; squarespot
rockfish, S. hopkinsi; starry rockfish, S. constellatus; stripetail rockfish, S. saxicola; sunset
rockfish, S. crocotulus; swordspine rockfish, S. ensifer; tiger rockfish, S. nigrocinctus;
vermilion rockfish, S. miniatus.
(B) Shelf Rockfish Complex South of 40°10′ N lat.: Bronzespotted rockfish, S. gilli; chameleon
rockfish, S. phillipsi; dusky rockfish, S. ciliatus; dwarf-red rockfish, S. rufianus; flag rockfish,
S. rubrivinctus; freckled rockfish, S. lentiginosus; greenblotched rockfish, S. rosenblatti;
greenspotted rockfish, S. chlorostictus; greenstriped rockfish, S. elongatus; halfbanded
rockfish, S. semicinctus; harlequin rockfish, S. variegatus; honeycomb rockfish, S.
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50 CFR 660.11 “Groundfish” (7)(iii)

umbrosus; Mexican rockfish, S. macdonaldi; pink rockfish, S. eos; pinkrose rockfish, S.
simulator; pygmy rockfish, S. wilsoni; redstripe rockfish, S. proriger; rosethorn rockfish, S.
helvomaculatus; rosy rockfish, S. rosaceus; silvergray rockfish, S. brevispinis; speckled
rockfish, S. ovalis; squarespot rockfish, S. hopkinsi; starry rockfish, S. constellatus; stripetail
rockfish, S. saxicola; sunset rockfish, S. crocotulus; swordspine rockfish, S. ensifer; tiger
rockfish, S. nigrocinctus; vermilion rockfish, S. miniatus; yellowtail rockfish, S. flavidus.
(iii) Slope rockfish includes darkblotched rockfish, Sebastes crameri; Pacific ocean perch, S. alutus;
splitnose rockfish, S. diploproa; and the following slope rockfish species managed in
complexes:
(A) Slope Rockfish Complex North of 40°10′ N lat.: Aurora rockfish, S. aurora; bank rockfish, S.
rufus; blackgill rockfish, S. melanostomus; blackspotted rockfish, S. melanostictus;
redbanded rockfish, S. babcocki; rougheye rockfish, S. aleutianus; sharpchin rockfish, S.
zacentrus; shortraker rockfish, S. borealis; splitnose rockfish, S. diploproa; yellowmouth
rockfish, S. reedi.
(B) Slope Rockfish Complex South of 40°10′ N lat.: Aurora rockfish, S. aurora; bank rockfish, S.
rufus; blackgill rockfish, S. melanostomus; blackspotted rockfish, S. melanostictus; Pacific
ocean perch, S. alutus; redbanded rockfish, S. babcocki; rougheye rockfish, S. aleutianus;
sharpchin rockfish, S. zacentrus; shortraker rockfish, S. borealis; yellowmouth rockfish, S.
reedi.
(8) Flatfish: Arrowtooth flounder (arrowtooth turbot), Atheresthes stomias; butter sole, Isopsetta isolepis;
curlfin sole, Pleuronichthys decurrens; Dover sole, Microstomus pacificus; English sole, Parophrys
vetulus; flathead sole, Hippoglossoides elassodon; Pacific sanddab, Citharichthys sordidus; petrale
sole, Eopsetta jordani; rex sole, Glyptocephalus zachirus; rock sole, Lepidopsetta bilineata; sand sole,
Psettichthys melanostictus; starry flounder, Platichthys stellatus. Where regulations of subparts C
through G of this part refer to landings limits for “other flatfish,” those limits apply to all flatfish
cumulatively taken except for those flatfish species specifically listed in Tables 1a and 2a of this
subpart. (i.e., “other flatfish” includes butter sole, curlfin sole, flathead sole, Pacific sanddab, rex sole,
rock sole, and sand sole.)
(9) “Other Fish”: kelp greenling (Hexagrammos decagrammus) off California and leopard shark (Trakis
semifasciata).
(10) “Ecosystem component species” means species that are included in the PCGFMP but are not “in the
fishery” and therefore not actively managed and do not require harvest specifications. Ecosystem
component species are not targeted in any fishery, not generally retained for sale or personal use,
and are not determined to be subject to overfishing, approaching an overfished condition, or
overfished, nor are they likely to become subject to overfishing or overfished in the absence of
conservation and management measures. Ecosystem component species include: All skates listed
here in paragraph (2), except longnose skate and big skate; all grenadiers listed here in paragraph
(5); soupfin shark; ratfish; finescale codling; and shortbelly rockfish as listed here in paragraph (7)(ii).
Groundfish trawl means trawl gear that is used under the authority of a valid limited entry permit issued under
subparts C and D of this part endorsed for trawl gear and which meets the gear requirements specified in
subpart D of this part. It does not include any type of trawl gear listed as non-groundfish trawl gear
(previously called “exempted gear”).
Harvest guideline means a specified numerical harvest objective that is not a quota. Attainment of a harvest
guideline does not require closure of a fishery.
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50 CFR 660.11 “Incidental catch or incidental species”

Incidental catch or incidental species means groundfish species caught while fishing for the primary purpose of
catching a different species.
Initial Administrative Determination (IAD) means a formal, written determination made by NMFS on an
application or permit request, that is subject to an appeal within NMFS.
Joint registration or jointly registered means simultaneously registering both trawl-endorsed and longline or
trap/pot-endorsed limited entry permits for use with a single vessel in one of the configurations described
at § 660.25(b)(4)(iv).
Land or landing means to begin transfer of fish, offloading fish, or to offload fish from any vessel. Once transfer
of fish begins, all fish aboard the vessel are counted as part of the landing.
Legal fish means fish legally taken and retained, possessed, or landed in accordance with the provisions of 50
CFR part 660, subparts C through G, the Magnuson-Stevens Act, any document issued under part 660,
and any other regulation promulgated or permit issued under the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
Length overall or LOA (with respect to a vessel) means the length overall set forth in the Certificate of
Documentation (CG-1270) issued by the USCG for a documented vessel, or in a registration certificate
issued by a state or the USCG for an undocumented vessel; for vessels that do not have the LOA stated in
an official document, the LOA is the LOA as determined by the USCG or by a marine surveyor in
accordance with the USCG method for measuring LOA.
License owner means a person who is the owner of record with NMFS, SFD, Permits Office of a License issued
under § 660.140, subpart D.
Limited entry fishery means the fishery composed of vessels registered for use with limited entry permits.
Limited entry gear means longline, trap (or pot), or groundfish trawl gear used under the authority of a valid
limited entry permit affixed with an endorsement for that gear.
Limited entry permit means:
(1) The Federal permit required to fish in the limited entry “A”-endorsed fishery, and includes any gear,
size, or species endorsements affixed to the permit, or
(2) The Federal permit required to receive and process fish as a mothership processor.
Maximum Sustainable Yield or MSY. (See § 600.310 of this chapter)
Mobile transceiver unit means a vessel monitoring system or VMS device, as set forth at § 660.14, subpart C
installed on board a vessel that is used for vessel monitoring and transmitting the vessel's position as
required by subpart C.
Non-groundfish fishery means any fishing using non-groundfish trawl gear or non-trawl gear when targeting
salmon, HMS, CPS, crab, prawn, or any other species not managed under the PCGFMP. Non-groundfish
fishery is sometimes referred to as the incidental open access fishery in which groundfish could be
encountered with the gear used, regardless of whether groundfish is retained.
Non-groundfish trawl (previously “exempted” trawl) means any trawl gear other than the Pacific Coast groundfish
trawl gear that is authorized for use with a valid groundfish limited entry permit endorsed for trawl gear.
Non-groundfish trawl gear includes trawl gear used to fish for pink shrimp, ridgeback prawn, California
halibut south of Pt. Arena, and sea cucumbers south of Pt. Arena.
Non-trawl fishery means:
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50 CFR 660.11 “Non-trawl fishery” (1)

(1) For the purpose of allocations at § 660.55, subpart C, non-trawl fishery means the limited entry fixed
gear fishery, the open access fishery, and the recreational fishery.
(2) For the purposes of all other management measures in subparts C through G of this part, non-trawl
fishery means fishing with any legal limited entry fixed gear or open access non-trawl groundfish
gear other than trawl gear (groundfish trawl gear and non-groundfish trawl gear), but does not
include the recreational fishery.
North-South management area means the management areas defined in paragraph (1) of this definition, or
defined and bounded by one or more or the commonly used geographic coordinates set out in paragraph
(2) of this definition for the purposes of implementing different management measures in separate
geographic areas of the U.S. West Coast.
(1) Management areas —
(i)

Vancouver.
(A) The northeastern boundary is that part of a line connecting the light on Tatoosh Island,
WA, with the light on Bonilla Point on Vancouver Island, British Columbia (at 48°35.73′ N.
lat., 124°43.00′ W. long.) south of the International Boundary between the U.S. and Canada
(at 48°29.62′ N. lat., 124°43.55′ W. long.), and north of the point where that line intersects
with the boundary of the U.S. territorial sea.
(B) The northern and northwestern boundary is a line connecting the following coordinates in
the order listed, which is the provisional international boundary of the EEZ as shown on
NOAA/NOS Charts 18480 and 18007:

Point

N. Lat.

W. Long.

1

48°29.62′

124°43.55′

2

48°30.18′

124°47.22′

3

48°30.37′

124°50.35′

4

48°30.23′

124°54.87′

5

48°29.95′

124°59.23′

6

48°29.73′

125°00.10′

7

48°28.15′

125°05.78′

8

48°27.17′

125°08.42′

9

48°26.78′

125°09.20′

10

48°20.27′

125°22.80′

11

48°18.37′

125°29.97′

12

48°11.08′

125°53.80′

13

47°49.25′

126°40.95′

14

47°36.78′

127°11.97′

15

47°22.00′

127°41.38′

16

46°42.08′

128°51.93′

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
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Point
17

50 CFR 660.11 “North-South management area” (1)(i)(C)

N. Lat.
46°31.78′

W. Long.
129°07.65′

(C) The southern limit is 47°30′ N. lat.
(ii) Columbia.
(A) The northern limit is 47°30′ N. lat.
(B) The southern limit is 43°00′ N. lat.
(iii) Eureka.
(A) The northern limit is 43°00′ N. lat.
(B) The southern limit is 40°30′ N. lat.
(iv) Monterey.
(A) The northern limit is 40°30′ N. lat.
(B) The southern limit is 36°00′ N. lat.
(v) Conception.
(A) The northern limit is 36°00′ N. lat.
(B) The southern limit is the U.S.-Mexico International Boundary, which is a line connecting the
following coordinates in the order listed:

Point

N. lat.

W. long.

1

32°35.37′

117°27.82′

2

32°37.62′

117°49.52′

3

31°07.97′

118°36.30′

4

30°32.52′

121°51.97′

(2) Commonly used geographic coordinates.
(i)

Cape Alava, WA—48°10.00′ N. lat.

(ii) Queets River, WA—47°31.70′ N. lat.
(iii) Pt. Chehalis, WA—46°53.30′ N. lat.
(iv) Leadbetter Point, WA—46°38.17′ N. lat.
(v) Columbia River—46°16.00′ N. lat.
(vi) Cape Falcon, OR—45°46.00′ N. lat.
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50 CFR 660.11 “North-South management area” (2)(vii)

(vii) Cape Lookout, OR—45°20.25′ N. lat.
(viii) Cascade Head, OR—45°03.83′ N. lat.
(ix) Heceta Head, OR—44°08.30′ N. lat.
(x) Cape Arago, OR—43°20.83′ N. lat.
(xi) Cape Blanco, OR—42°50.00′ N. lat.
(xii) Humbug Mountain—42°40.50′ N. lat.
(xiii) Marck Arch, OR—42°13.67′ N. lat.
(xiv) Oregon/California border—42°00.00′ N. lat.
(xv) Cape Mendocino, CA—40°30.00′ N. lat.
(xvi) North/South management line—40°10.00′ N. lat.
(xvii) Cape Vizcaino, CA—39°44.00′ N. lat.
(xviii) Point Arena, CA—management line—38°57.50′ N lat.
(xvix) Point San Pedro, CA—37°35.67′ N. lat.
(xx) Pigeon Point, CA—37°11.00′ N. lat.
(xxi) Ano Nuevo, CA—37°07.00′ N. lat.
(xxii) Point Lopez, CA—36°00.00′ N. lat.
(xxiii) Point Conception, CA—34°27.00′ N. lat. [Note: Regulations that apply to waters north of
34°27.00′ N. lat. are applicable only west of 120°28.00′ W. long.; regulations that apply to
waters south of 34°27.00′ N. lat. also apply to all waters both east of 120°28.00′ W. long. and
north of 34°27.00′ N. lat.]
Observer. (See § 600.10 of this chapter—U.S. Observer or Observer)
Observer Program or Observer Program Office means the Observer Program Office of the Northwest Fisheries
Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, Seattle, Washington. Branch offices within the Observer
Program include the West Coast Groundfish Observer Program and the At-sea Hake Observer Program.
Observer provider means any person that is granted a permit by NMFS to provide certified observers as required
at §§ 660.140, 660.150, 660.160, 660.216 or 660.316.
Office of Law Enforcement or OLE refers to the National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Law Enforcement,
Western Division.
Open access fishery means the fishery composed of commercial vessels using open access gear fished
pursuant to the harvest guidelines, quotas, and other management measures governing the harvest of
open access allocations (detailed in § 660.55) or governing the fishing activities of open access vessels
(detailed in subpart F of this part). Any commercial vessel that is not registered to a limited entry permit
and which takes and retains, possesses or lands groundfish is a participant in the open access groundfish
fishery.

50 CFR 660.11 “Open access fishery” (enhanced display)

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50 CFR 660.11 “Open access fishery” (1)

(1) Directed open access fishery means that a fishing vessel is target fishing (defined at § 660.11) for
groundfish and is only declared into a directed open access groundfish gear type or sector as
defined in § 660.13(d)(4)(iv)(A). In addition to the requirements in subpart F of this part, fishing
vessels participating in the directed open access fishery must be registered to a directed open
access permit described at § 660.25(i) and are also subject to the non-trawl logbook requirement at
§ 660.13(a)(3).
(2) Incidental open access fishery means that a fishing vessel is retaining groundfish incidentally to a
non-groundfish target species (see “Incidental catch or incidental species”).
Open access gear means all types of fishing gear except:
(1) Longline or trap (or pot) gear fished by a vessel that has a limited entry permit affixed with a gear
endorsement for that gear.
(2) Groundfish trawl.
Operate a vessel means any use of a vessel, including, but not limited to, fishing or drifting by means of the
prevailing water current or weather conditions.
Operator. (See § 600.10)
Optimum yield or OY means the amount of fish that will provide the greatest overall benefit to the Nation,
particularly with respect to food production and recreational opportunities, and, taking into account the
protection of marine ecosystems, is prescribed as such on the basis of the MSY from the fishery, as
reduced by any relevant economic, social, or ecological factor; and, in the case of an overfished fishery,
provides for rebuilding to a level consistent with producing the MSY in such fishery. OY may be expressed
numerically (as a harvest guideline, quota, or other specification) or non-numerically.
Overage means the amount of fish harvested by a vessel in excess of:
(1) The applicable trip limit for any fishery to which a trip limit applies;
(2) The amount authorized by the applicable permit for trawl fisheries at subpart D of this part;
(3) The amount authorized by the applicable sablefish-endorsed permits for fixed gear sablefish
fisheries at subpart E of this part.
Overfishing limit (OFL) is the MSY harvest level or the annual abundance of exploitable biomass of a stock or
stock complex multiplied by the maximum fishing mortality threshold or proxy thereof and is an estimate
of the catch level above which overfishing is occurring.
Ownership interest means participation in ownership of a corporation, partnership, or other entity:
(1) For sablefish-endorsed permits, ownership interest means participation in ownership of a
corporation, partnership, or other entity that owns a sablefish-endorsed permit. Ownership interest
does not mean owning stock in a publicly owned corporation.
(2) For the limited entry trawl fishery in subpart D of this part, ownership interest means participation in
ownership of a corporation, partnership, or other entity that owns a QS permit, vessel account, MS
permit, or an MS/CV-endorsed limited entry permit.
Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan or PCGFMP means the Fishery Management Plan for the
Washington, Oregon, and California Groundfish Fishery developed by the Council and approved by the
Secretary on January 4, 1982, and as it may be subsequently amended.
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50 CFR 660.11 “Partnership”

Partnership is two or more individuals, partnerships, or corporations, or combinations thereof, who have
ownership interest in a permit, including married couples and legally recognized trusts and partnerships,
such as limited partnerships (LP), general partnerships (GP), and limited liability partnerships (LLP).
Permit owner means a person who is the owner of record with NMFS, SFD, Permits Office of a limited entry
permit. For first receiver site licenses, see definition for “license owner.”
Person, as it applies to limited entry and open access fisheries conducted under, subparts C through F of this
part means any individual, corporation, partnership, association or other entity (whether or not organized
or existing under the laws of any state), and any Federal, state, or local government, or any entity of any
such government that is eligible to own a documented vessel under the terms of 46 U.S.C. 12103(b).
Processing or to process means the preparation or packaging of groundfish to render it suitable for human
consumption, retail sale, industrial uses or long-term storage, including, but not limited to, cooking,
canning, smoking, salting, drying, filleting, freezing, or rendering into meal or oil, but does not mean
heading and gutting unless additional preparation is done. (A vessel that is 75-ft (23-m) or less LOA that
harvests whiting and, in addition to heading and gutting, cuts the tail off and freezes the whiting, is not
considered to be a catcher/processor nor is it considered to be processing fish (See §
660.112(b)(1)(xii)(A))).
(1) At-sea processing means processing that takes place on a vessel or other platform that floats and is
capable of being moved from one location to another, whether shore-based or on the water.
(2) Shorebased processing or processing means processing that takes place at a facility that is
permanently fixed to land. (Also see the definition for shoreside processing at § 660.140, subpart D
which defines shoreside processing for the purposes of qualifying for a Shorebased IFQ Program QS
permit.) For the purposes of economic data collection in the Shorebased IFQ Program, shorebased
processing means either of the following:
(i)

Any activity that takes place shoreside; and that involves: Cutting groundfish into smaller
portions; or freezing, cooking, smoking, drying groundfish; or packaging that groundfish for
resale into 100 pound units or smaller; for sale or distribution into a wholesale or retail market.

(ii) The purchase and redistribution in to a wholesale or retail market of live groundfish from a
harvesting vessel.
Processor means a person, vessel, or facility that engages in commercial processing; or receives live groundfish
directly from a fishing vessel for retail sale without further processing. (Also see the definition for
processors at § 660.140, which defines processor for the purposes of qualifying for initial issuance of QS
in the Shorebased IFQ Program.)
(1) For the purposes of economic data collection or EDC in the Shorebased IFQ Program, shorebased
processor means a person that engages in commercial processing, that is an operation working on
U.S. soil or permanently fixed to land, that takes delivery of fish that has not been subject to at-sea
processing or shorebased processing; and that thereafter engages that particular fish in shorebased
processing; and excludes retailers, such as grocery stores and markets, which receive whole or
headed and gutted fish that are then filleted and packaged for retail sale. At § 660.114(b), trawl
fishery—economic data collection program, the definition of processor is further refined to describe
which shorebased processors are required to submit their economic data collection forms.
(2) [Reserved]

50 CFR 660.11 “Processor” (2) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR 660.11 “Prohibited species”

Prohibited species means those species and species groups whose retention is prohibited unless authorized by
provisions of this section or other applicable law. The following are prohibited species: Any species of
salmonid, Pacific halibut, Dungeness crab caught seaward of Washington or Oregon, and groundfish
species or species groups under the PCGFMP for which quotas have been achieved and/or the fishery
closed.
Protected species means those species, other than prohibited species, that are protected under Federal law,
including species listed under the Endangered Species Act, marine mammals protected under the Marine
Mammal Protection Act, and bird species protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Species that are
both protected and prohibited are considered prohibited species for purposes of this part.
Quota means a specified numerical harvest objective, the attainment (or expected attainment) of which causes
closure of the fishery for that species or species group.
Recreational fishing means fishing with authorized recreational fishing gear for personal use only, and not for
sale or barter.
Regional Administrator means the Administrator, West Coast Region, NMFS.
Reserve means a portion of the harvest guideline or quota set aside at the beginning of the fishing year or
biennial fishing period to allow for uncertainties in preseason estimates.
Round weight. (See § 600.10 of this chapter). Round weight does not include ice, water, or slime.
Sale or sell. (See § 600.10 of this chapter)
Scientific research activity. (See § 600.10 of this chapter)
Secretary. (See § 600.10 of this chapter)
Seabird means those bird species that habitually obtain their food from the sea below the low water mark.
Specification is a numerical or descriptive designation of a management objective, including but not limited to:
Acceptable biological catch; optimum yield; harvest guideline; quota; limited entry or open access
allocation; a set-aside or allocation for a recreational or treaty Indian fishery; an apportionment of the
above to an area, gear, season, fishery, or other subdivision.
Spouse means a person who is legally married to another person as recognized by state law (i.e., one's wife or
husband).
Stacking or stacked means registering more than one sablefish-endorsed limited entry permit for use with a
single vessel (See § 660.25(b)(4)(iii), subpart C).
Sustainable Fisheries Division or SFD means the Assistant Regional Administrator of the Sustainable Fisheries
Division, West Coast Region, NMFS, or a designee.
Target fishing means fishing for the primary purpose of catching a particular species or species group (the
target species).
Tax-exempt organization means an organization that received a determination letter from the Internal Revenue
Service recognizing tax exemption under 26 CFR part 1 (§§ 1.501 to 1.640).
Totally lost means the vessel being replaced no longer exists in specie, or is absolutely and irretrievably sunk or
otherwise beyond the possible control of the owner, or the costs of repair (including recovery) would
exceed the value of the vessel after repairs.
50 CFR 660.11 “Totally lost” (enhanced display)

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50 CFR 660.11 “Trawl fishery or Limited entry trawl fishery”

Trawl fishery or Limited entry trawl fishery means the groundfish limited entry trawl fishery referred to in subparts
C and D, which is composed of vessels registered to a limited entry permit with a trawl endorsement and
vessels registered to an MS permit. The trawl fishery is comprised of the following sectors: Catcher/
Processor, Mothership, and Shorebased IFQ. The trawl fishery does not include the non-groundfish trawl
fisheries, which are all within the open access fishery.
Trip. (See § 600.10 of this chapter)
Trip limits. Trip limits are used in the commercial fishery to specify the maximum amount of a fish species or
species group that may legally be taken and retained, possessed, or landed, per vessel, per fishing trip, or
cumulatively per unit of time, or the number of landings that may be made from a vessel in a given period
of time, as follows:
(1) A per trip limit is the total allowable amount of a groundfish species or species group, by weight, or
by percentage of weight of legal fish on board, that may be taken and retained, possessed, or landed
per vessel from a single fishing trip.
(2) A daily trip limit is the maximum amount of a groundfish species or species group that may be taken
and retained, possessed, or landed per vessel in 24 consecutive hours, starting at 0001 hours local
time. Only one landing of groundfish may be made in that 24-hour period. Daily trip limits may not be
accumulated during multiple day trips.
(3) A weekly trip limit is the maximum amount of a groundfish species or species group that may be
taken and retained, possessed, or landed per vessel in 7 consecutive days, starting at 0001 hours
local time on Sunday and ending at 2400 hours local time on Saturday. Weekly trip limits may not be
accumulated during multiple week trips. If a calendar week falls within two different months or two
different cumulative limit periods, a vessel is not entitled to two separate weekly limits during that
week.
(4) A cumulative trip limit is the maximum amount of a groundfish species or species group that may be
taken and retained, possessed, or landed per vessel in a specified period of time without a limit on
the number of landings or trips, unless otherwise specified. The cumulative trip limit periods for
limited entry and open access fisheries, which start at 0001 hours local time and end at 2400 hours
local time, are as follows, unless otherwise specified:
(i)

The 2-month or “major” cumulative limit periods are: January 1-February 28/29, March 1-April
30, May 1-June 30, July 1-August 31, September 1-October 31, and, November 1-December 31.

(ii) One month means the first day through the last day of the calendar month.
(iii) One week means 7 consecutive days, Sunday through Saturday.
Usual and accustomed fishing areas or U&A fishing areas for Pacific Coast treaty Indian tribes, occurring within
the EEZ, are described at § 660.4, subpart A.
Vessel manager means a person or group of persons whom the vessel owner has given authority to oversee all
or a portion of groundfish fishing activities aboard the vessel.
Vessel monitoring system or VMS means a vessel monitoring system or mobile transceiver unit as set forth in §
660.14, subpart C and approved by NMFS for use on vessels that take (directly or incidentally) species
managed under the PCGFMP, as required by this subpart.
Vessel of the United States or U.S. vessel. (See § 600.10)
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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
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50 CFR 660.11 “Vessel owner or owner of a vessel”

Vessel owner or owner of a vessel, as used in subparts C through G of this part, means a person identified as the
current owner in the Certificate of Documentation (CG-1270) issued by the USCG for a documented
vessel, or in a registration certificate issued by a state or the USCG for an undocumented vessel.
Weighted gear means any fishing gear that is combined with an object intended to make the bait, lure or hook
sink (e.g. lead or steel sinkers).
[75 FR 60897, Oct. 1, 2010, as amended at 75 FR 78373, Dec. 15, 2010; 76 FR 27529, May 11, 2011; 76 FR 53834, Aug. 30, 2011; 76
FR 74733, Dec. 1, 2011; 78 FR 587, Jan. 3, 2013; 78 FR 68767, Nov. 15, 2013; 78 FR 75278, Dec. 11, 2013; 80 FR 12571, Mar. 10,
2015; 80 FR 22279, Apr. 21, 2015; 80 FR 71980, Nov. 18, 2015; 80 FR 77270, Dec. 14, 2015; 81 FR 36807, June 8, 2016; 81 FR
84425, Nov. 23, 2016; 82 FR 9638, Feb. 7, 2017; 82 FR 60569, Dec. 21, 2017; 83 FR 62275, Dec. 3, 2018; 83 FR 63990, Dec. 12,
2018; 84 FR 49961, Sept. 24, 2019; 84 FR 63972, Nov. 19, 2019; 85 FR 35600, June 11, 2020; 85 FR 79892, Dec. 11, 2020; 86 FR
10867, Feb. 23, 2021; 87 FR 59728, Oct. 3, 2022; 87 FR 77014, Dec. 16, 2022; 88 FR 83840, Dec. 1, 2023; 89 FR 101522, Dec. 16,
2024; 90 FR 15414, Apr. 11, 2025]

§ 660.12 General groundfish prohibitions.
Link to an amendment published at 90 FR 57719, Dec. 12, 2025.
In addition to the general prohibitions specified in § 600.725 of this chapter, it is unlawful for any person to:
(a) General.
(1) Retain any prohibited or protected species caught by means of fishing gear authorized under this
subpart, unless otherwise authorized. Except as otherwise authorized, prohibited and protected
species must be returned to the sea as soon as practicable with a minimum of injury when caught
and brought on board.
(2) Falsify or fail to affix and maintain vessel and gear markings as required by § 660.20 or § 660.219,
subpart E or § 660.319, subpart F.
(3) Fish for groundfish in violation of any terms or conditions attached to an EFP under § 600.745 of this
chapter or § 660.30, subpart C of this part.
(4) Fish for groundfish using gear not authorized in subparts C through G of this part or in violation of
any terms or conditions attached to an EFP under § 660.30, subpart C of this part or part 600 of this
chapter.
(5) Take and retain, possess, or land more groundfish than specified under § 660.50, § 660.55, § 660.60
of subpart C, or subpart D through G of this part, or under an EFP issued under § 660.30, subpart C
of this part, or part 600 of this chapter.
(6) Take and retain, possess, or land more than a single cumulative limit of a particular species, per
vessel, per applicable cumulative limit period, except for sablefish taken in the primary limited entry,
fixed gear sablefish season from a vessel authorized to fish in that season, as described at §
660.231, subpart E.
(7) Take and retain, possess, or land groundfish in excess of the landing limit for the open access fishery
without having a valid limited entry permit for the vessel affixed with a gear endorsement for the
gear used to catch the fish.

50 CFR 660.12(a)(7) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR 660.12(a)(8)

(8) Fail to sort, prior to the first weighing after offloading, those groundfish species or species groups for
which there is a trip limit, size limit, scientific sorting designation, quota, harvest guideline, ACT, ACL
or OY, if the vessel fished or landed in an area during a time when such trip limit, size limit, scientific
sorting designation, quota, harvest guideline, ACT, ACL or OY applied; except as specified at §
660.130(d).
(9) When requested or required by an authorized officer, refuse to present fishing gear for inspection,
refuse to present fish subject to such persons control for inspection; or interfere with a fishing gear
or marine animal or plant life inspection.
(10) Transfer fish to another vessel at sea unless the vessel transferring fish is participating in the MS Coop or C/P Co-op Programs.
(11) Fail to remove all fish from the vessel at landing (defined in § 660.11) and prior to beginning a new
fishing trip, except for processing vessels participating in the MS Co-op or C/P Co-op Programs.
(12) Fish with dredge gear (defined in § 660.11, subpart C) anywhere within EFH within the EEZ. For the
purposes of regulation, EFH within the EEZ is described at § 660.75, subpart C.
(13) Fish with beam trawl gear (defined in § 660.11, subpart C) anywhere within EFH within the EEZ. For
the purposes of regulation, EFH within the EEZ is described at § 660.75, subpart C.
(14) During times or in areas where at-sea processing is prohibited, take and retain or receive Pacific
whiting, except as cargo or fish waste, on a vessel in the fishery management area that already has
processed Pacific whiting on board. An exception to this prohibition is provided if the fish are
received within the tribal U&A fishing area, described at § 660.4, subpart A, from a member of a
Pacific Coast treaty Indian tribe fishing under § 660.50, subpart C.
(15) Fail to comply with the requirements of the Seabird Avoidance Program described in § 660.21 when
commercial fishing for groundfish using bottom longline gear.
(16) Fish with bottom contact gear (defined at § 660.11) within the EEZ in the following EFHCAs (defined
at §§ 660.78 and 660.79): Thompson Seamount, President Jackson Seamount, Cordell Bank (50-fm
(91-m) isobath), Harris Point, Richardson Rock, Scorpion, Painted Cave, Anacapa Island, Carrington
Point, Judith Rock, Skunk Point, Footprint, Gull Island, South Point, and Santa Barbara.
(17) Fish with bottom contact gear (defined at § 660.11), or any other gear that is deployed deeper than
500-fm (914-m), within the Davidson Seamount EFHCA (defined at § 660.79).
(18) Fish with bottom contact gear, defined at § 660.11, in the DECA, defined at § 660.11.
(19) Fish for, take and retain, possess (except for the purpose of continuous transiting) or land any
species of groundfish with groundfish non-trawl bottom contact gear (defined at § 660.11) in the
following EFHCAs: Arago Reef West, Bandon High Spot East, Garibaldi Reef North, Garibaldi Reef
South, and Nehalem Bank East.
(20) Fish for, or take and retain, any species of groundfish, during salmon bycatch fishery closures
described in § 660.60(d)(1)(iv) and (v), or fail to comply with the salmon bycatch management
provisions described in § 660.60(i).
(21) Fish for, take and retain, possess (except for the purpose of continuous transiting) or land any
species of groundfish in a Block Area Closure enacted under subparts C through F of this part.

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50 CFR 660.12(a)(22)

(22) Take and retain, possess, or land groundfish in the directed open access fishery without having a
valid directed open access permit for the vessel.
(b) Reporting and Recordkeeping.
(1) Falsify or fail to make and/or file, retain or make available any and all reports of groundfish landings,
containing all data, and in the exact manner, required by the applicable State law, as specified in §
660.13, subpart C, provided that person is required to do so by the applicable state law.
(2) Fail to retain on board a vessel from which groundfish is landed, and provide to an authorized officer
upon request, copies of any and all reports of groundfish landings, or receipts containing all data,
and made in the exact manner required by the applicable state law throughout the cumulative limit
period during which such landings occurred and for 15 days thereafter.
(3) Falsify or fail to prepare and/or file, retain or make available records of fishing activities as specified
in § 660.13(a)(1) or (2).
(c) Limited entry fisheries.
(1) Carry on board a vessel, or deploy, limited entry gear when the limited entry fishery for that gear is
closed, except that a vessel may carry on board limited entry groundfish trawl gear as provided in §
660.112(a)(1), subpart D.
(2) [Reserved]
(d) Limited entry permits.
(1) If a limited entry permit is registered for use with a vessel, fail to carry that permit onboard the vessel
registered for use with the permit. A photocopy of the permit may not substitute for the original
permit itself.
(2) Make a false statement on an application for issuance, renewal, permit registration, vessel
registration, replacement of a limited entry permit, or a declaration of ownership interest in a limited
entry permit.
(e) Groundfish observer program.
(1) Forcibly assault, resist, oppose, impede, intimidate, harass, sexually harass, bribe, or interfere with an
observer.
(2) Interfere with or bias the sampling procedure employed by an observer including either mechanically
or manually sorting or discarding catch before sampling.
(3) Tamper with, destroy, or discard an observer's collected samples, equipment, records, photographic
film, papers, or personal effects without the express consent of the observer.
(4) Harass an observer by conduct that:
(i)

Has sexual connotations,

(ii) Has the purpose or effect of interfering with the observer's work performance, and/or
(iii) Otherwise creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. In determining whether
conduct constitutes harassment, the totality of the circumstances, including the nature of the
conduct and the context in which it occurred, will be considered. The determination of the
legality of a particular action will be made from the facts on a case-by-case basis.
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(5) Fish for, land, or process fish without observer coverage when a vessel is required to carry an
observer under subparts C through G of this part.
(6) Fish when a vessel is required to carry an observer under subparts C through G of this part if:
(i)

The vessel is inadequate for observer deployment as specified at § 600.746 of this chapter;

(ii) The vessel does not maintain safe conditions for an observer as specified at §§ 660.140(h),
660.150(j), or 660.160(g); or
(iii) NMFS, the observer provider, or the observer determines the vessel is inadequate or unsafe
pursuant to vessel responsibilities to maintain safe conditions as specified at §§ 660.140(h),
660.150(j), or 660.160(g).
(7) Require, pressure, coerce, or threaten an observer to perform duties normally performed by crew
members, including, but not limited to, cooking, washing dishes, standing watch, vessel
maintenance, assisting with the setting or retrieval of gear, or any duties associated with the
processing of fish, from sorting the catch to the storage of the finished product.
(8) Fail to meet the vessel responsibilities and observer coverage requirements specified at §§
660.140(h), 660.150(j), 660.160(g), 660.216, or 660.316,
(9) Fail to meet the observer provider responsibilities specified at §§ 660.140(h), 660.150(j), 660.160(g),
660.216 or 660.316.
(f) Groundfish catch monitor program.
(1) Forcibly assault, resist, oppose, impede, intimidate, harass, sexually harass, bribe, or interfere with a
catch monitor.
(2) Interfere with or bias the monitoring procedure employed by a catch monitor, including either
mechanically or manually sorting or discarding catch before it's monitored.
(3) Tamper with, destroy, or discard a catch monitor's collected samples, equipment, records,
photographic film, papers, or personal effects.
(4) Harass a catch monitor by conduct that:
(i)

Has sexual connotations,

(ii) Has the purpose or effect of interfering with the catch monitor's work performance, and/or
(iii) Otherwise creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. In determining whether
conduct constitutes harassment, the totality of the circumstances, including the nature of the
conduct and the context in which it occurred, will be considered. The determination of the
legality of a particular action will be made from the facts on a case-by-case basis.
(5) Receive, purchase, or take custody, control, or possession of a delivery without catch monitor
coverage when such coverage is required under § 660.140(i).
(6) Fail to allow the catch monitor unobstructed access to catch sorting, processing, catch counting,
catch weighing, or electronic or paper fish tickets.
(7) Fail to provide reasonable assistance to the catch monitor.

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50 CFR 660.12(f)(8)

(8) Require, pressure, coerce, or threaten a catch monitor to perform duties normally performed by
employees of the first receiver, including, but not limited to duties associated with the receiving of
landing, processing of fish, sorting of catch, or the storage of the finished product.
(9) Fail to meet the catch monitor provider responsibilities specified at § 660.17(e).
(g) Vessel Monitoring Systems.
(1) Use any vessel required to operate and maintain a VMS unit under § 660.14(b) unless that vessel
carries a NMFS OLE type-approved mobile transceiver unit and complies with all the requirements
described at § 660.14(c).
(2) Fail to install, activate, repair or replace a mobile transceiver unit prior to leaving port as specified at
§ 660.14.
(3) Fail to operate and maintain a mobile transceiver unit on board the vessel at all times as specified at
§ 660.14.
(4) Tamper with, damage, destroy, alter, or in any way distort, render useless, inoperative, ineffective, or
inaccurate the VMS, mobile transceiver unit, or VMS signal required to be installed on or transmitted
by a vessel as specified at § 660.14.
(5) Fail to contact NMFS OLE or follow NMFS OLE instructions when automatic position reporting has
been interrupted as specified at § 660.14.
(6) Register the same VMS transceiver unit to more than one vessel at the same time.
(7) Falsify any VMS activation report or VMS exemption report that is authorized or required, as
specified at § 660.14.
(8) Falsify any declaration report that is required, as specified at § 660.13.
[75 FR 60897, Oct. 1, 2010, as amended at 75 FR 78374, Dec. 15, 2010; 76 FR 27529, May 11, 2011; 76 FR 53834, Aug. 30, 2011; 76
FR 74733, Dec. 1, 2011; 78 FR 587, Jan. 3, 2013; 78 FR 68767, Nov. 15, 2013; 80 FR 22279, Apr. 21, 2015; 80 FR 71980, Nov. 18,
2015; 80 FR 77270, Dec. 14, 2015; 81 FR 36807, June 8, 2016; 81 FR 84425, Nov. 23, 2016; 84 FR 32098, July 5, 2019; 84 FR 63973,
Nov. 19, 2019; 86 FR 10867, Feb. 23, 2021; 87 FR 59728, Oct. 3, 2022; 88 FR 81358, Nov. 22, 2023; 88 FR 83840, Dec. 1, 2023; 89
FR 101523, Dec. 16, 2024]

§ 660.13 Recordkeeping and reporting.
(a) This subpart recognizes that catch and effort data necessary for implementing the PCGFMP are collected
by the States of Washington, Oregon, and California under existing state data collection requirements.
(1) Trawl logbook. In the absence of a state trawl logbook requirement based on the port of landing, the
authorized representative of the commercial trawl fishing vessel registered to a limited entry permit
with a trawl gear endorsement participating in the Shorebased IFQ Program groundfish trawl
fisheries must keep and submit a complete and accurate record of fishing activities in the trawl
logbook form. The following requirements apply:
(i)

The authorized representative of the vessel must keep the trawl logbook form on board the
vessel while engaged in, or returning from, all Shorebased IFQ Program trips using groundfish
trawl gear, and must immediately surrender the logbook form upon demand to NMFS or other
authorized officers.

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50 CFR 660.13(a)(1)(ii)

(ii) The authorized representative of the vessel must complete the trawl logbook form on all
Shorebased IFQ Program trips using groundfish trawl gear, with all available information, except
for information not yet ascertainable, prior to entering port. The logbook form must be
completed as soon as the information becomes available. The information on the logbook form
will include at a minimum: Vessel name, vessel trip start and end dates, crew size, tow start,
tow completion, location of tow, average depth of catch, net type, target strategy, and estimated
retained pounds by species.
(iii) The authorized representative of the vessel must deliver the NMFS copy of the trawl logbook
form by mail or in person to NMFS or its agent. The authorized representative of the vessel
must transmit the logbook form on or before the 10th day of each month following the month
to which the records pertain.
(iv) The authorized representative of the vessel responsible for submitting the trawl logbook forms
must maintain a copy of all submitted logbooks for up to three years after the fishing activity
ended.
(2) Non-Trawl Logbook. The authorized representative of a commercial vessel participating in the below
list of groundfish fishery sectors must keep and submit a complete and accurate record of fishing
activities in the non-trawl electronic logbook application:
(i)

The directed open access fishery, as defined at § 660.11;

(ii) The limited entry fixed gear trip limit fisheries subject to the trip limits in tables 2b (North) and
2b (South) to subpart E of this part, and primary sablefish fisheries, as defined at § 660.211;
and
(iii) Gear switching in the Shorebased IFQ Program, as defined at § 660.140(k).
(3) Non-Trawl Electronic Logbook Application. The non-trawl electronic logbook application is a webbased portal used to send data from non-trawl fishing trips to the Pacific States Marine Fisheries
Commission. The following requirements apply:
(i)

The authorized representative of the vessel must complete an entry in the non-trawl electronic
logbook application for all groundfish fishing trips, as defined under § 660.11. Required
information for each fishing trip includes, but is not limited to, information on set-level data on
catch, discards, fishing location, fishing depth, gear configuration, and sale.

(ii) The authorized representative of the vessel must complete an entry for each groundfish fishing
trip in the non-trawl electronic logbook application with valid responses for all data fields in the
application, except for information not yet ascertainable, prior to entering port, subject to the
following requirements:
(A) Setting gear. Logbook entries for setting gear, including vessel information, gear
specifications, set date/time/location, must be completed within 2 hours of setting each
piece of string or gear. The authorized representative of each vessel may record or
document this information in a format outside of the electronic logbook application (e.g.,
waterproof paper). All logbook information whether recorded inside or outside of the
electronic application must be available for immediate review by at-sea authorized law
enforcement personnel.

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50 CFR 660.13(a)(3)(ii)(B)

(B) Retrieving gear. Logbook entries for retrieving gear, including date/time recovered and
catch/discard information, must be completed within 4 hours of retrieving each piece of
string or gear. The authorized representative of each vessel may record or document this
information in a format outside of the electronic logbook application (e.g., waterproof
paper). All logbook information whether recorded inside or outside of the electronic
application must be available for immediate review by at-sea authorized law enforcement
personnel.
(C) Non-Trawl Electronic Logbook Submission. The authorized representative of the vessel
must complete and submit entries in the non-trawl electronic logbook application within
24 hours of the completion of offload, including information under subparagraphs A and B
that was captured but not recorded in the electronic logbook application while fishing.
(iii) If no fish are retained or discarded on a fishing trip, then a non-trawl logbook submission is not
required for that fishing trip.
(b) Any person who is required to do so by the applicable state law must make and/or file, retain, or make
available any and all reports (i.e., logbooks, state landing receipts, etc.) of groundfish harvests and
landings containing all data, and in the exact manner, required by the applicable state law.
(c) Any person landing groundfish must retain on board the vessel from which groundfish is landed, and
provide to an authorized officer upon request, copies of any and all reports of groundfish landings
containing all data, and in the exact manner, required by the applicable state law throughout the
cumulative limit period during which a landing occurred and for 15 days thereafter.
(d) Declaration reporting requirements. When the operator of a vessel registers a VMS unit with NMFS OLE,
the vessel operator must provide NMFS with a declaration report as specified at paragraph (d)(4)(iv) of
this section. The operator of any vessel that has already registered a VMS unit with NMFS OLE but has
not yet made a declaration, as specified at paragraph (d)(4)(iv) of this section, must provide NMFS with a
declaration report upon request from NMFS OLE.
(1) Declaration reports for vessels registered to limited entry permits. The operator of any vessel
registered to a limited entry permit must provide NMFS OLE with a declaration report, as specified at
paragraph (d)(4)(iv) of this section, before the vessel leaves port on a trip in which the vessel is used
to fish in U.S. ocean waters between 0 and 200 nm offshore of Washington, Oregon, or California.
(i)

Limited entry trawl vessels fishing in the Shorebased IFQ Program must provide NMFS OLE with
a new declaration report each time a different groundfish trawl gear (bottom or midwater only)
is fished. The declaration may be made from sea and must be made to NMFS before a different
type (bottom or midwater only) of groundfish trawl gear is fished.

(ii) Limited entry midwater trawl vessels targeting Pacific whiting may change their declarations
while at sea between the Pacific whiting shorebased IFQ sector and the mothership sector as
specified at paragraph (d)(4)(iv)(A) of this section. The declaration must be made to NMFS
before a different sector is fished.
(2) Declaration reports for all vessels using non-groundfish trawl gear. The operator of any vessel that is
not registered to a limited entry permit and which uses non-groundfish trawl gear to fish in the EEZ
(3-200 nm offshore), must provide NMFS OLE with a declaration report, as specified at paragraph
(d)(4)(iv) of this section, before the vessel leaves port to fish in the EEZ.

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50 CFR 660.13(d)(3)

(3) Declaration reports for open access vessels using non-trawl gear (all types of open access gear other
than non-groundfish trawl gear). The operator of any vessel that is not registered to a limited entry
permit or is registered to a directed open access permit, must provide NMFS with a declaration
report, as specified at paragraph (d)(4)(iv) of this section, before the vessel leaves port on a trip in
which the vessel is used to take and retain or possess groundfish in the EEZ or land groundfish taken
in the EEZ.
(4) Declaration reports.
(i)

The operator of a vessel specified in paragraphs (d)(1), (d)(2), and (d)(3) of this section must
provide a declaration report to NMFS OLE prior to leaving port on the first trip in which the
vessel meets the requirement specified at § 660.14(b) to have a VMS.

(ii) A declaration report will be valid until another declaration report revising the existing gear,
monitoring, or fishery, declaration is received by NMFS OLE. The vessel operator must send a
new declaration report before leaving port on a trip that meets one of the following criteria:
(A) A gear type that is different from the gear type most recently declared for the vessel will be
used, or
(B) A monitoring type that is different from the monitoring type most recently declared for the
vessel will be used, or
(C) A vessel will fish in a fishery other than the fishery most recently declared.
(iii) During the period of time that a vessel has a valid declaration report on file with NMFS OLE, it
cannot fish with a gear and monitoring type other than a gear type and monitoring type
declared by the vessel or fish in a fishery other than the fishery most recently declared.
(iv) Declaration reports will include: The vessel name and/or identification number, gear type, and
monitoring type where applicable, (as defined in paragraph (d)(4)(iv)(A) of this section). Upon
receipt of a declaration report, NMFS will provide a confirmation code or receipt to confirm that
a valid declaration report was received for the vessel. Retention of the confirmation code or
receipt to verify that a valid declaration report was filed and the declaration requirement was
met is the responsibility of the vessel owner or operator. Vessels using non-trawl gear may
declare more than one gear type, with the exception of vessels participating in the Shorebased
IFQ Program (i.e., gear switching) and those vessels declaring to fish inside the Non-Trawl RCA
with non-bottom contact stationary vertical jig gear or groundfish troll gear (i.e., if one of these
declarations is used, no other declaration may be made on that fishing trip). For the purpose of
the directed open access permit defined at § 660.11, declaration codes for the directed open
access fishery include codes 33 through 37. Vessels using trawl gear may only declare one of
the trawl gear types listed in paragraph (d)(4)(iv)(A) on any trip and may not declare non-trawl
gear on the same trip in which trawl gear is declared.
(A) One of the following gear types or sectors, and monitoring type where applicable, must be
declared:
(1) Limited entry fixed gear, not including shorebased IFQ (declaration code 10);
(2) Limited entry groundfish non-trawl, shorebased IFQ, observer (declaration code 11);
(3) Limited entry groundfish non-trawl, shorebased IFQ, electronic monitoring
(declaration code 11);
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(4) Limited entry midwater trawl, non-whiting shorebased IFQ, observer (declaration code
20);
(5) Limited entry midwater trawl, non-whiting shorebased IFQ, electronic monitoring
(declaration code 20),
(6) Limited entry midwater trawl, Pacific whiting shorebased IFQ, observer (declaration
code 21);
(7) Limited entry midwater trawl, Pacific whiting shorebased IFQ, electronic monitoring
(declaration code 21);
(8) Limited entry midwater trawl, Pacific whiting catcher/processor sector (declaration
code 22);
(9) Limited entry midwater trawl, Pacific whiting mothership sector (catcher vessel or
mothership), observer (declaration code 23);
(10) Limited entry midwater trawl, Pacific whiting mothership sector (catcher vessel),
electronic monitoring (declaration code 23);
(11) Limited entry bottom trawl, shorebased IFQ, not including demersal trawl or selective
flatfish trawl, observer (declaration code 30);
(12) Limited entry bottom trawl, shorebased IFQ, not including demersal trawl or selective
flatfish trawl, electronic monitoring (declaration code 30);
(13) Limited entry demersal trawl, shorebased IFQ, observer (declaration code 31);
(14) Limited entry demersal trawl, shorebased IFQ, electronic monitoring (declaration
code 31);
(15) Limited entry selective flatfish trawl, shorebased IFQ, observer (declaration code 32);
(16) Limited entry selective flatfish trawl, shorebased IFQ, electronic monitoring
(declaration code 32);
(17) Non-groundfish trawl gear for pink shrimp (declaration code 41);
(18) Non-groundfish trawl gear for ridgeback prawn (declaration code 40);
(19) Non-groundfish trawl gear for California halibut (declaration code 42);
(20) Non-groundfish trawl gear for sea cucumber (declaration code 43);
(21) Directed open access bottom contact hook-and-line gear for groundfish (e.g., bottom
longline, commercial vertical hook-and-line, rod and reel, dinglebar) (declaration code
33);
(22) Open access Pacific halibut longline gear (declaration code 62);
(23) Directed open access groundfish trap or pot gear (declaration code 34);
(24) Open access Dungeness crab trap or pot gear (declaration code 61);
(25) Open access prawn trap or pot gear (declaration code 60);
(26) Open access sheephead trap or pot gear (declaration code 65);
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50 CFR 660.13(d)(4)(iv)(A)(27)

(27) Directed open access non-bottom contact hook and line gear for groundfish (e.g.,
troll, jig gear, rod & reel gear) (outside the Non-Trawl RCA only) (declaration code 35);
(28) Directed open access non-bottom contact stationary vertical jig gear (allowed inside
or outside the Non-Trawl RCA) (declaration code 36);
(29) Directed open access non-bottom contact troll gear (allowed inside or outside the
Non-Trawl RCA) (declaration code 37);
(30) Limited entry fixed gear non-bottom contact stationary vertical jig gear (allowed
inside or outside the Non-Trawl RCA) (declaration code 12);
(31) Limited entry fixed gear non-bottom contact groundfish troll gear (allowed inside or
outside the Non-Trawl RCA) (declaration code 13);
(32) Limited entry groundfish non-trawl, shorebased IFQ, non-bottom contact stationary
vertical jig gear (allowed inside or outside the Non-Trawl RCA) (declaration code 14);
(33) Limited entry groundfish non-trawl, shorebased IFQ, non-bottom contact groundfish
troll gear (allowed inside or outside the Non-Trawl RCA) (declaration code 15);
(34) Open access HMS line gear (declaration code 66);
(35) Open access salmon troll gear (declaration code 63);
(36) Open access California Halibut line gear (declaration code 64);
(37) Open access Coastal Pelagic Species net gear (declaration code 67);
(38) Other, a gear that is not listed above (declaration code 69);
(39) Tribal trawl gear (declaration code 50);
(40) Open access set net or gillnet gear—California (declaration 68); or
(41) Gear testing, Trawl Rationalization fishery (declaration code 70).
(B) [Reserved]
(v) Upon receipt of a declaration report, NMFS will provide a confirmation code or receipt to
confirm that a valid declaration report was received for the vessel. Vessel owners or operators
are responsible for retaining the confirmation code or receipt to verify that a valid declaration
report was filed.
[75 FR 60897, Oct. 1, 2010, as amended at 75 FR 78374, Dec. 15, 2010; 76 FR 74733, Dec. 1, 2011; 81 FR 84425, Nov. 23, 2016; 83
FR 62275, Dec. 3, 2018; 83 FR 66637, Dec. 27, 2018; 84 FR 31158, June 28, 2019; 84 FR 32098, July 5, 2019; 85 FR 35600, June 11,
2020; 86 FR 10867, Feb. 23, 2021; 87 FR 59713, 59728, Oct. 3, 2022; 87 FR 74328, Dec. 5, 2022; 88 FR 12867, Mar. 1, 2023; 88 FR
83840, Dec. 1, 2023; 89 FR 101522-101523, Dec. 16, 2024; 90 FR 15414, Apr. 11, 2025]

§ 660.14 Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) requirements.
(a) What is a VMS? A VMS consists of a NMFS OLE type-approved mobile transceiver unit that automatically
determines the vessel's position and transmits it to a NMFS OLE type-approved communications service
provider. The communications service provider receives the transmission and relays it to NMFS OLE.

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50 CFR 660.14(b)

(b) Who is Required to Have a VMS? The following vessels are required to install a NMFS OLE type-approved
mobile transceiver unit and to arrange for a NMFS OLE type-approved communications service provider to
receive and relay transmissions to NMFS OLE prior to fishing:
(1) Any vessel registered for use with a limited entry “A” endorsed permit (i.e., not an MS permit) that
fishes in state or Federal waters seaward of the baseline from which the territorial sea is measured
off the States of Washington, Oregon or California (0-200 nm offshore).
(2) Any vessel that uses non-groundfish trawl gear to fish in the EEZ.
(3) Any vessel that uses open access gear to take and retain, or possess groundfish in the EEZ or land
groundfish taken in the EEZ.
(c) How are Mobile Transceiver Units and Communications Service Providers Approved by NMFS OLE?
(1) NMFS OLE will publish type-approval specifications for VMS components in the FEDERAL REGISTER or
notify the public through other appropriate media.
(2) Mobile transceiver unit manufacturers or communication service providers will submit products or
services to NMFS OLE for evaluation based on the published specifications.
(3) NMFS OLE may publish a list of NMFS OLE type-approved mobile transceiver units and
communication service providers for the Pacific Coast groundfish fishery in the FEDERAL REGISTER or
notify the public through other appropriate media. As necessary, NMFS OLE may publish
amendments to the list of type-approved mobile transceiver units and communication service
providers in the FEDERAL REGISTER or through other appropriate media. A list of VMS transceivers that
have been type-approved by NMFS OLE may be mailed to the permit owner's address of record.
NMFS will bear no responsibility if a notification is sent to the address of record and is not received
because the applicant's actual address has changed without notification to NMFS, as required at §
660.25(b)(4)(i)(B).
(d) What are the Vessel Owner's Responsibilities? If you are a vessel owner that must participate in the VMS
program, you or the vessel operator must:
(1) Obtain a NMFS OLE type-approved mobile transceiver unit and have it installed on board your vessel
in accordance with the instructions provided by NMFS OLE. You may obtain a copy of the VMS
installation and operation instructions from the NMFS OLE West Coast Region, VMS Program
Manager upon request at 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115-6349, phone: 888-585-5518 or
[email protected].
(2) Activate the mobile transceiver unit, submit an activation report at least 72 hours prior to leaving port
on a trip in which VMS is required, and receive confirmation from NMFS OLE that the VMS
transmissions are being received before participating in a fishery requiring the VMS. Instructions for
submitting an activation report may be obtained from the NMFS OLE West Coast Region, VMS
Program Manager upon request at 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115-6349, phone:
888-585-5518 or [email protected]. An activation report must again be submitted to NMFS OLE
following reinstallation of a mobile transceiver unit or change in service provider before the vessel
may be used to fish in a fishery requiring the VMS.
(i)

Activation reports. If you are a vessel owner who must use VMS and you are activating a VMS
transceiver unit for the first time or reactivating a VMS transceiver unit following a reinstallation
of a mobile transceiver unit or change in service provider, you must fax NMFS OLE an activation
report that includes: Vessel name; vessel owner's name, address and telephone number, vessel

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50 CFR 660.14(d)(2)(ii)

operator's name, address and telephone number, USCG vessel documentation number/state
registration number; if applicable, the groundfish permit number the vessel is registered to;
VMS transceiver unit manufacturer; VMS communications service provider; VMS transceiver
identification; identifying if the unit is the primary or backup; and a statement signed and dated
by the vessel owner confirming compliance with the installation procedures provided by NMFS
OLE.
(ii) Transferring ownership of VMS unit. Ownership of the VMS transceiver unit may be transferred
from one vessel owner to another vessel owner if all of the following documents are provided
to NMFS OLE: A new activation report, which identifies that the transceiver unit was previously
registered to another vessel; a notarized bill of sale showing proof of ownership of the VMS
transceiver unit; documentation from the communications service provider showing proof that
the service agreement for the previous vessel was terminated and that a service agreement
was established for the new vessel.
(3) Operate and maintain the mobile transceiver unit in good working order continuously, 24 hours a day
throughout the fishing year, unless such vessel is exempted under paragraph (d)(4) of this section.
(i)

Position frequency. The mobile transceiver unit must transmit a signal accurately indicating the
vessel's position at least once every 15 minutes, 24 hours a day, throughout the year unless an
exemption in paragraph (d)(3)(ii) of this section applies or a valid exemption report, as
described in paragraph (d)(4) of this section, has been received by NMFS OLE. The signal
indicating the vessel's position can consist of either: A single position report transmitted every
15 minutes; or a series of position reports, at no more than a 15 minute interval, combined and
transmitted at least once every hour.

(ii) Exemptions to position frequency requirement —
(A) Electronic monitoring exemption. If a vessel has an electronic monitoring system installed
and in use for the duration of a given fishing year, the mobile transceiver unit must
transmit a signal at least once every hour.
(B) Midwater trawl exemption. If a limited entry trawl vessel is fishing with midwater trawl gear
under declarations in § 660.13(d)(4)(iv)(A), the mobile transceiver unit must transmit a
signal at least once every hour.
(C) In port exemption. If a vessel remains in port for an extended period of time, the mobile
transceiver unit must transmit a signal at least once every four hours. The mobile
transceiver unit must remain in continuous operation at all times unless the vessel is
exempt under paragraph (d)(4) of this section.
(D) Pink shrimp trawl exemption. If a vessel is fishing for pink shrimp using non-groundfish
trawl gear under declarations in § 660.13(d)(4)(iv)(A), the mobile transceiver unit must
transmit a signal at least once every hour.
(4) VMS exemptions. A vessel that is required to operate and maintain the mobile transceiver unit
continuously 24 hours a day throughout the fishing year may be exempted from this requirement if a
valid exemption report, as described at paragraph (d)(4)(ix) of this section, is received by NMFS OLE
and the vessel is in compliance with all conditions and requirements of the VMS exemption
identified in this section and specified in the exemption report.

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(i)

50 CFR 660.14(d)(4)(i)

Haul out exemption. When it is anticipated that a vessel will be continuously out of the water for
more than 7 consecutive days and a valid exemption report has been received by NMFS OLE,
electrical power to the VMS mobile transceiver unit may be removed and transmissions may be
discontinued. Under this exemption, VMS transmissions can be discontinued from the time the
vessel is removed from the water until the time that the vessel is placed back in the water.

(ii) Outside areas exemption. When the vessel will be operating seaward of the EEZ off Washington,
Oregon, or California continuously for more than 7 consecutive days and a valid exemption
report has been received by NMFS OLE, the VMS mobile transceiver unit transmissions may be
reduced or discontinued from the time the vessel leaves the EEZ off the coasts of Washington,
Oregon or California until the time that the vessel re-enters the EEZ off the coasts of
Washington, Oregon or California. Under this exemption, the vessel owner or operator can
request that NMFS OLE reduce or discontinue the VMS transmissions after receipt of an
exemption report, if the vessel is equipped with a VMS transceiver unit that NMFS OLE has
approved for this exemption.
(iii) Permit exemption. If a limited entry permit had a change in vessel registration so that it is no
longer registered to the vessel (for the purposes of this section, this includes permits placed
into “unidentified” status); or if a directed open access permit has not yet been renewed, NMFS
may exempt the vessel from VMS requirements providing the vessel is not used in a fishery
requiring VMS off the States of Washington, Oregon, or California (0-200 nm (5.6-370.4 km)
offshore) for the remainder of the fishing year.
(iv) Long-term departure exemption. A vessel participating in the open access fishery that is
required to have VMS under paragraph (b)(2) of this section may be exempted from VMS
provisions after the end of the fishing year in which it used non-groundfish trawl gear, providing
the vessel submits a completed exemption report signed by the vessel owner that includes a
statement signed by the vessel owner indicating that the vessel will not use non-groundfish
trawl gear to fish in the EEZ during the new fishing year. A vessel participating in the open
access fishery that is required to have VMS under paragraph (b)(3) of this section also may be
exempted from VMS provisions after the end of the fishing year in which it fished in the open
access fishery, providing the vessel submits a completed exemption report signed by the vessel
owner that includes a statement signed by the vessel owner indicating that the vessel will not
be used to take and retain or possess groundfish in the EEZ or land groundfish taken in the EEZ
during the new fishing year.
(v) Maintenance Exemption. When it is anticipated that a vessel will be without power or in a
maintenance condition for more than 4 consecutive hours, preventing operation of the vessel's
VMS unit, and if a valid exemption report has been received by NMFS OLE, electrical power to
the VMS mobile transceiver unit may be removed and transmissions may be discontinued.
Under this exemption, VMS transmissions can be discontinued from the time the vessel is in
the maintenance condition until the time the maintenance is completed.
(vi) Sale of Vessel Exemption. When a new vessel owner purchases a vessel with VMS and does not
intend to participate in an activity requiring VMS, but the previous vessel owner had not
received a VMS exemption prior to the sale, VMS transmissions may be discontinued by the
new vessel owner. Under this exemption, VMS transmissions can be discontinued indefinitely,
upon purchase of the vessel, and no subsequent VMS transmissions will be required unless the
new vessel owner engages in an activity requiring VMS.

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50 CFR 660.14(d)(4)(vii)

(vii) Emergency exemption. Vessels required to have VMS under paragraph (b) of this section may
be exempted from VMS provisions in emergency situations that are beyond the vessel owner's
control, including but not limited to: Fire, flooding, or extensive physical damage to critical areas
of the vessel. A vessel owner may apply for an emergency exemption from the VMS
requirements specified in paragraph (b) of this section for his/her vessel by sending a written
request to NMFS OLE specifying the following information: The reasons for seeking an
exemption, including any supporting documents (e.g., repair invoices, photographs showing
damage to the vessel, insurance claim forms, etc.); the time period for which the exemption is
requested; and the location of the vessel while the exemption is in effect. NMFS OLE will issue
a written determination granting or denying the emergency exemption request. A vessel will not
be covered by the emergency exemption until NMFS OLE issues a determination granting the
exemption. If an exemption is granted, the duration of the exemption will be specified in the
NMFS OLE determination.
(viii) Submission of exemption reports. Signed long-term departure exemption reports must be
submitted by fax or by emailing an electronic copy of the actual report. In the event of an
emergency in which an emergency exemption request will be submitted, initial contact with
NMFS OLE must be made by telephone, fax or email within 24 hours from when the incident
occurred. Emergency exemption requests must be requested in writing within 72 hours from
when the incident occurred. Maintenance exemption requests must include signed written
documentation of the work being done and the name of the company doing the work, if
applicable. Sale of Vessel exemption requests must include documentation of purchase of the
vessel by the new owner. Other exemption reports must be submitted through the VMS or
another method that is approved by NMFS OLE and announced in the FEDERAL REGISTER.
Submission methods for exemption requests, except maintenance, sale of vessel, long-term
departures and emergency exemption requests, may include email, facsimile, or telephone.
NMFS OLE will provide, through appropriate media, instructions to the public on submitting
exemption reports. Instructions and other information needed to make exemption reports may
be mailed to the vessel owner's address of record. NMFS will bear no responsibility if a
notification is sent to the address of record for the vessel owner and is not received because
the vessel owner's actual address has changed without notification to NMFS. Owners of
vessels required to use VMS who do not receive instructions by mail are responsible for
contacting NMFS OLE during business hours at least 3 days before the exemption is required to
be submitted to obtain information needed to make exemption reports. NMFS OLE must be
contacted during business hours (Monday through Friday between 0800 and 1700 Pacific
Time).
(ix) Valid exemption reports. For an exemption report to be valid, it must be received by NMFS at
least 2 hours and not more than 24 hours before the exempted activities defined at paragraphs
(d)(4)(i) through (vi) of this section occur. An exemption report is valid until NMFS receives a
report canceling the exemption. An exemption cancellation must be received at least 2 hours
before the vessel re-enters the EEZ following an outside areas exemption; at least 2 hours
before the vessel is placed back in the water following a haul out exemption; at least 2 hours
before the vessel operates following a maintenance exemption; at least 2 hours before the
vessel resumes fishing for a species of fish or with gear requiring VMS in state or Federal
waters off the States of Washington, Oregon, or California after it has received a permit
exemption; or at least 2 hours before a vessel resumes fishing in the open access fishery after
a long-term departure exemption. If a vessel is required to submit an activation report under
paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section before returning to fish, that report may substitute for the
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50 CFR 660.14(d)(5)

exemption cancellation. Initial contact must be made with NMFS OLE not more than 24 hours
after the time that an emergency situation occurred in which VMS transmissions were
disrupted and followed by a written emergency exemption request within 72 hours from when
the incident occurred. If the emergency situation upon which an emergency exemption is based
is resolved before the exemption expires, an exemption cancellation must be received by NMFS
at least 2 hours before the vessel resumes fishing.
(5) When aware that transmission of automatic position reports has been interrupted, or when notified
by NMFS OLE that automatic position reports are not being received, contact NMFS West Coast
Region, VMS Program Manager upon request at 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115-6349,
phone: 888-585-5518 or [email protected] and follow the instructions provided to you. Such
instructions may include, but are not limited to, manually communicating to a location designated by
NMFS OLE the vessel's position or returning to port until the VMS is operable.
(6) After a fishing trip during which interruption of automatic position reports has occurred, the vessel's
owner or operator must replace or repair the mobile transceiver unit prior to the vessel's next fishing
trip. Repair or reinstallation of a mobile transceiver unit or installation of a replacement, including
change of communications service provider shall be in accordance with the instructions provided by
NMFS OLE and require the same certification.
(7) Make the mobile transceiver units available for inspection by NMFS OLE personnel, USCG personnel,
state enforcement personnel or any authorized officer.
(8) Ensure that the mobile transceiver unit is not tampered with, disabled, destroyed, operated, or
maintained improperly.
(9) Pay all charges levied by the communication service provider as necessary to ensure continuous
operation of the VMS transceiver units.
[75 FR 60897, Oct. 1, 2010, as amended at 75 FR 78374, Dec. 15, 2010; 76 FR 74733, Dec. 1, 2011; 85 FR 35600, June 11, 2020; 87
FR 11599, Mar. 2, 2022; 88 FR 83841, Dec. 1, 2023; 89 FR 101524, Dec. 16, 2024]

§ 660.15 Equipment requirements.
(a) Applicability. This section contains the equipment and operational requirements for scales used to weigh
catch at sea, scales used to weigh catch at IFQ first receivers, hardware and software for electronic fish
tickets, and computer hardware for electronic logbook software. Unless otherwise specified by regulation,
the operator or manager must retain, for 3 years, a copy of all records described in this section and make
the records available upon request to NMFS staff or an authorized officer.
(b) Scales used to weigh fish at sea. Vessel owners, operators, and managers are jointly and severally
responsible for their vessel's compliance with the requirements specified in this section.
(1) Performance and technical requirements for scales in the MS and C/P Co-op Programs. A scale used
to weigh fish in the MS and C/P Co-op Programs must meet the type evaluation, initial inspection,
and annual reinspection requirements set forth in 50 CFR 679.28(b)(1) and (2), and must be
approved by NMFS to weigh fish at sea.
(2) Annual inspection. Once a scale is installed on a vessel and approved by NMFS for use to weigh fish
at sea, it must be reinspected annually within 12 months of the date of the most recent inspection to
determine if the scale meets all of the applicable performance and technical requirements as
described in 50 CFR 679.28(b).
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50 CFR 660.15(b)(3)

(3) Daily testing. Each scale used to weigh fish must be tested at least once each calendar day to ensure
that each scale meets the maximum permissible error requirements described at paragraph (b)(4) of
this section.
(4) Daily at-sea scale tests. To verify that the scale meets the maximum permissible errors specified in
this paragraph, each scale used to weigh fish must be tested at least one time during each calendar
day when use of the scale is required. The tests must be performed in an accurate and timely
manner.
(i)

Flow or Belt scales —
(A) Maximum permissible errors. The maximum permissible errors for the daily at-sea scale
test is plus or minus 3 percent of the known weight of the test material.
(B) Test Procedure. A test must be conducted by weighing no less than 400 kg (882 lb) 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 run of test material across the scale may
weigh less than 40 kg (88.2 lb). The known weight of test material must be determined at
the time of each scale test by weighing it on a platform scale approved for use under 50
CFR 679.28(b)(7).

(ii) Platform scales required for observer sampling or to determine known weight of test material on
mothership and catcher/processor vessels —
(A) Maximum permissible errors. The maximum permissible errors for the daily at-sea scale
test for platform scales is plus or minus 0.5 percent of the weight tested.
(B) Test Procedure. A platform scale used for observer sampling must be tested at 10, 25, and
50 kg (or 20, 50, and 100 lb if the scale is denominated in pounds) using approved test
weights. Any combination of test weights that will allow the scale to be tested at 10 kg, 25
kg, and 50 kg may be used. A platform scale used to weigh fish must be tested at a weight
equal to the largest amount of fish that will be weighed on the scale in one weighing.
(C) Approved 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.
(iii) Requirements for all at-sea scale tests. The following conditions must be met:
(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 at-sea scale test report form:
(1) Vessel name;
(2) Month, day, and year of test;
(3) Time test started to the nearest minute in local time;
(4) Known weight of test materials or test weights;
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50 CFR 660.15(b)(4)(iii)(B)(5)

(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 operator.
(C) Maintain the scale test report form from all at-sea scale tests, including test report forms
from failed scale tests on board the vessel until the end of the fishing year during which
the tests were conducted, and make the report forms available to observers, NMFS staff,
or authorized officers. In addition, the scale test report forms must be retained for 3 years
after the end of the fishing year during which the tests were performed. Each scale test
report form must be signed by the operator immediately following completion of each
scale test.
(5) Scale maintenance. The scale must be maintained in proper operating condition throughout its use;
adjustments made to the scale must be made to bring the performance errors as close as
practicable to a zero value; and no adjustment may be made that will cause the scale to weigh fish
inaccurately.
(6) Printed reports from the scale (not applicable to observer sampling scales). Printed reports are
provided to NMFS 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 made available
to observers, NMFS staff or authorized officers. In addition, printed reports must be retained for 3
years after the end of the year during which the printouts were made.
(i)

Printed reports of catch weight and cumulative weight. Reports must be printed at least once
every calendar day 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, slime, mud, debris,
or other materials. Scale printouts must show:
(A) The vessel name and Federal vessel permit number;
(B) The date and time the information was printed;
(C) The haul number;
(D) The total weight of the haul; and
(E) The total cumulative weight of all fish and other material weighed on the scale since the
last annual inspection.

(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 50 CFR part 679. 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, NMFS personnel or an authorized officer.
(iii) Printed report from calibration log. The operator must print the calibration log on request by
NMFS staff or an authorized officer, or person authorized by NMFS. The calibration log must be
printed and retained before any information stored in the scale computer memory is replaced.

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50 CFR 660.15(b)(6)(iii)(A)

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 local time;
(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 operator must print the fault log on request by NMFS
staff, an authorized officer or person authorized by NMFS. The fault log must be printed and
retained 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 local time;
(C) The month, day, year, and time that each fault began to the nearest minute in local time;
and
(D) The month, day, year, and time that each fault was resolved to the nearest minute in local
time.
(v) Platform scales used for observer sampling. A platform scale used for observer sampling is not
required to produce a printed record.
(7) Video monitoring for scales used by the vessel crew to weigh catch. Mothership or Catcher/Processor
vessels required to weigh fish under the regulations in this section must provide and maintain a
NMFS-approved video monitoring system as specified in paragraph (e) of this section.
(c) Scales used to weigh fish at IFQ first receivers—performance and technical requirements. Scale
requirements in this paragraph are in addition to those requirements set forth by the State in which the
scale is located, 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. Scales used to weigh fish that are also
required to be approved by the State must meet the following requirements:
(1) Verification of approval. The scale must display a valid sticker indicating that the scale is currently
approved in accordance with the laws of the state where the scale is located.
(2) Visibility. The IFQ first receiver must ensure that the scale and scale display are visible
simultaneously to the catch monitor. Catch monitors, NMFS staff, NMFS-authorized personnel, or
authorized officers 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.

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(i)

50 CFR 660.15(c)(3)(i)

An IFQ first receiver must ensure that printouts of the scale weight of each delivery or offload
are made available to the catch monitor, NMFS staff, to NMFS-authorized personnel, or to
authorized officers at the time printouts are generated. An IFQ first receiver must maintain
printouts on site until the end of the fishing year during which the printouts were made and
make them available upon request by the catch monitor, NMFS staff, NMFS-authorized
personnel, or authorized officers for 3 years after the end of the fishing year during which the
printout was made.

(ii) All scales identified in a catch monitoring plan (see § 660.140(f)(3)) must produce a printed
record for each landing, or portion of a landing, weighed on that scale. NMFS may exempt,
through approval of the NMFS-accepted catch monitoring plan, scales not designed for
automatic bulk weighing from part or all of the printed record requirements. IFQ first receivers
that receive no more than 200,000 pounds of groundfish in any calendar month may be exempt
under § 660.140(j)(2). For scales that must produce a printed record, the printed record must
include:
(A) The IFQ first receiver's name;
(B) The weight of each load in the weighing cycle;
(C) The total weight of fish in each landing, or portion of the landing that was weighed on that
scale;
(D) For belt scales and weight belts, the total cumulative weight of all fish or other material
weighed on the scale since the last inspection;
(E) The date the information is printed; and
(F) The name and vessel registration or documentation number of the vessel making the
landing. The person operating the scale may write this information on the scale printout in
ink at the time of printing.
(4) Inseason scale testing. IFQ first receivers must allow, and provide reasonable assistance to NMFS
staff, NMFS-authorized personnel, and authorized officers to test scales used to weigh IFQ fish. A
scale that does not pass an inseason test may not be used to weigh IFQ fish until the scale passes
an inseason test or is approved for continued use by the weights and measures authorities of the
State in which the scale is located.
(i)

Inseason testing criteria. To pass an inseason test, NMFS staff or authorized officers must be
able to verify that:
(A) The scale display and printed information are clear and easily read under all conditions of
normal operation;
(B) Weight values are visible on the display until the value is printed;
(C) The scale does not exceed the maximum permissible errors specified in this paragraph:
(1) Flow scales (also known as belt scales and weight belts). The maximum permissible
error is plus or minus 0.25 percent of the known weight of the test material with
repeatability between tests of no more than 0.25 percent. Percent error is 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.

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50 CFR 660.15(c)(4)(i)(C)(2)

(2) All other scales.

Test load in scale divisions

Maximum error in scale divisions

(i) 0-500

1

(ii) 501-2,000

2

(iii) 2,001-4,000

3

(iv) >4,000

5

(D) Automatic weighing systems. An automatic weighing system must be provided and
operational that will prevent fish from passing over the scale or entering any weighing
hopper unless the following criteria are met:
(1) No catch may enter or leave a weighing hopper until the weighing cycle is complete;
(2) No product may be cycled and weighed if the weight recording element is not
operational; and
(3) No product may enter a weighing hopper until the prior weighing cycle has been
completed and the scale indicator has returned to a zero.
(ii) [Reserved]
(d) Electronic fish tickets. First receivers are required to meet the hardware and software requirements below.
(1) Hardware and software requirements. A personal computer system, tablet, mobile device, or other
device that has software (e.g., web browser) capable of submitting information over the internet,
such that submission to Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission can be executed effectively.
(2) Internet access. The first receiver is responsible for maintaining internet access sufficient to access
the web-based interface and submit completed electronic fish ticket forms.
(3) Maintenance. The first receiver is responsible for ensuring that all hardware and software required
under this subsection are fully operational and functional whenever they receive, purchase, or take
custody, control, or possession of groundfish species for which an electronic fish ticket is required.
“Functional” means that the software requirements and minimum hardware requirements described
at paragraphs (d)(1) and (2) of this section are met and submission to Pacific States Marine
Fisheries Commission can be executed effectively by the equipment.
(4) Improving data quality. Vessel owners and operators, first receivers, or shoreside processor owners,
or managers may contact NMFS to request assistance in improving data quality and resolving
issues. Requests may be submitted to: Attn: Electronic Fish Ticket Monitoring, National Marine
Fisheries Service, West Coast Region, Sustainable Fisheries Division, 7600 Sand Point Way, NE.,
Seattle, WA 98115.
(e) Video monitoring systems used monitor at-sea scales —
(1) Performance and technical requirements for video monitoring systems for the MS and C/P Co-op
Programs. A video monitoring system used to monitor at-sea scales must meet the system
requirements and system inspections, set forth in 50 CFR 679.28(e)(1) through (4) and be issued a
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50 CFR 660.15(e)(1)(i)

Video Monitoring Inspection Report verifying that the video system meets all applicable
requirements for use in the Alaska Pollock fishery. Any change to the system must meet the
requirements specified at 50 CFR 679.28(e)(7) and be approved by the Alaska Regional
Administrator in writing before any changes are made.
(i)

MS or C/P vessels required to weigh fish at sea under the regulations in this section must:
(A) Provide and maintain a video monitoring system that provides 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.
(B) Record and retain video for all periods when catch that must be weighed is on board the
vessel.

(ii) [Reserved]
(2) Video Monitoring System Inspection Report. A current NMFS-issued Video Monitoring System
Inspection Report must be maintained on board the vessel at all times the vessel is required to have
an approved video monitoring system. The Video Monitoring System Inspection Report must be
made available to the observer, NMFS staff, or to an authorized officer upon request.
(3) Retention of records. Consistent with the requirements set forth at 50 CFR 679.28(e)(1), the video
data must be maintained on the vessel and made available on request by NMFS staff, 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 operator in writing that the
video data may be retained for less than this 120-day period.
[75 FR 78375, Dec. 15, 2010, as amended at 76 FR 74733, Dec. 1, 2011; 77 FR 55155, Sept. 7, 2012; 81 FR 27008, May 5, 2016; 81
FR 84426, Nov. 23, 2016; 88 FR 81358, Nov. 22, 2023]

§ 660.16 Groundfish observer program.
(a) General. Vessel owners, operators, and managers are jointly and severally responsible for their vessel's
compliance with observer requirements specified in this section and within §§ 660.140, 660.150, 660.160,
660.216, or 660.316.
(b) Purpose. The purpose of the Groundfish Observer Program is to collect fisheries data necessary and
appropriate for, among other relevant purposes, management, compliance monitoring, and research in the
groundfish fisheries and for the conservation of living marine resources.

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50 CFR 660.16(c)

(c) Observer coverage requirements. The following table provides references to the paragraphs in the Pacific
coast groundfish subparts that contain fishery specific requirements. Observer coverage required for the
Shorebased IFQ Program, MS Co-op Program, or C/P Co-op Program shall not be used to comply with
observer coverage requirements for any other Pacific coast groundfish fishery in which that vessel may
also participate.

West coast groundfish fishery

Regulation
section

(1) Shorebased IFQ Program—Trawl Fishery

§ 660.140(h)

(2) MS Co-op Program—Whiting At-sea Trawl
Fishery

§ 660.150(j)

Observer program branch
office
West Coast Groundfish.

(i) Motherships

At-sea Hake.

(ii) Catcher Vessels

West Coast Groundfish.

(3) C/P Co-op Program—Whiting At-sea Trawl
Fishery

§ 660.160(g)

(4) Fixed Gear Fisheries

§ 660.216

At-sea Hake.

(i) Harvester vessels

West Coast Groundfish.

(ii) Processing vessels

West Coast Groundfish.

(5) Open Access Fisheries

§ 660.316

(i) Harvester vessels

West Coast Groundfish.

(ii) Processing vessels

West Coast Groundfish.

(d) Observer certifications and responsibilities. For the Shorebased IFQ Program see § 660.140(h), for the MS
Co-op Program see § 660.150(j), and, for the C/P Co-op Program see § 660.160(g).
(e) Application process to become an observer provider. See § 660.18.
[75 FR 78376, Dec. 15, 2010, as amended at 80 FR 22280, Apr. 21, 2015; 88 FR 81358, Nov. 22, 2023]

§ 660.17 Catch monitor program.
(a) General. The first receiver site license holder, the first receiver site license authorized representative,
facility operators and managers are jointly and severally responsible for the first receiver being in
compliance with catch monitor requirements specified in this section and at § 660.140 (i).
(b) Purpose. The purpose of the Catch Monitor Program is to, among other related matters, confirm that the
IFQ landings are accurately sorted, weighed and reported on electronic fish tickets.
(c) Catch monitor coverage requirements. Catch monitor coverage requirements for the Shorebased IFQ
Program are specified at § 660.140(i).
(d) Catch monitor certification and responsibilities. Catch monitor certification authorizes an individual to
fulfill duties as specified by NMFS while under the employ of a catch monitor provider.

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50 CFR 660.17(d)(1)

(1) Catch monitor training certification. A training certification signifies the successful completion of the
training course required to obtain catch monitor certification. This certification expires when the
catch monitor has not been deployed and performed sampling duties as required by the Catch
Monitor Program Office for a period of time, specified by the Catch Monitor Program, after his or her
most recent debriefing. The certification is renewed by successful completion of the training course.
(2) Catch Monitor Program annual briefing. Each catch monitor must attend a briefing prior to his or her
first deployment within any calendar year subsequent to a year in which a training certification is
obtained. To maintain a certification, a catch monitor must successfully complete any required
briefing specified by the Catch Monitor Program. All briefing attendance, performance, and conduct
standards required by the Catch Monitor Program must be met prior to any deployment.
(3) Catch monitor certification requirements. NMFS may certify individuals who:
(i)

Are employed by a catch monitor provider at the time of the issuance of the certification and
qualified, as described at paragraph (f)(1)(i) through (viii) of this section and have provided
proof of qualifications to NMFS, through the catch monitor provider.

(ii) Have successfully completed catch monitor certification training.
(A) Successful completion of training by an applicant consists of meeting all attendance and
conduct standards; meeting all performance standards for assignments, tests, and other
evaluation tools; and completing all other training requirements established by the Catch
Monitor Program.
(B) If a candidate fails training, he or she will be notified in writing on or before the last day of
training. The notification will indicate: The reasons the candidate failed the training;
whether the candidate can retake the training, and under what conditions.
(iii) Have not been decertified as an observer or catch monitor under provisions in §§ 660.17(g),
and 660.140(h)(6), 660.150(j)(5), 660.160(g)(5) or 679.53(c) of this chapter.
(4) Maintaining the validity of a catch monitor certification. After initial issuance, a catch monitor must
keep their certification valid by meeting all of the following requirements specified below:
(i)

Successfully perform their assigned duties as described in the Catch Monitor Manual or other
written instructions from the Catch Monitor Program.

(ii) Accurately record their data, write complete reports, and report accurately any observations of
suspected violations of regulations relevant to conservation of marine resources or their
environment.
(iii) Consistent with NOAA data confidentiality guidance, not disclose data and observations made
on board a vessel to any person except the owner or operator of the observed vessel, an
authorized state or OLE officer, NMFS or the Catch Monitor Program; and, not disclose data and
observations made at a first receiver to any person other than the first receiver site license
holder, the first receiver site license authorized representative, facility operators and managers
an authorized state or OLE officer, NMFS or the Catch Monitor Program.
(iv) Successfully complete any required briefings as prescribed by the Catch Monitor Program.

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50 CFR 660.17(d)(4)(v)

(v) Successful completion of a briefing by a catch monitor consists of meeting all attendance and
conduct standards issued in writing at the start of training; meeting all performance standards
issued in writing at the start of training for assignments, tests, and other evaluation tools; and
completing all other briefing requirements established by the Catch Monitor Program.
(vi) Successfully meet all debriefing expectations including catch monitor performance standards
and reporting for assigned debriefings.
(vii) Submit all data and information required by the Catch Monitor Program within the program's
stated guidelines.
(viii) Have been deployed as a catch monitor within the 12 months prior to any required briefing,
unless otherwise authorized by the Catch Monitor Program.
(e) Catch monitor standards of behavior. Catch monitors must do the following:
(1) Perform authorized duties as described in training and instructional manuals or other written and
oral instructions provided by the Catch Monitor Program.
(2) Accurately record and submit the required data, which includes fish species composition,
identification, sorting, and weighing information.
(3) Write complete reports, and report accurately any observations of suspected violations of
regulations.
(4) Returns phone calls, emails, text messages, or other forms of communication within the time
specified by the Catch Monitor Program.
(5) Not disclose data and observations made on board a vessel to any person except the owner or
operator of the observed vessel, an authorized officer, NMFS or the Catch Monitor Program; and not
disclose data and observations made at a first receiver to any person other than the first receiver
site license holder, the first receiver site license authorized representative, facility operators and
managers an authorized officer, NMFS or the Catch Monitor Program.
(f) Catch monitor provider responsibilities —
(1) Provide qualified candidates to serve as catch monitors. To be qualified a candidate must:
(i)

Be a U.S. citizen or have authorization to work in the United States;

(ii) Be at least 18 years of age;
(iii) Have a high school diploma and;
(A) At least two years of study from an accredited college with a major study in natural
resource management, natural sciences, earth sciences, natural resource anthropology,
law enforcement/police science, criminal justice, public administration, behavioral
sciences, environmental sociology, or other closely related subjects pertinent to the
management and protection of natural resources, or;
(B) One year of specialized experience performing duties which involved communicating
effectively and obtaining cooperation, identifying and reporting problems or apparent
violations of regulations concerning the use of protected or public land areas, and carrying
out policies and procedures within a recreational area or natural resource site.

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50 CFR 660.17(f)(1)(iv)

(iv) Computer skills that enable the candidate to work competently with standard database
software and computer hardware.
(v) Have a current and valid driver's license.
(vi) Have had a background investigation and been found to have had no criminal or civil
convictions that would affect their performance or credibility as a catch monitor.
(vii) Have had health and physical fitness exams and been found to be fit for the job duties and work
conditions;
(A) Physical fitness exams shall be conducted by a medical doctor who has been provided
with a description of the job duties and work conditions and who provides a written
conclusion regarding the candidate's fitness relative to the required duties and work
conditions. A signed and dated statement from a licensed physician that he or she has
physically examined a catch monitor or catch monitor candidate. The statement must
confirm that, based on that physical examination, the catch monitor or catch monitor
candidate does not have any health problems or conditions that would jeopardize that
individual's safety or the safety of others while deployed, or prevent the catch monitor or
catch monitor candidate from performing his or her duties satisfactorily. The physician's
statement must be submitted to the Catch Monitor Program office prior to certification of
a catch monitor. The physical exam must have occurred during the 12 months prior to the
catch monitor's or catch monitor candidate's deployment. The physician's statement
expires 12 months after the physical exam occurred and a new physical exam must be
performed, and accompanying statement submitted, prior to any deployment occurring
after the expiration of the statement.
(B) The observer provider must submit copies of “certificates of insurance,” that names the
Catch Monitor Program Coordinator as the “certificate holder” to the Catch Monitor
Program Office by February 1 of each year. The certificates of insurance shall verify all
coverage provisions specified at § 600.748(b) and (c) of this chapter and state that the
insurance company will notify the certificate holder if insurance coverage is changed or
canceled.
(viii) Have signed a statement indicating that they are free from conflict of interest as described
under § 660.18(c).
(2) Catch monitor conduct and behavior. A catch monitor provider must develop and maintain a policy
addressing conduct and behavior for their employees that serve as catch monitors.
(i)

The policy shall address the following behavior and conduct regarding:
(A) Catch monitor use of alcohol;
(B) Catch monitor, possession, or distribution of illegal drugs; and
(C) Sexual contact with personnel off the vessels or processing facility to which the catch
monitor is assigned, or with any vessel or processing plant personnel who may be
substantially affected by the performance or non-performance of the catch monitor's
official duties.

(ii) A catch monitor provider shall provide a copy of its conduct and behavior policy to each
observer candidate and to the Catch Monitor Program by February 1 of each year.
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50 CFR 660.17(f)(3)

(3) Contract. Provide to the candidate a copy of a written contract signed by the catch monitor and catch
monitor provider that shows among other factors the following provisions for employment:
(i)

Compliance with the standards of conduct, responsibilities, conflict of interest standards and
drug and alcohol policy;

(ii) Willingness to complete all responsibilities of current deployment prior to performing jobs or
duties which are not part of the catch monitor responsibilities.
(iii) Commitment to return all sampling or safety equipment issued for the deployment.
(4) Catch monitors provided to a first receiver.
(i)

Must have a valid catch monitor certification;

(ii) Must not have informed the catch monitor provider prior to the time of assignment that he or
she is experiencing a mental illness or a physical ailment or injury developed since submission
of the physician's statement, as required in paragraph (f)(1)(vii)(A) of this section that would
prevent him or her from performing his or her assigned duties; and
(iii) Must have successfully completed all Catch Monitor Program required training and briefing
before assignment.
(5) Respond to industry requests for catch monitors. A catch monitor provider must provide a catch
monitor for assignment pursuant to the terms of the contractual relationship with the first receiver to
fulfill first receiver requirements for catch monitor coverage under § 660.140(i)(1). An alternate
catch monitor must be supplied in each case where injury or illness prevents the catch monitor from
performing his or her duties or where the catch monitor resigns prior to completion of his or her
duties. If the catch monitor provider is unable to respond to an industry request for catch monitor
coverage from a first receiver for whom the catch monitor provider is in a contractual relationship
due to the lack of available catch monitors, the catch monitor provider must report it to NMFS at
least four hours prior to the expected assignment time, unless the first receiver provides less than
four hour notice to the provider, in which case the provider is to notify the Catch Monitor Program as
soon as practical after the situation arises.
(6) Ensure that catch monitors complete duties in a timely manner. Catch monitor providers must ensure
that catch monitors employed by that catch monitor provider do the following in a complete and
timely manner:
(i)

Submit to NMFS all data, logbooks and reports as required under the Catch Monitor Program
deadlines.

(ii) Report for his or her scheduled debriefing and complete all debriefing responsibilities.
(7) Provide catch monitor salaries and benefits. A catch monitor provider must provide to its catch
monitor employees salaries and any other benefits and personnel services in accordance with the
terms of each catch monitor's contract.
(8) Provide catch monitor assignment logistics.
(i)

A catch monitor provider must ensure each of its catch monitors under contract:

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50 CFR 660.17(f)(8)(i)(A)

(A) Has an individually assigned mobile or cell phones, in working order, for all necessary
communication. A catch monitor provider may alternatively compensate catch monitors
for the use of the catch monitor's personal cell phone or pager for communications made
in support of, or necessary for, the catch monitor's duties.
(B) Has Internet access for Catch Monitor Program communications and data submission;
(C) Remains available to OLE and the Catch Monitor Program until the completion of the catch
monitors' debriefing.
(D) Receives all necessary transportation, including arrangements and logistics, of catch
monitors to the location of assignment, to all subsequent assignments during that
assignment, and to the debriefing location when an assignment ends for any reason; and
(E) Receives lodging, per diem, and any other services necessary to catch monitors assigned
to first receivers, as specified in the contract between the catch monitor and catch
monitor provider.
(F) While under contract with a catch monitor provider, each catch monitor shall be provided
with accommodations in accordance with the contract between the catch monitor and the
catch monitor provider. If the catch monitor provider is responsible for providing
accommodations under the contract with the catch monitor, the accommodations must
be at a licensed hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, or other accommodations that have an
assigned bed for each catch monitor that no other person may be assigned to for the
duration of that catch monitor's stay.
(ii) [Reserved]
(9) Catch monitor assignment limitations and workload.
(i)

Not assign a catch monitor to the same first receiver for more than 90 calendar days in a
12-month period, unless otherwise authorized by NMFS.

(ii) Not exceed catch monitor assignment limitations and workload as outlined in §
660.140(i)(3)(ii).
(10) Maintain communications with catch monitors. A catch monitor provider must have an employee
responsible for catch monitor activities on call 24 hours a day to handle emergencies involving catch
monitors or problems concerning catch monitor logistics, whenever catch monitors are assigned, or
in transit, or awaiting first receiver reassignment.
(11) Maintain communications with the Catch Monitor Program office. A catch monitor provider must
provide all of the following information by electronic transmission (email), fax, or other method
specified by NMFS.
(i)

Catch monitor training, briefing, and debriefing registration materials. This information must be
submitted to the Catch Monitor Program at least 10 business days prior to the beginning of a
scheduled catch monitor certification training or briefing session. Submissions received less
than 10 business days prior to the beginning of a scheduled catch monitor certification training
or briefing session will be approved by the Catch Monitor Program on a case-by-case basis.
(A) Training registration materials consist of the following:
(1) Date of requested training;

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50 CFR 660.17(f)(11)(i)(A)(2)

(2) A list of catch monitor candidates that includes each candidate's full name (i.e., first,
middle and last names), date of birth, and gender;
(3) A copy of each candidate's academic transcripts and resume;
(4) A statement signed by the candidate under penalty of perjury which discloses the
candidate's criminal convictions;
(B) Briefing registration materials consist of the following:
(1) Date and type of requested briefing session;
(2) List of catch monitors to attend the briefing session, that includes each catch
monitor's full name (first, middle, and last names);
(C) The Catch Monitor Program will notify the catch monitor provider which catch monitors
require debriefing and the specific time period the catch monitor provider has to schedule
a date, time, and location for debriefing. The catch monitor provider must contact the
Catch Monitor Program within 5 business days by telephone to schedule debriefings.
(1) Catch monitor providers must immediately notify the Catch Monitor Program when
catch monitors end their contract earlier than anticipated.
(2) [Reserved]
(ii) Catch monitor provider contracts. If requested, catch monitor providers must submit to the
Catch Monitor Program a completed and unaltered copy of each type of signed and valid
contract (including all attachments, appendices, addendums, and exhibits incorporated into the
contract) between the catch monitor provider and those entities requiring catch monitor
services under § 660.140(i)(1). Catch monitor providers must also submit to the Catch Monitor
Program upon request, a completed and unaltered copy of the current or most recent signed
and valid contract (including all attachments, appendices, addendums, and exhibits
incorporated into the contract and any agreements or policies with regard to catch monitor
compensation or salary levels) between the catch monitor provider and the particular entity
identified by the Catch Monitor Program or with specific catch monitors. The copies must be
submitted to the Catch Monitor Program via email, fax, or mail within 5 business days of the
request. Signed and valid contracts include the contracts a catch monitor provider has with:
(A) First receivers required to have catch monitor coverage as specified at paragraph §
660.140(i)(1); and
(B) Catch monitors.
(iii) Change in catch monitor provider management and contact information. A catch monitor
provider must submit to the Catch Monitor Program any change of management or contact
information as required at § 660.18(h).
(iv) Catch monitor status report. Each Tuesday, catch monitor providers must provide the Catch
Monitor Program with an updated list of deployments per Catch Monitor Program protocol.
Deployment information includes provider name, catch monitor last name, catch monitor first
name, trip start date, trip end date, status of catch monitor, vessel name and vessel
identification number, date monitored offload, and first receiver assignment.

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50 CFR 660.17(f)(11)(v)

(v) Informational materials. Catch monitor providers must submit to NMFS, if requested, copies of
any information developed and used by the catch monitor providers and distributed to first
receivers, including, but not limited to, informational pamphlets, payment notification, and
description of catch monitor duties.
(vi) Other reports. Reports of the following must be submitted in writing to the Catch Monitor
Program by the catch monitor provider via fax or email address designated by the Catch
Monitor Program within 24 hours after the catch monitor provider becomes aware of the
information:
(A) Any information regarding possible catch monitor harassment;
(B) Any information regarding any action prohibited under § 660.12(f);
(C) Any catch monitor illness or injury that prevents the catch monitor from completing any of
his or her duties described in the catch monitor manual; and
(D) Any information, allegations or reports regarding catch monitor conflict of interest or
breach of the standards of behavior described in catch monitor provider policy.
(12) Replace lost or damaged gear. Lost or damaged gear issued to a catch monitor by NMFS must be
replaced by the catch monitor provider. All replacements must be provided to NMFS and be in
accordance with requirements and procedures identified in writing by the Catch Monitor Program.
(13) Confidentiality of information. A catch monitor provider must ensure that all records on individual
catch monitor performance received from NMFS under the routine use provision of the Privacy Act 5
U.S.C. 552a or as otherwise required by law remain confidential and are not further released to any
person outside the employ of the catch monitor provider company to whom the catch monitor was
contracted except with written permission of the catch monitor.
(g) Certification and decertification procedures for catch monitors.
(1) Catch monitor certification official. The Regional Administrator (or a designee) will designate a NMFS
catch monitor certification official who will make decisions on whether to issue or deny catch
monitor certification.
(2) Agency determinations on catch monitor certifications —
(i)

Issuance of certifications. Certification may be issued upon determination by the catch monitor
certification official that the candidate has successfully met all requirements for certification as
specified in § 660.17(d).

(ii) Denial of a certification. The catch monitor certification official will issue a written determination
identifying the reasons for denial of a certification.
(3) Limitations on conflict of interest for catch monitors.
(i)

Catch monitors must not have a direct financial interest, other than the provision of observer or
catch monitor services, in a North Pacific fishery managed pursuant to an FMP for the waters
off the coast of Alaska, Alaska state waters, or in a Pacific Coast fishery managed by either the
state or Federal Governments in waters off Washington, Oregon, or California, including but not
limited to:

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50 CFR 660.17(g)(3)(i)(A)

(A) Any ownership, mortgage holder, or other secured interest in a vessel, first receiver,
shorebased or floating stationary processor facility involved in the catching, taking,
harvesting or processing of fish;
(B) Any business involved with selling supplies or services to any vessel, first receiver,
shorebased or floating stationary processing facility; or
(C) Any business involved with purchasing raw or processed products from any vessel, first
receiver, shorebased or floating stationary processing facilities.
(ii) Must not solicit or accept, directly or indirectly, any gratuity, gift, favor, entertainment, loan, or
anything of monetary value from any person who either conducts activities that are regulated
by NMFS or has interests that may be substantially affected by the performance or
nonperformance of the catch monitor's official duties.
(iii) May not serve as a catch monitor at any shoreside or floating stationary processing facility
owned or operated where a person was previously employed in the last two years.
(iv) May not solicit or accept employment as a crew member or an employee of a vessel, or
shoreside processor while employed by a catch monitor provider.
(v) Provisions for remuneration of catch monitors under this section do not constitute a conflict of
interest.
(4) Catch monitor decertification —
(i)

Catch monitor decertification review official. The Regional Administrator (or a designee) will
designate a catch monitor decertification review official(s), who will have the authority to review
certifications and issue IADs of decertification.

(ii) Causes for decertification. The catch monitor decertification official may initiate decertification
proceedings when it is alleged that any of the following acts or omissions have been
committed:
(A) Failed to satisfactorily perform the specified duties and responsibilities;
(B) Failed to abide by the specified standards of conduct;
(C) Upon conviction of a crime or upon entry of a civil judgment for:
(1) Commission of fraud or other violation in connection with obtaining or attempting to
obtain certification, or in performing the duties and responsibilities specified in this
section;
(2) Commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of
records, making false statements, or receiving stolen property;
(3) Commission of any other offense indicating a lack of integrity or honesty that
seriously and directly affects the fitness of catch monitors.
(iii) Issuance of IAD. Upon determination that decertification is warranted, the catch monitor
decertification official will issue a written IAD. The IAD will identify the specific reasons for the
action taken. Decertification is effective 30 calendar days after the date on the IAD, unless there
is an appeal.

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50 CFR 660.17(g)(4)(iv)

(iv) Appeals. A certified catch monitor who receives an IAD that suspends or revokes his or her
catch monitor certification may appeal the determination within 30 calendar days after the date
on the IAD to the Office of Administrative Appeals pursuant to § 660.19.
[75 FR 78377, Dec. 15, 2010, as amended at 76 FR 53835, Aug. 30, 2011; 76 FR 74734, Dec. 1, 2011; 80 FR 22280, Apr. 21, 2015; 87
FR 54909, Sept. 8, 2022]

§ 660.18 Observer and catch monitor provider permits and endorsements.
(a) Provider permits. Persons seeking to provide observer or catch monitor services must obtain a provider
permit from NMFS before providing certified catch monitors or certified observers for the Shorebased IFQ
Program, the MS Co-op Program, the C/P Co-op Program, or for processing vessels in the fixed gear or
open access fisheries. There are two types of endorsements for provider permits, an observer
endorsement and a catch monitor endorsement. Provider permits must have at least one endorsement
and it must be appropriate for the services being provided. Provider permits are obtained through an
application process and must be renewed annually to remain valid in the following year. A provider permit
and associated endorsements expire if not renewed or if services have not been provided for 12
consecutive months.
(b) Application process to become an observer or catch monitor provider —
(1) New provider applications. An applicant seeking a provider permit may submit an application at any
time during the calendar year. Any provider permit issued during a given year will expire on
December 31. Application forms must be submitted by mail to the West Coast Region Fisheries
Permits Office, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Bldg 1, Seattle, WA 98115. Only complete applications will
be considered for approval by the review board.
(2) Contents of provider application. A complete application for a provider permit shall contain the
following:
(i)

An indication of which endorsement the applicant is seeking: observer provider, catch monitor
provider, or both endorsements. A single application may be used to apply for both
endorsements.

(ii) Applicant contact information.
(A) Legal name of applicant organization. If the applicant organization is United States
business entity, include the state registration number.
(B) The primary business mailing address, phone and fax numbers where the owner(s) can be
contacted for official correspondence.
(iii) Description of the management, organizational structure, and ownership structure of the
applicant's business, including identification by name and general function of all controlling
management interests in the company, including but not limited to owners, board members,
officers, authorized agents, and employees. List all office locations and their business mailing
address, business phone, fax number, and email addresses. If the applicant is a corporation, the
articles of incorporation must be provided. If the applicant is a partnership, the partnership
agreement must be provided.
(iv) A narrative statement describing relevant direct or indirect prior experience or qualifications the
applicant may have that would enable them to be a successful provider.
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(A) For applicants seeking an observer provider endorsement, the applicant should describe
experience in placing individuals in remote field and/or marine work environments. This
includes, but is not limited to, recruiting, hiring, deployment, and personnel administration.
(B) For applicants seeking a catch monitor provider endorsement, a narrative statement
should identify prior relevant experience in recruiting, hiring, deploying, and providing
support for individuals in marine work environments in the groundfish fishery or other
fisheries of similar scale.
(v) A narrative description of the applicant's ability to carry out the required responsibilities and
duties as described at §§ 660.140(h), 660.150(j), and 660.160(g) for observer providers and/or
§ 660.17(f) for catch monitor providers.
(vi) A statement signed under penalty of perjury by an authorized agent of the applicant about each
owner, or owners, board members, and officers if a corporation, authorized agents, and
employees, regarding:
(A) Conflict of interest as described in § 660.18 (c)(3),
(B) Criminal convictions,
(C) Federal contracts they have had and the performance rating they received on the contract,
and
(D) Previous decertification action while working as an observer, catch monitor, observer
provider, or catch monitor provider.
(vii) NMFS may request additional information or clarification from the applicants.
(c) Application evaluation. Complete applications will be forwarded to Observer Program and/or the Catch
Monitor Program for review and evaluation.
(1) A provider permit application review board will be established and be comprised of at least three
members. The review board will evaluate applications submitted under paragraph (a) of this section.
If the applicant is an entity, the review board also will evaluate the application criteria for each owner,
board member, officer, authorized agent, and employee.
(2) The provider permit application will, at a minimum, be evaluated on the following criteria:
(i)

The applicant's ability to carry out the responsibilities and relevant experience and
qualifications.

(ii) Review of any conflict of interest as described in § 660.18(c)(3).
(iii) Review of any criminal convictions.
(iv) Satisfactory performance ratings on any Federal contracts held by the applicant.
(v) Review of any history of decertification as an observer, catch monitor, observer provider, or
catch monitor provider.
(3) Limitations on conflict of interest for providers.
(i)

Providers must not have a direct financial interest, other than the provision of observer, catch
monitor or other biological sampling services, in any federal or state managed fisheries,
including but not limited to:

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50 CFR 660.18(c)(3)(i)(A)

(A) Any ownership, mortgage holder, or other secured interest in a vessel, first receiver,
shorebased or floating stationary processor facility involved in the catching, taking,
harvesting or processing of fish;
(B) Any business involved with selling supplies or services to any vessel, first receiver,
shorebased or floating stationary processing facility; or
(C) Any business involved with purchasing raw or processed products from any vessel, first
receiver, shorebased or floating stationary processing facilities.
(ii) Providers must not solicit or accept, directly or indirectly, any gratuity, gift, favor, entertainment,
loan, or anything of monetary value from any person who conducts fishing or fish processing
activities that are regulated by NMFS, or who has interests that may be substantially affected
by the performance or nonperformance of the official duties of the provider.
(4) Existing providers. Businesses that provided observers and/or catch monitors in the 12 months prior
to May 21, 2015 will be issued a provider permit without submission of an application. This permit
will be effective through December 31, 2015.
(i)

Providers who deployed catch monitors in the Shorebased IFQ Program in the 12 months prior
to May 21, 2015 will be issued a provider permit with a catch monitor provider endorsement
effective through December 31, 2015, except that a change in ownership of an existing catch
monitor provider after January 1, 2015, requires a new permit application under this section.

(ii) Providers who deployed certified observers in the Pacific Coast groundfish fishery in the 12
months prior to May 21, 2015 will be issued a provider permit with an observer provider
endorsement effective through December 31, 2015, except that a change in ownership of an
existing observer provider after January 1, 2015, requires a new permit application under this
section.
(iii) To receive a provider permit for 2016 and beyond, the existing providers must follow the
provider permit renewal process set forth in this section.
(d) Agency determination on an application.
(1) Initial administrative determination. For all complete applications, NMFS will issue an IAD if it
disapproves the application. An approved application will result in issuance of the permit. If
disapproved, the IAD will provide the reasons for this determination. If the applicant does not appeal
the IAD within 30 calendar days, the IAD becomes the final decision of the Regional Administrator
acting on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce.
(2) Appeal. The applicant may appeal the IAD consistent with the observer, catch monitor, and provider
appeals process defined at § 660.19.
(e) Effective dates. The provider permit will be valid from the effective date identified on the permit until the
permit expiration date of December 31. Provider permit holders must reapply annually by following the
application process specified in paragraph (b) of this section.
(f) Expiration of the provider permit —
(1) Expiration due to inactivity. After a period of 12 continuous months during which no observers or
catch monitors are deployed by the provider in the Pacific coast groundfish fishery, NMFS will issue
an IAD describing the intent to expire the provider permit or to remove the appropriate
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50 CFR 660.18(f)(2)

endorsement(s) and the timeline to do so. A provider that receives an IAD may appeal under §
660.19. The provider permit and endorsements will remain valid until a final agency decision is made
or until December 31, whichever is earlier.
(2) Expiration due to failure to renew. Failure to renew annually will result in expiration of the provider
permit and endorsements on December 31.
(3) Obtaining a new permit or endorsement following an expiration or voided permit. A person holding an
expired or void permit or endorsement may reapply for a new provider permit or endorsement at any
time consistent with § 660.18(b).
(g) Provider permit renewal process. To maintain a valid provider permit, provider permit holders must reapply
annually prior to the permit expiration date.
(1) NMFS will mail a provider permit application form to existing permit holders on or about September
15 each year.
(2) Providers who want to have their permits effective for January 1 of the following calendar year must
submit their complete application form to NMFS by October 31. If a provider fails to renew the
provider permit, the provider permit and endorsements will expire on December 31.
(h) Change of provider permit ownership and transfer restrictions. Neither a provider permit nor the
endorsements are transferable. Ownership of a provider permit cannot be registered to another individual
or entity. The provider permit owner cannot change, substitute, or add individuals or entities as owners of
the permit (i.e., cannot change the legal name of the permit owner(s) as given on the permit). Any change
in ownership of the provider permit requires the new owner(s) to apply for a provider permit, and is
subject to approval by NMFS.
(i)

Provider permit sanctions. Procedures governing sanctions of permits are found at subpart D of 15 CFR
part 904.

(j)

Permit fees. The Regional Administrator may charge fees to cover administrative expenses related to
issuance of permits including initial issuance, renewal replacement, and appeals.

[80 FR 22283, Apr. 21, 2015, as amended at 88 FR 81358, Nov. 22, 2023]

§ 660.19 Appeals process for catch monitors, observers, and provider permits.
(a) Allowed appeals. This section describes the procedure for appealing IADs described at §§ 660.17(g),
660.18(d) and (f), 660.140(h), 660.150(j), 660.160(g), 660.603(b)(3) for catch monitor decertification,
observer decertification, provider permit expirations due to inactivity, and EM service provider permit
denials. Any person whose interest is directly and adversely affected by an IAD may file a written appeal.
For purposes of this section, such person will be referred to as the “applicant.”
(b) Appeals process. In cases where the applicant disagrees with the IAD, the applicant may appeal that
decision. Final decisions on appeals of IADs will be made in writing by the Regional Administrator or
designee acting on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce and will state the reasons therefore.
(1) Submission of appeals.
(i)

The appeal must be in writing and comply with this paragraph.

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50 CFR 660.19(b)(1)(ii)

(ii) Appeals must be mailed or faxed to: National Marine Fisheries Service, West Coast Region,
Sustainable Fisheries Division, ATTN: Appeals, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Seattle, WA 98115;
Fax: 206-526-6426; or delivered to National Marine Fisheries Service at the same address.
(2) Timing of appeals. The appeal must be filed within 30 calendar days after the IAD is issued. The IAD
becomes the final decision of the Regional Administrator or designee acting on behalf of the
Secretary of Commerce if no appeal is filed within 30 calendar days. The time period to submit an
appeal begins with the date on the IAD. If the last day of the time period is a Saturday, Sunday, or
Federal holiday, the time period will extend to the close of business on the next business day.
(3) Address of record. The address used by the applicant in initial correspondence to NMFS concerning
the application will be the address used by NMFS for the appeal. Notifications and correspondence
associated with all actions affecting the applicant will be mailed to the address of record unless the
applicant provides NMFS, in writing, an address change. NMFS bears no responsibility if NMFS
sends a notification or correspondence to the address of record and it is not received because the
applicant's actual address has changed without notification to NMFS.
(4) Statement of reasons for appeals. Applicants must submit a full written statement in support of the
appeal, including a concise statement of the reasons the IAD determination has a direct and adverse
effect on the applicant and should be reversed or modified. The appellate officer will limit his/her
review to the issues stated in the appeal; all issues not set out in the appeal will be waived.
(5) Decisions on appeals. The Regional Administrator or designee will issue a final written decision on
the appeal which is the final decision of the Secretary of Commerce.
[80 FR 22285, Apr. 21, 2015, as amended at 84 FR 31159, June 28, 2019]

§ 660.20 Vessel and gear identification.
(a) Vessel identification —
(1) Display. The operator of a vessel that is over 25 ft (7.6 m) in length and is engaged in commercial
fishing for groundfish must display the vessel's official number on the port and starboard sides of
the deckhouse or hull, and on a weather deck so as to be visible from above. The number must
contrast with the background and be in block Arabic numerals at least 18 inches (45.7 cm) high for
vessels over 65 ft (19.8 m) long and at least 10 inches (25.4 cm) high for vessels between 25 and 65
ft (7.6 and 19.8 m) in length. The length of a vessel for purposes of this section is the length set
forth in USCG records or in state records, if no USCG record exists.
(2) Maintenance of numbers. The operator of a vessel engaged in commercial fishing for groundfish
must keep the identifying markings required by paragraph (a)(1) of this section clearly legible and in
good repair, and must ensure that no part of the vessel, its rigging, or its fishing gear obstructs the
view of the official number from an enforcement vessel or aircraft.
(3) Commercial passenger vessels. This section does not apply to vessels carrying fishing parties on a
per-capita basis or by charter.
(b) Gear identification. Gear identification requirements specific to fisheries using fixed gear (limited entry and
open access) are described at § 660.219, subpart E and § 660.319, subpart F.

§ 660.21 Seabird Avoidance Program.
This section contains the requirements of the Seabird Avoidance Program.
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50 CFR 660.21(a)

(a) Purpose. The purpose of the Seabird Avoidance Program is to minimize interactions between fishing gear
and seabird species, including short-tailed albatross (Phoebastria albatrus).
(b) Applicability. The requirements specified in paragraph (c) of this section apply to the following fishing
vessels when operating within the EEZ north of 36° N latitude:
(1) Vessels greater than or equal to 26 ft (7.9 m) LOA engaged in commercial fishing for groundfish with
bottom longline gear, including snap gear, as defined under “Fishing gear” in § 660.11, including
those operating under the gear switching provisions of the Limited Entry Trawl Fishery, Shorebased
IFQ Program as specified in § 660.140(k), or those operating under the limited entry fixed gear
fishery in subpart E or under the open access fishery in subpart F of this part, except as provided in
paragraphs (b)(2) of this section.
(2) Exemptions. The requirements specified in paragraph (c) of this section do not apply to Pacific Coast
treaty Indian fisheries, as described at § 660.50, or to anglers engaged in recreational fishing for
groundfish, as described in Subpart G of this Part.
(c) Seabird Avoidance Requirements —
(1) General requirements. The operator of a vessel described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section must
comply with the following requirements, unless operating under the provisions of paragraph (c)(3) of
this section:
(i)

Gear onboard. Have onboard the vessel seabird avoidance gear meeting the material standards
specified in paragraph (c)(1)(iv) of this section and in accordance to the vessel size and gear
type specific requirements as specified in paragraph (c)(2) of this section.

(ii) Gear inspection. Upon request by an authorized officer or observer, make the seabird avoidance
gear available for inspection.
(iii) Gear use. Use seabird avoidance gear as specified in paragraph (c)(2) of this section that meets
the material standards specified in paragraph (c)(1)(iv) of this section while bottom longline
and snap gears are being deployed.
(iv) Material standards for all streamer lines. All streamer lines must:
(A) Have streamers spaced every 16.4 ft (5 m).
(B) Have individual streamers that hang attached to the mainline to 9.8 in (0.25 m) above the
waterline in the absence of wind.
(C) Have streamers constructed of material that is brightly colored, UV-protected plastic
tubing or 3⁄8 inch (9.5 mm) polyester line or material of an equivalent density.
(v) Handling of hooked short-tailed albatross. If a short-tailed albatross is hooked or entangled by a
vessel, owners and operators must ensure that the following actions are taken:
(A) Stop the vessel to reduce the tension on the line and bring the bird on board the vessel
using a dip net;
(B) Determine if the bird is alive or dead.
(C) If alive, follow these instructions:
(1) Cover the bird with a towel to protect its feathers from oils or damage while being
handled;
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(2) Remove any entangled lines or hooks from the bird without further injuring the bird;
(3) Place the bird in a safe enclosed place;
(4) If the hook has been ingested or is inaccessible, keep the bird in a safe, enclosed
place and submit it to NMFS or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service immediately upon
the vessel's return to port. Do not give the bird food or water.
(5) Assess whether the bird meets the following criteria for release:
(i)

Able to hold its head erect and respond to noise and motion stimuli;

(ii) Able to breathe without noise;
(iii) Capable of flapping and retracting both wings to normal folded position on its
back;
(iv) Able to stand on both feet with toes pointed forward; and
(v) Feathers are dry.
(6) If bird does not meet criteria for release:
(i)

Immediately contact NMFS or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the numbers
listed on the West Coast Seabird Avoidance Measures flyer and request
veterinary guidance;

(ii) Follow the veterinary guidance regarding the handling and release of the bird.
(D) If dead, freeze the bird immediately with an identification tag attached directly to the
specimen listing the species, location and date of mortality, and band number if the bird
has a leg band. Attach a duplicate identification tag to the bag or container holding the
bird. Any leg bands present must remain on the bird. Contact NMFS or the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service at the numbers listed on the West Coast Seabird Avoidance Measures
flyer, inform them that you have a dead short-tailed albatross on board, and submit the
bird to NMFS or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service within 72 hours following completion of
the fishing trip.
(E) All incidents involving the hooking of short-tailed albatross must be reported to U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service Law Enforcement by the vessel operator within 72 hours of taking an
albatross by phoning 360-753-7764 (WA); 503-682-6131 (OR); or 916-414-6660 (CA).
(F) If a NMFS observer is on board at the time of a hooking event, the observer shall be
responsible for the disposition of any captured short-tailed albatross and for reporting to
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Law Enforcement. Otherwise, the vessel operator shall be
responsible.
(2) Gear requirements and performance standards. The operator of a vessel identified in paragraph (b)(1)
of this section must comply with the following gear requirements:
(i)

For vessels with masts, poles, or rigging using snap gear as defined at § 660.11, the following
requirements apply:
(A) Vessels must deploy a minimum of a single streamer line in accordance with the
requirements of paragraphs (c)(1)(iv) of this section, except as provided in paragraph
(c)(2)(iv) of this section.

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50 CFR 660.21(c)(2)(i)(B)

(B) Streamer lines must be a minimum length of 147.6 ft (45 m).
(C) Streamer lines must be deployed so that streamers are in the air a minimum of 65.6 ft (20
m) aft of the stern and within 6 ft 7 in (2 m) horizontally of the point where the main
groundline enters the water before the first hook is set. A minimum of 4 streamers must
be out of the water aft of the stern.
(ii) For vessels with masts, poles, or rigging using bottom longline other than snap gear, as defined
in paragraph (6)(i) of the definition of fishing gear in § 660.11, the following requirements apply:
(A) Streamer lines must be a minimum length of 300 feet (91.4 m).
(B) The number of streamer lines required and the streamer line deployment requirements
vary by vessel length as follows:
(1) Vessels greater than or equal to 26 feet (7.9 m) and less than 55 feet (16.8 m) LOA
must use a minimum of one streamer line. Streamer line must be deployed before
the first hook is set in such a way that streamers are in the air for a minimum of
131.2 ft (40 m) aft of the stern and within 6.6 ft (2 m) horizontally of the point where
the main groundline enters the water. A minimum of 8 streamers must be out of the
water aft of the stern.
(2) Vessels greater than or equal to 55 feet (16.8 m) LOA must use paired streamer lines.
At least one streamer line must be deployed before the first hook is set in such a way
that streamers are in the air for a minimum of 131.2 ft (40 m) aft of the stern and
within 6.6 ft (2 m) horizontally of the point where the main groundline enters the
water. A minimum of 8 streamers must be out of the water aft of the stern. The
second streamer line must be deployed within 90 seconds thereafter.
(i)

For vessels deploying gear from the stern, the streamer lines must be deployed
from the stern, one on each side of the main groundline.

(ii) For vessels deploying gear from the side, the streamer lines must be deployed
from the stern, one over the main groundline and the other on one side of the
main groundline.
(iii) Vessels without masts, poles, or rigging. A minimum of 1 buoy bag line must be used by
vessels without superstructure, including masts, poles, or rigging. The buoy bag line must hang
over the area where baited hooks may be accessible to seabirds, which is generally within 6.5
feet (2 m) of the sea surface.
(iv) The following weather safety exemptions apply, based on vessel length:
(A) Vessels greater than or equal to 26 feet (7.9 m) and less than 55 feet (16.8 m) LOA are
exempted from the requirements of paragraph (c)(1)(iii) of this section when a National
Weather Service Small Craft Advisory for Winds is in effect, or other National Weather
Service Advisory for wind speeds exceeding those that trigger a Small Craft Advisory for
Winds. This exemption applies only during the time and within the area indicated in the
National Weather Service Weather Advisory or in an area seaward of such an area.

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50 CFR 660.21(c)(2)(iv)(B)

(B) Vessels 55 feet and longer (16.8 m) LOA are exempted from the requirements of
paragraph (c)(1)(iii) of this section when a National Weather Service Gale Warning is in
effect. This exemption applies only during the time and within the area indicated in the
National Weather Service Gale Warning.
(3) Night setting. The operator of a vessel described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, that begins and
completes deployment of gear between one hour after local sunset and one hour before local
sunrise is exempt from the provisions of paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this section.
[80 FR 71980, Nov. 18, 2015, as amended at 84 FR 67678, Dec. 11, 2019]

§ 660.24 Limited entry and open access fisheries.
(a) General. All commercial fishing for groundfish must be conducted in accordance with the regulations
governing limited entry and open access fisheries, except such fishing by treaty Indian tribes as may be
separately provided for.
(b) [Reserved]

§ 660.25 Permits.
(a) General. Each of the permits or licenses in this section has different conditions or privileges as part of the
permit or license. The permits or licenses in this section confer a conditional privilege of participating in
the Pacific coast groundfish fishery, in accordance with Federal regulations in 50 CFR part 660, subparts
C through G.
(b) Limited entry permit —
(1) Eligibility and registration —
(i)

General. In order for a vessel to be used to fish in the limited entry fishery, the vessel owner
must hold a limited entry permit and, through SFD, must register that vessel for use with a
limited entry permit. When participating in the limited entry fishery, a vessel is authorized to fish
with the gear type endorsed on the limited entry permit registered for use with that vessel,
except that the MS permit does not have a gear endorsement. There are three types of gear
endorsements: Trawl, longline, and pot (or trap). All limited entry permits, except the MS permit,
have size endorsements; a vessel registered for use with a limited entry permit must comply
with the vessel size requirements of this subpart. A sablefish endorsement is also required for
a vessel to be used to fish in the primary season for the limited entry fixed gear sablefish
fishery, north of 36° N. lat. Certain limited entry permits will also have endorsements required
for participation in a specific fishery, such as the MS/CV endorsement and the C/P
endorsement.

(ii) Eligibility. Only a person eligible to own a documented vessel under the terms of 46 U.S.C.
12113 (a) may be issued or may hold a limited entry permit.
(iii) Registration. Limited entry permits will normally be registered for use with a particular vessel at
the time the permit is issued, renewed, or replaced. If the permit will be used with a vessel other
than the one registered on the permit, the permit owner must register that permit for use with
the new vessel through the SFD. The reissued permit must be placed on board the new vessel
in order for the vessel to be used to fish in the limited entry fishery.

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50 CFR 660.25(b)(1)(iii)(A)

(A) For all limited entry permits, including MS permits, MS/CV-endorsed permits, and C/Pendorsed permits when they are not fishing in the at-sea whiting fisheries, registration of a
limited entry permit to be used with a new vessel will take effect no earlier than the first
day of the next major limited entry cumulative limit period following the date SFD receives
the change in vessel registration form and the original permit.
(B) For MS permits, MS/CV-endorsed permits, and C/P-endorsed permits when they are
fishing in the at-sea whiting fisheries, registration of a limited entry permit to be used with
a new vessel will take effect on the date NMFS approves and issues the permit.
(iv) Limited entry permits indivisible. Limited entry permits may not be divided for use by more than
one vessel.
(v) Initial administrative determination (IAD). SFD will make a determination regarding permit
endorsements, renewal, replacement, change in permit ownership and change in vessel
registration. SFD will notify the permit owner in writing with an explanation of any determination
to deny a permit endorsement, renewal, replacement, change in permit ownership or change in
vessel registration. The SFD will decline to act on an application for permit endorsement,
renewal, replacement, or change in registration of a limited entry permit if the permit is subject
to sanction provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Act at 16 U.S.C. 1858(a) and implementing
regulations at 15 CFR part 904, subpart D, apply.
(2) Mothership (MS) permit. The MS permit conveys a conditional privilege for the vessel registered to it,
to participate in the MS fishery by receiving and processing deliveries of groundfish in the Pacific
whiting mothership sector. An MS permit is a type of limited entry permit. An MS permit does not
have any endorsements affixed to the permit. The provisions for the MS permit, including eligibility,
renewal, change of permit ownership, vessel registration, fees, and appeals are described at §
660.150 (f).
(3) Endorsements —
(i)

“A” endorsement. A limited entry permit with an “A” endorsement entitles the vessel registered
to the permit to fish in the limited entry fishery for all groundfish species with the type(s) of
limited entry gear specified in the endorsement, except for sablefish harvested north of 36° N.
lat. during times and with gears for which a sablefish endorsement is required. See paragraph
(b)(3)(iv) of this section for provisions on sablefish endorsement requirements. An “A”
endorsement is affixed to the limited entry permit. The limited entry permit with an “A”
endorsement may be registered to another person (i.e., change in permit ownership), or to a
different vessel (i.e., change in vessel registration) under paragraph (b)(4) of this section. An “A”
endorsement expires on failure to renew the limited entry permit to which it is affixed. An MS
permit is not considered a limited entry “A”-endorsed permit.

(ii) Gear endorsement. There are three types of gear endorsements: Trawl, longline, and pot (trap).
When limited entry “A”-endorsed permits were first issued, some vessel owners qualified for
more than one type of gear endorsement based on the landings history of their vessels. Each
limited entry “A”-endorsed permit has one or more gear endorsement(s). Gear endorsement(s)
assigned to the permit at the time of issuance will be permanent and shall not be modified.
While participating in the limited entry fishery, the vessel registered to the limited entry “A”endorsed permit is authorized to fish the gear(s) endorsed on the permit. While participating in
the limited entry, fixed gear primary fishery for sablefish described at § 660.231, a vessel
registered to more than one limited entry permit is authorized to fish with any gear, except trawl
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gear, endorsed on at least one of the permits registered for use with that vessel. Vessels
registered to limited entry permits may be used to fish with open access gear, subject to the
crossover provisions at § 660.60(h)(7)(ii), except that vessels registered to sablefish-endorsed
permits fishing in the sablefish primary season described at § 660.231, may not fish with open
access gear against those limits. An MS permit does not have a gear endorsement.
(iii) Vessel size endorsements —
(A) General. Each limited entry “A”-endorsed permit will be endorsed with the LOA for the size
of the vessel that initially qualified for the permit, except when permits are combined into
one permit to be registered for use with a vessel requiring a larger size endorsement, the
new permit will be endorsed for the size that results from the combination of the permits.
(B) Limitations of size endorsements.
(1) A limited entry permit may be registered for use with a vessel up to 5 ft (1.52 m)
longer than, the same length as, or any length shorter than, the size endorsed on the
existing permit without requiring a combination of permits or a change in the size
endorsement.
(2) The vessel harvest capacity rating for each of the permits being combined is that
indicated in Table 3 of subpart C for the LOA (in feet) endorsed on the respective
limited entry permit. Harvest capacity ratings for fractions of a foot in vessel length
will be determined by multiplying the fraction of a foot in vessel length by the
difference in the two ratings assigned to the nearest integers of vessel length. The
length rating for the combined permit is that indicated for the sum of the vessel
harvest capacity ratings for each permit being combined. If that sum falls between
the sums for two adjacent lengths on Table 3 of subpart C, the length rating shall be
the higher length.
(C) Size endorsement requirements for sablefish-endorsed permits. Notwithstanding
paragraphs (b)(3)(iii)(A) and (B) of this section, when multiple permits are “stacked” on a
vessel, as described in paragraph (b)(4)(iii), at least one of the permits must meet the size
requirements of those sections. The permit that meets the size requirements of those
sections is considered the vessel's “base” permit, as defined in § 660.11, subpart C. If
more than one permit registered for use with the vessel has an appropriate length
endorsement for that vessel, NMFS SFD will designate a base permit by selecting the
permit that has been registered to the vessel for the longest time. If the permit owner
objects to NMFS' selection of the base permit, the permit owner may send a letter to
NMFS SFD requesting the change and the reasons for the request. If the permit requested
to be changed to the base permit is appropriate for the length of the vessel, NMFS SFD
will reissue the permit with the new base permit. Any additional permits that are stacked
for use with a vessel participating in the limited entry fixed gear primary sablefish fishery
may be registered for use with a vessel even if the vessel is more than 5 ft (1.5 m) longer
or shorter than the size endorsed on the permit.
(iv) Sablefish endorsement and tier assignment —
(A) General. Participation in the limited entry fixed gear sablefish fishery during the primary
season north of 36° N. lat., described in § 660.231, Subpart E, requires that an owner of a
vessel hold (by ownership or lease) a limited entry permit, registered for use with that
vessel, with a longline or trap (or pot) endorsement and a sablefish endorsement. Up to
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three permits with sablefish endorsements may be registered for use with a single vessel.
Limited entry permits with sablefish endorsements are assigned to one of three different
cumulative trip limit tiers, based on the qualifying catch history of the permit.
(1) A sablefish endorsement with a tier assignment will be affixed to the permit and will
remain valid when the permit is registered to another permit owner (i.e., change in
permit ownership) or to another vessel (i.e., change in vessel registration).
(2) A sablefish endorsement and its associated tier assignment are not separable from
the limited entry permit, and therefore, may not be registered to another permit owner
(i.e., change in permit ownership) or to another vessel (i.e., change in vessel
registration) separately from the limited entry permit.
(B) Ownership requirements and limitations.
(1) No partnership or corporation may own a limited entry permit with a sablefish
endorsement unless that partnership or corporation owned a limited entry permit
with a sablefish endorsement on November 1, 2000. Otherwise, only individual
human persons may own limited entry permits with sablefish endorsements.
(2) No individual person, partnership, or corporation in combination may have ownership
interest in or hold more than 3 permits with sablefish endorsements either
simultaneously or cumulatively over the primary season, except for an individual
person, or partnerships or corporations that had ownership interest in more than 3
permits with sablefish endorsements as of November 1, 2000. The exemption from
the maximum ownership level of 3 permits only applies to ownership of the particular
permits that were owned on November 1, 2000. An individual person, or partnerships
or corporations that had ownership interest in 3 or more permits with sablefish
endorsements as of November 1, 2000, may not acquire additional permits beyond
those particular permits owned on November 1, 2000. If, at some future time, an
individual person, partnership, or corporation that owned more than 3 permits as of
November 1, 2000, sells or otherwise permanently transfers (not holding through a
lease arrangement) some of its originally owned permits, such that they then own
fewer than 3 permits, they may then acquire additional permits, but may not have
ownership interest in or hold more than 3 permits.
(3) A partnership or corporation will lose the exemptions provided in paragraphs
(b)(3)(iv)(B)(1) and (2) of this section on the effective date of any change in the
corporation or partnership from that which existed on November 1, 2000. A “change”
in the partnership or corporation is defined at § 660.11. A change in the partnership
or corporation must be reported to SFD within 15 calendar days of the addition of a
new shareholder or partner.
(4) Any partnership or corporation with any ownership interest in a limited entry permit
with a sablefish endorsement or in the vessel registered to the permit shall document
the extent of that ownership interest with NMFS via the Identification of Ownership
Interest Form sent to the permit owner through the annual permit renewal process
and whenever a change in permit owner, vessel owner, and/or vessel registration
occurs as described at paragraph (b)(4)(v) and (vi) of this section. NMFS will not
renew a sablefish-endorsed limited entry permit through the annual renewal process
described at paragraph (b)(4)(i) of this section, or approve a change in permit owner,
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vessel owner, and/or vessel registration unless the Identification of Ownership
Interest Form has been completed. Further, if NMFS discovers through review of the
Identification of Ownership Interest Form that an individual person, partnership, or
corporation owns or holds more than 3 permits and is not authorized to do so under
paragraph (b)(3)(iv)(B)(2) of this section, the individual person, partnership or
corporation will be notified and the permits owned or held by that individual person,
partnership, or corporation will be void and reissued with the vessel status as
“unidentified” until the permit owner owns and/or holds a quantity of permits
appropriate to the restrictions and requirements described in paragraph
(b)(3)(iv)(B)(2) of this section. If NMFS discovers through review of the Identification
of Ownership Interest Form that a partnership or corporation has had a change in
membership since November 1, 2000, as described in paragraph (b)(3)(iv)(B)(3) of
this section, the partnership or corporation will be notified, NMFS will void any
existing permits, and reissue any permits owned and/or held by that partnership or
corporation in “unidentified” status with respect to vessel registration until the
partnership or corporation is able to register ownership of those permits to persons
authorized under this section to own sablefish-endorsed limited entry permits.
(5) A person, partnership, or corporation that is exempt from the owner-on-board
requirement may sell all of their permits, buy another sablefish-endorsed permit
within one year of the date of approval of the last change in permit ownership, and
retain their exemption from the owner-on-board requirements. An individual person,
partnership or corporation could only obtain a permit if it has not added or changed
individuals since November 1, 2000, excluding individuals that have left the
partnership or corporation or that have died.
(C) Ownership limitation exemption. As described in (b)(3)(iv)(B) of this section, no individual
person, partnership, or corporation in combination may own and/or hold more than three
sablefish-endorsed permits. A vessel owner that meets the qualifying criteria described in
paragraph (b)(3)(iv)(C)(1) of this section may request an exemption from the ownership
limitation.
(1) Qualifying criteria. The three qualifying criteria for an ownership limitation exemption
are: The vessel owner currently has no more than 20 percent ownership interest in a
vessel registered to the sablefish endorsed permit, the vessel owner currently has
ownership interest in Alaska sablefish individual fishing quota, and the vessel has
fished in the past 12-month period in both the West Coast groundfish limited entry
fixed gear fishery and the Sablefish IFQ Program in Alaska. The best evidence of a
vessel owner having met these qualifying criteria will be state fish tickets or landing
receipts from the West Coast states and Alaska. The qualifying vessel owner may
seek an ownership limitation exemption for sablefish endorsed permits registered to
no more than two vessels.
(2) Application and issuance process for an ownership limitation exemption. The SFD will
make the qualifying criteria and application instructions available online at
https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/region/west-coast. A vessel owner who believes that
they may qualify for the ownership limitation exemption must submit evidence with
their application showing how their vessel has met the qualifying criteria described
at paragraph (b)(3)(iv)(C)(1) of this section. The vessel owner must also submit a
Sablefish Permit Ownership Limitation Exemption Identification of Ownership
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Interest form that includes disclosure of percentage of ownership in the vessel and
disclosure of individual shareholders in any entity. Paragraph (i) of this section sets
out the relevant evidentiary standards and burden of proof. Applications may be
submitted at any time to NMFS at: NMFS West Coast Region, Sustainable Fisheries
Division, ATTN: Fisheries Permit Office—Sablefish Ownership Limitation Exemption,
7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115. After receipt of a complete application,
the SFD will issue an IAD in writing to the applicant determining whether the
applicant qualifies for the exemption. If an applicant chooses to file an appeal of the
IAD, the applicant must follow the appeals process outlined at paragraph (g) of this
section and, for the timing of the appeals, at paragraph (g)(4)(ii) of this section.
(3) Exemption status. If at any time a change occurs relative to the qualifying criteria
described at paragraph (b)(3)(iv)(C)(1), the vessel owner to whom the ownership
limitation exemption applies must notify NMFS within 30 calendar days. If such
changes mean the vessel owner no longer meets the qualifying criteria, the
ownership limitation exemption becomes automatically null and void 30 calendar
days after the date the vessel owner no longer meets the qualifying criteria. At any
time, NMFS may request that the vessel owner submit a new exemption application.
If NMFS at any time finds the vessel owner no longer meets the qualifying criteria
described at paragraph (b)(3)(iv)(C)(1) of this section NMFS will issue an IAD, which
may be appealed, as described at paragraph (g) of this section.
(v) MS/CV endorsement. An MS/CV endorsement on a trawl limited entry permit conveys a
conditional privilege that allows a vessel registered to it to fish in either the co-op or noncooperative fishery in the MS Co-op Program described at § 660.150, subpart D. The provisions
for the MS/CV-endorsed limited entry permit, including eligibility, renewal, change of permit
ownership, vessel registration, combinations, accumulation limits, fees, and appeals are
described at § 660.150. Each MS/CV endorsement has an associated catch history assignment
(CHA) that is permanently linked as originally issued by NMFS and which cannot be divided or
registered separately to another limited entry trawl permit. Regulations detailing this process
and MS/CV-endorsed permit combinations are outlined in § 660.150(g)(2), subpart D.
(vi) C/P endorsement. A C/P endorsement on a trawl limited entry permit conveys a conditional
privilege that allows a vessel registered to it to fish in the C/P Co-op Program described at §
660.160. The provisions for the C/P-endorsed limited entry permit, including eligibility, renewal,
change of permit ownership, vessel registration, combinations, fees, and appeals are described
at § 660.160(e).
(vii) Endorsement and exemption restrictions. “A” endorsements, gear endorsements, sablefish
endorsements and sablefish tier assignments, and C/P endorsements may not be registered to
another permit owner (i.e., change in permit ownership or ownership interest) or to another
vessel (i.e., change in vessel registration) separately from the limited entry permit. At-sea
processing exemptions, specified at paragraph (b)(6) of this section, are associated with the
vessel and not with the limited entry permit and may not be registered to another permit owner
or to another vessel without losing the exemption.
(4) Limited entry permit actions —renewal, combination, stacking, joint registration, change of permit
owner or vessel owner, and change in vessel registration—
(i)

Renewal of limited entry permits and gear endorsements.

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(A) Limited entry permits expire at the end of each calendar year, and must be renewed
between October 1 and November 30 of each year in order to remain in force the following
year.
(B) Notification to renew limited entry permits will be issued by SFD prior to September 15
each year to the permit owner's most recent address in the SFD record. The permit owner
shall provide SFD with notice of any address change within 15 days of the change.
(C) Limited entry permit renewal requests received in SFD between November 30 and
December 31 will be effective on the date that the renewal is approved. A limited entry
permit that is allowed to expire will not be renewed unless the permit owner requests
reissuance by March 31 of the following year and the SFD determines that failure to renew
was proximately caused by illness, injury, or death of the permit owner.
(D) Limited entry permits with sablefish endorsements, as described at paragraph (b)(3)(iv) of
this section, will not be renewed until SFD has received complete documentation of permit
ownership as required under paragraph (b)(3)(iv)(B)(4) of this section.
(E) Limited entry permits with an MS/catcher vessel (CV) endorsement will not be renewed
until SFD has received complete documentation of permit ownership as required under §
660.150(g).
(F) A limited entry permit will not be renewed until a complete economic data collection form
is submitted as required under § 660.113(b), (c) and (d), subpart D. The permit renewal
will be marked incomplete until the required information is submitted.
(G) An MS permit or a limited entry permit with a C/P endorsement will not be renewed, if it
was the permit owner that failed to pay, until payment of all cost recovery program fees
required pursuant to § 660.115 has been made. The IAD, appeals, and final decision
process for the cost recovery program is specified at § 660.115(d)(3)(ii).
(ii) Combining limited entry “A” permits. Two or more limited entry permits with “A” gear
endorsements for the same type of limited entry gear may be combined and reissued as a
single permit with a larger size endorsement as described in paragraph (b)(3)(iii) of this
section.
(A) Sablefish-endorsed permit. With respect to limited entry permits endorsed for longline and
pot (trap) gear, a sablefish endorsement will be issued for the new permit only if all of the
permits being combined have sablefish endorsements. If two or more permits with
sablefish endorsements are combined, the new permit will receive the same tier
assignment as the tier with the largest cumulative landings limit of the permits being
combined.
(B) MS/CV-endorsed permit. When an MS/CV-endorsed permit is combined with another MS/
CV-endorsed permit or with another limited entry trawl permit with no MS/CV or C/P
endorsement, the resulting permit will be MS/CV-endorsed with the associated CHA as
specified at § 660.150(g)(2)(iv) and (v). If an MS/CV-endorsed permit is combined with a
C/P-endorsed permit, the MS/CV endorsement and CHA will not be reissued on the
combined permit.

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(C) C/P-endorsed permit. A C/P-endorsed permit that is combined with a limited entry trawl
permit that is not C/P-endorsed will result in a single C/P-endorsed permit with a larger
size endorsement. An MS/CV endorsement on one of the permits being combined will not
be reissued on the resulting permit.
(iii) Stacking limited entry permits. “Stacking” limited entry permits, as defined at § 660.11, refers to
the practice of registering more than one sablefish-endorsed permit for use with a single
vessel. Only limited entry permits with sablefish endorsements may be stacked. Up to 3 limited
entry permits with sablefish endorsements may be registered for use with a single vessel
during the sablefish primary season described at § 660.231, subpart E. Privileges,
responsibilities, and restrictions associated with stacking permits to fish in the sablefish
primary fishery are described at § 660.231, subpart E and at paragraph (b)(3)(iv) of this section.
(iv) Joint registration of limited entry permits —
(A) General. “Joint registration” of limited entry permits, as defined at § 660.11, is the practice
of simultaneously registering both trawl-endorsed and longline or trap/pot-endorsed
limited entry permits for use with a single vessel.
(B) Restrictions. Subject to vessel size endorsements in paragraph (b)(3)(iii), any limited entry
permit with a trawl endorsement and any limited entry permit with a longline or trap/pot
endorsement may be jointly registered for use with a single vessel but only in one of the
following configurations:
(1) a single trawl-endorsed limited entry permit and one, two or three sablefish-endorsed
fixed gear (longline and/or fishpot endorsed) limited entry permits; or
(2) a single trawl-endorsed limited entry permit and one longline-endorsed limited entry
permit for use with a single vessel.
(v) Changes in permit owner and/or vessel owner —
(A) General. Change in permit owner and/or vessel owner applications must be submitted to
NMFS with the appropriate documentation described at paragraphs (b)(4)(viii) and (ix) of
this section. The permit owner may convey the limited entry permit to a different person.
The new permit owner will not be authorized to use the permit until the change in permit
owner has been registered with and approved by NMFS. NMFS will not approve a change
in permit owner for a limited entry permit with a sablefish endorsement that does not
meet the ownership requirements for such permit described at paragraph (b)(3)(iv)(B) of
this section. NMFS will not approve a change in permit owner for a limited entry permit
with an MS/CV endorsement that does not meet the ownership requirements for such
permit described at § 660.150(g)(3). NMFS considers the following as a change in permit
owner that would require registering with and approval by NMFS, including but not limited
to: Selling the permit to another individual or entity; adding an individual or entity to the
legal name on the permit; or removing an individual or entity from the legal name on the
permit. A change in vessel owner includes any changes to the name(s) of any or all vessel
owners, as registered with U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) or a state. The new owner(s) of a
vessel registered to a limited entry permit must report any change in vessel ownership to
NMFS within 30 calendar days after such change has been registered with the USCG or a
state licensing agency.

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(B) Effective date. The change in permit ownership or change in the vessel holding the permit
will be effective on the day the change is approved by NMFS, unless there is a concurrent
change in the vessel registered to the permit. Requirements for changing the vessel
registered to the permit are described at paragraph (b)(4)(vi) of this section.
(C) Sablefish-endorsed permits. If a permit owner submits an application to register a
sablefish-endorsed limited entry permit to a new permit owner or vessel owner during the
primary sablefish season described at § 660.231 (generally April 1 through December 31),
the initial permit owner must certify on the application form the cumulative quantity, in
round weight, of primary season sablefish landed against that permit as of the application
signature date for the then current primary season. The new permit owner or vessel owner
must sign the application form acknowledging the amount of landings to date given by the
initial permit owner. This certified amount should match the total amount of primary
season sablefish landings reported on state landing receipts. As required at § 660.12(b),
any person landing sablefish must retain on board the vessel from which sablefish is
landed, and provide to an authorized officer upon request, copies of any and all reports of
sablefish landings from the primary season containing all data, and in the exact manner,
required by the applicable state law throughout the primary sablefish season during which
a landing occurred and for 15 days thereafter.
(D) Change in MS/CV endorsement registration. The requirements for a change in MS/CV
endorsement registration between limited entry trawl permits are specified at §
660.150(g)(2)(iv).
(vi) Changes in vessel registration of limited entry permits and gear endorsements —
(A) General. A permit may not be used with any vessel other than the vessel registered to that
permit. For purposes of this section, a permit change in vessel registration occurs when,
through SFD, a permit owner registers a limited entry permit for use with a new vessel.
Permit change in vessel registration applications must be submitted to SFD with the
appropriate documentation described at paragraph (b)(4)(viii) of this section. Upon receipt
of a complete application, and following review and approval of the application, the SFD
will reissue the permit registered to the new vessel. Applications to change vessel
registration on limited entry permits with sablefish endorsements will not be approved
until SFD has received complete documentation of permit ownership as described at
paragraph (b)(3)(iv)(B)(4) and as required under paragraph (b)(4)(viii) of this section.
Applications to change vessel registration on limited entry permits with trawl
endorsements or MS permits will not be approved until SFD has received complete EDC
forms as required under § 660.114, subpart D.
(B) Application. Change in vessel registration applications must be submitted to NMFS with
the appropriate documentation described at paragraphs (b)(4)(viii) and (ix) of this section.
At a minimum, a permit owner seeking to change vessel registration of a limited entry
permit shall submit to NMFS a signed application form and his/her current limited entry
permit before the first day of the cumulative limit period in which they wish to fish. If a
permit owner provides a signed application and current limited entry permit after the first
day of a cumulative limit period, the permit will not be effective until the succeeding
cumulative limit period. NMFS will not approve a change in vessel registration until it
receives a complete application, the existing permit, a current copy of the USCG 1270, and
other required documentation.
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(C) Effective date. Changes in vessel registration on permits will take effect no sooner than
the first day of the next major limited entry cumulative limit period following the date that
SFD receives the signed permit change in vessel registration form and the original limited
entry permit, except that changes in vessel registration on MS permits and C/P-endorsed
permits will take effect immediately upon reissuance to the new vessel, and a change in
vessel registration on MS/CV-endorsed permits will take effect immediately upon
reissuance to the new vessel only on the second change in vessel registration for the year.
No change in vessel registration is effective until the limited entry permit has been
reissued as registered with the new vessel.
(D) Sablefish-endorsed permits. If a permit owner submits an application to register a
sablefish-endorsed limited entry permit to a new vessel during the primary sablefish
season described at § 660.231 (generally April 1 through December 31), the initial permit
owner must certify on the application form the cumulative quantity, in round weight, of
primary season sablefish landed against that permit as of the application signature date
for the then current primary season. The new permit owner or vessel owner associated
with the new vessel must sign the application form acknowledging the amount of landings
to date given by the initial permit owner. This certified amount should match the total
amount of primary season sablefish landings reported on state landing receipts. As
required at § 660.12(b), any person landing sablefish must retain on board the vessel from
which sablefish is landed, and provide to an authorized officer upon request, copies of any
and all reports of sablefish landings from the primary season containing all data, and in
the exact manner, required by the applicable state law throughout the primary sablefish
season during which a landing occurred and for 15 days thereafter.
(vii) Restriction on frequency of changes in vessel registration —
(A) General. A permit owner may designate the vessel registration for a permit as
“unidentified,” meaning that no vessel has been identified as registered for use with that
permit. No vessel is authorized to use a permit with the vessel registration designated as
“unidentified.” A vessel owner who removes a permit from his vessel and registers that
permit as “unidentified” is not exempt from VMS requirements at § 660.14, unless
specifically authorized by that section. When a permit owner requests that the permit's
vessel registration be designated as “unidentified,” the transaction is not considered a
change in vessel registration for purposes of this section. Any subsequent request by a
permit owner to change from the “unidentified” status of the permit in order to register the
permit with a specific vessel will be considered a change in vessel registration and subject
to the restriction on frequency and timing of changes in vessel registration.
(B) Limited entry fixed gear and trawl-endorsed permits (without MS/CV or C/P endorsements).
Limited entry fixed gear and trawl-endorsed permits (without MS/CV or C/P
endorsements) may not be registered for use with a different vessel more than once per
calendar year, except in cases of death of a vessel owner or if the vessel registered to the
permit is totally lost as defined in § 660.11. The exception for death of a vessel owner
applies for a vessel owned by a partnership or a corporation if the person or persons with
at least 50 percent of the ownership interest in the entity dies.
(C) Limited entry permits with an MS/CV endorsement. Limited entry permits with an MS/CV
endorsement may be registered to another vessel up to two times during the calendar year
as long as the second change in vessel registration is back to the original vessel. The
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original vessel is either the vessel registered to the permit as of January 1, or if no vessel
is registered to the permit as of January 1, the original vessel is the first vessel to which
the permit is registered after January 1. After the original vessel has been established, the
first change in vessel registration would be to another vessel, but any second change in
vessel registration must be back to the original vessel. On the second change in vessel
registration back to the original vessel, that vessel must be used to fish exclusively in the
MS Co-op Program described at § 660.150 for the remainder of the calendar year, and
declare into the limited entry mid water trawl, Pacific whiting mothership sector as
specified at § 660.13(d)(4)(iv).
(D) Limited entry MS permits and limited entry permits with a catcher/processor (C/P)
endorsement. Vessels registered to both a MS permit and a C/P endorsed permit may
operate in both the at-sea MS sector and C/P sector during the same calendar year, but
not on the same trip. Prior to leaving port, a vessel registered under both a MS permit and
a C/P endorsed permit must declare through VMS the sector in which it will participate for
the duration of the trip, as specified at § 660.13(d)(4)(iv)(A).
(viii) Application and supplemental documentation. Permit owners may request a change in vessel
registration and/or change in permit owner or vessel owner by submitting a complete
application form. In addition, a permit owner applying for a change in vessel registration and/or
change in permit owner of a limited entry permit has the burden to submit evidence to prove
that qualification requirements are met. If a change in vessel owner occurs, the new vessel
owner has the burden to submit evidence to prove that qualification requirements are met. The
following evidentiary standards apply:
(A) For a request to change a vessel registration and/or change a permit owner or vessel
owner, the permit owner must provide NMFS with a current copy of the USCG Form 1270
for vessels of 5 net tons or greater, or a current copy of a state registration form for
vessels under 5 net tons.
(B) For a request to change a vessel registration and/or change a permit owner or vessel
owner for sablefish-endorsed permits with a tier assignment for which a corporation or
partnership is listed as permit owner and/or vessel owner, an Identification of Ownership
Interest Form must be completed and included with the application form.
(C) For a request to change a vessel registration and/or change a permit owner or vessel
owner for a MS/CV-endorsed limited entry permit, an Identification of Ownership Interest
Form must be completed and included with the application form.
(D) For a request to change the vessel registration to a permit, the permit owner must submit
to SFD a current marine survey conducted by a certified marine surveyor in accordance
with USCG regulations to authenticate the length overall of the vessel being newly
registered with the permit. Marine surveys older than 3 years at the time of the request for
change in vessel registration will not be considered “current” marine surveys for purposes
of this requirement.
(E) For a request to change a permit's ownership where the current permit owner is a
corporation, partnership or other business entity, the applicant must provide to SFD a
corporate resolution that authorizes the conveyance of the permit to a new owner and
which authorizes the individual applicant to request the conveyance on behalf of the
corporation, partnership, or other business entity.
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(F) For a request to change a permit's ownership that is necessitated by the death of the
permit owner(s), the individual(s) requesting conveyance of the permit to a new owner
must provide SFD with a death certificate of the permit owner(s) and appropriate legal
documentation that either: Specifically registers the permit to a designated individual(s);
or, provides legal authority to the transferor to convey the permit ownership or to request a
change in vessel registration.
(G) For a request to change a permit's ownership that is necessitated by divorce, the individual
requesting the change in permit ownership must submit an executed divorce decree that
awards the permit to a designated individual(s).
(H) Such other relevant, credible documentation as the applicant may submit, or the SFD or
Regional Administrator may request or acquire, may also be considered.
(ix) Application forms available. Application forms for a change in vessel registration, permit owner,
or vessel owner are available at: NMFS West Coast Region, Sustainable Fisheries Division,
ATTN: Fisheries Permit Office, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115; or
https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/region/west-coast. Contents of the application, and required
supporting documentation, are also specified in the application form. Only complete
applications will be processed.
(x) Records maintenance. The SFD will maintain records of all limited entry permits that have been
issued, renewed, registered, or replaced.
(5) Small fleet.
(i)

Small limited entry fisheries fleets that are controlled by a local government, are in existence as
of July 11, 1991, and have negligible impacts on the groundfish resource, may be certified as
consistent with the goals and objectives of the limited entry program and incorporated into the
limited entry fishery. Permits issued under this subsection will be issued in accordance with the
standards and procedures set out in the PCGFMP and will carry the rights explained therein.

(ii) A permit issued under this section may be registered only to another vessel that will continue to
operate in the same certified small fleet, provided that the total number of vessels in the fleet
does not increase. A vessel may not use a small fleet limited entry permit for participation in
the limited entry fishery outside of authorized activities of the small fleet for which that permit
and vessel have been designated.
(6) At-sea processing exemptions —
(i)

Sablefish at-sea processing exemption. No new applications for sablefish at-sea processing
exemptions will be accepted. As specified at § 660.212(d)(3), subpart E, vessels are prohibited
from processing sablefish at sea that were caught in the sablefish primary fishery without a
sablefish at-sea processing exemption. Any sablefish at-sea processing exemptions were
issued to a particular vessel and that permit and vessel owner who requested the exemption.
The exemption is not part of the limited entry permit. The exemption cannot be registered with
any other vessel, vessel owner, or permit owner for any reason. The exemption only applies to
at-sea processing of sablefish caught in the sablefish primary fishery. The sablefish at-sea
processing exemption will expire upon registration of the vessel to a new owner or if the vessel
is totally lost, as defined at § 660.11.

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(ii) Non-whiting at-sea processing exemption. No new applications for non-whiting at-sea
processing exemptions will be accepted. As specified at § 660.112(b)(1)(xii), subpart D, vessels
are prohibited from processing non-whiting groundfish at sea that were caught in the
Shorebased IFQ Program without a non-whiting at-sea processing exemption. Any non-whiting
at-sea processing exemptions were issued to a particular vessel and that permit and/or vessel
owner who requested the exemption. The exemption is not part of the limited entry permit. The
exemption is not transferable to any other vessel, vessel owner, or permit owner for any reason.
The exemption only applies to at-sea processing of non-whiting groundfish caught in the
Shorebased IFQ Program. The non-whiting at-sea processing exemption will expire upon
registration of the vessel to a new owner or if the vessel is totally lost, as defined at § 660.11.
(c) Quota share (QS) permit. A QS permit conveys a conditional privilege to a person to own QS or IBQ for
designated species and species groups and to fish in the Shorebased IFQ Program described § 660.140,
subpart D. A QS permit is not a limited entry permit. The provisions for the QS permit, including eligibility,
renewal, change of permit ownership, accumulation limits, fees, and appeals are described at § 660.140,
subpart D.
(d) First receiver site license. The first receiver site license conveys a conditional privilege to a first receiver to
receive, purchase, or take custody, control or possession of landings from the Shorebased IFQ Program.
The first receiver site license is issued for a person and a unique physical site consistent with the terms
and conditions required to account for and weigh the landed species. A first receiver site license is not a
limited entry permit. The provisions for the First Receiver Site License, including eligibility, registration,
change of ownership, fees, and appeals are described at § 660.140(f), subpart D.
(e) Co-op permit —
(1) MS co-op permit. An MS co-op permit conveys a conditional privilege to an eligible co-op entity to
receive and manage a cooperative's allocation of designated species and species groups. An MS coop permit is not a limited entry permit. The provisions for the MS co-op permit, including eligibility,
annual registration, fees, and appeals are described in the MS Co-op Program at § 660.150, subpart
D.
(2) C/P co-op permit. A C/P co-op permit conveys a conditional privilege to an eligible co-op entity to
receive and manage a cooperative's allocation of designated species and species groups. A C/P coop permit is not a limited entry permit. The provisions for the C/P co-op permit, including eligibility,
annual registration, fees, and appeals are described in the C/P Co-op Program at § 660.160, subpart
D.
(f) Permit fees. The Regional Administrator is authorized to charge fees to cover administrative expenses
related to issuance of permits including initial issuance, renewal, permit registration, vessel registration,
replacement, and appeals. The appropriate fee must accompany each application.
(g) Permit appeals process —
(1) General. For permit actions, including issuance, renewal, change in vessel registration and/or change
in permit owner or vessel owner, and endorsement upgrade, the Assistant Regional Administrator for
Sustainable Fisheries will make an IAD on the action. In cases where the applicant disagrees with
the IAD, the applicant may appeal that decision. Final decisions on appeals of IADs regarding
issuance, renewal, change in vessel registration and/or change in permit owner or vessel owner, and
endorsement upgrade, will be made in writing by the Regional Administrator acting on behalf of the
Secretary of Commerce and will state the reasons therefore. This section describes the procedures
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for appealing the IAD on permit actions made in this title under subparts C through G of part 660.
Additional information regarding appeals of an IAD related to the trawl rationalization program is
contained in the specific program sections under subpart D of part 660.
(2) Who May Appeal? Only a person who received an IAD that disapproved any part of their application
may file a written appeal. For purposes of this section, such person will be referred to as the
“applicant.”
(3) Submission of appeals.
(i)

The appeal must be in writing, must allege credible facts or circumstances to show why the
criteria in this subpart have been met, and must include any relevant information or
documentation to support the appeal.

(ii) Appeals must be mailed or faxed to: NMFS West Coast Region, Sustainable Fisheries Division,
ATTN: Appeals, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Seattle, WA, 98115; Fax: 206-526-6426; or delivered
to National Marine Fisheries Service at the same address.
(4) Timing of appeals.
(i)

For permit actions related to the application and initial issuance process for QS permits, MS
permits, MS/CV endorsements, and C/P endorsements for the trawl rationalization program
listed in subpart D of part 660, if an applicant appeals an IAD, the appeal must be postmarked,
faxed, or hand delivered to NMFS no later than 60 calendar days after the date on the IAD. If the
applicant does not appeal the IAD within 60 calendar days, the IAD becomes the final decision
of the Regional Administrator acting on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce.

(ii) For all other permit actions, if an applicant appeals an IAD, the appeal must be postmarked,
faxed, or hand delivered to NMFS no later than 30 calendar days after the date on the IAD. If the
applicant does not appeal the IAD within 30 calendar days, the IAD becomes the final decision
of the Regional Administrator acting on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce.
(iii) The time period to submit an appeal begins with the date on the IAD. If the last day of the time
period is a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal holiday, the time period will extend to the close of
business on the next business day.
(5) Address of record. For purposes of the appeals process, NMFS will establish as the address of
record, the address used by the applicant in initial correspondence to NMFS. Notifications of all
actions affecting the applicant after establishing an address of record will be mailed to that address,
unless the applicant provides NMFS, in writing, with any changes to that address. NMFS bears no
responsibility if a notification is sent to the address of record and is not received because the
applicant's actual address has changed without notification to NMFS.
(6) Decisions on appeals.
(i)

For the appeal of an IAD related to the application and initial issuance process for the trawl
rationalization program listed in subpart D of part 660, the Regional Administrator shall appoint
an appeals officer. After determining there is sufficient information and that all procedural
requirements have been met, the appeals officer will review the record and issue a
recommendation on the appeal to the Regional Administrator, which shall be advisory only. The
recommendation must be based solely on the record. Upon receiving the findings and
recommendation, the Regional Administrator shall issue a final decision on the appeal acting
on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce in accordance with paragraph (g)(6)(ii) of this section.

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(ii) Final decision on appeal. The Regional Administrator will issue a written decision on the appeal
which is the final decision of the Secretary of Commerce.
(7) Status of permits pending appeal.
(i)

For all permit actions, except those actions related to the application and initial issuance
process for the trawl rationalization program listed in subpart D of part 660, the permit
registration remains as it was prior to the request until the final decision has been made.

(ii) For permit actions related to the application and initial issuance process for the trawl
rationalization program listed in subpart D of part 660, the status of permits pending appeal is
as follows:
(A) For permit and endorsement qualifications and eligibility appeals (i.e., QS permit, MS
permit, MS/CV endorsement, C/P endorsement), any permit or endorsement under appeal
after December 31, 2010 may not be used to fish in the Pacific Coast groundfish fishery
until a final decision on the appeal has been made. If the permit or endorsement will be
issued, the permit or endorsement will be effective upon approval, except for QS permits,
which will be effective at the start of the next fishing year.
(B) For a QS or IBQ amount for specific IFQ management unit species under appeal, the QS or
IBQ amount for the IFQ species under appeal will remain as the amount assigned to the
associated QS permit in the IAD). The QS permit may be used to fish in the Pacific Coast
groundfish fishery with the QS or IBQ amounts assigned to the QS permit in the IAD. Once
a final decision on the appeal has been made and if a revised QS or IBQ amount for a
specific IFQ species will be assigned to the QS permit, the additional QS or IBQ amount
associated with the QS permit will be effective at the start of the next calendar year
following the final decision.
(C) For a Pacific whiting catch history assignment associated with an MS/CV endorsement
under appeal, the catch history assignment will remain as that previously assigned to the
associated MS/CV-endorsed limited entry permit in the IAD). The MS/CV-endorsed limited
entry permit may be used to fish in the Pacific Coast groundfish fishery with the catch
history assigned to the MS/CV-endorsed permit in the IAD. Once a final decision on the
appeal has been made, and if a revised catch history assignment will be issued, the
additional Pacific whiting catch history assignment associated with the MS/CV
endorsement will be effective at the start of the next calendar year following the final
decision.
(h) Permit sanctions.
(1) All permits and licenses issued or applied for under Subparts C through G are subject to sanctions
pursuant to the Magnuson-Stevens Act at 16 U.S.C. 1858(g) and 15 CFR part 904, subpart D.
(2) All Shorebased IFQ Program permits (QS permit, first receiver site license), QS accounts, vessel
accounts, and MS Co-op Program permits (MS permit, MS/CV-endorsed permit, and MS co-op
permit), and C/P Co-op Program permits (C/P-endorsed permit, C/P co-op permit) issued under
subpart D:
(i)

Are considered permits for the purposes of 16 U.S.C. 1857, 1858, and 1859;

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(ii) May be revoked, limited, or modified at any time in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Act,
including revocation if the system is found to have jeopardized the sustainability of the stocks
or the safety of fishermen;
(iii) Shall not confer any right of compensation to the holder of such permits, licenses, and
accounts if it is revoked, limited, or modified;
(iv) Shall not create, or be construed to create, any right, title, or interest in or to any fish before the
fish is harvested by the holder; and
(v) Shall be considered a grant of permission to the holder of the permit, license, or account to
engage in activities permitted by such permit, license, or account.
(i)

Directed open access permit —
(1) Permit information. This section applies to vessels that take and retain, possess, or land groundfish
in the West Coast groundfish directed open access fishery, as defined in § 660.11 under “Open
Access Fishery”. Starting on March 1, 2025, no person shall take and retain, possess, or land
groundfish as part of the directed open access fishery, unless SFD has issued them a permit valid for
the groundfish directed open access fishery.
(i)

Validity. The following section applies to vessel for permits under this paragraph (i):
(A) A permit issued under this paragraph (i) is valid only for the vessel for which it is
registered.
(B) A permit issued under this paragraph (i) not registered for use with a particular vessel is
not valid.
(C) Only a person eligible to own a documented vessel under the terms of 46 U.S.C. 12103
may be issued or may hold a directed open access vessel permit.
(D) No individual may alter, erase, mutilate, or forge any permit or document issued under this
section. Any such permit or document that is intentionally altered, erased, mutilated, or
forged is invalid.

(ii) Transferability. Permits are not transferable. A permit issued under this paragraph (i) is valid
only for the vessel for which it is registered. A change in ownership, documentation, or name of
the registered vessel, or transfer of the ownership of the registered vessel will render the permit
invalid.
(A) A vessel owner must contact SFD if the vessel for which the permit is issued is sold,
ownership of the vessel is transferred, the vessel is renamed, or any other reason for
which the documentation of the vessel is changed as the change may invalidate the
current permit.
(B) In the case where a permit is invalidated due to a change in documentation, a new permit
application is required. To submit a new application, please complete the process outlined
in paragraph (i)(2) of this section.
(iii) Civil Procedures. SFD may suspend, revoke, or modify any permit issued under this section
under policies and procedures in title 15 CFR part 904, or other applicable regulations in this
chapter.

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(2) Applications. A vessel owner who wants to engage in the West Coast groundfish directed open
access fishery, as defined in section § 660.11, must apply for the directed open access permit using
the application form in paragraph (i)(2)(i) of this section.
(i)

Application form. To apply for a directed open access permit, an individual must submit a
complete permit application to the SFD West Coast Region through the NOAA Fisheries Pacific
Coast Groundfish and Halibut Portal—Log In web page at
https://www.webapps.nwfsc.noaa.gov/apex/ifq/f?p=120:LOGIN_DESKTOP.

(ii) Required documentation. A complete application consists of:
(A) An application form that contains valid responses for all required data fields, information,
and signatures.
(B) A copy of the current (not expired) U.S. Coast Guard Documentation Form or state
registration form for the vessel.
(C) Payment of required fees as required at paragraph (f) of this section.
(D) Additional documentation SFD may require as it deems necessary to make a
determination on the application.
(iii) Application review, approval or denial, and appeals —
(A) Application review. Applications for groundfish directed open access permits issued under
this paragraph (i) must be received a minimum of 15 days before intending to participate
in the fishery to allow for processing time.
(B) Approved application. SFD shall issue a vessel permit upon receipt of a completed permit
application, including all required information listed in paragraph (i)(2)(ii) of this section,
submitted through the Pacific Coast Groundfish and Halibut Portal, and a cleared
sanctions check.
(C) Denied application. If the application is denied, SFD will issue an initial administrative
decision (IAD) that will explain the denial in writing. SFD may decline to act on a permit
application that is incomplete, or if the vessel or vessel owner is subject to sanction
provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Act at 16 U.S.C. 1858(a) and implementing
regulations at 15 CFR part 904, subpart D.
(D) Appeals. In cases where the applicant disagrees with SFD's decision on a permit
application, the applicant may file an appeal following the procedures described at
paragraph (g) of this section.
(iv) Issuance. Upon review and approval of a directed open access permit application, SFD will issue
a permit under this paragraph (i) electronically to the permit owner.
(A) Duration. A permit issued under this paragraph (i) is valid until the first date of renewal,
except as provided in this paragraph (i). The date of renewal will be the last day of the
vessel owner's birth month, following the year after the permit is issued (e.g., if the birth
month is March and the permit is issued on October 3, 2026, the permit will remain valid
through March 31, 2027). The permit owner is responsible for renewing their directed
open access permit. Any permit not renewed by the renewal date will expire and is no
longer valid.
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(1) For permits issued in 2025, the date of renewal will be the last day of the vessel
owner's birth month in 2026 (e.g., if the birth month is October and the permit is
issued on March 3, 2025, the permit will remain valid through October 31, 2026).
(2) [Reserved]
(B) Display. A copy (electronic or paper) of the permit issued under this subpart must be
available for inspection by an authorized officer when the vessel is operating in the
groundfish open access fishery, defined at § 660.11.
[75 FR 60897, Oct. 1, 2010, as amended at 75 FR 78381, Dec. 15, 2010; 76 FR 53835, Aug. 30, 2011; 76 FR 74734, Dec. 1, 2011; 77
FR 55155, Sept. 7, 2012; 78 FR 68767, Nov. 15, 2013; 78 FR 75278, Dec. 11, 2013; 81 FR 84426, Nov. 23, 2016; 83 FR 62276, Dec. 3,
2018; 85 FR 37029, June 19, 2020; 85 FR 68003, Oct. 27, 2020; 86 FR 26442, May 14, 2021; 86 FR 58813, Oct. 25, 2021; 86 FR
59875, Oct. 29, 2021; 86 FR 70422, Dec. 10, 2021; 87 FR 77014, Dec. 16, 2022; 87 FR 77005, Dec. 16, 2022; 88 FR 81358, Nov. 22,
2023; 89 FR 101522, 101524, Dec. 16, 2024]

§ 660.30 Compensation with fish for collecting resource information—EFPs.
In addition to the reasons stated in § 600.745(b)(1) of this chapter, an EFP may be issued under this subpart C for
the purpose of compensating the owner or operator of a vessel for collecting resource information according to a
protocol approved by NMFS. NMFS may issue an EFP allowing a vessel to retain fish as compensation in excess of
trip limits or to be exempt from other specified management measures for the Pacific coast groundfish fishery.
(a) Compensation EFP for vessels under contract with NMFS to conduct a resource survey. NMFS may issue an
EFP to the owner or operator of a vessel that conducted a resource survey according to a contract with
NMFS. A vessel's total compensation from all sources (in terms of dollars or amount of fish, including fish
from survey samples or compensation fish) will be determined through normal Federal procurement
procedures. The compensation EFP will specify the maximum amount or value of fish the vessel may take
and retain after the resource survey is completed.
(1) Competitive offers. NMFS may initiate a competitive solicitation (request for proposals or RFP) to
select vessels to conduct resource surveys that use fish as full or partial compensation, following
normal Federal procurement procedures.
(2) Consultation and approval. At a Council meeting, NMFS will consult with the Council and receive
public comment on upcoming resource surveys to be conducted if groundfish could be used as
whole or partial compensation. Generally, compensation fish would be similar to surveyed species,
but there may be reasons to provide payment with healthier, more abundant, less restricted stocks,
or more easily targeted species. For example, NMFS may decline to pay a vessel with species that
are, or are expected to be, overfished, or that are subject to overfishing, or that are unavoidably
caught with species that are overfished or subject to overfishing. NMFS may also consider levels of
discards, bycatch, and other factors. If the Council does not approve providing whole or partial
compensation for the conduct of a survey, NMFS will not use fish, other than fish taken during the
scientific research, as compensation for that survey. For each proposal, NMFS will present:
(i)

The maximum number of vessels expected or needed to conduct the survey,

(ii) An estimate of the species and amount of fish likely to be needed as compensation,
(iii) When the survey and compensation fish would be taken, and

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(iv) The year in which the compensation fish would be deducted from the ACL or ACT before
determining the fishery harvest guideline or commercial harvest guideline.
(3) Issuance of the compensation EFP. Upon successful completion of the survey, NMFS will issue a
“compensation EFP” to the vessel if it has not been fully compensated. The procedures in §
600.745(b)(1) through (b)(4) of this chapter do not apply to a compensation EFP issued under this
subpart for the Pacific coast groundfish fishery (50 CFR part 660, subparts C through G).
(4) Terms and conditions of the compensation EFP. Conditions for disposition of bycatch or any excess
catch, for reporting the value of the amount landed, and other appropriate terms and conditions may
be specified in the EFP. Compensation fishing must occur during the period specified in the EFP, but
no later than the end of September of the fishing year following the survey, and must be conducted
according to the terms and conditions of the EFP.
(5) Reporting the compensation catch. The compensation EFP may require the vessel owner or operator
to keep separate records of compensation fishing and to submit them to NMFS within a specified
period of time after the compensation fishing is completed.
(6) Accounting for the compensation catch. As part of the harvest specifications process, as described
at § 660.60, subpart C, NMFS will advise the Council of the amount of fish authorized to be retained
under a compensation EFP, which then will be deducted from the next harvest specifications (ACLs
or ACTs) set by the Council. Fish authorized in an EFP too late in the year to be deducted from the
following year's ACLs or ACTs will be accounted for in the next management cycle where it is
practicable to do so.
(b) Compensation for commercial vessels collecting resource information under a standard EFP. NMFS may
issue an EFP to allow a commercial fishing vessel to take and retain fish in excess of current
management limits for the purpose of collecting resource information (§ 600.745(b) of this chapter). The
EFP may include a compensation clause that allows the participating vessel to be compensated with fish
for its efforts to collect resource information according to NMFS' approved protocol. If compensation
with fish is requested in an EFP application, or proposed by NMFS, the following provisions apply in
addition to those at § 600.745(b) of this chapter.
(1) Application. In addition to the requirements in § 600.745(b) of this chapter, application for an EFP
with a compensation clause must clearly state whether a vessel's participation is contingent upon
compensation with groundfish and, if so, the minimum amount (in metric tons, round weight) and the
species. As with other EFPs issued under § 600.745 of this chapter, the application may be
submitted by any individual, including a state fishery management agency or other research
institution.
(2) Denial. In addition to the reasons stated in § 600.745(b)(3)(iii) of this chapter, the application will be
denied if the requested compensation fishery, species, or amount is unacceptable for reasons such
as, but not limited to, the following: NMFS concludes the value of the resource information is not
commensurate with the value of the compensation fish; the proposed compensation involves
species that are (or are expected to be) overfished or subject to overfishing, fishing in times or areas
where fishing is otherwise prohibited or severely restricted, or fishing for species that would involve
unavoidable bycatch of species that are overfished or subject to overfishing; or NMFS concludes the
information can reasonably be obtained at a less cost to the resource.
(3) Window period for other applications. If the Regional Administrator or designee agrees that
compensation should be considered, and that more than a minor amount would be used as
compensation, then a window period will be announced in the FEDERAL REGISTER during which
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additional participants will have an opportunity to apply. This notification would be made at the
same time as announcement of receipt of the application and request for comments required under
§ 600.745(b). If there are more qualified applicants than needed for a particular time and area, NMFS
will choose among the qualified vessels, either randomly, in order of receipt of the completed
application, or by other impartial selection methods. If the permit applicant is a state, university, or
Federal entity other than NMFS, and NMFS approves the selection method, the permit applicant may
choose among the qualified vessels, either randomly, in order of receipt of the vessel application, or
by other impartial selection methods.
(4) Terms and conditions. The EFP will specify the amounts that may be taken as scientific samples and
as compensation, the time period during which the compensation fishing must occur, management
measures that NMFS will waive for a vessel fishing under the EFP, and other terms and conditions
appropriate to the fishery and the collection of resource information. NMFS may require
compensation fishing to occur on the same trip that the resource information is collected.
(5) Accounting for the catch. Samples taken under this EFP, as well as any compensation fish, count
toward the current year's catch or landings.
[75 FR 60897, Oct. 1, 2010, as amended at 76 FR 27529, May 11, 2011]

§ 660.40 Rebuilding plans.
For each overfished groundfish stock with an approved rebuilding plan, this section contains the standards to be
used to establish annual or biennial ACLs, specifically the target date for rebuilding the stock to its MSY level and
the harvest control rule to be used to rebuild the stock. The harvest control rule may be expressed as a “Spawning
Potential Ratio” or “SPR” harvest rate.
(a) Yelloweye rockfish. Yelloweye rockfish was declared overfished in 2002. The target year for rebuilding the
yelloweye rockfish stock to BMSY is 2029. The harvest control rule to be used to rebuild the yelloweye
rockfish stock is an annual SPR harvest rate of 65.0 percent.
(b) Quillback rockfish off California. Quillback rockfish off California was declared overfished in 2023. The
target year for rebuilding the California quillback rockfish stock to BMSY is 2060. The harvest control rule
to be used to rebuild the quillback rockfish stock off California is the ABC Rule (P* 0.45).
[82 FR 9638, Feb. 7, 2017, as amended at 83 FR 63991, Dec. 12, 2018; 85 FR 79892, Dec. 11, 2020; 89 FR 101525, Dec. 16, 2024]

§ 660.50 Pacific Coast treaty Indian fisheries.
(a) Pacific Coast treaty Indian tribes have treaty rights. Pacific Coast treaty Indian tribes have treaty rights to
harvest groundfish in their usual and accustomed fishing areas in U.S. waters. In 1994, the United States
formally recognized that the four Washington coastal treaty Indian tribes (Makah, Quileute, Hoh, and
Quinault) have treaty rights to fish for groundfish in the Pacific Ocean, and concluded that, in general
terms, the quantification of those rights is 50 percent of the harvestable surplus of groundfish that pass
through the tribes U&A fishing areas.
(b) Pacific Coast treaty Indian tribes. For the purposes of this part, Pacific Coast treaty Indian tribes means
the Hoh Indian Tribe, Makah Indian Tribe, Quileute Indian Tribe and the Quinault Indian Nation.
(c) Usual and accustomed fishing areas or U&A fishing areas. The Pacific Coast treaty Indian tribes' U&A
fishing areas within the EEZ are set out in § 660.4.
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(d) Procedures. The rights referred to in paragraph (a) of this section will be implemented by the Secretary,
after consideration of the tribal request, the recommendation of the Council, and the comments of the
public. The rights will be implemented either through an allocation or set-aside of fish that will be
managed by the tribes, or through regulations in this section that will apply specifically to the tribal
fisheries.
(1) Tribal allocations, set-asides, and regulations. An allocation, set-aside or a regulation specific to the
tribes shall be initiated by a written request from a Pacific Coast treaty Indian tribe to the Regional
Administrator, prior to the first Council meeting in which biennial harvest specifications and
management measures are discussed for an upcoming biennial management period. The Secretary
generally will announce the annual tribal allocations at the same time as the announcement of the
harvest specifications.
(2) Co-management. The Secretary recognizes the sovereign status and co-manager role of Indian tribes
over shared Federal and tribal fishery resources. Accordingly, the Secretary will develop tribal
allocations and regulations under this paragraph in consultation with the affected tribe(s) and,
insofar as possible, with tribal consensus.
(e) Fishing by a member of a Pacific Coast treaty Indian tribe. A member of a Pacific Coast treaty Indian tribe
fishing under this section and within their U&A fishing area is not subject to the provisions of other
sections of subparts C through G of this part.
(1) Identification. A valid treaty Indian identification card issued pursuant to 25 CFR part 249, subpart A,
is prima facie evidence that the holder is a member of the Pacific Coast treaty Indian tribe named on
the card.
(2) Permits. A limited entry permit described under § 660.25, subpart C is not required for a member of a
Pacific Coast treaty Indian tribe to fish in a tribal fishery described in paragraph (d) of this section.
(3) Federal and tribal laws and regulations. Any member of a Pacific Coast treaty Indian tribe must
comply with this section, and with any applicable tribal law and regulation, when participating in a
tribal groundfish fishery described in this section.
(4) Fishing outside the U&A fishing area or without a groundfish allocation. Fishing by a member of a
Pacific Coast treaty Indian tribe outside the applicable Indian tribe's U&A fishing area, or for a
species of groundfish not covered by an allocation, set-aside, or regulation under this section, is
subject to the regulations in the other sections of subpart C through subpart G of this part. Treaty
fisheries operating within tribal allocations are prohibited from operating outside the U&A fishing
areas described at § 660.4, subpart A.
(f) Pacific Coast treaty Indian fisheries allocations, harvest guidelines, and set-asides. Trip limits for certain
species were recommended by the Tribes and the Council and are specified in paragraph (g) of this
section.
(1) Arrowtooth flounder. The Tribal harvest guideline is 2,041 mt per year.
(2) Big skate. The Tribal harvest guideline is 15 mt per year.
(3) Black rockfish off Washington.
(i)

Harvest guidelines for commercial harvests of black rockfish by members of the Pacific Coast
Indian Tribes using hook-and-line gear will be established biennially for two subsequent 1-year
periods for the areas between the U.S.-Canadian border and Cape Alava (48°09.50′ N lat.) and

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between Destruction Island (47°40′ N lat.) and Leadbetter Point (46°38.17′ N lat.), in
accordance with the procedures for implementing harvest specifications and management
measures. Pacific Coast treaty Indians fishing for black rockfish in these areas under these
harvest guidelines are subject to the provisions in this section, and not to the restrictions in
subparts C through G of this part.
(ii) For the commercial harvest of black rockfish off Washington State, a treaty Indian Tribes'
harvest guideline is set at 30,000 lb (13,608 kg) for the area north of Cape Alava, WA (48°09.50′
N lat.) and 10,000 lb (4,536 kg) for the area between Destruction Island, WA (47°40′ N lat.) and
Leadbetter Point, WA (46°38.17′ N lat.). This harvest guideline applies and is available to the
Pacific Coast treaty Indian Tribes. There are no Tribal harvest restrictions for black rockfish in
the area between Cape Alava and Destruction Island.
(4) Canary rockfish. The Tribal harvest guideline is 50 mt per year.
(5) Darkblotched rockfish. The Tribal harvest guideline is 5 mt per year.
(6) Dover sole. The Tribal harvest guideline is 1,497 mt per year.
(7) English sole. The Tribal harvest guideline is 200 mt per year.
(8) Lingcod. The Tribal harvest guideline is 250 mt per year.
(9) Longnose skate. The Tribal harvest guideline is 220 mt per year.
(10) Minor nearshore rockfish. The Tribal harvest guideline is 1.5 mt per year.
(11) Minor shelf rockfish. The Tribal harvest guideline is 30 mt per year.
(12) Minor slope rockfish. The Tribal harvest guideline is 36 mt per year.
(13) Other flatfish. The Tribal harvest guideline is 60 mt per year.
(14) Pacific cod. The Tribal harvest guideline is 500 mt per year.
(15) Pacific ocean perch. The Tribal harvest guideline is 130 mt per year.
(16) Pacific spiny dogfish. The Tribal harvest guideline is 275 mt per year.
(17) Pacific whiting. The Tribal allocation for 2025 is 51,716 mt, which is 17.5 percent of the 295,520 mt
U.S. TAC.
(18) Petrale sole. The harvest guideline is 290 mt per year.
(19) Sablefish.
(i)

The sablefish allocation to Pacific coast treaty Indian Tribes is 10 percent of the sablefish ACL
for the area north of 36° N lat. This allocation represents the total amount available to the treaty
Indian fisheries before deductions for discard mortality.

(ii) The Tribal allocation is 2,869 mt in 2025 and 2,724 mt in 2026. This allocation is, for each year,
10 percent of the Monterey through Vancouver area (North of 36° N lat.) ACL, including
estimated discard mortality.
(20) Starry flounder. The Tribal harvest guideline is 2 mt per year.
(21) Thornyheads. The Tribal harvest guideline for shortspine thornyhead is 50 mt per year and the Tribal
harvest guideline for longspine thornyhead is 30 mt per year.
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(22) Washington cabezon/kelp greenling. The Tribal harvest guideline is 2 mt per year.
(23) Widow rockfish. Widow rockfish taken in the directed Tribal midwater trawl fisheries are subject to a
catch limit of 200 mt for the entire fleet, per year.
(24) Yelloweye rockfish. The Tribal harvest guideline is 8 mt per year.
(25) Yellowtail rockfish. Yellowtail rockfish taken in the directed Tribal mid-water trawl fisheries are
subject to a catch limit of 1,000 mt for the entire fleet, per year.
(g) Pacific coast treaty Indian fisheries management measures. Trip limits for certain species were
recommended by the Tribes and the Council and are specified here.
(1) Rockfish. The Tribes will require full retention of all overfished rockfish species and all other
marketable rockfish species during treaty fisheries.
(2) Yelloweye rockfish. Subject to a 200-lb (90-kg) trip limit.
(3) Pacific whiting. Tribal whiting processed at-sea by non-Tribal vessels, must be transferred within the
Tribal U&A from a member of a Pacific Coast treaty Indian Tribe fishing under this section.
(4) Groundfish without a Tribal allocation. Makah Tribal members may use midwater trawl gear to take
and retain groundfish for which there is no Tribal allocation and will be subject to the trip landing and
frequency and size limits applicable to the limited entry fishery.
(5) EFH. Measures implemented to minimize adverse impacts to groundfish EFH, as described in §
660.12, do not apply to Tribal fisheries in their U&A fishing areas described at § 660.4, subpart A.
(6) Small footrope trawl gear. Makah Tribal members fishing in the bottom trawl fishery may use only
small footrope (less than or equal to 8 inches (20.3 cm)) bottom trawl gear.
(h) Salmon bycatch. This fishery may be closed through automatic action at § 660.60(d)(1)(v).
[75 FR 60897, Oct. 1, 2010, as amended at 75 FR 75421, Dec. 3, 2010; 75 FR 82300, Dec. 30, 2010; 76 FR 27529, May 11, 2011; 76
FR 28903, May 19, 2011; 77 FR 28507, May 15, 2012; 78 FR 588, Jan. 3, 2013; 78 FR 26532, May 7, 2013; 79 FR 27204, May 13,
2014; 80 FR 12572, Mar. 10, 2015; 80 FR 27593, May 14, 2015; 81 FR 30208, May 16, 2016; 81 FR 36807, June 8, 2016; 82 FR 9639,
Feb. 7, 2017; 82 FR 21321, May 8, 2017; 83 FR 22405, May 15, 2018; 83 FR 63991, Dec. 12, 2018; 84 FR 20584, May 10, 2019; 85
FR 36812, June 18, 2020; 85 FR 79893, Dec. 11, 2020; 86 FR 10867, Feb. 23, 2021; 86 FR 32809, June 23, 2021; 87 FR 33441, June
2, 2022; 87 FR 77015, Dec. 16, 2022; 88 FR 34787, May 31, 2023; 88 FR 89315, Dec. 27, 2023; 89 FR 52403, June 24, 2024; 89 FR
101525, Dec. 16, 2024; 90 FR 27266, June 26, 2025]

§ 660.55 Allocations.
(a) General. The opportunity to harvest Pacific Coast groundfish is allocated among participants in the fishery
when the ACLs for a given year are established in the biennial harvest specifications. For any stock that
has been declared overfished, any formal allocation may be temporarily revised for the duration of the
rebuilding period. For certain species, primarily trawl-dominant species, separate allocations for the trawl
and non-trawl fishery (which for this purpose includes limited entry fixed gear, directed open access, and
recreational fisheries) will be established biennially or annually using the standards and procedures
described in Chapter 6 of the PCGFMP. Chapter 6 of the PCGFMP provides the allocation structure and
percentages for species allocated between the trawl and non-trawl fisheries. Also, for those species not
subject to the trawl and non-trawl allocations specified under Amendment 21 and in paragraph (c)(1) of
this section, separate allocations for the limited entry and open access fisheries may be established using
the procedures described in Chapters 6 and 11 of the PCGFMP and this subpart. Allocation of sablefish
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north of 36° N lat. is described in paragraph (h) of this section and in the PCGFMP. Allocation of Pacific
whiting is described in paragraph (i) of this section and in the PCGFMP. Allocation of black rockfish is
described in paragraph (l) of this section. Allocation of Pacific halibut bycatch is described in paragraph
(m) of this section. Allocations not specified in the PCGFMP are established in regulation through the
biennial harvest specifications and are listed in Tables 1 a through d and Tables 2 a through d of this
subpart.
(b) Fishery harvest guidelines and reductions made prior to fishery allocations. Prior to the setting of fishery
allocations, the TAC, ACL, or ACT when specified, is reduced by the Pacific Coast treaty Indian Tribal
harvest (allocations, set-asides, and estimated harvest under regulations at § 660.50); projected scientific
research catch of all groundfish species, estimates of fishing mortality in non-groundfish fisheries; and, as
necessary, deductions to account for unforeseen catch events and deductions for EFPs. Deductions are
listed in the footnotes of Tables 1a and 2a of subpart C of this part. The remaining amount after these
deductions is the fishery harvest guideline or quota. (Note: recreational estimates are not deducted here.)
(1) Pacific Coast treaty Indian tribal allocations, set-asides, and regulations are specified during the
biennial harvest specifications process and are found at § 660.50 and in Tables 1a and 2a of this
subpart.
(2) Scientific research catch results from scientific research activity as defined in regulations at §
600.10.
(3) Estimates of fishing mortality in non-groundfish fisheries are based on historical catch and projected
fishing activities.
(4) EFPs are authorized and governed by regulations at §§ 660.60(f) and 600.745.
(c) Trawl/non-trawl allocations.
(1) Species/species groups and areas allocated between the trawl and non-trawl fisheries are allocated
based on the amounts and percentages in the table below. IFQ species not listed in the table below
are allocated between the trawl and non-trawl fisheries through the biennial harvest specifications
process.

TABLE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (c)(1)—ALLOCATION AMOUNTS AND PERCENTAGES FOR
LIMITED ENTRY TRAWL AND NON-TRAWL SECTORS SPECIFIED FOR FMP
GROUNDFISH STOCKS AND STOCK COMPLEXES

Stock or complex

All non-treaty LE trawl
sectors
(%)

All non-treaty non-trawl
sectors
(%)

Arrowtooth Flounder

95

5

Chilipepper Rockfish S. of 40°10′ N lat.

75

25

Darkblotched Rockfish

95

5

Dover Sole

95

5

English Sole

95

5

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Stock or complex

50 CFR 660.55(c)(1)(i)

All non-treaty LE trawl
sectors
(%)

All non-treaty non-trawl
sectors
(%)

Lingcod N of 40°10′ N lat.

45

55

Longspine Thornyhead N of 34°27′ N
lat.

95

5

Pacific Cod

95

5

Pacific Ocean Perch

95

5

Sablefish S of 36° N lat.

42

58

Splitnose Rockfish S. of 40°10′ N lat.

95

5

Starry Flounder

50

50

Yellowtail Rockfish N of 40°10′ N lat.

88

12

Minor Slope Rockfish North of 40°10′
N lat.

81

19

Other Flatfish

90

10

(i)

Trawl fishery allocation. The allocation for the limited entry trawl fishery is derived by applying
the trawl allocation amounts and percentages as specified in paragraph (c) of this section and
as specified during the biennial harvest specifications process to the fishery harvest guideline
for species/species groups and areas. For IFQ species the trawl allocation is further subdivided
within each of the trawl sectors (MS, C/P, and IFQ) as specified in § 660.140, 660.150, and
660.160 of subpart D. The whiting allocation is further subdivided among the trawl sectors as
specified in paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section.

(ii) Non-trawl fishery allocation. For each species/species group and area, the non-trawl fishery
allocation is derived by subtracting from the corresponding harvest guideline the trawl
allocations specified in paragraph (c) of this section and during the biennial harvest
specifications. The non-trawl allocation will be shared between the limited entry fixed gear,
open access, and recreational fisheries as specified through the biennial harvest specifications
process and consistent with allocations in the PCGFMP.
(2) [Reserved]
(d) Commercial harvest guidelines. To derive the commercial harvest guideline, the fishery harvest guideline is
further reduced by the recreational set-asides. The commercial harvest guideline is then allocated
between the limited entry fishery (both trawl and fixed gear) and the directed open access fishery, as
appropriate.
(e) Limited entry (LE)/open access (OA) allocations —
(1) LE/OA allocation percentages. The allocations between the limited entry and open access fisheries
are based on standards from the PCGFMP.

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(2) Species with LE/OA allocations. For species with LE/OA allocations that are not subject to
Amendment 21 allocations, the allocation between the limited entry (both trawl and fixed gear) and
the open access fisheries is determined by applying the percentage for those species with a LE/OA
allocation to the commercial harvest guideline plus the amount set-aside for the non-groundfish
fisheries.
(i)

Limited entry allocation. The allocation for the limited entry fishery is the commercial harvest
guideline minus any allocation to the directed open access fishery.

(ii) Open access allocation. The allocation for the open access fishery is derived by applying the
open access allocation percentage to the annual commercial harvest guideline or quota plus
the non-groundfish fishery (i.e., incidental open access fishery) amount described in paragraph
(b) of this section. The result is the total open access allocation. The portion that is set-aside
for the non-groundfish fisheries is deducted and the remainder is the directed open access
portion. For management areas or stocks for which quotas or harvest guidelines for a stock are
not fully utilized, no separate allocation will be established for the open access fishery until it is
projected that the allowable catch for a species will be reached.
(A) Open access allocation percentage. For each species with a harvest guideline or quota, the
initial open access allocation percentage is calculated by:
(1) Computing the total catch for that species during the window period (July 11, 1984
through August 1, 1988) for the limited entry program by any vessel that did not
initially receive a limited entry permit.
(2) Dividing that amount by the total catch during the window period by all gear.
(3) The guidelines in this paragraph apply to recalculation of the open access allocation
percentage. Any recalculated allocation percentage will be used in calculating the
following biennial fishing period's open access allocation.
(B) [Reserved]
(f) Catch accounting. Catch accounting refers to how the catch in a fishery is monitored against the
allocations described in this section. For species with trawl/non-trawl allocations, catch of those species
are counted against the trawl/non-trawl allocations as explained in paragraph (f)(1) of this section. For
species with limited entry/open access allocations in a given biennial cycle, catch of those species are
counted against the limited entry/open access allocations as explained in paragraph (f)(1)(ii) of this
section.
(1) Between the trawl and non-trawl fisheries —
(i)

Catch accounting for the trawl allocation. Any groundfish caught by a vessel registered to a
limited entry trawl-endorsed permit will be counted against the trawl allocation while they are
declared in to a groundfish limited entry trawl fishery and while the applicable trawl fishery
listed in subpart D of this part for that vessel's limited entry permit is open.

(ii) Catch accounting for the non-trawl allocation. All groundfish caught by a vessel not registered to
a limited entry permit and not fishing in the non-groundfish fishery will be counted against the
non-trawl allocation. All groundfish caught by a vessel registered to a limited entry permit when
the fishery for a vessel's limited entry permit has closed or they are not declared in to a limited
entry fishery, will be counted against the non-trawl allocation, unless they are declared in to a

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non-groundfish fishery. Catch by vessels fishing in the non-groundfish fishery, as defined at §
660.11, will be accounted for in the estimated mortality in the non-groundfish fishery that is
deducted from the ACL or ACT when specified.
(2) [Reserved]
(g) Recreational fisheries. Recreational fishing for groundfish is outside the scope of, and not affected by, the
regulations governing limited entry and open access fisheries. Certain amounts of groundfish will be set
aside for the recreational fishery during the biennial specifications process. These amounts will be
estimated prior to dividing the commercial harvest guideline between the limited entry and open access
fisheries.
(h) Sablefish Allocations (north of 36° N. lat.). The allocations of sablefish north of 36° N. lat. described in
paragraph (h) of this section are specified in Chapter 6 of the PCGFMP.
(1) Tribal/nontribal allocation. The sablefish allocation to Pacific coast treaty Indian tribes is identified at
§ 660.50(f)(2). The remainder is available to the nontribal fishery (limited entry, open access
(directed and incidental), and research).
(2) Between the limited entry and open access fisheries. The allocation of sablefish after tribal
deductions is further reduced by the estimated total mortality of sablefish in research and
recreational fisheries; the remaining yield (commercial harvest guideline) is divided between open
access and limited entry fisheries. The limited entry fishery allocation is 90.6 percent of the
commercial harvest guideline. The open access allocation is 9.4 percent of the commercial harvest
guideline and includes incidental catch in non-groundfish fisheries, or incidental open access.
(3) Between the limited entry trawl and limited entry fixed gear fisheries. The limited entry sablefish
allocation is further allocated 58 percent to the trawl fishery and 42 percent to the limited entry fixed
gear (longline and pot/trap) fishery.
(4) Between the limited entry fixed gear primary season and daily trip limit fisheries. Within the limited
entry fixed gear fishery allocation, 85 percent is reserved for the primary season described in §
660.231, subpart E, leaving 15 percent for the limited entry daily trip limit fishery described in §
660.232, subpart E.
(5) Ratios between tiers for sablefish-endorsed limited entry permits. The Regional Administrator will
biennially or annually calculate the size of the cumulative trip limit for each of the three tiers
associated with the sablefish endorsement such that the ratio of limits between the tiers is
approximately 1:1.75:3.85 for Tier 3:Tier 2:Tier 1, respectively. The size of the cumulative trip limits
will vary depending on the amount of sablefish available for the primary fishery and on estimated
discard mortality rates within the fishery. The size of the cumulative trip limits for the three tiers in
the primary fishery will be announced in § 660.231(b)(3), subpart E.
(i)

Pacific whiting allocation. The allocation structure and percentages for Pacific whiting are described in the
PCGFMP.
(1) Annual treaty tribal Pacific whiting allocations are provided in § 660.50, subpart C.
(2) The fishery harvest guideline for Pacific whiting is allocated among three sectors, as follows: 34
percent for the C/P Co-op Program; 24 percent for the MS Co-op Program; and 42 percent for the
Shorebased IFQ Program. No more than 5 percent of the Shorebased IFQ Program allocation may be
taken and retained south of 42° N lat. before the start of the primary Pacific whiting season north of

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42° N lat. Specific sector allocations for a given calendar year are found in tables 1a through c and
2a through c of this subpart. Set-asides for other species for the at-sea whiting fishery for a given
calendar year are established through the biennial specifications process.
(j)

Fishery set-asides. Annual set-asides are not formal allocations but they are amounts which are not
available to the other fisheries during the fishing year. For Pacific Coast treaty Indian fisheries, set-asides
will be deducted from the TAC, OY, ACL, or ACT when specified. For the catcher/processor and
mothership sectors of the at-sea Pacific whiting fishery, set-asides will be deducted from the limited entry
trawl fishery allocation. Set-aside amounts may be adjusted through the biennial harvest specifications
and management measures process.

(k) [Reserved]
(l)

Black rockfish harvest guideline. The commercial tribal harvest guideline for black rockfish off Washington
State is specified at § 660.50(f)(1), subpart C.

(m) Pacific halibut bycatch allocation. The Pacific halibut fishery off Washington, Oregon and California (Area
2A in the halibut regulations) is managed under regulations at 50 CFR part 300, subpart E. The PCGFMP
sets the trawl bycatch mortality limit at 15 percent of the Area 2A total constant exploitation yield (TCEY)
for legal size halibut (net weight), not to exceed 130,000 pounds annually for legal size halibut (net
weight) for 2012 through 2014 and, beginning in 2015, not to exceed 100,000 pounds annually for legal
size halibut (net weight). The TCEY used for these calculations will be the best estimate of the TCEY
available from the International Pacific Halibut Commission at the time of the calculation. For the purpose
of this paragraph, the term “legal sized” halibut refers to halibut with a total length of 32 inches and above,
or O32, and the term “sublegal sized” halibut refers to halibut under 32 inches in total length, or U32. To
determine the trawl bycatch mortality limit, the pounds of halibut available to the trawl fleet will be
expanded from the legal sized halibut mortality (net weight) to a round weight legal and sublegal sized
amount. To convert from net weight to round weight, multiply by the conversion factor used by the
International Pacific Halibut Commission at the time of calculation for net weight to round weight. To
convert from legal sized halibut to legal and sublegal sized halibut, multiply by the conversion factor from
the NMFS trawl fishery bycatch report as reported to the International Pacific Halibut Commission at the
time of calculation for legal sized to legal and sublegal sized halibut. The bycatch allocation percent can
be adjusted downward or upward through the biennial specifications and management measures process
but the upper bound on the maximum pounds of allocation can only be changed though an FMP
amendment. Part of the overall total mortality limit is a set-aside of 10 mt of Pacific halibut (legal and
sublegal, round weight), to accommodate bycatch in the at-sea Pacific whiting fishery and in the
shorebased trawl fishery south of 40°10′ N. lat. (estimated to be approximately 5 mt each). This set-aside
can be adjusted through the biennial specifications and management measures process.
[75 FR 60897, Oct. 1, 2010, as amended at 75 FR 78382, Dec. 15, 2010; 75 FR 82300, Dec. 30, 2010; 76 FR 27529, May 11, 2011; 76
FR 53835, Aug. 30, 2011; 76 FR 74737, Dec. 1, 2011; 77 FR 28507, May 15, 2012; 78 FR 588, Jan. 3, 2013; 80 FR 77270, Dec. 14,
2015; 81 FR 84428, Nov. 23, 2016; 82 FR 9639, Feb. 7, 2017; 83 FR 759, Jan. 8, 2018; 83 FR 63991, Dec. 12, 2018; 84 FR 68805,
Dec. 17, 2019; 87 FR 77015, Dec. 16, 2022; 88 FR 81358, Nov. 22, 2023; 89 FR 101522, 101526, Dec. 16, 2024; 90 FR 15414, Apr.
11, 2025]

§ 660.60 Specifications and management measures.
(a) General. NMFS will establish and adjust specifications and management measures biennially or annually
and during the fishing year. Management of the Pacific Coast groundfish fishery will be conducted
consistent with the standards and procedures in the PCGFMP and other applicable law. The PCGFMP is
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available from the Regional Administrator or the Council. Regulations under this subpart may be
promulgated, removed, or revised during the fishing year. Any such action will be made according to the
framework standards and procedures in the PCGFMP and other applicable law, and will be published in
the FEDERAL REGISTER.
(b) Biennial actions. The Pacific Coast Groundfish fishery is managed on a biennial, calendar year basis.
Harvest specifications and management measures will be announced biennially, with the harvest
specifications for each species or species group set for two sequential calendar years. In general,
management measures are designed to achieve, but not exceed, the specifications, particularly optimum
yields (harvest guidelines and quotas), fishery harvest guidelines, commercial harvest guidelines and
quotas, limited entry and open access allocations, or other approved fishery allocations, and to protect
overfished and depleted stocks. Management measures will be designed to take into account the cooccurrence ratios of target species with overfished species, and will select measures that will minimize
bycatch to the extent practicable.
(1) Except for Pacific whiting, every biennium, NMFS will implement OFLs, ABCs, and ACLs, if applicable,
for each species or species group based on the harvest controls used in the previous biennium
(referred to as default harvest control rules) applied to the best available scientific information. The
default harvest control rules for each species or species group are listed in the biennial SAFE
document. NMFS may implement OFLs, ABCs, and ACLs, if applicable, that vary from the default
harvest control rules based on a Council recommendation.
(2) [Reserved]
(c) Routine management measures. Catch restrictions that are likely to be adjusted on a biennial, or more
frequent, basis may be imposed and announced by a single notification in the FEDERAL REGISTER, if good
cause exists under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) to waive notice and comment, and if they have
been designated as routine through the two-meeting process described in the PCGFMP. Routine
management measures that may be revised during the fishing year, via this process, are implemented in
paragraph (h) of this section, and in subparts C through G of this part, including tables 1a through 1c, and
2a through 2c to subpart C of this part, tables 1a and 1b (North) and tables 1a and 1b (South) of subpart
D of this part, tables 2a and 2b (North) and tables 2a and 2b (South) of subpart E of this part, and tables
3a and 3b (North) and tables 3a and 3b (South) of subpart F of this part. Most trip, bag, and size limits,
and some Groundfish Conservation Area closures in the groundfish fishery have been designated
“routine,” which means they may be changed rapidly after a single Council meeting. Council meetings are
held in the months of March, April, June, September, and November. Inseason changes to routine
management measures are announced in the FEDERAL REGISTER pursuant to the requirements of the APA.
Changes to trip limits are effective at the times stated in the FEDERAL REGISTER. Once a trip limit change is
effective, it is illegal to take and retain, possess, or land more fish than allowed under the new trip limit.
This means that, unless otherwise announced in the FEDERAL REGISTER, offloading must begin before the
time a fishery closes or a more restrictive trip limit takes effect. The following catch restrictions have
been designated as routine:
(1) Commercial Limited Entry and Open Access Fisheries —
(i)

Trip landing and frequency limits, size limits, all gear. Trip landing and frequency limits have
been designated as routine for the following species or species groups: Widow rockfish, canary
rockfish, yellowtail rockfish, Pacific ocean perch, yelloweye rockfish, black rockfish, blue/
deacon rockfish, splitnose rockfish, blackgill rockfish in the area south of 40°10′ N lat.,
chilipepper, bocaccio, cowcod, Minor Nearshore Rockfish or shallow and deeper Minor
Nearshore Rockfish, shelf or Minor Shelf Rockfish, and Minor Slope Rockfish; Dover sole,

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sablefish, shortspine thornyheads, and longspine thornyheads; petrale sole, rex sole, arrowtooth
flounder, Pacific sanddabs, big skate, and the Other Flatfish complex, which is composed of
those species plus any other flatfish species listed at § 660.11; Pacific whiting; lingcod; Pacific
cod; Pacific spiny dogfish; longnose skate; cabezon in Oregon and California; and “Other Fish”
as defined at § 660.11. In addition to the species and species groups listed above, sub-limits or
aggregate limits may be specified, specific to the Shorebased IFQ Program, for the following
species: big skate, California skate, California scorpionfish, leopard shark, soupfin shark,
finescale codling, Pacific rattail (grenadier), ratfish, kelp greenling, shortbelly rockfish, and
cabezon in Washington. Size limits have been designated as routine for sablefish and lingcod.
Trip landing and frequency limits and size limits for species with those limits designated as
routine may be imposed or adjusted on a biennial or more frequent basis for the purpose of
keeping landings within the harvest levels announced by NMFS.
(ii) Differential trip landing limits and frequency limits based on gear type, closed seasons, and
bycatch limits. Trip landing and frequency limits that differ by gear type and closed seasons
may be imposed or adjusted on a biennial or more frequent basis for the purpose of rebuilding
and protecting overfished or depleted stocks.
(iii) Type of limited entry trawl gear on board. Limits on the type of limited entry trawl gear on board
a vessel may be imposed on a biennial or more frequent basis. Requirements and restrictions
on limited entry trawl gear type are found at § 660.130(b).
(iv) List of IFQ species documented on Observer Program reporting form. As specified at §
660.140(h)(1)(i), to be exempt from observer coverage while docked in port depends on
documentation of specified retained IFQ species on the Observer Program reporting form. The
list of IFQ species documented on the Observer Program form may be modified on a biennial or
more frequent basis under routine management measures § 660.60(c)(1).
(v) Shorebased IFQ Program surplus carryover percentage. As specified at § 660.140(e)(5)(i), a
percentage of surplus QP or IBQ pounds in a vessel account may be carried over from one year
to the next. The percentage of surplus QP or IBQ pounds, that may be carried over may be
modified on a biennial or more frequent basis, and may not be higher than 10 percent.
(2) Recreational fisheries all gear types. Routine management measures for all groundfish species,
separately or in any combination, include bag limits, size limits, time/area closures, boat limits, hook
limits, and dressing requirements. All routine management measures on recreational fisheries are
intended to keep landings within the harvest levels announced by NMFS, to rebuild and protect
overfished or depleted species, and to maintain consistency with State regulations, and for the other
purposes set forth in this section.
(i)

Bag limits. To spread the available catch over a large number of anglers; to protect and rebuild
overfished species; to avoid waste.

(ii) Size limits. To protect juvenile fish; to protect and rebuild overfished species; to enhance the
quality of the recreational fishing experience.
(iii) Season duration restrictions. To spread the available catch over a large number of anglers; to
protect and rebuild overfished species; to avoid waste; to enhance the quality of the
recreational fishing experience.
(3) All fisheries, all gear types —

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(i)

50 CFR 660.60(c)(3)(i)

Depth-based management measures. Depth-based management measures, particularly closed
areas known as Groundfish Conservation Areas, defined in § 660.11, include RCAs, BRAs, and
BACs, and may be implemented in any fishery sector and/or for any gear type that takes
groundfish directly or incidentally. Depth-based management measures are set using specific
boundary lines that approximate depth contours with latitude/longitude waypoints found at §§
660.70 through 660.74 and 660.76 or the EEZ. Depth-based management measures and closed
areas may be used for the following conservation objectives: To protect and rebuild overfished
or rebuilding stocks; to prevent the overfishing of any groundfish species by minimizing the
direct or incidental catch of that species; or to minimize the incidental harvest of any protected
or prohibited species taken in the groundfish fishery. Depth-based management measures and
closed areas may be used for the following economic objectives: To extend the fishing season;
for the commercial fisheries, to minimize disruption of traditional fishing and marketing
patterns; for the recreational fisheries, to spread the available catch over a large number of
anglers; to discourage target fishing while allowing small incidental catches to be landed; and
to allow small fisheries to operate outside the normal season.
(A) Rockfish Conservation Areas. RCAs, as defined at sect; 660.11, may be modified as routine
action for vessels using trawl gear (off Washington), non-trawl gear (coastwide), or
recreational gear (coastwide) consistent with the purposes described in this paragraph
(c)(3)(i).
(B) Bycatch Reduction Areas. BRAs may be implemented through automatic action in the
Pacific whiting fishery consistent with paragraph (d)(1) of this section. BRAs may be
implemented as routine management measures for vessels using midwater groundfish
trawl gear consistent with the purposes described in this paragraph (c)(3)(i).
(C) Block Area Closures. BACs, as defined at § 660.11, may be closed or reopened, in the EEZ
off Washington, Oregon, and California, for vessels taking and retaining groundfish using
any gear (trawl or non-trawl) in the EEZ consistent with the purposes described in this
paragraph (c)(3)(i).

(ii) Non-tribal deductions from the ACL. Changes to the non-tribal amounts deducted from the TAC,
ACLs, or ACT when specified, described at § 660.55(b)(2) through (4) and specified in the
footnotes to Tables 1a through 1c, and 2a through 2c, to subpart C, have been designated as
routine to make fish that would otherwise go unharvested available to other fisheries during the
fishing year. Adjustments may be made to provide additional harvest opportunities in
groundfish fisheries when catch in scientific research activities, non-groundfish fisheries, and
EFPs are lower than the amounts that were initially deducted off the TAC, ACL, or ACT when
specified, during the biennial specifications or to allocate yield from the deduction to account
for unforeseen catch events to groundfish fisheries. When recommending adjustments to the
non-tribal deductions, the Council shall consider the allocation framework criteria outlined in
the PCGFMP and the objectives to maintain or extend fishing and marketing opportunities
taking into account the best available fishery information on sector needs.
(4) Inseason action for canary rockfish, yelloweye rockfish, and black rockfish in California State-Specific
Federal Harvest Limits outside of a Council meeting. The Regional Administrator, NMFS West Coast
Region, after consultation with the Chairman of the Pacific Fishery Management Council and the
Fishery Director of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, or their designees, is authorized to
modify the following designated routine management measures for canary rockfish, yelloweye
rockfish, and black rockfish off the coast of California. For black rockfish in commercial fisheries trip
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50 CFR 660.60(d)

landing and frequency limits; and depth based management measures. For black, canary, and
yelloweye rockfish in recreational fisheries bag limits; time/area closures; depth based management.
Any modifications may be made only after NMFS has determined that a California state-specific
federal harvest limit for canary rockfish, yelloweye rockfish, or black rockfish, is attained or projected
to be attained prior to the first day of the next Council meeting. Any modifications may only be used
to restrict catch of canary rockfish, yelloweye rockfish, or black rockfish off the coast of California.
(d) Automatic actions. The NMFS Regional Administrator or designee will initiate automatic management
actions without prior public notice, opportunity to comment, or a Council meeting. These actions are
nondiscretionary, and the impacts must have been taken into account prior to the action. Unless
otherwise stated, a single notice will be published in the FEDERAL REGISTER making the action effective if
good cause exists under the APA to waive notice and comment.
(1) Automatic actions will be initiated in the following circumstances:
(i)

Close the MS or C/P sector when that sector's Pacific whiting allocation is reached, or is
projected to be reached. The MS sector non-cooperative fishery will be closed by automatic
action when the Pacific whiting or non-whiting allocation to the non-cooperative fishery has
been reached or is projected to be reached.

(ii) Close one or both MS and C/P sectors when a non-whiting groundfish species with allocations
is reached or projected to be reached.
(iii) Reapportion the unused portion of the tribal allocation of Pacific whiting to the MS sector, C/P
sector, and Shorebased IFQ sector.
(iv) Close the following groundfish fisheries, not including Pacific Coast treaty Indian fisheries,
when conditions for Chinook salmon bycatch described in this table and paragraphs
(d)(1)(iv)(A) and (B) of this section are met:

TABLE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (d)(1)(iv)

Close:

If Chinook
salmon
bycatch, as
described in
§
660.60(i)(2),
exceeds:

And:

Whiting sector (Pacific whiting IFQ
fishery, MS Co-op Program and/or C/P
Co-op Program)

11,000 fish
in the
whiting
sector

(1) A routine management measure
specified at § 660.60(c) has not been
implemented as described in §
660.60(i)(1) OR (2) The non-whiting sector
has caught its 5,500 Chinook salmon
bycatch guideline and 3,500 Chinook
salmon from the bycatch reserve.

Whiting sector (Pacific whiting IFQ

14,500 fish

The non-whiting sector has not accessed

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Close:

50 CFR 660.60(d)(1)(iv)(A)

If Chinook
salmon
bycatch, as
described in
§
660.60(i)(2),
exceeds:

And:

fishery, MS Co-op Program and C/P Coop Program)

in the
whiting
sector

the Chinook salmon bycatch reserve.

Non-whiting sector (midwater trawl,
bottom trawl, and fixed gear fisheries
under the Shorebased IFQ Program,
limited entry fixed gear fisheries, open
access fisheries, and recreational
fisheries subject to this provision as set
out in § 660.360(d))

5,500 fish in
the nonwhiting
sector

(1) A routine management measure
specified at § 660.60(c) has not been
implemented as described in §
660.60(i)(1) OR (2) The whiting sector has
caught its 11,000 Chinook salmon
guideline and 3,500 Chinook salmon from
the bycatch reserve.

Non-whiting sector (midwater trawl,
bottom trawl, and fixed gear fisheries
under the Shorebased IFQ Program,
limited entry fixed gear fisheries, open
access fisheries, and recreational
fisheries subject to this provision as set
out in § 660.360(d))

9,000 fish in
the nonwhiting
sector

The whiting sector has not accessed the
Chinook salmon bycatch reserve.

Non-whiting trawl fisheries (midwater
trawl and bottom trawl fisheries under
the Shorebased IFQ Program)

8,500 fish in
the nonwhiting
sector

All trawl fisheries (whiting sector and
non-whiting trawl fisheries)

19,500 fish
in the
whiting and
non-whiting
sector

(A) Consistent with § 660.60(i)(2), each component of the whiting sector (Pacific whiting IFQ
fishery, MS Co-op Program and C/P Co-op Program) will be closed when Chinook salmon
bycatch exceeds 11,000 Chinook salmon if a routine management measure specified at §
660.60(c) has not been implemented as described in § 660.60(i)(2) for that individual
component of the whiting sector.
(B) Consistent with § 660.60(i)(2), the Chinook salmon closure at 11,000 fish does not apply
to those whiting sector vessels that are parties to an approved Salmon Mitigation Plan, as
specified at § 660.113(e), unless the non-whiting sector has caught the entire 3,500
Chinook salmon bycatch reserve.

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50 CFR 660.60(d)(1)(v)

(v) Close all groundfish fisheries, including Pacific Coast treaty Indian fisheries, if Chinook salmon
bycatch in the groundfish fishery exceeds 20,000 fish.
(vi) Implement BRAs, described at § 660.131, when NMFS projects a sector-specific allocation will
be reached before the sector's whiting allocation.
(2) Automatic actions are effective when actual notice is sent by NMFS identifying the effective time
and date. Actual notice to fishers and processors will be by email, internet
(https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/region/west-coast), phone, letter, or press release. Allocation
reapportionments will be followed by publication in the FEDERAL REGISTER, in which public comment
will be sought for a reasonable period of time thereafter.
(e) [Reserved]
(f) Exempted fishing permits (EFP).
(1) The Regional Administrator may issue EFPs under regulations at § 660.30, subpart C, for
compensation with fish for collecting resource information. Such EFPs may include the collecting of
scientific samples of groundfish species that would otherwise be prohibited for retention.
(2) The Regional Administrator may also issue EFPs under regulations at 50 CFR part § 600.745 for
limited testing, public display, data collection, exploratory, health and safety, environmental cleanup,
and/or hazard removal purposes, the target or incidental harvest of species managed under an FMP
or fishery regulations that would otherwise be prohibited.
(3) U.S. vessels operating under an EFP are subject to restrictions in subparts C through G of this part
unless otherwise provided in the permit.
(g) Applicability. These specifications account for fish caught in state ocean waters (0-3 nm offshore) though
that fishing activity is governed by the States of Washington, Oregon, and California, respectively. Catch of
a stock in State waters is taken off the top of the harvest specifications for the stock in the EEZ (3-200 nm
(5.6-370.4 km) offshore).
(h) Fishery restrictions —
(1) Commercial trip limits and recreational bag and boat limits. Commercial trip limits and recreational
bag and boat limits defined in tables 1a through 2d of this subpart, and those specified in subparts D
through G of this part, including tables 1b (North) and 1b (South) of subpart D of this part, tables 2b
(North) and 2b (South) of subpart E of this part, and tables 3b (North) and 3b (South) of subpart F of
this part must not be exceeded.
(2) Landing. As stated at § 660.11 (in the definition of “Land or landing”), once the offloading of any
species begins, all fish aboard the vessel are counted as part of the landing and must be reported as
such. All fish from a landing must be removed from the vessel before a new fishing trip begins,
except for processing vessels fishing in the catcher/processor or mothership sectors of the Pacific
whiting fishery. Transfer of fish at sea is prohibited under § 660.12, unless a vessel is participating in
the primary whiting fishery as part of the mothership or catcher/processor sectors, as described at §
660.131(a). Catcher vessels in the mothership sector must transfer all catch from a haul to the same
vessel registered to an MS permit prior to the gear being set for a subsequent haul. Catch may not
be transferred to a tender vessel.

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50 CFR 660.60(h)(3)

(3) Fishing ahead. Unless the fishery is closed, a vessel that has landed its cumulative or daily limit may
continue to fish on the limit for the next legal period, so long as no fish (including, but not limited to,
groundfish with no trip limits, shrimp, prawns, or other nongroundfish species or shellfish) are landed
(offloaded) until the next legal period. Fishing ahead is not allowed during or before a closed period.
(4) Weights and percentages. All weights are round weights or round-weight equivalents unless
otherwise specified. Percentages are based on round weights, and, unless otherwise specified, apply
only to legal fish on board.
(5) Size limits, length measurement, and weight conversions —
(i)

Length measurement. Unless otherwise specified, size limits in the commercial and recreational
groundfish fisheries apply to the “total length,” which is the longest measurement of the fish
without mutilation of the fish or the use of force to extend the length of the fish. No fish with a
size limit may be retained if it is in such condition that its length has been extended or cannot
be determined by these methods. For conversions not listed here, contact the state where the
fish will be landed. Washington state regulations require all fish with a size limit landed into
Washington to be landed with the head on.
(A) Whole fish. For a whole fish, total length is measured from the tip of the snout (mouth
closed) to the tip of the tail in a natural, relaxed position.
(B) “Headed” fish. For a fish with the head removed (“headed”), the length is measured from
the origin of the first dorsal fin (where the front dorsal fin meets the dorsal surface of the
body closest to the head) to the tip of the upper lobe of the tail; the dorsal fin and tail must
be left intact.
(C) Filets. A filet is the flesh from one side of a fish extending from the head to the tail, which
has been removed from the body (head, tail, and backbone) in a single continuous piece.
Filet lengths may be subject to size limits for some groundfish taken in the recreational
fishery off California (see subpart G of this part). A filet is measured along the length of
the longest part of the filet in a relaxed position; stretching or otherwise manipulating the
filet to increase its length is not permitted.

(ii) Weight conversions and size limits. To determine the round weight, multiply the processed
weight times the conversion factor. Federal commercial groundfish regulations do not
supersede more restrictive state commercial groundfish regulations, including landings
requirements regarding groundfish species or the condition in which they may be landed.
(A) Limited entry fixed gear or open access fisheries. The weight limit conversion factor
established by the state where the fish is or will be landed will be used to convert the
processed weight to round weight for purposes of applying the trip limit or other
allocation. Weight conversions provided herein are those conversions currently in use by
the States of Washington, Oregon, and California and may be subject to change by those
states. Fishery participants should contact fishery enforcement officials in the state where
the fish will be landed to determine that state's official conversion factor.
(1) Sablefish. The following conversion applies to both the limited entry fixed gear and
open access fisheries when trip limits are in effect for those fisheries. For headed
and gutted (eviscerated) sablefish the weight conversion factor is 1.6 (multiply the
headed and gutted weight by 1.6 to determine the round weight).

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50 CFR 660.60(h)(5)(ii)(A)(2)

(2) Lingcod. The following conversions apply in both limited entry fixed gear and open
access fisheries.
(i)

North of 42° N. lat., for lingcod with the head removed, the minimum size limit is
18 inches (46 cm), which corresponds to 22 inches (56 cm) total length for
whole fish.

(ii) South of 42° N lat., for lingcod with the head removed, the minimum size limit is
18 inches (46 cm), which corresponds to 22 inches (56 cm) total length for
whole fish.
(iii) The weight conversion factor for headed and gutted lingcod is 1.5. The
conversion factor for lingcod that has only been gutted with the head on is 1.1.
(B) Shorebased IFQ Program. For vessels landing sorted catch, the weight conversions for
purposes of applying QP and size limits are provided in paragraphs (h)(5)(ii)(B)(2)(i)
through (iii) of this section.
(1) Sablefish. The weight conversion factor for headed and gutted (eviscerated) sablefish
is 1.6.
(2) Lingcod. The following conversions and size limits apply:
(i)

The minimum size limit for lingcod North of 42° N. lat. is 22 inches (56 cm) total
length for whole fish, which corresponds to 18 inches (46 cm) with the head
removed.

(ii) The minimum size limit for lingcod South of 42° N lat. is 22 inches (56 cm) total
length for whole fish, which corresponds to 18 inches (46 cm) with the head
removed.
(iii) The weight conversion factor for headed and gutted (eviscerated) lingcod is 1.5;
for lingcod that has only been gutted with the head on, the weight conversion
factor is 1.1.
(3) Pacific whiting. For headed and gutted Pacific whiting (head removed just in front of
the collar bone and viscera removed,) the weight conversion factor is 1.56; and for
headed and gutted Pacific whiting with the tail removed the weight conversion factor
is 2.0.
(4) Rockfish (including thornyheads), except POP. For headed and gutted (eviscerated),
the weight conversion factor is 1.75; for headed and gutted, western cut (head
removed just in front of the collar bone and viscera removed,) the weight conversion
factor is 1.66; for headed and gutted, eastern cut (head removed just behind the
collar bone and viscera removed,) the weight conversion factor is 2.0.
(5) Pacific ocean perch (POP). For headed and gutted (eviscerated), the weight
conversion factor is 1.6.
(6) Pacific cod. For headed and gutted (eviscerated), the weight conversion factor is
1.58.
(7) Dover sole, English sole, and “other flatfish”. For headed and gutted (eviscerated), the
weight conversion factor is 1.53.
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50 CFR 660.60(h)(5)(ii)(B)(8)

(8) Petrale sole. For headed and gutted (eviscerated), the weight conversion factor is
1.51.
(9) Arrowtooth flounder. For headed and gutted (eviscerated), the weight conversion
factor is 1.35.
(10) Starry flounder. For headed and gutted (eviscerated), the weight conversion factor is
1.49.
(6) Sorting. Trawl fishery sorting requirements are specified at § 660.130(d), subpart D. Limited entry
fixed gear fishery sorting requirements are specified at § 660.230(c), subpart E, and Open access
fishery sorting requirements are specified at § 660.330(c), subpart F.
(7) Crossover provisions. Crossover provisions apply to three activities: Fishing on different sides of a
management line, fishing in both the limited entry and open access fisheries, or fishing in both the
Shorebased IFQ Program and the limited entry fixed gear fishery. Fishery-specific crossover
provisions can be found in subparts D through F of this part.
(i)

Fishing in management areas with different trip limits. Trip limits for a species or a species
group may differ in different management areas along the coast. The following crossover
provisions apply to vessels fishing in different geographical areas that have different
cumulative or “per trip” trip limits for the same species or species group, with the following
exceptions. Such crossover provisions do not apply to: IFQ species (defined at § 660.140(c),
subpart D) for vessels that are declared into the Shorebased IFQ Program (see §
660.13(d)(4)(iv)(A), for valid Shorebased IFQ Program declarations); species that are subject
only to daily trip limits; or to trip limits for black rockfish off Washington, as described at §§
660.230(e) and 660.330(e).
(A) Going from a more restrictive to a more liberal area. If a vessel takes and retains any
groundfish species or species group of groundfish in an area where a more restrictive trip
limit applies before fishing in an area where a more liberal trip limit (or no trip limit)
applies, then that vessel is subject to the more restrictive trip limit for the entire period to
which that trip limit applies, no matter where the fish are taken and retained, possessed, or
landed.
(B) Going from a more liberal to a more restrictive area. If a vessel takes and retains a
groundfish species or species group in an area where a higher trip limit or no trip limit
applies, and takes and retains, possesses or lands the same species or species group in
an area where a more restrictive trip limit applies, that vessel is subject to the more
restrictive trip limit for the entire period to which that trip limit applies, no matter where the
fish are taken and retained, possessed, or landed.
(C) Fishing in two different areas where a species or species group is managed with different
types of trip limits. During the fishing year, NMFS may implement management measures
for a species or species group that set different types of trip limits (for example, per trip
limits versus cumulative trip limits) for different areas. If a vessel fishes for a species or
species group that is managed with different types of trip limits in two different areas
within the same cumulative limit period, then that vessel is subject to the most restrictive
overall cumulative limit for that species, regardless of where fishing occurs.

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50 CFR 660.60(h)(7)(i)(D)

(D) Rockfish complexes. Several rockfish species are designated with species-specific limits
on one side of the 40°10′ N lat. management line and are included as part of a rockfish
complex on the other side of the line. A vessel that takes and retains fish from a rockfish
complex (nearshore, shelf, or slope) on both sides of a management line during a single
cumulative limit period is subject to the more restrictive cumulative limit for that rockfish
complex during that period.
(1) If a vessel takes and retains species from the slope rockfish complex north of 40°10′
N lat., that vessel is also permitted to take and retain, possess or land splitnose
rockfish up to its cumulative limit south of 40°10′ N lat., even if splitnose rockfish
were a part of the landings from slope rockfish complex taken and retained north of
40°10′ N lat.
(2) If a vessel takes and retains species from the slope rockfish complex south of 40°10′
N lat., that vessel is also permitted to take and retain, possess or land Pacific ocean
perch up to its cumulative limit north of 40°10′ N lat., even if Pacific ocean perch
were a part of the landings from slope rockfish complex taken and retained south of
40°10′ N lat.
(ii) Fishing in both limited entry and open access fisheries —
(A) Fishing in limited entry and open access fisheries with different trip limits. Open access trip
limits apply to any fishing conducted with open access gear, even if the vessel has a valid
limited entry permit with an endorsement for another type of gear. A vessel that fishes in
both the open access and limited entry fisheries is not entitled to two separate trip limits
for the same species. If a vessel has a limited entry permit registered to it at any time
during the trip limit period and uses open access gear, but the open access limit is smaller
than the limited entry limit, the open access limit may not be exceeded and counts toward
the limited entry allocation as established under the biennial groundfish harvest
specifications. If a vessel has a limited entry permit registered to it at any time during the
trip limit period and uses open access gear, but the open access limit is larger than the
limited entry limit, the smaller limited entry limit applies, even if taken entirely with open
access gear. These provisions do not apply to:
(1) IFQ species (defined at § 660.140(c)) for vessels that are declared into the
Shorebased IFQ Program (see § 660.13(d)(4)(iv)(A)) for valid Shorebased IFQ
Program declarations).
(2) Vessels with a valid limited entry permit endorsed for bottom longline and/or pot
gear fishing inside the Non-Trawl RCA with stationary vertical jig gear or groundfish
troll gear as defined at § 660.320(b)(6). Vessels fishing with one of these two
approved hook-and-line gear configurations may fish up to the limited entry fixed
gear trip limits in table 2b (North) and table 2b (South) of subpart E, either inside or
outside the Non-Trawl RCA. This provision only applies on fishing trips where the
vessel made the appropriate declaration (specified at § 660.13(d)(4)(iv)(A)).
(B) Limited entry permit restrictions for vessels fishing in the open access fishery —
(1) Vessel registered to a limited entry trawl permit. To fish with open access gear,
defined at § 660.11, a vessel registered to a limited entry trawl permit must make the
appropriate fishery declaration, as specified at § 660.13(d)(4)(iv)(A). In addition, a
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50 CFR 660.60(h)(7)(ii)(B)(1)(i)

vessel registered to a limited entry trawl permit must remove the permit from their
vessel, as specified at § 660.25(b)(4)(vi), unless the vessel will be fishing in the open
access fishery under one of the following declarations specified at § 660.13(d):
(i)

Non-groundfish trawl gear for pink shrimp,

(ii) Non-groundfish trawl gear for ridgeback prawn,
(iii) Non-groundfish trawl gear for California halibut,
(iv) Non-groundfish trawl gear for sea cucumber,
(v) Open access Dungeness crab pot/trap gear,
(vi) Open access HMS line gear,
(vii) Open access salmon troll gear,
(viii) Open access Coastal Pelagic Species net gear.
(2) Vessel registered to a limited entry fixed gear permit(s). To fish with open access gear,
defined at § 660.11, subpart C, a vessel registered to a limit entry fixed gear permit
must make the appropriate open access declaration, as specified at §
660.13(d)(4)(iv)(A). Vessels registered to a sablefish-endorsed permit(s) fishing in
the sablefish primary season (described at § 660.231, subpart E) may only fish with
the gear(s) endorsed on their sablefish-endorsed permit(s) against those limits.
(3) Vessel jointly registered to more than one limited entry permit. Vessels jointly
registered (under the provisions at § 660.25(b)(4)(iv)(B)) may fish with open access
gear (defined at § 660.11) if they meet the requirements of both paragraphs
(h)(7)(ii)(B)(1) and (2) of this section.
(iii) Fishing in both the Shorebased IFQ Program and the limited entry fixed gear fishery for vessels
that are jointly registered.
(A) Fishing in the Shorebased IFQ Program and limited entry fixed gear fishery with different trip
limits. If a vessel fishes in both the Shorebased IFQ Program and the limited entry fixed
gear fishery during a cumulative limit period, they are subject to the most restrictive trip
limits for non-IFQ species.
(B) Fishing in the Shorebased IFQ Program and the limited entry fixed gear sablefish primary
fishery with different trip limits. If a vessel is jointly registered and one or more of the
limited entry permits is sablefish endorsed, any sablefish landings made by a vessel
declared into the limited entry fixed gear fishery after the start of the sablefish primary
fishery count towards the tier limit(s), per regulations at § 660.232(a)(2), subpart E. Any
sablefish landings made by a vessel declared into the Shorebased IFQ Program must be
covered by quota pounds, per regulations at § 660.112(b), subpart D, and will not count
towards the tier limit(s).
(i)

Salmon bycatch management. Salmon bycatch is managed through routine management measures,
salmon bycatch guidelines and a Chinook salmon bycatch reserve, and fisheries closures. For purposes
of salmon bycatch management, the groundfish fishery is divided into the whiting sector and non-whiting
sector and includes bycatch of Chinook salmon and coho salmon from both non-tribal fisheries and
Pacific Coast treaty Indian fisheries. The non-whiting sector includes the Pacific Coast treaty Indian

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50 CFR 660.60(i)(1)

vessels that target Pacific coast groundfish species other than whiting, as well as non-tribal vessels that
target Pacific coast groundfish species other than whiting in the midwater trawl, bottom trawl, and fixed
gear fisheries under the Shorebased IFQ Program, limited entry fixed gear fisheries, open access fisheries
as defined at § 660.11, and recreational fisheries subject to this provision as set out in § 660.360(d). The
whiting sector is the Pacific whiting fishery, as defined in § 660.111, and includes the Pacific Coast treaty
Indian vessels that target whiting, as well as non-tribal vessels that target whiting participating in the C/P
Co-op Program, the MS Co-op Program, and the Pacific whiting IFQ fishery.
(1) Routine management measures. Routine management measures specified at § 660.60(c) may be
implemented to minimize Chinook salmon and/or coho salmon bycatch in the groundfish fishery.
These measures may include BRAs, BACs, or a selective flatfish trawl gear requirement. These
measures would not apply to vessels fishing in Pacific Coast treaty Indian fisheries.
(i)

Non-whiting sector. Routine management measures to manage salmon bycatch in the nonwhiting sector include:
(A) A BAC for bottom trawl or midwater trawl as specified at § 660.60(c)(3)(i).
(B) A BRA for midwater trawl as specified at § 660.60(c)(3)(i).
(C) A selective flatfish trawl gear requirement for bottom trawl.

(ii) Whiting sector. Routine management measures to manage salmon bycatch in the whiting sector
include:
(A) A BAC as specified at § 660.60(c)(3)(i).
(B) A BRA as specified at § 660.60(c)(3)(i).
(2) Chinook salmon bycatch guidelines and Chinook salmon bycatch reserve. The Chinook salmon
bycatch guideline for the non-whiting sector is 5,500 fish. The Chinook salmon bycatch guideline for
the whiting sector is 11,000 fish. If a sector exceeds its Chinook salmon bycatch guideline, it may
access a reserve of 3,500 Chinook salmon reserve provided action has been taken to minimize
Chinook salmon bycatch as described in paragraph (i)(2)(i) or (ii) of this section. For bycatch
accounting purposes, all Chinook salmon bycatch from the groundfish fishery, including both nontribal and Pacific Coast treaty Indian fisheries, counts towards the applicable whiting or non-whiting
sector bycatch guideline and the reserve.
(i)

Reserve access for the non-whiting sector. The non-whiting sector may only access the reserve
if a measure described in paragraph (i)(1)(i) of this section has been implemented.

(ii) Reserve access for the whiting sector. Each component of the whiting sector (Pacific whiting
IFQ fishery, MS Co-op Program and C/P Co-op Program) may only access the reserve if a
measure described in paragraph (i)(1)(ii) of this section has been implemented for that
component of the whiting fishery. If a measure described in paragraph (i)(1)(ii) of this section
has not been implemented for that component of the whiting fishery, vessels within that
component that are parties to an approved Salmon Mitigation Plan (SMP), as specified at §
660.113(e), may access the reserve.
(3) Fisheries closures. Groundfish fisheries may be closed through automatic action at § 660.60(d)(1)(iv)
and (v).

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50 CFR 660.65

[75 FR 60897, Oct. 1, 2010, as amended at 75 FR 78382, Dec. 15, 2010; 75 FR 82301, Dec. 30, 2010; 76 FR 27530, May 11, 2011; 76
FR 53835, Aug. 30, 2011; 76 FR 74738, Dec. 1, 2011; 77 FR 28507, May 15, 2012; 78 FR 588, Jan. 3, 2013; 80 FR 12572, Mar. 10,
2015; 80 FR 22285, Apr. 21, 2015; 80 FR 77271, Dec. 14, 2015; 81 FR 84429, Nov. 23, 2016; 82 FR 9639, Feb. 7, 2017; 82 FR 48658,
Oct. 19, 2017; 83 FR 760, Jan. 8, 2018; 83 FR 62276, Dec. 3, 2018; 83 FR 63991, Dec. 12, 2018; 84 FR 63973, Nov. 19, 2019; 84 FR
68806, Dec. 17, 2019; 86 FR 10867, Feb. 23, 2021; 88 FR 52048, Aug. 7, 2023; 88 FR 81358, Nov. 22, 2023; 88 FR 83842, Dec. 1,
2023; 89 FR 101522, 101526, Dec. 16, 2024]

§ 660.65 Groundfish harvest specifications.
Harvest specifications include OFLs, ABCs, and the designation of OYs and ACLs. Management measures
necessary to keep catch within the ACL include ACTs, HGs, or quotas for species that need individual management,
the allocation of fishery HGs between the trawl and non-trawl segments of the fishery, and the allocation of
commercial HGs between the open access and limited entry segments of the fishery. These specifications account
for fish caught in state ocean waters (0-3 nm (0-5.6 km) offshore), though that fishing activity is governed by the
States of Washington, Oregon, and California respectively. Catch of a stock in State waters is taken off the top of
the harvest specifications for the stock in the EEZ (3-200 nm (5.6-370.4 km) offshore). Harvest specifications are
provided in tables 1a through 2d of this subpart.
[89 FR 101527, Dec. 16, 2024]

§ 660.70 Groundfish conservation areas.
Link to an amendment published at 90 FR 57719, Dec. 12, 2025.
(a) General. Groundfish conservation area (GCA) is defined in § 660.11. This section defines GCAs whose
shapes are not exclusively defined by boundary lines approximating depth contours found in §§ 660.71
through 660.74 or commonly used geographic coordinates at § 660.11. Fishing activity that is prohibited
or permitted within a particular GCA is detailed at subparts C through G of part 660.
(b) North Coast Recreational Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Area. The North Coast Recreational Yelloweye
Rockfish Conservation Area (YRCA) is a C-shaped area off the northern Washington coast intended to
protect yelloweye rockfish. The North Coast Recreational YRCA is defined by straight lines connecting the
following specific latitude and longitude coordinates in the order listed:
(1) 48°18.00′ N. lat.; 125°18.00′ W. long.;
(2) 48°18.00′ N. lat.; 124°59.00′ W. long.;
(3) 48°11.00′ N. lat.; 124°59.00′ W. long.;
(4) 48°11.00′ N. lat.; 125°11.00′ W. long.;
(5) 48°04.00′ N. lat.; 125°11.00′ W. long.;
(6) 48°04.00′ N. lat.; 124°59.00′ W. long.;
(7) 48°00.00′ N. lat.; 124°59.00′ W. long.;
(8) 48°00.00′ N. lat.; 125°18.00′ W. long.;
and connecting back to 48°18.00′ N. lat.; 125°18.00′ W. long.

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(c) North Coast Commercial Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Area. The North Coast Commercial Yelloweye
Rockfish Conservation Area (YRCA) is an area off the northern Washington coast, overlapping the
northern part of North Coast Recreational YRCA, intended to protect yelloweye rockfish. The North Coast
Commercial YRCA is defined by straight lines connecting the following specific latitude and longitude
coordinates in the order listed:
(1) 48°11.77′ N. lat., 125°13.03′ W. long.;
(2) 48°16.43′ N. lat., 125°07.55′ W. long.;
(3) 48°14.72′ N. lat., 125°01.84′ W. long.;
(4) 48°13.36′ N. lat., 125°03.20′ W. long.;
(5) 48°12.74′ N. lat., 125°05.83′ W. long.;
(6) 48°11.55′ N. lat., 125°04.99′ W. long.;
(7) 48°09.96′ N. lat., 125°06.63′ W. long.;
(8) 48°09.68′ N. lat., 125°08.75′ W. long.;
and connecting back to 48°11.77′ N. lat., 125°13.03′ W. long.
(d) Salmon Troll Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Area. The Salmon Troll Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation
Area (YRCA) is an area off the northern Washington coast, overlapping the southern part of North Coast
Recreational YRCA, intended to protect yelloweye rockfish.The Salmon Troll YRCA is defined by straight
lines connecting the following specific latitude and longitude coordinates in the order listed:
(1) 48°00.00′ N. lat., 125°14.00′ W. long.;
(2) 48°02.00′ N. lat., 125°14.00′ W. long.;
(3) 48°02.00′ N. lat., 125°16.50′ W. long.;
(4) 48°00.00′ N. lat., 125°16.50′ W. long.; and connecting back to 48°00.00′ N. lat., 125°14.00′ W. long.
(e) South Coast Recreational Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Area. The South Coast Recreational Yelloweye
Rockfish Conservation Area (YRCA) is an area off the southern Washington coast intended to protect
yelloweye rockfish. The South Coast Recreational YRCA is defined by straight lines connecting the
following specific latitude and longitude coordinates in the order listed:
(1) 46°58.00′ N. lat., 124°48.00′ W. long.;
(2) 46°55.00′ N. lat., 124°48.00′ W. long.;
(3) 46°55.00′ N. lat., 124°49.00′ W. long.;
(4) 46°58.00′ N. lat., 124°49.00′ W. long.; and connecting back to 46°58.00′ N. lat., 124°48.00′ W. long.
(f) Westport Offshore Recreational YRCA. The Westport Offshore Recreational YRCA is an area off the
southern Washington coast intended to protect yelloweye rockfish. The Westport Recreational YRCA is
defined by straight lines connecting the following specific latitude and longitude coordinates in the order
listed:
(1) 46°54.30′ N. lat., 124°53.40′ W. long.;
(2) 46°54.30′ N. lat., 124°51.00′ W. long.;
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(3) 46°53.30′ N. lat., 124°51.00′ W. long.;
(4) 46°53.30′ N. lat., 124°53.40′ W. long.; and connecting back to 46°54.30′ N. lat., 124°53.40′ W. long.
(g) Tillamook YRCA. The Tillamook YRCA is an area off northern Oregon intended to protect yelloweye
rockfish. The Tillamook YRCA is defined by straight lines connecting the following specific latitude and
longitude coordinates in the order listed:
(1) 45°40.96′ N lat.; 124°27.52′ W long.;
(2) 45°40.96′ N lat.; 124°19.99′ W long.;
(3) 45°34.44′ N lat.; 124°14.48′ W long.;
(4) 45°31.93′ N lat.; 124°14.05′ W long.;
(5) 45°31.84′ N lat.; 124°22.04′ W long.;
(6) 45°36.95′ N lat.; 124°24.45′ W long.;
(7) 45°38.89′ N lat.; 124°25.92′ W long.; and connecting back to 45°40.96′ N lat.; 124°27.52′ W long.
(h) Newport YRCA. The Newport YRCA is an area off central Oregon intended to protect yelloweye rockfish.
The Newport YRCA is defined by straight lines connecting the following specific latitude and longitude
coordinates in the order listed:
(1) 44°46.00′ N lat.; 124°32.57′ W long.;
(2) 44°46.00′ N lat.; 124°32.00′ W long.;
(3) 44°42.00′ N lat.; 124°30.00′ W long.;
(4) 44°39.00′ N lat.; 124°30.00′ W long.;
(5) 44°39.00′ N lat.; 124°34.00′ W long.;
(6) 44°43.16′ N lat.; 124°34.00′ W long.;
(7) 44°44.54′ N lat.; 124°33.58′ W long.; and connecting back to 44°46.00′ N lat.; 124°32.57′ W long.
(i)

Stonewall Bank Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Area. The Stonewall Bank YRCA is an area off central
Oregon, near Stonewall Bank, intended to protect yelloweye rockfish. The Stonewall Bank YRCA is defined
by straight lines connecting the following specific latitude and longitude coordinates in the order listed:
(1) 44°37.46′ N lat.; 124°24.92′ W long.;
(2) 44°37.46′ N lat.; 124°23.63′ W long.;
(3) 44°28.71′ N lat.; 124°21.80′ W long.;
(4) 44°28.71′ N lat.; 124°24.10′ W long.;
(5) 44°31.42′ N lat.; 124°25.47′ W long.; and connecting back to 44°37.46′ N lat.; 124°24.92′ W long.

(j)

Stonewall Bank Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Area, Expansion 1. The Stonewall Bank Yelloweye
Rockfish Conservation Area (YRCA) Expansion 1 is an area off central Oregon, near Stonewall Bank,
intended to protect yelloweye rockfish. The Stonewall Bank YRCA Expansion 1 is defined by straight lines
connecting the following specific latitude and longitude coordinates in the order listed:
(1) 44°41.76′ N lat.; 124°30.02′ W long.;

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(2) 44°41.73′ N lat.; 124°21.60′ W long.;
(3) 44°25.25′ N lat.; 124°16.94′ W long.;
(4) 44°25.29′ N lat.; 124°30.14′ W long.;
(5) 44°41.76′ N lat.; 124°30.02′ W long.; and connecting back to 44°41.76′ N lat.; 124°30.02′ W long.
(k) Stonewall Bank Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Area, Expansion 2. The Stonewall Bank Yelloweye
Rockfish Conservation Area (YRCA) Expansion 2 is an area off central Oregon, near Stonewall Bank,
intended to protect yelloweye rockfish. The Stonewall Bank YRCA Expansion 2 is defined by straight lines
connecting the following specific latitude and longitude coordinates in the order listed:
(1) 44°38.54′ N lat.; 124°27.41′ W long.;
(2) 44°38.54′ N lat.; 124°23.86′ W long.;
(3) 44°27.13′ N lat.; 124°21.50′ W long.;
(4) 44°27.13′ N lat.; 124°26.89′ W long.;
(5) 44°31.30′ N lat.; 124°28.35′ W long.; and connecting back to 44°38.54′ N lat.; 124°27.41′ W long.
(l)

Florence YRCA. The Florence YRCA is an area off central Oregon intended to protect yelloweye rockfish.
The Florence YRCA is defined by straight lines connecting the following specific latitude and longitude
coordinates in order listed:
(1) 44°30.04′ N lat.; 124°42.31′ W long.;
(2) 44°30.19′ N lat.; 124°40.46′ W long.;
(3) 44°25.00′ N lat.; 124°37.00′ W long.;
(4) 44°25.00′ N lat.; 124°45.00′ W long.;
(5) 44°26.71′ N lat.; 124°45.00′ W long.; and connecting back to 44°30.04′ N lat.; 124°42.31′ W long.

(m) Heceta Bank YRCA. The Heceta Bank YRCA is an area off central Oregon intended to protect yelloweye
rockfish. The Heceta Bank YRCA is defined by straight lines connecting the following specific latitude and
longitude coordinates in order listed:
(1) 44°16.28′ N lat., 124°47.86′ W long.;
(2) 44°15.38′ N lat., 124°49.86′ W long.;
(3) 44°14.49′ N lat., 124°51.82′ W long.;
(4) 44°14.01′ N lat., 124°52.88′ W long.;
(5) 44°13.47′ N lat., 124°54.08′ W long.;
(6) 44°12.72′ N lat., 124°54.07′ W long.;
(7) 44°11.53′ N lat., 124°54.06′ W long.;
(8) 44°08.72′ N lat., 124°54.02′ W long.;
(9) 44°06.68′ N lat., 124°54.00′ W long.;
(10) 44°05.34′ N lat., 124°53.10′ W long.;
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(11) 44°02.88′ N lat., 124°53.96′ W long.;
(12) 44°02.18′ N lat., 124°54.29′ W long.;
(13) 44°00.14′ N lat., 124°55.25′ W long.;
(14) 43°58.36′ N lat., 124°55.42′ W long.;
(15) 43°57.68′ N lat., 124°55.48′ W long.;
(16) 43°56.66′ N lat., 124°55.45′ W long.;
(17) 43°56.65′ N lat., 124°55.49′ W long.;
(18) 43°56.64′ N lat., 124°56.53′ W long.;
(19) 43°56.74′ N lat., 124°56.74′ W long.;
(20) 43°59.18′ N lat., 124°56.94′ W long.;
(21) 44°00.45′ N lat., 124°56.35′ W long.;
(22) 44°02.34′ N lat., 124°55.49′ W long.;
(23) 44°04.81′ N lat., 124°55.65′ W long.;
(24) 44°06.45′ N lat., 124°55.78′ W long.;
(25) 44°08.47′ N lat., 124°55.93′ W long.;
(26) 44°09.85′ N lat., 124°56.04′ W long.;
(27) 44°11.34′ N lat., 124°56.16′ W long.;
(28) 44°12.92′ N lat., 124°56.28′ W long.;
(29) 44°14.06′ N lat., 124°55.10′ W long.;
(30) 44°15.32′ N lat., 124°53.79′ W long.;
(31) 44°16.90′ N lat., 124°52.16′ W long.;
(32) 44°16.96′ N lat., 124°52.11′ W long.;
(33) 44°16.96′ N lat., 124°51.95′ W long.;
(34) 44°17.02′ N lat., 124°48.02′ W long.;
(35) 44°17.02′ N lat., 124°47.47′ W long.; and connecting back to 44°16.28′ N lat., 124°47.86′ W long.
(n) Point St. George YRCA. The Point St. George YRCA is an area off the northern California coast, northwest
of Point St. George, intended to protect yelloweye rockfish. The Point St. George YRCA is defined by
straight lines connecting the following specific latitude and longitude coordinates in the order listed:
(1) 41°51.00′ N lat., 124°23.75′ W long.;
(2) 41°51.00′ N lat., 124°20.75′ W long.;
(3) 41°48.00′ N lat., 124°20.75′ W long.;
(4) 41°48.00′ N lat., 124°23.75′ W long.; and connecting back to 41°51.00′ N lat., 124°23.75′ W long.
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(o) South Reef YRCA. The South Reef YRCA is an area off the northern California coast, southwest of
Crescent City, intended to protect yelloweye rockfish. The South Reef YRCA is defined by straight lines
connecting the following specific latitude and longitude coordinates in the order listed:
(1) 41°42.20′ N lat., 124°16.00′ W long.;
(2) 41°42.20′ N lat., 124°13.80′ W long.;
(3) 41°40.50′ N lat., 124°13.80′ W long.;
(4) 41°40.50′ N lat., 124°16.00′ W long.; and connecting back to 41°42.20′ N lat., 124°16.00′ W long.
(p) Reading Rock YRCA. The Reading Rock YRCA is an area off the northern California coast, between
Crescent City and Eureka, intended to protect yelloweye rockfish. The Reading Rock YRCA is defined by
straight lines connecting the following specific latitude and longitude coordinates in the order listed:
(1) 41°21.50′ N lat., 124°12.00′ W long.;
(2) 41°21.50′ N lat., 124°10.00′ W long.;
(3) 41°20.00′ N lat., 124°10.00′ W long.;
(4) 41°20.00′ N lat., 124°12.00′ W long.; and connecting back to 41°21.50′ N lat., 124°12.00′ W long.
(q) Point Delgada YRCAs. The Point Delgada YRCAs are two areas off the northern California coast, south of
Point Delgada and Shelter Cove, intended to protect yelloweye rockfish. The Northern Point Delgada YRCA
is defined by straight lines connecting the following specific latitude and longitude coordinates in the
order listed:
(1) 39°59.00′ N lat., 124°05.00′ W long.;
(2) 39°59.00′ N lat., 124°03.00′ W long.;
(3) 39°57.00′ N lat., 124°03.00′ W long.;
(4) 39°57.00′ N lat., 124°05.00′ W long.; and connecting back to 39°59.00′ N lat., 124°05.00′ W long.
(r) Southern Point Delgada YRCA. The Southern Point Delgada YRCA is defined by straight lines connecting
the following specific latitude and longitude coordinates in the order listed:
(1) 39°57.00′ N lat., 124°05.00′ W long.;
(2) 39°57.00′ N lat., 124°02.00′ W long.;
(3) 39°54.00′ N lat., 124°02.00′ W long.;
(4) 39°54.00′ N lat., 124°05.00′ W long.; and connecting back to 39°57.00′ N lat., 124°05.00′ W long.
(s) Cowcod Conservation Areas. The Cowcod Conservation Areas (CCAs) are two areas off the southern
California coast intended to protect cowcod.
(1) Western CCA. The Western CCA is an area south of Point Conception defined by the straight lines
connecting the following specific latitude and longitude coordinates in the order listed and
connecting back to 33°50.00′ N lat., 119°30.00′ W long.:
(i)

33°50.00′ N lat., 119°30.00′ W long.;

(ii) 33°50.00′ N lat., 118°50.00′ W long.;
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(iii) 32°20.00′ N lat., 118°50.00′ W long.;
(iv) 32°20.00′ N lat., 119°37.00′ W long.;
(v) 33°00.00′ N lat., 119°37.00′ W long.;
(vi) 33°00.00′ N lat., 119°53.00′ W long.;
(vii) 33°33.00′ N lat., 119°53.00′ W long.; and
(viii) 33°33.00′ N lat., 119°30.00′ W long.
(2) Transit corridor. The Western CCA transit corridor is bounded on the north by the latitude line at
33°00.50′ N lat., and bounded on the south by the latitude line at 32°59.50′ N lat.
(3) Eastern CCA. The Eastern CCA is an area west of San Diego defined by the straight lines connecting
the following specific latitude and longitude coordinates in the order listed and connecting back to
32°42.00′ N lat., 118°02.00′ W long.:
(i)

32°42.00′ N lat., 118°02.00′ W long.;

(ii) 32°42.00′ N lat., 117°50.00′ W long.;
(iii) 32°36.70′ N lat., 117°50.00′ W long.;
(iv) 32°30.00′ N lat., 117°53.50′ W long.; and
(v) 32°30.00′ N lat., 118°02.00′ W long.
(t) Groundfish Exclusion Areas. The Groundfish Exclusion Areas (GEAs) are eight areas south of Point
Conception intended to protect sensitive areas, including areas with coral and sea pens.
(1) Hidden Reef. The Hidden Reef GEA is defined by the straight lines connecting the following specific
latitude and longitude coordinates in the order listed and connecting back to 33°46.14′ N lat.,
119°10.45′ W long.:
(i)

33°46.14′ N lat., 119°10.45′ W long.;

(ii) 33°46.14′ N lat., 119°05.96′ W long.;
(iii) 33°41.40′ N lat., 119°05.96′ W long.; and
(iv) 33°41.40′ N lat., 119°10.45′ W long.
(2) West of Santa Barbara Island. The West of Santa Barbara Island GEA is defined by the straight lines
connecting the following specific latitude and longitude coordinates in the order listed and
connecting back to 33°33.64′ N lat., 119°18.54′ W long.:
(i)

33°33.64′ N lat., 119°18.54′ W long.;

(ii) 33°33.64′ N lat., 119°07.57′ W long.;
(iii) 33°27.90′ N lat., 119°07.57′ W long; and
(iv) 33°27.90′ N lat., 119°18.54′ W long.
(3) Potato Bank. The Potato Bank GEA is defined by the straight lines connecting the following specific
latitude and longitude coordinates in the order listed and connecting back to 33°21.00′ N lat.,
119°53.00′ W long.:
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(i)

50 CFR 660.70(t)(3)(i)

33°21.00′ N lat., 119°53.00′ W long.;

(ii) 33°21.00′ N lat., 119°45.67′ W long.;
(iii) 33°11.00′ N lat., 119°45.67′ W long.; and
(iv) 33°11.00′ N lat., 119°53.00′ W long.
(4) 107/118 Bank. The 107/118 Bank GEA is defined by the straight lines connecting the following
specific latitude and longitude coordinates in the order listed and connecting back to 33°05.51′ N
lat., 119°41.29′ W long.:
(i)

33°05.51′ N lat., 119°41.29′ W long.;

(ii) 33°08.64′ N lat., 119°36.71′ W long.;
(iii) 33°03.50′ N lat., 119°31.69′ W long.; and
(iv) 33°00.36′ N lat., 119°36.27′ W long.
(5) Cherry Bank. The Cherry Bank GEA is defined by the straight lines connecting the following specific
latitude and longitude coordinates in the order listed and connecting back to 32°50.86′ N lat.,
119°29.40′ W long.:
(i)

32°50.86′ N lat., 119°29.40′ W long.;

(ii) 32°56.96′ N lat., 119°19.82′ W long.;
(iii) 32°54.69′ N lat., 119°17.78′ W long.; and
(iv) 32°48.59′ N lat., 119°27.35′ W long.
(6) Seamount 109. The Seamount 109 GEA is defined by the straight lines connecting the following
specific latitude and longitude coordinates in the order listed and connecting back to 32°43.75′ N
lat., 119°37.00′ W long.:
(i)

32°43.75′ N lat., 119°37.00′ W long.;

(ii) 32°43.75′ N lat., 119°34.29′ W long.;
(iii) 32°31.95′ N lat., 119°26.94′ W long.;
(iv) 32°30.47′ N lat., 119°29.71′ W long.; and
(v) 32°39.54′ N lat., 119°37.00′ W long.
(7) 43-Fathom Spot. The 43-Fathom Spot GEA is defined by the straight lines connecting the following
specific latitude and longitude coordinates in the order listed and connecting back to 32°42.00′ N
lat., 118°00.05′ W long.:
(i)

32°42.00′ N lat., 118°00.05′ W long.;

(ii) 32°42.00′ N lat., 117°50.00′ W long.;
(iii) 32°36.70′ N lat., 117°50.00′ W long.;
(iv) 32°36.18′ N lat., 117°50.27′ W long.; and
(v) 32°36.18′ N lat., 118°00.05′ W long.
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50 CFR 660.70(t)(8)

(8) Northeast Bank. The Northeast Bank GEA is defined by the straight lines connecting the following
specific latitude and longitude coordinates in the order listed and connecting back to 32°27.39′ N
lat., 119°37.00′ W long.:
(i)

32°27.39′ N lat., 119°37.00′ W long.;

(ii) 32°27.39′ N lat., 119°31.60′ W long.;
(iii) 32°20.00′ N lat., 119°31.60′ W long.; and
(iv) 32°20.00′ N lat., 119°37.00′ W long.
(u) Cordell Bank. Cordell Bank is located offshore of California's Marin County. Generally, fishing for
groundfish is prohibited within Cordell Bank as defined by specific latitude and longitude coordinates. The
Cordell Bank closed area is defined by straight lines connecting the following specific latitude and
longitude coordinates in the order listed:
(1) 38°03.18′ N lat., 123°20.77′ W long.;
(2) 38°06.29′ N lat., 123°25.03′ W long.;
(3) 38°06.34′ N lat., 123°29.32′ W long.;
(4) 38°04.57′ N lat., 123°31.30′ W long.;
(5) 38°02.32′ N lat., 123°31.07′ W long.;
(6) 38°00.00′ N lat., 123°28.40′ W long.;
(7) 37°58.10′ N lat., 123°26.66′ W long.;
(8) 37°55.07′ N lat., 123°26.81′ W long.;
(9) 38°00.00′ N lat., 123°23.08′ W long.; and connecting back to 38°03.18′ N lat., 123°20.77′ W long.
[71 FR 78663, Dec. 29, 2006, as amended at 72 FR 53167, Sept. 18, 2007; 74 FR 9893, Mar. 6, 2009. Redesignated at 75 FR 60995,
Oct. 1, 2010; 76 FR 53835, Aug. 30, 2011; 82 FR 9640, Feb. 7, 2017; 84 FR 63973, Nov. 19, 2019; 88 FR 83842, Dec. 1, 2023; 89 FR
101527, Dec. 16, 2024]

§ 660.71 Latitude/longitude coordinates defining the 10-fm (18-m) through 40-fm (73-m) depth
contours.
Boundaries for some GCAs are defined by straight lines connecting a series of latitude/longitude coordinates. This
section provides coordinates for the 10-fm (18-m) through 40-fm (73-m) depth contours.
(a) The 10-fm (18-m) depth contour between the U.S. border with Canada and 46°16′ N. lat. is defined by
straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 48°23.80′ N. lat., 124°44.18′ W. long.;
(2) 48°23.60′ N. lat., 124°44.80′ W. long.;
(3) 48°23.45′ N. lat., 124°44.80′ W. long.;
(4) 48°23.30′ N. lat., 124°44.20′ W. long.;
(5) 48°22.20′ N. lat., 124°44.30′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.71(a)(6)

(6) 48°20.25′ N. lat., 124°42.20′ W. long.;
(7) 48°12.80′ N. lat., 124°43.10′ W. long.;
(8) 48°11.10′ N. lat., 124°46.50′ W. long.;
(9) 48°10.00′ N. lat., 124°46.50′ W. long.;
(10) 48°08.50′ N. lat., 124°44.20′ W. long.;
(11) 47°59.40′ N. lat., 124°42.50′ W. long.;
(12) 47°52.60′ N. lat., 124°38.80′ W. long.;
(13) 47°51.50′ N. lat., 124°34.60′ W. long.;
(14) 47°39.80′ N. lat., 124°28.10′ W. long.;
(15) 47°31.70′ N. lat., 124°26.30′ W. long.;
(16) 47°25.20′ N. lat., 124°24.80′ W. long.;
(17) 47°09.80′ N. lat., 124°15.20′ W. long.;
(18) 46°54.40′ N. lat., 124°14.80′ W. long.;
(19) 46°48.30′ N. lat., 124°10.25′ W. long.;
(20) 46°38.17′ N. lat., 124°10.30′ W. long.;
(21) 46°27.20′ N. lat., 124°06.50′ W. long.; and
(22) 46°16.00′ N. lat., 124°10.00′ W. long.
(b) The 20-fm (37-m) depth contour between the U.S. border with Canada and 42° N. lat. is defined by straight
lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 48°23.90′ N. lat., 124°44.20′ W. long.;
(2) 48°23.60′ N. lat., 124°44.90′ W. long.;
(3) 48°18.60′ N. lat., 124°43.60′ W. long.;
(4) 48°18.60′ N. lat., 124°48.20′ W. long.;
(5) 48°10.00′ N. lat., 124°48.80′ W. long.;
(6) 48°02.40′ N. lat., 124°49.30′ W. long.;
(7) 47°37.60′ N. lat., 124°34.30′ W. long.;
(8) 47°31.70′ N. lat., 124°32.40′ W. long.;
(9) 47°17.90′ N. lat., 124°25.00′ W. long.;
(10) 46°58.80′ N. lat., 124°18.30′ W. long.;
(11) 46°47.40′ N. lat., 124°12.70′ W. long.;
(12) 46°38.17′ N. lat., 124°12.40′ W. long.;
(13) 46°16.00′ N. lat., 124°11.50′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.71(b)(14)

(14) 46°16.01′ N. lat., 124°11.56′ W. long.;
(15) 46°15.09′ N. lat., 124°11.33′ W. long.;
(16) 46°11.94′ N. lat., 124°08.51′ W. long.;
(17) 46°08.02′ N. lat., 124°04.06′ W. long.;
(18) 46°05.05′ N. lat., 124°02.13′ W. long.;
(19) 46°02.19′ N. lat., 124°01.35′ W. long.;
(20) 45°58.28′ N. lat., 124°01.70′ W. long.;
(21) 45°55.64′ N. lat., 124°01.16′ W. long.;
(22) 45°52.61′ N. lat., 124°00.33′ W. long.;
(23) 45°48.43′ N. lat., 124°00.65′ W. long.;
(24) 45°46.59′ N. lat., 124°00.79′ W. long.;
(25) 45°46.00′ N. lat., 124°00.54′ W. long.;
(26) 45°46.00′ N. lat., 124°00.53′ W. long.;
(27) 45°44.75′ N. lat., 123°59.92′ W. long.;
(28) 45°44.57′ N. lat., 123°59.64′ W. long.;
(29) 45°41.86′ N. lat., 123°58.82′ W. long.;
(30) 45°36.40′ N. lat., 123°59.42′ W. long.;
(31) 45°34.10′ N. lat., 123°59.90′ W. long.;
(32) 45°32.81′ N. lat., 124°00.35′ W. long.;
(33) 45°29.87′ N. lat., 124°00.98′ W. long.;
(34) 45°27.49′ N. lat., 124°00.79′ W. long.;
(35) 45°25.37′ N. lat., 124°00.73′ W. long.;
(36) 45°22.06′ N. lat., 124°01.66′ W. long.;
(37) 45°17.27′ N. lat., 124°00.76′ W. long.;
(38) 45°14.09′ N. lat., 124°00.75′ W. long.;
(39) 45°12.50′ N. lat., 124°00.53′ W. long.;
(40) 45°11.92′ N. lat., 124°01.62′ W. long.;
(41) 45°11.02′ N. lat., 124°00.60′ W. long.;
(42) 45°10.08′ N. lat., 124°00.58′ W. long.;
(43) 45°05.51′ N. lat., 124°02.15′ W. long.;
(44) 45°03.83′ N. lat., 124°02.55′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.71(b)(45)

(45) 45°01.03′ N. lat., 124°03.22′ W. long.;
(46) 44°57.98′ N. lat., 124°04.29′ W. long.;
(47) 44°55.37′ N. lat., 124°04.39′ W. long.;
(48) 44°51.56′ N. lat., 124°05.54′ W. long.;
(49) 44°45.24′ N. lat., 124°06.47′ W. long.;
(50) 44°42.69′ N. lat., 124°06.73′ W. long.;
(51) 44°33.86′ N. lat., 124°07.43′ W. long.;
(52) 44°29.78′ N. lat., 124°07.62′ W. long.;
(53) 44°28.53′ N. lat., 124°07.93′ W. long.;
(54) 44°23.71′ N. lat., 124°08.30′ W. long.;
(55) 44°21.75′ N. lat., 124°08.79′ W. long.;
(56) 44°20.99′ N. lat., 124°08.48′ W. long.;
(57) 44°17.29′ N. lat., 124°08.82′ W. long.;
(58) 44°11.90′ N. lat., 124°09.44′ W. long.;
(59) 44°03.25′ N. lat., 124°10.33′ W. long.;
(60) 43°52.69′ N. lat., 124°12.01′ W. long.;
(61) 43°42.94′ N. lat., 124°13.88′ W. long.;
(62) 43°41.44′ N. lat., 124°14.47′ W. long.;
(63) 43°36.60′ N. lat., 124°14.92′ W. long.;
(64) 43°29.85′ N. lat., 124°17.35′ W. long.;
(65) 43°25.00′ N. lat., 124°20.84′ W. long.;
(66) 43°21.61′ N. lat., 124°24.09′ W. long.;
(67) 43°20.83′ N. lat., 124°24.74′ W. long.;
(68) 43°20.51′ N. lat., 124°25.01′ W. long.;
(69) 43°19.33′ N. lat., 124°25.43′ W. long.;
(70) 43°16.18′ N. lat., 124°26.02′ W. long.;
(71) 43°14.39′ N. lat., 124°26.17′ W. long.;
(72) 43°13.94′ N. lat., 124°26.72′ W. long.;
(73) 43°13.39′ N. lat., 124°26.41′ W. long.;
(74) 43°11.39′ N. lat., 124°26.90′ W. long.;
(75) 43°10.06′ N. lat., 124°28.24′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.71(b)(76)

(76) 43°07.48′ N. lat., 124°28.65′ W. long.;
(77) 43°06.67′ N. lat., 124°28.63′ W. long.;
(78) 43°06.43′ N. lat., 124°28.22′ W. long.;
(79) 43°03.09′ N. lat., 124°28.52′ W. long.;
(80) 42°57.55′ N. lat., 124°30.74′ W. long.;
(81) 42°52.91′ N. lat., 124°35.03′ W. long.;
(82) 42°51.58′ N. lat., 124°36.43′ W. long.;
(83) 42°50.00′ N. lat., 124°37.13′ W. long.;
(84) 42°49.85′ N. lat., 124°37.20′ W. long.;
(85) 42°46.07′ N. lat., 124°36.98′ W. long.;
(86) 42°46.03′ N. lat., 124°34.76′ W. long.;
(87) 42°45.37′ N. lat., 124°33.59′ W. long.;
(88) 42°43.91′ N. lat., 124°32.14′ W. long.;
(89) 42°41.73′ N. lat., 124°29.20′ W. long.;
(90) 42°40.50′ N. lat., 124°28.95′ W. long.;
(91) 42°40.49′ N. lat., 124°28.95′ W. long.;
(92) 42°40.06′ N. lat., 124°28.94′ W. long.;
(93) 42°39.74′ N. lat., 124°27.80′ W. long.;
(94) 42°37.53′ N. lat., 124°26.39′ W. long.;
(95) 42°34.33′ N. lat., 124°26.56′ W. long.;
(96) 42°32.81′ N. lat., 124°27.55′ W. long.;
(97) 42°31.66′ N. lat., 124°29.58′ W. long.;
(98) 42°30.70′ N. lat., 124°30.91′ W. long.;
(99) 42°29.20′ N. lat., 124°31.27′ W. long.;
(100) 42°27.52′ N. lat., 124°30.79′ W. long.;
(101) 42°24.70′ N. lat., 124°29.65′ W. long.;
(102) 42°23.93′ N. lat., 124°28.60′ W. long.;
(103) 42°19.35′ N. lat., 124°27.23′ W. long.;
(104) 42°14.87′ N. lat., 124°26.14′ W. long.;
(105) 42°11.85′ N. lat., 124°23.78′ W. long.;
(106) 42°08.08′ N. lat., 124°22.91′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.71(b)(107)

(107) 42°07.04′ N. lat., 124°22.66′ W. long.;
(108) 42°05.17′ N. lat., 124°21.41′ W. long.;
(109) 42°04.16′ N. lat., 124°20.55′ W. long.;
(110) 42°02.12′ N. lat., 124°20.51′ W. long.;
(111) 42°01.42′ N. lat., 124°20.29′ W. long.; and
(112) 42°00.00′ N. lat., 124°19.61′ W. long.
(c) The 25-fm (46-m) depth contour between the Queets River, WA, and 42° N. lat. is defined by straight lines
connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 47°31.70′ N. lat., 124°34.70′ W. long.;
(2) 47°25.70′ N. lat., 124°33.00′ W. long.;
(3) 47°12.80′ N. lat., 124°26.00′ W. long.;
(4) 46°53.00′ N. lat., 124°21.00′ W. long.;
(5) 46°44.20′ N. lat., 124°15.00′ W. long.;
(6) 46°38.17′ N. lat., 124°13.70′ W. long.;
(7) 46°16.00′ N. lat., 124°12.50′ W. long.;
(8) 46°15.99′ N. lat., 124°12.04′ W. long.;
(9) 46°13.72′ N. lat., 124°11.04′ W. long.;
(10) 46°09.50′ N. lat., 124°07.62′ W. long.;
(11) 46°04.00′ N. lat., 124°03.20′ W. long.;
(12) 45°57.61′ N. lat., 124°01.85′ W. long.;
(13) 45°51.73′ N. lat., 124°01.06′ W. long.;
(14) 45°47.27′ N. lat., 124°01.22′ W. long.;
(15) 45°46.00′ N. lat., 124°00.94′ W. long.;
(16) 45°43.19′ N. lat., 124°00.32′ W. long.;
(17) 45°36.11′ N. lat., 124°00.38′ W. long.;
(18) 45°32.95′ N. lat., 124°01.38′ W. long.;
(19) 45°27.47′ N. lat., 124°01.46′ W. long.;
(20) 45°23.18′ N. lat., 124°01.94′ W. long.;
(21) 45°19.04′ N. lat., 124°01.29′ W. long.;
(22) 45°16.79′ N. lat., 124°01.90′ W. long.;
(23) 45°13.54′ N. lat., 124°01.64′ W. long.;
(24) 45°09.56′ N. lat., 124°01.94′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.71(c)(25)

(25) 45°06.15′ N. lat., 124°02.38′ W. long.;
(26) 45°03.83′ N. lat., 124°02.96′ W. long.;
(27) 45°00.77′ N. lat., 124°03.72′ W. long.;
(28) 44°49.08′ N. lat., 124°06.49′ W. long.;
(29) 44°40.06′ N. lat., 124°08.14′ W. long.;
(30) 44°36.64′ N. lat., 124°08.51′ W. long.;
(31) 44°29.41′ N. lat., 124°09.24′ W. long.;
(32) 44°25.18′ N. lat., 124°09.37′ W. long.;
(33) 44°16.34′ N. lat., 124°10.30′ W. long.;
(34) 44°12.16′ N. lat., 124°10.82′ W. long.;
(35) 44°06.59′ N. lat., 124°11.00′ W. long.;
(36) 44°02.09′ N. lat., 124°11.24′ W. long.;
(37) 43°57.82′ N. lat., 124°11.60′ W. long.;
(38) 43°53.44′ N. lat., 124°12.34′ W. long.;
(39) 43°49.19′ N. lat., 124°13.08′ W. long.;
(40) 43°45.19′ N. lat., 124°13.73′ W. long.;
(41) 43°41.22′ N. lat., 124°14.59′ W. long.;
(42) 43°37.52′ N. lat., 124°15.05′ W. long.;
(43) 43°33.97′ N. lat., 124°16.00′ W. long.;
(44) 43°29.72′ N. lat., 124°17.78′ W. long.;
(45) 43°27.63′ N. lat., 124°19.11′ W. long.;
(46) 43°20.83′ N. lat., 124°25.24′ W. long.;
(47) 43°20.66′ N. lat., 124°25.39′ W. long.;
(48) 43°15.57′ N. lat., 124°26.86′ W. long.;
(49) 43°06.88′ N. lat., 124°29.30′ W. long.;
(50) 43°03.37′ N. lat., 124°29.06′ W. long.;
(51) 43°01.03′ N. lat., 124°29.41′ W. long.;
(52) 42°56.59′ N. lat., 124°31.93′ W. long.;
(53) 42°54.08′ N. lat., 124°34.55′ W. long.;
(54) 42°51.16′ N. lat., 124°37.02′ W. long.;
(55) 42°50.00′ N. lat., 124°37.41′ W. long;
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50 CFR 660.71(c)(56)

(56) 42°49.27′ N. lat., 124°37.73′ W. long.;
(57) 42°46.02′ N. lat., 124°37.54′ W. long.;
(58) 42°45.76′ N. lat., 124°35.68′ W. long.;
(59) 42°42.25′ N. lat., 124°30.47′ W. long.;
(60) 42°40.51′ N. lat., 124°29.00′ W. long.;
(61) 42°40.00′ N. lat., 124°29.01′ W. long.;
(62) 42°39.64′ N. lat., 124°28.28′ W. long.;
(63) 42°38.80′ N. lat., 124°27.57′ W. long.;
(64) 42°35.42′ N. lat., 124°26.77′ W. long.;
(65) 42°33.13′ N. lat., 124°29.06′ W. long.;
(66) 42°31.44′ N. lat., 124°30.71′ W. long.;
(67) 42°29.03′ N. lat., 124°31.71′ W. long.;
(68) 42°24.98′ N. lat., 124°29.95′ W. long.;
(69) 42°20.05′ N. lat., 124°28.16′ W. long.;
(70) 42°14.24′ N. lat., 124°26.03′ W. long.;
(71) 42°10.23′ N. lat., 124°23.93′ W. long.;
(72) 42°06.20′ N. lat., 124°22.70′ W. long.;
(73) 42°04.66′ N. lat., 124°21.49′ W. long.;
(74) 42°00.00′ N. lat., 124°20.80′ W. long.;
(d) The 25-fm (46-m) depth contour between the Queets River, WA, and 42° N. lat., modified to reduce impacts
on canary and yelloweye rockfish by shifting the line shoreward in the area between 47°31.70′ N. lat. and
46°44.18′ N. lat., is defined by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 47°31.70′ N. lat., 124°34.66′ W. long.;
(2) 47°25.67′ N. lat., 124°32.78′ W. long.;
(3) 47°12.82′ N. lat., 124°26.00′ W. long.;
(4) 46°52.94′ N. lat., 124°18.94′ W. long.;
(5) 46°44.18′ N. lat., 124°14.89′ W. long.;
(6) 46°38.17′ N. lat., 124°13.70′ W. long.;
(7) 46°16.00′ N. lat., 124°12.50′ W. long.;
(8) 46°15.99′ N. lat., 124°12.04′ W. long.;
(9) 46°13.72′ N. lat., 124°11.04′ W. long.;
(10) 46°09.50′ N. lat., 124°07.62′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.71(d)(11)

(11) 46°04.00′ N. lat., 124°03.20′ W. long.;
(12) 45°57.61′ N. lat., 124°01.85′ W. long.;
(13) 45°51.73′ N. lat., 124°01.06′ W. long.;
(14) 45°47.27′ N. lat., 124°01.22′ W. long.;
(15) 45°46.00′ N. lat., 124°00.94′ W. long.;
(16) 45°43.19′ N. lat., 124°00.32′ W. long.;
(17) 45°36.11′ N. lat., 124°00.38′ W. long.;
(18) 45°32.95′ N. lat., 124°01.38′ W. long.;
(19) 45°27.47′ N. lat., 124°01.46′ W. long.;
(20) 45°23.18′ N. lat., 124°01.94′ W. long.;
(21) 45°19.04′ N. lat., 124°01.29′ W. long.;
(22) 45°16.79′ N. lat., 124°01.90′ W. long.;
(23) 45°13.54′ N. lat., 124°01.64′ W. long.;
(24) 45°09.56′ N. lat., 124°01.94′ W. long.;
(25) 45°06.15′ N. lat., 124°02.38′ W. long.;
(26) 45°03.83′ N. lat., 124°02.96′ W. long.;
(27) 45°00.77′ N. lat., 124°03.72′ W. long.;
(28) 44°49.08′ N. lat., 124°06.49′ W. long.;
(29) 44°40.06′ N. lat., 124°08.14′ W. long.;
(30) 44°36.64′ N. lat., 124°08.51′ W. long.;
(31) 44°29.41′ N. lat., 124°09.24′ W. long.;
(32) 44°25.18′ N. lat., 124°09.37′ W. long.;
(33) 44°16.34′ N. lat., 124°10.30′ W. long.;
(34) 44°12.16′ N. lat., 124°10.82′ W. long.;
(35) 44°06.59′ N. lat., 124°11.00′ W. long.;
(36) 44°02.09′ N. lat., 124°11.24′ W. long.;
(37) 43°57.82′ N. lat., 124°11.60′ W. long.;
(38) 43°53.44′ N. lat., 124°12.34′ W. long.;
(39) 43°49.19′ N. lat., 124°13.08′ W. long.;
(40) 43°45.19′ N. lat., 124°13.73′ W. long.;
(41) 43°41.22′ N. lat., 124°14.59′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.71(d)(42)

(42) 43°37.52′ N. lat., 124°15.05′ W. long.;
(43) 43°33.97′ N. lat., 124°16.00′ W. long.;
(44) 43°29.72′ N. lat., 124°17.78′ W. long.;
(45) 43°27.63′ N. lat., 124°19.11′ W. long.;
(46) 43°20.83′ N. lat., 124°25.24′ W. long.;
(47) 43°20.66′ N. lat., 124°25.39′ W. long.;
(48) 43°15.57′ N. lat., 124°26.86′ W. long.;
(49) 43°06.88′ N. lat., 124°29.30′ W. long.;
(50) 43°03.37′ N. lat., 124°29.06′ W. long.;
(51) 43°01.03′ N. lat., 124°29.41′ W. long.;
(52) 42°56.59′ N. lat., 124°31.93′ W. long.;
(53) 42°54.08′ N. lat., 124°34.55′ W. long.;
(54) 42°51.16′ N. lat., 124°37.02′ W. long.;
(55) 42°50.00′ N. lat., 124°36.41′ W. long.;
(56) 42°49.27′ N. lat., 124°37.73′ W. long.;
(57) 42°46.02′ N. lat., 124°37.54′ W. long.;
(58) 42°45.76′ N. lat., 124°35.68′ W. long.;
(59) 42°42.25′ N. lat., 124°30.47′ W. long.;
(60) 42°40.51′ N. lat., 124°29.00′ W. long.;
(61) 42°40.00′ N. lat., 124°29.01′ W. long.;
(62) 42°39.64′ N. lat., 124°28.28′ W. long.;
(63) 42°38.80′ N. lat., 124°27.57′ W. long.;
(64) 42°35.42′ N. lat., 124°26.77′ W. long.;
(65) 42°33.13′ N. lat., 124°29.06′ W. long.;
(66) 42°31.44′ N. lat., 124°30.71′ W. long.;
(67) 42°29.03′ N. lat., 124°31.71′ W. long.;
(68) 42°24.98′ N. lat., 124°29.95′ W. long.;
(69) 42°20.05′ N. lat., 124°28.16′ W. long.;
(70) 42°14.24′ N. lat., 124°26.03′ W. long.;
(71) 42°10.23′ N. lat., 124°23.93′ W. long.;
(72) 42°06.20′ N. lat., 124°22.70′ W. long.;
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Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.71(d)(73)

(73) 42°04.66′ N. lat., 124°21.49′ W. long.; and
(74) 42°00.00′ N. lat., 124°20.80′ W. long.
(e) The 30-fm (55-m) depth contour between the U.S. border with Canada and the U.S. border with Mexico is
defined by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 48°24.79′ N. lat., 124°44.07′ W. long.;
(2) 48°24.80′ N. lat., 124°44.74′ W. long.;
(3) 48°23.94′ N. lat., 124°44.70′ W. long.;
(4) 48°23.51′ N. lat., 124°45.01′ W. long.;
(5) 48°22.59′ N. lat., 124°44.97′ W. long.;
(6) 48°21.75′ N. lat., 124°45.26′ W. long.;
(7) 48°21.23′ N. lat., 124°47.78′ W. long.;
(8) 48°20.32′ N. lat., 124°49.53′ W. long.;
(9) 48°16.72′ N. lat., 124°51.58′ W. long.;
(10) 48°10.00′ N. lat., 124°52.58′ W. long.;
(11) 48°05.63′ N. lat., 124°52.91′ W. long.;
(12) 47°53.37′ N. lat., 124°47.37′ W. long.;
(13) 47°40.28′ N. lat., 124°40.07′ W. long.;
(14) 47°31.70′ N. lat., 124°37.03′ W. long.;
(15) 47°25.67′ N. lat., 124°34.79′ W. long.;
(16) 47°12.82′ N. lat., 124°29.12′ W. long.;
(17) 46°52.94′ N. lat., 124°22.58′ W. long.;
(18) 46°44.18′ N. lat., 124°18.00′ W. long.;
(19) 46°38.17′ N. lat., 124°15.88′ W. long.;
(20) 46°29.53′ N. lat., 124°15.89′ W. long.;
(21) 46°19.27′ N. lat., 124°14.15′ W. long.;
(22) 46°16.00′ N. lat., 124°13.04′ W. long.;
(23) 46°07.00′ N. lat., 124°07.01′ W. long.;
(24) 45°55.95′ N. lat., 124°02.23′ W. long.;
(25) 45°54.53′ N. lat., 124°02.57′ W. long.;
(26) 45°50.65′ N. lat., 124°01.62′ W. long.;
(27) 45°48.20′ N. lat., 124°02.16′ W. long.;
(28) 45°46.00′ N. lat., 124°01.86′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.71(e)(28) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.71(e)(29)

(29) 45°43.46′ N. lat., 124°01.28′ W. long.;
(30) 45°40.48′ N. lat., 124°01.03′ W. long.;
(31) 45°39.04′ N. lat., 124°01.68′ W. long.;
(32) 45°35.48′ N. lat., 124°01.90′ W. long.;
(33) 45°29.81′ N. lat., 124°02.45′ W. long.;
(34) 45°27.97′ N. lat., 124°01.90′ W. long.;
(35) 45°27.22′ N. lat., 124°02.66′ W. long.;
(36) 45°24.20′ N. lat., 124°02.94′ W. long.;
(37) 45°20.60′ N. lat., 124°01.74′ W. long.;
(38) 45°20.25′ N. lat., 124°01.85′ W. long.;
(39) 45°16.44′ N. lat., 124°03.22′ W. long.;
(40) 45°13.63′ N. lat., 124°02.69′ W. long.;
(41) 45°11.05′ N. lat., 124°03.59′ W. long.;
(42) 45°08.55′ N. lat., 124°03.47′ W. long.;
(43) 45°03.82′ N. lat., 124°04.43′ W. long.;
(44) 45°02.81′ N. lat., 124°04.64′ W. long.;
(45) 44°58.06′ N. lat., 124°05.03′ W. long.;
(46) 44°53.97′ N. lat., 124°06.92′ W. long.;
(47) 44°48.89′ N. lat., 124°07.04′ W. long.;
(48) 44°46.94′ N. lat., 124°08.25′ W. long.;
(49) 44°42.72′ N. lat., 124°08.98′ W. long.;
(50) 44°38.16′ N. lat., 124°11.48′ W. long.;
(51) 44°33.38′ N. lat., 124°11.54′ W. long.;
(52) 44°28.51′ N. lat., 124°12.04′ W. long.;
(53) 44°27.65′ N. lat., 124°12.56′ W. long.;
(54) 44°19.67′ N. lat., 124°12.37′ W. long.;
(55) 44°10.79′ N. lat., 124°12.22′ W. long.;
(56) 44°09.22′ N. lat., 124°12.28′ W. long.;
(57) 44°08.30′ N. lat., 124°12.30′ W. long.;
(58) 44°00.22′ N. lat., 124°12.80′ W. long.;
(59) 43°51.56′ N. lat., 124°13.18′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.71(e)(59) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.71(e)(60)

(60) 43°44.26′ N. lat., 124°14.50′ W. long.;
(61) 43°33.82′ N. lat., 124°16.28′ W. long.;
(62) 43°28.66′ N. lat., 124°18.72′ W. long.;
(63) 43°23.12′ N. lat., 124°24.04′ W. long.;
(64) 43°20.83′ N. lat., 124°25.67′ W. long.;
(65) 43°20.48′ N. lat., 124°25.90′ W. long.;
(66) 43°16.41′ N. lat., 124°27.52′ W. long.;
(67) 43°14.23′ N. lat., 124°29.28′ W. long.;
(68) 43°14.03′ N. lat., 124°28.31′ W. long.;
(69) 43°11.92′ N. lat., 124°28.26′ W. long.;
(70) 43°11.02′ N. lat., 124°29.11′ W. long.;
(71) 43°10.13′ N. lat., 124°29.15′ W. long.;
(72) 43°09.26′ N. lat., 124°31.03′ W. long.;
(73) 43°07.73′ N. lat., 124°30.92′ W. long.;
(74) 43°05.93′ N. lat., 124°29.64′ W. long.;
(75) 43°01.59′ N. lat., 124°30.64′ W. long.;
(76) 42°59.72′ N. lat., 124°31.16′ W. long.;
(77) 42°53.75′ N. lat., 124°36.09′ W. long.;
(78) 42°50.00′ N. lat., 124°38.39′ W. long.;
(79) 42°49.37′ N. lat., 124°38.81′ W. long.;
(80) 42°46.42′ N. lat., 124°37.69′ W. long.;
(81) 42°46.07′ N. lat., 124°38.56′ W. long.;
(82) 42°45.29′ N. lat., 124°37.95′ W. long.;
(83) 42°45.61′ N. lat., 124°36.87′ W. long.;
(84) 42°44.27′ N. lat., 124°33.64′ W. long.;
(85) 42°42.75′ N. lat., 124°31.84′ W. long.;
(86) 42°40.50′ N. lat., 124°29.67′ W. long.;
(87) 42°40.04′ N. lat., 124°29.20′ W. long.;
(88) 42°38.09′ N. lat., 124°28.39′ W. long.;
(89) 42°36.73′ N. lat., 124°27.54′ W. long.;
(90) 42°36.56′ N. lat., 124°28.40′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.71(e)(90) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.71(e)(91)

(91) 42°35.77′ N. lat., 124°28.79′ W. long.;
(92) 42°34.03′ N. lat., 124°29.98′ W. long.;
(93) 42°34.19′ N. lat., 124°30.58′ W. long.;
(94) 42°31.27′ N. lat., 124°32.24′ W. long.;
(95) 42°27.07′ N. lat., 124°32.53′ W. long.;
(96) 42°24.21′ N. lat., 124°31.23′ W. long.;
(97) 42°20.47′ N. lat., 124°28.87′ W. long.;
(98) 42°14.60′ N. lat., 124°26.80′ W. long.;
(99) 42°13.67′ N. lat., 124°26.25′ W. long.;
(100) 42°10.90′ N. lat., 124°24.56′ W. long.;
(101) 42°07.04′ N. lat., 124°23.35′ W. long.;
(102) 42°02.16′ N. lat., 124°22.59′ W. long.;
(103) 42°00.00′ N. lat., 124°21.81′ W. long.;
(104) 41°55.75′ N. lat., 124°20.72′ W. long.;
(105) 41°50.93′ N. lat., 124°23.76′ W. long.;
(106) 41°42.53′ N. lat., 124°16.47′ W. long.;
(107) 41°37.20′ N. lat., 124°17.05′ W. long.;
(108) 41°24.58′ N. lat., 124°10.51′ W. long.;
(109) 41°20.73′ N. lat., 124°11.73′ W. long.;
(110) 41°17.59′ N. lat., 124°10.66′ W. long.;
(111) 41°04.54′ N. lat., 124°14.47′ W. long.;
(112) 40°54.26′ N. lat., 124°13.90′ W. long.;
(113) 40°40.31′ N. lat., 124°26.24′ W. long.;
(114) 40°34.00′ N. lat., 124°27.39′ W. long.;
(115) 40°30.00′ N. lat., 124°31.32′ W. long.;
(116) 40°28.89′ N. lat., 124°32.43′ W. long.;
(117) 40°24.77′ N. lat., 124°29.51′ W. long.;
(118) 40°22.47′ N. lat., 124°24.12′ W. long.;
(119) 40°19.73′ N. lat., 124°23.59′ W. long.;
(120) 40°18.64′ N. lat., 124°21.89′ W. long.;
(121) 40°17.67′ N. lat., 124°23.07′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.71(e)(121) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.71(e)(122)

(122) 40°15.58′ N. lat., 124°23.61′ W. long.;
(123) 40°13.42′ N. lat., 124°22.94′ W. long.;
(124) 40°10.00′ N. lat., 124°16.65′ W. long.;
(125) 40°09.46′ N. lat., 124°15.28′ W. long.;
(126) 40°08.89′ N. lat., 124°15.24′ W. long.;
(127) 40°06.40′ N. lat., 124°10.97′ W. long.;
(128) 40°06.08′ N. lat., 124°09.34′ W. long.;
(129) 40°06.64′ N. lat., 124°08.00′ W. long.;
(130) 40°05.08′ N. lat., 124°07.57′ W. long.;
(131) 40°04.29′ N. lat., 124°08.12′ W. long.;
(132) 40°00.61′ N. lat., 124°07.35′ W. long.;
(133) 39°58.60′ N. lat., 124°05.51′ W. long.;
(134) 39°54.89′ N. lat., 124°04.67′ W. long.;
(135) 39°53.01′ N. lat., 124°02.33′ W. long.;
(136) 39°53.20′ N. lat., 123°58.18′ W. long.;
(137) 39°48.45′ N. lat., 123°53.21′ W. long.;
(138) 39°43.89′ N. lat., 123°51.75′ W. long.;
(139) 39°39.60′ N. lat., 123°49.14′ W. long.;
(140) 39°37.50′ N. lat., 123°49.20′ W. long.;
(141) 39°34.43′ N. lat., 123°48.48′ W. long.;
(142) 39°30.63′ N. lat., 123°49.71′ W. long.;
(143) 39°21.25′ N. lat., 123°50.54′ W. long.;
(144) 39°16.88′ N lat., 123°49.29′ W long.;
(145) 39°11.06′ N. lat., 123°47.16′ W. long.;
(146) 39°10.35′ N. lat., 123°46.75′ W. long.;
(147) 39°08.87′ N. lat., 123°46.24′ W. long.;
(148) 39°03.79′ N. lat., 123°43.91′ W. long.;
(149) 38°59.65′ N. lat., 123°45.94′ W. long.;
(150) 38°57.50′ N. lat., 123°46.28′ W. long.;
(151) 38°56.80′ N. lat., 123°46.48′ W. long.;
(152) 38°51.16′ N. lat., 123°41.48′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.71(e)(152) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.71(e)(153)

(153) 38°45.77′ N. lat., 123°35.14′ W. long.;
(154) 38°42.21′ N. lat., 123°28.17′ W. long.;
(155) 38°34.05′ N. lat., 123°20.96′ W. long.;
(156) 38°22.47′ N. lat., 123°07.48′ W. long.;
(157) 38°16.52′ N. lat., 123°05.62′ W. long.;
(158) 38°14.42′ N. lat., 123°01.91′ W. long.;
(159) 38°08.24′ N. lat., 122°59.79′ W. long.;
(160) 38°02.69′ N. lat., 123°01.96′ W. long.;
(161) 38°00.00′ N. lat., 123°04.75′ W. long.;
(162) 37°58.41′ N. lat., 123°02.93′ W. long.;
(163) 37°58.25′ N. lat., 122°56.49′ W. long.;
(164) 37°50.30′ N. lat., 122°52.23′ W. long.;
(165) 37°43.36′ N. lat., 123°04.18′ W. long.;
(166) 37°40.77′ N. lat., 123°01.62′ W. long.;
(167) 37°40.13′ N. lat., 122°57.30′ W. long.;
(168) 37°39.85.′ N. lat., 122°49.90′ W. long.;
(169) 37°35.67′ N. lat., 122°44.20′ W. long.;
(170) 37°29.62′ N. lat., 122°36.00′ W. long.;
(171) 37°22.38′ N. lat., 122°31.66′ W. long.;
(172) 37°13.86′ N. lat., 122°28.27′ W. long.;
(173) 37°11.00′ N. lat., 122°26.50′ W. long.;
(174) 37°08.10′ N. lat., 122°24.75′ W. long.;
(175) 37°07.00′ N. lat., 122°23.60′ W. long.;
(176) 37°05.84′ N. lat., 122°22.47′ W. long.;
(177) 36°58.77′ N. lat., 122°13.03′ W. long.;
(178) 36°53.74′ N. lat., 122°03.39′ W. long.;
(179) 36°52.71′ N. lat., 122°00.14′ W. long.;
(180) 36°52.51′ N. lat., 121°56.77′ W. long.;
(181) 36°49.44′ N. lat., 121°49.63′ W. long.;
(182) 36°48.01′ N. lat., 121°49.92′ W. long.;
(183) 36°48.25′ N. lat., 121°47.66′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.71(e)(183) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.71(e)(184)

(184) 36°46.26′ N. lat., 121°51.27′ W. long.;
(185) 36°39.14′ N. lat., 121°52.05′ W. long.;
(186) 36°38.00′ N. lat., 121°53.57′ W. long.;
(187) 36°39.14′ N. lat., 121°55.45′ W. long.;
(188) 36°38.50′ N. lat., 121°57.90′ W. long.;
(189) 36°36.75′ N. lat., 121°59.44′ W. long.;
(190) 36°34.97′ N. lat., 121°59.37′ W. long.;
(191) 36°33.07′ N. lat., 121°58.32′ W. long.;
(192) 36°33.20′ N lat., 121°57.50′ W long.;
(193) 36°32.04′ N. lat., 121°55.98′ W. long.;
(194) 36°31.61′ N. lat., 121°55.72′ W. long.;
(195) 36°31.59′ N. lat., 121°57.12′ W. long.;
(196) 36°31.52′ N. lat., 121°57.57′ W. long.;
(197) 36°30.88′ N. lat., 121°57.90′ W. long.;
(198) 36°30.25′ N. lat., 121°57.37′ W. long.;
(199) 36°29.47′ N. lat., 121°57.55′ W. long.;
(200) 36°26.72′ N. lat., 121°56.40′ W. long.;
(201) 36°24.33′ N. lat., 121°56.00′ W. long.;
(202) 36°23.36′ N. lat., 121°55.45′ W. long.;
(203) 36°18.86′ N. lat., 121°56.15′ W. long.;
(204) 36°16.21′ N. lat., 121°54.81′ W. long.;
(205) 36°15.30′ N. lat., 121°53.79′ W. long.;
(206) 36°12.04′ N. lat., 121°45.38′ W. long.;
(207) 36°11.87′ N. lat., 121°44.45′ W. long.;
(208) 36°12.13′ N. lat., 121°44.25′ W. long.;
(209) 36°11.89′ N. lat., 121°43.65′ W. long.;
(210) 36°10.56′ N. lat., 121°42.62′ W. long.;
(211) 36°09.90′ N. lat., 121°41.57′ W. long.;
(212) 36°08.14′ N. lat., 121°40.44′ W. long.;
(213) 36°06.69′ N. lat., 121°38.79′ W. long.;
(214) 36°05.85′ N. lat., 121°38.47′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.71(e)(214) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.71(e)(215)

(215) 36°03.08′ N. lat., 121°36.25′ W. long.;
(216) 36°02.92′ N. lat., 121°35.89′ W. long.;
(217) 36°01.53′ N. lat., 121°36.13′ W. long.;
(218) 36°00.59′ N. lat., 121°35.40′ W. long.;
(219) 36°00.00′ N. lat., 121°34.10′ W. long.;
(220) 35°59.93′ N. lat., 121°33.81′ W. long.;
(221) 35°59.69′ N. lat., 121°31.84′ W. long.;
(222) 35°58.59′ N. lat., 121°30.30′ W. long.;
(223) 35°54.02′ N. lat., 121°29.71′ W. long.;
(224) 35°51.54′ N. lat., 121°27.67′ W. long.;
(225) 35°50.42′ N. lat., 121°25.79′ W. long.;
(226) 35°48.37′ N. lat., 121°24.29′ W. long.;
(227) 35°47.02′ N. lat., 121°22.46′ W. long.;
(228) 35°42.28′ N. lat., 121°21.20′ W. long.;
(229) 35°41.57′ N. lat., 121°21.82′ W. long.;
(230) 35°39.24′ N. lat., 121°18.84′ W. long.;
(231) 35°35.14′ N. lat., 121°10.45′ W. long.;
(232) 35°30.11′ N. lat., 121°05.59′ W. long.;
(233) 35°25.86′ N. lat., 121°00.07′ W. long.;
(234) 35°22.82′ N. lat., 120°54.68′ W. long.;
(235) 35°17.96′ N. lat., 120°55.54′ W. long.;
(236) 35°14.83′ N. lat., 120°55.42′ W. long.;
(237) 35°08.87′ N. lat., 120°50.22′ W. long.;
(238) 35°05.55′ N. lat., 120°44.89′ W. long.;
(239) 35°02.91′ N. lat., 120°43.94′ W. long.;
(240) 34°53.80′ N. lat., 120°43.94′ W. long.;
(241) 34°34.89′ N. lat., 120°41.92′ W. long.;
(242) 34°32.48′ N. lat., 120°40.05′ W. long.;
(243) 34°30.12′ N. lat., 120°32.81′ W. long.;
(244) 34°27.00′ N. lat., 120°30.46′ W. long.;
(245) 34°27.00′ N. lat., 120°30.31′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.71(e)(245) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.71(e)(246)

(246) 34°25.84′ N. lat., 120°27.40′ W. long.;
(247) 34°25.16′ N. lat., 120°20.18′ W. long.;
(248) 34°25.88′ N. lat., 120°18.24′ W. long.;
(249) 34°27.26′ N. lat., 120°12.47′ W. long.;
(250) 34°26.27′ N. lat., 120°02.22′ W. long.;
(251) 34°23.41′ N. lat., 119°53.40′ W. long.;
(252) 34°23.33′ N. lat., 119°48.74′ W. long.;
(253) 34°22.31′ N. lat., 119°41.36′ W. long.;
(254) 34°21.72′ N. lat., 119°40.14′ W. long.;
(255) 34°21.25′ N. lat., 119°41.18′ W. long.;
(256) 34°20.25′ N. lat., 119°39.03′ W. long.;
(257) 34°19.87′ N. lat., 119°33.65′ W. long.;
(258) 34°18.67′ N. lat., 119°30.16′ W. long.;
(259) 34°16.95′ N. lat., 119°27.90′ W. long.;
(260) 34°13.02′ N. lat., 119°26.99′ W. long.;
(261) 34°08.62′ N. lat., 119°20.89′ W. long.;
(262) 34°06.95′ N. lat., 119°17.68′ W. long.;
(263) 34°06.13′ N lat., 119°15.26′ W long.;
(264) 34°08.42′ N. lat., 119°13.11′ W. long.;
(265) 34°05.23′ N. lat., 119°13.34′ W. long.;
(266) 34°04.98′ N. lat., 119°11.39′ W. long.;
(267) 34°04.55′ N. lat., 119°11.09′ W. long.;
(268) 34°04.15′ N. lat., 119°09.35′ W. long.;
(269) 34°04.89′ N. lat., 119°07.86′ W. long.;
(270) 34°04.08′ N. lat., 119°07.33′ W. long.;
(271) 34°04.10′ N. lat., 119°06.89′ W. long.;
(272) 34°05.08′ N. lat., 119°07.02′ W. long.;
(273) 34°05.27′ N. lat., 119°04.95′ W. long.;
(274) 34°04.66′ N lat., 119°04.51′ W long.;
(275) 34°02.26′ N. lat., 118°59.88′ W. long.;
(276) 34°00.94′ N. lat., 118°51.65′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.71(e)(276) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.71(e)(277)

(277) 33°59.77′ N. lat., 118°49.26′ W. long.;
(278) 34°00.04′ N. lat., 118°48.92′ W. long.;
(279) 33°59.65′ N. lat., 118°48.43′ W. long.;
(280) 33°59.78′ N lat., 118°47.26′ W long.;
(281) 33°59.80′ N. lat., 118°45.89′ W. long.;
(282) 34°00.21′ N. lat., 118°37.64′ W. long.;
(283) 33°59.26′ N. lat., 118°34.58′ W. long.;
(284) 33°58.07′ N. lat., 118°33.36′ W. long.;
(285) 33°53.76′ N. lat., 118°30.14′ W. long.;
(286) 33°51.00′ N. lat., 118°25.19′ W. long.;
(287) 33°50.29′ N lat., 118°24.58′ W long.;
(288) 33°50.16′ N. lat., 118°23.77′ W. long.;
(289) 33°48.80′ N. lat., 118°25.31′ W. long.;
(290) 33°47.07′ N. lat., 118°27.07′ W. long.;
(291) 33°46.12′ N. lat., 118°26.87′ W. long.;
(292) 33°44.15′ N. lat., 118°25.15′ W. long.;
(293) 33°43.54′ N. lat., 118°23.02′ W. long.;
(294) 33°41.35′ N. lat., 118°18.86′ W. long.;
(295) 33°39.96′ N. lat., 118°17.37′ W. long.;
(296) 33°40.12′ N. lat., 118°16.33′ W. long.;
(297) 33°39.28′ N. lat., 118°16.21′ W. long.;
(298) 33°38.04′ N. lat., 118°14.86′ W. long.;
(299) 33°36.57′ N. lat., 118°14.67′ W. long.;
(300) 33°34.93′ N. lat., 118°10.94′ W. long.;
(301) 33°35.14′ N. lat., 118°08.61′ W. long.;
(302) 33°35.69′ N. lat., 118°07.68′ W. long.;
(303) 33°36.21′ N. lat., 118°07.53′ W. long.;
(304) 33°36.43′ N. lat., 118°06.73′ W. long.;
(305) 33°36.05′ N. lat., 118°06.15′ W. long.;
(306) 33°36.32′ N. lat., 118°03.91′ W. long.;
(307) 33°35.26′ N lat., 118°02.55′ W long.;
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50 CFR 660.71(e)(308)

(308) 33°34.62′ N. lat., 118°00.04′ W. long.;
(309) 33°34.80′ N. lat., 117°57.73′ W. long.;
(310) 33°35.57′ N. lat., 117°56.62′ W. long.;
(311) 33°35.46′ N. lat., 117°55.99′ W. long.;
(312) 33°35.98′ N. lat., 117°55.99′ W. long.;
(313) 33°35.46′ N. lat., 117°55.38′ W. long.;
(314) 33°35.21′ N. lat., 117°53.46′ W. long.;
(315) 33°33.61′ N. lat., 117°50.45′ W. long.;
(316) 33°31.41′ N. lat., 117°47.28′ W. long.;
(317) 33°27.54′ N. lat., 117°44.36′ W. long.;
(318) 33°26.63′ N. lat., 117°43.17′ W. long.;
(319) 33°25.21′ N. lat., 117°40.90′ W. long.;
(320) 33°20.33′ N. lat., 117°35.99′ W. long.;
(321) 33°16.35′ N. lat., 117°31.51′ W. long.;
(322) 33°11.53′ N. lat., 117°26.81′ W. long.;
(323) 33°07.59′ N. lat., 117°21.13′ W. long.;
(324) 33°02.21′ N. lat., 117°19.05′ W. long.;
(325) 32°56.55′ N. lat., 117°17.70′ W. long.;
(326) 32°54.61′ N. lat., 117°16.60′ W. long.;
(327) 32°52.32′ N. lat., 117°15.97′ W. long.;
(328) 32°51.48′ N. lat., 117°16.15′ W. long.;
(329) 32°51.85′ N. lat., 117°17.26′ W. long.;
(330) 32°51.55′ N. lat., 117°19.01′ W. long.;
(331) 32°49.55′ N. lat., 117°19.63′ W. long.;
(332) 32°46.71′ N. lat., 117°18.32′ W. long.;
(333) 32°36.35′ N. lat., 117°15.68′ W. long.; and
(334) 32°32.85′ N. lat., 117°15.44′ W. long.
(f) The 30 fm (55 m) depth contour around the Farallon Islands off the state of California is defined by
straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 37°46.73′ N. lat., 123°6.37′ W. long.;
(2) 37°45.79′ N. lat., 123°07.91′ W. long.;
(3) 37°45.28′ N. lat., 123°07.75′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.71(f)(4)

(4) 37°44.98′ N. lat., 123°07.11′ W. long.;
(5) 37°45.51′ N. lat., 123°06.26′ W. long.;
(6) 37°45.14′ N. lat., 123°05.41′ W. long.;
(7) 37°45.31′ N. lat., 123°04.82′ W. long.;
(8) 37°46.11′ N. lat., 123°05.23′ W. long.;
(9) 37°46.44′ N. lat., 123°05.63′ W. long.; and
(10) 37°46.73′ N. lat., 123°06.37′ W. long.
(g) The 30 fm (55 m) depth contour around Noon Day Rock off the state of California is defined by straight
lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 37°47.83′ N. lat., 123°10.83′ W. long.;
(2) 37°47.51′ N. lat., 123°11.19′ W. long.;
(3) 37°47.33′ N. lat., 123°10.68′ W. long.;
(4) 37°47.02′ N. lat., 123°10.59′ W. long.;
(5) 37°47.21′ N. lat., 123°09.85′ W. long.;
(6) 37°47.56′ N. lat., 123°09.72′ W. long.;
(7) 37°47.87′ N. lat., 123°10.26′ W. long.; and
(8) 37°47.83′ N. lat., 123°10.83′ W. long.
(h) The 30 fm (55-m) depth contour around the northern Channel Islands of the state of California is defined
by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 34°00.98′ N. lat., 119°20.46′ W. long.;
(2) 34°00.53′ N. lat., 119°20.98′ W. long.;
(3) 34°00.17′ N. lat., 119°21.83′ W. long.;
(4) 33°59.65′ N. lat., 119°24.45′ W. long.;
(5) 33°59.68′ N. lat., 119°25.20′ W. long.;
(6) 33°59.95′ N. lat., 119°26.25′ W. long.;
(7) 33°59.87′ N. lat., 119°27.27′ W. long.;
(8) 33°59.55′ N. lat., 119°28.02′ W. long.;
(9) 33°58.63′ N. lat., 119°36.48′ W. long.;
(10) 33°57.62′ N. lat., 119°41.13′ W. long.;
(11) 33°57.00′ N. lat., 119°42.20′ W. long.;
(12) 33°56.93′ N. lat., 119°48.00′ W. long.;
(13) 33 °56.75′ N lat., 119°49.13′ W long.;
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50 CFR 660.71(h)(14)

(14) 33°58.54′ N. lat., 119°52.80′ W. long.;
(15) 33°59.95′ N. lat., 119°54.49′ W. long.;
(16) 33°59.83′ N. lat., 119°56.00′ W. long.;
(17) 33°59.18′ N. lat., 119°57.17′ W. long.;
(18) 33°57.83′ N. lat., 119°56.74′ W. long.;
(19) 33°55.71′ N. lat., 119°56.89′ W. long.;
(20) 33°53.89′ N. lat., 119°57.68′ W. long.;
(21) 33°52.93′ N. lat., 119°59.80′ W. long.;
(22) 33°52.79′ N. lat., 120°01.81′ W. long.;
(23) 33°52.51′ N. lat., 120°03.08′ W. long.;
(24) 33°53.12′ N. lat., 120°04.88′ W. long.;
(25) 33°53.12′ N. lat., 120°05.80′ W. long.;
(26) 33°52.94′ N. lat., 120°06.50′ W. long.;
(27) 33°54.03′ N. lat., 120°10.00′ W. long.;
(28) 33°54.58′ N. lat., 120°11.82′ W. long.;
(29) 33°57.08′ N. lat., 120°14.58′ W. long.;
(30) 33°59.50′ N. lat., 120°16.72′ W. long.;
(31) 33°59.63′ N. lat., 120°17.88′ W. long.;
(32) 34°00.30′ N. lat., 120°19.14′ W. long.;
(33) 34°00.02′ N. lat., 120°19.68′ W. long.;
(34) 34°00.08′ N. lat., 120°21.73′ W. long.;
(35) 34°00.94′ N. lat., 120°24.82′ W. long.;
(36) 34°01.09′ N. lat., 120°27.29′ W. long.;
(37) 34°00.96′ N. lat., 120°28.09′ W. long.;
(38) 34°01.56′ N. lat., 120°28.71′ W. long.;
(39) 34°01.80′ N. lat., 120°28.31′ W. long.;
(40) 34°03.60′ N. lat., 120°28.87′ W. long.;
(41) 34°05.20′ N. lat., 120°29.38′ W. long.;
(42) 34°05.35′ N. lat., 120°28.20′ W. long.;
(43) 34°05.30′ N. lat., 120°27.33′ W. long.;
(44) 34°05.65′ N. lat., 120°26.79′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.71(h)(45)

(45) 34°05.69′ N. lat., 120°25.82′ W. long.;
(46) 34°07.24′ N. lat., 120°24.98′ W. long.;
(47) 34°06.00′ N. lat., 120°23.30′ W. long.;
(48) 34°05.64′ N. lat., 120°21.44′ W. long.;
(49) 34°03.61′ N. lat., 120°18.40′ W. long.;
(50) 34°03.25′ N. lat., 120°16.64′ W. long.;
(51) 34°04.33′ N. lat., 120°14.22′ W. long.;
(52) 34°04.11′ N. lat., 120°11.17′ W. long.;
(53) 34°03.72′ N. lat., 120°09.93′ W. long.;
(54) 34°03.81′ N. lat., 120°08.96′ W. long.;
(55) 34°03.36′ N. lat., 120°06.52′ W. long.;
(56) 34°04.80′ N. lat., 120°04.00′ W. long.;
(57) 34°03.48′ N. lat., 120°01.75′ W. long.;
(58) 34°04.00′ N. lat., 120°01.00′ W. long.;
(59) 34°03.99′ N. lat., 120°00.15′ W. long.;
(60) 34°03.51′ N. lat., 119°59.42′ W. long.;
(61) 34°03.79′ N. lat., 119°58.15′ W. long.;
(62) 34°04.72′ N. lat., 119°57.61′ W. long.;
(63) 34°05.14′ N. lat., 119°55.17′ W. long.;
(64) 34°04.66′ N. lat., 119°51.60′ W. long.;
(65) 34°03.79′ N. lat., 119°48.86′ W. long.;
(66) 34°03.79′ N. lat., 119°45.46′ W. long.;
(67) 34°03.27′ N. lat., 119°44.17′ W. long.;
(68) 34°03.29′ N. lat., 119°43.30′ W. long.;
(69) 34°01.71′ N. lat., 119°40.83′ W. long.;
(70) 34°01.74′ N. lat., 119°37.92′ W. long.;
(71) 34°02.07′ N. lat., 119°37.17′ W. long.;
(72) 34°02.93′ N. lat., 119°36.52′ W. long.;
(73) 34°03.48′ N. lat., 119°35.50′ W. long.;
(74) 34°03.56′ N. lat., 119°32.80′ W. long.;
(75) 34°02.72′ N. lat., 119°31.84′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.71(h)(76)

(76) 34°02.20′ N. lat., 119°30.53′ W. long.;
(77) 34°01.49′ N. lat., 119°30.20′ W. long.;
(78) 34°00.66′ N. lat., 119°28.62′ W. long.;
(79) 34°00.66′ N. lat., 119°27.57′ W. long.;
(80) 34°01.41′ N. lat., 119°26.91′ W. long.;
(81) 34°00.91′ N. lat., 119°24.28′ W. long.;
(82) 34°01.51′ N. lat., 119°22.06′ W. long.;
(83) 34°01.41′ N. lat., 119°20.61′ W. long.; and
(84) 34°00.98′ N. lat., 119°20.46′ W. long.
(i)

The 30 fm (55 m) depth contour around San Clemente Island off the state of California is defined by
straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°02.98′ N lat., 118°37.64′ W long.;
(2) 33°02.72′ N. lat., 118°38.12′ W. long.;
(3) 33°02.18′ N. lat., 118°37.46′ W. long.;
(4) 33°00.66′ N. lat., 118°37.36′ W. long.;
(5) 33°00.08′ N. lat., 118°36.94′ W. long.;
(6) 33°00.11′ N. lat., 118°36.00′ W. long.;
(7) 32°58.02′ N. lat., 118°35.41′ W. long.;
(8) 32°56.00′ N. lat., 118°33.59′ W. long.;
(9) 32°54.79′ N lat., 118°33.34′ W long.;
(10) 32°53.97′ N. lat., 118°32.45′ W. long.;
(11) 32°51.18′ N. lat., 118°30.83′ W. long.;
(12) 32°50.00′ N. lat., 118°29.68′ W. long.;
(13) 32°49.72′ N. lat., 118°28.33′ W. long.;
(14) 32°48.05′ N lat., 118°26.81′ W long.;
(15) 32°47.30′ N. lat., 118°25.73′ W. long.;
(16) 32°47.28′ N. lat., 118°24.83′ W. long.;
(17) 32°48.12′ N. lat., 118°24.33′ W. long.;
(18) 32°48.74′ N. lat., 118°23.39′ W. long.;
(19) 32°48.69′ N. lat., 118°21.75′ W. long.;
(20) 32°49.04′ N lat., 118°20.71′ W long.;
(21) 32°50.28′ N. lat., 118°21.90′ W. long.;

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50 CFR 660.71(i)(22)

(22) 32°51.73′ N. lat., 118°23.86′ W. long.;
(23) 32°52.79′ N. lat., 118°25.08′ W. long.;
(24) 32°54.03′ N. lat., 118°26.83′ W. long.;
(25) 32°54.70′ N. lat., 118°27.55′ W. long.;
(26) 32°55.49′ N. lat., 118°29.04′ W. long.;
(27) 32°59.58′ N. lat., 118°32.51′ W. long.;
(28) 32°59.89′ N. lat., 118°32.52′ W. long.;
(29) 33°00.29′ N. lat., 118°32.73′ W. long.;
(30) 33°00.85′ N. lat., 118°33.50′ W. long.;
(31) 33°01.70′ N. lat., 118°33.64′ W. long.;
(32) 33°02.90′ N. lat., 118°35.35′ W. long.;
(33) 33°02.61′ N. lat., 118°36.96′ W. long.; and
(34) 33°02.98′ N lat., 118°37.64′ W long.;
(j)

The 30 fm (55 m) depth contour around Santa Catalina Island off the state of California is defined by
straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°19.13′ N. lat., 118°18.04′ W. long.;
(2) 33°18.32′ N. lat., 118°18.20′ W. long.;
(3) 33°17.82′ N. lat., 118°18.73′ W. long.;
(4) 33°17.54′ N. lat., 118°19.52′ W. long.;
(5) 33°17.99′ N. lat., 118°21.71′ W. long.;
(6) 33°18.48′ N. lat., 118°22.82′ W. long.;
(7) 33°18.77′ N. lat., 118°26.95′ W. long.;
(8) 33°19.69′ N. lat., 118°28.87′ W. long.;
(9) 33°20.53′ N. lat., 118°30.52′ W. long.;
(10) 33°20.46′ N. lat., 118°31.47′ W. long.;
(11) 33°20.98′ N. lat., 118°31.39′ W. long.;
(12) 33°20.81′ N. lat., 118°30.49′ W. long.;
(13) 33°21.38′ N. lat., 118°30.07′ W. long.;
(14) 33°23.12′ N. lat., 118°29.31′ W. long.;
(15) 33°24.95′ N. lat., 118°29.70′ W. long.;
(16) 33°25.39′ N. lat., 118°30.50′ W. long.;
(17) 33°25.21′ N. lat., 118°30.79′ W. long.;

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50 CFR 660.71(j)(18)

(18) 33°25.65′ N. lat., 118°31.60′ W. long.;
(19) 33°25.65′ N. lat., 118°32.04′ W. long.;
(20) 33°25.94′ N. lat., 118°32.96′ W. long.;
(21) 33°25.86′ N. lat., 118°33.49′ W. long.;
(22) 33°26.06′ N. lat., 118°34.12′ W. long.;
(23) 33°28.28′ N. lat., 118°36.60′ W. long.;
(24) 33°28.83′ N. lat., 118°36.42′ W. long.;
(25) 33°28.72′ N. lat., 118°34.93′ W. long.;
(26) 33°28.71′ N. lat., 118°33.61′ W. long.;
(27) 33°28.77′ N lat., 118°32.95′ W long.;
(28) 33°28.73′ N. lat., 118°32.07′ W. long.;
(29) 33°27.55′ N. lat., 118°30.14′ W. long.;
(30) 33°27.58′ N lat., 118°29.51′ W long.;
(31) 33°26.98′ N. lat., 118°29.06′ W. long.;
(32) 33°26.96′ N. lat., 118°28.58′ W. long.;
(33) 33°26.76′ N. lat., 118°28.40′ W. long.;
(34) 33°26.52′ N. lat., 118°27.66′ W. long.;
(35) 33°26.31′ N. lat., 118°27.41′ W. long.;
(36) 33°25.09′ N. lat., 118°23.13′ W. long.;
(37) 33°24.80′ N. lat., 118°22.86′ W. long.;
(38) 33°24.60′ N. lat., 118°22.02′ W. long.;
(39) 33°22.82′ N. lat., 118°21.04′ W. long.;
(40) 33°20.21′ N lat., 118°18.50′ W long.;
(41) 33°19.13′ N. lat., 118°18.04′ W. long.
(k) The 30 fm (55 m) depth contour around Santa Barbara Island off the state of California is defined by
straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°30.38′ N lat., 119°03.15′ W long.;
(2) 33°29.64′ N lat., 119°00.58′ W long.;
(3) 33°27.24′ N lat., 119°01.73′ W long.;
(4) 33°27.76′ N lat., 119°03.48′ W long.;
(5) 33°29.50′ N lat., 119°04.20′ W long.; and
(6) 33°30.38′ N lat., 119°03.15′ W long.
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Fisheries off West Coast States

(l)

50 CFR 660.71(l)

The 30 fm (55 m) depth contour around San Nicholas Island off the state of California is defined by
straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°18.39′ N lat., 119°38.87′ W long.;
(2) 33°18.63′ N lat., 119°27.52′ W long.;
(3) 33°15.24′ N lat., 119°20.10′ W long.;
(4) 33°13.27′ N lat., 119°20.10′ W long.;
(5) 33°12.16′ N lat., 119°26.82′ W long.;
(6) 33°13.20′ N lat., 119°31.87′ W. long.;
(7) 33°15.70′ N lat., 119°38.87′ W long.;
(8) 33°17.52′ N lat., 119°40.15′ W long.; and
(9) 33°18.39′ N lat., 119°38.87′ W long.

(m) The 30 fm (55 m) depth contour around Tanner Bank off the state of California is defined by straight lines
connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 32°43.02′ N lat., 119°08.52′ W long.;
(2) 32°41.81′ N lat., 119°06.20′ W long.;
(3) 32°40.67′ N lat., 119°06.82′ W long.;
(4) 32°41.62′ N lat., 119°09.46′ W long.; and
(5) 32°43.02′ N lat., 119°08.52′ W long.
(n) The 30 fm (55 m) depth contour around Cortes Bank off the state of California is defined by straight lines
connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 32°29.73′ N lat., 119°12.95′ W long.;
(2) 32°28.17′ N lat., 119°07.04′ W long.;
(3) 32°26.27′ N lat., 119°04.14′ W long.;
(4) 32°25.22′ N lat., 119°04.77′ W long.;
(5) 32°28.60′ N lat., 119°14.15′ W long.; and
(6) 32°29.73′ N lat., 119°12.95′ W long.
(o) The 40-fm (73-m) depth contour between 46°16′ N. lat. and the U.S. border with Mexico is defined by
straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 46°16.00′ N. lat., 124°16.10′ W. long.;
(2) 46°15.29′ N. lat., 124°15.60′ W. long.;
(3) 46°11.90′ N. lat., 124°13.59′ W. long.;
(4) 46°06.94′ N. lat., 124°10.15′ W. long.;
(5) 46°05.33′ N. lat., 124°08.30′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.71(o)(6)

(6) 45°58.69′ N. lat., 124°05.60′ W. long.;
(7) 45°57.71′ N. lat., 124°05.81′ W. long.;
(8) 45°53.98′ N. lat., 124°05.05′ W. long.;
(9) 45°49.75′ N. lat., 124°05.14′ W. long.;
(10) 45°47.87′ N. lat., 124°05.16′ W. long.;
(11) 45°47.07′ N. lat., 124°04.21′ W. long.;
(12) 45°46.00′ N. lat., 124°04.49′ W. long.;
(13) 45°44.34′ N. lat., 124°05.09′ W. long.;
(14) 45°40.64′ N. lat., 124°04.90′ W. long.;
(15) 45°33.00′ N. lat., 124°04.46′ W. long.;
(16) 45°32.27′ N. lat., 124°04.74′ W. long.;
(17) 45°29.26′ N. lat., 124°04.22′ W. long.;
(18) 45°20.25′ N. lat., 124°04.67′ W. long.;
(19) 45°19.99′ N. lat., 124°04.62′ W. long.;
(20) 45°17.50′ N. lat., 124°04.91′ W. long.;
(21) 45°11.29′ N. lat., 124°05.20′ W. long.;
(22) 45°05.80′ N. lat., 124°05.40′ W. long.;
(23) 45°05.08′ N. lat., 124°05.93′ W. long.;
(24) 45°03.83′ N. lat., 124°06.47′ W. long.;
(25) 45°01.70′ N. lat., 124°06.53′ W. long.;
(26) 44°58.75′ N. lat., 124°07.14′ W. long.;
(27) 44°51.28′ N. lat., 124°10.21′ W. long.;
(28) 44°49.49′ N. lat., 124°10.90′ W. long.;
(29) 44°44.96′ N. lat., 124°14.39′ W. long.;
(30) 44°43.44′ N. lat., 124°14.78′ W. long.;
(31) 44°42.26′ N. lat., 124°13.81′ W. long.;
(32) 44°41.68′ N. lat., 124°15.38′ W. long.;
(33) 44°34.87′ N. lat., 124°15.80′ W. long.;
(34) 44°33.74′ N. lat., 124°14.44′ W. long.;
(35) 44°27.66′ N. lat., 124°16.99′ W. long.;
(36) 44°19.13′ N. lat., 124°19.22′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.71(o)(37)

(37) 44°15.35′ N. lat., 124°17.38′ W. long.;
(38) 44°14.38′ N. lat., 124°17.78′ W. long.;
(39) 44°12.80′ N. lat., 124°17.18′ W. long.;
(40) 44°09.23′ N. lat., 124°15.96′ W. long.;
(41) 44°08.38′ N. lat., 124°16.79′ W. long.;
(42) 44°08.30′ N. lat., 124°16.75′ W. long.;
(43) 44°01.18′ N. lat., 124°15.42′ W. long.;
(44) 43°51.61′ N. lat., 124°14.68′ W. long.;
(45) 43°42.66′ N. lat., 124°15.46′ W. long.;
(46) 43°40.49′ N. lat., 124°15.74′ W. long.;
(47) 43°38.77′ N. lat., 124°15.64′ W. long.;
(48) 43°34.52′ N. lat., 124°16.73′ W. long.;
(49) 43°28.82′ N. lat., 124°19.52′ W. long.;
(50) 43°23.91′ N. lat., 124°24.28′ W. long.;
(51) 43°20.83′ N. lat., 124°26.63′ W. long.;
(52) 43°17.96′ N. lat., 124°28.81′ W. long.;
(53) 43°16.75′ N. lat., 124°28.42′ W. long.;
(54) 43°13.97′ N. lat., 124°31.99′ W. long.;
(55) 43°13.72′ N. lat., 124°33.25′ W. long.;
(56) 43°12.26′ N. lat., 124°34.16′ W. long.;
(57) 43°10.96′ N. lat., 124°32.33′ W. long.;
(58) 43°05.65′ N. lat., 124°31.52′ W. long.;
(59) 42°59.66′ N. lat., 124°32.58′ W. long.;
(60) 42°54.97′ N. lat., 124°36.99′ W. long.;
(61) 42°53.81′ N. lat., 124°38.57′ W. long.;
(62) 42°50.00′ N. lat., 124°39.68′ W. long.;
(63) 42°49.13′ N. lat., 124°39.70′ W. long.;
(64) 42°46.47′ N. lat., 124°38.89′ W. long.;
(65) 42°45.74′ N. lat., 124°38.86′ W. long.;
(66) 42°44.79′ N. lat., 124°37.96′ W. long.;
(67) 42°45.01′ N. lat., 124°36.39′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.71(o)(68)

(68) 42°44.14′ N. lat., 124°35.17′ W. long.;
(69) 42°42.14′ N. lat., 124°32.82′ W. long.;
(70) 42°40.50′ N. lat., 124°31.98′ W. long.;
(71) 42°38.81′ N. lat., 124°31.09′ W. long.;
(72) 42°35.91′ N. lat., 124°31.02′ W. long.;
(73) 42°31.34′ N. lat., 124°34.84′ W. long.;
(74) 42°28.13′ N. lat., 124°34.84′ W. long.;
(75) 42°26.74′ N. lat., 124°35.59′ W. long.;
(76) 42°23.84′ N. lat., 124°34.06′ W. long.;
(77) 42°21.68′ N. lat., 124°30.64′ W. long.;
(78) 42°19.62′ N. lat., 124°29.02′ W. long.;
(79) 42°15.01′ N. lat., 124°27.72′ W. long.;
(80) 42°13.67′ N. lat., 124°26.93′ W. long.;
(81) 42°11.38′ N. lat., 124°25.63′ W. long.;
(82) 42°04.66′ N. lat., 124°24.40′ W. long.;
(83) 42°00.00′ N. lat., 124°23.55′ W. long.;
(84) 41°51.35′ N. lat., 124°25.25′ W. long.;
(85) 41°44.10′ N. lat., 124°19.05′ W. long.;
(86) 41°38.00′ N. lat., 124°20.04′ W. long.;
(87) 41°18.43′ N. lat., 124°13.48′ W. long.;
(88) 40°55.12′ N. lat., 124°16.33′ W. long.;
(89) 40°41.00′ N. lat., 124°27.66′ W. long.;
(90) 40°36.71′ N. lat., 124°27.15′ W. long.;
(91) 40°32.81′ N. lat., 124°29.42′ W. long.;
(92) 40°30.00′ N. lat., 124°32.38′ W. long.;
(93) 40°29.13′ N. lat., 124°33.23′ W. long.;
(94) 40°24.55′ N. lat., 124°30.40′ W. long.;
(95) 40 °22.41′ N lat., 124°24.19′ W long.;
(96) 40°19.67′ N. lat., 124°25.52′ W. long.;
(97) 40°18.71′ N lat., 124°22.63′ W long.;
(98) 40°15.21′ N. lat., 124°24.53′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.71(o)(99)

(99) 40°12.56′ N. lat., 124°22.69′ W. long.;
(100) 40°10.00′ N. lat., 124°17.84′ W. long.;
(101) 40°09.30′ N. lat., 124°15.68′ W. long.;
(102) 40°08.31′ N. lat., 124°15.17′ W. long.;
(103) 40°05.62′ N. lat., 124°09.80′ W. long.;
(104) 40°06.57′ N. lat., 124°07.99′ W. long.;
(105) 40°00.86′ N. lat., 124°08.42′ W. long.;
(106) 39°54.79′ N. lat., 124°05.25′ W. long.;
(107) 39°52.75′ N. lat., 124°02.62′ W. long.;
(108) 39°52.51′ N. lat., 123°58.15′ W. long.;
(109) 39°49.64′ N. lat., 123°54.98′ W. long.;
(110) 39°41.46′ N. lat., 123°50.65′ W. long.;
(111) 39°34.57′ N. lat., 123°49.24′ W. long.;
(112) 39°22.63′ N lat., 123°51.03′ W long.;
(113) 39°11.86′ N lat., 123°48.83′ W long.;
(114) 39°04.58′ N. lat., 123°45.43′ W. long.;
(115) 39°00.45′ N. lat., 123°47.58′ W. long.;
(116) 38°57.50′ N. lat., 123°47.27′ W. long.;
(117) 38°55.82′ N. lat., 123°46.97′ W. long.;
(118) 38°52.26′ N. lat., 123°44.35′ W. long.;
(119) 38°45.41′ N. lat., 123°35.67′ W. long.;
(120) 38°40.60′ N. lat., 123°28.22′ W. long.;
(121) 38°30.57′ N. lat., 123°18.60′ W. long.;
(122) 38°21.64′ N. lat., 123°08.91′ W. long.;
(123) 38°12.01′ N. lat., 123°03.86′ W. long.;
(124) 38°06.16′ N. lat., 123°07.01′ W. long.;
(125) 38°00.00′ N. lat., 123°07.05′ W. long.;
(126) 37°51.73′ N. lat., 122°57.97′ W. long.;
(127) 37°47.96′ N. lat., 122°59.34′ W. long.;
(128) 37°47.37′ N. lat., 123°08.84′ W. long.;
(129) 37°48.22′ N. lat., 123°10.62′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.71(o)(130)

(130) 37°47.53′ N. lat., 123°11.54′ W. long.;
(131) 37°39.91′ N. lat., 123°00.84′ W. long.;
(132) 37°38.75′ N. lat., 122°52.16′ W. long.;
(133) 37°35.67′ N. lat., 122°49.47′ W. long.;
(134) 37°25.00′ N lat., 122°38.66′ W long.;
(135) 37°20.68′ N lat., 122°36.79′ W long.;
(136) 37°20.24′ N. lat., 122°33.82′ W. long.;
(137) 37°11.00′ N. lat., 122°28.50′ W. long.;
(138) 37°07.00′ N. lat., 122°26.26′ W. long.;
(139) 36°52.04′ N. lat., 122°04.60′ W. long.;
(140) 36°52.00′ N. lat., 121°57.41′ W. long.;
(141) 36°49.26′ N. lat., 121°52.53′ W. long.;
(142) 36°49.22′ N. lat., 121°49.85′ W. long.;
(143) 36°47.87′ N. lat., 121°50.15′ W. long.;
(144) 36°48.07′ N. lat., 121°48.21′ W. long.;
(145) 36°45.93′ N. lat., 121°52.11′ W. long.;
(146) 36°40.55′ N. lat., 121°52.59′ W. long.;
(147) 36°38.93′ N. lat., 121°58.17′ W. long.;
(148) 36°36.54′ N. lat., 122°00.18′ W. long.;
(149) 36°32.96′ N. lat., 121°58.84′ W. long.;
(150) 36°33.14′ N. lat., 121°57.56′ W. long.;
(151) 36°31.81′ N. lat., 121°55.86′ W. long.;
(152) 36°31.53′ N. lat., 121°58.09′ W. long.;
(153) 36°23.28′ N. lat., 121°56.10′ W. long.;
(154) 36°18.40′ N. lat., 121°57.93′ W. long.;
(155) 36°16.80′ N. lat., 121°59.97′ W. long.;
(156) 36°15.00′ N. lat., 121°55.95′ W. long.;
(157) 36°15.00′ N. lat., 121°54.41′ W. long.;
(158) 36°11.06′ N. lat., 121°43.10′ W. long.;
(159) 36°02.85′ N. lat., 121°36.21′ W. long.;
(160) 36°01.22′ N. lat., 121°36.36′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.71(o)(161)

(161) 36°00.00′ N. lat., 121°34.73′ W. long.;
(162) 35°58.67′ N. lat., 121°30.68′ W. long.;
(163) 35°54.16′ N. lat., 121°30.21′ W. long.;
(164) 35°46.98′ N. lat., 121°24.02′ W. long.;
(165) 35°40.75′ N. lat., 121°21.89′ W. long.;
(166) 35°34.36′ N. lat., 121°11.07′ W. long.;
(167) 35°29.30′ N. lat., 121°05.74′ W. long.;
(168) 35°22.15′ N. lat., 120°56.15′ W. long.;
(169) 35°14.93′ N. lat., 120°56.37′ W. long.;
(170) 35°04.06′ N. lat., 120°46.35′ W. long.;
(171) 34°45.85′ N. lat., 120°43.96′ W. long.;
(172) 34°37.80′ N. lat., 120°44.44′ W. long.;
(173) 34°32.82′ N. lat., 120°42.08′ W. long.;
(174) 34°27.00′ N. lat., 120°31.27′ W. long.;
(175) 34°24.25′ N. lat., 120°23.33′ W. long.;
(176) 34°26.48′ N. lat., 120°13.93′ W. long.;
(177) 34°25.12′ N. lat., 120°03.46′ W. long.;
(178) 34°17.58′ N. lat., 119°31.62′ W. long.;
(179) 34°11.49′ N. lat., 119°27.30′ W. long.;
(180) 34°05.59′ N. lat., 119°15.52′ W. long.;
(181) 34°08.23′ N lat., 119°13.21′ W long.;
(182) 34°04.81′ N. lat., 119°13.44′ W. long.;
(183) 34°04.26′ N. lat., 119°12.39′ W. long.;
(184) 34°03.89′ N. lat., 119°07.06′ W. long.;
(185) 34°05.14′ N. lat., 119°05.55′ W. long.;
(186) 34°01.27′ N. lat., 118°59.62′ W. long.;
(187) 33°59.56′ N. lat., 118°48.21′ W. long.;
(188) 33°59.30′ N. lat., 118°35.43′ W. long.;
(189) 33°55.14′ N. lat., 118°32.16′ W. long.;
(190) 33°52.95′ N. lat., 118°34.49′ W. long.;
(191) 33°51.07′ N. lat., 118°31.50′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.71(o)(192)

(192) 33°52.45′ N. lat., 118°28.54′ W. long.;
(193) 33°49.87′ N lat., 118° 24.15′ W long.;
(194) 33°47.14′ N. lat., 118°28.38′ W. long.;
(195) 33°44.14′ N. lat., 118°25.18′ W. long.;
(196) 33°41.54′ N. lat., 118°19.63′ W. long.;
(197) 33°37.86′ N. lat., 118°15.06′ W. long.;
(198) 33°36.58′ N. lat., 118°15.97′ W. long.;
(199) 33°34.78′ N. lat., 118°12.60′ W. long.;
(200) 33°34.46′ N. lat., 118°08.77′ W. long.;
(201) 33°35.92′ N. lat., 118°07.04′ W. long.;
(202) 33°36.06′ N. lat., 118°03.96′ W. long.;
(203) 33°34.98′ N. lat., 118°02.74′ W. long.;
(204) 33°34.03′ N. lat., 117°59.37′ W. long.;
(205) 33°35.46′ N. lat., 117°55.61′ W. long.;
(206) 33°34.97′ N. lat., 117°53.33′ W. long.;
(207) 33°31.20′ N. lat., 117°47.40′ W. long.;
(208) 33°27.26′ N. lat., 117°44.34′ W. long.;
(209) 33°24.84′ N. lat., 117°40.75′ W. long.;
(210) 33°11.45′ N. lat., 117°26.84′ W. long.;
(211) 33°07.59′ N. lat., 117°21.46′ W. long.;
(212) 33°01.74′ N. lat., 117°19.23′ W. long.;
(213) 32°56.44′ N. lat., 117°18.08′ W. long.;
(214) 32°54.63′ N. lat., 117°16.94′ W. long.;
(215) 32°51.90′ N lat., 117°16.32′ W long.;
(216) 32°52.11′ N lat., 117°19.33′ W long.;
(217) 32°46.91′ N. lat., 117°20.43′ W. long.;
(218) 32°43.49′ N. lat., 117°18.12′ W. long.; and
(219) 32°33.33′ N lat., 117°16.45′ W long.
(p) The 40 fm (73 m) depth contour around the northern Channel Islands off the state of California is defined
by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 34°07.88′ N. lat., 120°27.79′ W. long.;
(2) 34°07.45′ N. lat., 120°28.26′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.71(p)(3)

(3) 34°07.03′ N. lat., 120°27.29′ W. long.;
(4) 34°06.19′ N. lat., 120°28.81′ W. long.;
(5) 34°06.44′ N. lat., 120°31.17′ W. long.;
(6) 34°05.81′ N. lat., 120°31.97′ W. long.;
(7) 34°03.51′ N. lat., 120°29.61′ W. long.;
(8) 34°01.56′ N. lat., 120°28.83′ W. long.;
(9) 34°00.81′ N. lat., 120°27.94′ W. long.;
(10) 33°59.26′ N. lat., 120°17.95′ W. long.;
(11) 33°54.71′ N. lat., 120°12.72′ W. long.;
(12) 33°51.61′ N. lat., 120°02.49′ W. long.;
(13) 33°51.68′ N. lat., 119°59.41′ W. long.;
(14) 33°52.71′ N. lat., 119°57.25′ W. long.;
(15) 33°55.83′ N. lat., 119°55.92′ W. long.;
(16) 33°59.64′ N. lat., 119°56.03′ W. long.;
(17) 33°56.30′ N. lat., 119°48.63′ W. long.;
(18) 33°56.77′ N. lat., 119°41.87′ W. long.;
(19) 33°58.54′ N. lat., 119°34.98′ W. long.;
(20) 33°59.52′ N. lat., 119°24.69′ W. long.;
(21) 34°00.24′ N. lat., 119°21.00′ W. long.;
(22) 34°02.00′ N. lat., 119°19.57′ W. long.;
(23) 34°01.29′ N. lat., 119°23.92′ W. long.;
(24) 34°01.95′ N. lat., 119°28.94′ W. long.;
(25) 34°03.90′ N. lat., 119°33.43′ W. long.;
(26) 34°03.31′ N. lat., 119°36.51′ W. long.;
(27) 34°02.13′ N. lat., 119°37.99′ W. long.;
(28) 34°01.96′ N. lat., 119°40.35′ W. long.;
(29) 34°03.52′ N. lat., 119°43.22′ W. long.;
(30) 34°04.03′ N. lat., 119°45.66′ W. long.;
(31) 34°04.03′ N. lat., 119°48.13′ W. long.;
(32) 34°05.15′ N. lat., 119°52.97′ W. long.;
(33) 34°05.47′ N. lat., 119°57.55′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.71(p)(33) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR 660.71(p)(34)

(34) 34°04.43′ N. lat., 120°02.29′ W. long.;
(35) 34°05.64′ N. lat., 120°04.05′ W. long.;
(36) 34°04.16′ N. lat., 120°07.60′ W. long.;
(37) 34°05.04′ N. lat., 120°12.78′ W. long.;
(38) 34°04.45′ N. lat., 120°17.78′ W. long.;
(39) 34°07.37′ N. lat., 120°24.14′ W. long.; and
(40) 34°07.88′ N. lat., 120°27.79′ W. long.
(q) The 40 fm (73 m) depth contour around San Clemente Island off the state of California is defined by
straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°02.94′ N. lat., 118°38.42′ W. long.;
(2) 33°01.79′ N. lat., 118°37.67′ W. long.;
(3) 33°00.47′ N. lat., 118°37.65′ W. long.;
(4) 32°59.64′ N. lat., 118°37.04′ W. long.;
(5) 32°59.81′ N. lat., 118°36.37′ W. long.;
(6) 32°57.84′ N. lat., 118°35.67′ W. long.;
(7) 32°55.89′ N. lat., 118°33.88′ W. long.;
(8) 32° 54.78′ N lat., 118°33.44′ W long.;
(9) 32°53.75′ N. lat., 118°32.47′ W. long.;
(10) 32°50.36′ N. lat., 118°30.50′ W. long.;
(11) 32°49.78′ N. lat., 118°29.65′ W. long.;
(12) 32°49.70′ N. lat., 118°28.96′ W. long.;
(13) 32°46.79′ N. lat., 118°25.60′ W. long.;
(14) 32°45.53′ N lat., 118°24.82′ W long.;
(15) 32°45.94′ N. lat., 118°24.12′ W. long.;
(16) 32°46.85′ N. lat., 118°24.79′ W. long.;
(17) 32°48.49′ N. lat., 118°23.25′ W. long.;
(18) 32°48.80′ N. lat., 118°20.52′ W. long.;
(19) 32°49.70′ N lat., 118°21.04′ W long.;
(20) 32°55.04′ N. lat., 118°27.97′ W. long.;
(21) 32°55.48′ N. lat., 118°29.01′ W. long.;
(22) 33°00.35′ N. lat., 118°32.61′ W. long.;
(23) 33°01.79′ N. lat., 118°33.66′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.71(q)(23) (enhanced display)

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Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.71(q)(24)

(24) 33°02.98′ N lat., 118°35.40′ W long.;
(25) 33°03.36′ N lat., 118°37.57′ W long.; and
(26) 33°02.94′ N. lat., 118°38.42′ W. long.
(r) The 40 fm (73 m) depth contour around Santa Catalina Island off the state of California is defined by
straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°28.90′ N. lat., 118°36.43′ W. long.;
(2) 33°28.49′ N. lat., 118°36.70′ W. long.;
(3) 33°28.02′ N. lat., 118°36.70′ W. long.;
(4) 33°25.81′ N. lat., 118°33.95′ W. long.;
(5) 33°25.78′ N. lat., 118°32.94′ W. long.;
(6) 33°24.77′ N. lat., 118°29.99′ W. long.;
(7) 33°23.19′ N. lat., 118°29.61′ W. long.;
(8) 33°20.88′ N lat., 118°30.54′ W long.;
(9) 33°21.06′ N. lat., 118°31.52′ W. long.;
(10) 33°20.43′ N. lat., 118°31.62′ W. long.;
(11) 33°20.45′ N. lat., 118°30.46′ W. long.;
(12) 33°18.71′ N. lat., 118°27.64′ W. long.;
(13) 33°17.36′ N. lat., 118°18.75′ W. long.;
(14) 33°19.17′ N. lat., 118°17.56′ W. long.;
(15) 33°22.24′ N lat., 118°19.99′ W long.;
(16) 33°23.31′ N. lat., 118°20.45′ W. long.;
(17) 33°24.71′ N. lat., 118°22.13′ W. long.;
(18) 33°25.27′ N. lat., 118°23.30′ W. long.;
(19) 33°26.73′ N. lat., 118°28.00′ W. long.;
(20) 33°27.91′ N. lat., 118°29.93′ W. long.;
(21) 33°28.79′ N. lat., 118°32.16′ W. long.; and
(22) 33°28.90′ N. lat., 118°36.43′ W. long.
(s) The 40 fm (73 m) depth contour around Santa Barbara Island off the state of California is defined by
straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°30.87′ N lat., 119°02.43′ W long.;
(2) 33°29.87′ N lat., 119°00.34′ W long.;
(3) 33°27.08′ N lat., 119°01.65′ W long.;
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50 CFR 660.71(s)(4)

(4) 33°27.64′ N lat., 119°03.45′ W long.;
(5) 33°29.12′ N lat., 119°04.55′ W long.;
(6) 33°29.66′ N lat., 119°05.49′ W long.; and
(7) 33°30.87′ N lat., 119°02.43′ W long.
(t) The 40 fm (73 m) depth contour around Tanner Bank off the state of California is defined by straight lines
connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 32°43.40′ N lat., 119°08.56′ W long.;
(2) 32°41.36′ N lat., 119°05.02′ W long.;
(3) 32°40.07′ N lat., 119°05.59′ W long.;
(4) 32°41.51′ N lat., 119°09.76′ W long.; and
(5) 32°43.40′ N lat., 119°08.56′ W long.
(u) The 40 fm (73 m) depth contour around San Nicholas Island off the state of California is defined by
straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°19.30′ N lat., 119°41.05′ W long.;
(2) 33°19.42′ N lat., 119°27.88′ W long.;
(3) 33°14.31′ N lat., 119°17.48′ W long.;
(4) 33°12.90′ N lat., 119°17.64′ W long.;
(5) 33°11.89′ N lat., 119°27.26′ W long.;
(6) 33°12.19′ N lat., 119°29.96′ W long.;
(7) 33°15.42′ N lat., 119°39.14′ W long.;
(8) 33°17.58′ N lat., 119°41.38′ W long.; and
(9) 33°19.30′ N lat., 119°41.05′ W long.
(v) The 40 fm (73 m) depth contour around Cortes Bank off the state of California is defined by straight lines
connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 32°30.00′ N lat., 119°12.98′ W long.;
(2) 32°28.33′ N lat., 119°06.81′ W long.;
(3) 32°25.69′ N lat., 119°03.21′ W long.;
(4) 32°24.66′ N lat., 119°03.83′ W long.;
(5) 32°28.48′ N lat., 119°14.66′ W long.; and
(6) 32°30.00′ N lat., 119°12.98′ W long.

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.72

[69 FR 77042, Dec. 23, 2004, as amended at 70 FR 16149, Mar. 30, 2005; 71 FR 8498, Feb. 17, 2006; 71 FR 78665, Dec. 29, 2006;
72 FR 13045, Mar. 20, 2007; 74 FR 9893, Mar. 6, 2009. Redesignated at 75 FR 60995, Oct. 1, 2010; 76 FR 27530, May 11, 2011; 77
FR 55155, Sept. 7, 2012; 82 FR 9640, Feb. 7, 2017; 83 FR 63991, Dec. 12, 2018; 84 FR 63974, Nov. 19, 2019; 85 FR 79893, Dec. 11,
2020; 87 FR 77015, Dec. 16, 2022; 88 FR 12867, Mar. 1, 2023]

§ 660.72 Latitude/longitude coordinates defining the 50 fm (91 m) through 75 fm (137 m) depth
contours.
Boundaries for some GCAs are defined by straight lines connecting a series of latitude/longitude coordinates. This
section provides coordinates for the 50 fm (91 m) through 75 fm (137 m) depth contours.
(a) The 50-fm (91-m) depth contour between the U.S. border with Canada and the U.S. border with Mexico is
defined by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 48°22.15′ N. lat., 124°43.15′ W. long.;
(2) 48°22.15′ N. lat., 124°49.10′ W. long.;
(3) 48°20.03′ N. lat., 124°51.18′ W. long.;
(4) 48°16.61′ N. lat., 124°53.72′ W. long.;
(5) 48°14.68′ N. lat., 124°54.50′ W. long.;
(6) 48°12.02′ N. lat., 124°55.29′ W. long.;
(7) 48°10.00′ N. lat., 124°55.68′ W. long.;
(8) 48°03.14′ N. lat., 124°57.02′ W. long.;
(9) 47°56.05′ N. lat., 124°55.60′ W. long.;
(10) 47°52.58′ N. lat., 124°54.00′ W. long.;
(11) 47°50.18′ N. lat., 124°52.36′ W. long.;
(12) 47°45.34′ N. lat., 124°51.07′ W. long.;
(13) 47°40.96′ N. lat., 124°48.84′ W. long.;
(14) 47°34.59′ N. lat., 124°46.24′ W. long.;
(15) 47°27.86′ N. lat., 124°42.12′ W. long.;
(16) 47°22.34′ N. lat., 124°39.43′ W. long.;
(17) 47°17.66′ N. lat., 124°38.75′ W. long.;
(18) 47°06.25′ N. lat., 124°39.74′ W. long.;
(19) 47°00.43′ N. lat., 124°38.01′ W. long.;
(20) 46°52.00′ N. lat., 124°32.44′ W. long.;
(21) 46°38.17′ N. lat., 124°26.66′ W. long.;
(22) 46°35.41′ N. lat., 124°25.51′ W. long.;
(23) 46°25.43′ N. lat., 124°23.46′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.72(a)(24)

(24) 46°16.00′ N. lat., 124°17.32′ W. long.;
(25) 45°50.88′ N. lat., 124°09.68′ W. long.;
(26) 45°46.00′ N. lat., 124°09.39′ W. long.;
(27) 45°20.25′ N. lat., 124°07.34′ W. long.;
(28) 45°12.99′ N. lat., 124°06.71′ W. long.;
(29) 45°03.83′ N. lat., 124°09.17′ W. long.;
(30) 44°52.48′ N. lat., 124°11.22′ W. long.;
(31) 44°42.41′ N. lat., 124°19.70′ W. long.;
(32) 44°38.80′ N. lat., 124°26.58′ W. long.;
(33) 44°23.39′ N. lat., 124°31.70′ W. long.;
(34) 44°20.30′ N. lat., 124°38.72′ W. long.;
(35) 44°13.52′ N. lat., 124°40.45′ W. long.;
(36) 44°18.80′ N. lat., 124°35.48′ W. long.;
(37) 44°19.62′ N. lat., 124°27.18′ W. long.;
(38) 44°08.30′ N. lat., 124°22.17′ W. long.;
(39) 43°56.65′ N. lat., 124°16.86′ W. long.;
(40) 43°34.95′ N. lat., 124°17.47′ W. long.;
(41) 43°20.83′ N. lat., 124°29.11′ W. long.;
(42) 43°12.60′ N. lat., 124°35.80′ W. long.;
(43) 43°08.96′ N. lat., 124°33.77′ W. long.;
(44) 42°59.66′ N. lat., 124°34.79′ W. long.;
(45) 42°54.29′ N. lat., 124°39.46′ W. long.;
(46) 42°50.00′ N. lat., 124°39.84′ W. long.;
(47) 42°46.50′ N. lat., 124°39.99′ W. long.;
(48) 42°41.00′ N. lat., 124°34.92′ W. long.;
(49) 42°40.50′ N. lat., 124°34.98′ W. long.;
(50) 42°36.29′ N. lat., 124°34.70′ W. long.;
(51) 42°28.36′ N. lat., 124°37.90′ W. long.;
(52) 42°25.53′ N. lat., 124°37.68′ W. long.;
(53) 42°18.64′ N. lat., 124°29.47′ W. long.;
(54) 42°13.67′ N. lat., 124°27.67′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.72(a)(55)

(55) 42°03.04′ N. lat., 124°25.81′ W. long.;
(56) 42°00.00′ N. lat., 124°26.21′ W. long.;
(57) 41°57.60′ N. lat., 124°27.35′ W. long.;
(58) 41°52.53′ N. lat., 124°26.51′ W. long.;
(59) 41°50.17′ N. lat., 124°25.63′ W. long.;
(60) 41°46.01′ N. lat., 124°22.16′ W. long.;
(61) 41°26.50′ N. lat., 124°21.78′ W. long.;
(62) 41°15.66′ N. lat., 124°16.42′ W. long.;
(63) 41°05.45′ N. lat., 124°16.89′ W. long.;
(64) 40°54.55′ N. lat., 124°19.53′ W. long.;
(65) 40°42.22′ N. lat., 124°28.29′ W. long.;
(66) 40°39.68′ N. lat., 124°28.37′ W. long.;
(67) 40°36.76′ N. lat., 124°27.39′ W. long.;
(68) 40°34.44′ N. lat., 124°28.89′ W. long.;
(69) 40°32.57′ N. lat., 124°32.43′ W. long.;
(70) 40°30.95′ N. lat., 124°33.87′ W. long.;
(71) 40°30.00′ N. lat., 124°34.18′ W. long.;
(72) 40°28.90′ N. lat., 124°34.59′ W. long.;
(73) 40°24.36′ N. lat., 124°31.42′ W. long.;
(74) 40°23.71′ N lat., 124°28.32′ W long.;
(75) 40°22.53′ N lat., 124°24.67′ W long.;
(76) 40°21.52′ N. lat., 124°24.86′ W. long.;
(77) 40°21.25′ N. lat., 124°25.59′ W. long.;
(78) 40°20.63′ N. lat., 124°26.47′ W. long.;
(79) 40°19.18′ N. lat., 124°25.98′ W. long.;
(80) 40°18.42′ N. lat., 124°24.77′ W. long.;
(81) 40°18.64′ N. lat., 124°22.81′ W. long.;
(82) 40°15.31′ N. lat., 124°25.28′ W. long.;
(83) 40°15.37′ N. lat., 124°26.82′ W. long.;
(84) 40°11.91′ N. lat., 124°22.68′ W. long.;
(85) 40°10.00′ N. lat., 124°19.97′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.72(a)(86)

(86) 40°09.20′ N. lat., 124°15.81′ W. long.;
(87) 40°07.51′ N. lat., 124°15.29′ W. long.;
(88) 40°05.22′ N. lat., 124°10.06′ W. long.;
(89) 40°06.51′ N. lat., 124°08.01′ W. long.;
(90) 40°00.72′ N. lat., 124°08.45′ W. long.;
(91) 39°56.60′ N. lat., 124°07.12′ W. long.;
(92) 39°52.58′ N. lat., 124°03.57′ W. long.;
(93) 39°50.65′ N. lat., 123°57.98′ W. long.;
(94) 39°40.16′ N. lat., 123°52.41′ W. long.;
(95) 39°32.47′ N lat., 123°52.25′ W long.;
(96) 39°21.86′ N lat., 123°54.13′ W long.;
(97) 39°8.35′ N lat., 123°49.67′ W long.;
(98) 38°57.50′ N lat., 123°49.42′ W long.;
(99) 38°51.20′ N lat., 123°46.09′ W long.;
(100) 38°29.47′ N lat., 123°20.19′ W long.;
(101) 38°14.60′ N. lat., 123°09.92′ W. long.;
(102) 38°01.84′ N. lat., 123°09.75′ W. long.;
(103) 38°00.00′ N. lat., 123°09.25′ W. long.;
(104) 37°55.24′ N. lat., 123°08.30′ W. long.;
(105) 37°52.06′ N. lat., 123°09.19′ W. long.;
(106) 37°49.84′ N lat., 123°16.05′ W long.;
(107) 37°35.67′ N lat., 122°55.43′ W long.;
(108) 37°11.00′ N. lat., 122°31.67′ W. long.;
(109) 37°07.00′ N. lat., 122°28.00′ W. long.;
(110) 37°03.06′ N. lat., 122°24.22′ W. long.;
(111) 36°50.20′ N. lat., 122°03.58′ W. long.;
(112) 36°51.46′ N. lat., 121°57.54′ W. long.;
(113) 36°48.53′ N. lat., 121°57.84′ W. long.;
(114) 36°48.91′ N. lat., 121°49.92′ W. long.;
(115) 36°36.82′ N. lat., 122°00.66′ W. long.;
(116) 36°32.89′ N. lat., 121°58.85′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.72(a)(117)

(117) 36°33.10′ N. lat., 121°57.56′ W. long.;
(118) 36°31.82′ N. lat., 121°55.96′ W. long.;
(119) 36°31.57′ N. lat., 121°58.15′ W. long.;
(120) 36°23.15′ N. lat., 121°57.12′ W. long.;
(121) 36°18.40′ N. lat., 121°58.97′ W. long.;
(122) 36°18.40′ N. lat., 122°00.35′ W. long.;
(123) 36°16.02′ N. lat., 122°00.35′ W. long.;
(124) 36°15.00′ N. lat., 121°58.53′ W. long.;
(125) 36°15.00′ N. lat., 121°56.53′ W. long.;
(126) 36°14.79′ N. lat., 121°54.41′ W. long.;
(127) 36°10.41′ N. lat., 121°42.88′ W. long.;
(128) 36°02.56′ N. lat., 121°36.37′ W. long.;
(129) 36°01.11′ N. lat., 121°36.39′ W. long.;
(130) 36°00.00′ N lat., 121°34.95′ W long.;
(131) 35°58.26′ N. lat., 121°32.88′ W. long.;
(132) 35°40.44′ N lat., 121° 22.43′ W long.;
(133) 35°27.11′ N lat., 121°03.55′ W long.;
(134) 35°14.91′ N lat., 120°56.67′ W long.;
(135) 35°01.43′ N. lat., 120°48.01′ W. long.;
(136) 34°37.98′ N. lat., 120°46.48′ W. long.;
(137) 34°32.98′ N. lat., 120°43.34′ W. long.;
(138) 34°27.00′ N. lat., 120°33.31′ W. long.;
(139) 34°23.47′ N. lat., 120°24.76′ W. long.;
(140) 34°25.78′ N. lat., 120°16.82′ W. long.;
(141) 34°24.65′ N. lat., 120°04.83′ W. long.;
(142) 34°23.18′ N. lat., 119°56.18′ W. long.;
(143) 34°19.20′ N. lat., 119°41.64′ W. long.;
(144) 34°16.82′ N. lat., 119°35.32′ W. long.;
(145) 34°13.43′ N. lat., 119°32.29′ W. long.;
(146) 34°05.39′ N. lat., 119°15.13′ W. long.;
(147) 34°07.83′ N lat., 119°13.48′ W long.;
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50 CFR 660.72(a)(148)

(148) 34°07.71′ N lat., 119°13.29′ W long.;
(149) 34°04.56′ N. lat., 119°13.73′ W. long.;
(150) 34°03.90′ N. lat., 119°12.66′ W. long.;
(151) 34°03.66′ N. lat., 119°06.82′ W. long.;
(152) 34°04.58′ N. lat., 119°04.91′ W. long.;
(153) 34°01.28′ N. lat., 119°00.21′ W. long.;
(154) 34°00.19′ N. lat., 119°03.14′ W. long.;
(155) 33°59.66′ N. lat., 119°03.10′ W. long.;
(156) 33°59.54′ N. lat., 119°00.88′ W. long.;
(157) 34°00.82′ N. lat., 118°59.03′ W. long.;
(158) 33°59.11′ N. lat., 118°47.52′ W. long.;
(159) 33°59.07′ N. lat., 118°36.33′ W. long.;
(160) 33°55.06′ N. lat., 118°32.86′ W. long.;
(161) 33°53.56′ N. lat., 118°37.75′ W. long.;
(162) 33°51.33′ N lat., 118°36.00′ W long.;
(163) 33°50.48′ N. lat., 118°32.16′ W. long.;
(164) 33°51.86′ N. lat., 118°28.71′ W. long.;
(165) 33°50.09′ N. lat., 118°27.88′ W. long.;
(166) 33°49.95′ N. lat., 118°26.38′ W. long.;
(167) 33°50.73′ N. lat., 118°26.17′ W. long.;
(168) 33°49.86′ N. lat., 118°24.25′ W. long.;
(169) 33°48.25′ N lat., 118°26.97′ W long.;
(170) 33°47.54′ N. lat., 118°29.66′ W. long.;
(171) 33°44.11′ N lat., 118°25.23′ W long.;
(172) 33°41.78′ N. lat., 118°20.28′ W. long.;
(173) 33°38.16′ N lat., 118°15.65′ W long.;
(174) 33°37.47′ N lat., 118° 16.62′ W long.;
(175) 33°35.98′ N. lat., 118°16.54′ W. long.;
(176) 33°34.15′ N. lat., 118°11.22′ W. long.;
(177) 33°34.29′ N. lat., 118°08.35′ W. long.;
(178) 33°35.53′ N. lat., 118°06.66′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.72(a)(179)

(179) 33°35.93′ N. lat., 118°04.78′ W. long.;
(180) 33°34.97′ N. lat., 118°02.91′ W. long.;
(181) 33°33.84′ N. lat., 117°59.77′ W. long.;
(182) 33°35.33′ N. lat., 117°55.89′ W. long.;
(183) 33°35.05′ N. lat., 117°53.72′ W. long.;
(184) 33°31.32′ N. lat., 117°48.01′ W. long.;
(185) 33°27.99′ N. lat., 117°45.19′ W. long.;
(186) 33°26.93′ N. lat., 117°44.24′ W. long.;
(187) 33°25.46′ N. lat., 117°42.06′ W. long.;
(188) 33°18.45′ N. lat., 117°35.73′ W. long.;
(189) 33°10.29′ N. lat., 117°25.68′ W. long.;
(190) 33°07.47′ N. lat., 117°21.62′ W. long.;
(191) 33°04.47′ N. lat., 117°21.24′ W. long.;
(192) 32°59.89′ N. lat., 117°19.11′ W. long.;
(193) 32°57.41′ N. lat., 117°18.64′ W. long.;
(194) 32°55.35′ N. lat., 117°18.65′ W. long.;
(195) 32°54.43′ N. lat., 117°16.93′ W. long.;
(196) 32°52.34′ N. lat., 117°16.73′ W. long.;
(197) 32°52.64′ N. lat., 117°17.76′ W. long.;
(198) 32°52.24′ N. lat., 117°19.36′ W. long.;
(199) 32°47.06′ N. lat., 117°21.92′ W. long.;
(200) 32°41.93′ N. lat., 117°19.68′ W. long.; and
(201) 32°33.59′ N. lat., 117°17.89′ W. long.
(b) The 50-fm (91-m) depth contour around the Swiftsure Bank and along the U.S. border with Canada is
defined by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 48°30.15′ N. lat., 124°56.12′ W. long.;
(2) 48°28.29′ N. lat., 124°56.30′ W. long.;
(3) 48°29.23′ N. lat., 124°53.63′ W. long.;
(4) 48°30.31′ N. lat., 124°51.73′ W. long.;
and connecting back to 48°30.15′ N. lat., 124°56.12′ W. long.
(c) The 50 fm (91 m) depth contour around the northern Channel Islands off the state of California is defined
by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
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50 CFR 660.72(c)(1)

(1) 34°08.40′ N. lat., 120°33.78′ W. long.;
(2) 34°07.80′ N. lat., 120°30.99′ W. long.;
(3) 34°08.42′ N. lat., 120°27.92′ W. long.;
(4) 34°09.31′ N. lat., 120°27.81′ W. long.;
(5) 34°05.85′ N. lat., 120°17.13′ W. long.;
(6) 34°05.73′ N. lat., 120°05.93′ W. long.;
(7) 34°06.14′ N. lat., 120°04.86′ W. long.;
(8) 34°05.70′ N. lat., 120°03.17′ W. long.;
(9) 34°05.67′ N. lat., 119°58.98′ W. long.;
(10) 34°06.34′ N. lat., 119°56.78′ W. long.;
(11) 34°05.57′ N. lat., 119°51.35′ W. long.;
(12) 34°07.08′ N. lat., 119°52.43′ W. long.;
(13) 34°04.49′ N. lat., 119°35.55′ W. long.;
(14) 34°04.73′ N. lat., 119°32.77′ W. long.;
(15) 34°02.02′ N. lat., 119°19.18′ W. long.;
(16) 34°01.03′ N. lat., 119°19.50′ W. long.;
(17) 33°59.45′ N. lat., 119°22.38′ W. long.;
(18) 33°58.76′ N lat., 119°32.27′ W long.;
(19) 33°56.43′ N. lat., 119°41.13′ W. long.;
(20) 33°56.04′ N. lat., 119°48.20′ W. long.;
(21) 33°57.32′ N. lat., 119°51.96′ W. long.;
(22) 33°59.32′ N. lat., 119°55.59′ W. long.;
(23) 33°57.52′ N. lat., 119°55.19′ W. long.;
(24) 33°56.26′ N. lat., 119°54.29′ W. long.;
(25) 33°54.30′ N. lat., 119°54.83′ W. long.;
(26) 33°50.97′ N. lat., 119°57.03′ W. long.;
(27) 33°50.25′ N. lat., 120°00.00′ W. long.;
(28) 33°50.03′ N. lat., 120°03.00′ W. long.;
(29) 33°51.06′ N. lat., 120°03.73′ W. long.;
(30) 33°54.49′ N. lat., 120°12.85′ W. long.;
(31) 33°58.90′ N. lat., 120°20.15′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.72(c)(32)

(32) 34°00.71′ N. lat., 120°28.21′ W. long.;
(33) 34°02.47′ N lat., 120°30.00′ W long.;
(34) 34°03.60′ N. lat., 120°30.60′ W. long.;
(35) 34°06.96′ N. lat., 120°34.22′ W. long.;
(36) 34°08.01′ N. lat., 120°35.24′ W. long.; and
(37) 34°08.40′ N. lat., 120°33.78′ W. long.
(d) The 50 fm (91 m) depth contour around San Clemente Island off the state of California is defined by
straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°03.73′ N. lat., 118°36.98′ W. long.;
(2) 33°02.53′ N lat., 118°34.25′ W long.;
(3) 32°55.51′ N lat., 118°28.92′ W long.;
(4) 32°54.99′ N lat., 118°27.72′ W long.;
(5) 32°49.73′ N. lat., 118°20.99′ W. long.;
(6) 32°48.55′ N. lat., 118°20.24′ W. long.;
(7) 32°47.92′ N. lat., 118°22.45′ W. long.;
(8) 32°45.25′ N. lat., 118°24.59′ W. long.;
(9) 32°50.23′ N. lat., 118°30.80′ W. long.;
(10) 32°55.28′ N. lat., 118°33.83′ W. long.;
(11) 33°00.45′ N. lat., 118°37.88′ W. long.;
(12) 33°03.27′ N. lat., 118°38.56′ W. long.; and
(13) 33°03.73′ N. lat., 118°36.98′ W. long.
(e) The 50 fm (91 m) depth contour around Santa Catalina Island off the state of California is defined by
straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°28.01′ N. lat., 118°37.42′ W. long.;
(2) 33°29.02′ N. lat., 118°36.33′ W. long.;
(3) 33°28.97′ N. lat., 118°33.16′ W. long.;
(4) 33°28.71′ N. lat., 118°31.22′ W. long.;
(5) 33°26.66′ N. lat., 118°27.48′ W. long.;
(6) 33°25.35′ N. lat., 118°22.83′ W. long.;
(7) 33°22.61′ N. lat., 118°19.18′ W. long.;
(8) 33°20.06′ N. lat., 118°17.35′ W. long.;
(9) 33°17.58′ N. lat., 118°17.42′ W. long.;
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Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.72(e)(10)

(10) 33°17.05′ N. lat., 118°18.72′ W. long.;
(11) 33°17.87′ N. lat., 118°24.47′ W. long.;
(12) 33°18.63′ N. lat., 118°28.16′ W. long.;
(13) 33°20.17′ N. lat., 118°31.69′ W. long.;
(14) 33°20.85′ N. lat., 118°31.82′ W. long.;
(15) 33°23.19′ N. lat., 118°29.78′ W. long.;
(16) 33°24.85′ N. lat., 118°31.22′ W. long.;
(17) 33°25.65′ N. lat., 118°34.11′ W. long.; and
(18) 33°28.01′ N. lat., 118°37.42′ W. long.
(f) The 50 fm (91 m) depth contour around Santa Barbara Island off the State of California is defined by
straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°31.77′ N lat., 119°3.41′ W long.;
(2) 33°29.66′ N lat., 119°5.86′ W long.;
(3) 33°26.94′ N lat., 119°2.95′ W long.;
(4) 33°27.08′ N lat., 119°0.51′ W long.;
(5) 33°28.82′ N lat., 118°59.42′ W long.;
(6) 33°30.67′ N lat., 119°0.88′ W long.; and
(7) 33°31.77′ N lat., 119°3.41′ W long.
(g) The 50 fm (91 m) depth contour around Tanner Bank off the State of California is defined by straight lines
connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 32°45.53′ N lat., 119°13.28′ W long.;
(2) 32°43.98′ N lat., 119°15.05′ W long.;
(3) 32°38.45′ N lat., 119°4.92′ W long.;
(4) 32°41.44′ N lat., 119°3.71′ W long.;
(5) 32°45.02′ N lat., 119°11.08′ W long.; and
(6) 32°45.53′ N lat., 119°13.28′ W long.
(h) The 50 fm (91 m) depth contour around San Nicholas Island off the State of California is defined by
straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°22.14′ N lat., 119°42.12′ W long.;
(2) 33°17.68′ N lat., 119°43.24′ W long.;
(3) 33°15.29′ N lat., 119°39.32′ W long.;
(4) 33°11.98′ N lat., 119°29.64′ W long.;

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50 CFR 660.72(h)(5)

(5) 33°11.6′ N lat., 119°27.26′ W long.;
(6) 33°12.99′ N lat., 119°16.36′ W long.;
(7) 33°14.43′ N lat., 119°17.42′ W long.;
(8) 33°17.2′ N lat., 119°23.16′ W long.;
(9) 33°20.73′ N lat., 119° 27.33′ W long.; and
(10) 33° 22.14′ N lat., 119°42.12′ W long.
(i)

The 50 fm (91 m) depth contour around Cortes Bank off the State of California is defined by straight lines
connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 32°35.89′ N lat., 119°18.39′ W long.;
(2) 32°31.93′ N lat., 119°20.54′ W long.;
(3) 32°29.47′ N lat., 119°14.81′ W long.;
(4) 32°28.14′ N lat., 119°14.94′ W long.;
(5) 32°24.37′ N lat., 119°3.69′ W long.;
(6) 32°24.5′ N lat., 119°0.52′ W long.;
(7) 32°26.04′ N lat., 119°0.46′ W long.; and
(8) 32°35.89′ N lat., 119°18.39′ W long.

(j)

The 60-fm (110-m) depth contour used between the U.S. border with Canada and the U.S. border with
Mexico is defined by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 48°26.70′ N. lat., 125°09.43′ W. long.;
(2) 48°23.76′ N. lat., 125°06.77′ W. long.;
(3) 48°23.01′ N. lat., 125°03.48′ W. long.;
(4) 48°22.42′ N. lat., 124°57.84′ W. long.;
(5) 48°22.62′ N. lat., 124°48.97′ W. long.;
(6) 48°18.61′ N. lat., 124°52.52′ W. long.;
(7) 48°16.62′ N. lat., 124°54.03′ W. long.;
(8) 48°15.39′ N. lat., 124°54.79′ W. long.;
(9) 48°13.81′ N. lat., 124°55.45′ W. long.;
(10) 48°10.51′ N. lat., 124°56.56′ W. long.;
(11) 48°10.00′ N. lat., 124°56.72′ W. long.;
(12) 48°06.90′ N. lat., 124°57.72′ W. long.;
(13) 48°02.23′ N. lat., 125°00.20′ W. long.;
(14) 48°00.87′ N. lat., 125°00.37′ W. long.;

50 CFR 660.72(j)(14) (enhanced display)

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Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.72(j)(15)

(15) 47°56.30′ N. lat., 124°59.51′ W. long.;
(16) 47°46.84′ N. lat., 124°57.34′ W. long.;
(17) 47°36.49′ N. lat., 124°50.93′ W. long.;
(18) 47°32.01′ N. lat., 124°48.45′ W. long.;
(19) 47°27.19′ N. lat., 124°46.47′ W. long.;
(20) 47°21.76′ N. lat., 124°43.29′ W. long.;
(21) 47°17.82′ N. lat., 124°42.12′ W. long.;
(22) 47°08.87′ N. lat., 124°43.10′ W. long.;
(23) 47°03.16′ N. lat., 124°42.61′ W. long.;
(24) 46°49.70′ N. lat., 124°36.80′ W. long.;
(25) 46°42.91′ N. lat., 124°33.20′ W. long.;
(26) 46°39.67′ N. lat., 124°30.59′ W. long.;
(27) 46°38.17′ N. lat., 124°29.70′ W. long.;
(28) 46°32.47′ N. lat., 124°26.34′ W. long.;
(29) 46°23.69′ N. lat., 124°25.41′ W. long.;
(30) 46°20.84′ N. lat., 124°24.24′ W. long.;
(31) 46°16.00′ N. lat., 124°19.10′ W. long.;
(32) 46°15.97′ N. lat., 124°18.80′ W. long.;
(33) 46°11.23′ N. lat., 124°19.96′ W. long.;
(34) 46°02.51′ N. lat., 124°19.84′ W. long.;
(35) 45°59.05′ N. lat., 124°16.52′ W. long.;
(36) 45°50.99′ N. lat., 124°12.83′ W. long.;
(37) 45°46.00′ N. lat., 124°11.58′ W. long.;
(38) 45°45.85′ N. lat., 124°11.54′ W. long.;
(39) 45°38.53′ N. lat., 124°11.92′ W. long.;
(40) 45°30.90′ N. lat., 124°10.94′ W. long.;
(41) 45°21.20′ N. lat., 124°09.12′ W. long.;
(42) 45°12.43′ N. lat., 124°08.74′ W. long.;
(43) 45°03.83′ N. lat., 124°10.94′ W. long.;
(44) 44°59.89′ N. lat., 124°11.95′ W. long.;
(45) 44°51.96′ N. lat., 124°15.15′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.72(j)(45) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.72(j)(46)

(46) 44°44.63′ N. lat., 124°20.07′ W. long.;
(47) 44°39.23′ N. lat., 124°28.09′ W. long.;
(48) 44°30.61′ N. lat., 124°31.66′ W. long.;
(49) 44°26.20′ N. lat., 124°35.87′ W. long.;
(50) 44°23.65′ N. lat., 124°39.07′ W. long.;
(51) 44°20.30′ N. lat., 124°38.72′ W. long.;
(52) 44°13.52′ N. lat., 124°40.45′ W. long.;
(53) 44°10.97′ N. lat., 124°38.78′ W. long.;
(54) 44°08.71′ N. lat., 124°33.54′ W. long.;
(55) 44°04.91′ N. lat., 124°24.55′ W. long.;
(56) 43°57.49′ N. lat., 124°20.05′ W. long.;
(57) 43°50.26′ N. lat., 124°21.85′ W. long.;
(58) 43°41.69′ N. lat., 124°21.94′ W. long.;
(59) 43°35.51′ N. lat., 124°21.51′ W. long.;
(60) 43°25.77′ N. lat., 124°28.47′ W. long.;
(61) 43°20.83′ N. lat., 124°31.26′ W. long.;
(62) 43°20.25′ N. lat., 124°31.59′ W. long.;
(63) 43°12.73′ N. lat., 124°36.68′ W. long.;
(64) 43°08.08′ N. lat., 124°36.10′ W. long.;
(65) 43°00.33′ N. lat., 124°37.57′ W. long.;
(66) 42°53.99′ N. lat., 124°41.03′ W. long.;
(67) 42°50.00′ N. lat., 124°41.09′ W. long.;
(68) 42°46.66′ N. lat., 124°41.13′ W. long.;
(69) 42°41.74′ N. lat., 124°37.46′ W. long.;
(70) 42°40.50′ N. lat., 124°37.39′ W. long.;
(71) 42°37.42′ N. lat., 124°37.22′ W. long.;
(72) 42°27.35′ N. lat., 124°39.91′ W. long.;
(73) 42°23.94′ N. lat., 124°38.29′ W. long.;
(74) 42°17.72′ N. lat., 124°31.10′ W. long.;
(75) 42°10.36′ N. lat., 124°29.11′ W. long.;
(76) 42°00.00′ N. lat., 124°28.00′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.72(j)(76) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR 660.72(j)(77)

(77) 41°54.87′ N. lat., 124°28.50′ W. long.;
(78) 41°45.80′ N. lat., 124°23.89′ W. long.;
(79) 41°34.40′ N. lat., 124°24.03′ W. long.;
(80) 41°28.33′ N. lat., 124°25.46′ W. long.;
(81) 41°15.80′ N. lat., 124°18.90′ W. long.;
(82) 41°09.77′ N. lat., 124°17.99′ W. long.;
(83) 41°02.26′ N. lat., 124°18.71′ W. long.;
(84) 40°53.54′ N. lat., 124°21.18′ W. long.;
(85) 40°49.93′ N. lat., 124°23.02′ W. long.;
(86) 40°43.15′ N. lat., 124°28.74′ W. long.;
(87) 40°40.19′ N. lat., 124°29.07′ W. long.;
(88) 40°36.77′ N. lat., 124°27.61′ W. long.;
(89) 40°34.26′ N lat., 124°29.52′ W long.;
(90) 40°33.15′ N. lat., 124°33.46′ W. long.;
(91) 40°30.00′ N. lat., 124°35.84′ W. long.;
(92) 40°24.72′ N. lat., 124°33.06′ W. long.;
(93) 40°23.91′ N. lat., 124°31.28′ W. long.;
(94) 40°23.67′ N. lat., 124°28.35′ W. long.;
(95) 40°22.53′ N. lat., 124°24.72′ W. long.;
(96) 40°21.58′ N lat., 124°24.87′ W long.;
(97) 40°21.02′ N. lat., 124°27.70′ W. long.;
(98) 40°19.75′ N. lat., 124°27.06′ W. long.;
(99) 40°18.23′ N. lat., 124°25.30′ W. long.;
(100) 40°18.60′ N. lat., 124°22.86′ W. long.;
(101) 40°15.43′ N. lat., 124°25.37′ W. long.;
(102) 40°15.55′ N. lat., 124°28.16′ W. long.;
(103) 40°11.27′ N. lat., 124°22.56′ W. long.;
(104) 40°10.00′ N. lat., 124°19.97′ W. long.;
(105) 40°09.20′ N. lat., 124°15.81′ W. long.;
(106) 40°07.51′ N. lat., 124°15.29′ W. long.;
(107) 40°05.22′ N. lat., 124°10.06′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.72(j)(107) (enhanced display)

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Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.72(j)(108)

(108) 40°06.51′ N. lat., 124°08.01′ W. long.;
(109) 40°00.72′ N. lat., 124°08.45′ W. long.;
(110) 39°56.60′ N. lat., 124°07.12′ W. long.;
(111) 39°52.58′ N. lat., 124°03.57′ W. long.;
(112) 39°50.65′ N. lat., 123°57.98′ W. long.;
(113) 39°40.16′ N. lat., 123°52.41′ W. long.;
(114) 39°30.12′ N. lat., 123°52.92′ W. long.;
(115) 39°24.53′ N. lat., 123°55.16′ W. long.;
(116) 39°11.58′ N. lat., 123°50.93′ W. long.;
(117) 38°57.50′ N. lat., 123°51.14′ W. long.;
(118) 38°55.13′ N. lat., 123°51.14′ W. long.;
(119) 38°28.58′ N. lat., 123°22.84′ W. long.;
(120) 38°08.57′ N. lat., 123°14.74′ W. long.;
(121) 38°00.00′ N. lat., 123°15.61′ W. long.;
(122) 37°56.98′ N. lat., 123°21.82′ W. long.;
(123) 37°49.65′ N. lat., 123°17.48′ W. long.;
(124) 37°36.41′ N. lat., 122°58.09′ W. long.;
(125) 37°11.00′ N. lat., 122°40.22′ W. long.;
(126) 37°07.00′ N. lat., 122°37.64′ W. long.;
(127) 37°02.08′ N. lat., 122°25.49′ W. long.;
(128) 36°48.20′ N. lat., 122°03.32′ W. long.;
(129) 36°51.42′ N lat., 121°57.62′ W long.;
(130) 36°48.13′ N. lat., 121°58.16′ W. long.;
(131) 36°48.84′ N. lat., 121°50.06′ W. long.;
(132) 36°45.38′ N. lat., 121°53.56′ W. long.;
(133) 36°45.13′ N. lat., 121°57.06′ W. long.;
(134) 36°36.86′ N. lat., 122°00.81′ W. long.;
(135) 36°32.77′ N. lat., 121°58.90′ W. long.;
(136) 36°33.03′ N. lat., 121°57.63′ W. long.;
(137) 36°31.87′ N. lat., 121°56.10′ W. long.;
(138) 36°31.59′ N. lat., 121°58.27′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.72(j)(138) (enhanced display)

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Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.72(j)(139)

(139) 36°23.26′ N. lat., 121°57.70′ W. long.;
(140) 36°16.80′ N. lat., 122°01.76′ W. long.;
(141) 36°14.33′ N. lat., 121°57.80′ W. long.;
(142) 36°14.67′ N. lat., 121°54.41′ W. long.;
(143) 36°10.30′ N lat., 121°43.00′ W long.;
(144) 36°02.54′ N lat., 121°36.43′ W long.;
(145) 36°01.09′ N. lat., 121°36.41′ W. long.;
(146) 35°58.21′ N lat., 121°32.88′ W long.;
(147) 35°40.38′ N. lat., 121°22.59′ W. long.;
(148) 35°26.31′ N. lat., 121°03.73′ W. long.;
(149) 35°01.36′ N. lat., 120°49.02′ W. long.;
(150) 34°39.52′ N. lat., 120°48.72′ W. long.;
(151) 34°31.26′ N. lat., 120°44.12′ W. long.;
(152) 34°27.00′ N. lat., 120°36.00′ W. long.;
(153) 34°23.00′ N. lat., 120°25.32′ W. long.;
(154) 34°25.65′ N. lat., 120°17.20′ W. long.;
(155) 34°23.05′ N lat., 119°56.25′ W long.;
(156) 34°18.73′ N. lat., 119°41.89′ W. long.;
(157) 34°11.18′ N. lat., 119°31.21′ W. long.;
(158) 34°10.01′ N. lat., 119°25.84′ W. long.;
(159) 34°03.80′ N lat., 119°12.70′ W long.;
(160) 34°03.58′ N. lat., 119°06.71′ W. long.;
(161) 34°04.52′ N. lat., 119°04.89′ W. long.;
(162) 34°01.28′ N. lat., 119°00.27′ W. long.;
(163) 34°00.20′ N. lat., 119°03.18′ W. long.;
(164) 33°59.60′ N. lat., 119°03.14′ W. long.;
(165) 33°59.45′ N. lat., 119°00.87′ W. long.;
(166) 34°00.71′ N. lat., 118°59.07′ W. long.;
(167) 33°59.05′ N. lat., 118°47.34′ W. long.;
(168) 33°58.86′ N. lat., 118°36.24′ W. long.;
(169) 33°55.20′ N lat., 118°33.18′ W long.;
50 CFR 660.72(j)(169) (enhanced display)

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Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.72(j)(170)

(170) 33°53.63′ N. lat., 118°37.88′ W. long.;
(171) 33°51.22′ N. lat., 118°36.13′ W. long.;
(172) 33°50.19′ N. lat., 118°32.19′ W. long.;
(173) 33°51.28′ N. lat., 118°29.12′ W. long.;
(174) 33°49.89′ N. lat., 118°28.04′ W. long.;
(175) 33°49.93′ N lat., 118°26.36′ W long.;
(176) 33°50.68′ N lat., 118°26.15′ W long.;
(177) 33°50.06′ N. lat., 118°24.79′ W. long.;
(178) 33°48.48′ N. lat., 118°26.86′ W. long.;
(179) 33°47.75′ N. lat., 118°30.21′ W. long.;
(180) 33°44.10′ N. lat., 118°25.25′ W. long.;
(181) 33°41.77′ N. lat., 118°20.32′ W. long.;
(182) 33°38.17′ N. lat., 118°15.69′ W. long.;
(183) 33°37.48′ N. lat., 118°16.72′ W. long.;
(184) 33°35.80′ N. lat., 118°16.65′ W. long.;
(185) 33°33.92′ N. lat., 118°11.36′ W. long.;
(186) 33°34.09′ N. lat., 118°08.15′ W. long.;
(187) 33°35.73′ N. lat., 118°05.01′ W. long.;
(188) 33°33.75′ N. lat., 117°59.82′ W. long.;
(189) 33°35.25′ N. lat., 117°55.89′ W. long.;
(190) 33°35.03′ N. lat., 117°53.80′ W. long.;
(191) 33°31.37′ N. lat., 117°48.15′ W. long.;
(192) 33°27.49′ N. lat., 117°44.85′ W. long.;
(193) 33°16.63′ N. lat., 117°34.01′ W. long.;
(194) 33°07.21′ N. lat., 117°21.96′ W. long.;
(195) 33°03.35′ N. lat., 117°21.22′ W. long.;
(196) 33°02.14′ N. lat., 117°20.26′ W. long.;
(197) 32°59.87′ N. lat., 117°19.16′ W. long.;
(198) 32°57.39′ N. lat., 117°18.72′ W. long.;
(199) 32°56.00′ N. lat., 117°19.16′ W. long.;
(200) 32°55.31′ N. lat., 117°18.80′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.72(j)(200) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR 660.72(j)(201)

(201) 32°54.38′ N. lat., 117°17.09′ W. long.;
(202) 32°52.81′ N. lat., 117°16.94′ W. long.;
(203) 32°52.56′ N. lat., 117°19.30′ W. long.;
(204) 32°50.86′ N. lat., 117°20.98′ W. long.;
(205) 32°46.96′ N. lat., 117°22.69′ W. long.;
(206) 32°45.58′ N. lat., 117°22.38′ W. long.;
(207) 32°44.89′ N. lat., 117°21.89′ W. long.;
(208) 32°43.03′ N lat., 117°20.43′ W long.;
(209) 32°41.52′ N. lat., 117°20.12′ W. long.;
(210) 32°37.00′ N. lat., 117°20.10′ W. long.;
(211) 32°34.76′ N. lat., 117°18.77′ W. long.; and
(212) 32°33.70′ N. lat., 117°18.46′ W. long.
(k) The 60 fm (110 m) depth contour around the northern Channel Islands off the State of California is
defined by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 34°09.83′ N. lat., 120°25.61′ W. long.;
(2) 34°07.03′ N. lat., 120°16.43′ W. long.;
(3) 34°06.38′ N. lat., 120°04.00′ W. long.;
(4) 34°07.90′ N. lat., 119°55.12′ W. long.;
(5) 34°05.07′ N. lat., 119°37.33′ W. long.;
(6) 34°05.04′ N. lat., 119°32.80′ W. long.;
(7) 34°04.00′ N. lat., 119°26.70′ W. long.;
(8) 34°02.27′ N. lat., 119°18.73′ W. long.;
(9) 34°00.98′ N. lat., 119°19.10′ W. long.;
(10) 33°59.44′ N. lat., 119°21.89′ W. long.;
(11) 33°58.70′ N. lat., 119°32.22′ W. long.;
(12) 33°57.81′ N. lat., 119°33.72′ W. long.;
(13) 33°57.65′ N. lat., 119°35.94′ W. long.;
(14) 33°56.14′ N. lat., 119°41.09′ W. long.;
(15) 33°55.84′ N. lat., 119°48.00′ W. long.;
(16) 33°57.22′ N. lat., 119°52.09′ W. long.;
(17) 33°59.22′ N lat., 119°55.49′ W long.;
(18) 33°57.73′ N. lat., 119°55.06′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.72(k)(18) (enhanced display)

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Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.72(k)(19)

(19) 33°56.48′ N. lat., 119°53.80′ W. long.;
(20) 33°49.29′ N. lat., 119°55.76′ W. long.;
(21) 33°48.11′ N. lat., 119°59.72′ W. long.;
(22) 33°49.14′ N. lat., 120°03.58′ W. long.;
(23) 33°52.95′ N. lat., 120°10.00′ W. long.;
(24) 33°56.00′ N. lat., 120°17.00′ W. long.;
(25) 34°00.12′ N. lat., 120°28.12′ W. long.;
(26) 34°08.23′ N. lat., 120°36.25′ W. long.;
(27) 34°08.80′ N. lat., 120°34.58′ W. long.; and
(28) 34°09.83′ N. lat., 120°25.61′ W. long.
(l)

The 60 fm (110 m) depth contour around San Clemente Island off the state of California is defined by
straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°04.44′ N. lat., 118°37.61′ W. long.;
(2) 33°02.56′ N lat., 118°34.19′ W long.;
(3) 32°55.54′ N. lat., 118°28.87′ W. long.;
(4) 32°55.01′ N lat., 118°27.70′ W long.;
(5) 32°49.77′ N lat., 118°20.92′ W long.;
(6) 32°48.38′ N lat., 118°20.02′ W long.;
(7) 32°47.60′ N. lat., 118°22.00′ W. long.;
(8) 32°44.59′ N. lat., 118°24.52′ W. long.;
(9) 32°49.97′ N. lat., 118°31.52′ W. long.;
(10) 32°53.62′ N. lat., 118°32.94′ W. long.;
(11) 32°55.63′ N. lat., 118°34.82′ W. long.;
(12) 33°00.71′ N. lat., 118°38.42′ W. long.;
(13) 33°03.49′ N. lat., 118°38.81′ W. long.; and
(14) 33°04.44′ N. lat., 118°37.61′ W. long.

(m) The 60 fm (110 m) depth contour around Santa Catalina Island off the state of California is defined by
straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°28.15′ N. lat., 118°38.17′ W. long.;
(2) 33°29.23′ N. lat., 118°36.27′ W. long.;
(3) 33°28.85′ N. lat., 118°30.85′ W. long.;
(4) 33°26.69′ N. lat., 118°27.37′ W. long.;
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(5) 33°26.30′ N. lat., 118°25.38′ W. long.;
(6) 33°25.39′ N lat., 118°22.80′ W long.;
(7) 33°22.60′ N. lat., 118°18.82′ W. long.;
(8) 33°19.49′ N. lat., 118°16.91′ W. long.;
(9) 33°17.13′ N. lat., 118°16.58′ W. long.;
(10) 33°16.65′ N. lat., 118°17.71′ W. long.;
(11) 33°18.35′ N. lat., 118°27.86′ W. long.;
(12) 33°20.07′ N. lat., 118°32.34′ W. long.;
(13) 33°21.82′ N. lat., 118°32.08′ W. long.;
(14) 33°23.15′ N. lat., 118°29.89′ W. long.;
(15) 33°24.99′ N. lat., 118°32.25′ W. long.;
(16) 33°25.73′ N. lat., 118°34.88′ W. long.; and
(17) 33°28.15′ N. lat., 118°38.17′ W. long.
(n) The 60 fm (110 m) depth contour around Santa Barbara Island off the State of California is defined by
straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°32.34′ N lat., 119°3.85′ W long.;
(2) 33°28.79′ N lat., 119°6.76′ W long.;
(3) 33°26.46′ N lat., 119°3.12′ W long.;
(4) 33°27.08′ N lat., 119°0.37′ W long.;
(5) 33°28.86′ N lat., 118°59.31′ W long.;
(6) 33°30.82′ N lat., 119° 0.97′ W long.; and
(7) 33°32.34′ N lat., 119°3.85′ W long.
(o) The 60 fm (91 m) depth contour around Tanner Bank off the State of California is defined by straight lines
connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 32°45.65′ N lat., 119°13.29′ W long.;
(2) 32°44.21′ N lat., 119°15.68′ W long.;
(3) 32°37.4′ N lat., 119°4.89′ W long.;
(4) 32°41.42′ N lat., 119°3.32′ W long.;
(5) 32°45.66′ N lat., 119°12.1′ W long.; and
(6) 32°45.65′ N lat., 119°13.29′ W long.
(p) The 60 fm (110 m) depth contour around San Nicholas Island off the State of California is defined by
straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:

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50 CFR 660.72(p)(1)

(1) 33°26.41′ N lat., 119°39.84′ W long.;
(2) 33°22.94′ N lat., 119°47.34′ W long.;
(3) 33°16.39′ N lat., 119°42.64′ W long.;
(4) 33°11.86′ N lat., 119°29.61′ W long.;
(5) 33°11.52′ N lat., 119°27.25′ W long.;
(6) 33°12.97′ N lat., 119°16.3′ W long.;
(7) 33°14.48′ N lat., 119°17.42′ W long.;
(8) 33°17.23′ N lat., 119°23.14′ W long.;
(9) 33°21.21′ N lat., 119°27.84′ W long.;
(10) 33°22.65′ N lat., 119°34.31′ W long.; and
(11) 33°26.41′ N lat., 119°39.84′ W long.
(q) The 60 fm (110 m) depth contour around Cortes Bank off the State of California is defined by straight
lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 32°36.79′ N lat., 119°18.81′ W long.;
(2) 32°31.94′ N lat., 119°20.75′ W long.;
(3) 32°29.5′ N lat., 119°15′ W long.;
(4) 32°27.95′ N lat., 119°15.12′ W long.;
(5) 32°24.03′ N lat., 119°3.72′ W long.;
(6) 32°24.46′ N lat., 118°59.56′ W long.;
(7) 32°25.42′ N lat., 118°59.42′ W long.;
(8) 32°27.41′ N lat., 119°1.99′ W long.; and
(9) 32°36.79′ N lat., 119°18.81′ W long.
(r) The 75-fm (137-m) depth contour used between the U.S. border with Canada and the U.S. border with
Mexico is defined by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 48°16.80′ N. lat., 125°34.90′ W. long.;
(2) 48°14.50′ N. lat., 125°29.50′ W. long.;
(3) 48°12.08′ N. lat., 125°28.00′ W. long.;
(4) 48°10.00′ N. lat., 125°27.99′ W. long.;
(5) 48°09.00′ N. lat., 125°28.00′ W. long.;
(6) 48°07.80′ N. lat., 125°31.70′ W. long.;
(7) 48°04.28′ N. lat., 125°29.00′ W. long.;
(8) 48°02.50′ N. lat., 125°25.70′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.72(r)(8) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR 660.72(r)(9)

(9) 48°10.00′ N. lat., 125°20.19′ W. long.;
(10) 48°21.70′ N. lat., 125°17.56′ W. long.;
(11) 48°23.12′ N. lat., 125°10.25′ W. long.;
(12) 48°21.77′ N. lat., 125°02.59′ W. long.;
(13) 48°23.00′ N. lat., 124°59.30′ W. long.;
(14) 48°23.90′ N. lat., 124°54.37′ W. long.;
(15) 48°23.05′ N. lat., 124°48.80′ W. long.;
(16) 48°17.10′ N. lat., 124°54.82′ W. long.;
(17) 48°10.00′ N. lat., 124°57.54′ W. long;
(18) 48°05.10′ N. lat., 124°59.40′ W. long.;
(19) 48°04.50′ N. lat., 125°02.00′ W. long.;
(20) 48°04.70′ N. lat., 125°04.08′ W. long.;
(21) 48°05.20′ N. lat., 125°04.90′ W. long.;
(22) 48°06.25′ N. lat., 125°06.40′ W. long.;
(23) 48°05.91′ N. lat., 125°08.30′ W. long.;
(24) 48°07.00′ N. lat., 125°09.80′ W. long.;
(25) 48°06.93′ N. lat., 125°11.48′ W. long.;
(26) 48°04.98′ N. lat., 125°10.02′ W. long.;
(27) 47°54.00′ N. lat., 125°04.98′ W. long.;
(28) 47°44.52′ N. lat., 125°00.00′ W. long.;
(29) 47°42.00′ N. lat., 124°58.98′ W. long.;
(30) 47°35.52′ N. lat., 124°55.50′ W. long.;
(31) 47°22.02′ N. lat., 124°44.40′ W. long.;
(32) 47°16.98′ N. lat., 124°45.48′ W. long.;
(33) 47°10.98′ N. lat., 124°48.48′ W. long.;
(34) 47°04.98′ N. lat., 124°49.02′ W. long.;
(35) 46°57.98′ N. lat., 124°46.50′ W. long.;
(36) 46°54.00′ N. lat., 124°45.00′ W. long.;
(37) 46°48.48′ N. lat., 124°44.52′ W. long.;
(38) 46°40.02′ N. lat., 124°36.00′ W. long.;
(39) 46°38.17′ N. lat., 124°33.20′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.72(r)(39) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR 660.72(r)(40)

(40) 46°34.09′ N. lat., 124°27.03′ W. long.;
(41) 46°24.64′ N. lat., 124°30.33′ W. long.;
(42) 46°19.98′ N. lat., 124°36.00′ W. long.;
(43) 46°18.14′ N. lat., 124°34.26′ W. long.;
(44) 46°18.72′ N. lat., 124°22.68′ W. long.;
(45) 46°16.00′ N. lat., 124°19.49′ W. long.;
(46) 46°14.63′ N. lat., 124°22.54′ W. long.;
(47) 46°11.08′ N. lat., 124°30.74′ W. long.;
(48) 46°04.28′ N. lat., 124°31.49′ W. long.;
(49) 45°55.97′ N. lat., 124°19.95′ W. long.;
(50) 45°46.00′ N. lat., 124°16.41′ W. long.;
(51) 45°44.97′ N. lat., 124°15.95′ W. long.;
(52) 45°43.14′ N. lat., 124°21.86′ W. long.;
(53) 45°34.45′ N. lat., 124°14.44′ W. long.;
(54) 45°20.25′ N. lat., 124°12.23′ W. long.;
(55) 45°15.49′ N. lat., 124°11.49′ W. long.;
(56) 45°03.83′ N. lat., 124°13.75′ W. long.;
(57) 44°57.31′ N. lat., 124°15.03′ W. long.;
(58) 44°43.90′ N. lat., 124°28.88′ W. long.;
(59) 44°28.64′ N. lat., 124°35.67′ W. long.;
(60) 44°25.31′ N. lat., 124°43.08′ W. long.;
(61) 44°16.28′ N. lat., 124°47.86′ W. long.;
(62) 44°13.47′ N. lat., 124°54.08′ W. long.;
(63) 44°02.88′ N. lat., 124°53.96′ W. long.;
(64) 44°00.14′ N. lat., 124°55.25′ W. long.;
(65) 43°57.68′ N. lat., 124°55.48′ W. long.;
(66) 43°56.66′ N. lat., 124°55.45′ W. long.;
(67) 43°57.50′ N. lat., 124°41.23′ W. long.;
(68) 44°01.79′ N. lat., 124°38.00′ W. long.;
(69) 44°02.17′ N. lat., 124°32.62′ W. long.;
(70) 43°58.15′ N. lat., 124°30.39′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.72(r)(71)

(71) 43°53.25′ N. lat., 124°31.39′ W. long.;
(72) 43°35.56′ N. lat., 124°28.17′ W. long.;
(73) 43°21.84′ N. lat., 124°36.07′ W. long.;
(74) 43°20.83′ N. lat., 124°35.49′ W. long.;
(75) 43°19.73′ N. lat., 124°34.87′ W. long.;
(76) 43°09.38′ N. lat., 124°39.29′ W. long.;
(77) 43°07.11′ N. lat., 124°37.66′ W. long.;
(78) 42°56.27′ N. lat., 124°43.28′ W. long.;
(79) 42°50.00′ N. lat., 124°42.30′ W. long.;
(80) 42°45.01′ N. lat., 124°41.50′ W. long.;
(81) 42°40.50′ N. lat., 124°39.46′ W. long.;
(82) 42°39.71′ N. lat., 124°39.11′ W. long.;
(83) 42°32.87′ N. lat., 124°40.13′ W. long.;
(84) 42°32.30′ N. lat., 124°39.04′ W. long.;
(85) 42°26.96′ N. lat., 124°44.30′ W. long.;
(86) 42°24.11′ N. lat., 124°42.16′ W. long.;
(87) 42°21.10′ N. lat., 124°35.46′ W. long.;
(88) 42°14.72′ N. lat., 124°32.30′ W. long.;
(89) 42°13.67′ N. lat., 124°32.29′ W. long.;
(90) 42°09.25′ N. lat., 124°32.04′ W. long.;
(91) 42°01.88′ N. lat., 124°32.71′ W. long.;
(92) 42°00.00′ N. lat., 124°32.02′ W. long.;
(93) 41°46.18′ N. lat., 124°26.60′ W. long.;
(94) 41°29.22′ N. lat., 124°28.04′ W. long.;
(95) 41°09.62′ N. lat., 124°19.75′ W. long.;
(96) 40°50.71′ N. lat., 124°23.80′ W. long.;
(97) 40°43.35′ N. lat., 124°29.30′ W. long.;
(98) 40°40.24′ N. lat., 124°29.86′ W. long.;
(99) 40°39.40′ N lat., 124°28.90′ W long.;
(100) 40°36.96′ N lat., 124°28.02′ W long.;
(101) 40°34.42′ N. lat., 124°29.65′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.72(r)(101) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR 660.72(r)(102)

(102) 40°34.74′ N. lat., 124°34.61′ W. long.;
(103) 40°31.70′ N. lat., 124°37.13′ W. long.;
(104) 40°30.00′ N. lat., 124°36.50′ W. long.;
(105) 40°25.03′ N. lat., 124°34.77′ W. long.;
(106) 40°23.58′ N. lat., 124°31.49′ W. long.;
(107) 40°23.64′ N. lat., 124°28.35′ W. long.;
(108) 40°22.53′ N. lat., 124°24.76′ W. long.;
(109) 40°21.65′ N lat., 124°24.89′ W long.;
(110) 40°21.74′ N. lat., 124°27.63′ W. long.;
(111) 40°19.76′ N. lat., 124°28.15′ W. long.;
(112) 40°18.00′ N. lat., 124°25.38′ W. long.;
(113) 40°18.54′ N. lat., 124°22.94′ W. long.;
(114) 40°15.55′ N. lat., 124°25.75′ W. long.;
(115) 40°16.06′ N. lat., 124°30.48′ W. long.;
(116) 40°15.75′ N. lat., 124°31.69′ W. long.;
(117) 40°10.00′ N. lat., 124°21.28′ W. long.;
(118) 40°08.37′ N. lat., 124°17.99′ W. long.;
(119) 40°09.00′ N. lat., 124°15.77′ W. long.;
(120) 40°06.93′ N. lat., 124°16.49′ W. long.;
(121) 40°03.60′ N. lat., 124°11.60′ W. long.;
(122) 40°06.20′ N. lat., 124°08.23′ W. long.;
(123) 40°00.94′ N. lat., 124°08.57′ W. long.;
(124) 40°00.01′ N. lat., 124°09.84′ W. long.;
(125) 39°57.75′ N. lat., 124°09.53′ W. long.;
(126) 39°55.56′ N. lat., 124°07.67′ W. long.;
(127) 39°52.21′ N. lat., 124°05.54′ W. long.;
(128) 39°48.07′ N. lat., 123°57.48′ W. long.;
(129) 39°41.60′ N. lat., 123°55.12′ W. long.;
(130) 39°30.39′ N. lat., 123°55.03′ W. long.;
(131) 39°29.48′ N. lat., 123°56.12′ W. long.;
(132) 39°13.76′ N. lat., 123°54.65′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.72(r)(132) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR 660.72(r)(133)

(133) 39°05.21′ N. lat., 123°55.38′ W. long.;
(134) 38°57.50′ N. lat., 123°54.50′ W. long.;
(135) 38°55.90′ N. lat., 123°54.35′ W. long.;
(136) 38°48.59′ N. lat., 123°49.61′ W. long.;
(137) 38°28.82′ N. lat., 123°27.44′ W. long.;
(138) 38°09.70′ N. lat., 123°18.66′ W. long.;
(139) 38°04.16′ N lat., 123°19.05′ W long.;
(140) 38°03.18′ N lat., 123°20.77′ W long.;
(141) 38°00.00′ N lat., 123°23.08′ W long.;
(142) 37°55.07′ N lat., 123°26.81′ W long.;
(143) 37°52.79′ N. lat., 123°23.85′ W. long.;
(144) 37°49.13′ N. lat., 123°18.83′ W. long.;
(145) 37°46.01′ N. lat., 123°12.28′ W. long.;
(146) 37°35.67′ N. lat., 123°00.33′ W. long.;
(147) 37°28.20′ N. lat., 122°54.92′ W. long.;
(148) 37°27.34′ N. lat., 122°52.91′ W. long.;
(149) 37°26.45′ N. lat., 122°52.95′ W. long.;
(150) 37°26.06′ N. lat., 122°51.17′ W. long.;
(151) 37°23.07′ N. lat., 122°51.34′ W. long.;
(152) 37°11.00′ N. lat., 122°43.89′ W. long.;
(153) 37°07.00′ N. lat., 122°41.06′ W. long.;
(154) 37°04.49′ N lat., 122°38.50′ W long.;
(155) 37°00.64′ N. lat., 122°33.26′ W. long.;
(156) 36°59.15′ N. lat., 122°27.84′ W. long.;
(157) 37°01.16′ N lat., 122°24.50′ W long.;
(158) 36°58.75′ N. lat., 122°23.81′ W. long.;
(159) 36°59.17′ N. lat., 122°21.44′ W. long.;
(160) 36°57.51′ N. lat., 122°20.69′ W. long.;
(161) 36°51.46′ N. lat., 122°10.01′ W. long.;
(162) 36°48.43′ N. lat., 122°06.47′ W. long.;
(163) 36°48.66′ N. lat., 122°04.99′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.72(r)(163) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR 660.72(r)(164)

(164) 36°47.75′ N. lat., 122°03.33′ W. long.;
(165) 36°51.23′ N. lat., 121°57.79′ W. long.;
(166) 36°49.80′ N lat., 121°57.93′ W long.;
(167) 36°48.84′ N. lat., 121°58.68′ W. long.;
(168) 36°47.89′ N. lat., 121°58.53′ W. long.;
(169) 36°48.66′ N. lat., 121°50.49′ W. long.;
(170) 36°45.56′ N. lat., 121°54.11′ W. long.;
(171) 36°45.30′ N. lat., 121°57.62′ W. long.;
(172) 36°38.54′ N. lat., 122°01.13′ W. long.;
(173) 36°35.76′ N. lat., 122°00.87′ W. long.;
(174) 36°32.58′ N. lat., 121°59.12′ W. long.;
(175) 36°32.95′ N. lat., 121°57.62′ W. long.;
(176) 36°31.96′ N. lat., 121°56.27′ W. long.;
(177) 36°31.74′ N. lat., 121°58.24′ W. long.;
(178) 36°30.57′ N. lat., 121°59.66′ W. long.;
(179) 36°27.80′ N. lat., 121°59.30′ W. long.;
(180) 36°26.52′ N. lat., 121°58.09′ W. long.;
(181) 36°23.65′ N. lat., 121°58.94′ W. long.;
(182) 36°20.93′ N. lat., 122°00.28′ W. long.;
(183) 36°17.49′ N. lat., 122°03.08′ W. long.;
(184) 36°14.21′ N. lat., 121°57.80′ W. long.;
(185) 36°14.53′ N. lat., 121°54.99′ W. long.;
(186) 36°10.28′ N lat., 121°43.06′ W long.;
(187) 36°02.50′ N lat., 121°36.47′ W long.;
(188) 36°01.04′ N. lat., 121°36.47′ W. long.;
(189) 36°00.00′ N lat., 121°35.32′ W long.;
(190) 35°58.20′ N lat., 121°32.97′ W long.;
(191) 35°39.35′ N. lat., 121°22.63′ W. long.;
(192) 35°25.09′ N. lat., 121°03.02′ W. long.;
(193) 35°10.84′ N. lat., 120°55.90′ W. long.;
(194) 35°04.35′ N. lat., 120°51.62′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.72(r)(194) (enhanced display)

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Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.72(r)(195)

(195) 34°55.25′ N. lat., 120°49.36′ W. long.;
(196) 34°47.95′ N. lat., 120°50.76′ W. long.;
(197) 34°39.27′ N. lat., 120°49.16′ W. long.;
(198) 34°31.05′ N. lat., 120°44.71′ W. long.;
(199) 34°27.00′ N. lat., 120°36.54′ W. long.;
(200) 34°22.60′ N. lat., 120°25.41′ W. long.;
(201) 34°25.45′ N. lat., 120°17.41′ W. long.;
(202) 34°22.94′ N. lat., 119°56.40′ W. long.;
(203) 34°18.37′ N. lat., 119°42.01′ W. long.;
(204) 34°11.22′ N. lat., 119°32.47′ W. long.;
(205) 34°09.58′ N. lat., 119°25.94′ W. long.;
(206) 34°03.70′ N lat., 119°12.77′ W long.;
(207) 34°03.57′ N. lat., 119°06.72′ W. long.;
(208) 34°04.44′ N lat., 119°04.90′ W long.;
(209) 34°02.94′ N lat., 119°02.89′ W long.;
(210) 34°01.30′ N lat., 119°00.48′ W long.;
(211) 34°00.22′ N. lat., 119°03.20′ W. long.;
(212) 33°59.56′ N. lat., 119°03.36′ W. long.;
(213) 33°59.35′ N. lat., 119°00.92′ W. long.;
(214) 34°00.49′ N. lat., 118°59.08′ W. long.;
(215) 33°58.99′ N lat., 118°47.33′ W long.;
(216) 33°58.73′ N. lat., 118°36.45′ W. long.;
(217) 33°55.24′ N. lat., 118°33.42′ W. long.;
(218) 33°53.71′ N. lat., 118°38.01′ W. long.;
(219) 33°51.19′ N. lat., 118°36.50′ W. long.;
(220) 33°49.85′ N lat., 118°32.31′ W long.;
(221) 33°49.61′ N lat., 118°28.07′ W long.;
(222) 33°49.77′ N lat., 118°26.34′ W long.;
(223) 33°50.36′ N. lat., 118°25.84′ W. long.;
(224) 33°49.92′ N. lat., 118°25.05′ W. long.;
(225) 33°48.70′ N. lat., 118°26.70′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.72(r)(226)

(226) 33°47.72′ N. lat., 118°30.48′ W. long.;
(227) 33°44.07′ N lat., 118°25.28′ W long.;
(228) 33°41.62′ N. lat., 118°20.31′ W. long.;
(229) 33°38.15′ N. lat., 118°15.85′ W. long.;
(230) 33°37.53′ N. lat., 118°16.82′ W. long.;
(231) 33°35.76′ N. lat., 118°16.75′ W. long.;
(232) 33°33.76′ N. lat., 118°11.37′ W. long.;
(233) 33°33.76′ N. lat., 118°07.94′ W. long.;
(234) 33°35.59′ N. lat., 118°05.05′ W. long.;
(235) 33°33.67′ N. lat., 117°59.98′ W. long.;
(236) 33°34.98′ N. lat., 117°55.66′ W. long.;
(237) 33°34.84′ N. lat., 117°53.83′ W. long.;
(238) 33°31.43′ N. lat., 117°48.76′ W. long.;
(239) 33°16.61′ N. lat., 117°34.49′ W. long.;
(240) 33°07.43′ N. lat., 117°22.40′ W. long.;
(241) 33°02.93′ N. lat., 117°21.12′ W. long.;
(242) 33°02.09′ N. lat., 117°20.28′ W. long.;
(243) 32°59.91′ N. lat., 117°19.28′ W. long.;
(244) 32°57.27′ N. lat., 117°18.82′ W. long.;
(245) 32°56.17′ N. lat., 117°19.43′ W. long.;
(246) 32°55.22′ N. lat., 117°19.09′ W. long.;
(247) 32°54.30′ N. lat., 117°17.13′ W. long.;
(248) 32°52.89′ N. lat., 117°17.03′ W. long.;
(249) 32°52.61′ N. lat., 117°19.50′ W. long.;
(250) 32°50.85′ N. lat., 117°21.14′ W. long.;
(251) 32°47.11′ N. lat., 117°22.95′ W. long.;
(252) 32°45.66′ N. lat., 117°22.60′ W. long.;
(253) 32°42.99′ N. lat., 117°20.70′ W. long.;
(254) 32°40.72′ N. lat., 117°20.23′ W. long.;
(255) 32°38.11′ N. lat., 117°20.59′ W. long.; and
(256) 32°33.83′ N. lat., 117°19.18′ W. long.
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50 CFR 660.72(s)

(s) The 75 fm (137 m) depth contour around the northern Channel Islands off the state of California is
defined by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 34°10.82′ N. lat., 120°33.26′ W. long.;
(2) 34°11.78′ N. lat., 120°28.12′ W. long.;
(3) 34°08.65′ N. lat., 120°18.46′ W. long.;
(4) 34°07.01′ N. lat., 120°10.46′ W. long.;
(5) 34°06.56′ N. lat., 120°04.00′ W. long.;
(6) 34°08.11′ N. lat., 119°55.01′ W. long.;
(7) 34°05.18′ N. lat., 119°37.94′ W. long.;
(8) 34°05.22′ N. lat., 119°35.52′ W. long.;
(9) 34°05.12′ N. lat., 119°32.74′ W. long.;
(10) 34°04.32′ N. lat., 119°27.32′ W. long.;
(11) 34°02.32′ N. lat., 119°18.46′ W. long.;
(12) 34°00.95′ N. lat., 119°18.95′ W. long.;
(13) 33°59.40′ N. lat., 119°21.74′ W. long.;
(14) 33°58.70′ N. lat., 119°32.21′ W. long.;
(15) 33°57.77′ N lat., 119°33.49′ W long.;
(16) 33°57.64′ N lat., 119°35.78′ W long.;
(17) 33°56.12′ N. lat., 119°41.10′ W. long.;
(18) 33°55.74′ N. lat., 119°48.00′ W. long.;
(19) 33°56.91′ N. lat., 119°52.04′ W. long.;
(20) 33°59.06′ N. lat., 119°55.38′ W. long.;
(21) 33°57.82′ N. lat., 119°54.99′ W. long.;
(22) 33°56.58′ N. lat., 119°53.75′ W. long.;
(23) 33°54.43′ N. lat., 119°54.07′ W. long.;
(24) 33°52.67′ N. lat., 119°54.78′ W. long.;
(25) 33°48.33′ N. lat., 119°55.09′ W. long.;
(26) 33°47.28′ N. lat., 119°57.30′ W. long.;
(27) 33°47.36′ N. lat., 120°00.39′ W. long.;
(28) 33°49.16′ N. lat., 120°05.06′ W. long.;
(29) 33°51.69′ N lat., 120°07.98′ W long.;
(30) 33°58.11′ N. lat., 120°25.59′ W. long.;
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(31) 34°02.15′ N. lat., 120°32.70′ W. long.;
(32) 34°08.86′ N. lat., 120°37.12′ W. long.; and
(33) 34°10.82′ N. lat., 120°33.26′ W. long.
(t) The 75 fm (137 m) depth contour around San Clemente Island off the state of California is defined by
straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°04.54′ N. lat., 118°37.54′ W. long.;
(2) 33°02.56′ N. lat., 118°34.12′ W. long.;
(3) 32°55.57′ N lat., 118°28.84′ W long.;
(4) 32°55.02′ N. lat., 118°27.69′ W. long.;
(5) 32°49.78′ N. lat., 118°20.88′ W. long.;
(6) 32°48.32′ N. lat., 118°19.89′ W. long.;
(7) 32°47.41′ N. lat., 118°21.98′ W. long.;
(8) 32°44.39′ N. lat., 118°24.49′ W. long.;
(9) 32°47.93′ N. lat., 118°29.90′ W. long.;
(10) 32°49.69′ N. lat., 118°31.52′ W. long.;
(11) 32°53.57′ N. lat., 118°33.09′ W. long.;
(12) 32°55.42′ N. lat., 118°35.17′ W. long.;
(13) 33°00.49′ N. lat., 118°38.56′ W. long.;
(14) 33°03.23′ N. lat., 118°39.16′ W. long.; and
(15) 33°04.54′ N. lat., 118°37.54′ W. long.
(u) The 75 fm (137 m) depth contour around Santa Catalina Island off the state of California is defined by
straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°28.13′ N lat., 118°38.25′ W long.;
(2) 33°29.35′ N. lat., 118°36.23′ W. long.;
(3) 33°28.94′ N lat., 118°30.81′ W long.;
(4) 33°26.73′ N lat., 118°27.35′ W long.;
(5) 33°26.33′ N. lat., 118°25.37′ W. long.;
(6) 33°25.42′ N lat., 118°22.76′ W long.;
(7) 33°22.47′ N. lat., 118°18.53′ W. long.;
(8) 33°19.51′ N. lat., 118°16.82′ W. long.;
(9) 33°17.07′ N. lat., 118°16.38′ W. long.;
(10) 33°16.58′ N. lat., 118°17.61′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.72(u)(11)

(11) 33°18.35′ N. lat., 118°27.86′ W. long.;
(12) 33°20.07′ N. lat., 118°32.35′ W. long.;
(13) 33°21.82′ N. lat., 118°32.09′ W. long.;
(14) 33°23.15′ N. lat., 118°29.99′ W. long.;
(15) 33°24.94′ N lat., 118°32.29′ W long.;
(16) 33°25.67′ N. lat., 118°34.88′ W. long.;
(17) 33°27.57′ N. lat., 118°37.90′ W. long.; and
(18) 33°28.13′ N lat., 118°38.25′ W long.;
(v) The 75 fm (137 m) depth contour around Santa Barbara Island off the State of California is defined by
straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°33.58′ N lat., 119°4.84′ W long.;
(2) 33°33.2′ N lat., 119°5.37′ W long.;
(3) 33°31.75′ N lat., 119°4.61′ W long.;
(4) 33°28.67′ N lat., 119°7.06′ W long.;
(5) 33°26.38′ N lat., 119°3.24′ W long.;
(6) 33°27.08′ N lat., 119°0.26′ W long.;
(7) 33°28.85′ N lat., 118°59.21′ W long.;
(8) 33°30.85′ N lat., 119°0.94′ W long.;
(9) 33°31.91′ N lat., 119°2.98′ W long.; and
(10) 33°33.58′ N lat., 119°4.84′ W long.
(w) The 75 fm (137 m) depth contour around Tanner Bank off the State of California is defined by straight
lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 32°45.66′ N lat., 119°14.45′ W long.;
(2) 32°44.19′ N lat., 119°15.9′ W long.;
(3) 32°37.02′ N lat., 119°4.65′ W long.;
(4) 32°41.45′ N lat., 119°3.14′ W long.;
(5) 32°45.77′ N lat., 119°11.93′ W long.; and
(6) 32°45.66′ N lat., 119°14.45′ W long.
(x) The 75 fm (137 m) depth contour around San Nicholas Island off the State of California is defined by
straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°30.94′ N lat., 119°45.06′ W long.;
(2) 33°28.59′ N lat., 119° 52.02′ W long.;

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50 CFR 660.72(x)(3)

(3) 33°16.05′ N lat., 119°43.86′ W long.;
(4) 33°15.2′ N lat., 119°39.36′ W long.;
(5) 33°11.71′ N lat., 119°29.48′ W long.;
(6) 33°11.39′ N lat., 119°26.58′ W long.;
(7) 33°12.96′ N lat., 119°16.23′ W long.;
(8) 33°14.52′ N lat., 119°17.42′ W long.;
(9) 33°17.24′ N lat., 119°23.09′ W long.;
(10) 33°21.24′ N lat., 119°27.83′ W long.;
(11) 33°22.71′ N lat., 119°33.54′ W long.; and
(12) 33°30.94′ N lat., 119°45.06′ W long.
(y) The 75 fm (137 m) depth contour around Cortes Bank off the State of California is defined by straight
lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 32°37.38′ N lat., 119°19.45′ W long.;
(2) 32°31.9′ N lat., 119°20.9′ W long.;
(3) 32°29.52′ N lat.; 119°15.94′ W long.;
(4) 32°29.64′ N lat.; 119°15.4′ W long.;
(5) 32°29.24′ N lat.; 119°15.09′ W long.;
(6) 32°27.82′ N lat., 119°15.3′ W long.;
(7) 32°23.85′ N lat., 119°3.95′ W long.;
(8) 32°24.53′ N lat., 118°58.2′ W long.;
(9) 32°27.1′ N lat., 119°1.2′ W long.; and
(10) 32°37.38′ N lat., 119°19.45′ W long.
[69 FR 77051, Dec. 23, 2004, as amended at 71 FR 8500, Feb. 17, 2006; 71 FR 78672, Dec. 29, 2006; 74 FR 9898, Mar. 6, 2009.
Redesignated at 75 FR 60995, Oct. 1, 2010; 76 FR 27530, May 11, 2011; 76 FR 54714, Sept. 2, 2011; 78 FR 589, Jan. 3, 2013; 80 FR
12573, Mar. 10, 2015; 82 FR 9640, Feb. 7, 2017; 83 FR 63992, Dec. 12, 2018; 84 FR 63974, Nov. 19, 2019; 87 FR 77016, Dec. 16,
2022; 88 FR 83845, Dec. 1, 2023; 89 FR 101527, Dec. 16, 2024]

§ 660.73 Latitude/longitude coordinates defining the 100 fm (183 m) through 150 fm (274 m)
depth contours.
Boundaries for some GCAs are defined by straight lines connecting a series of latitude/longitude coordinates. This
section provides coordinates for the 100 fm (183 m) through 150 fm (274 m) depth contours.
(a) The 100-fm (183-m) depth contour used between the U.S. border with Canada and the U.S. border with
Mexico is defined by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 48°15.00′ N. lat., 125°41.00′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.73(a)(2)

(2) 48°14.00′ N. lat., 125°36.00′ W. long.;
(3) 48°10.00′ N. lat., 125°40.00′ W. long.;
(4) 48°09.50′ N. lat., 125°40.50′ W. long.;
(5) 48°08.00′ N. lat., 125°38.00′ W. long.;
(6) 48°05.00′ N. lat., 125°37.25′ W. long.;
(7) 48°02.60′ N. lat., 125°34.70′ W. long.;
(8) 47°59.00′ N. lat., 125°34.00′ W. long.;
(9) 47°57.26′ N. lat., 125°29.82′ W. long.;
(10) 47°59.87′ N. lat., 125°25.81′ W. long.;
(11) 48°01.80′ N. lat., 125°24.53′ W. long.;
(12) 48°02.08′ N. lat., 125°22.98′ W. long.;
(13) 48°02.97′ N. lat., 125°22.89′ W. long.;
(14) 48°04.47′ N. lat., 125°21.75′ W. long.;
(15) 48°06.11′ N. lat., 125°19.33′ W. long.;
(16) 48°07.95′ N. lat., 125°18.55′ W. long.;
(17) 48°09.00′ N. lat., 125°18.00′ W. long.;
(18) 48°10.00′ N. lat., 125°17.81′ W. long.;
(19) 48°11.31′ N. lat., 125°17.55′ W. long.;
(20) 48°14.60′ N. lat., 125°13.46′ W. long.;
(21) 48°16.67′ N. lat., 125°14.34′ W. long.;
(22) 48°18.73′ N. lat., 125°14.41′ W. long.;
(23) 48°19.67′ N. lat., 125°13.70′ W. long.;
(24) 48°19.70′ N. lat., 125°11.13′ W. long.;
(25) 48°22.95′ N. lat., 125°10.79′ W. long.;
(26) 48°21.61′ N. lat., 125°02.54′ W. long.;
(27) 48°23.00′ N. lat., 124°49.34′ W. long.;
(28) 48°17.00′ N. lat., 124°56.50′ W. long.;
(29) 48°06.00′ N. lat., 125°00.00′ W. long.;
(30) 48°04.62′ N. lat., 125°01.73′ W. long.;
(31) 48°04.84′ N. lat., 125°04.03′ W. long.;
(32) 48°06.41′ N. lat., 125°06.51′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.73(a)(33)

(33) 48°06.00′ N. lat., 125°08.00′ W. long.;
(34) 48°07.08′ N. lat., 125°09.34′ W. long.;
(35) 48°07.28′ N. lat., 125°11.14′ W. long.;
(36) 48°03.45′ N. lat., 125°16.66′ W. long.;
(37) 48°02.35′ N. lat., 125°17.30′ W. long.;
(38) 48°02.35′ N. lat., 125°18.07′ W. long.;
(39) 48°00.00′ N. lat., 125°19.30′ W. long.;
(40) 47°59.50′ N. lat., 125°18.88′ W. long.;
(41) 47°58.68′ N. lat., 125°16.19′ W. long.;
(42) 47°56.62′ N. lat., 125°13.50′ W. long.;
(43) 47°53.71′ N. lat., 125°11.96′ W. long.;
(44) 47°51.70′ N. lat., 125°09.38′ W. long.;
(45) 47°49.95′ N. lat., 125°06.07′ W. long.;
(46) 47°49.00′ N. lat., 125°03.00′ W. long.;
(47) 47°46.95′ N. lat., 125°04.00′ W. long.;
(48) 47°46.58′ N. lat., 125°03.15′ W. long.;
(49) 47°44.07′ N. lat., 125°04.28′ W. long.;
(50) 47°43.32′ N. lat., 125°04.41′ W. long.;
(51) 47°40.95′ N. lat., 125°04.14′ W. long.;
(52) 47°39.58′ N. lat., 125°04.97′ W. long.;
(53) 47°36.23′ N. lat., 125°02.77′ W. long.;
(54) 47°34.28′ N. lat., 124°58.66′ W. long.;
(55) 47°32.17′ N. lat., 124°57.77′ W. long.;
(56) 47°30.27′ N. lat., 124°56.16′ W. long.;
(57) 47°30.60′ N. lat., 124°54.80′ W. long.;
(58) 47°29.26′ N. lat., 124°52.21′ W. long.;
(59) 47°28.21′ N. lat., 124°50.65′ W. long.;
(60) 47°27.38′ N. lat., 124°49.34′ W. long.;
(61) 47°25.61′ N. lat., 124°48.26′ W. long.;
(62) 47°23.54′ N. lat., 124°46.42′ W. long.;
(63) 47°20.64′ N. lat., 124°45.91′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.73(a)(64)

(64) 47°17.99′ N. lat., 124°45.59′ W. long.;
(65) 47°18.20′ N. lat., 124°49.12′ W. long.;
(66) 47°15.01′ N. lat., 124°51.09′ W. long.;
(67) 47°12.61′ N. lat., 124°54.89′ W. long.;
(68) 47°08.22′ N. lat., 124°56.53′ W. long.;
(69) 47°08.50′ N. lat., 124°57.74′ W. long.;
(70) 47°01.92′ N. lat., 124°54.95′ W. long.;
(71) 47°01.08′ N. lat., 124°59.22′ W. long.;
(72) 46°58.48′ N. lat., 124°57.81′ W. long.;
(73) 46°56.79′ N. lat., 124°56.03′ W. long.;
(74) 46°58.01′ N. lat., 124°55.09′ W. long.;
(75) 46°55.07′ N. lat., 124°54.14′ W. long.;
(76) 46°59.60′ N. lat., 124°49.79′ W. long.;
(77) 46°58.72′ N. lat., 124°48.78′ W. long.;
(78) 46°54.45′ N. lat., 124°48.36′ W. long.;
(79) 46°53.99′ N. lat., 124°49.95′ W. long.;
(80) 46°54.38′ N. lat., 124°52.73′ W. long.;
(81) 46°52.38′ N. lat., 124°52.02′ W. long.;
(82) 46°48.93′ N. lat., 124°49.17′ W. long.;
(83) 46°41.50′ N. lat., 124°43.00′ W. long.;
(84) 46°34.50′ N. lat., 124°28.50′ W. long.;
(85) 46°29.00′ N. lat., 124°30.00′ W. long.;
(86) 46°20.00′ N. lat., 124°36.50′ W. long.;
(87) 46°18.40′ N. lat., 124°37.70′ W. long.;
(88) 46°18.03′ N. lat., 124°35.46′ W. long.;
(89) 46°17.00′ N. lat., 124°22.50′ W. long.;
(90) 46°16.00′ N. lat., 124°20.62′ W. long.;
(91) 46°13.52′ N. lat., 124°25.49′ W. long.;
(92) 46°12.17′ N. lat., 124°30.74′ W. long.;
(93) 46°10.63′ N. lat., 124°37.96′ W. long.;
(94) 46°09.29′ N. lat., 124°39.01′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.73(a)(95)

(95) 46°02.40′ N. lat., 124°40.37′ W. long.;
(96) 45°56.45′ N. lat., 124°38.00′ W. long.;
(97) 45°51.92′ N. lat., 124°38.50′ W. long.;
(98) 45°47.20′ N. lat., 124°35.58′ W. long.;
(99) 45°46.40′ N. lat., 124°32.36′ W. long.;
(100) 45°46.00′ N. lat., 124°32.10′ W. long.;
(101) 45°41.75′ N. lat., 124°28.12′ W. long.;
(102) 45°36.95′ N. lat., 124°24.47′ W. long.;
(103) 45°31.84′ N. lat., 124°22.04′ W. long.;
(104) 45°27.10′ N. lat., 124°21.74′ W. long.;
(105) 45°20.25′ N. lat., 124°18.54′ W. long.;
(106) 45°18.14′ N. lat., 124°17.59′ W. long.;
(107) 45°11.08′ N. lat., 124°16.97′ W. long.;
(108) 45°04.39′ N. lat., 124°18.35′ W. long.;
(109) 45°03.83′ N. lat., 124°18.60′ W. long.;
(110) 44°58.05′ N. lat., 124°21.58′ W. long.;
(111) 44°47.67′ N. lat., 124°31.41′ W. long.;
(112) 44°44.54′ N. lat., 124°33.58′ W. long.;
(113) 44°39.88′ N. lat., 124°35.00′ W. long.;
(114) 44°32.90′ N. lat., 124°36.81′ W. long.;
(115) 44°30.34′ N. lat., 124°38.56′ W. long.;
(116) 44°30.04′ N. lat., 124°42.31′ W. long.;
(117) 44°26.84′ N. lat., 124°44.91′ W. long.;
(118) 44°17.99′ N. lat., 124°51.04′ W. long.;
(119) 44°12.92′ N. lat., 124°56.28′ W. long.;
(120) 44°02.34′ N. lat., 124°55.46′ W. long.;
(121) 43°59.18′ N. lat., 124°56.94′ W. long.;
(122) 43°56.74′ N. lat., 124°56.74′ W. long.;
(123) 43°56.07′ N. lat., 124°55.41′ W. long.;
(124) 43°55.41′ N. lat., 124°52.21′ W. long.;
(125) 43°54.62′ N. lat., 124°48.23′ W. long.;
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(126) 43°55.90′ N. lat., 124°41.11′ W. long.;
(127) 43°57.36′ N. lat., 124°38.68′ W. long.;
(128) 43°56.47′ N. lat., 124°34.61′ W. long.;
(129) 43°42.73′ N. lat., 124°32.41′ W. long.;
(130) 43°30.92′ N. lat., 124°34.43′ W. long.;
(131) 43°20.83′ N. lat., 124°39.39′ W. long.;
(132) 43°17.45′ N. lat., 124°41.16′ W. long.;
(133) 43°07.04′ N. lat., 124°41.25′ W. long.;
(134) 43°03.45′ N. lat., 124°44.36′ W. long.;
(135) 43°03.91′ N. lat., 124°50.81′ W. long.;
(136) 42°55.70′ N. lat., 124°52.79′ W. long.;
(137) 42°54.12′ N. lat., 124°47.36′ W. long.;
(138) 42°50.00′ N. lat., 124°45.33′ W. long.;
(139) 42°44.00′ N. lat., 124°42.38′ W. long.;
(140) 42°40.50′ N. lat., 124°41.71′ W. long.;
(141) 42°38.23′ N. lat., 124°41.25′ W. long.;
(142) 42°33.02′ N. lat., 124°42.38′ W. long.;
(143) 42°31.90′ N. lat., 124°42.04′ W. long.;
(144) 42°30.08′ N. lat., 124°42.67′ W. long.;
(145) 42°28.28′ N. lat., 124°47.08′ W. long.;
(146) 42°25.22′ N. lat., 124°43.51′ W. long.;
(147) 42°19.23′ N. lat., 124°37.91′ W. long.;
(148) 42°16.29′ N. lat., 124°36.11′ W. long.;
(149) 42°13.67′ N. lat., 124°35.81′ W. long.;
(150) 42°05.66′ N. lat., 124°34.92′ W. long.;
(151) 42°00.00′ N. lat., 124°35.27′ W. long.;
(152) 41°47.04′ N. lat., 124°27.64′ W. long.;
(153) 41°32.92′ N. lat., 124°28.79′ W. long.;
(154) 41°24.17′ N. lat., 124°28.46′ W. long.;
(155) 41°10.12′ N. lat., 124°20.50′ W. long.;
(156) 40°51.41′ N. lat., 124°24.38′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.73(a)(157)

(157) 40°43.71′ N. lat., 124°29.89′ W. long.;
(158) 40°40.14′ N. lat., 124°30.90′ W. long.;
(159) 40°39.44′ N lat., 124°29.08′ W long.;
(160) 40°37.08′ N lat., 124°28.29′ W long.;
(161) 40°34.76′ N lat., 124°29.82′ W long.;
(162) 40°36.78′ N lat., 124°37.06′ W long.;
(163) 40°32.44′ N lat., 124°39.58′ W long.;
(164) 40°30.37′ N lat., 124°37.30′ W long.;
(165) 40°28.48′ N lat., 124°36.95′ W long.;
(166) 40°24.82′ N lat., 124°35.12′ W long.;
(167) 40°23.30′ N lat., 124°31.60′ W long.;
(168) 40°23.52′ N lat., 124°28.78′ W long.;
(169) 40°22.43′ N lat., 124°25.00′ W long.;
(170) 40°21.72′ N lat., 124°24.94′ W long.;
(171) 40°21.87′ N lat., 124°27.96′ W long.;
(172) 40°21.40′ N lat., 124°28.74′ W long.;
(173) 40°19.68′ N lat., 124°28.49′ W long.;
(174) 40°17.73′ N lat., 124°25.43′ W long.;
(175) 40°18.37′ N lat., 124°23.35′ W long.;
(176) 40°15.75′ N lat., 124°26.05′ W long.;
(177) 40°16.75′ N lat., 124°33.71′ W long.;
(178) 40°16.29′ N lat., 124°34.36′ W long.;
(179) 40°10.13′ N lat., 124°21.92′ W long.;
(180) 40°07.70′ N lat., 124°18.44′ W long.;
(181) 40°08.84′ N lat., 124°15.86′ W long.;
(182) 40°06.39′ N lat., 124°17.26′ W long.;
(183) 40°03.15′ N lat., 124°14.43′ W long.;
(184) 40°02.19′ N lat., 124°12.85′ W long.;
(185) 40°02.89′ N lat., 124°11.78′ W long.;
(186) 40°02.78′ N lat., 124°10.70′ W long.;
(187) 40°04.57′ N lat., 124°10.08′ W long.;
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50 CFR 660.73(a)(188)

(188) 40°06.06′ N lat., 124°08.30′ W long.;
(189) 40°04.05′ N lat., 124°08.93′ W long.;
(190) 40°01.17′ N lat., 124°08.80′ W long.;
(191) 40°01.00′ N lat., 124°09.96′ W long.;
(192) 39°58.07′ N lat., 124°11.81′ W long.;
(193) 39°56.39′ N lat., 124°08.69′ W long.;
(194) 39°54.64′ N lat., 124°07.30′ W long.;
(195) 39°53.86′ N lat., 124°07.95′ W long.;
(196) 39°51.95′ N lat., 124°07.63′ W long.;
(197) 39°48.78′ N lat., 124°03.29′ W long.;
(198) 39°47.36′ N lat., 124°03.31′ W long.;
(199) 39°40.08′ N lat., 123°58.37′ W long.;
(200) 39°36.16′ N lat., 123°56.90′ W long.;
(201) 39°30.75′ N lat., 123°55.86′ W long.;
(202) 39°31.62′ N lat., 123°57.33′ W long.;
(203) 39°30.91′ N lat., 123°57.88′ W long.;
(204) 39°01.79′ N lat., 123°56.59′ W long.;
(205) 38°59.42′ N lat., 123°55.67′ W long.;
(206) 38°58.89′ N lat., 123°56.28′ W long.;
(207) 38°57.50′ N lat., 123°56.28′ W long.;
(208) 38°54.72′ N lat., 123°55.68′ W long.;
(209) 38°48.95′ N lat., 123°51.85′ W long.;
(210) 38°36.67′ N lat., 123°40.20′ W long.;
(211) 38°33.82′ N lat., 123°39.23′ W long.;
(212) 38°29.02′ N lat., 123°33.52′ W long.;
(213) 38°18.88′ N lat., 123°25.93′ W long.;
(214) 38°14.12′ N lat., 123°23.26′ W long.;
(215) 38°11.07′ N lat., 123°22.07′ W long.;
(216) 38°03.18′ N lat., 123°20.77′ W long.;
(217) 38°00.00′ N lat., 123°23.08′ W long.;
(218) 37°55.07′ N lat., 123°26.81′ W long.;
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50 CFR 660.73(a)(219)

(219) 37°50.66′ N lat., 123°23.06′ W long.;
(220) 37°45.18′ N lat., 123°11.88′ W long.;
(221) 37°35.67′ N lat., 123°01.20′ W long.;
(222) 37°26.81′ N lat., 122°55.57′ W long.;
(223) 37°26.78′ N lat., 122°53.91′ W long.;
(224) 37°25.74′ N lat., 122°54.13′ W long.;
(225) 37°25.33′ N lat., 122°53.59′ W long.;
(226) 37°25.29′ N lat., 122°52.57′ W long.;
(227) 37°24.50′ N lat., 122°52.09′ W long.;
(228) 37°23.25′ N lat., 122°53.12′ W long.;
(229) 37°15.58′ N lat., 122°48.36′ W long.;
(230) 37°11.00′ N lat., 122°44.50′ W long.;
(231) 37°07.00′ N lat., 122°41.25′ W long.;
(232) 37°03.18′ N lat., 122°38.15′ W long.;
(233) 37°00.48′ N lat., 122°33.93′ W long.;
(234) 36°58.70′ N lat., 122°27.22′ W long.;
(235) 37°00.85′ N lat., 122°24.70′ W long.;
(236) 36°58.00′ N lat., 122°24.14′ W long.;
(237) 36°58.74′ N lat., 122°21.51′ W long.;
(238) 36°56.97′ N lat., 122°21.32′ W long.;
(239) 36°51.52′ N lat., 122°10.68′ W long.;
(240) 36°48.39′ N lat., 122°07.60′ W long.;
(241) 36°47.43′ N lat., 122°03.22′ W long.;
(242) 36°50.95′ N lat., 121°58.03′ W long.;
(243) 36°49.92′ N lat., 121°58.01′ W long.;
(244) 36°48.86′ N lat., 121°58.80′ W long.;
(245) 36°47.76′ N lat., 121°58.68′ W long.;
(246) 36°48.39′ N lat., 121°51.10′ W long.;
(247) 36°45.74′ N lat., 121°54.17′ W long.;
(248) 36°45.51′ N lat., 121°57.72′ W long.;
(249) 36°38.84′ N lat., 122°01.32′ W long.;
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50 CFR 660.73(a)(250)

(250) 36°35.62′ N lat., 122°00.98′ W long.;
(251) 36°32.46′ N lat., 121°59.15′ W long.;
(252) 36°32.79′ N lat., 121°57.67′ W long.;
(253) 36°31.98′ N lat., 121°56.55′ W long.;
(254) 36°31.79′ N lat., 121°58.40′ W long.;
(255) 36°30.73′ N lat., 121°59.70′ W long.;
(256) 36°30.31′ N lat., 122°00.22′ W long.;
(257) 36°29.35′ N lat., 122°00.28′ W long.;
(258) 36°27.66′ N lat., 121°59.80′ W long.;
(259) 36°26.22′ N lat., 121°58.35′ W long.;
(260) 36°21.20′ N lat., 122°00.72′ W long.;
(261) 36°20.47′ N lat., 122°02.92′ W long.;
(262) 36°18.46′ N lat., 122°04.51′ W long.;
(263) 36°15.92′ N lat., 122°01.33′ W long.;
(264) 36°13.81′ N lat., 121°57.40′ W long.;
(265) 36°14.43′ N lat., 121°55.43′ W long.;
(266) 36°10.24′ N lat., 121°43.08′ W long.;
(267) 36°07.66′ N lat., 121°40.91′ W long.;
(268) 36°02.49′ N lat., 121°36.51′ W long.;
(269) 36°01.08′ N lat., 121°36.63′ W long.;
(270) 36°00.00′ N lat., 121°35.41′ W long.;
(271) 35°57.84′ N lat., 121°32.81′ W long.;
(272) 35°50.36′ N lat., 121°29.32′ W long.;
(273) 35°39.03′ N lat., 121°22.86′ W long.;
(274) 35°24.27′ N lat., 121°02.74′ W long.;
(275) 35°16.53′ N lat., 121°00.39′ W long.;
(276) 35°04.82′ N lat., 120°53.96′ W long.;
(277) 34°52.51′ N lat., 120°51.62′ W long.;
(278) 34°43.36′ N lat., 120°52.12′ W long.;
(279) 34°38.06′ N lat., 120°49.65′ W long.;
(280) 34°30.85′ N lat., 120°44.76′ W long.;
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50 CFR 660.73(a)(281)

(281) 34°27.00′ N lat., 120°39.00′ W long.;
(282) 34°21.90′ N lat., 120°25.25′ W long.;
(283) 34°24.86′ N lat., 120°16.81′ W long.;
(284) 34°22.80′ N lat., 119°57.06′ W long.;
(285) 34°18.59′ N lat., 119°44.84′ W long.;
(286) 34°15.04′ N lat., 119°40.34′ W long.;
(287) 34°14.40′ N lat., 119°45.39′ W long.;
(288) 34°12.32′ N lat., 119°42.41′ W long.;
(289) 34°09.71′ N lat., 119°28.85′ W long.;
(290) 34°04.70′ N lat., 119°15.38′ W long.;
(291) 34°03.33′ N lat., 119°12.93′ W long.;
(292) 34°02.72′ N lat., 119°07.01′ W long.;
(293) 34°03.90′ N lat., 119°04.64′ W long.;
(294) 34°02.75′ N lat., 119°02.88′ W long.;
(295) 33°59.44′ N lat., 119°03.43′ W long.;
(296) 33°59.12′ N lat., 118°59.59′ W long.;
(297) 33°59.84′ N lat., 118°57.29′ W long.;
(298) 33°58.83′ N lat., 118°46.69′ W long.;
(299) 33°58.73′ N lat., 118°41.76′ W long.;
(300) 33°55.09′ N lat., 118°34.11′ W long.;
(301) 33°54.09′ N lat., 118°38.42′ W long.;
(302) 33°51.00′ N lat., 118°36.66′ W long.;
(303) 33°49.06′ N lat., 118°31.86′ W long.;
(304) 33°49.69′ N lat., 118°26.49′ W long.;
(305) 33°49.35′ N lat., 118°26.04′ W long.;
(306) 33°47.60′ N lat., 118°31.13′ W long.;
(307) 33°39.82′ N lat., 118°18.31′ W long.;
(308) 33°35.68′ N lat., 118°16.81′ W long.;
(309) 33°32.85′ N lat., 118°09.41′ W long.;
(310) 33°35.14′ N lat., 118°04.95′ W long.;
(311) 33°33.56′ N lat., 118°00.63′ W long.;
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50 CFR 660.73(a)(312)

(312) 33°34.25′ N lat., 117°53.44′ W long.;
(313) 33°31.65′ N lat., 117°49.21′ W long.;
(314) 33°16.07′ N lat., 117°34.74′ W long.;
(315) 33°07.06′ N lat., 117°22.71′ W long.;
(316) 33°02.81′ N lat., 117°21.17′ W long.;
(317) 33°01.76′ N lat., 117°20.51′ W long.;
(318) 32°59.90′ N lat., 117°19.38′ W long.;
(319) 32°57.29′ N lat., 117°18.94′ W long.;
(320) 32°56.15′ N lat., 117°19.54′ W long.;
(321) 32°55.30′ N lat., 117°19.38′ W long.;
(322) 32°54.27′ N lat., 117°17.17′ W long.;
(323) 32°52.94′ N lat., 117°17.11′ W long.;
(324) 32°52.66′ N lat., 117°19.67′ W long.;
(325) 32°50.95′ N lat., 117°21.17′ W long.;
(326) 32°47.11′ N lat., 117°22.98′ W long.;
(327) 32°45.60′ N lat., 117°22.64′ W long.;
(328) 32°42.79′ N lat., 117°21.16′ W long.; and
(329) 32°34.22′ N lat., 117°21.20′ W long.
(b) The 100 fm (183 m) depth contour around San Clemente Island off the state of California is defined by
straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°04.80′ N lat., 118°37.90′ W long.;
(2) 33°02.65′ N lat., 118°34.08′ W long.;
(3) 32°55.80′ N lat., 118°28.92′ W long.;
(4) 32°55.04′ N lat., 118°27.68′ W long.;
(5) 32°49.79′ N lat., 118°20.87′ W long.;
(6) 32°48.05′ N lat., 118°19.62′ W long.;
(7) 32°47.41′ N lat., 118°21.86′ W long.;
(8) 32°44.03′ N lat., 118°24.70′ W long.;
(9) 32°47.81′ N lat., 118°30.20′ W long.;
(10) 32°49.79′ N lat., 118°32.00′ W long.;
(11) 32°53.36′ N lat., 118°33.23′ W long.;
(12) 32°55.13′ N lat., 118°35.31′ W long.;
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50 CFR 660.73(b)(13)

(13) 33°00.22′ N lat., 118°38.68′ W long.;
(14) 33°03.13′ N lat., 118°39.59′ W long.; and
(15) 33°04.80′ N lat., 118°37.90′ W long.
(c) The 100 fm (183 m) depth contour around Santa Catalina Island off the state of California is defined by
straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°28.23′ N. lat., 118°39.38′ W. long.;
(2) 33°29.60′ N. lat., 118°36.11′ W. long.;
(3) 33°29.14′ N. lat., 118°30.81′ W. long.;
(4) 33°26.97′ N. lat., 118°27.57′ W. long.;
(5) 33°25.68′ N. lat., 118°23.00′ W. long.;
(6) 33°22.67′ N. lat., 118°18.41′ W. long.;
(7) 33°19.72′ N. lat., 118°16.25′ W. long.;
(8) 33°17.14′ N. lat., 118°14.96′ W. long.;
(9) 33°16.09′ N. lat., 118°15.46′ W. long.;
(10) 33°18.14′ N lat., 118°27.94′ W long.;
(11) 33°19.84′ N lat., 118°32.22′ W long.;
(12) 33°20.81′ N lat., 118°32.91′ W long.;
(13) 33°21.94′ N lat., 118°32.03′ W long.;
(14) 33°23.14′ N lat., 118°30.12′ W long.;
(15) 33°24.87′ N. lat., 118°32.45′ W. long.;
(16) 33°25.30′ N. lat., 118°34.32′ W. long.; and
(17) 33°28.23′ N. lat., 118°39.38′ W. long.
(d) The 100 fm (183 m) depth contour around the northern Channel Islands off the state of California is
defined by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 34°12.89′ N lat., 120°29.31′ W long.;
(2) 34°10.96′ N lat., 120°25.19′ W long.;
(3) 34°08.74′ N lat., 120°18.00′ W long.;
(4) 34°07.02′ N lat., 120°10.45′ W long.;
(5) 34°06.75′ N lat., 120°05.09′ W long.;
(6) 34°08.15′ N lat., 119°54.96′ W long.;
(7) 34°′07.17 N lat., 119°48.54′ W long.;
(8) 34°05.66′ N lat., 119°37.58′ W long.;
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50 CFR 660.73(d)(9)

(9) 34°04.76′ N lat., 119°26.28′ W long.;
(10) 34°02.97′ N lat., 119°16.89′ W long.;
(11) 34°00.97′ N lat., 119°18.78′ W long.;
(12) 33°59.38′ N lat., 119°21.71′ W long.;
(13) 33°58.62′ N lat., 119°32.05′ W long.;
(14) 33°57.69′ N lat., 119°33.38′ W long.;
(15) 33°57.40′ N lat., 119°35.84′ W long.;
(16) 33°56.07′ N lat., 119°41.10′ W long.
(17) 33°55.54′ N lat., 119°47.99′ W long.;
(18) 33°56.60′ N lat., 119°51.40′ W long.;
(19) 33°55.56′ N lat., 119°53.87′ W long.;
(20) 33°54.40′ N lat., 119°53.74′ W long.;
(21) 33°52.72′ N lat., 119°54.62′ W long.;
(22) 33°47.95′ N lat., 119°53.50′ W long.;
(23) 33°45.75′ N lat., 119°51.04′ W long.;
(24) 33°40.18′ N lat., 119°50.36′ W long.;
(25) 33°38.19′ N lat., 119°57.85′ W long.;
(26) 33°44.92′ N lat., 120°02.95′ W long.;
(27) 33°48.90′ N lat., 120°05.34′ W long.;
(28) 33°51.64′ N lat., 120°08.11′ W long.;
(29) 33°58.31′ N lat., 120°27.99′ W long.;
(30) 34°03.23′ N lat., 120°34.34′ W long.;
(31) 34°09.42′ N lat., 120°37.64′ W long.; and
(32) 34°12.89′ N lat., 120°29.31′ W long.
(e) The 100 fm (183 m) depth contour around Santa Barbara Island off the State of California is defined by
straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°33.85′ N lat., 119°4.87′ W long.;
(2) 33°33.27′ N lat., 119°5.67′ W long.;
(3) 33°31.9′ N lat., 119°5.08′ W long.;
(4) 33°28.62′ N lat., 119°7.28′ W long.;
(5) 33°27.04′ N lat., 119°5.84′ W long.;
(6) 33°26.2′ N lat., 119°3.24′ W long.;
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50 CFR 660.73(e)(7)

(7) 33°27.07′ N lat., 118°59.96′ W long.;
(8) 33°28.7′ N lat., 118°58.76′ W long.;
(9) 33°31′ N lat., 119°1.02′ W long.;
(10) 33°31.99′ N lat., 119°2.86′ W long.; and
(11) 33°33.85′ N lat., 119°4.87′ W long.
(f) The 100 fm (183 m) depth contour around Tanner Bank off the State of California is defined by straight
lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 32°45.92′ N lat., 119°14.6′ W long.;
(2) 32°44.34′ N lat., 119°16.43′ W long.;
(3) 32°36.75′ N lat., 119°4.51′ W long.;
(4) 32°41.41′ N lat., 119°2.93′ W long.;
(5) 32° 45.85′ N lat., 119°10.62′ W long.; and
(6) 32° 45.92′ N lat., 119°14.6′ W long.
(g) The 100 fm (183 m) depth contour around San Nicholas Island off the State of California is defined by
straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°31.37′ N lat., 119°44.84′ W long.;
(2) 33°28.82′ N lat., 119°52.19′ W long.;
(3) 33°25.43′ N lat., 119°51.27′ W long.;
(4) 33°18.01′ N lat., 119°47.18′ W long.;
(5) 33°15.8′ N lat., 119°43.64′ W long.;
(6) 33°14.22′ N lat., 119°37′ W long.;
(7) 33°11.56′ N lat., 119°29.58′ W long.;
(8) 33°11.28′ N lat., 119°26.54′ W long.;
(9) 33°12.94′ N lat., 119°15.86′ W long.;
(10) 33°14.48′ N lat., 119°16.97′ W long.;
(11) 33°17.33′ N lat., 119°22.93′ W long.;
(12) 33°21.28′ lat., 119°27.66′ W long.;
(13) 33°23.38′ N lat., 119°33.29′ W long.; and
(14) 33°31.37′ N lat., 119°44.84′ W long.
(h) The 100 fm (183 m) depth contour around Cortes Bank off the State of California is defined by straight
lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 32°37.79′ N lat., 119°19.68′ W long.;

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50 CFR 660.73(h)(2)

(2) 32°36.19′ N lat., 119°21.84′ W long.;
(3) 32°33.16′ N lat., 119°21.76′ W long.;
(4) 32°30.92′ N lat., 119°20.46′ W long.;
(5) 32°29.25′ N lat., 119°15.93′ W long.;
(6) 32°29.44′ N lat., 119°15.44′ W long.;
(7) 32°29.23′ N lat., 119°15.23′ W long.;
(8) 32°27.48′ N lat., 119°15.56′ W long.;
(9) 32°23.19′ N lat., 119°3.23′ W long.;
(10) 32°22.94′ N lat., 118°57.58′ W long.;
(11) 32°24.47′ N lat., 118°57.61′ W long.;
(12) 32°27.3′ N lat., 119°1.06′ W long.; and
(13) 32°37.79′ N lat., 119°19.68′ W long.
(i)

The 125-fm (229-m) depth contour used between the U.S. border with Canada and the U.S. border with
Mexico is defined by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 48°15.00′ N. lat., 125°41.13′ W. long.;
(2) 48°13.05′ N. lat., 125°37.43′ W. long.;
(3) 48°08.62′ N. lat., 125°41.68′ W. long.;
(4) 48°07.42′ N. lat., 125°42.38′ W. long.;
(5) 48°04.20′ N. lat., 125°36.57′ W. long.;
(6) 48°02.79′ N. lat., 125°35.55′ W. long.;
(7) 48°00.48′ N. lat., 125°37.84′ W. long.;
(8) 47°54.90′ N. lat., 125°34.79′ W. long.;
(9) 47°58.37′ N. lat., 125°26.58′ W. long.;
(10) 47°59.84′ N. lat., 125°25.20′ W. long.;
(11) 48°01.85′ N. lat., 125°24.12′ W. long.;
(12) 48°02.13′ N. lat., 125°22.80′ W. long.;
(13) 48°03.31′ N. lat., 125°22.46′ W. long.;
(14) 48°06.83′ N. lat., 125°17.73′ W. long.;
(15) 48°10.08′ N. lat., 125°15.56′ W. long.;
(16) 48°11.24′ N. lat., 125°13.72′ W. long.;
(17) 48°12.41′ N. lat., 125°14.48′ W. long.;
(18) 48°13.01′ N. lat., 125°13.77′ W. long.;

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50 CFR 660.73(i)(19)

(19) 48°13.59′ N. lat., 125°12.83′ W. long.;
(20) 48°12.22′ N. lat., 125°12.28′ W. long.;
(21) 48°11.15′ N. lat., 125°12.26′ W. long.;
(22) 48°10.18′ N. lat., 125°10.44′ W. long.;
(23) 48°10.18′ N. lat., 125°06.32′ W. long.;
(24) 48°15.39′ N. lat., 125°02.83′ W. long.;
(25) 48°18.32′ N. lat., 125°01.00′ W. long.;
(26) 48°21.67′ N. lat., 125°01.86′ W. long.;
(27) 48°25.70′ N. lat., 125°00.10′ W. long.;
(28) 48°26.43′ N. lat., 124°56.65′ W. long.;
(29) 48°24.28′ N. lat., 124°56.48′ W. long.;
(30) 48°23.27′ N. lat., 124°59.12′ W. long.;
(31) 48°21.79′ N. lat., 124°59.30′ W. long.;
(32) 48°20.71′ N. lat., 124°58.74′ W. long.;
(33) 48°19.84′ N. lat., 124°57.09′ W. long.;
(34) 48°22.06′ N. lat., 124°54.78′ W. long.;
(35) 48°22.45′ N. lat., 124°53.35′ W. long.;
(36) 48°22.74′ N. lat., 124°50.96′ W. long.;
(37) 48°21.04′ N. lat., 124°52.60′ W. long.;
(38) 48°18.07′ N. lat., 124°55.85′ W. long.;
(39) 48°15.03′ N. lat., 124°58.16′ W. long.;
(40) 48°11.31′ N. lat., 124°58.53′ W. long.;
(41) 48°06.25′ N. lat., 125°00.06′ W. long.;
(42) 48°04.70′ N. lat., 125°01.80′ W. long.;
(43) 48°04.93′ N. lat., 125°03.92′ W. long.;
(44) 48°06.44′ N. lat., 125°06.50′ W. long.;
(45) 48°07.34′ N. lat., 125°09.35′ W. long.;
(46) 48°07.62′ N. lat., 125°11.37′ W. long.;
(47) 48°03.71′ N. lat., 125°17.63′ W. long.;
(48) 48°01.35′ N. lat., 125°18.66′ W. long.;
(49) 48°00.05′ N. lat., 125°19.66′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.73(i)(50)

(50) 47°59.51′ N. lat., 125°18.90′ W. long.;
(51) 47°58.29′ N. lat., 125°16.64′ W. long.;
(52) 47°54.67′ N. lat., 125°13.20′ W. long.;
(53) 47°53.15′ N. lat., 125°12.53′ W. long.;
(54) 47°48.46′ N. lat., 125°04.72′ W. long.;
(55) 47°46.10′ N. lat., 125°04.00′ W. long.;
(56) 47°44.60′ N. lat., 125°04.49′ W. long.;
(57) 47°42.90′ N. lat., 125°04.72′ W. long.;
(58) 47°40.71′ N. lat., 125°04.68′ W. long.;
(59) 47°39.02′ N. lat., 125°05.63′ W. long.;
(60) 47°34.86′ N. lat., 125°02.11′ W. long.;
(61) 47°31.64′ N. lat., 124°58.11′ W. long.;
(62) 47°29.69′ N. lat., 124°55.71′ W. long.;
(63) 47°29.35′ N. lat., 124°53.23′ W. long.;
(64) 47°28.56′ N. lat., 124°51.34′ W. long.;
(65) 47°25.31′ N. lat., 124°48.20′ W. long.;
(66) 47°23.92′ N. lat., 124°47.15′ W. long.;
(67) 47°18.09′ N. lat., 124°45.74′ W. long.;
(68) 47°18.65′ N. lat., 124°51.51′ W. long.;
(69) 47°18.12′ N. lat., 124°52.58′ W. long.;
(70) 47°17.64′ N. lat., 124°50.45′ W. long.;
(71) 47°16.31′ N. lat., 124°50.92′ W. long.;
(72) 47°15.60′ N. lat., 124°52.62′ W. long.;
(73) 47°14.25′ N. lat., 124°52.49′ W. long.;
(74) 47°11.32′ N. lat., 124°57.19′ W. long.;
(75) 47°09.14′ N. lat., 124°57.46′ W. long.;
(76) 47°08.83′ N. lat., 124°58.47′ W. long.;
(77) 47°05.88′ N. lat., 124°58.26′ W. long.;
(78) 47°03.60′ N. lat., 124°55.84′ W. long.;
(79) 47°02.91′ N. lat., 124°56.15′ W. long.;
(80) 47°01.08′ N. lat., 124°59.46′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.73(i)(81)

(81) 46°58.13′ N. lat., 124°58.83′ W. long.;
(82) 46°57.44′ N. lat., 124°57.78′ W. long.;
(83) 46°55.98′ N. lat., 124°54.60′ W. long.;
(84) 46°54.90′ N. lat., 124°54.14′ W. long.;
(85) 46°58.47′ N. lat., 124°49.65′ W. long.;
(86) 46°54.44′ N. lat., 124°48.79′ W. long.;
(87) 46°54.41′ N. lat., 124°52.87′ W. long.;
(88) 46°49.36′ N. lat., 124°52.77′ W. long.;
(89) 46°40.06′ N. lat., 124°45.34′ W. long.;
(90) 46°39.64′ N. lat., 124°42.21′ W. long.;
(91) 46°34.27′ N. lat., 124°34.63′ W. long.;
(92) 46°33.58′ N. lat., 124°29.10′ W. long.;
(93) 46°25.64′ N. lat., 124°32.57′ W. long.;
(94) 46°21.33′ N. lat., 124°36.36′ W. long.;
(95) 46°20.59′ N. lat., 124°36.15′ W. long.;
(96) 46°19.38′ N. lat., 124°38.21′ W. long.;
(97) 46°17.94′ N. lat., 124°38.10′ W. long.;
(98) 46°16.00′ N. lat., 124°22.17′ W. long.;
(99) 46°13.37′ N. lat., 124°30.70′ W. long.;
(100) 46°12.20′ N. lat., 124°36.04′ W. long.;
(101) 46°11.01′ N. lat., 124°38.68′ W. long.;
(102) 46°09.73′ N. lat., 124°39.91′ W. long.;
(103) 46°03.23′ N. lat., 124°42.03′ W. long.;
(104) 46°01.16′ N. lat., 124°42.06′ W. long.;
(105) 46°00.35′ N. lat., 124°42.26′ W. long.;
(106) 45°52.81′ N. lat., 124°41.62′ W. long.;
(107) 45°49.70′ N. lat., 124°41.14′ W. long.;
(108) 45°46.00′ N. lat., 124°38.92′ W. long.;
(109) 45°45.18′ N. lat., 124°38.39′ W. long.;
(110) 45°43.24′ N. lat., 124°37.77′ W. long.;
(111) 45°34.75′ N. lat., 124°28.58′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.73(i)(112)

(112) 45°19.90′ N. lat., 124°21.34′ W. long.;
(113) 45°12.44′ N. lat., 124°19.34′ W. long.;
(114) 45°07.48′ N. lat., 124°19.73′ W. long.;
(115) 45°03.83′ N. lat., 124°21.20′ W. long.;
(116) 44°59.96′ N. lat., 124°22.91′ W. long.;
(117) 44°54.73′ N. lat., 124°26.84′ W. long.;
(118) 44°51.16′ N. lat., 124°31.41′ W. long.;
(119) 44°49.97′ N. lat., 124°32.37′ W. long.;
(120) 44°47.06′ N. lat., 124°34.43′ W. long.;
(121) 44°41.38′ N. lat., 124°36.52′ W. long.;
(122) 44°31.80′ N. lat., 124°38.11′ W. long.;
(123) 44°30.35′ N. lat., 124°43.03′ W. long.;
(124) 44°27.95′ N. lat., 124°45.13′ W. long.;
(125) 44°24.73′ N. lat., 124°47.42′ W. long.;
(126) 44°19.67′ N. lat., 124°51.17′ W. long.;
(127) 44°17.96′ N. lat., 124°52.52′ W. long.;
(128) 44°13.70′ N. lat., 124°56.45′ W. long.;
(129) 44°12.26′ N. lat., 124°57.53′ W. long.;
(130) 44°08.30′ N. lat., 124°57.17′ W. long.;
(131) 44°07.57′ N. lat., 124°57.19′ W. long.;
(132) 44°04.78′ N. lat., 124°56.31′ W. long.;
(133) 44°01.14′ N. lat., 124°56.07′ W. long.;
(134) 43°59.43′ N. lat., 124°57.22′ W. long.;
(135) 43°57.49′ N. lat., 124°57.31′ W. long.;
(136) 43°55.73′ N. lat., 124°55.41′ W. long.;
(137) 43°54.74′ N. lat., 124°53.15′ W. long.;
(138) 43°54.58′ N. lat., 124°52.18′ W. long.;
(139) 43°53.18′ N. lat., 124°47.41′ W. long.;
(140) 43°53.60′ N. lat., 124°37.45′ W. long.;
(141) 43°53.05′ N. lat., 124°36.00′ W. long.;
(142) 43°47.93′ N. lat., 124°35.18′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.73(i)(143)

(143) 43°39.32′ N. lat., 124°35.14′ W. long.;
(144) 43°32.38′ N. lat., 124°35.26′ W. long.;
(145) 43°30.19′ N. lat., 124°35.89′ W. long.;
(146) 43°27.80′ N. lat., 124°36.42′ W. long.;
(147) 43°23.73′ N. lat., 124°39.66′ W. long.;
(148) 43°20.83′ N. lat., 124°41.18′ W. long.;
(149) 43°10.48′ N. lat., 124°43.54′ W. long.;
(150) 43°04.77′ N. lat., 124°45.51′ W. long.;
(151) 43°05.94′ N. lat., 124°49.77′ W. long.;
(152) 43°03.38′ N. lat., 124°51.86′ W. long.;
(153) 43°00.39′ N. lat., 124°51.77′ W. long.;
(154) 42°56.80′ N. lat., 124°53.38′ W. long.;
(155) 42°54.53′ N. lat., 124°52.72′ W. long.;
(156) 42°52.89′ N. lat., 124°47.45′ W. long.;
(157) 42°50.00′ N. lat., 124°47.03′ W. long.;
(158) 42°48.10′ N. lat., 124°46.75′ W. long.;
(159) 42°46.34′ N. lat., 124°43.54′ W. long.;
(160) 42°41.66′ N. lat., 124°42.70′ W. long.;
(161) 42°39.97′ N. lat., 124°42.45′ W. long.;
(162) 42°32.53′ N. lat., 124°42.77′ W. long.;
(163) 42°30.37′ N. lat., 124°42.97′ W. long.;
(164) 42°28.07′ N. lat., 124°47.65′ W. long.;
(165) 42°21.58′ N. lat., 124°41.41′ W. long.;
(166) 42°15.17′ N. lat., 124°36.25′ W. long.;
(167) 42°13.67′ N. lat., 124°36.20′ W. long.;
(168) 42°8.29′ N. lat., 124°36.08′ W. long.;
(169) 42°00.00′ N. lat., 124°35.46′ W. long.;
(170) 41°47.67′ N. lat., 124°28.67′ W. long.;
(171) 41°32.91′ N. lat., 124°29.01′ W. long.;
(172) 41°22.57′ N. lat., 124°28.66′ W. long.;
(173) 41°13.38′ N. lat., 124°22.88′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.73(i)(174)

(174) 41°06.42′ N. lat., 124°22.02′ W. long.;
(175) 40°50.19′ N. lat., 124°25.58′ W. long.;
(176) 40°44.08′ N. lat., 124°30.43′ W. long.;
(177) 40°40.54′ N. lat., 124°31.75′ W. long.;
(178) 40°37.36′ N. lat., 124°29.17′ W. long.;
(179) 40°35.30′ N. lat., 124°30.03′ W. long.;
(180) 40°37.02′ N. lat., 124°37.10′ W. long.;
(181) 40°35.82′ N. lat., 124°39.58′ W. long.;
(182) 40°31.70′ N. lat., 124°39.97′ W. long.;
(183) 40°30.35′ N. lat., 124°37.52′ W. long.;
(184) 40°28.39′ N. lat., 124°37.16′ W. long.;
(185) 40°24.77′ N. lat., 124°35.39′ W. long.;
(186) 40°23.22′ N. lat., 124°31.87′ W. long.;
(187) 40°23.40′ N. lat., 124°28.65′ W. long.;
(188) 40°22.32′ N lat., 124°25.15′ W long.;
(189) 40°21.85′ N lat., 124°25.09′ W long.;
(190) 40°21.91′ N. lat., 124°27.97′ W. long.;
(191) 40°21.37′ N. lat., 124°29.03′ W. long.;
(192) 40°19.74′ N. lat., 124°28.71′ W. long.;
(193) 40°18.52′ N. lat., 124°27.26′ W. long.;
(194) 40°17.57′ N. lat., 124°25.49′ W. long.;
(195) 40°18.20′ N. lat., 124°23.63′ W. long.;
(196) 40°15.89′ N. lat., 124°26.00′ W. long.;
(197) 40°17.00′ N. lat., 124°35.01′ W. long.;
(198) 40°15.97′ N. lat., 124°35.91′ W. long.;
(199) 40°10.00′ N. lat., 124°22.00′ W. long.;
(200) 40°07.35′ N. lat., 124°18.64′ W. long.;
(201) 40°08.46′ N. lat., 124°16.24′ W. long.;
(202) 40°06.26′ N. lat., 124°17.54′ W. long.;
(203) 40°03.26′ N. lat., 124°15.30′ W. long.;
(204) 40°02.00′ N. lat., 124°12.97′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.73(i)(205)

(205) 40°02.67′ N lat., 124°11.83′ W long.;
(206) 40°02.70′ N lat., 124°10.57′ W long.;
(207) 40°04.08′ N lat., 124°10.09′ W long.;
(208) 40°04.08′ N lat., 124°09.10′ W long.;
(209) 40°01.23′ N lat., 124°08.91′ W long.;
(210) 40°01.18′ N lat., 124°09.92′ W long.;
(211) 39°58.05′ N. lat., 124°11.87′ W long.;
(212) 39°56.39′ N lat., 124°08.70′ W long.;
(213) 39°54.64′ N lat., 124°07.31′ W long.;
(214) 39°53.87′ N lat., 124°07.95′ W long.;
(215) 39°52.42′ N lat., 124°08.18′ W long.;
(216) 39°49.64′ N lat., 124°06.05′ W long.;
(217) 39°49.30′ N lat., 124°04.60′ W long.;
(218) 39°48.49′ N lat., 124°03.86′ W long.;
(219) 39°47.73′ N lat., 124°04.59′ W long.;
(220) 39°42.50′ N lat., 124°00.60′ W long.;
(221) 39°34.23′ N lat., 123°56.82′ W long.;
(222) 39°33.00′ N lat., 123°56.44′ W long.;
(223) 39°30.96′ N lat., 123°56.00′ W long.;
(224) 39°31.34′ N lat., 123°56.71′ W long.;
(225) 39°32.03′ N lat., 123°57.44′ W long.;
(226) 39°31.43′ N lat., 123°58.16′ W long.;
(227) 39°05.56′ N lat., 123°57.24′ W long.;
(228) 39°01.75′ N lat., 123°56.83′ W long.;
(229) 38°59.52′ N lat., 123°55.95′ W long.;
(230) 38°58.98′ N lat., 123°56.57′ W long.;
(231) 38°57.50′ N lat., 123°56.57′ W long.;
(232) 38°53.91′ N lat., 123°56.00′ W long.;
(233) 38°42.57′ N lat., 123°46.60′ W long.;
(234) 38°28.72′ N lat., 123°35.61′ W long.;
(235) 38°28.01′ N lat., 123°36.47′ W long.;
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50 CFR 660.73(i)(236)

(236) 38°20.94′ N lat., 123°31.26′ W long.;
(237) 38°15.94′ N lat., 123°25.33′ W long.;
(238) 38°10.95′ N lat., 123°23.19′ W long.;
(239) 38°05.52′ N lat., 123°22.90′ W long.;
(240) 38°08.46′ N lat., 123°26.23′ W long.;
(241) 38°06.95′ N lat., 123°28.03′ W long.;
(242) 38°06.25′ N lat., 123°29.70′ W long.;
(243) 38°04.57′ N lat., 123°31.37′ W long.;
(244) 38°02.32′ N lat., 123°31.09′ W long.;
(245) 37°59.97′ N lat., 123°28.43′ W long.;
(246) 37°58.10′ N lat., 123°26.69′ W long.;
(247) 37°55.46′ N lat., 123°27.05′ W long.;
(248) 37°51.51′ N lat., 123°24.86′ W long.;
(249) 37°45.01′ N lat., 123°12.09′ W long.;
(250) 37°35.67′ N lat., 123°01.56′ W long.;
(251) 37°26.62′ N lat., 122°56.21′ W long.;
(252) 37°14.41′ N lat., 122°49.07′ W long.;
(253) 37°11.00′ N lat., 122°45.87′ W long.;
(254) 37°07.00′ N lat., 122°41.97′ W long.;
(255) 37°03.19′ N lat., 122°38.31′ W long.;
(256) 37°00.99′ N lat., 122°35.51′ W long.;
(257) 36°58.31′ N lat., 122°27.56′ W long.;
(258) 37°00.54′ N lat., 122°24.74′ W long.;
(259) 36°57.81′ N lat., 122°24.65′ W long.;
(260) 36°58.54′ N lat., 122°21.67′ W long.;
(261) 36°56.52′ N lat., 122°21.70′ W long.;
(262) 36°55.37′ N lat., 122°18.45′ W long.;
(263) 36°52.16′ N lat., 122°12.17′ W long.;
(264) 36°51.44′ N lat., 122°10.79′ W long.;
(265) 36°48.05′ N lat., 122°07.59′ W long.;
(266) 36°47.35′ N lat., 122°03.27′ W long.;
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50 CFR 660.73(i)(267)

(267) 36°50.71′ N lat., 121°58.17′ W long.;
(268) 36°48.89′ N lat., 121°58.90′ W long.;
(269) 36°47.70′ N lat., 121°58.76′ W long.;
(270) 36°48.37′ N lat., 121°51.15′ W long.;
(271) 36°45.74′ N lat., 121°54.18′ W long.;
(272) 36°45.52′ N lat., 121°57.74′ W long.;
(273) 36°44.02′ N lat., 121°58.55′ W long.;
(274) 36°38.84′ N lat., 122°01.44′ W long.;
(275) 36°35.62′ N lat., 122°01.06′ W long.;
(276) 36°32.41′ N lat., 121°59.18′ W long.;
(277) 36°32.52′ N lat., 121°57.62′ W long.;
(278) 36°30.16′ N lat., 122°00.55′ W long.;
(279) 36°24.56′ N lat., 121°59.19′ W long.;
(280) 36°22.19′ N lat., 122°00.30′ W long.;
(281) 36°20.62′ N lat., 122°02.93′ W long.;
(282) 36°18.89′ N lat., 122°05.18′ W long.;
(283) 36°14.45′ N lat., 121°59.44′ W long.;
(284) 36°13.66′ N lat., 121°57.17′ W long.;
(285) 36°14.35′ N lat., 121°55.38′ W long.;
(286) 36°10.18′ N lat., 121°43.26′ W long.;
(287) 36°07.67′ N lat., 121°40.92′ W long.;
(288) 36°02.51′ N lat., 121°36.76′ W long.;
(289) 36°01.04′ N lat., 121°36.68′ W long.;
(290) 35°59.96′ N lat., 121°35.39′ W long.;
(291) 35°57.84′ N lat., 121°33.10′ W long.;
(292) 35°45.57′ N lat., 121°27.26′ W long.;
(293) 35°39.02′ N lat., 121°22.86′ W long.;
(294) 35°25.92′ N lat., 121°05.52′ W long.;
(295) 35°16.26′ N lat., 121°01.50′ W long.;
(296) 35°07.60′ N lat., 120°56.49′ W long.;
(297) 34°57.77′ N lat., 120°53.87′ W long.;
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50 CFR 660.73(i)(298)

(298) 34°42.30′ N lat., 120°53.42′ W long.;
(299) 34°37.69′ N lat., 120°50.04′ W long.;
(300) 34°30.13′ N lat., 120°44.45′ W long.;
(301) 34°27.00′ N lat., 120°39.24′ W long.;
(302) 34°24.71′ N lat., 120°35.37′ W long.;
(303) 34°21.63′ N lat., 120°24.86′ W long.;
(304) 34°24.39′ N lat., 120°16.65′ W long.;
(305) 34°22.48′ N lat., 119°56.42′ W long.;
(306) 34°18.54′ N lat., 119°46.26′ W long.;
(307) 34°16.37′ N lat., 119°45.12′ W long.;
(308) 34°15.91′ N lat., 119°47.29′ W long.;
(309) 34°13.80′ N lat., 119°45.40′ W long.;
(310) 34°11.69′ N lat., 119°41.80′ W long.;
(311) 34°09.98′ N lat., 119°31.87′ W long.;
(312) 34°08.12′ N lat., 119°27.71′ W long.;
(313) 34°06.35′ N lat., 119°32.65′ W long.;
(314) 34°06.80′ N lat., 119°40.08′ W long.;
(315) 34°07.48′ N lat., 119°47.54′ W long.;
(316) 34°08.21′ N lat., 119°54.90′ W long.;
(317) 34°06.85′ N lat., 120°05.60′ W long.;
(318) 34°07.06′ N lat., 120°10.42′ W long.;
(319) 34°08.93′ N lat., 120°18.34′ W long.;
(320) 34°11.04′ N lat., 120°25.20′ W long.;
(321) 34°13.01′ N lat., 120°29.29′ W long.;
(322) 34°09.41′ N lat., 120°37.69′ W long.;
(323) 34°03.20′ N lat., 120°34.52′ W long.;
(324) 33°58.07′ N lat., 120°28.33′ W long.;
(325) 33°53.37′ N lat., 120°14.43′ W long.;
(326) 33°50.53′ N lat., 120°07.20′ W long.;
(327) 33°45.88′ N lat., 120°04.26′ W long.;
(328) 33°38.19′ N lat., 119°57.85′ W long.;
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50 CFR 660.73(i)(329)

(329) 33°38.19′ N lat., 119°50.42′ W long.;
(330) 33°42.36′ N lat., 119°49.60′ W long.;
(331) 33°53.95′ N lat., 119°53.81′ W long.;
(332) 33°55.99′ N lat., 119°41.40′ W long.;
(333) 33°58.48′ N lat., 119°27.90′ W long.;
(334) 33°59.24′ N lat., 119°23.61′ W long.;
(335) 33°59.35′ N lat., 119°21.71′ W long.;
(336) 33°59.94′ N lat., 119°19.57′ W long.;
(337) 34°04.48′ N lat., 119°15.32′ W long.;
(338) 34°02.80′ N lat., 119°12.95′ W long.;
(339) 34°02.39′ N lat., 119°07.17′ W long.;
(340) 34°03.75′ N lat., 119°04.72′ W long.;
(341) 34°01.82′ N lat., 119°03.24′ W long.;
(342) 33°59.33′ N lat., 119°03.49′ W long.;
(343) 33°59.01′ N lat., 118°59.56′ W long.;
(344) 33°59.51′ N lat., 118°57.25′ W long.;
(345) 33°58.83′ N lat., 118°52.50′ W long.;
(346) 33°58.55′ N lat., 118°41.86′ W long.;
(347) 33°55.10′ N lat., 118°34.25′ W long.;
(348) 33°54.30′ N lat., 118°38.71′ W long.;
(349) 33°50.88′ N lat., 118°37.02′ W long.;
(350) 33°48.70′ N lat., 118°31.99′ W long.;
(351) 33°48.87′ N lat., 118°29.47′ W long.;
(352) 33°48.37′ N lat., 118°29.40′ W long.;
(353) 33°47.63′ N lat., 118°31.57′ W long.;
(354) 33°39.78′ N lat., 118°18.40′ W long.;
(355) 33°35.50′ N lat., 118°16.85′ W long.;
(356) 33°32.46′ N lat., 118°10.90′ W long.;
(357) 33°32.81′ N lat., 118°07.30′ W long.;
(358) 33°34.38′ N lat., 118°05.94′ W long.;
(359) 33°34.42′ N lat., 118°03.95′ W long.;
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50 CFR 660.73(i)(360)

(360) 33°33.40′ N lat., 118°01.26′ W long.;
(361) 33°34.11′ N lat., 117°54.07′ W long.;
(362) 33°31.61′ N lat., 117°49.30′ W long.;
(363) 33°16.36′ N lat., 117°35.48′ W long.;
(364) 33°06.81′ N lat., 117°22.93′ W long.;
(365) 32°59.28′ N lat., 117°19.69′ W long.;
(366) 32°55.37′ N lat., 117°19.55′ W long.;
(367) 32°53.12′ N lat., 117°17.49′ W long.;
(368) 32°52.56′ N lat., 117°20.75′ W long.;
(369) 32°46.42′ N lat., 117°23.45′ W long.;
(370) 32°42.71′ N lat., 117°21.45′ W long.; and
(371) 32°34.54′ N lat., 117°23.04′ W long.
(j)

The 125 fm (229 m) depth contour around San Clemente Island off the state of California is defined by
straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°04.86′ N lat., 118°37.89′ W long.;
(2) 33°02.67′ N lat., 118°34.07′ W long.;
(3) 32°55.97′ N lat., 118°28.95′ W long.;
(4) 32°55.06′ N lat., 118°27.66′ W long.;
(5) 32°49.79′ N lat., 118°20.84′ W long.;
(6) 32°48.02′ N lat., 118°19.49′ W long.;
(7) 32°47.37′ N lat., 118°21.72′ W long.;
(8) 32°43.58′ N lat., 118°24.54′ W long.;
(9) 32°47.74′ N lat., 118°30.39′ W long.;
(10) 32°49.74′ N lat., 118°32.11′ W long.;
(11) 32°53.36′ N lat., 118°33.44′ W long.;
(12) 32°54.89′ N lat., 118°35.37′ W long.;
(13) 33°00.20′ N lat., 118°38.72′ W long.;
(14) 33°03.15′ N lat., 118°39.80′ W long.; and
(15) 33°04.86′ N lat., 118°37.89′ W long.;

(k) The 125 fm (229 m) depth contour around Santa Catalina Island off the state of California is defined by
straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°28.42′ N. lat., 118°39.85′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.73(k)(2)

(2) 33°29.99′ N. lat., 118°36.14′ W. long.;
(3) 33°29.47′ N. lat., 118°33.66′ W. long.;
(4) 33°29.31′ N. lat., 118°30.53′ W. long.;
(5) 33°27.24′ N. lat., 118°27.71′ W. long.;
(6) 33°25.77′ N. lat., 118°22.57′ W. long.;
(7) 33°23.76′ N. lat., 118°19.27′ W. long.;
(8) 33°17.61′ N. lat., 118°13.61′ W. long.;
(9) 33°16.16′ N. lat., 118°13.98′ W. long.;
(10) 33°15.86′ N. lat., 118°15.27′ W. long.;
(11) 33°18.11′ N. lat., 118°27.96′ W. long.;
(12) 33°19.85′ N lat., 118°32.25′ W long.;
(13) 33°20.82′ N lat., 118°32.98′ W long.;
(14) 33°21.99′ N. lat., 118°32.04′ W. long.;
(15) 33°23.09′ N. lat., 118°30.37′ W. long.;
(16) 33°24.78′ N. lat., 118°32.46′ W. long.;
(17) 33°25.43′ N. lat., 118°34.93′ W. long.; and
(18) 33°28.42′ N. lat., 118°39.85′ W. long.
(l)

The 125 fm (229 m) depth contour around Lasuen Knoll off the state of California is defined by straight
lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°24.50′ N lat., 118°01.08′ W long.;
(2) 33°23.35′ N lat., 117°59.83′ W long.;
(3) 33°23.69′ N lat., 117°58.47′ W long.;
(4) 33°24.76′ N lat., 117°59.33′ W long.; and
(5) 33°24.50′ N lat., 118°01.08′ W long.

(m) The 125 fm (229 m) depth contour around Santa Barbara Island off the State of California is defined by
straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°33.96′ N lat., 119°4.88′ W long.;
(2) 33°33.28′ N lat., 119°5.88′ W long.;
(3) 33°30.98′ N lat., 119°6.32′ W long.;
(4) 33°28.52′ N lat., 119°7.7′ W long.;
(5) 33°26.93′ N lat., 119°5.94′ W long.;
(6) 33°25.96′ N lat., 119°3.34′ W long.;
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50 CFR 660.73(m)(7)

(7) 33°27.01′ N lat., 118°59.73′ W long.;
(8) 33°28.68′ N lat., 118°58.43′ W long.;
(9) 33°31.2′ N lat., 119°1.09′ W long.;
(10) 33°32.04′ N lat., 119° 2.77′ W long.; and
(11) 33°33.96′ N lat., 119° 4.88′ W long.
(n) The 125 fm (229 m) depth contour around Tanner Bank and Cortes Bank off the State of California is
defined by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 32°46.01′ N lat., 119°14.63′ W long.;
(2) 32°44.35′ N lat., 119°16.58′ W long.;
(3) 32°40.85′ N lat., 119°11.61′ W long.;
(4) 32°38.93′ N lat., 119°11.9′ W long.;
(5) 32°41.32′ N lat., 119°18.11′ W long.;
(6) 32°36.16′ N lat., 119°22.16′ W long.;
(7) 32°33.09′ N lat., 119°21.89′ W long.;
(8) 32°30.73′ N lat., 119°20.43′ W long.;
(9) 32°28.94′ N lat., 119°15.4′ W long.;
(10) 32°27.46′ N lat., 119°15.62′ W long.;
(11) 32°24.58′ N lat., 119°9.83′ W long.;
(12) 32°22.97′ N lat., 119°3′ W long.;
(13) 32°22.03′ N lat., 118°56.26′ W long.;
(14) 32°24.63′ N lat., 118°57.54′ W long.;
(15) 32°34.72′ N lat., 119°10.24′ W long.;
(16) 32°37.93′ N lat., 119°7.88′ W long.;
(17) 32°36.55′ N lat., 119°4.42′ W long.;
(18) 32°41.5′ N lat., 119°2.65′ W long.;
(19) 32°45.98′ N lat., 119°10.71′ W long.; and
(20) 32°46.01′ N lat., 119°14.63′ W long.
(o) The 125 fm (229 m) depth contour around San Nicholas Island off the State of California is defined by
straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°31.65′ N lat., 119°44.84′ W long.;
(2) 33°28.91′ N lat., 119°52.35′ W long.;
(3) 33°25.39′ N lat., 119°51.44′ W long.;
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50 CFR 660.73(o)(4)

(4) 33°17.94′ N lat., 119°47.31′ W long.;
(5) 33°15.33′ N lat., 119°43.4′ W long.;
(6) 33°14.03′ N lat., 119°37.02′ W long.;
(7) 33°11.49′ N lat., 119°29.58′ W long.;
(8) 33°11.21′ N lat., 119°26.46′ W long.;
(9) 33°12.9′ N lat., 119°15.74′ W long.;
(10) 33°14.51′ N lat., 119°14.92′ W long.;
(11) 33°14.76′ N lat., 119°17.07′ W long.;
(12) 33°17.44′ N lat., 119°22.82′ W long.;
(13) 33°21.37′ N lat., 119°27.53′ W long.;
(14) 33°23.44′ N lat., 119°33.11′ W long.; and
(15) 33°31.65′ N lat., 119°44.84′ W long.
(p) The 150-fm (274-m) depth contour used between the U.S. border with Canada and the U.S. border with
Mexico is defined by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 48°14.96′ N. lat., 125°41.24′ W. long.;
(2) 48°12.89′ N. lat., 125°37.83′ W. long.;
(3) 48°11.49′ N. lat., 125°39.27′ W. long.;
(4) 48°10.00′ N. lat., 125°40.65′ W. long.;
(5) 48°08.72′ N. lat., 125°41.84′ W. long.;
(6) 48°07.00′ N. lat., 125°45.00′ W. long.;
(7) 48°06.13′ N. lat., 125°41.57′ W. long.;
(8) 48°05.00′ N. lat., 125°39.00′ W. long.;
(9) 48°04.15′ N. lat., 125°36.71′ W. long.;
(10) 48°03.00′ N. lat., 125°36.00′ W. long.;
(11) 48°01.65′ N. lat., 125°36.96′ W. long.;
(12) 48°01.00′ N. lat., 125°38.50′ W. long.;
(13) 47°57.50′ N. lat., 125°36.50′ W. long.;
(14) 47°56.53′ N. lat., 125°30.33′ W. long.;
(15) 47°57.28′ N. lat., 125°27.89′ W. long.;
(16) 47°59.00′ N. lat., 125°25.50′ W. long.;
(17) 48°01.77′ N. lat., 125°24.05′ W. long.;
(18) 48°02.08′ N. lat., 125°22.98′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.73(p)(18) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR 660.73(p)(19)

(19) 48°03.00′ N. lat., 125°22.50′ W. long.;
(20) 48°03.46′ N. lat., 125°22.10′ W. long.;
(21) 48°04.29′ N. lat., 125°20.37′ W. long.;
(22) 48°02.00′ N. lat., 125°18.50′ W. long.;
(23) 48°00.01′ N. lat., 125°19.90′ W. long.;
(24) 47°58.75′ N. lat., 125°17.54′ W. long.;
(25) 47°53.50′ N. lat., 125°13.50′ W. long.;
(26) 47°48.88′ N. lat., 125°05.91′ W. long.;
(27) 47°48.50′ N. lat., 125°05.00′ W. long.;
(28) 47°45.98′ N. lat., 125°04.26′ W. long.;
(29) 47°45.00′ N. lat., 125°05.50′ W. long.;
(30) 47°42.11′ N. lat., 125°04.74′ W. long.;
(31) 47°39.00′ N. lat., 125°06.00′ W. long.;
(32) 47°35.53′ N. lat., 125°04.55′ W. long.;
(33) 47°30.90′ N. lat., 124°57.31′ W. long.;
(34) 47°29.54′ N. lat., 124°56.50′ W. long.;
(35) 47°29.50′ N. lat., 124°54.50′ W. long.;
(36) 47°28.57′ N. lat., 124°51.50′ W. long.;
(37) 47°25.00′ N. lat., 124°48.00′ W. long.;
(38) 47°23.95′ N. lat., 124°47.24′ W. long.;
(39) 47°23.00′ N. lat., 124°47.00′ W. long.;
(40) 47°21.00′ N. lat., 124°46.50′ W. long.;
(41) 47°18.20′ N. lat., 124°45.84′ W. long.;
(42) 47°18.50′ N. lat., 124°49.00′ W. long.;
(43) 47°19.17′ N. lat., 124°50.86′ W. long.;
(44) 47°18.07′ N. lat., 124°53.29′ W. long.;
(45) 47°17.78′ N. lat., 124°51.39′ W. long.;
(46) 47°16.81′ N. lat., 124°50.85′ W. long.;
(47) 47°15.96′ N. lat., 124°53.15′ W. long.;
(48) 47°14.31′ N. lat., 124°52.62′ W. long.;
(49) 47°11.87′ N. lat., 124°56.90′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.73(p)(50)

(50) 47°12.39′ N. lat., 124°58.09′ W. long.;
(51) 47°09.50′ N. lat., 124°57.50′ W. long.;
(52) 47°09.00′ N. lat., 124°59.00′ W. long.;
(53) 47°06.06′ N. lat., 124°58.80′ W. long.;
(54) 47°03.62′ N. lat., 124°55.96′ W. long.;
(55) 47°02.89′ N. lat., 124°56.89′ W. long.;
(56) 47°01.04′ N. lat., 124°59.54′ W. long.;
(57) 46°58.47′ N. lat., 124°59.08′ W. long.;
(58) 46°58.36′ N. lat., 124°59.82′ W. long.;
(59) 46°56.80′ N. lat., 125°00.00′ W. long.;
(60) 46°56.62′ N. lat., 125°00.00′ W. long.;
(61) 46°57.09′ N. lat., 124°58.86′ W. long.;
(62) 46°55.95′ N. lat., 124°54.88′ W. long.;
(63) 46°54.79′ N. lat., 124°54.14′ W. long.;
(64) 46°58.00′ N. lat., 124°50.00′ W. long.;
(65) 46°54.50′ N. lat., 124°49.00′ W. long.;
(66) 46°54.53′ N. lat., 124°52.94′ W. long.;
(67) 46°49.52′ N. lat., 124°53.41′ W. long.;
(68) 46°42.24′ N. lat., 124°47.86′ W. long.;
(69) 46°39.50′ N. lat., 124°42.50′ W. long.;
(70) 46°38.17′ N. lat., 124°41.50′ W. long.;
(71) 46°37.50′ N. lat., 124°41.00′ W. long.;
(72) 46°36.50′ N. lat., 124°38.00′ W. long.;
(73) 46°33.85′ N. lat., 124°36.99′ W. long.;
(74) 46°33.50′ N. lat., 124°29.50′ W. long.;
(75) 46°32.00′ N. lat., 124°31.00′ W. long.;
(76) 46°30.53′ N. lat., 124°30.55′ W. long.;
(77) 46°25.50′ N. lat., 124°33.00′ W. long.;
(78) 46°23.00′ N. lat., 124°35.00′ W. long.;
(79) 46°21.05′ N. lat., 124°37.00′ W. long.;
(80) 46°20.64′ N. lat., 124°36.21′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.73(p)(81)

(81) 46°20.36′ N. lat., 124°37.85′ W. long.;
(82) 46°19.48′ N. lat., 124°38.35′ W. long.;
(83) 46°17.87′ N. lat., 124°38.54′ W. long.;
(84) 46°16.15′ N. lat., 124°25.20′ W. long.;
(85) 46°16.00′ N. lat., 124°23.00′ W. long.;
(86) 46°14.87′ N. lat., 124°26.15′ W. long.;
(87) 46°13.37′ N. lat., 124°31.36′ W. long.;
(88) 46°12.08′ N. lat., 124°38.39′ W. long.;
(89) 46°09.46′ N. lat., 124°40.64′ W. long.;
(90) 46°07.29′ N. lat., 124°40.89′ W. long.;
(91) 46°02.76′ N. lat., 124°44.01′ W. long.;
(92) 46°01.22′ N. lat., 124°43.47′ W. long.;
(93) 45°51.82′ N. lat., 124°42.89′ W. long.;
(94) 45°46.00′ N. lat., 124°40.88′ W. long.;
(95) 45°45.95′ N. lat., 124°40.72′ W. long.;
(96) 45°44.11′ N. lat., 124°43.09′ W. long.;
(97) 45°34.50′ N. lat., 124°30.28′ W. long.;
(98) 45°21.10′ N. lat., 124°23.11′ W. long.;
(99) 45°20.25′ N. lat., 124°22.92′ W. long.;
(100) 45°09.69′ N. lat., 124°20.45′ W. long.;
(101) 45°03.83′ N. lat., 124°23.30′ W. long.;
(102) 44°56.41′ N. lat., 124°27.65′ W. long.;
(103) 44°44.47′ N. lat., 124°37.85′ W. long.;
(104) 44°37.17′ N. lat., 124°38.60′ W. long.;
(105) 44°35.55′ N. lat., 124°39.27′ W. long.;
(106) 44°31.81′ N. lat., 124°39.60′ W. long.;
(107) 44°31.48′ N. lat., 124°43.30′ W. long.;
(108) 44°12.67′ N. lat., 124°57.87′ W. long.;
(109) 44°08.30′ N. lat., 124°57.84′ W. long.;
(110) 44°07.38′ N. lat., 124°57.87′ W. long.;
(111) 43°57.42′ N. lat., 124°57.20′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.73(p)(111) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR 660.73(p)(112)

(112) 43°52.52′ N. lat., 124°49.00′ W. long.;
(113) 43°51.55′ N. lat., 124°37.49′ W. long.;
(114) 43°47.83′ N. lat., 124°36.43′ W. long.;
(115) 43°31.79′ N. lat., 124°36.80′ W. long.;
(116) 43°29.34′ N. lat., 124°36.77′ W. long.;
(117) 43°26.37′ N. lat., 124°39.53′ W. long.;
(118) 43°20.83′ N. lat., 124°42.39′ W. long.;
(119) 43°16.15′ N. lat., 124°44.36′ W. long.;
(120) 43°09.33′ N. lat., 124°45.35′ W. long.;
(121) 43°08.77′ N. lat., 124°49.82′ W. long.;
(122) 43°08.83′ N. lat., 124°50.93′ W. long.;
(123) 43°05.89′ N. lat., 124°51.60′ W. long.;
(124) 43°04.60′ N. lat., 124°53.02′ W. long.;
(125) 43°02.64′ N. lat., 124°52.01′ W. long.;
(126) 43°00.39′ N. lat., 124°51.77′ W. long.;
(127) 42°58.00′ N. lat., 124°52.99′ W. long.;
(128) 42°57.56′ N. lat., 124°54.10′ W. long.;
(129) 42°53.82′ N. lat., 124°55.76′ W. long.;
(130) 42°52.31′ N. lat., 124°50.76′ W. long.;
(131) 42°50.00′ N. lat., 124°48.97′ W. long.;
(132) 42°47.78′ N. lat., 124°47.27′ W. long.;
(133) 42°46.31′ N. lat., 124°43.60′ W. long.;
(134) 42°41.63′ N. lat., 124°44.07′ W. long.;
(135) 42°40.50′ N. lat., 124°43.52′ W. long.;
(136) 42°38.83′ N. lat., 124°42.77′ W. long.;
(137) 42°35.36′ N. lat., 124°43.22′ W. long.;
(138) 42°32.78′ N. lat., 124°44.68′ W. long.;
(139) 42°32.02′ N. lat., 124°43.00′ W. long.;
(140) 42°30.54′ N. lat., 124°43.50′ W. long.;
(141) 42°28.16′ N. lat., 124°48.38′ W. long.;
(142) 42°18.26′ N. lat., 124°39.01′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.73(p)(142) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR 660.73(p)(143)

(143) 42°13.66′ N. lat., 124°36.82′ W. long.;
(144) 42°00.00′ N. lat., 124°35.99′ W. long.;
(145) 41°47.80′ N. lat., 124°29.41′ W. long.;
(146) 41°23.51′ N. lat., 124°29.50′ W. long.;
(147) 41°13.29′ N. lat., 124°23.31′ W. long.;
(148) 41°06.23′ N. lat., 124°22.62′ W. long.;
(149) 40°55.60′ N. lat., 124°26.04′ W. long.;
(150) 40°49.62′ N. lat., 124°26.57′ W. long.;
(151) 40°45.72′ N. lat., 124°30.00′ W. long.;
(152) 40°40.56′ N. lat., 124°32.11′ W. long.;
(153) 40°37.33′ N. lat., 124°29.27′ W. long.;
(154) 40°35.60′ N. lat., 124°30.49′ W. long.;
(155) 40°37.38′ N. lat., 124°37.14′ W. long.;
(156) 40°36.03′ N. lat., 124°39.97′ W. long.;
(157) 40°31.58′ N. lat., 124°40.74′ W. long.;
(158) 40°30.30′ N. lat., 124°37.63′ W. long.;
(159) 40°28.22′ N. lat., 124°37.23′ W. long.;
(160) 40°24.86′ N. lat., 124°35.71′ W. long.;
(161) 40°23.01′ N. lat., 124°31.94′ W. long.;
(162) 40°23.39′ N. lat., 124°28.64′ W. long.;
(163) 40°22.29′ N. lat., 124°25.25′ W. long.;
(164) 40°21.90′ N. lat., 124°25.18′ W. long.;
(165) 40°22.02′ N. lat., 124°28.00′ W. long.;
(166) 40°21.34′ N. lat., 124°29.53′ W. long.;
(167) 40°19.74′ N. lat., 124°28.95′ W. long.;
(168) 40°18.13′ N. lat., 124°27.08′ W. long.;
(169) 40°17.45′ N. lat., 124°25.53′ W. long.;
(170) 40°17.97′ N. lat., 124°24.12′ W. long.;
(171) 40°15.96′ N. lat., 124°26.05′ W. long.;
(172) 40°17.00′ N. lat., 124°35.01′ W. long.;
(173) 40°15.97′ N. lat., 124°35.90′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.73(p)(173) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR 660.73(p)(174)

(174) 40°10.00′ N. lat., 124°22.96′ W. long.;
(175) 40°07.00′ N. lat., 124°19.00′ W. long.;
(176) 40°08.10′ N. lat., 124°16.70′ W. long.;
(177) 40°05.90′ N. lat., 124°17.77′ W. long.;
(178) 40°02.99′ N. lat., 124°15.55′ W. long.;
(179) 40°02.00′ N. lat., 124°12.97′ W. long.;
(180) 40°02.60′ N. lat., 124°10.61′ W. long.;
(181) 40°03.63′ N. lat., 124°09.12′ W. long.;
(182) 40°02.18′ N. lat., 124°09.07′ W. long.;
(183) 39°58.25′ N. lat., 124°12.56′ W. long.;
(184) 39°57.03′ N. lat., 124°11.34′ W. long.;
(185) 39°56.30′ N. lat., 124°08.96′ W. long.;
(186) 39°54.82′ N. lat., 124°07.66′ W. long.;
(187) 39°52.57′ N. lat., 124°08.55′ W. long.;
(188) 39°49.10′ N. lat., 124°06.00′ W. long.;
(189) 39°48.94′ N. lat., 124°04.74′ W. long.;
(190) 39°48.60′ N. lat., 124°04.50′ W. long.;
(191) 39°47.95′ N. lat., 124°05.22′ W. long.;
(192) 39°45.34′ N. lat., 124°03.30′ W. long.;
(193) 39°39.82′ N. lat., 123°59.98′ W. long.;
(194) 39°34.59′ N. lat., 123°58.08′ W. long.;
(195) 39°34.22′ N. lat., 123°56.82′ W. long.;
(196) 39°32.98′ N. lat., 123°56.43′ W. long.;
(197) 39°31.64′ N. lat., 123°56.16′ W. long.;
(198) 39°31.40′ N. lat., 123°56.70′ W. long.;
(199) 39°32.35′ N. lat., 123°57.42′ W. long.;
(200) 39°31.47′ N. lat., 123°58.73′ W. long.;
(201) 39°05.68′ N. lat., 123°57.81′ W. long.;
(202) 39°00.24′ N. lat., 123°56.74′ W. long.;
(203) 38°57.50′ N. lat., 123°56.74′ W. long.;
(204) 38°54.31′ N. lat., 123°56.73′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.73(p)(204) (enhanced display)

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Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.73(p)(205)

(205) 38°41.42′ N. lat., 123°46.75′ W. long.;
(206) 38°39.61′ N. lat., 123°46.48′ W. long.;
(207) 38°37.52′ N. lat., 123°43.78′ W. long.;
(208) 38°35.25′ N. lat., 123°42.00′ W. long.;
(209) 38°28.79′ N. lat., 123°37.07′ W. long.;
(210) 38°18.75′ N. lat., 123°31.21′ W. long.;
(211) 38°14.43′ N. lat., 123°25.56′ W. long.;
(212) 38°08.75′ N. lat., 123°24.48′ W. long.;
(213) 38°10.10′ N. lat., 123°27.20′ W. long.;
(214) 38°07.16′ N. lat., 123°28.18′ W. long.;
(215) 38°06.15′ N. lat., 123°30.00′ W. long.;
(216) 38°04.28′ N. lat., 123°31.70′ W. long.;
(217) 38°01.88′ N. lat., 123°30.98′ W. long.;
(218) 38°00.75′ N. lat., 123°29.72′ W. long.;
(219) 38°00.00′ N. lat., 123°28.60′ W. long.;
(220) 37°58.23′ N. lat., 123°26.90′ W. long.;
(221) 37°55.32′ N. lat., 123°27.19′ W. long.;
(222) 37°51.47′ N. lat., 123°24.92′ W. long.;
(223) 37°44.47′ N. lat., 123°11.57′ W. long.;
(224) 37°35.67′ N. lat., 123°01.76′ W. long.;
(225) 37°26.10′ N. lat., 122°57.07′ W. long.;
(226) 37°26.51′ N. lat., 122°54.23′ W. long.;
(227) 37°25.05′ N. lat., 122°55.64′ W. long.;
(228) 37°24.42′ N. lat., 122°54.94′ W. long.;
(229) 37°25.16′ N. lat., 122°52.73′ W. long.;
(230) 37°24.55′ N. lat., 122°52.48′ W. long.;
(231) 37°22.81′ N. lat., 122°54.36′ W. long.;
(232) 37°19.87′ N. lat., 122°53.98′ W. long.;
(233) 37°15.16′ N. lat., 122°51.64′ W. long.;
(234) 37°11.00′ N. lat., 122°47.20′ W. long.;
(235) 37°07.00′ N. lat., 122°42.90′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.73(p)(235) (enhanced display)

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Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.73(p)(236)

(236) 37°01.68′ N. lat., 122°37.28′ W. long.;
(237) 36°59.70′ N. lat., 122°33.71′ W. long.;
(238) 36°58.00′ N. lat., 122°27.80′ W. long.;
(239) 37°00.25′ N. lat., 122°24.85′ W. long.;
(240) 36°57.50′ N. lat., 122°24.98′ W. long.;
(241) 36°58.38′ N. lat., 122°21.85′ W. long.;
(242) 36°55.85′ N. lat., 122°21.95′ W. long.;
(243) 36°52.02′ N. lat., 122°12.10′ W. long.;
(244) 36°47.63′ N. lat., 122°07.37′ W. long.;
(245) 36°47.26′ N. lat., 122°03.22′ W. long.;
(246) 36°50.34′ N. lat., 121°58.40′ W. long.;
(247) 36°48.83′ N. lat., 121°59.14′ W. long.;
(248) 36°47.60′ N. lat., 121°58.88′ W. long.;
(249) 36°48.24′ N. lat., 121°51.40′ W. long.;
(250) 36°45.84′ N. lat., 121°57.21′ W. long.;
(251) 36°45.77′ N. lat., 121°57.61′ W. long.;
(252) 36°44.81′ N. lat., 121°58.28′ W. long.;
(253) 36°39.00′ N. lat., 122°01.71′ W. long.;
(254) 36°29.60′ N. lat., 122°00.49′ W. long.;
(255) 36°23.43′ N. lat., 121°59.76′ W. long.;
(256) 36°18.90′ N. lat., 122°05.32′ W. long.;
(257) 36°15.38′ N. lat., 122°01.40′ W. long.;
(258) 36°13.79′ N. lat., 121°58.12′ W. long.;
(259) 36°10.12′ N. lat., 121°43.33′ W. long.;
(260) 36°02.57′ N. lat., 121°37.02′ W. long.;
(261) 36°01.01′ N. lat., 121°36.69′ W. long.;
(262) 36°00.00′ N. lat., 121°35.45′ W. long.;
(263) 35°57.74′ N. lat., 121°33.45′ W. long.;
(264) 35°51.32′ N. lat., 121°30.08′ W. long.;
(265) 35°45.84′ N. lat., 121°28.84′ W. long.;
(266) 35°38.94′ N. lat., 121°23.16′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.73(p)(266) (enhanced display)

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Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.73(p)(267)

(267) 35°26.00′ N. lat., 121°08.00′ W. long.;
(268) 35°07.42′ N. lat., 120°57.08′ W. long.;
(269) 34°42.76′ N. lat., 120°55.09′ W. long.;
(270) 34°37.75′ N. lat., 120°51.96′ W. long.;
(271) 34°29.29′ N. lat., 120°44.19′ W. long.;
(272) 34°27.00′ N. lat., 120°40.42′ W. long.;
(273) 34°21.89′ N. lat., 120°31.36′ W. long.;
(274) 34°20.79′ N. lat., 120°21.58′ W. long.;
(275) 34°23.97′ N. lat., 120°15.25′ W. long.;
(276) 34°22.11′ N. lat., 119°56.63′ W. long.;
(277) 34°19.00′ N. lat., 119°48.00′ W. long.;
(278) 34°15.00′ N. lat., 119°48.00′ W. long.;
(279) 34°08.00′ N. lat., 119°37.00′ W. long.;
(280) 34°08.39′ N. lat., 119°54.78′ W. long.;
(281) 34°07.10′ N lat., 120°10.37′ W long.;
(282) 34°09.00′ N lat., 120°18.40′ W long.;
(283) 34°11.07′ N lat., 120°25.03′ W long.;
(284) 34°13.16′ N lat., 120°29.40′ W long.;
(285) 34°09.41′ N lat., 120°37.75′ W long.;
(286) 34°03.15′ N lat., 120°34.71′ W long.;
(287) 33°57.09′ N lat., 120°27.76′ W long.;
(288) 33°51.00′ N lat., 120°09.00′ W long.;
(289) 33°38.16′ N lat., 119°59.23′ W long.;
(290) 33°37.04′ N lat., 119°50.17′ W long.;
(291) 33°42.28′ N lat., 119°48.85′ W long.;
(292) 33°53.96′ N lat., 119°53.77′ W long.;
(293) 33°55.88′ N lat., 119°41.05′ W long.;
(294) 33°59.18′ N lat., 119°23.64′ W long.;
(295) 33°59.26′ N lat., 119°21.92′ W long.;
(296) 33°59.94′ N lat., 119°19.57′ W long.;
(297) 34°03.12′ N lat., 119°15.51′ W long.;
50 CFR 660.73(p)(297) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR 660.73(p)(298)

(298) 34°01.97′ N lat., 119°07.28′ W long.;
(299) 34°03.60′ N lat., 119°04.71′ W long.;
(300) 33°59.30′ N lat., 119°03.73′ W long.;
(301) 33°58.87′ N lat., 118°59.37′ W long.;
(302) 33°58.08′ N lat., 118°41.14′ W long.;
(303) 33°50.93′ N lat., 118°37.65′ W long.;
(304) 33°39.54′ N lat., 118°18.70′ W long.;
(305) 33°35.42′ N lat., 118°17.14′ W long.;
(306) 33°32.15′ N lat., 118°10.84′ W long.;
(307) 33°33.71′ N lat., 117°53.72′ W long.;
(308) 33°31.17′ N lat., 117°49.11′ W long.;
(309) 33°16.53′ N lat., 117°36.13′ W long.;
(310) 33°06.77′ N lat., 117°22.92′ W long.;
(311) 32°58.94′ N lat., 117°20.05′ W long.;
(312) 32°55.83′ N lat., 117°20.15′ W long.;
(313) 32°46.29′ N lat., 117°23.89′ W long.;
(314) 32°42.00′ N lat., 117°22.16′ W long.;
(315) 32°39.47′ N lat., 117°27.78′ W long.; and
(316) 32°34.83′ N lat., 117°24.69′ W long.
(q) The 150 fm (274 m) depth contour used around San Clemente Island off the state of California is defined
by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 32°47.95′ N. lat., 118°19.31′ W. long.;
(2) 32°49.79′ N. lat., 118°20.82′ W. long.;
(3) 32°55.99′ N. lat., 118°28.80′ W. long.;
(4) 33°03.00′ N. lat., 118°34.00′ W. long.;
(5) 33°05.00′ N. lat., 118°38.00′ W. long.;
(6) 33°03.21′ N. lat., 118°39.85′ W. long.;
(7) 33°01.93′ N. lat., 118°39.85′ W. long.;
(8) 32°54.69′ N. lat., 118°35.45′ W. long.;
(9) 32°53.28′ N. lat., 118°33.58′ W. long.;
(10) 32°48.26′ N. lat., 118°31.62′ W. long.;
(11) 32°43.03′ N. lat., 118°24.21′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.73(q)(11) (enhanced display)

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Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.73(q)(12)

(12) 32°47.15′ N. lat., 118°21.53′ W. long.; and
(13) 32°47.95′ N. lat., 118°19.31′ W. long.
(r) The 150 fm (274 m) depth contour used around Santa Catalina Island off the state of California is defined
by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°17.24′ N. lat., 118°12.94′ W. long.;
(2) 33°23.60′ N. lat., 118°18.79′ W. long.;
(3) 33°26.00′ N. lat., 118°22.00′ W. long.;
(4) 33°27.57′ N. lat., 118°27.69′ W. long.;
(5) 33°29.78′ N. lat., 118°31.01′ W. long.;
(6) 33°30.46′ N. lat., 118°36.52′ W. long.;
(7) 33°28.65′ N. lat., 118°41.07′ W. long.;
(8) 33°23.23′ N. lat., 118°30.69′ W. long.;
(9) 33°20.97′ N. lat., 118°33.29′ W. long.;
(10) 33°19.81′ N. lat., 118°32.24′ W. long.;
(11) 33°18.00′ N. lat., 118°28.00′ W. long.;
(12) 33°15.62′ N. lat., 118°14.74′ W. long.;
(13) 33°16.00′ N. lat., 118°13.00′ W. long.; and
(14) 33°17.24′ N. lat., 118°12.94′ W. long.
(s) The 150 fm (274 m) depth contour used around Lasuen Knoll off the state of California is defined by
straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°25.07′ N lat., 117°59.26′ W long.;
(2) 33°23.69′ N lat., 117°58.13′ W long.;
(3) 33°23.18′ N lat., 117°59.87′ W long.;
(4) 33°24.61′ N lat., 118°01.31′ W long.; and
(5) 33°25.07′ N lat., 117°59.26′ W long.
(t) The 150 fm (274 m) depth contour used between the U.S. border with Canada and 40°10′ N. lat., modified
to allow fishing in petrale sole areas, is defined by straight lines connecting all of the following points in
the order stated:
(1) 48°14.96′ N. lat., 125°41.24′ W. long.;
(2) 48°12.89′ N. lat., 125°37.83′ W. long.;
(3) 48°11.49′ N. lat., 125°39.27′ W. long.;
(4) 48°10.00′ N. lat., 125°40.65′ W. long.;
(5) 48°08.72′ N. lat., 125°41.84′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.73(t)(5) (enhanced display)

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Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.73(t)(6)

(6) 48°07.00′ N. lat., 125°45.00′ W. long.;
(7) 48°06.13′ N. lat., 125°41.57′ W. long.;
(8) 48°05.00′ N. lat., 125°39.00′ W. long.;
(9) 48°04.15′ N. lat., 125°36.71′ W. long.;
(10) 48°03.00′ N. lat., 125°36.00′ W. long.;
(11) 48°01.65′ N. lat., 125°36.96′ W. long.;
(12) 48°01.00′ N. lat., 125°38.50′ W. long.;
(13) 47°57.50′ N. lat., 125°36.50′ W. long.;
(14) 47°56.53′ N. lat., 125°30.33′ W. long.;
(15) 47°57.28′ N. lat., 125°27.89′ W. long.;
(16) 47°59.00′ N. lat., 125°25.50′ W. long.;
(17) 48°01.77′ N. lat., 125°24.05′ W. long.;
(18) 48°02.08′ N. lat., 125°22.98′ W. long.;
(19) 48°03.00′ N. lat., 125°22.50′ W. long.;
(20) 48°03.46′ N. lat., 125°22.10′ W. long.;
(21) 48°04.29′ N. lat., 125°20.37′ W. long.;
(22) 48°02.00′ N. lat., 125°18.50′ W. long.;
(23) 48°00.01′ N. lat., 125°19.90′ W. long.;
(24) 47°58.75′ N. lat., 125°17.54′ W. long.;
(25) 47°53.50′ N. lat., 125°13.50′ W. long.;
(26) 47°48.88′ N. lat., 125°05.91′ W. long.;
(27) 47°48.50′ N. lat., 125°05.00′ W. long.;
(28) 47°45.98′ N. lat., 125°04.26′ W. long.;
(29) 47°45.00′ N. lat., 125°05.50′ W. long.;
(30) 47°42.11′ N. lat., 125°04.74′ W. long.;
(31) 47°39.00′ N. lat., 125°06.00′ W. long.;
(32) 47°35.53′ N. lat., 125°04.55′ W. long.;
(33) 47°30.90′ N. lat., 124°57.31′ W. long.;
(34) 47°29.54′ N. lat., 124°56.50′ W. long.;
(35) 47°29.50′ N. lat., 124°54.50′ W. long.;
(36) 47°28.57′ N. lat., 124°51.50′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.73(t)(36) (enhanced display)

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Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.73(t)(37)

(37) 47°25.00′ N. lat., 124°48.00′ W. long.;
(38) 47°23.95′ N. lat., 124°47.24′ W. long.;
(39) 47°23.00′ N. lat., 124°47.00′ W. long.;
(40) 47°21.00′ N. lat., 124°46.50′ W. long.;
(41) 47°18.20′ N. lat., 124°45.84′ W. long.;
(42) 47°18.50′ N. lat., 124°49.00′ W. long.;
(43) 47°19.17′ N. lat., 124°50.86′ W. long.;
(44) 47°18.07′ N. lat., 124°53.29′ W. long.;
(45) 47°17.78′ N. lat., 124°51.39′ W. long.;
(46) 47°16.81′ N. lat., 124°50.85′ W. long.;
(47) 47°15.96′ N. lat., 124°53.15′ W. long.;
(48) 47°14.31′ N. lat., 124°52.62′ W. long.;
(49) 47°11.87′ N. lat., 124°56.90′ W. long.;
(50) 47°12.39′ N. lat., 124°58.09′ W. long.;
(51) 47°09.50′ N. lat., 124°57.50′ W. long.;
(52) 47°09.00′ N. lat., 124°59.00′ W. long.;
(53) 47°06.06′ N. lat., 124°58.80′ W. long.;
(54) 47°03.62′ N. lat., 124°55.96′ W. long.;
(55) 47°02.89′ N. lat., 124°56.89′ W. long.;
(56) 47°01.04′ N. lat., 124°59.54′ W. long.;
(57) 46°58.47′ N. lat., 124°59.08′ W. long.;
(58) 46°58.36′ N. lat., 124°59.82′ W. long.;
(59) 46°56.80′ N. lat., 125°00.00′ W. long.;
(60) 46°56.62′ N. lat., 125°00.00′ W. long.;
(61) 46°57.09′ N. lat., 124°58.86′ W. long.;
(62) 46°55.95′ N. lat., 124°54.88′ W. long.;
(63) 46°54.79′ N. lat., 124°54.14′ W. long.;
(64) 46°58.00′ N. lat., 124°50.00′ W. long.;
(65) 46°54.50′ N. lat., 124°49.00′ W. long.;
(66) 46°54.53′ N. lat., 124°52.94′ W. long.;
(67) 46°49.52′ N. lat., 124°53.41′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.73(t)(67) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.73(t)(68)

(68) 46°42.24′ N. lat., 124°47.86′ W. long.;
(69) 46°39.50′ N. lat., 124°42.50′ W. long.;
(70) 46°38.17′ N. lat., 124°41.50′ W. long.;
(71) 46°37.50′ N. lat., 124°41.00′ W. long.;
(72) 46°36.50′ N. lat., 124°38.00′ W. long.;
(73) 46°33.85′ N. lat., 124°36.99′ W. long.;
(74) 46°33.50′ N. lat., 124°29.50′ W. long.;
(75) 46°32.00′ N. lat., 124°31.00′ W. long.;
(76) 46°30.53′ N. lat., 124°30.55′ W. long.;
(77) 46°25.50′ N. lat., 124°33.00′ W. long.;
(78) 46°23.00′ N. lat., 124°35.00′ W. long.;
(79) 46°21.05′ N. lat., 124°37.00′ W. long.;
(80) 46°20.64′ N. lat., 124°36.21′ W. long.;
(81) 46°20.36′ N. lat., 124°37.85′ W. long.;
(82) 46°19.48′ N. lat., 124°38.35′ W. long.;
(83) 46°17.87′ N. lat., 124°38.54′ W. long.;
(84) 46°16.15′ N. lat., 124°25.20′ W. long.;
(85) 46°16.00′ N. lat., 124°23.00′ W. long.;
(86) 46°14.87′ N. lat., 124°26.15′ W. long.;
(87) 46°13.37′ N. lat., 124°31.36′ W. long.;
(88) 46°12.08′ N. lat., 124°38.39′ W. long.;
(89) 46°09.46′ N. lat., 124°40.64′ W. long.;
(90) 46°07.29′ N. lat., 124°40.89′ W. long.;
(91) 46°02.76′ N. lat., 124°44.01′ W. long.;
(92) 46°01.22′ N. lat., 124°43.47′ W. long.;
(93) 45°51.82′ N. lat., 124°42.89′ W. long.;
(94) 45°46.00′ N. lat., 124°40.88′ W. long.;
(95) 45°45.95′ N. lat., 124°40.72′ W. long.;
(96) 45°45.21′ N. lat., 124°41.70′ W. long.;
(97) 45°42.72′ N. lat., 124°41.22′ W. long.;
(98) 45°34.50′ N. lat., 124°30.28′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.73(t)(98) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.73(t)(99)

(99) 45°21.10′ N. lat., 124°23.11′ W. long.;
(100) 45°20.25′ N. lat., 124°22.92′ W. long.;
(101) 45°09.69′ N. lat., 124°20.45′ W. long.;
(102) 45°03.83′ N. lat., 124°23.30′ W. long.;
(103) 44°56.41′ N. lat., 124°27.65′ W. long.;
(104) 44°44.47′ N. lat., 124°37.85′ W. long.;
(105) 44°37.17′ N. lat., 124°38.60′ W. long.;
(106) 44°35.55′ N. lat., 124°39.27′ W. long.;
(107) 44°31.81′ N. lat., 124°39.60′ W. long.;
(108) 44°31.48′ N. lat., 124°43.30′ W. long.;
(109) 44°12.67′ N. lat., 124°57.87′ W. long.;
(110) 44°08.30′ N. lat., 124°57.84′ W. long.;
(111) 44°07.38′ N. lat., 124°57.87′ W. long.;
(112) 43°57.42′ N. lat., 124°57.20′ W. long.;
(113) 43°52.52′ N. lat., 124°49.00′ W. long.;
(114) 43°51.55′ N. lat., 124°37.49′ W. long.;
(115) 43°47.83′ N. lat., 124°36.43′ W. long.;
(116) 43°31.79′ N. lat., 124°36.80′ W. long.;
(117) 43°29.34′ N. lat., 124°36.77′ W. long.;
(118) 43°26.37′ N. lat., 124°39.53′ W. long.;
(119) 43°20.83′ N. lat., 124°42.39′ W. long.;
(120) 43°16.15′ N. lat., 124°44.36′ W. long.;
(121) 43°09.33′ N. lat., 124°45.35′ W. long.;
(122) 43°08.77′ N. lat., 124°49.82′ W. long.;
(123) 43°08.83′ N. lat., 124°50.93′ W. long.;
(124) 43°05.89′ N. lat., 124°51.60′ W. long.;
(125) 43°04.60′ N. lat., 124°53.02′ W. long.;
(126) 43°02.64′ N. lat., 124°52.01′ W. long.;
(127) 43°00.39′ N. lat., 124°51.77′ W. long.;
(128) 42°58.00′ N. lat., 124°52.99′ W. long.;
(129) 42°57.56′ N. lat., 124°54.10′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.73(t)(130)

(130) 42°53.93′ N. lat., 124°54.60′ W. long.;
(131) 42°53.26′ N. lat., 124°53.94′ W. long.;
(132) 42°52.31′ N. lat., 124°50.76′ W. long.;
(133) 42°50.00′ N. lat., 124°48.97′ W. long.;
(134) 42°47.78′ N. lat., 124°47.27′ W. long.;
(135) 42°46.31′ N. lat., 124°43.60′ W. long.;
(136) 42°41.63′ N. lat., 124°44.07′ W. long.;
(137) 42°40.50′ N. lat., 124°43.52′ W. long.;
(138) 42°38.83′ N. lat., 124°42.77′ W. long.;
(139) 42°35.36′ N. lat., 124°43.22′ W. long.;
(140) 42°32.78′ N. lat., 124°44.68′ W. long.;
(141) 42°32.02′ N. lat., 124°43.00′ W. long.;
(142) 42°30.54′ N. lat., 124°43.50′ W. long.;
(143) 42°28.16′ N. lat., 124°48.38′ W. long.;
(144) 42°18.26′ N. lat., 124°39.01′ W. long.;
(145) 42°13.66′ N. lat., 124°36.82′ W. long.;
(146) 42°00.00′ N. lat., 124°35.99′ W. long.;
(147) 41°47.80′ N. lat., 124°29.41′ W. long.;
(148) 41°41.67′ N. lat., 124°29.46′ W. long.;
(149) 41°22.80′ N. lat., 124°29.10′ W. long.;
(150) 41°13.29′ N. lat., 124°23.31′ W. long.;
(151) 41°06.23′ N. lat., 124°22.62′ W. long.;
(152) 40°55.60′ N. lat., 124°26.04′ W. long.;
(153) 40°53.97′ N. lat., 124°26.16′ W. long.;
(154) 40°53.94′ N. lat., 124°26.10′ W. long.;
(155) 40°50.31′ N. lat., 124°26.16′ W. long.;
(156) 40°49.82′ N. lat., 124°26.58′ W. long.;
(157) 40°49.62′ N. lat., 124°26.57′ W. long.;
(158) 40°45.72′ N. lat., 124°30.00′ W. long.;
(159) 40°40.56′ N. lat., 124°32.11′ W. long.;
(160) 40°38.87′ N. lat., 124°30.18′ W. long.;
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(161) 40°38.38′ N. lat., 124°30.18′ W. long.;
(162) 40°37.33′ N. lat., 124°29.27′ W. long.;
(163) 40°35.60′ N. lat., 124°30.49′ W. long.;
(164) 40°37.38′ N. lat., 124°37.14′ W. long.;
(165) 40°36.03′ N. lat., 124°39.97′ W. long.;
(166) 40°31.58′ N. lat., 124°40.74′ W. long.;
(167) 40°30.30′ N. lat., 124°37.63′ W. long.;
(168) 40°28.22′ N. lat., 124°37.23′ W. long.;
(169) 40°24.86′ N. lat., 124°35.71′ W. long.;
(170) 40°23.01′ N. lat., 124°31.94′ W. long.;
(171) 40°23.39′ N. lat., 124°28.64′ W. long.;
(172) 40°22.29′ N. lat., 124°25.25′ W. long.;
(173) 40°21.90′ N. lat., 124°25.18′ W. long.;
(174) 40°22.02′ N. lat., 124°28.00′ W. long.;
(175) 40°21.34′ N. lat., 124°29.53′ W. long.;
(176) 40°19.74′ N. lat., 124°28.95′ W. long.;
(177) 40°18.13′ N. lat., 124°27.08′ W. long.;
(178) 40°17.45′ N. lat., 124°25.53′ W. long.;
(179) 40°17.97′ N. lat., 124°24.12′ W. long.;
(180) 40°15.96′ N. lat., 124°26.05′ W. long.;
(181) 40°16.90′ N. lat., 124°34.20′ W. long.;
(182) 40°16.29′ N. lat., 124°34.50′ W. long.;
(183) 40°14.91′ N. lat., 124°33.60′ W. long.; and
(184) 40°10.00′ N. lat., 124°22.96′ W. long.
(u) The 150 fm (274 m) depth contour around Santa Barbara Island off the State of California is defined by
straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°34.6′ N lat., 119°4.57′ W long.;
(2) 33°33.13′ N lat., 119°6.65′ W long.;
(3) 33°28.13′ N lat., 119°8.17′ W long.;
(4) 33°25.55′ N lat., 119°3.64′ W long.;
(5) 33°26.96′ N lat., 118°59.58′ W long.;
(6) 33°28.68′ N lat., 118°58.24′ W long.; and
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50 CFR 660.73(u)(7)

(7) 33°34.6′ N lat., 119°4.57′ W long.;
(v) The 150 fm (274 m) depth contour around Tanner Bank and Cortes Bank off the State of California is
defined by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 32°46.12′ N lat., 119°14.73′ W long.;
(2) 32°44.37′ N lat., 119°16.82′ W long.;
(3) 32°41.02′ N lat., 119°12.01′ W long.;
(4) 32°39.28′ N lat., 119°12.18′ W long.;
(5) 32°41.46′ N lat., 119°18.28′ W long.;
(6) 32°36.17′ N lat., 119°22.31′ W long.;
(7) 32°32.97′ N lat., 119°22.31′ W long.;
(8) 32°30.57′ N lat., 119°20.54′ W long.;
(9) 32°28.94′ N lat., 119°15.53′ W long.;
(10) 32°27.45′ N lat., 119°15.79′ W long.;
(11) 32°24.86′ N lat., 119°12.93′ W long.;
(12) 32°21.43′ N lat., 118°55.1′ W long.;
(13) 32°24.67′ N lat., 118°57.37′ W long.;
(14) 32°34.34′ N lat., 119°9.28′ W long.;
(15) 32°37.39′ N lat., 119°7.54′ W long.;
(16) 32°36.38′ N lat., 119°4.32′ W long.;
(17) 32°41.59′ N lat., 119°2.46′ W long.;
(18) 32°46.07′ N lat., 119°10.68′ W long.; and
(19) 32°46.12′ N lat., 119°14.73′ W long.
(w) The 150 fm (274 m) depth contour around San Nicholas Island off the State of California is defined by
straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°33.22′ N lat., 119°46.7′ W long.;
(2) 33°28.97′ N lat., 119°53.04′ W long.;
(3) 33°24.67′ N lat., 119°51.27′ W long.;
(4) 33°19.95′ N lat., 119°50.23′ W long.;
(5) 33°13.07′ N lat., 119°41.99′ W long.;
(6) 33°13.1′ N lat., 119°34.66′ W long.;
(7) 33°11.45′ N lat., 119°29.57′ W long.;
(8) 33°11.13′ N lat., 119°26.22′ W long.;
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50 CFR 660.73(w)(9)

(9) 33°11.8′ N lat., 119°20.64′ W long.;
(10) 33°12.91′ N lat., 119°15.53′ W long.;
(11) 33°14.52′ N lat., 119°14.72′ W long.;
(12) 33°15.32′ N lat., 119°16.01′ W long.;
(13) 33°14.78′ N lat., 119°16.97′ W long.;
(14) 33°15.73′ N lat., 119°19.02′ W long.;
(15) 33°16.73′ N lat., 119°18.97′ W long.;
(16) 33°19.37′ N lat., 119°24.95′ W long.;
(17) 33°21.69′ N lat., 119°27.44′ W long.;
(18) 33°23.82′ N lat., 119°32.87′ W long.; and
(19) 33°33.22′ N lat., 119°46.7′ W long.
(x) The 150 fm (274 m) depth contour around Osborn Bank off the State of California is defined by straight
lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°23.53′ N lat., 119°3.73′ W long.;
(2) 33°23.57′ N lat., 119°6.66′ W long.;
(3) 33°23.12′ N lat., 119°7.25′ W long.;
(4) 33°20.51′ N lat., 119°2.15′ W long.;
(5) 33°20.58′ N lat., 119°0.48′ W long.;
(6) 33°21.32′ N lat., 118°59.89′ W long.; and
(7) 33°23.53′ N lat., 119°3.73′ W long.
(y) The 150 fm (274 m) depth contour around the Eastern CCA area off the State of California is defined by
straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 32°41.41′ N lat., 117°59.05′ W long.;
(2) 32°40.57′ N lat., 118°1.97′ W long.;
(3) 32°40.04′ N lat.,118°1.23′ W long.;
(4) 32°39.82′ N lat., 118°0.03′ W long.;
(5) 32°38.02′ N lat., 117°57.86′ W long.;
(6) 32°35.38′ N lat., 117°56.23′ W long.;
(7) 32°36.68′ N lat., 117°55.02′ W long.;
(8) 32°40.42′ N lat., 117°57.15′ W long.; and
(9) 32°41.41′ N lat., 117°59.05′ W long.

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50 CFR 660.74

[69 FR 77059, Dec. 23, 2004; 70 FR 13119, Mar. 18, 2005, as amended at 70 FR 16149, Mar. 30, 2005; 71 FR 8500, Feb. 17, 2006;
71 FR 78678, Dec. 29, 2006; 74 FR 9905, Mar. 6, 2009. Redesignated at 75 FR 60995, Oct. 1, 2010; 76 FR 27531, May 11, 2011; 76
FR 54714, Sept. 2, 2011; 78 FR 589, Jan. 3, 2013; 80 FR 12573, Mar. 10, 2015; 82 FR 9640, Feb. 7, 2017; 83 FR 63992, Dec. 12,
2018; 83 FR 66639, Dec. 27, 2018; 84 FR 63974, Nov. 19, 2019; 85 FR 79893, Dec. 11, 2020; 86 FR 14381, Mar. 16, 2021; 87 FR
77017, Dec. 16, 2022; 88 FR 83846, Dec. 1, 2023]

§ 660.74 Latitude/longitude coordinates defining the 180 fm (329 m) through 250 fm (457 m)
depth contours.
Boundaries for some GCAs are defined by straight lines connecting a series of latitude/longitude coordinates. This
section provides coordinates for the 180 fm (329 m) through 250 fm (457 m) depth contours.
(a) The 180-fm (329-m) depth contour used between the U.S. border with Canada and the U.S. border with
Mexico is defined by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 48°14.82′ N. lat., 125°41.61′ W. long.;
(2) 48°12.86′ N. lat., 125°37.95′ W. long.;
(3) 48°11.28′ N. lat., 125°39.67′ W. long.;
(4) 48°10.13′ N. lat., 125°42.62′ W. long.;
(5) 48°10.00′ N. lat., 125°42.55′ W. long.;
(6) 48°08.86′ N. lat., 125°41.92′ W. long.;
(7) 48°08.15′ N. lat., 125°44.95′ W. long.;
(8) 48°07.18′ N. lat., 125°45.67′ W. long.;
(9) 48°05.79′ N. lat., 125°44.64′ W. long.;
(10) 48°06.04′ N. lat., 125°41.84′ W. long.;
(11) 48°04.26′ N. lat., 125°40.09′ W. long.;
(12) 48°04.18′ N. lat., 125°36.94′ W. long.;
(13) 48°03.02′ N. lat., 125°36.24′ W. long.;
(14) 48°01.75′ N. lat., 125°37.42′ W. long.;
(15) 48°01.39′ N. lat., 125°39.42′ W. long.;
(16) 47°57.08′ N. lat., 125°36.51′ W. long.;
(17) 47°55.20′ N. lat., 125°36.62′ W. long.;
(18) 47°54.33′ N. lat., 125°34.98′ W. long.;
(19) 47°54.73′ N. lat., 125°31.95′ W. long.;
(20) 47°56.39′ N. lat., 125°30.22′ W. long.;
(21) 47°55.86′ N. lat., 125°28.54′ W. long.;
(22) 47°58.07′ N. lat., 125°25.72′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.74(a)(23)

(23) 48°00.81′ N. lat., 125°24.39′ W. long.;
(24) 48°01.81′ N. lat., 125°23.76′ W. long.;
(25) 48°02.16′ N. lat., 125°22.71′ W. long.;
(26) 48°03.46′ N. lat., 125°22.01′ W. long.;
(27) 48°04.21′ N. lat., 125°20.40′ W. long.;
(28) 48°03.15′ N. lat., 125°19.50′ W. long.;
(29) 48°01.92′ N. lat., 125°18.69′ W. long.;
(30) 48°00.85′ N. lat., 125°20.02′ W. long.;
(31) 48°00.12′ N. lat., 125°20.04′ W. long.;
(32) 47°58.18′ N. lat., 125°18.78′ W. long.;
(33) 47°58.24′ N. lat., 125°17.26′ W. long.;
(34) 47°52.47′ N. lat., 125°15.30′ W. long.;
(35) 47°52.13′ N. lat., 125°12.95′ W. long.;
(36) 47°50.60′ N. lat., 125°10.65′ W. long.;
(37) 47°49.39′ N. lat., 125°10.59′ W. long.;
(38) 47°48.74′ N. lat., 125°06.07′ W. long.;
(39) 47°47.03′ N. lat., 125°06.95′ W. long.;
(40) 47°47.46′ N. lat., 125°05.20′ W. long.;
(41) 47°45.88′ N. lat., 125°04.50′ W. long.;
(42) 47°44.51′ N. lat., 125°06.64′ W. long.;
(43) 47°42.22′ N. lat., 125°04.86′ W. long.;
(44) 47°38.49′ N. lat., 125°06.32′ W. long.;
(45) 47°34.93′ N. lat., 125°04.34′ W. long.;
(46) 47°30.85′ N. lat., 124°57.42′ W. long.;
(47) 47°28.80′ N. lat., 124°56.51′ W. long.;
(48) 47°29.25′ N. lat., 124°53.92′ W. long.;
(49) 47°28.29′ N. lat., 124°51.32′ W. long.;
(50) 47°24.04′ N. lat., 124°47.38′ W. long.;
(51) 47°18.24′ N. lat., 124°45.97′ W. long.;
(52) 47°19.36′ N. lat., 124°50.96′ W. long.;
(53) 47°18.07′ N. lat., 124°53.38′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.74(a)(54)

(54) 47°17.73′ N. lat., 124°52.83′ W. long.;
(55) 47°17.77′ N. lat., 124°51.56′ W. long.;
(56) 47°16.84′ N. lat., 124°50.94′ W. long.;
(57) 47°16.01′ N. lat., 124°53.36′ W. long.;
(58) 47°14.32′ N. lat., 124°52.73′ W. long.;
(59) 47°11.97′ N. lat., 124°56.81′ W. long.;
(60) 47°12.93′ N. lat., 124°58.47′ W. long.;
(61) 47°09.43′ N. lat., 124°57.99′ W. long.;
(62) 47°09.36′ N. lat., 124°59.29′ W. long.;
(63) 47°05.88′ N. lat., 124°59.06′ W. long.;
(64) 47°03.64′ N. lat., 124°56.07′ W. long.;
(65) 47°01.00′ N. lat., 124°59.69′ W. long.;
(66) 46°58.72′ N. lat., 124°59.17′ W. long.;
(67) 46°58.30′ N. lat., 125°00.60′ W. long.;
(68) 46°55.61′ N. lat., 125°01.19′ W. long.;
(69) 46°56.96′ N. lat., 124°58.85′ W. long.;
(70) 46°55.91′ N. lat., 124°54.98′ W. long.;
(71) 46°54.55′ N. lat., 124°54.21′ W. long.;
(72) 46°56.80′ N. lat., 124°50.55′ W. long.;
(73) 46°54.87′ N. lat., 124°49.59′ W. long.;
(74) 46°54.63′ N. lat., 124°53.48′ W. long.;
(75) 46°52.33′ N. lat., 124°54.75′ W. long.;
(76) 46°45.12′ N. lat., 124°51.82′ W. long.;
(77) 46°39.20′ N. lat., 124°47.02′ W. long.;
(78) 46°38.17′ N. lat., 124°45.16′ W. long.;
(79) 46°33.45′ N. lat., 124°36.61′ W. long.;
(80) 46°33.37′ N. lat., 124°30.21′ W. long.;
(81) 46°31.67′ N. lat., 124°31.41′ W. long.;
(82) 46°27.87′ N. lat., 124°32.04′ W. long.;
(83) 46°21.01′ N. lat., 124°37.63′ W. long.;
(84) 46°18.58′ N. lat., 124°38.92′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.74(a)(85)

(85) 46°16.00′ N. lat., 124°23.57′ W. long.;
(86) 46°12.85′ N. lat., 124°35.52′ W. long.;
(87) 46°12.27′ N. lat., 124°38.69′ W. long.;
(88) 46°08.71′ N. lat., 124°41.27′ W. long.;
(89) 46°05.80′ N. lat., 124°42.11′ W. long.;
(90) 46°02.84′ N. lat., 124°48.05′ W. long.;
(91) 46°02.41′ N. lat., 124°48.16′ W. long.;
(92) 45°58.96′ N. lat., 124°43.97′ W. long.;
(93) 45°47.05′ N. lat., 124°43.25′ W. long.;
(94) 45°46.00′ N. lat., 124°43.31′ W. long.;
(95) 45°44.22′ N. lat., 124°44.55′ W. long.;
(96) 45°34.97′ N. lat., 124°31.95′ W. long.;
(97) 45°20.25′ N. lat., 124°25.18′ W. long.;
(98) 45°13.09′ N. lat., 124°21.61′ W. long.;
(99) 45°09.59′ N. lat., 124°22.78′ W. long.;
(100) 45°03.83′ N. lat., 124°26.21′ W. long.;
(101) 45°00.22′ N. lat., 124°28.31′ W. long.;
(102) 44°53.53′ N. lat., 124°32.98′ W. long.;
(103) 44°40.79′ N. lat., 124°45.76′ W. long.;
(104) 44°41.35′ N. lat., 124°48.03′ W. long.;
(105) 44°40.27′ N. lat., 124°49.11′ W. long.;
(106) 44°38.52′ N. lat., 124°49.11′ W. long.;
(107) 44°38.25′ N. lat., 124°46.47′ W. long.;
(108) 44°28.84′ N. lat., 124°47.09′ W. long.;
(109) 44°23.24′ N. lat., 124°49.96′ W. long.;
(110) 44°13.07′ N. lat., 124°58.34′ W. long.;
(111) 44°08.30′ N. lat., 124°58.23′ W. long.;
(112) 43°57.99′ N. lat., 124°57.83′ W. long.;
(113) 43°51.43′ N. lat., 124°52.02′ W. long.;
(114) 43°50.72′ N. lat., 124°39.23′ W. long.;
(115) 43°39.04′ N. lat., 124°37.82′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.74(a)(116)

(116) 43°27.76′ N. lat., 124°39.76′ W. long.;
(117) 43°20.83′ N. lat., 124°42.70′ W. long.;
(118) 43°20.22′ N. lat., 124°42.92′ W. long.;
(119) 43°13.07′ N. lat., 124°46.03′ W. long.;
(120) 43°10.43′ N. lat., 124°50.27′ W. long.;
(121) 43°08.83′ N. lat., 124°50.93′ W. long.;
(122) 43°05.89′ N. lat., 124°51.60′ W. long.;
(123) 43°04.60′ N. lat., 124°53.01′ W. long.;
(124) 43°02.64′ N. lat., 124°52.01′ W. long.;
(125) 43°00.39′ N. lat., 124°51.77′ W. long.;
(126) 42°58.00′ N. lat., 124°52.99′ W. long.;
(127) 42°57.56′ N. lat., 124°54.10′ W. long.;
(128) 42°53.82′ N. lat., 124°55.76′ W. long.;
(129) 42°53.20′ N. lat., 124°53.56′ W. long.;
(130) 42°50.00′ N. lat., 124°52.36′ W. long.;
(131) 42°50.00′ N. lat., 124°52.36′ W. long.;
(132) 42°49.43′ N. lat., 124°52.03′ W. long.;
(133) 42°47.68′ N. lat., 124°47.72′ W. long.;
(134) 42°46.17′ N. lat., 124°44.05′ W. long.;
(135) 42°41.67′ N. lat., 124°44.36′ W. long.;
(136) 42°40.50′ N. lat., 124°43.86′ W. long.;
(137) 42°38.79′ N. lat., 124°42.88′ W. long.;
(138) 42°32.39′ N. lat., 124°45.38′ W. long.;
(139) 42°32.08′ N. lat., 124°43.44′ W. long.;
(140) 42°30.98′ N. lat., 124°43.84′ W. long.;
(141) 42°28.37′ N. lat., 124°48.91′ W. long.;
(142) 42°20.07′ N. lat., 124°41.59′ W. long.;
(143) 42°15.05′ N. lat., 124°38.07′ W. long.;
(144) 42°13.67′ N. lat., 124°37.77′ W. long.;
(145) 42°07.37′ N. lat., 124°37.25′ W. long.;
(146) 42°04.93′ N. lat., 124°36.79′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.74(a)(147)

(147) 42°00.00′ N. lat., 124°36.26′ W. long.;
(148) 41°47.60′ N. lat., 124°29.75′ W. long.;
(149) 41°22.07′ N. lat., 124°29.55′ W. long.;
(150) 41°13.58′ N. lat., 124°24.17′ W. long.;
(151) 41°06.51′ N. lat., 124°23.07′ W. long.;
(152) 40°55.20′ N. lat., 124°27.46′ W. long.;
(153) 40°49.76′ N. lat., 124°27.17′ W. long.;
(154) 40°45.79′ N. lat., 124°30.37′ W. long.;
(155) 40°40.31′ N. lat., 124°32.47′ W. long.;
(156) 40°37.42′ N. lat., 124°37.20′ W. long.;
(157) 40°36.03′ N. lat., 124°39.97′ W. long.;
(158) 40°31.48′ N. lat., 124°40.95′ W. long.;
(159) 40°30.22′ N. lat., 124°37.80′ W. long.;
(160) 40°27.29′ N. lat., 124°37.10′ W. long.;
(161) 40°24.81′ N. lat., 124°35.82′ W. long.;
(162) 40°22.00′ N. lat., 124°30.01′ W. long.;
(163) 40°16.84′ N. lat., 124°29.87′ W. long.;
(164) 40°17.06′ N. lat., 124°35.51′ W. long.;
(165) 40°16.41′ N. lat., 124°39.10′ W. long.;
(166) 40°10.00′ N. lat., 124°23.56′ W. long.;
(167) 40°06.67′ N. lat., 124°19.08′ W. long.;
(168) 40°08.10′ N. lat., 124°16.71′ W. long.;
(169) 40°05.90′ N. lat., 124°17.77′ W. long.;
(170) 40°02.80′ N. lat., 124°16.28′ W. long.;
(171) 40°01.98′ N. lat., 124°12.99′ W. long.;
(172) 40°01.53′ N. lat., 124°09.82′ W. long.;
(173) 39°58.28′ N. lat., 124°12.93′ W. long.;
(174) 39°57.06′ N. lat., 124°12.03′ W. long.;
(175) 39°56.31′ N. lat., 124°08.98′ W. long.;
(176) 39°55.20′ N. lat., 124°07.98′ W. long.;
(177) 39°52.57′ N. lat., 124°09.04′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.74(a)(177) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.74(a)(178)

(178) 39°42.78′ N. lat., 124°02.11′ W. long.;
(179) 39°34.76′ N. lat., 123°58.51′ W. long.;
(180) 39°34.22′ N. lat., 123°56.82′ W. long.;
(181) 39°32.98′ N. lat., 123°56.43′ W. long.;
(182) 39°32.14′ N. lat., 123°58.83′ W. long.;
(183) 39°07.79′ N. lat., 123°58.72′ W. long.;
(184) 39°00.99′ N. lat., 123°57.56′ W. long.;
(185) 39°00.05′ N. lat., 123°56.83′ W. long.;
(186) 38°57.50′ N. lat., 123°57.22′ W. long.;
(187) 38°56.28′ N. lat., 123°57.53′ W. long.;
(188) 38°56.01′ N. lat., 123°58.72′ W. long.;
(189) 38°52.41′ N. lat., 123°56.38′ W. long.;
(190) 38°46.81′ N. lat., 123°51.46′ W. long.;
(191) 38°45.56′ N. lat., 123°51.32′ W. long.;
(192) 38°43.24′ N. lat., 123°49.91′ W. long.;
(193) 38°41.42′ N. lat., 123°47.22′ W. long.;
(194) 38°40.97′ N. lat., 123°47.80′ W. long.;
(195) 38°38.58′ N. lat., 123°46.07′ W. long.;
(196) 38°37.38′ N. lat., 123°43.80′ W. long.;
(197) 38°33.86′ N. lat., 123°41.51′ W. long.;
(198) 38°29.45′ N. lat., 123°38.42′ W. long.;
(199) 38°28.20′ N. lat., 123°38.17′ W. long.;
(200) 38°24.09′ N. lat., 123°35.26′ W. long.;
(201) 38°16.72′ N. lat., 123°31.42′ W. long.;
(202) 38°15.32′ N. lat., 123°29.33′ W. long.;
(203) 38°14.45′ N. lat., 123°26.15′ W. long.;
(204) 38°10.26′ N. lat., 123°25.43′ W. long.;
(205) 38°12.61′ N. lat., 123°28.08′ W. long.;
(206) 38°11.98′ N. lat., 123°29.35′ W. long.;
(207) 38°08.23′ N. lat., 123°28.04′ W. long.;
(208) 38°06.39′ N. lat., 123°30.59′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.74(a)(208) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.74(a)(209)

(209) 38°04.25′ N. lat., 123°31.81′ W. long.;
(210) 38°02.08′ N. lat., 123°31.27′ W. long.;
(211) 38°00.17′ N. lat., 123°29.43′ W. long.;
(212) 38°00.00′ N. lat., 123°28.55′ W. long.;
(213) 37°58.24′ N. lat., 123°26.91′ W. long.;
(214) 37°55.32′ N. lat., 123°27.19′ W. long.;
(215) 37°51.52′ N. lat., 123°25.01′ W. long.;
(216) 37°44.21′ N. lat., 123°11.38′ W. long.;
(217) 37°35.67′ N. lat., 123°01.86′ W. long.;
(218) 37°14.29′ N. lat., 122°52.99′ W. long.;
(219) 37°11.00′ N. lat., 122°49.28′ W. long.;
(220) 37°07.00′ N. lat., 122°44.65′ W. long.;
(221) 37°00.86′ N. lat., 122°37.55′ W. long.;
(222) 36°59.71′ N. lat., 122°33.73′ W. long.;
(223) 36°57.98′ N. lat., 122°27.80′ W. long.;
(224) 36°59.83′ N. lat., 122°25.17′ W. long.;
(225) 36°57.21′ N. lat., 122°25.17′ W. long.;
(226) 36°57.79′ N. lat., 122°22.28′ W. long.;
(227) 36°55.86′ N. lat., 122°21.99′ W. long.;
(228) 36°52.06′ N. lat., 122°12.12′ W. long.;
(229) 36°47.63′ N. lat., 122°07.40′ W. long.;
(230) 36°47.26′ N. lat., 122°03.23′ W. long.;
(231) 36°49.53′ N. lat., 121°59.35′ W. long.;
(232) 36°44.81′ N. lat., 121°58.29′ W. long.;
(233) 36°38.95′ N. lat., 122°02.02′ W. long.;
(234) 36°23.43′ N. lat., 121°59.76′ W. long.;
(235) 36°19.66′ N. lat., 122°06.25′ W. long.;
(236) 36°14.78′ N. lat., 122°01.52′ W. long.;
(237) 36°13.64′ N. lat., 121°57.83′ W. long.;
(238) 36°09.99′ N. lat., 121°43.48′ W. long.;
(239) 36°00.00′ N. lat., 121°36.95′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.74(a)(239) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.74(a)(240)

(240) 35°57.09′ N. lat., 121°34.16′ W. long.;
(241) 35°52.71′ N. lat., 121°32.32′ W. long.;
(242) 35°51.23′ N. lat., 121°30.54′ W. long.;
(243) 35°46.07′ N. lat., 121°29.75′ W. long.;
(244) 35°34.08′ N. lat., 121°19.83′ W. long.;
(245) 35°31.41′ N. lat., 121°14.80′ W. long.;
(246) 35°15.42′ N. lat., 121°03.47′ W. long.;
(247) 35°07.70′ N. lat., 120°59.31′ W. long.;
(248) 34°57.27′ N. lat., 120°56.93′ W. long.;
(249) 34°44.27′ N. lat., 120°57.65′ W. long.;
(250) 34°32.75′ N. lat., 120°50.08′ W. long.;
(251) 34°27.00′ N. lat., 120°41.50′ W. long.;
(252) 34°20.00′ N. lat., 120°30.99′ W. long.;
(253) 34°19.15′ N. lat., 120°19.78′ W. long.;
(254) 34°23.24′ N. lat., 120°14.17′ W. long.;
(255) 34°21.35′ N. lat., 119°54.89′ W. long.;
(256) 34°09.79′ N. lat., 119°44.51′ W. long.;
(257) 34°07.34′ N. lat., 120°06.71′ W. long.;
(258) 34°09.74′ N. lat., 120°19.78′ W. long.;
(259) 34°13.95′ N. lat., 120°29.78′ W. long.;
(260) 34°09.41′ N. lat., 120°37.75′ W. long.;
(261) 34°03.39′ N. lat., 120°35.26′ W. long.;
(262) 33°56.82′ N. lat., 120°28.30′ W. long.;
(263) 33°50.71′ N. lat., 120°09.24′ W. long.;
(264) 33°38.21′ N. lat., 119°59.90′ W. long.;
(265) 33°35.35′ N. lat., 119°51.95′ W. long.;
(266) 33°35.99′ N. lat., 119°49.13′ W. long.;
(267) 33°42.74′ N. lat., 119°47.80′ W. long.;
(268) 33°53.65′ N. lat., 119°53.29′ W. long.;
(269) 33°57.85′ N. lat., 119°31.05′ W. long.;
(270) 33°56.78′ N. lat., 119°27.44′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.74(a)(270) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.74(a)(271)

(271) 33°58.03′ N. lat., 119°27.82′ W. long.;
(272) 33°59.31′ N. lat., 119°20.02′ W. long.;
(273) 34°02.91′ N. lat., 119°15.38′ W. long.;
(274) 33°59.04′ N. lat., 119°03.02′ W. long.;
(275) 33°57.88′ N. lat., 118°41.69′ W. long.;
(276) 33°50.89′ N. lat., 118°37.78′ W. long.;
(277) 33°39.54′ N. lat., 118°18.70′ W. long.;
(278) 33°35.42′ N. lat., 118°17.15′ W. long.;
(279) 33°31.26′ N. lat., 118°10.84′ W. long.;
(280) 33°32.71′ N. lat., 117°52.05′ W. long.;
(281) 32°58.94′ N. lat., 117°20.05′ W. long.;
(282) 32°46.45′ N. lat., 117°24.37′ W. long.;
(283) 32°42.25′ N. lat., 117°22.87′ W. long.;
(284) 32°39.50′ N. lat., 117°27.80′ W. long.; and
(285) 32°34.83′ N. lat., 117°24.67′ W. long.
(b) The 180 fm (329 m) depth contour used around San Clemente Island off the state of California is defined
by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°01.90′ N. lat., 118°40.17′ W. long.;
(2) 33°03.23′ N. lat., 118°40.05′ W. long.;
(3) 33°05.07′ N. lat., 118°39.01′ W. long.;
(4) 33°05.00′ N. lat., 118°38.01′ W. long.;
(5) 33°03.00′ N. lat., 118°34.00′ W. long.;
(6) 32°55.92′ N. lat., 118°28.39′ W. long.;
(7) 32°49.78′ N. lat., 118°20.82′ W. long.;
(8) 32°47.32′ N. lat., 118°18.30′ W. long.;
(9) 32°47.46′ N. lat., 118°20.29′ W. long.;
(10) 32°46.21′ N. lat., 118°21.96′ W. long.;
(11) 32°42.25′ N. lat., 118°24.07′ W. long.;
(12) 32°47.73′ N. lat., 118°31.74′ W. long.;
(13) 32°53.16′ N. lat., 118°33.85′ W. long.;
(14) 32°54.51′ N. lat., 118°35.56′ W. long.; and
(15) 33°01.90′ N. lat., 118°40.17′ W. long.
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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.74(c)

(c) The 180 fm (329 m) depth contour used around Santa Catalina Island off the state of California is defined
by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°30.00′ N. lat., 118°44.18′ W. long.;
(2) 33°30.65′ N. lat., 118°35.07′ W. long.;
(3) 33°29.88′ N. lat., 118°30.89′ W. long.;
(4) 33°27.54′ N. lat., 118°26.91′ W. long.;
(5) 33°26.11′ N. lat., 118°21.97′ W. long.;
(6) 33°24.20′ N. lat., 118°19.05′ W. long.;
(7) 33°14.58′ N. lat., 118°10.35′ W. long.;
(8) 33°17.91′ N. lat., 118°28.20′ W. long.;
(9) 33°19.14′ N. lat., 118°31.34′ W. long.;
(10) 33°20.79′ N. lat., 118°33.75′ W. long.;
(11) 33°23.14′ N. lat., 118°30.80′ W. long.;and
(12) 33°30.00′ N. lat., 118°44.18′ W. long.
(d) The 180 fm (329 m) depth contour used around Lasuen Knoll off the state of California is defined by
straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°25.05′ N lat., 118°01.70′ W long.;
(2) 33°25.41′ N lat., 117°59.36′ W long.;
(3) 33°23.49′ N lat., 117°57.47′ W long.;
(4) 33°23.02′ N lat., 117°59.78′ W long.;
(5) 33°23.85′ N lat., 118°00.88′ W long.; and
(6) 33°25.05′ N lat., 118°01.70′ W long.
(e) The 180 fm (329 m) depth contour used around San Diego Rise off the state of California is defined by
straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 32°49.98′ N. lat., 117°50.19′ W. long.;
(2) 32°44.10′ N. lat., 117°45.34′ W. long.;
(3) 32°42.01′ N. lat., 117°46.01′ W. long.;
(4) 32°44.42′ N. lat., 117°48.69′ W. long.;
(5) 32°49.86′ N. lat., 117°50.50′ W. long.; and
(6) 32°49.98′ N. lat., 117°50.19′ W. long.
(f) The 180 fm (329 m) depth contour between 42° N. lat. and the U.S. border with Mexico, modified to allow
fishing in petrale sole areas, is defined by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order
stated:
50 CFR 660.74(f) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.74(f)(1)

(1) 42°00.00′ N. lat., 124°36.37′ W. long.;
(2) 41°47.79′ N. lat., 124°29.48′ W. long.;
(3) 41°21.16′ N. lat., 124°28.97′ W. long.;
(4) 41°11.30′ N. lat., 124°22.86′ W. long.;
(5) 41°06.51′ N. lat., 124°23.07′ W. long.;
(6) 40°55.20′ N. lat., 124°27.46′ W. long.;
(7) 40°53.95′ N. lat., 124°26.04′ W. long.;
(8) 40°49.96′ N. lat., 124°26.04′ W. long.;
(9) 40°44.49′ N. lat., 124°30.81′ W. long.;
(10) 40°40.58′ N. lat., 124°32.05′ W. long.;
(11) 40°38.82′ N. lat., 124°29.45′ W. long.;
(12) 40°35.65′ N. lat., 124°30.34′ W. long.;
(13) 40°37.39′ N. lat., 124°37.00′ W. long.;
(14) 40°36.03′ N. lat., 124°39.97′ W. long.;
(15) 40°31.42′ N. lat., 124°40.85′ W. long.;
(16) 40°30.00′ N. lat., 124°37.12′ W. long.;
(17) 40°27.36′ N. lat., 124°37.14′ W. long.;
(18) 40°24.81′ N. lat., 124°35.82′ W. long.;
(19) 40°22.45′ N. lat., 124°30.94′ W. long.;
(20) 40°14.00′ N. lat., 124°32.90′ W. long.;
(21) 40°10.00′ N. lat., 124°23.56′ W. long.;
(22) 40°06.67′ N. lat., 124°19.08′ W. long.;
(23) 40°08.10′ N. lat., 124°16.71′ W. long.;
(24) 40°05.90′ N. lat., 124°17.77′ W. long.;
(25) 40°02.80′ N. lat., 124°16.28′ W. long.;
(26) 40°01.98′ N. lat., 124°12.99′ W. long.;
(27) 40°01.52′ N. lat., 124°09.83′ W. long.;
(28) 39°58.55′ N. lat., 124°12.32′ W. long.;
(29) 39°55.74′ N. lat., 124°07.37′ W. long.;
(30) 39°42.78′ N. lat., 124°02.11′ W. long.;
(31) 39°34.76′ N. lat., 123°58.51′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.74(f)(31) (enhanced display)

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Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.74(f)(32)

(32) 39°34.22′ N. lat., 123°56.82′ W. long.;
(33) 39°32.98′ N. lat., 123°56.43′ W. long.;
(34) 39°32.14′ N. lat., 123°58.83′ W. long.;
(35) 39°07.79′ N. lat., 123°58.72′ W. long.;
(36) 39°00.99′ N. lat., 123°57.56′ W. long.;
(37) 39°00.05′ N. lat., 123°56.83′ W. long.;
(38) 38°57.50′ N. lat., 123°57.04′ W. long.;
(39) 38°51.19′ N. lat., 123°55.70′ W. long.;
(40) 38°47.29′ N. lat., 123°51.12′ W. long.;
(41) 38°45.48′ N. lat., 123°51.36′ W. long.;
(42) 38°43.24′ N. lat., 123°49.91′ W. long.;
(43) 38°41.61′ N. lat., 123°47.50′ W. long.;
(44) 38°35.75′ N. lat., 123°43.76′ W. long.;
(45) 38°34.92′ N. lat., 123°42.45′ W. long.;
(46) 38°19.84′ N. lat., 123°31.96′ W. long.;
(47) 38°14.38′ N. lat., 123°25.51′ W. long.;
(48) 38°09.39′ N. lat., 123°24.39′ W. long.;
(49) 38°10.02′ N. lat., 123°26.73′ W. long.;
(50) 38°04.11′ N. lat., 123°31.62′ W. long.;
(51) 38°02.11′ N. lat., 123°31.11′ W. long.;
(52) 38°00.23′ N. lat., 123°29.51′ W. long.;
(53) 38°00.00′ N. lat., 123°28.72′ W. long.;
(54) 37°58.07′ N. lat., 123°26.97′ W. long.;
(55) 37°50.80′ N. lat., 123°24.47′ W. long.;
(56) 37°44.21′ N. lat., 123°11.38′ W. long.;
(57) 37°35.67′ N. lat., 123°01.86′ W. long.;
(58) 37°23.42′ N. lat., 122°56.78′ W. long.;
(59) 37°23.23′ N. lat., 122°53.78′ W. long.;
(60) 37°13.97′ N. lat., 122°49.91′ W. long.;
(61) 37°11.00′ N. lat., 122°45.61′ W. long.;
(62) 37°07.00′ N. lat., 122°42.89′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.74(f)(62) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.74(f)(63)

(63) 37°01.10′ N. lat., 122°37.50′ W. long.;
(64) 36°57.81′ N. lat., 122°28.29′ W. long.;
(65) 36°59.83′ N. lat., 122°25.17′ W. long.;
(66) 36°57.21′ N. lat., 122°25.17′ W. long.;
(67) 36°57.81′ N. lat., 122°21.73′ W. long.;
(68) 36°56.10′ N. lat., 122°21.51′ W. long.;
(69) 36°55.17′ N. lat., 122°16.94′ W. long.;
(70) 36°52.06′ N. lat., 122°12.12′ W. long.;
(71) 36°47.63′ N. lat., 122°07.40′ W. long.;
(72) 36°47.37′ N. lat., 122°03.10′ W. long.;
(73) 36°24.14′ N. lat., 121°59.45′ W. long.;
(74) 36°21.82′ N. lat., 122°00.80′ W. long.;
(75) 36°19.47′ N. lat., 122°05.28′ W. long.;
(76) 36°14.67′ N. lat., 122°00.88′ W. long.;
(77) 36°09.34′ N. lat., 121°42.61′ W. long.;
(78) 36°00.00′ N. lat., 121°35.77′ W. long.;
(79) 35°56.78′ N. lat., 121°32.69′ W. long.;
(80) 35°52.71′ N. lat., 121°32.32′ W. long.;
(81) 35°51.23′ N. lat., 121°30.54′ W. long.;
(82) 35°46.07′ N. lat., 121°29.75′ W. long.;
(83) 35°34.08′ N. lat., 121°19.83′ W. long.;
(84) 35°31.41′ N. lat., 121°14.80′ W. long.;
(85) 35°15.42′ N. lat., 121°03.47′ W. long.;
(86) 35°07.21′ N. lat., 120°59.05′ W. long.;
(87) 35°07.45′ N. lat., 120°57.09′ W. long.;
(88) 34°44.29′ N. lat., 120°54.28′ W. long.;
(89) 34°44.24′ N. lat., 120°57.62′ W. long.;
(90) 34°40.04′ N. lat., 120°53.95′ W. long.;
(91) 34°27.00′ N. lat., 120°41.50′ W. long.;
(92) 34°21.16′ N. lat., 120°33.11′ W. long.;
(93) 34°19.15′ N. lat., 120°19.78′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.74(f)(93) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.74(f)(94)

(94) 34°23.24′ N. lat., 120°14.17′ W. long.;
(95) 34°21.47′ N. lat., 119°54.68′ W. long.;
(96) 34°09.79′ N. lat., 119°44.51′ W. long.;
(97) 34°07.34′ N. lat., 120°06.71′ W. long.;
(98) 34°09.43′ N. lat., 120°18.34′ W. long.;
(99) 34°12.50′ N. lat., 120°18.34′ W. long.;
(100) 34°12.50′ N. lat., 120°26.11′ W. long.;
(101) 34°14.02′ N. lat., 120°29.61′ W. long.;
(102) 34°09.55′ N. lat., 120°37.83′ W. long.;
(103) 34°05.35′ N. lat., 120°36.23′ W. long.;
(104) 34°02.21′ N. lat., 120°36.23′ W. long.;
(105) 34°02.21′ N. lat., 120°33.94′ W. long.;
(106) 33°56.82′ N. lat., 120°28.30′ W. long.;
(107) 33°50.40′ N. lat., 120°09.94′ W. long.;
(108) 33°38.21′ N. lat., 119°59.90′ W. long.;
(109) 33°35.35′ N. lat., 119°51.95′ W. long.;
(110) 33°35.99′ N. lat., 119°49.13′ W. long.;
(111) 33°42.74′ N. lat., 119°47.81′ W. long.;
(112) 33°51.63′ N. lat., 119°52.94′ W. long.;
(113) 33°51.62′ N. lat., 119°47.94′ W. long.;
(114) 33°54.67′ N. lat., 119°47.94′ W. long.;
(115) 33°57.84′ N. lat., 119°30.94′ W. long.;
(116) 33°54.11′ N. lat., 119°30.94′ W. long.;
(117) 33°54.11′ N. lat., 119°25.94′ W. long.;
(118) 33°58.14′ N. lat., 119°25.94′ W. long.;
(119) 33°59.31′ N. lat., 119°20.02′ W. long.;
(120) 34°02.91′ N. lat., 119°15.38′ W. long.;
(121) 33°59.04′ N. lat., 119°03.02′ W. long.;
(122) 33°57.88′ N. lat., 118°41.69′ W. long.;
(123) 33°50.89′ N. lat., 118°37.78′ W. long.;
(124) 33°39.16′ N. lat., 118°18.24′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.74(f)(124) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.74(f)(125)

(125) 33°35.44′ N. lat., 118°17.31′ W. long.;
(126) 33°31.37′ N. lat., 118°10.39′ W. long.;
(127) 33°32.71′ N. lat., 117°52.05′ W. long.;
(128) 32°58.94′ N. lat., 117°20.06′ W. long.; and
(129) 32°35.48′ N. lat., 117°28.83′ W. long.
(g) The 200-fm (366-m) depth contour between the U.S. border with Canada and the U.S. border with Mexico
is defined by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 48°14.75′ N. lat., 125°41.73′ W. long.;
(2) 48°12.85′ N. lat., 125°38.06′ W. long.;
(3) 48°10.00′ N. lat., 125°41.82′ W. long.;
(4) 48°07.10′ N. lat., 125°45.65′ W. long.;
(5) 48°05.71′ N. lat., 125°44.70′ W. long.;
(6) 48°04.07′ N. lat., 125°36.96′ W. long.;
(7) 48°03.05′ N. lat., 125°36.38′ W. long.;
(8) 48°01.98′ N. lat., 125°37.41′ W. long.;
(9) 48°01.46′ N. lat., 125°39.61′ W. long.;
(10) 47°56.94′ N. lat., 125°36.65′ W. long.;
(11) 47°55.11′ N. lat., 125°36.92′ W. long.;
(12) 47°54.10′ N. lat., 125°34.98′ W. long.;
(13) 47°54.50′ N. lat., 125°32.01′ W. long.;
(14) 47°55.77′ N. lat., 125°30.13′ W. long.;
(15) 47°55.65′ N. lat., 125°28.46′ W. long.;
(16) 47°58.11′ N. lat., 125°26.60′ W. long.;
(17) 48°00.40′ N. lat., 125°24.83′ W. long.;
(18) 48°02.04′ N. lat., 125°22.90′ W. long.;
(19) 48°03.60′ N. lat., 125°21.84′ W. long.;
(20) 48°03.98′ N. lat., 125°20.65′ W. long.;
(21) 48°03.26′ N. lat., 125°19.76′ W. long.;
(22) 48°01.50′ N. lat., 125°18.80′ W. long.;
(23) 48°01.03′ N. lat., 125°20.12′ W. long.;
(24) 48°00.04′ N. lat., 125°20.26′ W. long.;
(25) 47°58.10′ N. lat., 125°18.91′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.74(g)(25) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.74(g)(26)

(26) 47°58.17′ N. lat., 125°17.50′ W. long.;
(27) 47°52.33′ N. lat., 125°15.78′ W. long.;
(28) 47°49.20′ N. lat., 125°10.67′ W. long.;
(29) 47°48.27′ N. lat., 125°07.38′ W. long.;
(30) 47°47.24′ N. lat., 125°05.38′ W. long.;
(31) 47°45.95′ N. lat., 125°04.61′ W. long.;
(32) 47°44.58′ N. lat., 125°07.12′ W. long.;
(33) 47°42.24′ N. lat., 125°05.15′ W. long.;
(34) 47°38.54′ N. lat., 125°06.76′ W. long.;
(35) 47°35.03′ N. lat., 125°04.28′ W. long.;
(36) 47°28.82′ N. lat., 124°56.24′ W. long.;
(37) 47°29.15′ N. lat., 124°54.10′ W. long.;
(38) 47°28.43′ N. lat., 124°51.58′ W. long.;
(39) 47°24.13′ N. lat., 124°47.50′ W. long.;
(40) 47°18.31′ N. lat., 124°46.17′ W. long.;
(41) 47°19.57′ N. lat., 124°51.00′ W. long.;
(42) 47°18.12′ N. lat., 124°53.66′ W. long.;
(43) 47°17.60′ N. lat., 124°52.94′ W. long.;
(44) 47°17.71′ N. lat., 124°51.63′ W. long.;
(45) 47°16.90′ N. lat., 124°51.23′ W. long.;
(46) 47°16.10′ N. lat., 124°53.67′ W. long.;
(47) 47°14.24′ N. lat., 124°53.02′ W. long.;
(48) 47°12.16′ N. lat., 124°56.77′ W. long.;
(49) 47°13.35′ N. lat., 124°58.70′ W. long.;
(50) 47°09.53′ N. lat., 124°58.32′ W. long.;
(51) 47°09.54′ N. lat., 124°59.50′ W. long.;
(52) 47°05.87′ N. lat., 124°59.30′ W. long.;
(53) 47°03.65′ N. lat., 124°56.26′ W. long.;
(54) 47°00.87′ N. lat., 124°59.52′ W. long.;
(55) 46°56.80′ N. lat., 125°00.00′ W. long.;
(56) 46°51.55′ N. lat., 125°00.00′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.74(g)(56) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.74(g)(57)

(57) 46°50.07′ N. lat., 124°53.90′ W. long.;
(58) 46°44.88′ N. lat., 124°51.97′ W. long.;
(59) 46°38.17′ N. lat., 124°42.66′ W. long.;
(60) 46°33.45′ N. lat., 124°36.11′ W. long.;
(61) 46°33.20′ N. lat., 124°30.64′ W. long.;
(62) 46°27.85′ N. lat., 124°31.95′ W. long.;
(63) 46°18.27′ N. lat., 124°39.28′ W. long.;
(64) 46°16.00′ N. lat., 124°24.88′ W. long.;
(65) 46°14.22′ N. lat., 124°26.29′ W. long.;
(66) 46°11.53′ N. lat., 124°39.58′ W. long.;
(67) 46°08.77′ N. lat., 124°41.71′ W. long.;
(68) 46°05.86′ N. lat., 124°42.26′ W. long.;
(69) 46°03.85′ N. lat., 124°48.20′ W. long.;
(70) 46°02.33′ N. lat., 124°48.51′ W. long.;
(71) 45°58.99′ N. lat., 124°44.42′ W. long.;
(72) 45°46.90′ N. lat., 124°43.50′ W. long.;
(73) 45°46.00′ N. lat., 124°44.27′ W. long.;
(74) 45°44.98′ N. lat., 124°44.93′ W. long.;
(75) 45°43.46′ N. lat., 124°44.93′ W. long.;
(76) 45°34.88′ N. lat., 124°32.59′ W. long.;
(77) 45°20.25′ N. lat., 124°25.47′ W. long.;
(78) 45°13.06′ N. lat., 124°22.25′ W. long.;
(79) 45°03.83′ N. lat., 124°27.13′ W. long.;
(80) 45°00.17′ N. lat., 124°29.29′ W. long.;
(81) 44°55.60′ N. lat., 124°32.36′ W. long.;
(82) 44°48.25′ N. lat., 124°40.61′ W. long.;
(83) 44°42.24′ N. lat., 124°48.05′ W. long.;
(84) 44°41.35′ N. lat., 124°48.03′ W. long.;
(85) 44°40.27′ N. lat., 124°49.11′ W. long.;
(86) 44°38.52′ N. lat., 124°49.11′ W. long.;
(87) 44°21.73′ N. lat., 124°49.82′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.74(g)(87) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.74(g)(88)

(88) 44°17.57′ N. lat., 124°55.04′ W. long.;
(89) 44°13.19′ N. lat., 124°58.66′ W. long.;
(90) 44°08.30′ N. lat., 124°58.50′ W. long.;
(91) 43°57.89′ N. lat., 124°58.13′ W. long.;
(92) 43°50.59′ N. lat., 124°52.80′ W. long.;
(93) 43°50.10′ N. lat., 124°40.27′ W. long.;
(94) 43°39.05′ N. lat., 124°38.56′ W. long.;
(95) 43°28.85′ N. lat., 124°40.00′ W. long.;
(96) 43°20.83′ N. lat., 124°42.84′ W. long.;
(97) 43°20.22′ N. lat., 124°43.05′ W. long.;
(98) 43°13.29′ N. lat., 124°47.00′ W. long.;
(99) 43°13.15′ N. lat., 124°52.61′ W. long.;
(100) 43°04.60′ N. lat., 124°53.01′ W. long.;
(101) 42°57.56′ N. lat., 124°54.10′ W. long.;
(102) 42°53.82′ N. lat., 124°55.76′ W. long.;
(103) 42°53.41′ N. lat., 124°54.35′ W. long.;
(104) 42°49.52′ N. lat., 124°53.16′ W. long.;
(105) 42°47.47′ N. lat., 124°50.24′ W. long.;
(106) 42°47.57′ N. lat., 124°48.13′ W. long.;
(107) 42°46.19′ N. lat., 124°44.52′ W. long.;
(108) 42°41.75′ N. lat., 124°44.69′ W. long.;
(109) 42°40.50′ N. lat., 124°44.02′ W. long.;
(110) 42°38.81′ N. lat., 124°43.09′ W. long.;
(111) 42°31.82′ N. lat., 124°46.24′ W. long.;
(112) 42°31.96′ N. lat., 124°44.32′ W. long.;
(113) 42°30.95′ N. lat., 124°44.50′ W. long.;
(114) 42°28.39′ N. lat., 124°49.56′ W. long.;
(115) 42°23.34′ N. lat., 124°44.91′ W. long.;
(116) 42°19.72′ N. lat., 124°41.60′ W. long.;
(117) 42°15.12′ N. lat., 124°38.34′ W. long.;
(118) 42°13.67′ N. lat., 124°38.22′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.74(g)(118) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.74(g)(119)

(119) 42°12.35′ N. lat., 124°38.09′ W. long.;
(120) 42°04.35′ N. lat., 124°37.23′ W. long.;
(121) 42°00.00′ N. lat., 124°36.80′ W. long.;
(122) 41°47.84′ N. lat., 124°30.48′ W. long.;
(123) 41°43.33′ N. lat., 124°29.96′ W. long.;
(124) 41°23.46′ N. lat., 124°30.36′ W. long.;
(125) 41°21.29′ N. lat., 124°29.43′ W. long.;
(126) 41°13.52′ N. lat., 124°24.48′ W. long.;
(127) 41°06.71′ N. lat., 124°23.37′ W. long.;
(128) 40°54.66′ N. lat., 124°28.20′ W. long.;
(129) 40°51.52′ N. lat., 124°27.47′ W. long.;
(130) 40°40.62′ N. lat., 124°32.75′ W. long.;
(131) 40°36.08′ N. lat., 124°40.18′ W. long.;
(132) 40°32.90′ N. lat., 124°41.90′ W. long.;
(133) 40°31.30′ N. lat., 124°41.00′ W. long.;
(134) 40°30.16′ N. lat., 124°37.91′ W. long.;
(135) 40°27.29′ N. lat., 124°37.34′ W. long.;
(136) 40°24.98′ N. lat., 124°36.44′ W. long.;
(137) 40°22.34′ N. lat., 124°31.22′ W. long.;
(138) 40°16.94′ N. lat., 124°32.00′ W. long.;
(139) 40°17.58′ N. lat., 124°45.30′ W. long.;
(140) 40°14.40′ N. lat., 124°35.82′ W. long.;
(141) 40°13.24′ N. lat., 124°32.43′ W. long.;
(142) 40°10.00′ N. lat., 124°24.64′ W. long.;
(143) 40°06.43′ N. lat., 124°19.26′ W. long.;
(144) 40°07.06′ N. lat., 124°17.82′ W. long.;
(145) 40°04.70′ N. lat., 124°18.17′ W. long.;
(146) 40°02.34′ N. lat., 124°16.64′ W. long.;
(147) 40°01.52′ N. lat., 124°09.89′ W. long.;
(148) 39°58.27′ N. lat., 124°13.58′ W. long.;
(149) 39°56.59′ N. lat., 124°12.09′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.74(g)(149) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.74(g)(150)

(150) 39°55.19′ N. lat., 124°08.03′ W. long.;
(151) 39°52.54′ N. lat., 124°09.47′ W. long.;
(152) 39°42.67′ N. lat., 124°02.59′ W. long.;
(153) 39°35.95′ N. lat., 123°59.56′ W. long.;
(154) 39°34.61′ N. lat., 123°59.66′ W. long.;
(155) 39°33.77′ N. lat., 123°56.89′ W. long.;
(156) 39°33.01′ N. lat., 123°57.14′ W. long.;
(157) 39°32.20′ N. lat., 123°59.20′ W. long.;
(158) 39°07.84′ N. lat., 123°59.14′ W. long.;
(159) 39°01.11′ N. lat., 123°57.97′ W. long.;
(160) 39°00.51′ N. lat., 123°56.96′ W. long.;
(161) 38°57.50′ N. lat., 123°57.57′ W. long.;
(162) 38°56.57′ N. lat., 123°57.80′ W. long.;
(163) 38°56.39′ N. lat., 123°59.48′ W. long.;
(164) 38°50.22′ N. lat., 123°55.55′ W. long.;
(165) 38°46.76′ N. lat., 123°51.56′ W. long.;
(166) 38°45.27′ N. lat., 123°51.63′ W. long.;
(167) 38°42.76′ N. lat., 123°49.83′ W. long.;
(168) 38°41.53′ N. lat., 123°47.83′ W. long.;
(169) 38°40.97′ N. lat., 123°48.14′ W. long.;
(170) 38°38.02′ N. lat., 123°45.85′ W. long.;
(171) 38°37.19′ N. lat., 123°44.08′ W. long.;
(172) 38°33.43′ N. lat., 123°41.82′ W. long.;
(173) 38°29.44′ N. lat., 123°38.49′ W. long.;
(174) 38°28.08′ N. lat., 123°38.33′ W. long.;
(175) 38°23.68′ N. lat., 123°35.47′ W. long.;
(176) 38°19.63′ N. lat., 123°34.05′ W. long.;
(177) 38°16.23′ N. lat., 123°31.90′ W. long.;
(178) 38°14.79′ N. lat., 123°29.98′ W. long.;
(179) 38°14.12′ N. lat., 123°26.36′ W. long.;
(180) 38°10.85′ N. lat., 123°25.84′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.74(g)(180) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.74(g)(181)

(181) 38°13.15′ N. lat., 123°28.25′ W. long.;
(182) 38°12.28′ N. lat., 123°29.88′ W. long.;
(183) 38°10.19′ N. lat., 123°29.11′ W. long.;
(184) 38°07.94′ N. lat., 123°28.52′ W. long.;
(185) 38°06.51′ N. lat., 123°30.96′ W. long.;
(186) 38°04.21′ N. lat., 123°32.03′ W. long.;
(187) 38°02.07′ N. lat., 123°31.37′ W. long.;
(188) 38°00.00′ N. lat., 123°29.62′ W. long.;
(189) 37°58.13′ N. lat., 123°27.28′ W. long.;
(190) 37°55.01′ N. lat., 123°27.53′ W. long.;
(191) 37°51.40′ N. lat., 123°25.25′ W. long.;
(192) 37°43.97′ N. lat., 123°11.56′ W. long.;
(193) 37°35.67′ N. lat., 123°02.32′ W. long.;
(194) 37°13.65′ N. lat., 122°54.25′ W. long.;
(195) 37°11.00′ N. lat., 122°50.97′ W. long.;
(196) 37°07.00′ N. lat., 122°45.90′ W. long.;
(197) 37°00.66′ N. lat., 122°37.91′ W. long.;
(198) 36°57.40′ N. lat., 122°28.32′ W. long.;
(199) 36°59.25′ N. lat., 122°25.61′ W. long.;
(200) 36°56.88′ N. lat., 122°25.49′ W. long.;
(201) 36°57.40′ N. lat., 122°22.69′ W. long.;
(202) 36°55.43′ N. lat., 122°22.49′ W. long.;
(203) 36°52.29′ N. lat., 122°13.25′ W. long.;
(204) 36°47.12′ N. lat., 122°07.62′ W. long.;
(205) 36°47.10′ N. lat., 122°02.17′ W. long.;
(206) 36°43.76′ N. lat., 121°59.17′ W. long.;
(207) 36°38.85′ N. lat., 122°02.26′ W. long.;
(208) 36°23.41′ N. lat., 122°00.17′ W. long.;
(209) 36°19.68′ N. lat., 122°06.99′ W. long.;
(210) 36°14.75′ N. lat., 122°01.57′ W. long.;
(211) 36°09.74′ N. lat., 121°45.06′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.74(g)(211) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.74(g)(212)

(212) 36°06.75′ N. lat., 121°40.79′ W. long.;
(213) 36°00.00′ N. lat., 121°35.98′ W. long.;
(214) 35°58.18′ N. lat., 121°34.69′ W. long.;
(215) 35°52.31′ N. lat., 121°32.51′ W. long.;
(216) 35°51.21′ N. lat., 121°30.97′ W. long.;
(217) 35°46.32′ N. lat., 121°30.36′ W. long.;
(218) 35°33.74′ N. lat., 121°20.16′ W. long.;
(219) 35°31.37′ N. lat., 121°15.29′ W. long.;
(220) 35°23.32′ N. lat., 121°11.50′ W. long.;
(221) 35°15.28′ N. lat., 121°04.51′ W. long.;
(222) 35°07.08′ N. lat., 121°00.36′ W. long.;
(223) 34°57.46′ N. lat., 120°58.29′ W. long.;
(224) 34°44.25′ N. lat., 120°58.35′ W. long.;
(225) 34°32.30′ N. lat., 120°50.28′ W. long.;
(226) 34°27.00′ N. lat., 120°42.61′ W. long.;
(227) 34°19.08′ N. lat., 120°31.27′ W. long.;
(228) 34°17.72′ N. lat., 120°19.32′ W. long.;
(229) 34°22.45′ N. lat., 120°12.87′ W. long.;
(230) 34°21.36′ N. lat., 119°54.94′ W. long.;
(231) 34°09.95′ N. lat., 119°46.24′ W. long.;
(232) 34°09.08′ N. lat., 119°57.59′ W. long.;
(233) 34°07.53′ N. lat., 120°06.41′ W. long.;
(234) 34°10.54′ N. lat., 120°19.13′ W. long.;
(235) 34°14.68′ N. lat., 120°29.54′ W. long.;
(236) 34°09.51′ N. lat., 120°38.38′ W. long.;
(237) 34°03.06′ N. lat., 120°35.60′ W. long.;
(238) 33°56.39′ N. lat., 120°28.53′ W. long.;
(239) 33°50.25′ N. lat., 120°09.49′ W. long.;
(240) 33°37.96′ N. lat., 120°00.14′ W. long.;
(241) 33°34.52′ N. lat., 119°51.90′ W. long.;
(242) 33°35.51′ N. lat., 119°48.55′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.74(g)(242) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.74(g)(243)

(243) 33°42.76′ N. lat., 119°47.83′ W. long.;
(244) 33°53.62′ N. lat., 119°53.34′ W. long.;
(245) 33°57.61′ N. lat., 119°31.32′ W. long.;
(246) 33°56.34′ N. lat., 119°26.46′ W. long.;
(247) 33°57.79′ N. lat., 119°26.91′ W. long.;
(248) 33°58.88′ N. lat., 119°20.12′ W. long.;
(249) 34°02.65′ N. lat., 119°15.17′ W. long.;
(250) 33°59.02′ N. lat., 119°03.05′ W. long.;
(251) 33°57.61′ N. lat., 118°42.13′ W. long.;
(252) 33°50.76′ N. lat., 118°38.03′ W. long.;
(253) 33°39.41′ N. lat., 118°18.74′ W. long.;
(254) 33°35.51′ N. lat., 118°18.08′ W. long.;
(255) 33°30.68′ N. lat., 118°10.40′ W. long.;
(256) 33°32.49′ N. lat., 117°51.90′ W. long.;
(257) 32°58.87′ N. lat., 117°20.41′ W. long.; and
(258) 32°35.53′ N. lat., 117°29.72′ W. long.
(h) The 200 fm (366 m) depth contour used around San Clemente Island is defined by straight lines
connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°05.89′ N. lat., 118°39.45′ W. long.;
(2) 33°02.68′ N. lat., 118°33.14′ W. long.;
(3) 32°57.32′ N. lat., 118°29.12′ W. long.;
(4) 32°47.51′ N. lat., 118°17.88′ W. long.;
(5) 32°41.22′ N. lat., 118°23.78′ W. long.;
(6) 32°46.83′ N. lat., 118°32.10′ W. long.;
(7) 33°01.61′ N. lat., 118°40.64′ W. long.; and
(8) 33°5.89′ N. lat., 118°39.45′ W. long.
(i)

The 200 fm (366 m) depth contour used around Santa Catalina Island off the state of California is defined
by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°32.06′ N. lat., 118°44.52′ W. long.;
(2) 33°31.36′ N. lat., 118°35.28′ W. long.;
(3) 33°30.10′ N. lat., 118°30.82′ W. long.;
(4) 33°27.91′ N. lat., 118°26.83′ W. long.;

50 CFR 660.74(i)(4) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.74(i)(5)

(5) 33°26.27′ N. lat., 118°21.35′ W. long.;
(6) 33°21.34′ N. lat., 118°15.24′ W. long.;
(7) 33°13.66′ N. lat., 118°08.98′ W. long.;
(8) 33°17.15′ N. lat., 118°28.35′ W. long.;
(9) 33°20.94′ N. lat., 118°34.34′ W. long.;
(10) 33°23.32′ N. lat., 118°32.60′ W. long.;
(11) 33°28.68′ N. lat., 118°44.93′ W. long.; and
(12) 33°32.06′ N. lat., 118°44.52′ W. long.
(j)

The 200 fm (366 m) depth contour used around Lasuen Knoll off the state of California is defined by
straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°25.91′ N lat., 117°59.44′ W long.;
(2) 33°23.37′ N lat., 117°56.97′ W long.;
(3) 33°22.88′ N lat., 117°59.72′ W long.;
(4) 33°23.85′ N lat., 118°01.03′ W long.;
(5) 33°25.20′ N lat., 118°01.89′ W long.; and
(6) 33°25.91′ N lat., 117°59.44′ W long.

(k) The 200 fm (366 m) depth contour used around San Diego Rise off the state of California is defined by
straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 32°50.30′ N. lat., 117°50.18′ W. long.;
(2) 32°44.01′ N. lat., 117°44.46′ W. long.;
(3) 32°41.34′ N. lat., 117°45.86′ W. long.;
(4) 32°45.45′ N. lat., 117°50.09′ W. long.;
(5) 32°50.10′ N. lat., 117°50.76′ W. long.; and
(6) 32°50.30′ N. lat., 117°50.18′ W. long.
(l)

The 200-fm (366-m) depth contour used between the U.S. border with Canada and the U.S. border with
Mexico, modified to allow fishing in petrale sole areas, is defined by straight lines connecting all of the
following points in the order stated:
(1) 48°14.75′ N. lat., 125°41.73′ W. long.;
(2) 48°12.85′ N. lat., 125°38.06′ W. long.;
(3) 48°10.00′ N. lat., 125°41.82′ W. long.;
(4) 48°07.10′ N. lat., 125°45.65′ W. long.;
(5) 48°05.71′ N. lat., 125°44.69′ W. long.;
(6) 48°04.07′ N. lat., 125°36.96′ W. long.;

50 CFR 660.74(l)(6) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR 660.74(l)(7)

(7) 48°03.05′ N. lat., 125°36.38′ W. long.;
(8) 48°01.98′ N. lat., 125°37.41′ W. long.;
(9) 48°01.46′ N. lat., 125°39.61′ W. long.;
(10) 47°56.94′ N. lat., 125°36.65′ W. long.;
(11) 47°55.77′ N. lat., 125°30.13′ W. long.;
(12) 47°55.65′ N. lat., 125°28.46′ W. long.;
(13) 47°58.11′ N. lat., 125°26.60′ W. long.;
(14) 48°00.40′ N. lat., 125°24.83′ W. long.;
(15) 48°02.04′ N. lat., 125°22.90′ W. long.;
(16) 48°03.60′ N. lat., 125°21.84′ W. long.;
(17) 48°03.98′ N. lat., 125°20.65′ W. long.;
(18) 48°03.26′ N. lat., 125°19.76′ W. long.;
(19) 48°01.50′ N. lat., 125°18.80′ W. long.;
(20) 48°01.03′ N. lat., 125°20.12′ W. long.;
(21) 48°00.04′ N. lat., 125°20.26′ W. long.;
(22) 47°58.10′ N. lat., 125°18.91′ W. long.;
(23) 47°58.17′ N. lat., 125°17.50′ W. long.;
(24) 47°52.33′ N. lat., 125°15.78′ W. long.;
(25) 47°49.20′ N. lat., 125°10.67′ W. long.;
(26) 47°48.27′ N. lat., 125°07.38′ W. long.;
(27) 47°47.24′ N. lat., 125°05.38′ W. long.;
(28) 47°45.95′ N. lat., 125°04.61′ W. long.;
(29) 47°44.58′ N. lat., 125°07.12′ W. long.;
(30) 47°42.24′ N. lat., 125°05.15′ W. long.;
(31) 47°38.54′ N. lat., 125°06.76′ W. long.;
(32) 47°35.03′ N. lat., 125°04.28′ W. long.;
(33) 47°28.82′ N. lat., 124°56.24′ W. long.;
(34) 47°29.15′ N. lat., 124°54.10′ W. long.;
(35) 47°28.43′ N. lat., 124°51.58′ W. long.;
(36) 47°24.13′ N. lat., 124°47.50′ W. long.;
(37) 47°18.31′ N. lat., 124°46.17′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.74(l)(37) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
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50 CFR 660.74(l)(38)

(38) 47°19.57′ N. lat., 124°51.00′ W. long.;
(39) 47°18.12′ N. lat., 124°53.66′ W. long.;
(40) 47°17.60′ N. lat., 124°52.94′ W. long.;
(41) 47°17.71′ N. lat., 124°51.63′ W. long.;
(42) 47°16.90′ N. lat., 124°51.23′ W. long.;
(43) 47°16.10′ N. lat., 124°53.67′ W. long.;
(44) 47°14.24′ N. lat., 124°53.02′ W. long.;
(45) 47°12.16′ N. lat., 124°56.77′ W. long.;
(46) 47°13.35′ N. lat., 124°58.70′ W. long.;
(47) 47°09.53′ N. lat., 124°58.32′ W. long.;
(48) 47°09.54′ N. lat., 124°59.50′ W. long.;
(49) 47°05.87′ N. lat., 124°59.30′ W. long.;
(50) 47°03.65′ N. lat., 124°56.26′ W. long.;
(51) 47°00.87′ N. lat., 124°59.52′ W. long.;
(52) 46°56.80′ N. lat., 125°00.00′ W. long.;
(53) 46°51.55′ N. lat., 125°00.00′ W. long.;
(54) 46°50.07′ N. lat., 124°53.90′ W. long.;
(55) 46°44.88′ N. lat., 124°51.97′ W. long.;
(56) 46°38.17′ N. lat., 124°42.66′ W. long.;
(57) 46°33.45′ N. lat., 124°36.11′ W. long.;
(58) 46°33.20′ N. lat., 124°30.64′ W. long.;
(59) 46°27.85′ N. lat., 124°31.95′ W. long.;
(60) 46°18.27′ N. lat., 124°39.28′ W. long.;
(61) 46°16.00′ N. lat., 124°24.88′ W. long.;
(62) 46°14.22′ N. lat., 124°26.28′ W. long.;
(63) 46°11.53′ N. lat., 124°39.58′ W. long.;
(64) 46°08.77′ N. lat., 124°41.71′ W. long.;
(65) 46°05.86′ N. lat., 124°42.27′ W. long.;
(66) 46°03.85′ N. lat., 124°48.20′ W. long.;
(67) 46°02.34′ N. lat., 124°48.51′ W. long.;
(68) 45°58.99′ N. lat., 124°44.42′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.74(l)(68) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
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50 CFR 660.74(l)(69)

(69) 45°49.68′ N. lat., 124°42.37′ W. long.;
(70) 45°49.74′ N. lat., 124°43.69′ W. long.;
(71) 45°46.00′ N. lat., 124°41.82′ W. long.;
(72) 45°40.83′ N. lat., 124°40.90′ W. long.;
(73) 45°34.88′ N. lat., 124°32.58′ W. long.;
(74) 45°20.25′ N. lat., 124°25.47′ W. long.;
(75) 45°13.04′ N. lat., 124°21.92′ W. long.;
(76) 45°03.83′ N. lat., 124°27.13′ W. long.;
(77) 45°00.17′ N. lat., 124°29.28′ W. long.;
(78) 44°50.99′ N. lat., 124°35.40′ W. long.;
(79) 44°46.87′ N. lat., 124°38.20′ W. long.;
(80) 44°48.25′ N. lat., 124°40.61′ W. long.;
(81) 44°42.24′ N. lat., 124°48.05′ W. long.;
(82) 44°41.35′ N. lat., 124°48.03′ W. long.;
(83) 44°40.27′ N. lat., 124°49.11′ W. long.;
(84) 44°38.52′ N. lat., 124°49.11′ W. long.;
(85) 44°21.73′ N. lat., 124°49.82′ W. long.;
(86) 44°17.57′ N. lat., 124°55.04′ W. long.;
(87) 44°13.19′ N. lat., 124°58.66′ W. long.;
(88) 43°57.88′ N. lat., 124°58.25′ W. long.;
(89) 43°56.89′ N. lat., 124°57.33′ W. long.;
(90) 43°52.32′ N. lat., 124°49.43′ W. long.;
(91) 43°51.35′ N. lat., 124°37.94′ W. long.;
(92) 43°49.73′ N. lat., 124°40.26′ W. long.;
(93) 43°39.06′ N. lat., 124°38.55′ W. long.;
(94) 43°28.85′ N. lat., 124°39.99′ W. long.;
(95) 43°20.83′ N. lat., 124°42.89′ W. long.;
(96) 43°20.22′ N. lat., 124°43.05′ W. long.;
(97) 43°13.29′ N. lat., 124°47.00′ W. long.;
(98) 43°10.64′ N. lat., 124°49.95′ W. long.;
(99) 43°04.26′ N. lat., 124°53.05′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.74(l)(99) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.74(l)(100)

(100) 42°53.93′ N. lat., 124°54.60′ W. long.;
(101) 42°50.00′ N. lat., 124°50.60′ W. long.;
(102) 42°47.57′ N. lat., 124°48.12′ W. long.;
(103) 42°46.19′ N. lat., 124°44.52′ W. long.;
(104) 42°41.75′ N. lat., 124°44.69′ W. long.;
(105) 42°40.50′ N. lat., 124°44.02′ W. long.;
(106) 42°38.81′ N. lat., 124°43.09′ W. long.;
(107) 42°31.83′ N. lat., 124°46.23′ W. long.;
(108) 42°32.08′ N. lat., 124°43.58′ W. long.;
(109) 42°30.96′ N. lat., 124°43.84′ W. long.;
(110) 42°28.41′ N. lat., 124°49.17′ W. long.;
(111) 42°24.80′ N. lat., 124°45.93′ W. long.;
(112) 42°19.71′ N. lat., 124°41.60′ W. long.;
(113) 42°15.12′ N. lat., 124°38.34′ W. long.;
(114) 42°13.67′ N. lat., 124°38.28′ W. long.;
(115) 42°12.35′ N. lat., 124°38.09′ W. long.;
(116) 42°00.00′ N. lat., 124°36.83′ W. long.;
(117) 41°47.78′ N. lat., 124°29.55′ W. long.;
(118) 41°21.15′ N. lat., 124°29.04′ W. long.;
(119) 41°13.50′ N. lat., 124°24.40′ W. long.;
(120) 41°11.00′ N. lat., 124°22.99′ W. long.;
(121) 41°06.69′ N. lat., 124°23.30′ W. long.;
(122) 40°54.73′ N. lat., 124°28.15′ W. long.;
(123) 40°53.94′ N. lat., 124°26.11′ W. long.;
(124) 40°50.31′ N. lat., 124°26.15′ W. long.;
(125) 40°44.49′ N. lat., 124°30.89′ W. long.;
(126) 40°40.62′ N. lat., 124°32.16′ W. long.;
(127) 40°38.87′ N. lat., 124°30.15′ W. long.;
(128) 40°35.67′ N. lat., 124°30.43′ W. long.;
(129) 40°37.41′ N. lat., 124°37.06′ W. long.;
(130) 40°36.09′ N. lat., 124°40.11′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.74(l)(130) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.74(l)(131)

(131) 40°31.33′ N. lat., 124°41.01′ W. long.;
(132) 40°30.00′ N. lat., 124°38.15′ W. long.;
(133) 40°27.34′ N. lat., 124°37.28′ W. long.;
(134) 40°25.01′ N. lat., 124°36.36′ W. long.;
(135) 40°22.28′ N. lat., 124°31.35′ W. long.;
(136) 40°16.29′ N. lat., 124°34.50′ W. long.;
(137) 40°14.00′ N. lat., 124°33.02′ W. long.;
(138) 40°10.00′ N. lat., 124°24.55′ W. long.;
(139) 40°06.45′ N. lat., 124°19.24′ W. long.;
(140) 40°07.08′ N. lat., 124°17.80′ W. long.;
(141) 40°05.55′ N. lat., 124°18.11′ W. long.;
(142) 40°04.74′ N. lat., 124°18.11′ W. long.;
(143) 40°02.35′ N. lat., 124°16.54′ W. long.;
(144) 40°01.51′ N. lat., 124°09.89′ W. long.;
(145) 39°58.54′ N. lat., 124°12.43′ W. long.;
(146) 39°55.72′ N. lat., 124°09.86′ W. long.;
(147) 39°42.64′ N. lat., 124°02.52′ W. long.;
(148) 39°35.96′ N. lat., 123°59.47′ W. long.;
(149) 39°34.61′ N. lat., 123°59.59′ W. long.;
(150) 39°33.79′ N. lat., 123°56.77′ W. long.;
(151) 39°33.03′ N. lat., 123°57.06′ W. long.;
(152) 39°32.21′ N. lat., 123°59.12′ W. long.;
(153) 39°07.81′ N. lat., 123°59.06′ W. long.;
(154) 38°57.50′ N. lat., 123°57.32′ W. long.;
(155) 38°52.26′ N. lat., 123°56.18′ W. long.;
(156) 38°50.21′ N. lat., 123°55.48′ W. long.;
(157) 38°46.81′ N. lat., 123°51.49′ W. long.;
(158) 38°45.29′ N. lat., 123°51.55′ W. long.;
(159) 38°42.76′ N. lat., 123°49.73′ W. long.;
(160) 38°41.42′ N. lat., 123°47.45′ W. long.;
(161) 38°35.74′ N. lat., 123°43.82′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.74(l)(161) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.74(l)(162)

(162) 38°34.92′ N. lat., 123°42.53′ W. long.;
(163) 38°19.65′ N. lat., 123°31.95′ W. long.;
(164) 38°14.38′ N. lat., 123°25.51′ W. long.;
(165) 38°09.39′ N. lat., 123°24.40′ W. long.;
(166) 38°10.06′ N. lat., 123°26.84′ W. long.;
(167) 38°04.58′ N. lat., 123°31.91′ W. long.;
(168) 38°02.06′ N. lat., 123°31.26′ W. long.;
(169) 38°00.00′ N. lat., 123°29.56′ W. long.;
(170) 37°58.07′ N. lat., 123°27.21′ W. long.;
(171) 37°55.07′ N. lat., 123°27.20′ W. long.;
(172) 37°50.77′ N. lat., 123°24.52′ W. long.;
(173) 37°43.94′ N. lat., 123°11.49′ W. long.;
(174) 37°35.67′ N. lat., 123°02.23′ W. long.;
(175) 37°23.48′ N. lat., 122°57.77′ W. long.;
(176) 37°23.23′ N. lat., 122°53.85′ W. long.;
(177) 37°13.96′ N. lat., 122°49.97′ W. long.;
(178) 37°11.00′ N. lat., 122°45.68′ W. long.;
(179) 37°07.00′ N. lat., 122°43.37′ W. long.;
(180) 37°01.04′ N. lat., 122°37.94′ W. long.;
(181) 36°57.40′ N. lat., 122°28.36′ W. long.;
(182) 36°59.21′ N. lat., 122°25.64′ W. long.;
(183) 36°56.90′ N. lat., 122°25.42′ W. long.;
(184) 36°57.60′ N. lat., 122°21.95′ W. long.;
(185) 36°55.69′ N. lat., 122°22.32′ W. long.;
(186) 36°52.27′ N. lat., 122°13.17′ W. long.;
(187) 36°47.38′ N. lat., 122°07.62′ W. long.;
(188) 36°47.27′ N. lat., 122°03.77′ W. long.;
(189) 36°24.12′ N. lat., 121°59.74′ W. long.;
(190) 36°21.99′ N. lat., 122°01.01′ W. long.;
(191) 36°19.56′ N. lat., 122°05.88′ W. long.;
(192) 36°14.63′ N. lat., 122°01.10′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.74(l)(192) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.74(l)(193)

(193) 36°09.74′ N. lat., 121°45.01′ W. long.;
(194) 36°06.69′ N. lat., 121°40.77′ W. long.;
(195) 36°00.00′ N. lat., 121°36.01′ W. long.;
(196) 35°56.54′ N. lat., 121°33.27′ W. long.;
(197) 35°52.21′ N. lat., 121°32.46′ W. long.;
(198) 35°51.21′ N. lat., 121°30.94′ W. long.;
(199) 35°46.28′ N. lat., 121°30.29′ W. long.;
(200) 35°33.68′ N. lat., 121°20.09′ W. long.;
(201) 35°31.33′ N. lat., 121°15.22′ W. long.;
(202) 35°23.29′ N. lat., 121°11.41′ W. long.;
(203) 35°15.26′ N. lat., 121°04.49′ W. long.;
(204) 35°07.05′ N. lat., 121°00.26′ W. long.;
(205) 35°07.46′ N. lat., 120°57.10′ W. long.;
(206) 34°44.29′ N. lat., 120°54.28′ W. long.;
(207) 34°44.24′ N. lat., 120°57.69′ W. long.;
(208) 34°39.06′ N. lat., 120°55.01′ W. long.;
(209) 34°27.00′ N lat., 120°42.61′ W long.;
(210) 34°19.08′ N lat., 120°31.21′ W long.;
(211) 34°17.72′ N. lat., 120°19.26′ W. long.;
(212) 34°22.45′ N. lat., 120°12.81′ W. long.;
(213) 34°21.36′ N. lat., 119°54.88′ W. long.;
(214) 34°09.95′ N. lat., 119°46.18′ W. long.;
(215) 34°09.08′ N. lat., 119°57.53′ W. long.;
(216) 34°07.53′ N. lat., 120°06.35′ W. long.;
(217) 34°10.37′ N. lat., 120°18.40′ W. long.;
(218) 34°12.50′ N. lat., 120°18.40′ W. long.;
(219) 34°12.50′ N. lat., 120°24.96′ W. long.;
(220) 34°14.68′ N. lat., 120°29.48′ W. long.;
(221) 34°09.51′ N. lat., 120°38.32′ W. long.;
(222) 34°04.66′ N. lat., 120°36.29′ W. long.;
(223) 34°02.21′ N. lat., 120°36.29′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.74(l)(223) (enhanced display)

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Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.74(l)(224)

(224) 34°02.21′ N. lat., 120°34.65′ W. long.;
(225) 33°56.39′ N. lat., 120°28.47′ W. long.;
(226) 33°50.40′ N. lat., 120°10.00′ W. long.;
(227) 33°37.96′ N. lat., 120°00.08′ W. long.;
(228) 33°34.52′ N. lat., 119°51.84′ W. long.;
(229) 33°35.51′ N. lat., 119°48.49′ W. long.;
(230) 33°42.76′ N. lat., 119°47.77′ W. long.;
(231) 33°51.63′ N. lat., 119°53.00′ W. long.;
(232) 33°51.62′ N. lat., 119°48.00′ W. long.;
(233) 33°54.59′ N. lat., 119°48.00′ W. long.;
(234) 33°57.69′ N. lat., 119°31.00′ W. long.;
(235) 33°54.11′ N. lat., 119°31.00′ W. long.;
(236) 33°54.11′ N. lat., 119°26.00′ W. long.;
(237) 33°57.94′ N. lat., 119°26.00′ W. long.;
(238) 33°58.88′ N. lat., 119°20.06′ W. long.;
(239) 34°02.65′ N. lat., 119°15.11′ W. long.;
(240) 33°59.02′ N. lat., 119°02.99′ W. long.;
(241) 33°57.61′ N. lat., 118°42.07′ W. long.;
(242) 33°50.76′ N. lat., 118°37.98′ W. long.;
(243) 33°39.17′ N. lat., 118°18.47′ W. long.;
(244) 33°37.14′ N. lat., 118°18.39′ W. long.;
(245) 33°35.51′ N. lat., 118°18.03′ W. long.;
(246) 33°30.68′ N. lat., 118°10.35′ W. long.;
(247) 33°32.49′ N. lat., 117°51.85′ W. long.;
(248) 32°58.87′ N. lat., 117°20.36′ W. long.; and
(249) 32°35.56′ N. lat., 117°29.66′ W. long.
(m) The 250-fm (457-m) depth contour used between the U.S. border with Canada and the U.S. border with
Mexico is defined by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 48°14.71′ N. lat., 125°41.95′ W. long.;
(2) 48°13.00′ N. lat., 125°39.00′ W. long.;
(3) 48°10.00′ N. lat., 125°43.00′ W. long.;
(4) 48°08.50′ N. lat., 125°45.00′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.74(m)(4) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR 660.74(m)(5)

(5) 48°06.00′ N. lat., 125°46.50′ W. long.;
(6) 48°03.50′ N. lat., 125°37.00′ W. long.;
(7) 48°01.50′ N. lat., 125°40.00′ W. long.;
(8) 47°57.00′ N. lat., 125°37.00′ W. long.;
(9) 47°55.20′ N. lat., 125°37.26′ W. long.;
(10) 47°54.02′ N. lat., 125°36.60′ W. long.;
(11) 47°53.70′ N. lat., 125°35.09′ W. long.;
(12) 47°54.16′ N. lat., 125°32.38′ W. long.;
(13) 47°55.50′ N. lat., 125°28.50′ W. long.;
(14) 47°58.00′ N. lat., 125°25.00′ W. long.;
(15) 48°00.50′ N. lat., 125°24.50′ W. long.;
(16) 48°03.50′ N. lat., 125°21.00′ W. long.;
(17) 48°02.00′ N. lat., 125°19.50′ W. long.;
(18) 48°00.00′ N. lat., 125°21.00′ W. long.;
(19) 47°58.00′ N. lat., 125°20.00′ W. long.;
(20) 47°58.00′ N. lat., 125°18.00′ W. long.;
(21) 47°52.00′ N. lat., 125°16.50′ W. long.;
(22) 47°46.00′ N. lat., 125°06.00′ W. long.;
(23) 47°44.50′ N. lat., 125°07.50′ W. long.;
(24) 47°42.00′ N. lat., 125°06.00′ W. long.;
(25) 47°37.96′ N. lat., 125°07.17′ W. long.;
(26) 47°28.00′ N. lat., 124°58.50′ W. long.;
(27) 47°28.88′ N. lat., 124°54.70′ W. long.;
(28) 47°27.70′ N. lat., 124°51.87′ W. long.;
(29) 47°24.84′ N. lat., 124°48.45′ W. long.;
(30) 47°21.76′ N. lat., 124°47.42′ W. long.;
(31) 47°18.84′ N. lat., 124°46.75′ W. long.;
(32) 47°19.82′ N. lat., 124°51.43′ W. long.;
(33) 47°18.13′ N. lat., 124°54.25′ W. long.;
(34) 47°13.50′ N. lat., 124°54.70′ W. long.;
(35) 47°15.00′ N. lat., 125°01.10′ W. long.;
50 CFR 660.74(m)(35) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR 660.74(m)(36)

(36) 47°08.77′ N. lat., 125°00.91′ W. long.;
(37) 47°05.80′ N. lat., 125°01.00′ W. long.;
(38) 47°03.34′ N. lat., 124°57.50′ W. long.;
(39) 47°01.00′ N. lat., 125°00.00′ W. long.;
(40) 46°55.00′ N. lat., 125°02.00′ W. long.;
(41) 46°53.32′ N. lat., 125°00.00′ W. long.;
(42) 46°51.55′ N. lat., 125°00.00′ W. long.;
(43) 46°50.80′ N. lat., 124°56.90′ W. long.;
(44) 46°47.00′ N. lat., 124°55.00′ W. long.;
(45) 46°38.17′ N. lat., 124°43.45′ W. long.;
(46) 46°34.00′ N. lat., 124°38.00′ W. long.;
(47) 46°30.50′ N. lat., 124°41.00′ W. long.;
(48) 46°33.00′ N. lat., 124°32.00′ W. long.;
(49) 46°29.00′ N. lat., 124°32.00′ W. long.;
(50) 46°20.00′ N. lat., 124°39.00′ W. long.;
(51) 46°18.16′ N. lat., 124°40.00′ W. long.;
(52) 46°16.00′ N. lat., 124°27.00′ W. long.;
(53) 46°16.00′ N. lat., 124°27.01′ W. long.;
(54) 46°15.00′ N. lat., 124°30.96′ W. long.;
(55) 46°13.17′ N. lat., 124°37.87′ W. long.;
(56) 46°13.17′ N. lat., 124°38.75′ W. long.;
(57) 46°10.50′ N. lat., 124°42.00′ W. long.;
(58) 46°06.21′ N. lat., 124°41.85′ W. long.;
(59) 46°03.02′ N. lat., 124°50.27′ W. long.;
(60) 45°57.00′ N. lat., 124°45.52′ W. long.;
(61) 45°46.85′ N. lat., 124°45.91′ W. long.;
(62) 45°46.00′ N. lat., 124°46.84′ W. long.;
(63) 45°45.81′ N. lat., 124°47.05′ W. long.;
(64) 45°44.87′ N. lat., 124°45.98′ W. long.;
(65) 45°43.44′ N. lat., 124°46.03′ W. long.;
(66) 45°35.82′ N. lat., 124°45.72′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.74(m)(67)

(67) 45°35.70′ N. lat., 124°42.89′ W. long.;
(68) 45°24.45′ N. lat., 124°38.21′ W. long.;
(69) 45°11.68′ N. lat., 124°39.38′ W. long.;
(70) 45°03.83′ N. lat., 124°38.03′ W. long.;
(71) 44°57.94′ N. lat., 124°37.02′ W. long.;
(72) 44°44.28′ N. lat., 124°50.79′ W. long.;
(73) 44°32.63′ N. lat., 124°54.21′ W. long.;
(74) 44°23.36′ N. lat., 124°50.53′ W. long.;
(75) 44°13.30′ N. lat., 124°59.03′ W. long.;
(76) 43°57.85′ N. lat., 124°58.57′ W. long.;
(77) 43°50.12′ N. lat., 124°53.36′ W. long.;
(78) 43°49.53′ N. lat., 124°43.96′ W. long.;
(79) 43°42.76′ N. lat., 124°41.40′ W. long.;
(80) 43°24.00′ N. lat., 124°42.61′ W. long.;
(81) 43°20.83′ N. lat., 124°44.48′ W. long.;
(82) 43°19.74′ N. lat., 124°45.12′ W. long.;
(83) 43°19.62′ N. lat., 124°52.95′ W. long.;
(84) 43°17.41′ N. lat., 124°53.02′ W. long.;
(85) 42°56.41′ N. lat., 124°54.59′ W. long.;
(86) 42°53.82′ N. lat., 124°55.76′ W. long.;
(87) 42°53.54′ N. lat., 124°54.88′ W. long.;
(88) 42°50.00′ N. lat., 124°55.12′ W. long.;
(89) 42°49.26′ N. lat., 124°55.17′ W. long.;
(90) 42°46.74′ N. lat., 124°53.39′ W. long.;
(91) 42°43.76′ N. lat., 124°51.64′ W. long.;
(92) 42°45.41′ N. lat., 124°49.35′ W. long.;
(93) 42°43.92′ N. lat., 124°45.92′ W. long.;
(94) 42°40.50′ N. lat., 124°44.30′ W. long.;
(95) 42°38.84′ N. lat., 124°43.51′ W. long.;
(96) 42°34.78′ N. lat., 124°46.56′ W. long.;
(97) 42°31.47′ N. lat., 124°46.89′ W. long.;
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Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.74(m)(98)

(98) 42°31.59′ N. lat., 124°44.85′ W. long.;
(99) 42°31.12′ N. lat., 124°44.82′ W. long.;
(100) 42°28.48′ N. lat., 124°49.96′ W. long.;
(101) 42°26.28′ N. lat., 124°47.99′ W. long.;
(102) 42°19.58′ N. lat., 124°43.21′ W. long.;
(103) 42°13.75′ N. lat., 124°40.06′ W. long.;
(104) 42°05.12′ N. lat., 124°39.06′ W. long.;
(105) 42°00.00′ N. lat., 124°37.76′ W. long.;
(106) 41°47.93′ N. lat., 124°31.79′ W. long.;
(107) 41°21.35′ N. lat., 124°30.35′ W. long.;
(108) 41°07.11′ N. lat., 124°25.25′ W. long.;
(109) 40°57.37′ N. lat., 124°30.25′ W. long.;
(110) 40°48.77′ N. lat., 124°30.69′ W. long.;
(111) 40°41.03′ N. lat., 124°33.21′ W. long.;
(112) 40°37.40′ N. lat., 124°38.96′ W. long.;
(113) 40°33.70′ N. lat., 124°42.50′ W. long.;
(114) 40°31.31′ N. lat., 124°41.59′ W. long.;
(115) 40°30.00′ N. lat., 124°40.50′ W. long.;
(116) 40°25.00′ N. lat., 124°36.65′ W. long.;
(117) 40°22.42′ N. lat., 124°32.19′ W. long.;
(118) 40°17.17′ N. lat., 124°32.21′ W. long.;
(119) 40°18.68′ N. lat., 124°50.44′ W. long.;
(120) 40°13.55′ N. lat., 124°34.26′ W. long.;
(121) 40°10.00′ N. lat., 124°28.25′ W. long.;
(122) 40°06.72′ N. lat., 124°21.40′ W. long.;
(123) 40°01.63′ N. lat., 124°17.25′ W. long.;
(124) 40°00.68′ N. lat., 124°11.19′ W. long.;
(125) 39°59.09′ N. lat., 124°14.92′ W. long.;
(126) 39°56.44′ N. lat., 124°12.52′ W. long.;
(127) 39°54.98′ N. lat., 124°08.71′ W. long.;
(128) 39°52.60′ N. lat., 124°10.01′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.74(m)(129)

(129) 39°37.37′ N. lat., 124°00.58′ W. long.;
(130) 39°32.41′ N. lat., 124°00.01′ W. long.;
(131) 39°05.40′ N. lat., 124°00.52′ W. long.;
(132) 39°04.32′ N. lat., 123°59.00′ W. long.;
(133) 38°58.02′ N. lat., 123°58.18′ W. long.;
(134) 38°57.50′ N. lat., 124°01.90′ W. long.;
(135) 38°50.27′ N. lat., 123°56.26′ W. long.;
(136) 38°46.73′ N. lat., 123°51.93′ W. long.;
(137) 38°44.64′ N. lat., 123°51.77′ W. long.;
(138) 38°32.97′ N. lat., 123°41.84′ W. long.;
(139) 38°14.56′ N. lat., 123°32.18′ W. long.;
(140) 38°13.85′ N. lat., 123°29.94′ W. long.;
(141) 38°11.88′ N. lat., 123°30.57′ W. long.;
(142) 38°08.72′ N. lat., 123°29.56′ W. long.;
(143) 38°05.62′ N. lat., 123°32.38′ W. long.;
(144) 38°01.90′ N. lat., 123°32.00′ W. long.;
(145) 38°00.00′ N. lat., 123°30.00′ W. long.;
(146) 37°58.07′ N. lat., 123°27.35′ W. long.;
(147) 37°54.97′ N. lat., 123°27.69′ W. long.;
(148) 37°51.32′ N. lat., 123°25.40′ W. long.;
(149) 37°43.82′ N. lat., 123°11.69′ W. long.;
(150) 37°35.67′ N. lat., 123°02.62′ W. long.;
(151) 37°11.00′ N. lat., 122°54.50′ W. long.;
(152) 37°07.00′ N. lat., 122°48.59′ W. long.;
(153) 36°59.99′ N. lat., 122°38.49′ W. long.;
(154) 36°56.64′ N. lat., 122°28.78′ W. long.;
(155) 36°58.93′ N. lat., 122°25.67′ W. long.;
(156) 36°56.19′ N. lat., 122°25.67′ W. long.;
(157) 36°57.09′ N. lat., 122°22.85′ W. long.;
(158) 36°54.95′ N. lat., 122°22.63′ W. long.;
(159) 36°52.25′ N. lat., 122°13.94′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.74(m)(160)

(160) 36°46.94′ N. lat., 122°07.90′ W. long.;
(161) 36°46.86′ N. lat., 122°02.24′ W. long.;
(162) 36°43.73′ N. lat., 121°59.33′ W. long.;
(163) 36°38.93′ N. lat., 122°02.46′ W. long.;
(164) 36°30.77′ N. lat., 122°01.40′ W. long.;
(165) 36°23.78′ N. lat., 122°00.52′ W. long.;
(166) 36°19.98′ N. lat., 122°07.63′ W. long.;
(167) 36°15.36′ N. lat., 122°03.50′ W. long.;
(168) 36°09.47′ N. lat., 121°45.37′ W. long.;
(169) 36°06.42′ N. lat., 121°41.34′ W. long.;
(170) 36°00.00′ N. lat., 121°37.68′ W. long.;
(171) 35°52.25′ N. lat., 121°33.21′ W. long.;
(172) 35°51.09′ N. lat., 121°31.83′ W. long.;
(173) 35°46.47′ N. lat., 121°31.19′ W. long.;
(174) 35°33.97′ N. lat., 121°21.69′ W. long.;
(175) 35°30.94′ N. lat., 121°18.36′ W. long.;
(176) 35°23.08′ N. lat., 121°15.56′ W. long.;
(177) 35°13.67′ N. lat., 121°05.79′ W. long.;
(178) 35°06.77′ N. lat., 121°02.45′ W. long.;
(179) 34°53.32′ N. lat., 121°01.46′ W. long.;
(180) 34°49.36′ N. lat., 121°03.04′ W. long.;
(181) 34°44.12′ N. lat., 121°01.28′ W. long.;
(182) 34°32.38′ N. lat., 120°51.78′ W. long.;
(183) 34°27.00′ N. lat., 120°44.25′ W. long.;
(184) 34°17.93′ N. lat., 120°35.43′ W. long.;
(185) 34°16.02′ N. lat., 120°28.70′ W. long.;
(186) 34°09.84′ N. lat., 120°38.85′ W. long.;
(187) 34°03.22′ N. lat., 120°36.12′ W. long.;
(188) 33°55.98′ N. lat., 120°28.81′ W. long.;
(189) 33°49.88′ N. lat., 120°10.07′ W. long.;
(190) 33°37.75′ N. lat., 120°00.35′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.74(m)(191)

(191) 33°33.91′ N. lat., 119°51.74′ W. long.;
(192) 33°35.07′ N. lat., 119°48.14′ W. long.;
(193) 33°42.60′ N. lat., 119°47.40′ W. long.;
(194) 33°53.25′ N. lat., 119°52.58′ W. long.;
(195) 33°57.48′ N. lat., 119°31.27′ W. long.;
(196) 33°55.47′ N. lat., 119°24.96′ W. long.;
(197) 33°57.60′ N. lat., 119°26.68′ W. long.;
(198) 33°58.68′ N. lat., 119°20.13′ W. long.;
(199) 34°02.02′ N. lat., 119°14.62′ W. long.;
(200) 33°58.73′ N. lat., 119°03.21′ W. long.;
(201) 33°57.33′ N. lat., 118°43.08′ W. long.;
(202) 33°50.71′ N. lat., 118°38.33′ W. long.;
(203) 33°39.27′ N. lat., 118°18.76′ W. long.;
(204) 33°35.16′ N. lat., 118°18.33′ W. long.;
(205) 33°28.82′ N. lat., 118°08.73′ W. long.;
(206) 33°31.44′ N. lat., 117°51.34′ W. long.;
(207) 32°58.76′ N. lat., 117°20.85′ W. long.; and
(208) 32°35.61′ N. lat., 117°30.15′ W. long.
(n) The 250-fm (457-m) depth contour used around San Clemente Island is defined by straight lines
connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°06.10′ N. lat., 118°39.07′ W. long.;
(2) 33°05.31′ N. lat., 118°40.88′ W. long.;
(3) 33°03.03′ N. lat., 118°41.72′ W. long.;
(4) 32°46.62′ N. lat., 118°32.23′ W. long.;
(5) 32°40.81′ N. lat., 118°23.85′ W. long.;
(6) 32°47.55′ N. lat., 118°17.59′ W. long.;
(7) 32°57.35′ N. lat., 118°28.83′ W. long.;
(8) 33°02.79′ N. lat., 118°32.85′ W. long.; and
(9) 33°06.10′ N. lat., 118°39.07′ W. long.
(o) The 250-fm (457-m) depth contour used around Santa Catalina Island is defined by straight lines
connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°13.37′ N. lat., 118°08.39′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.74(o)(2)

(2) 33°20.86′ N. lat., 118°14.39′ W. long.;
(3) 33°26.49′ N. lat., 118°21.17′ W. long.;
(4) 33°28.14′ N. lat., 118°26.68′ W. long.;
(5) 33°30.36′ N. lat., 118°30.55′ W. long.;
(6) 33°31.65′ N. lat., 118°35.33′ W. long.;
(7) 33°32.89′ N. lat., 118°42.97′ W. long.;
(8) 33°32.64′ N. lat., 118°49.44′ W. long.;
(9) 33°38.02′ N. lat., 118°57.35′ W. long.;
(10) 33°37.08′ N. lat., 118°57.93′ W. long.;
(11) 33°30.76′ N. lat., 118°49.96′ W. long.;
(12) 33°23.24′ N. lat., 118°32.88′ W. long.;
(13) 33°20.91′ N. lat., 118°34.67′ W. long.;
(14) 33°17.04′ N. lat., 118°28.21′ W. long.; and
(15) 33°13.37′ N. lat., 118°08.39′ W. long.
(p) The 250-fm (457-m) depth contour used around Lasuen Knoll is defined by straight lines connecting all of
the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°26.76′ N. lat., 118°00.77′ W. long.;
(2) 33°25.30′ N. lat., 117°57.88′ W. long.;
(3) 33°23.83′ N lat., 117°56.19′ W long.;
(4) 33°22.24′ N lat., 117°57.20′ W long.;
(5) 33°22.78′ N lat., 117°59.68′ W long.;
(6) 33°23.79′ N lat., 118°01.32′ W long.;
(7) 33°25.79′ N lat., 118°02.25′ W long.; and
(8) 33°26.76′ N. lat., 118°00.77′ W. long.
(q) The 250-fm (457-m) depth contour used around San Diego Rise is defined by straight lines connecting all
of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 32°51.58′ N. lat., 117°51.00′ W. long.;
(2) 32°44.69′ N. lat., 117°44.55′ W. long.;
(3) 32°37.05′ N. lat., 117°42.02′ W. long.;
(4) 32°37.14′ N lat., 117°44.94′ W long.;
(5) 32°47.03′ N. lat., 117°50.97′ W. long.;
(6) 32°51.50′ N. lat., 117°51.47′ W. long.; and
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Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.74(q)(7)

(7) 32°51.58′ N. lat., 117°51.00′ W. long.
(r) The 250-fm (457-m) depth contour used between the U.S. border with Canada and the U.S. border with
Mexico, modified to allow fishing in petrale sole areas, is defined by straight lines connecting all of the
following points in the order stated:
(1) 48°14.71′ N. lat., 125°41.95′ W. long.;
(2) 48°13.00′ N. lat., 125°39.00′ W. long.;
(3) 48°10.00′ N. lat., 125°43.00′ W. long.;
(4) 48°08.50′ N. lat., 125°45.00′ W. long.;
(5) 48°06.00′ N. lat., 125°46.50′ W. long.;
(6) 48°03.50′ N. lat., 125°37.00′ W. long.;
(7) 48°01.50′ N. lat., 125°40.00′ W. long.;
(8) 47°57.00′ N. lat., 125°37.00′ W. long.;
(9) 47°55.50′ N. lat., 125°28.50′ W. long.;
(10) 47°58.00′ N. lat., 125°25.00′ W. long.;
(11) 48°00.50′ N. lat., 125°24.50′ W. long.;
(12) 48°03.50′ N. lat., 125°21.00′ W. long.;
(13) 48°02.00′ N. lat., 125°19.50′ W. long.;
(14) 48°00.00′ N. lat., 125°21.00′ W. long.;
(15) 47°58.00′ N. lat., 125°20.00′ W. long.;
(16) 47°58.00′ N. lat., 125°18.00′ W. long.;
(17) 47°52.00′ N. lat., 125°16.50′ W. long.;
(18) 47°46.00′ N. lat., 125°06.00′ W. long.;
(19) 47°44.50′ N. lat., 125°07.50′ W. long.;
(20) 47°42.00′ N. lat., 125°06.00′ W. long.;
(21) 47°37.96′ N. lat., 125°07.17′ W. long.;
(22) 47°28.00′ N. lat., 124°58.50′ W. long.;
(23) 47°28.88′ N. lat., 124°54.70′ W. long.;
(24) 47°27.70′ N. lat., 124°51.87′ W. long.;
(25) 47°24.84′ N. lat., 124°48.45′ W. long.;
(26) 47°21.76′ N. lat., 124°47.42′ W. long.;
(27) 47°18.84′ N. lat., 124°46.75′ W. long.;
(28) 47°19.82′ N. lat., 124°51.43′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.74(r)(29)

(29) 47°18.13′ N. lat., 124°54.25′ W. long.;
(30) 47°13.50′ N. lat., 124°54.70′ W. long.;
(31) 47°15.00′ N. lat., 125°01.10′ W. long.;
(32) 47°08.77′ N. lat., 125°00.91′ W. long.;
(33) 47°05.80′ N. lat., 125°01.00′ W. long.;
(34) 47°03.34′ N. lat., 124°57.49′ W. long.;
(35) 47°01.00′ N. lat., 125°00.00′ W. long.;
(36) 46°55.00′ N. lat., 125°02.00′ W. long.;
(37) 46°53.32′ N. lat., 125°00.00′ W. long.;
(38) 46°51.55′ N. lat., 125°00.00′ W. long.;
(39) 46°50.80′ N. lat., 124°56.90′ W. long.;
(40) 46°47.00′ N. lat., 124°55.00′ W. long.;
(41) 46°38.17′ N. lat., 124°43.45′ W. long.;
(42) 46°34.00′ N. lat., 124°38.00′ W. long.;
(43) 46°30.50′ N. lat., 124°41.00′ W. long.;
(44) 46°33.00′ N. lat., 124°32.00′ W. long.;
(45) 46°29.00′ N. lat., 124°32.00′ W. long.;
(46) 46°20.00′ N. lat., 124°39.00′ W. long.;
(47) 46°18.16′ N. lat., 124°40.00′ W. long.;
(48) 46°16.00′ N. lat., 124°27.00′ W. long.;
(49) 46°15.00′ N. lat., 124°30.96′ W. long.;
(50) 46°13.17′ N. lat., 124°38.76′ W. long.;
(51) 46°10.51′ N. lat., 124°41.99′ W. long.;
(52) 46°06.24′ N. lat., 124°41.81′ W. long.;
(53) 46°03.04′ N. lat., 124°50.26′ W. long.;
(54) 45°56.99′ N. lat., 124°45.45′ W. long.;
(55) 45°49.94′ N. lat., 124°45.75′ W. long.;
(56) 45°49.94′ N. lat., 124°42.33′ W. long.;
(57) 45°46.00′ N. lat., 124°42.19′ W. long.;
(58) 45°45.73′ N. lat., 124°42.18′ W. long.;
(59) 45°45.73′ N. lat., 124°43.82′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.74(r)(60)

(60) 45°41.94′ N. lat., 124°43.61′ W. long.;
(61) 45°41.58′ N. lat., 124°39.86′ W. long.;
(62) 45°38.45′ N. lat., 124°39.94′ W. long.;
(63) 45°35.75′ N. lat., 124°42.91′ W. long.;
(64) 45°24.49′ N. lat., 124°38.20′ W. long.;
(65) 45°14.43′ N. lat., 124°39.05′ W. long.;
(66) 45°14.30′ N. lat., 124°34.19′ W. long.;
(67) 45°08.98′ N. lat., 124°34.26′ W. long.;
(68) 45°09.02′ N. lat., 124°38.81′ W. long.;
(69) 45°03.83′ N. lat., 124°37.95′ W. long.;
(70) 44°57.98′ N. lat., 124°36.98′ W. long.;
(71) 44°56.62′ N. lat., 124°38.32′ W. long.;
(72) 44°50.82′ N. lat., 124°35.52′ W. long.;
(73) 44°46.89′ N. lat., 124°38.32′ W. long.;
(74) 44°50.78′ N. lat., 124°44.24′ W. long.;
(75) 44°44.27′ N. lat., 124°50.78′ W. long.;
(76) 44°32.63′ N. lat., 124°54.24′ W. long.;
(77) 44°23.25′ N. lat., 124°49.78′ W. long.;
(78) 44°13.16′ N. lat., 124°58.81′ W. long.;
(79) 43°57.88′ N. lat., 124°58.25′ W. long.;
(80) 43°56.89′ N. lat., 124°57.33′ W. long.;
(81) 43°53.41′ N. lat., 124°51.95′ W. long.;
(82) 43°51.56′ N. lat., 124°47.38′ W. long.;
(83) 43°51.49′ N. lat., 124°37.77′ W. long.;
(84) 43°48.02′ N. lat., 124°43.31′ W. long.;
(85) 43°42.77′ N. lat., 124°41.39′ W. long.;
(86) 43°24.09′ N. lat., 124°42.57′ W. long.;
(87) 43°20.83′ N. lat., 124°44.45′ W. long.;
(88) 43°19.73′ N. lat., 124°45.09′ W. long.;
(89) 43°15.98′ N. lat., 124°47.76′ W. long.;
(90) 43°04.14′ N. lat., 124°52.55′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.74(r)(91)

(91) 43°04.00′ N. lat., 124°53.88′ W. long.;
(92) 42°54.69′ N. lat., 124°54.54′ W. long.;
(93) 42°50.00′ N. lat., 124°51.91′ W. long.;
(94) 42°45.46′ N. lat., 124°49.37′ W. long.;
(95) 42°43.91′ N. lat., 124°45.90′ W. long.;
(96) 42°40.50′ N. lat., 124°44.19′ W. long.;
(97) 42°38.84′ N. lat., 124°43.36′ W. long.;
(98) 42°34.82′ N. lat., 124°46.56′ W. long.;
(99) 42°31.57′ N. lat., 124°46.86′ W. long.;
(100) 42°30.98′ N. lat., 124°44.27′ W. long.;
(101) 42°29.21′ N. lat., 124°46.93′ W. long.;
(102) 42°28.52′ N. lat., 124°49.40′ W. long.;
(103) 42°26.06′ N. lat., 124°46.61′ W. long.;
(104) 42°21.82′ N. lat., 124°43.76′ W. long.;
(105) 42°17.47′ N. lat., 124°38.89′ W. long.;
(106) 42°13.67′ N. lat., 124°37.51′ W. long.;
(107) 42°13.76′ N. lat., 124°40.03′ W. long.;
(108) 42°05.12′ N. lat., 124°39.06′ W. long.;
(109) 42°02.67′ N. lat., 124°38.41′ W. long.;
(110) 42°02.67′ N. lat., 124°35.95′ W. long.;
(111) 42°00.00′ N. lat., 124°36.83′ W. long.;
(112) 41°47.79′ N. lat., 124°29.48′ W. long.;
(113) 41°21.01′ N. lat., 124°29.01′ W. long.;
(114) 41°13.50′ N. lat., 124°24.40′ W. long.;
(115) 41°11.00′ N. lat., 124°22.99′ W. long.;
(116) 41°06.69′ N. lat., 124°23.30′ W. long.;
(117) 40°54.73′ N. lat., 124°28.15′ W. long.;
(118) 40°53.95′ N. lat., 124°26.04′ W. long.;
(119) 40°50.27′ N. lat., 124°26.20′ W. long.;
(120) 40°44.49′ N. lat., 124°30.81′ W. long.;
(121) 40°40.63′ N. lat., 124°32.14′ W. long.;
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(122) 40°38.96′ N. lat., 124°30.04′ W. long.;
(123) 40°35.67′ N. lat., 124°30.43′ W. long.;
(124) 40°37.41′ N. lat., 124°37.06′ W. long.;
(125) 40°36.09′ N. lat., 124°40.11′ W. long.;
(126) 40°31.35′ N. lat., 124°40.98′ W. long.;
(127) 40°30.00′ N. lat., 124°37.48′ W. long.;
(128) 40°27.34′ N. lat., 124°37.28′ W. long.;
(129) 40°25.01′ N. lat., 124°36.36′ W. long.;
(130) 40°22.28′ N. lat., 124°31.83′ W. long.;
(131) 40°13.68′ N. lat., 124°33.10′ W. long.;
(132) 40°10.00′ N. lat., 124°24.55′ W. long.;
(133) 40°06.45′ N. lat., 124°19.24′ W. long.;
(134) 40°07.08′ N. lat., 124°17.80′ W. long.;
(135) 40°05.55′ N. lat., 124°18.11′ W. long.;
(136) 40°04.74′ N. lat., 124°18.11′ W. long.;
(137) 40°02.35′ N. lat., 124°16.53′ W. long.;
(138) 40°01.13′ N. lat., 124°12.98′ W. long.;
(139) 40°01.52′ N. lat., 124°09.83′ W. long.;
(140) 39°58.54′ N. lat., 124°12.43′ W. long.;
(141) 39°55.72′ N. lat., 124°07.44′ W. long.;
(142) 39°42.64′ N. lat., 124°02.52′ W. long.;
(143) 39°35.96′ N. lat., 123°59.47′ W. long.;
(144) 39°34.61′ N. lat., 123°59.58′ W. long.;
(145) 39°33.79′ N. lat., 123°56.77′ W. long.;
(146) 39°33.03′ N. lat., 123°57.06′ W. long.;
(147) 39°32.21′ N. lat., 123°59.12′ W. long.;
(148) 39°07.81′ N. lat., 123°59.06′ W. long.;
(149) 38°57.50′ N. lat., 123°57.25′ W. long.;
(150) 38°52.26′ N. lat., 123°56.18′ W. long.;
(151) 38°50.21′ N. lat., 123°55.48′ W. long.;
(152) 38°46.81′ N. lat., 123°51.49′ W. long.;
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(153) 38°45.29′ N. lat., 123°51.55′ W. long.;
(154) 38°42.76′ N. lat., 123°49.73′ W. long.;
(155) 38°41.26′ N. lat., 123°47.28′ W. long.;
(156) 38°35.75′ N. lat., 123°43.76′ W. long.;
(157) 38°34.93′ N. lat., 123°42.46′ W. long.;
(158) 38°19.95′ N. lat., 123°32.90′ W. long.;
(159) 38°14.38′ N. lat., 123°25.51′ W. long.;
(160) 38°09.39′ N. lat., 123°24.39′ W. long.;
(161) 38°10.18′ N. lat., 123°27.11′ W. long.;
(162) 38°04.64′ N. lat., 123°31.97′ W. long.;
(163) 38°02.06′ N. lat., 123°31.26′ W. long.;
(164) 38°00.00′ N. lat., 123°29.64′ W. long.;
(165) 37°58.19′ N. lat., 123°27.40′ W. long.;
(166) 37°50.62′ N. lat., 123°24.51′ W. long.;
(167) 37°43.82′ N. lat., 123°11.69′ W. long.;
(168) 37°35.67′ N. lat., 123°02.62′ W. long.;
(169) 37°23.53′ N. lat., 122°58.65′ W. long.;
(170) 37°23.23′ N. lat., 122°53.78′ W. long.;
(171) 37°13.97′ N. lat., 122°49.91′ W. long.;
(172) 37°11.00′ N. lat., 122°45.61′ W. long.;
(173) 37°07.00′ N. lat., 122°44.76′ W. long.;
(174) 36°59.99′ N. lat., 122°38.49′ W. long.;
(175) 36°56.64′ N. lat., 122°28.78′ W. long.;
(176) 36°58.93′ N. lat., 122°25.67′ W. long.;
(177) 36°56.19′ N. lat., 122°25.67′ W. long.;
(178) 36°57.09′ N. lat., 122°22.85′ W. long.;
(179) 36°54.95′ N. lat., 122°22.63′ W. long.;
(180) 36°52.25′ N. lat., 122°13.94′ W. long.;
(181) 36°46.94′ N. lat., 122°07.90′ W. long.;
(182) 36°47.12′ N. lat., 122°03.99′ W. long.;
(183) 36°23.87′ N. lat., 122°00.00′ W. long.;
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(184) 36°22.17′ N. lat., 122°01.19′ W. long.;
(185) 36°19.61′ N. lat., 122°06.29′ W. long.;
(186) 36°14.73′ N. lat., 122°01.55′ W. long.;
(187) 36°09.47′ N. lat., 121°45.37′ W. long.;
(188) 36°06.42′ N. lat., 121°41.34′ W. long.;
(189) 36°00.07′ N. lat., 121°37.68′ W. long.;
(190) 36°00.00′ N. lat., 121°37.66′ W. long.;
(191) 35°52.25′ N. lat., 121°33.21′ W. long.;
(192) 35°51.09′ N. lat., 121°31.83′ W. long.;
(193) 35°46.47′ N. lat., 121°31.19′ W. long.;
(194) 35°33.97′ N. lat., 121°21.69′ W. long.;
(195) 35°30.94′ N. lat., 121°18.36′ W. long.;
(196) 35°23.08′ N. lat., 121°15.56′ W. long.;
(197) 35°13.67′ N. lat., 121°05.79′ W. long.;
(198) 35°06.77′ N. lat., 121°02.45′ W. long.;
(199) 35°07.46′ N. lat., 120°57.10′ W. long.;
(200) 34°44.29′ N. lat., 120°54.28′ W. long.;
(201) 34°44.24′ N. lat., 120°57.62′ W. long.;
(202) 34°41.65′ N. lat., 120°59.54′ W. long.;
(203) 34°27.00′ N. lat., 120°44.25′ W. long.;
(204) 34°17.97′ N. lat., 120°35.54′ W. long.;
(205) 34°16.02′ N. lat., 120°28.70′ W. long.;
(206) 34°09.84′ N. lat., 120°38.85′ W. long.;
(207) 34°02.21′ N. lat., 120°36.23′ W. long.;
(208) 33°55.98′ N. lat., 120°28.81′ W. long.;
(209) 33°49.88′ N. lat., 120°10.07′ W. long.;
(210) 33°37.75′ N. lat., 120°00.35′ W. long.;
(211) 33°33.91′ N. lat., 119°51.74′ W. long.;
(212) 33°35.07′ N. lat., 119°48.14′ W. long.;
(213) 33°42.60′ N. lat., 119°47.40′ W. long.;
(214) 33°51.63′ N. lat., 119°52.35′ W. long.;
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(215) 33°51.62′ N. lat., 119°47.94′ W. long.;
(216) 33°54.29′ N. lat., 119°47.94′ W. long.;
(217) 33°57.52′ N. lat., 119°30.94′ W. long.;
(218) 33°54.11′ N. lat., 119°30.94′ W. long.;
(219) 33°54.11′ N. lat., 119°25.94′ W. long.;
(220) 33°57.74′ N. lat., 119°25.94′ W. long.;
(221) 33°58.68′ N. lat., 119°20.13′ W. long.;
(222) 34°02.02′ N. lat., 119°14.62′ W. long.;
(223) 33°58.73′ N. lat., 119°03.21′ W. long.;
(224) 33°57.33′ N. lat., 118°43.08′ W. long.;
(225) 33°50.71′ N. lat., 118°38.33′ W. long.;
(226) 33°39.27′ N. lat., 118°18.76′ W. long.;
(227) 33°35.16′ N. lat., 118°18.33′ W. long.;
(228) 33°28.82′ N. lat., 118°08.73′ W. long.;
(229) 33°31.44′ N. lat., 117°51.34′ W. long.;
(230) 32°58.76′ N. lat., 117°20.85′ W. long.; and
(231) 32°35.61′ N. lat., 117°30.15′ W. long.
[69 FR 77069, Dec. 23, 2004; 70 FR 13119, Mar. 18, 2005, as amended at 70 FR 16149, Mar. 30, 2005; 71 FR 78687, Dec. 29, 2006;
72 FR 13045, Mar. 20, 2007; 72 FR 53167, Sept. 18, 2007; 74 FR 9911, Mar. 6, 2009. Redesignated at 75 FR 60995, Oct. 1, 2010; 76
FR 27531, May 11, 2011; 76 FR 54714, Sept. 2, 2011; 78 FR 589, Jan. 3, 2013; 80 FR 12573, Mar. 10, 2015; 84 FR 63974, Nov. 19,
2019; 87 FR 77020, Dec. 16, 2022; 88 FR 12867, Mar. 1, 2023]

§ 660.75 Essential Fish Habitat (EFH).
Essential fish habitat (EFH) is defined as those waters and substrate necessary to fish for spawning, breeding,
feeding or growth to maturity (16 U.S.C. 1802 (10)). EFH for Pacific Coast Groundfish includes all waters and
substrate within areas with a depth less than or equal to 3,500 m (1,914 fm) shoreward to the mean higher high
water level or the upriver extent of saltwater intrusion (defined as upstream and landward to where ocean-derived
salts measure less than 0.5 parts per thousand during the period of average annual low flow). Seamounts in depths
greater than 3,500 m (1,914 fm) are also included due to their ecological importance to groundfish. Geographically,
EFH for Pacific Coast groundfish includes both a large band of marine waters that extends from the Northern edge
of the EEZ at the U.S. border with Canada to the Southern edge of the EEZ at the U.S. border with Mexico, and inland
within bays and estuaries. The seaward extent of EFH is consistent with the westward edge of the EEZ for areas
approximately north of Cape Mendocino. Approximately south of Cape Mendocino, the 3500 m depth contour and
EFH is substantially shoreward of the seaward boundary of the EEZ. There are also numerous discrete areas
seaward of the main 3500 m depth contour where the ocean floor rises to depths less than 3500 m and therefore
are also EFH. The seaward boundary of EFH and additional areas of EFH are defined by straight lines connecting a
series of latitude and longitude coordinates in §§ 660.76 through 660.79.
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50 CFR 660.75(a)

(a) The seaward boundary of EFH, with the exception of the areas in paragraphs (b) through (qq), is bounded
by the EEZ combined with a straight line connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 40°18.17′ N. lat., 128°46.72′ W. long.;
(2) 40°17.33′ N. lat., 125°58.62′ W. long.;
(3) 39°59.10′ N. lat., 125°44.13′ W. long.;
(4) 39°44.99′ N. lat., 125°41.63′ W. long.;
(5) 39°29.98′ N. lat., 125°23.86′ W. long.;
(6) 39°08.46′ N. lat., 125°38.17′ W. long.;
(7) 38°58.71′ N. lat., 125°22.33′ W. long.;
(8) 38°33.22′ N. lat., 125°16.82′ W. long.;
(9) 38°50.47′ N. lat., 124°53.20′ W. long.;
(10) 38°51.66′ N. lat., 124°35.15′ W. long.;
(11) 37°48.74′ N. lat., 123°53.79′ W. long.;
(12) 37°45.53′ N. lat., 124°03.18′ W. long.;
(13) 37°05.55′ N. lat., 123°46.18′ W. long.;
(14) 36°41.37′ N. lat., 123°25.16′ W. long.;
(15) 36°24.44′ N. lat., 123°25.03′ W. long.;
(16) 36°10.47′ N. lat., 123°31.11′ W. long.;
(17) 35°57.97′ N. lat., 123°21.33′ W. long.;
(18) 36°05.20′ N. lat., 123°15.17′ W. long.;
(19) 36°01.23′ N. lat., 123°04.04′ W. long.;
(20) 35°29.75′ N. lat., 123°02.44′ W. long.;
(21) 35°22.25′ N. lat., 122°58.24′ W. long.;
(22) 35°21.91′ N. lat., 122°34.83′ W. long.;
(23) 35°34.35′ N. lat., 122°25.83′ W. long.;
(24) 34°57.35′ N. lat., 122°07.03′ W. long.;
(25) 34°20.19′ N. lat., 121°33.92′ W. long.;
(26) 33°55.10′ N. lat., 121°43.15′ W. long.;
(27) 33°39.65′ N. lat., 121°28.35′ W. long.;
(28) 33°40.68′ N. lat., 121°23.06′ W. long.;
(29) 33°26.19′ N. lat., 121°06.16′ W. long.;
(30) 33°03.77′ N. lat., 121°34.33′ W. long.;
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(31) 32°46.38′ N. lat., 121°02.84′ W. long.;
(32) 33°05.45′ N. lat., 120°40.71′ W. long.;
(33) 32°12.70′ N. lat., 120°10.85′ W. long.;
(34) 32°11.36′ N. lat., 120°03.19′ W. long.;
(35) 32°00.77′ N. lat., 119°50.68′ W. long.;
(36) 31°52.47′ N. lat., 119°48.11′ W. long.;
(37) 31°45.43′ N. lat., 119°40.89′ W. long.;
(38) 31°41.96′ N. lat., 119°28.57′ W. long.;
(39) 31°35.10′ N. lat., 119°33.50′ W. long.;
(40) 31°24.37′ N. lat., 119°29.61′ W. long.;
(41) 31°26.74′ N. lat., 119°18.47′ W. long.;
(42) 31°03.75′ N. lat., 118°59.58′ W. long.
(b) This area of EFH is bounded by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 31°11.94′ N. lat., 121°57.84′ W. long.;
(2) 31°06.87′ N. lat., 121°57.42′ W. long.;
(3) 31°06.29′ N. lat., 122°09.22′ W. long.;
(4) 31°11.39′ N. lat., 122°09.10′ W. long.;
and connecting back to 31°11.94′ N. lat., 121°57.84′ W. long.
(c) This area of EFH is bounded by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 31°11.21′ N. lat., 122°10.24′ W. long.;
(2) 31°07.62′ N. lat., 122°09.62′ W. long.;
(3) 31°07.40′ N. lat., 122°19.34′ W. long.;
(4) 31°12.84′ N. lat., 122°18.82′ W. long.;
and connecting back to 31°11.21′ N. lat., 122°10.24′ W. long.
(d) This area of EFH is bounded by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 31°06.87′ N. lat., 119°28.05′ W. long.;
(2) 30°58.83′ N. lat., 119°26.74′ W. long.;
(3) 30°55.41′ N. lat., 119°45.63′ W. long.;
(4) 31°05.90′ N. lat., 119°42.05′ W. long.;
and connecting back to 31°06.87′ N. lat., 119°28.05′ W. long.
(e) This area of EFH is bounded by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
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(1) 31°02.05′ N. lat., 119°08.97′ W. long.;
(2) 31°04.96′ N. lat., 119°09.96′ W. long.;
(3) 31°06.24′ N. lat., 119°07.45′ W. long.;
(4) 31°02.63′ N. lat., 119°05.77′ W. long.;
and connecting back to 31°02.05′ N. lat., 119°08.97′ W. long.
(f) This area of EFH is bounded by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 31°23.41′ N. lat., 122°23.99′ W. long.;
(2) 31°25.98′ N. lat., 122°23.67′ W. long.;
(3) 31°25.52′ N. lat., 122°21.95′ W. long.;
(4) 31°23.51′ N. lat., 122°21.98′ W. long.;
and connecting back to 31°23.41′ N. lat., 122°23.99′ W. long.
(g) This area of EFH is bounded by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 31°21.95′ N. lat., 122°25.05′ W. long.;
(2) 31°23.31′ N. lat., 122°27.73′ W. long.;
(3) 31°26.63′ N. lat., 122°27.64′ W. long.;
(4) 31°26.72′ N. lat., 122°25.23′ W. long.;
and connecting back to 31°21.95′ N. lat., 122°25.05′ W. long.
(h) This area of EFH is bounded by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 31°21.36′ N. lat., 119°47.67′ W. long.;
(2) 31°29.17′ N. lat., 119°48.51′ W. long.;
(3) 31°29.48′ N. lat., 119°43.20′ W. long.;
(4) 31°21.92′ N. lat., 119°40.68′ W. long.;
and connecting back to 31°21.36′ N. lat., 119°47.67′ W. long.
(i)

This area of EFH is bounded by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 31°37.36′ N. lat., 122°20.86′ W. long.;
(2) 31°41.22′ N. lat., 122°21.35′ W. long.;
(3) 31°42.68′ N. lat., 122°18.80′ W. long.;
(4) 31°39.71′ N. lat., 122°15.99′ W. long.;
and connecting back to 31°37.36′ N. lat., 122°20.86′ W. long.

(j)

This area of EFH is bounded by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 31°45.92′ N. lat., 121°40.55′ W. long.;

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(2) 31°48.79′ N. lat., 121°40.52′ W. long.;
(3) 31°48.61′ N. lat., 121°37.65′ W. long.;
(4) 31°45.93′ N. lat., 121°38.00′ W. long.;
and connecting back to 31°45.92′ N. lat., 121°40.55′ W. long.
(k) This area of EFH is bounded by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 31°36.78′ N. lat., 120°54.41′ W. long.;
(2) 31°44.65′ N. lat., 120°58.01′ W. long.;
(3) 31°48.56′ N. lat., 120°43.25′ W. long.;
(4) 31°41.76′ N. lat., 120°41.50′ W. long.;
and connecting back to 31°36.78′ N. lat., 120°54.41′ W. long.
(l)

This area of EFH is bounded by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 31°45.66′ N. lat., 123°17.00′ W. long.;
(2) 31°49.43′ N. lat., 123°19.89′ W. long.;
(3) 31°54.54′ N. lat., 123°14.91′ W. long.;
(4) 31°50.88′ N. lat., 123°13.17′ W. long.;
and connecting back to 31°45.66′ N. lat., 123°17.00′ W. long.

(m) This area of EFH is bounded by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 31°55.28′ N. lat., 121°02.98′ W. long.;
(2) 31°58.25′ N. lat., 121°05.08′ W. long.;
(3) 31°59.77′ N. lat., 121°00.37′ W. long.;
(4) 31°57.88′ N. lat., 120°57.23′ W. long.;
and connecting back to 31°55.28′ N. lat., 121°02.98′ W. long.
(n) This area of EFH is bounded by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 32°06.04′ N. lat., 121°29.08′ W. long.;
(2) 31°59.52′ N. lat., 121°23.10′ W. long.;
(3) 31°54.55′ N. lat., 121°31.53′ W. long.;
(4) 32°01.66′ N. lat., 121°38.38′ W. long.;
and connecting back to 32°06.04′ N. lat., 121°29.08′ W. long.
(o) This area of EFH is bounded by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 31°59.89′ N. lat., 119°54.82′ W. long.;
(2) 31°59.69′ N. lat., 120°03.96′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.75(o)(3)

(3) 32°04.47′ N. lat., 120°00.09′ W. long.;
and connecting back to 31°59.89′ N. lat., 119°54.82′ W. long.
(p) This area of EFH is bounded by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 31°59.49′ N. lat., 121°18.59′ W. long.;
(2) 32°08.15′ N. lat., 121°22.16′ W. long.;
(3) 32°12.16′ N. lat., 121°14.64′ W. long.;
(4) 32°04.15′ N. lat., 121°08.61′ W. long.;
and connecting back to 31°59.49′ N. lat., 121°18.59′ W. long.
(q) This area of EFH is bounded by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 32°07.77′ N. lat., 121°46.26′ W. long.;
(2) 32°05.89′ N. lat., 121°38.01′ W. long.;
(3) 31°59.35′ N. lat., 121°52.10′ W. long.;
(4) 32°08.86′ N. lat., 121°52.13′ W. long.;
(5) 32°19.76′ N. lat., 121°43.70′ W. long.;
(6) 32°14.85′ N. lat., 121°37.16′ W. long.;
and connecting back to 32°07.77′ N. lat., 121°46.26′ W. long.
(r) This area of EFH is bounded by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 32°17.08′ N. lat., 121°11.84′ W. long.;
(2) 32°18.96′ N. lat., 121°14.15′ W. long.;
(3) 32°23.03′ N. lat., 121°10.52′ W. long.;
(4) 32°21.23′ N. lat., 121°08.53′ W. long.;
and connecting back to 32°17.08′ N. lat., 121°11.84′ W. long.
(s) This area of EFH is bounded by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 32°27.64′ N. lat., 121°27.83′ W. long.;
(2) 32°15.43′ N. lat., 121°23.89′ W. long.;
(3) 32°16.18′ N. lat., 121°30.67′ W. long.;
(4) 32°25.80′ N. lat., 121°33.08′ W. long.;
and connecting back to 32°27.64′ N. lat., 121°27.83′ W. long.
(t) This area of EFH is bounded by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 32°28.05′ N. lat., 122°03.54′ W. long.;
(2) 32°30.64′ N. lat., 122°06.11′ W. long.;
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(3) 32°35.90′ N. lat., 121°59.61′ W. long.;
(4) 32°32.05′ N. lat., 121°54.66′ W. long.;
and connecting back to 32°28.05′ N. lat., 122°03.54′ W. long.
(u) This area of EFH is bounded by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 32°44.69′ N. lat., 121°39.99′ W. long.;
(2) 32°43.72′ N. lat., 121°43.03′ W. long.;
(3) 32°47.31′ N. lat., 121°43.91′ W. long.;
(4) 32°48.21′ N. lat., 121°40.74′ W. long.;
and connecting back to 32°44.69′ N. lat., 121°39.99′ W. long.
(v) This area of EFH is bounded by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 32°48.07′ N. lat., 121°15.86′ W. long.;
(2) 32°36.99′ N. lat., 121°20.21′ W. long.;
(3) 32°25.33′ N. lat., 121°38.31′ W. long.;
(4) 32°34.03′ N. lat., 121°44.05′ W. long.;
(5) 32°43.19′ N. lat., 121°41.58′ W. long.;
and connecting back to 32°48.07′ N. lat., 121°15.86′ W. long.
(w) This area of EFH is bounded by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 32°48.38′ N. lat., 120°47.95′ W. long.;
(2) 32°47.49′ N. lat., 120°41.50′ W. long.;
(3) 32°43.79′ N. lat., 120°42.01′ W. long.;
(4) 32°44.01′ N. lat., 120°48.79′ W. long.;
and connecting back to 32°48.38′ N. lat., 120°47.95′ W. long.
(x) This area of EFH is bounded by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°08.71′ N. lat., 121°41.24′ W. long.;
(2) 33°00.10′ N. lat., 121°37.67′ W. long.;
(3) 33°01.01′ N. lat., 121°45.93′ W. long.;
(4) 33°07.71′ N. lat., 121°46.31′ W. long.;
and connecting back to 33°08.71′ N. lat., 121°41.24′ W. long.
(y) This area of EFH is bounded by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°19.30′ N. lat., 121°54.69′ W. long.;
(2) 33°11.41′ N. lat., 121°47.26′ W. long.;
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(3) 32°56.93′ N. lat., 121°54.41′ W. long.;
(4) 33°03.85′ N. lat., 122°03.52′ W. long.;
(5) 33°17.73′ N. lat., 122°00.05′ W. long.;
and connecting back to 33°19.30′ N. lat., 121°54.69′ W. long.
(z) This area of EFH is bounded by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°23.67′ N. lat., 123°04.28′ W. long.;
(2) 33°22.88′ N. lat., 123°04.93′ W. long.;
(3) 33°23.66′ N. lat., 123°05.77′ W. long.;
(4) 33°24.30′ N. lat., 123°04.90′ W. long.;
and connecting back to 33°23.67′ N. lat., 123°04.28′ W. long.
(aa) This area of EFH is bounded by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°26.06′ N. lat., 121°44.42′ W. long.;
(2) 33°32.00′ N. lat., 121°41.61′ W. long.;
(3) 33°28.80′ N. lat., 121°26.92′ W. long.;
(4) 33°23.50′ N. lat., 121°26.92′ W. long.;
and connecting back to 33°26.06′ N. lat., 121°44.42′ W. long.
(bb) This area of EFH is bounded by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°38.22′ N. lat., 123°56.91′ W. long.;
(2) 33°39.58′ N. lat., 123°58.56′ W. long.;
(3) 33°41.37′ N. lat., 123°57.22′ W. long.;
(4) 33°40.08′ N. lat., 123°55.14′ W. long.;
and connecting back to 33°38.22′ N. lat., 123°56.91′ W. long.
(cc) This area of EFH is bounded by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°46.86′ N. lat., 121°58.49′ W. long.;
(2) 33°41.28′ N. lat., 121°52.80′ W. long.;
(3) 33°36.95′ N. lat., 121°54.42′ W. long.;
(4) 33°42.05′ N. lat., 122°07.48′ W. long.;
(5) 33°47.07′ N. lat., 122°05.71′ W. long.;
and connecting back to 33°46.86′ N. lat., 121°58.49′ W. long.
(dd) This area of EFH is bounded by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 34°17.70′ N. lat., 124°11.04′ W. long.;
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(2) 34°19.41′ N. lat., 124°14.12′ W. long.;
(3) 34°21.61′ N. lat., 124°12.89′ W. long.;
(4) 34°20.35′ N. lat., 124°09.11′ W. long.;
and connecting back to 34°17.70′ N. lat., 124°11.04′ W. long.
(ee) This area of EFH is bounded by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 34°13.39′ N. lat., 124°03.18′ W. long.;
(2) 34°19.45′ N. lat., 124°09.21′ W. long.;
(3) 34°23.12′ N. lat., 124°05.49′ W. long.;
(4) 34°17.93′ N. lat., 123°57.87′ W. long.;
and connecting back to 34°13.39′ N. lat., 124°03.18′ W. long.
(ff) This area of EFH is bounded by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 35°19.23′ N. lat., 122°39.91′ W. long.;
(2) 35°08.76′ N. lat., 122°23.83′ W. long.;
(3) 35°06.22′ N. lat., 122°28.09′ W. long.;
(4) 35°15.81′ N. lat., 122°45.90′ W. long.;
and connecting back to 35°19.23′ N. lat., 122°39.91′ W. long.
(gg) This area of EFH is bounded by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 35°25.81′ N. lat., 123°24.05′ W. long.;
(2) 35°21.76′ N. lat., 123°23.47′ W. long.;
(3) 35°21.05′ N. lat., 123°27.22′ W. long.;
(4) 35°24.89′ N. lat., 123°28.49′ W. long.;
and connecting back to 35°25.81′ N. lat., 123°24.05′ W. long.
(hh) This area of EFH is bounded by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 35°27.15′ N. lat., 125°03.69′ W. long.;
(2) 35°28.68′ N. lat., 125°04.86′ W. long.;
(3) 35°30.23′ N. lat., 125°02.59′ W. long.;
(4) 35°28.85′ N. lat., 125°01.48′ W. long.;
and connecting back to 35°27.15′ N. lat., 125°03.69′ W. long.
(ii) This area of EFH is bounded by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 35°31.14′ N. lat., 123°52.80′ W. long.;
(2) 35°31.38′ N. lat., 123°54.83′ W. long.;
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(3) 35°32.98′ N. lat., 123°53.80′ W. long.;
and connecting back to 35°31.14′ N. lat., 123°52.80′ W. long.
(jj) This area of EFH is bounded by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 35°24.08′ N. lat., 123°40.83′ W. long.;
(2) 35°24.76′ N. lat., 123°45.92′ W. long.;
(3) 35°33.04′ N. lat., 123°44.92′ W. long.;
(4) 35°32.24′ N. lat., 123°39.16′ W. long.;
and connecting back to 35°24.08′ N. lat., 123°40.83′ W. long.
(kk) This area of EFH is bounded by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 36°08.72′ N. lat., 124°22.59′ W. long.;
(2) 36°07.91′ N. lat., 124°22.48′ W. long.;
(3) 36°07.90′ N. lat., 124°24.27′ W. long.;
(4) 36°08.75′ N. lat., 124°24.10′ W. long.;
and connecting back to 36°08.72′ N. lat., 124°22.59′ W. long.
(ll) This area of EFH is bounded by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 36°07.33′ N. lat., 124°18.83′ W. long.;
(2) 36°08.21′ N. lat., 124°19.86′ W. long.;
(3) 36°09.64′ N. lat., 124°18.70′ W. long.;
(4) 36°08.62′ N. lat., 124°17.22′ W. long.;
and connecting back to 36°07.33′ N. lat., 124°18.83′ W. long.
(mm) This area of EFH is bounded by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 36°47.33′ N. lat., 124°10.21′ W. long.;
(2) 36°50.85′ N. lat., 124°11.63′ W. long.;
(3) 36°52.22′ N. lat., 124°08.65′ W. long.;
(4) 36°49.93′ N. lat., 124°06.40′ W. long.;
and connecting back to 36°47.33′ N. lat., 124°10.21′ W. long.
(nn) This area of EFH is bounded by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 36°56.03′ N. lat., 123°40.86′ W. long.;
(2) 36°56.37′ N. lat., 123°40.86′ W. long.;
(3) 36°56.42′ N. lat., 123°40.49′ W. long.;
(4) 36°56.18′ N. lat., 123°40.37′ W. long.;
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50 CFR 660.75(oo)

and connecting back to 36°56.03′ N. lat., 123°40.86′ W. long.
(oo) This area of EFH is bounded by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 36°32.58′ N. lat., 125°01.80′ W. long.;
(2) 36°50.38′ N. lat., 125°44.21′ W. long.;
(3) 37°00.91′ N. lat., 125°40.06′ W. long.;
(4) 36°41.26′ N. lat., 124°55.90′ W. long.;
and connecting back to 36°32.58′ N. lat., 125°01.80′ W. long.
(pp) This area of EFH is bounded by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 37°45.73′ N. lat., 124°11.40′ W. long.;
(2) 37°47.91′ N. lat., 124°14.01′ W. long.;
(3) 37°50.99′ N. lat., 124°09.09′ W. long.;
(4) 37°47.97′ N. lat., 124°07.00′ W. long.;
and connecting back to 37°45.73′ N. lat., 124°11.40′ W. long.
(qq) This area of EFH is bounded by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 38°08.53′ N. lat., 124°29.98′ W. long.;
(2) 38°10.65′ N. lat., 124°32.69′ W. long.;
(3) 38°12.81′ N. lat., 124°29.45′ W. long.;
(4) 38°10.86′ N. lat., 124°26.66′ W. long.;
and connecting back to 38°08.53′ N. lat., 124°29.98′ W. long.
[71 FR 27416, May 11, 2006. Redesignated at 75 FR 60995, Oct. 1, 2010; 76 FR 53836, Aug. 30, 2011]

§ 660.76 Coastwide EFHCAs.
(a) General. EFHCAs are defined at § 660.11. The boundaries of areas designated as EFHCAs are defined by
straight lines connecting a series of latitude and longitude coordinates and other regulatory boundaries.
This paragraph provides coordinates outlining the boundaries of the coastwide EFHCA. Coordinates
outlining the boundaries of EFHCAs off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California are provided in
§§ 660.77, 660.78, and 660.79, respectively. Fishing activity that is prohibited or permitted within a
particular EFHCA is detailed at subparts C through G of this part.
(b) Seaward of the 700-fm (1280-m) contour. This area includes all waters designated as EFH within the West
Coast EEZ west of a line approximating the 700-fm (1280-m) depth contour which is defined by straight
lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 48°06.97′ N lat., 126°02.96′ W long.;
(2) 48°00.44′ N lat., 125°54.96′ W long.;
(3) 47°55.96′ N lat., 125°46.51′ W long.;
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(4) 47°47.21′ N lat., 125°43.73′ W long.;
(5) 47°42.89′ N lat., 125°49.58′ W long.;
(6) 47°38.18′ N lat., 125°37.26′ W long.;
(7) 47°32.36′ N lat., 125°32.87′ W long.;
(8) 47°29.77′ N lat., 125°26.27′ W long.;
(9) 47°28.54′ N lat., 125°18.82′ W long.;
(10) 47°19.25′ N lat., 125°17.18′ W long.;
(11) 47°08.82′ N lat., 125°10.01′ W long.;
(12) 47°04.69′ N lat., 125°03.77′ W long.;
(13) 46°48.38′ N lat., 125°18.43′ W long.;
(14) 46°41.92′ N lat., 125°17.29′ W long.;
(15) 46°27.49′ N lat., 124°54.36′ W long.;
(16) 46°14.13′ N lat., 125°02.72′ W long.;
(17) 46°09.53′ N lat., 125°04.75′ W long.;
(18) 45°46.64′ N lat., 124°54.44′ W long.;
(19) 45°40.86′ N lat., 124°55.62′ W long.;
(20) 45°36.50′ N lat., 124°51.91′ W long.;
(21) 44°55.69′ N lat., 125°08.35′ W long.;
(22) 44°49.93′ N lat., 125°01.51′ W long.;
(23) 44°46.93′ N lat., 125°02.83′ W long.;
(24) 44°41.96′ N lat., 125°10.64′ W long.;
(25) 44°28.31′ N lat., 125°11.42′ W long.;
(26) 43°58.37′ N lat., 125°02.93′ W long.;
(27) 43°52.74′ N lat., 125°05.58′ W long.;
(28) 43°44.18′ N lat., 124°57.17′ W long.;
(29) 43°37.58′ N lat., 125°07.70′ W long.;
(30) 43°15.95′ N lat., 125°07.84′ W long.;
(31) 42°47.50′ N lat., 124°59.96′ W long.;
(32) 42°39.02′ N lat., 125°01.07′ W long.;
(33) 42°34.80′ N lat., 125°02.89′ W long.;
(34) 42°34.11′ N lat., 124°55.62′ W long.;
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(35) 42°23.81′ N lat., 124°52.85′ W long.;
(36) 42°16.80′ N lat., 125°00.20′ W long.;
(37) 42°06.60′ N lat., 124°59.14′ W long.;
(38) 41°59.28′ N lat., 125°06.23′ W long.;
(39) 41°31.10′ N lat., 125°01.30′ W long.;
(40) 41°14.52′ N lat., 124°52.67′ W long.;
(41) 40°40.65′ N lat., 124°45.69′ W long.;
(42) 40°35.05′ N lat., 124°45.65′ W long.;
(43) 40°23.81′ N lat., 124°41.16′ W long.;
(44) 40°20.54′ N lat., 124°36.36′ W long.;
(45) 40°20.84′ N lat., 124°57.23′ W long.;
(46) 40°18.54′ N lat., 125°09.47′ W long.;
(47) 40°14.54′ N lat., 125°09.83′ W long.;
(48) 40°11.79′ N lat., 125°07.39′ W long.;
(49) 40°06.72′ N lat., 125°04.28′ W long.;
(50) 39°52.62′ N lat., 124°40.65′ W long.;
(51) 39°52.29′ N lat., 124°34.72′ W long.;
(52) 39°55.19′ N lat., 124°29.32′ W long.;
(53) 39°54.43′ N lat., 124°24.06′ W long.;
(54) 39°44.25′ N lat., 124°12.60′ W long.;
(55) 39°35.82′ N lat., 124°12.02′ W long.;
(56) 39°24.54′ N lat., 124°16.01′ W long.;
(57) 39°01.97′ N lat., 124°11.20′ W long.;
(58) 38°33.48′ N lat., 123°48.21′ W long.;
(59) 38°14.49′ N lat., 123°38.89′ W long.;
(60) 37°56.97′ N lat., 123°31.65′ W long.;
(61) 37°49.09′ N lat., 123°27.98′ W long.;
(62) 37°40.29′ N lat., 123°12.83′ W long.;
(63) 37°22.54′ N lat., 123°14.65′ W long.;
(64) 37°05.98′ N lat., 123°05.31′ W long.;
(65) 36°59.02′ N lat., 122°50.92′ W long.;
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(66) 36°51.52′ N lat., 122°22.03′ W long.;
(67) 36°49.09′ N lat., 122°21.84′ W long.;
(68) 36°50.47′ N lat., 122°19.03′ W long.;
(69) 36°50.14′ N lat., 122°17.50′ W long.;
(70) 36°44.54′ N lat., 122°19.42′ W long.;
(71) 36°40.76′ N lat., 122°17.28′ W long.;
(72) 36°39.88′ N lat., 122°09.69′ W long.;
(73) 36°40.02′ N lat., 122°09.09′ W long.;
(74) 36°40.99′ N lat., 122°08.53′ W long.;
(75) 36°41.17′ N lat., 122°08.97′ W long.;
(76) 36°44.52′ N lat., 122°07.13′ W long.;
(77) 36°42.26′ N lat., 122°03.54′ W long.;
(78) 36°30.02′ N lat., 122°09.85′ W long.;
(79) 36°22.33′ N lat., 122°22.99′ W long.;
(80) 36°14.36′ N lat., 122°21.19′ W long.;
(81) 36°09.50′ N lat., 122°14.25′ W long.;
(82) 35°51.50′ N lat., 121°55.92′ W long.;
(83) 35°49.53′ N lat., 122°13.00′ W long.;
(84) 34°58.30′ N lat., 121°36.76′ W long.;
(85) 34°53.13′ N lat., 121°37.49′ W long.;
(86) 34°46.54′ N lat., 121°46.25′ W long.;
(87) 34°37.81′ N lat., 121°35.72′ W long.;
(88) 34°37.72′ N lat., 121°27.35′ W long.;
(89) 34°26.77′ N lat., 121°07.58′ W long.;
(90) 34°18.54′ N lat., 121°05.01′ W long.;
(91) 34°02.68′ N lat., 120°54.30′ W long.;
(92) 33°48.11′ N lat., 120°25.46′ W long.;
(93) 33°42.54′ N lat., 120°38.24′ W long.;
(94) 33°46.26′ N lat., 120°43.64′ W long.;
(95) 33°40.71′ N lat., 120°51.29′ W long.;
(96) 33°33.14′ N lat., 120°40.25′ W long.;
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(97) 32°51.57′ N lat., 120°23.35′ W long.;
(98) 32°38.54′ N lat., 120°09.54′ W long.;
(99) 32°35.76′ N lat., 119°53.43′ W long.;
(100) 32°29.54′ N lat., 119°46.00′ W long.;
(101) 32°25.99′ N lat., 119°41.16′ W long.;
(102) 32°30.46′ N lat., 119°33.15′ W long.;
(103) 32°23.47′ N lat., 119°25.71′ W long.;
(104) 32°19.19′ N lat., 119°13.96′ W long.;
(105) 32°13.18′ N lat., 119°04.44′ W long.;
(106) 32°13.40′ N lat., 118°51.87′ W long.;
(107) 32°19.62′ N lat., 118°47.80′ W long.;
(108) 32°27.26′ N lat., 118°50.29′ W long.;
(109) 32°28.42′ N lat., 118°53.15′ W long.;
(110) 32°31.30′ N lat., 118°55.09′ W long.;
(111) 32°33.04′ N lat., 118°53.57′ W long.;
(112) 32°19.07′ N lat., 118°27.54′ W long.;
(113) 32°18.57′ N lat., 118°18.97′ W long.;
(114) 32°09.01′ N lat., 118°13.96′ W long.;
(115) 32°06.57′ N lat., 118°18.78′ W long.;
(116) 32°01.32′ N lat., 118°18.21′ W long.; and
(117) 31°57.89′ N lat., 118°10.51′ W long.
[84 FR 63974, Nov. 19, 2019]

§ 660.77 EFHCAs off the Coast of Washington.
(a) General. Boundary line coordinates for EFHCAs off Washington are provided in this section. Fishing
activity that is prohibited or permitted within the EEZ in a particular area designated as a groundfish
EFHCAs is detailed at §§ 660.12, 660.112, 660.130, 660.212, 660.230, 660.312, 660.330, and 660.360.
(b) Olympic 2. The boundary of the Olympic 2 EFHCA is defined by straight lines connecting all of the
following points in the order stated and connecting back to 48°21.46′ N lat., 124°51.61′ W long.:
(1) 48°21.46′ N lat., 124°51.61′ W long.;
(2) 48°17.00′ N lat., 124°57.18′ W long.;
(3) 48°06.13′ N lat., 125°00.68′ W long.;
(4) 48°06.66′ N lat., 125°06.55′ W long.;
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50 CFR 660.77(b)(5)

(5) 48°08.44′ N lat., 125°14.61′ W long.;
(6) 48°22.57′ N lat., 125°09.82′ W long.;
(7) 48°21.42′ N lat., 125°03.55′ W long.;
(8) 48°22.99′ N lat., 124°59.29′ W long.; and
(9) 48°23.89′ N lat., 124°54.37′ W long.
(c) Biogenic 1. The boundary of the Biogenic 1 EFHCA is defined by straight lines connecting all of the
following points in the order stated and connecting back to 47°29.97′ N lat., 125°20.14′ W long.:
(1) 47°29.97′ N lat., 125°20.14′ W long.;
(2) 47°30.01′ N lat., 125°30.06′ W long.;
(3) 47°40.09′ N lat., 125°50.18′ W long.;
(4) 47°47.27′ N lat., 125°50.06′ W long.;
(5) 47°47.00′ N lat., 125°24.28′ W long.;
(6) 47°39.53′ N lat., 125°10.49′ W long.; and
(7) 47°30.31′ N lat., 125°08.81′ W long.
(d) Biogenic 2. The boundary of the Biogenic 2 EFHCA is defined by straight lines connecting all of the
following points in the order stated and connecting back to 47°08.77′ N lat., 125°00.91′ W long.:
(1) 47°08.77′ N lat., 125°00.91′ W long.;
(2) 47°08.82′ N lat., 125°10.01′ W long.;
(3) 47°20.01′ N lat., 125°10.00′ W long.; and
(4) 47°20.00′ N lat., 125°01.25′ W long.
(e) Quinault Canyon. The boundary of the Quinault Canyon EFHCA is defined by straight lines connecting all of
the following points in the order stated and connecting back to 47°17.00′ N lat., 125°15.63′ W long.:
(1) 47°17.00′ N lat., 125°15.63′ W long.;
(2) 47°17.00′ N lat., 125°10.00′ W long.; and
(3) 47°08.82′ N lat., 125°10.01′ W long.
(f) Grays Canyon. The Grays Canyon EFHCA consists of two adjacent polygons defined in this paragraph,
combined.
(1) Grays Canyon North. The boundary of Grays Canyon North is defined by straight lines connecting all
of the following points in the order stated and connecting back to 46°56.79′ N lat., 125°00.00′ W
long.:
(i)

46°56.79′ N lat., 125°00.00′ W long.;

(ii) 46°58.30′ N lat., 125°00.21′ W long.;
(iii) 46°58.47′ N lat., 124°59.08′ W long.;

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(iv) 47°01.04′ N lat., 124°59.54′ W long.;
(v) 47°03.63′ N lat., 124°56.00′ W long.,
(vi) 47°03.69′ N lat., 124°55.84′ W long.;
(vii) 47°02.69′ N lat., 124°54.35′ W long.;
(viii) 46°58.03′ N lat., 124°54.12′ W long.;
(ix) 46°55.91′ N lat., 124°54.40′ W long.; and
(x) 46°58.01′ N lat., 124°55.09′ W long.
(2) Grays Canyon South-Central. The boundary of Grays Canyon South-Central is defined by straight lines
connecting all of the following points in the order stated and connecting back to 46°56.79′ N lat.,
125°00.00′ W long.:
(i)

46°56.79′ N lat., 125°00.00′ W long.;

(ii) 46°58.01′ N lat., 124°55.09′ W long.;
(iii) 46°55.91′ N lat., 124°54.40′ W long.;
(iv) 46°55.07′ N lat., 124°54.14′ W long.;
(v) 46°59.60′ N lat., 124°49.79′ W long.;
(vi) 46°58.72′ N lat., 124°48.78′ W long.;
(vii) 46°54.45′ N lat., 124°48.36′ W long.;
(viii) 46°53.99′ N lat., 124°49.95′ W long.;
(ix) 46°54.38′ N lat., 124°52.73′ W long.;
(x) 46°53.30′ N lat., 124°52.35′ W long.;
(xi) 46°53.30′ N lat., 124°49.13′ W long.;
(xii) 46°50.40′ N lat., 124°49.06′ W long.;
(xiii) 46°48.12′ N lat., 124°47.94′ W long.;
(xiv) 46°47.48′ N lat., 124°50.86′ W long.;
(xv) 46°49.81′ N lat., 124°52.79′ W long.; and
(xvi) 46°51.55′ N lat., 125°00.00′ W long.
(g) Biogenic 3. The boundary of the Biogenic 3 EFHCA is defined by straight lines connecting all of the
following points in the order stated and connecting back to 46°48.16′ N lat., 125°10.75′ W long.:
(1) 46°48.16′ N lat., 125°10.75′ W long.;
(2) 46°40.00′ N lat., 125°10.00′ W long.;
(3) 46°40.00′ N lat., 125°20.01′ W long.; and
(4) 46°50.00′ N lat., 125°20.00′ W long.

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50 CFR 660.77(h)

(h) Willapa Canyonhead. The boundary of the Willapa Canyonhead EFHCA is defined by straight lines
connecting all of the following points in the order stated and connecting back to 46°33.50′ N lat.,
124°28.77′ W long.:
(1) 46°33.50′ N lat., 124°28.77′ W long.;
(2) 46°33.50′ N lat., 124°29.50′ W long.;
(3) 46°33.85′ N lat., 124°36.99′ W long.;
(4) 46°36.50′ N lat., 124°38.00′ W long.;
(5) 46°37.50′ N lat., 124°41.00′ W long.;
(6) 46°37.64′ N lat., 124°41.11′ W long.;
(7) 46°39.43′ N lat., 124°38.69′ W long.; and
(8) 46°34.50′ N lat., 124°28.50′ W long.
(i)

Willapa Deep. The boundary of the Willapa Deep EFHCA is defined by straight lines connecting all of the
following points in the order stated and connecting back to 46°22.57′ N lat., 124°46.70′ W long.:
(1) 46°22.57′ N lat., 124°46.70′ W long.;
(2) 46°24.38′ N lat., 124°56.31′ W long.;
(3) 46°27.49′ N lat., 124°54.36′ W long.;
(4) 46°36.87′ N lat., 125°09.27′ W long.;
(5) 46°35.59′ N lat., 125°04.58′ W long.;
(6) 46°31.54′ N lat., 124°57.53′ W long.;
(7) 46°28.70′ N lat., 124°51.77′ W long.; and
(8) 46°23.78′ N lat., 124°43.30′ W long.

[84 FR 63975, Nov. 19, 2019]

§ 660.78 EFHCAs off the Coast of Oregon.
(a) General. Boundary line coordinates for EFHCAs off Oregon are provided in this section. Fishing activity
that is prohibited or permitted within the EEZ in a particular area designated as a groundfish EFHCA is
detailed at §§ 660.12, 660.112, 660.130, 660.212, 660.230, 660.312, 660.330, and 660.360.
(b) Astoria Deep. The boundary of the Astoria Deep EFHCA is defined by straight lines connecting all of the
following points in the order stated and connecting back to 46°03.00′ N lat., 124°57.36′ W long.:
(1) 46°03.00′ N lat., 124°57.36′ W long.;
(2) 46°05.37′ N lat., 125°02.88′ W long.;
(3) 46°09.53′ N lat., 125°04.75′ W long.;
(4) 46°14.13′ N lat., 125°02.72′ W long.;
(5) 46°14.79′ N lat., 125°02.31′ W long.;
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50 CFR 660.78(b)(6)

(6) 46°08.28′ N lat., 125°00.20′ W long.; and
(7) 46°05.74′ N lat., 124°55.32′ W long.
(c) Thompson Seamount. The boundary of the Thompson Seamount EFHCA is defined by straight lines
connecting all of the following points in the order stated and connecting back to 46°06.93′ N lat.,
128°39.77′ W long.:
(1) 46°06.93′ N lat., 128°39.77′ W long.;
(2) 46°06.76′ N lat., 128°39.60′ W long.;
(3) 46°07.80′ N lat., 128°39.43′ W long.;
(4) 46°08.50′ N lat., 128°34.39′ W long.;
(5) 46°06.76′ N lat., 128°29.36′ W long.;
(6) 46°03.64′ N lat., 128°28.67′ W long.;
(7) 45°59.64′ N lat., 128°31.62′ W long.;
(8) 45°56.87′ N lat., 128°33.18′ W long.;
(9) 45°53.92′ N lat., 128°39.25′ W long.;
(10) 45°54.26′ N lat., 128°43.42′ W long.;
(11) 45°56.87′ N lat., 128°45.85′ W long.;
(12) 46°00.86′ N lat., 128°46.02′ W long.;
(13) 46°03.29′ N lat., 128°44.81′ W long.; and
(14) 46°06.24′ N lat., 128°42.90′ W long.
(d) Astoria Canyon. The boundary of the Astoria Canyon EFHCA is defined by straight lines connecting all of
the following points in the order stated and connecting back to 46°06.48′ N lat., 125°05.46′ W long.:
(1) 46°06.48′ N lat., 125°05.46′ W long.;
(2) 46°03.00′ N lat., 124°57.36′ W long.;
(3) 46°02.28′ N lat., 124°57.66′ W long.;
(4) 46°01.92′ N lat., 125°02.46′ W long.;
(5) 45°48.72′ N lat., 124°56.58′ W long.;
(6) 45°47.70′ N lat., 124°52.20′ W long.;
(7) 45°40.86′ N lat., 124°55.62′ W long.;
(8) 45°29.82′ N lat., 124°54.30′ W long.;
(9) 45°25.98′ N lat., 124°56.82′ W long.;
(10) 45°26.04′ N lat., 125°10.50′ W long.;
(11) 45°33.12′ N lat., 125°16.26′ W long.;

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50 CFR 660.78(d)(12)

(12) 45°40.32′ N lat., 125°17.16′ W long.; and
(13) 46°03.00′ N lat., 125°14.94′ W long.
(e) Nehalem Bank/Shale Pile. The boundary of the Nehalem Bank/Shale Pile EFHCA is defined by straight
lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated and connecting back to 45°51.53′ N lat.,
124°31.15′ W long.:
(1) 45°51.53′ N lat., 124°31.15′ W long.;
(2) 45°47.95′ N lat., 124°31.70′ W long.;
(3) 45°52.75′ N lat., 124°39.20′ W long.;
(4) 45°58.02′ N lat., 124°38.99′ W long.;
(5) 46°00.83′ N lat., 124°36.78′ W long.;
(6) 45°59.94′ N lat., 124°34.63′ W long.;
(7) 45°58.90′ N lat., 124°33.47′ W long.;
(8) 45°54.27′ N lat., 124°30.73′ W long.;
(9) 45°53.62′ N lat., 124°30.83′ W long.;
(10) 45°52.90′ N lat., 124°30.67′ W long.;
(11) 45°52.03′ N lat., 124°30.60′ W long.; and
(12) 45°51.74′ N lat., 124°30.85′ W long.
(f) Nehalem Bank East. The boundary of the Nehalem Bank East EFHCA is defined by straight lines
connecting all of the following points in the order stated and connecting back to 45°47.95′ N lat.,
124°31.70′ W long.:
(1) 45°47.95′ N lat., 124°31.70′ W long.;
(2) 45°52.28′ N lat., 124°38.46′ W long.;
(3) 45°56.45′ N lat., 124°38.00′ W long.;
(4) 45°58.33′ N lat., 124°38.75′ W long.;
(5) 46°00.83′ N lat., 124°36.78′ W long.;
(6) 45°59.94′ N lat., 124°34.63′ W long.;
(7) 45°58.90′ N lat., 124°33.47′ W long.;
(8) 45°54.27′ N lat., 124°30.73′ W long.;
(9) 45°53.62′ N lat., 124°30.83′ W long.;
(10) 45°52.90′ N lat., 124°30.67′ W long.;
(11) 45°52.03′ N lat., 124°30.60′ W long.;
(12) 45°51.75′ N lat., 124°30.85′ W long.; and
(13) 45°51.53′ N lat., 124°31.15′ W long.
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50 CFR 660.78(g)

(g) Garibaldi Reef North. The boundary of the Garibaldi Reef North EFHCA is defined by straight lines
connecting all of the following points in the order stated and connecting back to 45°40.81′ N lat.,
124°18.46′ W long.:
(1) 45°40.81′ N lat., 124°18.46′ W long.;
(2) 45°39.70′ N lat., 124°19.46′ W long.;
(3) 45°40.84′ N lat., 124°22.17′ W long.;
(4) 45°44.94′ N lat., 124°23.07′ W long.;
(5) 45°45.17′ N lat., 124°22.19′ W long.; and
(6) 45°43.49′ N lat., 124°18.94′ W long.
(h) Garibaldi Reef South. The boundary of the Garibaldi Reef South EFHCA is defined by straight lines
connecting all of the following points in the order stated and connecting back to 45°34.53′ N lat.,
124°15.47′ W long.:
(1) 45°34.53′ N lat., 124°15.47′ W long.;
(2) 45°33.46′ N lat., 124°13.59′ W long.;
(3) 45°32.53′ N lat., 124°14.39′ W long.; and
(4) 45°33.58′ N lat., 124°16.54′ W long.
(i)

Siletz Deepwater. The boundary of the Siletz Deepwater EFHCA is defined by straight lines connecting all
of the following points in the order stated and connecting back to 44°42.72′ N lat., 125°18.49′ W long.:
(1) 44°42.72′ N lat., 125°18.49′ W long.;
(2) 44°56.26′ N lat., 125°12.61′ W long.;
(3) 44°56.34′ N lat., 125°09.13′ W long.;
(4) 44°49.93′ N lat., 125°01.51′ W long.;
(5) 44°46.93′ N lat., 125°02.83′ W long.;
(6) 44°41.96′ N lat., 125°10.64′ W long.;
(7) 44°33.36′ N lat., 125°08.82′ W long.; and
(8) 44°33.38′ N lat., 125°17.08′ W long.

(j)

Daisy Bank/Nelson Island. The boundary of the Daisy Bank/Nelson Island EFHCA is defined by straight
lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated and connecting back to 44°39.24′ N lat.,
124°38.65′ W long.:
(1) 44°39.24′ N lat., 124°38.65′ W long.;
(2) 44°37.17′ N lat., 124°38.60′ W long.;
(3) 44°35.55′ N lat., 124°39.27′ W long.;
(4) 44°37.57′ N lat., 124°41.70′ W long.;
(5) 44°36.90′ N lat., 124°42.91′ W long.;

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50 CFR 660.78(j)(6)

(6) 44°38.25′ N lat., 124°46.28′ W long.;
(7) 44°38.52′ N lat., 124°49.11′ W long.;
(8) 44°40.27′ N lat., 124°49.11′ W long.;
(9) 44°41.35′ N lat., 124°48.03′ W long.; and
(10) 44°43.92′ N lat., 124°44.66′ W long.
(k) Newport Rockpile/Stonewall Bank. The boundary of the Newport Rockpile/Stonewall Bank EFHCA is
defined by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated and connecting back to
44°27.42′ N lat., 124°19.52′ W long.:
(1) 44°27.42′ N lat., 124°19.52′ W long.;
(2) 44°27.42′ N lat., 124°25.31′ W long.;
(3) 44°29.05′ N lat., 124°28.88′ W long.;
(4) 44°35.33′ N lat., 124°28.87′ W long.;
(5) 44°36.94′ N lat., 124°26.78′ W long.;
(6) 44°38.62′ N lat., 124°26.76′ W long.;
(7) 44°39.02′ N lat., 124°25.56′ W long.;
(8) 44°38.41′ N lat., 124°22.73′ W long.;
(9) 44°35.12′ N lat., 124°21.79′ W long.; and
(10) 44°28.82′ N lat., 124°18.80′ W long.
(l)

Hydrate Ridge. The boundary of the Hydrate Ridge EFHCA is defined by straight lines connecting all of the
following points in the order stated and connecting back to 44°28.31′ N lat., 125°11.42′ W long.:
(1) 44°28.31′ N lat., 125°11.42′ W long.;
(2) 44°33.37′ N lat., 125°11.13′ W long.;
(3) 44°33.36′ N lat., 125°08.82′ W long.;
(4) 44°35.36′ N lat., 125°09.24′ W long.;
(5) 44°35.36′ N lat., 125°07.79′ W long.; and
(6) 44°28.31′ N lat., 125°07.66′ W long.

(m) Heceta Bank. The boundary of the Heceta Bank EFHCA is defined by straight lines connecting all of the
following points in the order stated and connecting back to 44°22.27′ N lat., 124°37.63′ W long.:
(1) 44°22.27′ N lat., 124°37.63′ W long.;
(2) 44°20.56′ N lat., 124°36.27′ W long.;
(3) 44°21.06′ N lat., 124°32.69′ W long.;
(4) 44°21.76′ N lat., 124°29.28′ W long.;
(5) 44°21.23′ N lat., 124°28.08′ W long.;
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(6) 44°18.68′ N lat., 124°28.13′ W long.;
(7) 44°17.66′ N lat., 124°31.42′ W long.;
(8) 44°14.32′ N lat., 124°31.15′ W long.;
(9) 44°13.02′ N lat., 124°31.53′ W long.;
(10) 44°12.97′ N lat., 124°32.29′ W long.;
(11) 44°13.84′ N lat., 124°32.87′ W long.;
(12) 44°16.64′ N lat., 124°33.44′ W long.;
(13) 44°17.00′ N lat., 124°33.52′ W long.;
(14) 44°15.93′ N lat., 124°35.93′ W long.;
(15) 44°14.38′ N lat., 124°37.37′ W long.;
(16) 44°13.52′ N lat., 124°40.45′ W long.;
(17) 44°09.00′ N lat., 124°45.30′ W long.;
(18) 44°03.46′ N lat., 124°45.71′ W long.;
(19) 43°58.55′ N lat., 124°45.79′ W long.;
(20) 43°57.37′ N lat., 124°50.89′ W long.;
(21) 43°56.66′ N lat., 124°54.47′ W long.;
(22) 43°57.24′ N lat., 124°55.54′ W long.;
(23) 43°57.68′ N lat., 124°55.48′ W long.;
(24) 44°00.14′ N lat., 124°55.25′ W long.;
(25) 44°02.88′ N lat., 124°53.96′ W long.;
(26) 44°13.47′ N lat., 124°54.08′ W long.;
(27) 44°19.27′ N lat., 124°41.03′ W long.;
(28) 44°24.16′ N lat., 124°40.62′ W long.; and
(29) 44°24.10′ N lat., 124°38.10′ W long.
(n) Deepwater off Coos Bay. The boundary of the Deepwater off Coos Bay EFHCA is defined by straight lines
connecting all of the following points in the order stated and connecting back to 43°29.32′ N lat.,
125°20.11′ W long.:
(1) 43°29.32′ N lat., 125°20.11′ W long.;
(2) 43°38.96′ N lat., 125°18.75′ W long.;
(3) 43°37.88′ N lat., 125°08.26′ W long.;
(4) 43°36.58′ N lat., 125°06.56′ W long.;
(5) 43°33.04′ N lat., 125°08.41′ W long.;
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(6) 43°27.74′ N lat., 125°07.25′ W long.;
(7) 43°15.95′ N lat., 125°07.84′ W long.;
(8) 43°15.38′ N lat., 125°10.47′ W long.; and
(9) 43°25.73′ N lat., 125°19.36′ W long.
(o) Arago Reef. The boundary of the Arago Reef EFHCA is defined as the areas within the West Coast EEZ
shoreward (east) of a boundary line defined by connecting the following coordinates in the order stated:
(1) 43°08.49′ N lat., 124°30.78′ W long.;
(2) 43°08.55′ N lat., 124°30.79′ W long.;
(3) 43°10.22′ N lat., 124°37.82′ W long.;
(4) 43°16.91′ N lat., 124°37.50′ W long.;
(5) 43°16.51′ N lat., 124°28.97′ W long.; and
(6) 43°16.88′ N lat., 124°28.16′ W long.
(p) Arago Reef West. The boundary of the Arago Reef West EFHCA is defined by straight lines connecting all
of the following points in the order stated and connecting back to 43°16.24′ N lat., 124°27.66′ W long.:
(1) 43°16.24′ N lat., 124°27.66′ W long.;
(2) 43°14.23′ N lat., 124°29.28′ W long.;
(3) 43°14.03′ N lat., 124°28.31′ W long.;
(4) 43°11.92′ N lat., 124°28.26′ W long.;
(5) 43°11.02′ N lat., 124°29.11′ W long.;
(6) 43°10.13′ N lat., 124°29.15′ W long.;
(7) 43°09.26′ N lat., 124°31.03′ W long.;
(8) 43°08.60′ N lat., 124°30.98′ W long.;
(9) 43°10.22′ N lat., 124°37.82′ W long.;
(10) 43°16.91′ N lat., 124°37.50′ W long.;
(11) 43°16.51′ N lat., 124°28.97′ W long.;
(12) 43°16.88′ N lat., 124°28.16′ W long.; and
(13) 43°16.24′ N lat., 124°27.66′ W long.
(q) Bandon High Spot. The boundary of the Bandon High Spot EFHCA is defined by straight lines connecting
all of the following points in the order stated and connecting back to 42°57.18′ N lat., 124°46.01′ W long.:
(1) 42°57.18′ N lat., 124°46.01′ W long.;
(2) 42°56.10′ N lat., 124°47.48′ W long.;
(3) 42°56.66′ N lat., 124°48.79′ W long.;

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(4) 42°53.67′ N lat., 124°51.81′ W long.;
(5) 42°54.00′ N lat., 124°53.03′ W long.;
(6) 42°55.11′ N lat., 124°53.71′ W long.;
(7) 42°58.00′ N lat., 124°52.99′ W long.;
(8) 43°00.39′ N lat., 124°51.77′ W long.;
(9) 43°02.64′ N lat., 124°52.01′ W long.;
(10) 43°06.07′ N lat., 124°50.97′ W long.;
(11) 43°06.07′ N lat., 124°50.23′ W long.;
(12) 43°04.47′ N lat., 124°48.50′ W long.;
(13) 43°03.20′ N lat., 124°47.52′ W long.; and
(14) 43°00.94′ N lat., 124°46.57′ W long.
(r) Bandon High Spot East. The boundary of the Bandon High Spot East EFHCA is defined by straight lines
connecting all of the following points in the order stated and connecting back to 42°57.18′ N lat.,
124°46.01′ W long.:
(1) 42°57.18′ N lat., 124°46.01′ W long.;
(2) 42°56.10′ N lat., 124°47.48′ W long.;
(3) 42°56.66′ N lat., 124°48.79′ W long.;
(4) 42°55.02′ N lat., 124°50.45′ W long.;
(5) 42°55.70′ N lat., 124°52.79′ W long.;
(6) 43°03.91′ N lat., 124°50.81 W long.;
(7) 43°03.70′ N lat., 124°47.91′ W long.;
(8) 43°03.20′ N lat., 124°47.52′ W long.;
(9) 43°00.94′ N lat., 124°46.57′ W long.; and
(10) 42°57.18′ N lat., 124°46.01′ W long.
(s) President Jackson Seamount. The boundary of the President Jackson Seamount EFHCA is defined by
straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated and connecting back to 42°21.41′ N
lat., 127°42.91′ W long.:
(1) 42°21.41′ N lat., 127°42.91′ W long.;
(2) 42°21.96′ N lat., 127°43.73′ W long.;
(3) 42°23.78′ N lat., 127°46.09′ W long.;
(4) 42°26.05′ N lat., 127°48.64′ W long.;
(5) 42°28.60′ N lat., 127°52.10′ W long.;
(6) 42°31.06′ N lat., 127°55.02′ W long.;
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(7) 42°34.61′ N lat., 127°58.84′ W long.;
(8) 42°37.34′ N lat., 128°01.48′ W long.;
(9) 42°39.62′ N lat., 128°05.12′ W long.;
(10) 42°41.81′ N lat., 128°08.13′ W long.;
(11) 42°43.44′ N lat., 128°10.04′ W long.;
(12) 42°44.99′ N lat., 128°12.04′ W long.;
(13) 42°48.27′ N lat., 128°15.05′ W long.;
(14) 42°51.28′ N lat., 128°15.05′ W long.;
(15) 42°53.64′ N lat., 128°12.23′ W long.;
(16) 42°52.64′ N lat., 128°08.49′ W long.;
(17) 42°51.64′ N lat., 128°06.94′ W long.;
(18) 42°50.27′ N lat., 128°05.76′ W long.;
(19) 42°48.18′ N lat., 128°03.76′ W long.;
(20) 42°45.45′ N lat., 128°01.94′ W long.;
(21) 42°42.17′ N lat., 127°57.57′ W long.;
(22) 42°41.17′ N lat., 127°53.92′ W long.;
(23) 42°38.80′ N lat., 127°49.92′ W long.;
(24) 42°36.43′ N lat., 127°44.82′ W long.;
(25) 42°33.52′ N lat., 127°41.36′ W long.;
(26) 42°31.24′ N lat., 127°39.63′ W long.;
(27) 42°28.33′ N lat., 127°36.53′ W long.;
(28) 42°23.96′ N lat., 127°35.89′ W long.;
(29) 42°21.96′ N lat., 127°37.72′ W long.; and
(30) 42°21.05′ N lat., 127°40.81′ W long.
(t) Rogue Canyon. The boundary of the Rogue Canyon EFHCA is defined by straight lines connecting all of the
following points in the order stated and connecting back to 42°41.33′ N lat., 125°16.61′ W long.:
(1) 42°41.33′ N lat., 125°16.61′ W long.;
(2) 42°41.55′ N lat., 125°03.05′ W long.;
(3) 42°35.29′ N lat., 125°02.21′ W long.;
(4) 42°34.11′ N lat., 124°55.62′ W long.;
(5) 42°30.61′ N lat., 124°54.97′ W long.;
(6) 42°23.81′ N lat., 124°52.85′ W long.; and
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(7) 42°17.94′ N lat., 125°10.17′ W long.
(u) Rogue River Reef. The boundary of the Rogue River Reef EFHCA is defined as the areas within the West
Coast EEZ shoreward (east) of a boundary line defined by connecting the following coordinates in the
order stated:
(1) 42°23.27′ N lat., 124°30.03′ W long.;
(2) 42°24.10′ N lat., 124°32.41′ W long.;
(3) 42°22.28′ N lat., 124°39.92′ W long.;
(4) 42°25.46′ N lat., 124°43.91′ W long.;
(5) 42°27.87′ N lat., 124°44.63′ W long.;
(6) 42°29.27′ N lat., 124°44.22′ W long.;
(7) 42°29.71′ N lat., 124°39.83′ W long.;
(8) 42°29.36′ N lat., 124°36.53′ W long.; and
(9) 42°28.16′ N lat., 124°34.05′ W long.
[84 FR 63976, Nov. 19, 2019, as amended at 88 FR 83848, Dec. 1, 2023]

§ 660.79 EFHCAs off the Coast of California.
(a) General. Boundary line coordinates for EFHCA off California are provided in this section. Fishing activity
that is prohibited or permitted within the EEZ in a particular area designated as a groundfish EFHCA is
detailed at §§ 660.12, 660.112, 660.130, 660.212, 660.230, 660.312, 660.330, and 660.360.
(b) Brush Patch. The boundary of the Brush Patch EFHCA is defined by straight lines connecting all of the
following points in the order stated and connecting back to 41°51.03′ N lat., 124°48.65′ W long.:
(1) 41°51.03′ N lat., 124°48.65′ W long.;
(2) 41°51.98′ N lat., 124°51.00′ W long.;
(3) 41°53.63′ N lat., 124°53.12′ W long.;
(4) 41°55.22′ N lat., 124°54.50′ W long.;
(5) 41°57.16′ N lat., 124°54.87′ W long.;
(6) 41°59.16′ N lat., 124°52.89′ W long.;
(7) 41°58.93′ N lat., 124°51.25′ W long.;
(8) 41°57.98′ N lat., 124°50.42′ W long.;
(9) 41°54.50′ N lat., 124°49.72′ W long.;
(10) 41°52.66′ N lat., 124°47.85′ W long.; and
(11) 41°51.24′ N lat., 124°47.23′ W long.
(c) Trinidad Canyon. The boundary of the Trinidad Canyon EFHCA is defined by straight lines connecting all of
the following points in the order stated and connecting back to 41°07.81′ N lat., 124°51.29′ W long.:
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(1) 41°07.81′ N lat., 124°51.29′ W long.;
(2) 41°14.52′ N lat., 124°52.67′ W long.;
(3) 41°17.66′ N lat., 124°54.31′ W long.;
(4) 41°18.37′ N lat., 124°45.50′ W long.;
(5) 41°17.60′ N lat., 124°43.42′ W long.; and
(6) 41°09.44′ N lat., 124°43.11′ W long.
(d) Mad River Rough Patch. The boundary of the Mad River Rough Patch EFHCA is defined by straight lines
connecting all of the following points in the order stated and connecting back to 40°53.66′ N lat.,
124°26.68′ W long.:
(1) 40°53.66′ N lat., 124°26.68′ W long.;
(2) 40°54.49′ N lat., 124°28.22′ W long.;
(3) 40°54.88′ N lat., 124°28.54′ W long.;
(4) 40°57.27′ N lat., 124°29.10′ W long.;
(5) 40°57.37′ N lat., 124°28.96′ W long.;
(6) 40°57.27′ N lat., 124°28.34′ W long.;
(7) 40°54.56′ N lat., 124°26.25′ W long.; and
(8) 40°54.13′ N lat., 124°26.27′ W long.
(e) Samoa Deepwater. The boundary of the Samoa Deepwater EFHCA is defined by straight lines connecting
all of the following points in the order stated and connecting back to 40°50.11′ N lat., 124°35.29′ W long.:
(1) 40°50.11′ N lat., 124°35.29′ W long.;
(2) 40°46.37′ N lat., 124°34.69′ W long.;
(3) 40°48.50′ N lat., 124°39.04′ W long.;
(4) 40°51.96′ N lat., 124°41.23′ W long.; and
(5) 40°52.04′ N lat., 124°38.08′ W long.
(f) Eel River Canyon. The boundary of the Eel River Canyon EFHCA is defined by straight lines connecting all
of the following points in the order stated and connecting back to 40°40.33′ N lat., 124°41.82′ W long.:
(1) 40°40.33′ N lat., 124°41.82′ W long.;
(2) 40°39.69′ N lat., 124°33.36′ W long.;
(3) 40°40.13′ N lat., 124°32.61′ W long.;
(4) 40°39.84′ N lat., 124°31.21′ W long.;
(5) 40°39.36′ N lat., 124°30.48′ W long.;
(6) 40°39.42′ N lat., 124°29.40′ W long.;
(7) 40°38.91′ N lat., 124°28.42′ W long.;
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(8) 40°38.57′ N lat., 124°28.49′ W long.;
(9) 40°37.56′ N lat., 124°28.78′ W long.;
(10) 40°37.08′ N lat., 124°28.42′ W long.;
(11) 40°35.79′ N lat., 124°29.21′ W long.;
(12) 40°37.52′ N lat., 124°33.41′ W long.;
(13) 40°37.51′ N lat., 124°34.46′ W long.;
(14) 40°38.22′ N lat., 124°35.72′ W long.;
(15) 40°38.27′ N lat., 124°39.11′ W long.;
(16) 40°37.47′ N lat., 124°40.46′ W long.;
(17) 40°35.47′ N lat., 124°42.97′ W long.;
(18) 40°32.78′ N lat., 124°44.79′ W long.;
(19) 40°24.32′ N lat., 124°39.97′ W long.;
(20) 40°23.26′ N lat., 124°42.45′ W long.;
(21) 40°27.34′ N lat., 124°51.21′ W long.;
(22) 40°32.68′ N lat., 125°05.63′ W long.;
(23) 40°49.12′ N lat., 124°47.41′ W long.;
(24) 40°44.32′ N lat., 124°46.48′ W long.; and
(25) 40°41.67′ N lat., 124°42.92′ W long.
(g) Blunts Reef. The Blunts Reef EFHCA consists of the two adjacent polygons defined in this paragraph,
combined.
(1) Blunts Reef North. The boundary of Blunts Reef North is defined by straight lines connecting all of the
following points in the order stated and connecting back to 40°30.21′ N lat., 124°26.85′ W long.:
(i)

40°30.21′ N lat., 124°26.85′ W long.;

(ii) 40°27.53′ N lat., 124°26.84′ W long.;
(iii) 40°24.66′ N lat., 124°29.49′ W long.;
(iv) 40°27.84′ N lat., 124°31.92′ W long.;
(v) 40°28.31′ N lat., 124°33.49′ W long.;
(vi) 40°29.99′ N lat., 124°33.49′ W long.; and
(vii) 40°30.46′ N lat., 124°32.23′ W long.
(2) Blunts Reef South. The boundary of Blunts Reef South is defined as the areas within the West Coast
EEZ shoreward (east) of a boundary line defined by straight lines connecting the following
coordinates in the order stated:
(i)

40°27.84′ N lat., 124°31.92′ W long.;

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(ii) 40°28.31′ N lat., 124°33.49′ W long.;
(iii) 40°22.49′ N lat., 124°30.92′ W long.; and
(iv) 40°23.67′ N lat., 124°28.43′ W long.
(h) Mendocino Ridge. The Mendocino Ridge EFHCA consists of the two adjacent polygons defined in this
paragraph, combined.
(1) Mendocino Ridge North. The boundary of Mendocino Ridge North is defined by straight lines
connecting all of the following points in the order stated and connecting back to 40°25.23′ N lat.,
124°24.06′ W long.:
(i)

40°25.23′ N lat., 124°24.06′ W long.;

(ii) 40°12.50′ N lat., 124°22.59′ W long.;
(iii) 40°13.84′ N lat., 124°31.89′ W long.;
(iv) 40°14.96′ N lat., 124°35.42′ W long.;
(v) 40°15.92′ N lat., 124°36.38′ W long.;
(vi) 40°15.81′ N lat., 124°38.37′ W long.;
(vii) 40°17.45′ N lat., 124°45.42′ W long.;
(viii) 40°18.39′ N lat., 124°48.55′ W long.;
(ix) 40°19.98′ N lat., 124°52.73′ W long.;
(x) 40°20.06′ N lat., 125°02.18′ W long.;
(xi) 40°11.79′ N lat., 125°07.39′ W long.;
(xii) 40°12.55′ N lat., 125°11.56′ W long.;
(xiii) 40°12.81′ N lat., 125°12.98′ W long.;
(xiv) 40°20.72′ N lat., 125°57.31′ W long.;
(xv) 40°23.96′ N lat., 125°56.83′ W long.;
(xvi) 40°24.04′ N lat., 125°56.82′ W long.;
(xvii) 40°25.68′ N lat., 125°09.77′ W long.;
(xviii) 40°21.03′ N lat., 124°33.96′ W long.; and
(xix) 40°25.72′ N lat., 124°24.15′ W long.
(2) Mendocino Ridge South. The boundary of Mendocino Ridge South is defined as the areas within the
West Coast EEZ shoreward (east) of a boundary line defined by connecting the following
coordinates in the order stated:
(i)

40°10.03′ N lat., 124°20.51′ W long.;

(ii) 40°10.42′ N lat., 124°22.26′ W long.;
(iii) 40°13.84′ N lat., 124°31.89′ W long.; and
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(iv) 40°12.82′ N lat., 124°24.85′ W long.
(i)

Delgada Canyon. The boundary of the Delgada Canyon EFHCA is defined as the areas of the state
territorial sea, east of the West Coast EEZ and within a boundary line defined by connecting the following
coordinates in the order stated:
(1) 40°06.58′ N lat., 124°07.39′ W long.;
(2) 40°01.37′ N lat., 124°08.79′ W long.;
(3) 40°04.35′ N lat., 124°10.89′ W long.;
(4) 40°05.71′ N lat., 124°09.42′ W long.;
(5) 40°07.18′ N lat., 124°09.61′ W long.; and
(6) 40°07.13′ N lat., 124°09.09′ W long.

(j)

Tolo Bank. The boundary of the Tolo Bank EFHCA is defined by straight lines connecting all of the
following points in the order stated and connecting back to 39°58.75′ N lat., 124°04.58′ W long.:
(1) 39°58.75′ N lat., 124°04.58′ W long.;
(2) 39°56.05′ N lat., 124°01.45′ W long.;
(3) 39°53.99′ N lat., 124°00.17′ W long.;
(4) 39°52.28′ N lat., 124°03.12′ W long.; and
(5) 39°57.90′ N lat., 124°07.07′ W long.

(k) Navarro Canyon. The boundary of the Navarro Canyon EFHCA is defined by straight lines connecting all of
the following points in the order stated and connecting back to 39°04.76′ N lat., 124°11.80′ W long.:
(1) 39°04.76′ N lat., 124°11.80′ W long.;
(2) 39°11.84′ N lat., 124°13.30′ W long.;
(3) 39°11.39′ N lat., 124°10.38′ W long.;
(4) 39°08.73′ N lat., 124°10.38′ W long.;
(5) 39°07.16′ N lat., 124°08.98′ W long.; and
(6) 39°06.07′ N lat., 124°08.55′ W long.
(l)

Point Arena North. The boundary of the Point Arena North EFHCA is defined by straight lines connecting
all of the following points in the order stated and connecting back to 39°03.32′ N lat., 123°51.15′ W long.:
(1) 39°03.32′ N lat., 123°51.15′ W long.;
(2) 38°56.54′ N lat., 123°49.79′ W long.;
(3) 38°54.12′ N lat., 123°52.69′ W long.;
(4) 38°59.64′ N lat., 123°55.02′ W long.; and
(5) 39°02.83′ N lat., 123°55.21′ W long.

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(m) Point Arena South Biogenic Area. The boundary of the Point Arena South Biogenic Area EFHCA is defined
by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated and connecting back to
38°33.24′ N lat., 123°35.18′ W long.:
(1) 38°33.24′ N lat., 123°35.18′ W long.;
(2) 38°32.01′ N lat., 123°35.78′ W long.;
(3) 38°33.19′ N lat., 123°40.30′ W long.;
(4) 38°34.62′ N lat., 123°42.32′ W long.;
(5) 38°35.98′ N lat., 123°44.22′ W long.;
(6) 38°38.27′ N lat., 123°46.57′ W long.;
(7) 38°41.11′ N lat., 123°48.69′ W long.;
(8) 38°41.95′ N lat., 123°45.41′ W long.;
(9) 38°36.02′ N lat., 123°41.30′ W long.; and
(10) 38°34.37′ N lat., 123°37.47′ W long.
(n) The Football. The boundary of The Football EFHCA is defined by straight lines connecting all of the
following points in the order stated and connecting back to 38°24.36′ N lat., 123°32.10′ W long.:
(1) 38°24.36′ N lat., 123°32.10′ W long.;
(2) 38°23.58′ N lat., 123°33.96′ W long.;
(3) 38°29.10′ N lat., 123°37.32′ W long.; and
(4) 38°29.04′ N lat., 123°35.04′ W long.
(o) Gobbler's Knob. The boundary of the Gobbler's Knob EFHCA is defined by straight lines connecting all of
the following points in the order stated and connecting back to 38°06.84′ N lat., 123°25.98′ W long.:
(1) 38°06.84′ N lat., 123°25.98′ W long.;
(2) 38°07.14′ N lat., 123°27.60′ W long.;
(3) 38°11.64′ N lat., 123°29.58′ W long.;
(4) 38°12.36′ N lat., 123°28.80′ W long.;
(5) 38°12.42′ N lat., 123°27.78′ W long.; and
(6) 38°08.70′ N lat., 123°25.98′ W long.
(p) Point Reyes Reef. The boundary of the Point Reyes Reef EFHCA is defined as the areas within the West
Coast EEZ shoreward (east) of a boundary line defined by connecting the following coordinates in the
order stated:
(1) 38°2.88′ N lat., 123°03.46′ W long.;
(2) 38°2.98′ N lat., 123°03.84′ W long.;
(3) 38°6.52′ N lat., 123°03.63′ W long.;

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(4) 38°8.69′ N lat., 123°01.86′ W long.; and
(5) 38°8.92′ N lat., 123°00.90′ W long.
(q) Cordell Bank/Biogenic Area. The boundary of the Cordell Bank/Biogenic Area EFHCA is located offshore of
California's Marin County defined by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated
and connecting back to 38°05.46′ N lat., 123°25.97′ W long.:
(1) 38°05.46′ N lat., 123°25.97′ W long.;
(2) 38°04.44′ N lat., 123°24.44′ W long.;
(3) 38°03.05′ N lat., 123°21.33′ W long.;
(4) 38°03.07′ N lat., 123°07.35′ W long.;
(5) 38°02.84′ N lat., 123°07.36′ W long.;
(6) 38°01.09′ N lat., 123°07.06′ W long.;
(7) 38°01.02′ N lat., 123°22.08′ W long.;
(8) 37°54.75′ N lat., 123°23.64′ W long.;
(9) 37°46.01′ N lat., 123°25.62′ W long.;
(10) 37°46.68′ N lat., 123°27.05′ W long.;
(11) 37°47.66′ N lat., 123°28.18′ W long.;
(12) 37°50.26′ N lat., 123°30.94′ W long.;
(13) 37°54.41′ N lat., 123°32.69′ W long.;
(14) 37°56.94′ N lat., 123°32.87′ W long.;
(15) 37°57.09′ N lat., 123°26.39′ W long.;
(16) 37°57.76′ N lat., 123°26.48′ W long.;
(17) 37°58.57′ N lat., 123°26.95′ W long.;
(18) 37°59.94′ N lat., 123°28.58′ W long.;
(19) 38°00.27′ N lat., 123°29.32′ W long.;
(20) 38°00.63′ N lat., 123°29.95′ W long.;
(21) 38°01.23′ N lat., 123°30.53′ W long.;
(22) 38°01.60′ N lat., 123°30.81′ W long.;
(23) 38°01.84′ N lat., 123°31.05′ W long.;
(24) 38°02.00′ N lat., 123°31.31′ W long.;
(25) 38°02.37′ N lat., 123°31.45′ W long.;
(26) 38°03.99′ N lat., 123°30.75′ W long.;
(27) 38°04.85′ N lat., 123°30.36′ W long.; and
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(28) 38°05.73′ N lat., 123°28.46′ W long.
(r) Cordell Bank (50-fm (91-m) isobath). The boundary of the Cordell Bank (50-fm (91-m) isobath) EFHCA is
located offshore of California's Marin County defined by straight lines connecting all of the following
points in the order stated and connecting back to 37°57.62′ N lat., 123°24.22′ W long.:
(1) 37°57.62′ N lat., 123°24.22′ W long.;
(2) 37°57.70′ N lat., 123°25.25′ W long.;
(3) 37°59.47′ N lat., 123°26.63′ W long.;
(4) 38°00.24′ N lat., 123°27.87′ W long.;
(5) 38°00.98′ N lat., 123°27.65′ W long.;
(6) 38°02.81′ N lat., 123°28.75′ W long.;
(7) 38°04.26′ N lat., 123°29.25′ W long.;
(8) 38°04.55′ N lat., 123°28.32′ W long.;
(9) 38°03.87′ N lat., 123°27.69′ W long.;
(10) 38°04.27′ N lat., 123°26.68′ W long.;
(11) 38°02.67′ N lat., 123°24.17′ W long.;
(12) 38°00.87′ N lat., 123°23.15′ W long.;
(13) 37°59.32′ N lat., 123°22.52′ W long.; and
(14) 37°58.24′ N lat., 123°23.16′ W long.
(s) Rittenburg Bank. The boundary of the Rittenburg Bank EFHCA is defined by straight lines connecting all of
the following points in the order stated and connecting back to 37°51.36′ N lat., 123°19.18′ W long.:
(1) 37°51.36′ N lat., 123°19.18′ W long.;
(2) 37°53.61′ N lat., 123°21.67′ W long.;
(3) 37°54.32′ N lat., 123°19.69′ W long.;
(4) 37°53.98′ N lat., 123°18.99′ W long.;
(5) 37°54.96′ N lat., 123°16.32′ W long.; and
(6) 37°53.32′ N lat., 123°15.00′ W long.
(t) Farallon Islands/Fanny Shoal/Cochrane Bank. The boundary of the Farallon Islands/Fanny Shoal/Cochrane
Bank EFHCA is defined by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated and
connecting back to 37°51.58′ N lat., 123°14.07′ W long.:
(1) 37°51.58′ N lat., 123°14.07′ W long.;
(2) 37°44.51′ N lat., 123°01.50′ W long.;
(3) 37°41.71′ N lat., 122°58.38′ W long.;
(4) 37°40.80′ N lat., 122°58.54′ W long.;
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(5) 37°39.87′ N lat., 122°59.64′ W long.;
(6) 37°42.05′ N lat., 123°03.72′ W long.;
(7) 37°43.73′ N lat., 123°04.45′ W long.;
(8) 37°46.94′ N lat., 123°11.65′ W long.;
(9) 37°46.51′ N lat., 123°14.14′ W long.;
(10) 37°47.87′ N lat., 123°16.94′ W long.; and
(11) 37°49.23′ N lat., 123°16.81′ W long.
(u) Farallon Escarpment. The boundary of the Farallon Escarpment EFHCA is defined by straight lines
connecting all of the following points in the order stated and connecting back to 37°44.85′ N lat.,
123°13.73′ W long.:
(1) 37°44.85′ N lat., 123°13.73′ W long.;
(2) 37°45.58′ N lat., 123°12.74′ W long.;
(3) 37°45.18′ N lat., 123°11.87′ W long.;
(4) 37°42.71′ N lat., 123°09.04′ W long.;
(5) 37°40.73′ N lat., 123°08.42′ W long.;
(6) 37°39.15′ N lat., 123°06.76′ W long.;
(7) 37°38.26′ N lat., 123°08.27′ W long.;
(8) 37°34.32′ N lat., 123°07.43′ W long.;
(9) 37°29.55′ N lat., 123°09.74′ W long.;
(10) 37°29.18′ N lat., 123°13.97′ W long.;
(11) 37°40.29′ N lat., 123°12.83′ W long.;
(12) 37°47.52′ N lat., 123°25.28′ W long.; and
(13) 37°50.65′ N lat., 123°24.57′ W long.
(v) Half Moon Bay. The boundary of the Half Moon Bay EFHCA is defined by straight lines connecting all of
the following points in the order stated and connecting back to 37°18.14′ N lat., 122°31.15′ W long.:
(1) 37°18.14′ N lat., 122°31.15′ W long.;
(2) 37°19.80′ N lat., 122°34.70′ W long.;
(3) 37°19.28′ N lat., 122°38.76′ W long.;
(4) 37°23.54′ N lat., 122°40.75′ W long.;
(5) 37°25.41′ N lat., 122°33.20′ W long.; and
(6) 37°23.28′ N lat., 122°30.71′ W long.

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(w) Pescadero Reef. The boundary of the Pescadero Reef EFHCA is defined as the areas within the West
Coast EEZ shoreward (east) of a boundary line defined by connecting the following coordinates in the
order stated:
(1) 37°17.18′ N lat., 122°28.34′ W long.;
(2) 37°17.76′ N lat., 122°29.59′ W long.;
(3) 37°19.38′ N lat., 122°29.63′ W long.; and
(4) 37°19.50′ N lat., 122°28.00′ W long.;
(x) Pigeon Point Reef. The boundary of the Pigeon Point EFHCA is defined by straight lines connecting all of
the following points in the order stated and connecting back to 37°06.02′ N lat., 122°28.14′ W long.:
(1) 37°06.02′ N lat., 122°28.14′ W long.;
(2) 37°08.91′ N lat., 122°31.76′ W long.;
(3) 37°10.29′ N lat., 122°29.70′ W long.; and
(4) 37°07.20′ N lat., 122°26.82′ W long.
(y) Ascension Canyonhead. The boundary of the Ascension Canyonhead EFHCA is defined by straight lines
connecting all of the following points in the order stated and connecting back to 36°56.88′ N lat.,
122°24.84′ W long.:
(1) 36°56.88′ N lat., 122°24.84′ W long.;
(2) 36°57.30′ N lat., 122°26.36′ W long.;
(3) 36°56.65′ N lat., 122°27.06′ W long.;
(4) 37°01.55′ N lat., 122°24.73′ W long.;
(5) 37°01.40′ N lat., 122°24.37′ W long.;
(6) 37°01.00′ N lat., 122°24.35′ W long.;
(7) 37°00.61′ N lat., 122°24.03′ W long.; and
(8) 36°59.20′ N lat., 122°24.64′ W long.
(z) South of Davenport. The boundary of the South of Davenport EFHCA is defined by straight lines
connecting all of the following points in the order stated and connecting back to 36°54.00′ N lat.,
122°13.05′ W long.:
(1) 36°54.00′ N lat., 122°13.05′ W long.;
(2) 36°56.79′ N lat., 122°17.91′ W long.;
(3) 36°57.80′ N lat., 122°18.14′ W long.;
(4) 36°57.84′ N lat., 122°17.72′ W long.;
(5) 36°57.38′ N lat., 122°17.05′ W long.;
(6) 36°55.84′ N lat., 122°14.26′ W long.;
(7) 36°54.80′ N lat., 122°12.61′ W long.; and
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(8) 36°54.49′ N lat., 122°12.48′ W long.
(aa) Monterey Bay/Canyon. The boundary of the Monterey Bay/Canyon EFHCA is defined by straight lines
connecting all of the following points in the order stated and connecting back to 36°54.17′ N lat.,
122°23.68′ W long.:
(1) 36°54.17′ N lat., 122°23.68′ W long.;
(2) 36°53.58′ N lat., 122°22.48′ W long.;
(3) 36°52.72′ N lat., 122°22.11′ W long.;
(4) 36°49.09′ N lat., 122°21.84′ W long.;
(5) 36°50.47′ N lat., 122°19.03′ W long.;
(6) 36°49.60′ N lat., 122°15.08′ W long.;
(7) 36°49.37′ N lat., 122°15.20′ W long.;
(8) 36°48.31′ N lat., 122°18.59′ W long.;
(9) 36°45.55′ N lat., 122°18.91′ W long.;
(10) 36°44.32′ N lat., 122°18.49′ W long.;
(11) 36°42.04′ N lat., 122°16.07′ W long.;
(12) 36°40.30′ N lat., 122°13.31′ W long.;
(13) 36°39.88′ N lat., 122°09.69′ W long.;
(14) 36°40.02′ N lat., 122°09.09′ W long.;
(15) 36°40.99′ N lat., 122°08.53′ W long.;
(16) 36°41.30′ N lat., 122°09.35′ W long.;
(17) 36°44.94′ N lat., 122°08.46′ W long.;
(18) 36°46.31′ N lat., 122°05.48′ W long.;
(19) 36°48.50′ N lat., 122°06.02′ W long.;
(20) 36°49.18′ N lat., 122°03.12′ W long.;
(21) 36°47.80′ N lat., 122°02.71′ W long.;
(22) 36°49.60′ N lat., 122°00.85′ W long.;
(23) 36°51.53′ N lat., 121°58.25′ W long.;
(24) 36°50.78′ N lat., 121°56.89′ W long.;
(25) 36°47.39′ N lat., 121°58.16′ W long.;
(26) 36°48.34′ N lat., 121°50.95′ W long.;
(27) 36°47.23′ N lat., 121°52.25′ W long.;
(28) 36°45.60′ N lat., 121°54.17′ W long.;
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(29) 36°44.76′ N lat., 121°56.04′ W long.;
(30) 36°41.68′ N lat., 121°56.33′ W long.;
(31) 36°38.21′ N lat., 121°55.96′ W long.; extending along the mainland coast to
(32) 36°25.31′ N lat., 121°54.86′ W long.;
(33) 36°25.25′ N lat., 121°58.34′ W long.;
(34) 36°30.86′ N lat., 122°00.45′ W long.;
(35) 36°30.78′ N lat., 122°01.32′ W long.;
(36) 36°31.22′ N lat., 122°01.35′ W long.;
(37) 36°32.38′ N lat., 122°01.69′ W long.;
(38) 36°35.41′ N lat., 122°04.44′ W long.;
(39) 36°34.69′ N lat., 122°04.99′ W long.;
(40) 36°30.59′ N lat., 122°03.45′ W long.;
(41) 36°30.02′ N lat., 122°09.85′ W long.;
(42) 36°30.23′ N lat., 122°36.82′ W long.;
(43) 36°55.08′ N lat., 122°36.46′ W long.;
(44) 36°54.01′ N lat., 122°29.95′ W long.;
(45) 36°56.65′ N lat., 122°27.06′ W long.;
(46) 36°57.30′ N lat., 122°26.36′ W long.;
(47) 36°56.88′ N lat., 122°24.84′ W long.; and
(48) 36°56.53′ N lat., 122°23.58′ W long.
(bb) West of Sobranes Point. The boundary of the West of Sobranes Point EFHCA is defined by straight lines
connecting all of the following points in the order stated and connecting back to 36°30.59′ N lat.,
122°03.45′ W long.:
(1) 36°30.59′ N lat., 122°03.45′ W long.;
(2) 36°25.41′ N lat., 122°13.54′ W long.;
(3) 36°25.71′ N lat., 122°17.22′ W long.; and
(4) 36°30.02′ N lat., 122°09.85′ W long.
(cc) Point Sur Deep. The boundary of the Point Sur Deep EFHCA is defined by straight lines connecting all of
the following points in the order stated and connecting back to 36°17.95′ N lat., 122°17.13′ W long.:
(1) 36°17.95′ N lat., 122°17.13′ W long.;
(2) 36°17.83′ N lat., 122°22.56′ W long.;
(3) 36°22.33′ N lat., 122°22.99′ W long.;

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(4) 36°26.00′ N lat., 122°20.81′ W long.; and
(5) 36°25.41′ N lat., 122°13.54′ W long.
(dd) Big Sur Coast/Port San Luis. The Big Sur Coast/Port San Luis EFHCA consists of the three adjacent
polygons defined in this paragraph, combined.
(1) Main. The main polygon covers Davidson Seamount, portions of Santa Lucia Bank and Sur Canyon,
and is defined by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated and
connecting back to 36°15.74′ N lat., 121°56.75′ W long.:
(i)

36°15.74′ N lat., 121°56.75′ W long.;

(ii) 36°15.84′ N lat., 121°56.35′ W long.;
(iii) 36°14.27′ N lat., 121°53.89′ W long.;
(iv) 36°10.93′ N lat., 121°48.66′ W long.;
(v) 36°07.40′ N lat., 121°43.14′ W long.;
(vi) 36°07.36′ N lat., 121°43.26′ W long.;
(vii) 35°59.00′ N lat., 121°50.49′ W long.;
(viii) 35°55.70′ N lat., 121°50.02′ W long.;
(ix) 35°53.05′ N lat., 121°56.69′ W long.;
(x) 35°38.99′ N lat., 121°49.73′ W long.;
(xi) 35°20.06′ N lat., 121°27.00′ W long.;
(xii) 35°20.39′ N lat., 121°33.08′ W long.;
(xiii) 35°09.72′ N lat., 121°33.92′ W long.;
(xiv) 35°06.21′ N lat., 121°33.51′ W long.;
(xv) 35°04.09′ N lat., 121°32.19′ W long.;
(xvi) 35°02.65′ N lat., 121°30.63′ W long.;
(xvii) 35°02.79′ N lat., 121°26.30′ W long.;
(xviii) 34°58.71′ N lat., 121°24.21′ W long.;
(xix) 34°47.24′ N lat., 121°22.40′ W long.;
(xx) 34°35.70′ N lat., 121°45.99′ W long.;
(xxi) 35°47.36′ N lat., 122°30.25′ W long.;
(xxii) 35°27.26′ N lat., 122°45.15′ W long.;
(xxiii) 35°34.39′ N lat., 123°00.25′ W long.;
(xxiv) 36°01.64′ N lat., 122°40.76′ W long.;
(xxv) 36°17.41′ N lat., 122°41.22′ W long.;

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(xxvi) 36°17.83′ N lat., 122°22.56′ W long.;
(xxvii) 36°17.95′ N lat., 122°17.13′ W long.;
(xxviii) 36°13.85′ N lat., 122°15.95′ W long.;
(xxix) 36°12.30′ N lat., 122°10.19′ W long.;
(xxx) 36°09.95′ N lat., 122°03.73′ W long.;
(xxxi) 36°09.93′ N lat., 121°56.57′ W long.;
(xxxii) 36°11.89′ N lat., 121°55.81′ W long.;
(xxxiii) 36°12.58′ N lat., 121°58.55′ W long.;
(xxxiv) 36°13.95′ N lat., 121°58.45′ W long.;
(xxxv) 36°14.84′ N lat., 122°00.28′ W long.; and
(xxxvi) 36°15.21′ N lat., 121°58.83′ W long.
(2) North. This area is a northern expansion in the vicinity of Point Sur Platform and is defined as the
areas within the West Coast EEZ shoreward (east) of a boundary line defined by connecting the
following coordinates in the order stated:
(i)

36°15.74′ N lat., 121°56.75′ W long.;

(ii) 36°15.21′ N lat., 121°58.83′ W long.;
(iii) 36°16.66′ N lat., 122°01.19′ W long.;
(iv) 36°17.95′ N lat., 122°02.25′ W long.;
(v) 36°18.56′ N lat., 122°01.53′ W long.; and
(vi) 36°17.65′ N lat., 121°57.85′ W long.
(3) Northeast. This area is a northeastern expansion in the vicinity of Partington Point and Lopez Point
and is defined as the areas within the West Coast EEZ shoreward (east) of a boundary line defined
by connecting the following coordinates in the order stated:
(i)

36°02.32′ N lat., 121°39.40′ W long.;

(ii) 35°58.89′ N lat., 121°45.38′ W long.;
(iii) 35°59.00′ N lat., 121°50.49′ W long.; and
(iv) 36°07.36′ N lat., 121°43.26′ W long.
(ee) Davidson Seamount. The boundary of the Davidson Seamount EFHCA is defined by straight lines
connecting the following points in the order stated and connecting back to 35°54.00′ N lat., 123°00.00′ W
long.:
(1) 35°54.00′ N lat., 123°00.00′ W long.;
(2) 35°54.00′ N lat., 122°30.00′ W long.;
(3) 35°30.00′ N lat., 122°30.00′ W long.; and

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(4) 35°30.00′ N lat., 123°00.00′ W long.
(ff) La Cruz Canyon. The boundary of the La Cruz Canyon EFHCA is defined by straight lines connecting all of
the following points in the order stated and connecting back to 35°42.85′ N lat., 121°25.92′ W long.:
(1) 35°42.85′ N lat., 121°25.92′ W long.;
(2) 35°42.83′ N lat., 121°26.31′ W long.;
(3) 35°43.63′ N lat., 121°26.92′ W long.;
(4) 35°45.14′ N lat., 121°27.61′ W long.;
(5) 35°46.88′ N lat., 121°27.80′ W long.;
(6) 35°49.15′ N lat., 121°29.43′ W long.;
(7) 35°49.53′ N lat., 121°28.71′ W long.;
(8) 35°49.15′ N lat., 121°27.84′ W long.;
(9) 35°48.68′ N lat., 121°27.58′ W long.;
(10) 35°47.84′ N lat., 121°27.75′ W long.;
(11) 35°46.50′ N lat., 121°26.57′ W long.;
(12) 35°45.40′ N lat., 121°25.99′ W long.;
(13) 35°44.19′ N lat., 121°24.69′ W long.; and
(14) 35°43.83′ N lat., 121°26.52′ W long.
(gg) West of Piedras Blancas State Marine Conservation Area. The boundary of the West of Piedras Blancas
SMCA EFHCA is defined as the areas within the West Coast EEZ shoreward (east) of a boundary line
defined by connecting the following coordinates in the order stated:
(1) 35°39.12′ N lat., 121°20.94′ W long.;
(2) 35°39.11′ N lat., 121°21.32′ W long.;
(3) 35°40.63′ N lat., 121°22.63′ W long.;
(4) 35°42.84′ N lat., 121°23.67′ W long.; and
(5) 35°42.85′ N lat., 121°22.81′ W long.
(hh) East San Lucia Bank. The boundary of the East San Lucia Bank EFHCA is defined by straight lines
connecting all of the following points in the order stated and connecting back to 34°45.09′ N. lat.,
121°05.73′ W. long.:
(1) 34°45.09′ N lat., 121°05.73′ W long.;
(2) 34°39.90′ N lat., 121°10.30′ W long.;
(3) 34°43.39′ N lat., 121°14.73′ W long.;
(4) 34°52.83′ N lat., 121°14.85′ W long.; and
(5) 34°52.82′ N lat., 121°05.90′ W long.
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(ii) Point Conception. The boundary of the Point Conception EFHCA is defined by straight lines connecting all
of the following points in the order stated and connecting back to 34°29.24′ N lat., 120°36.05′ W long.:
(1) 34°29.24′ N lat., 120°36.05′ W long.;
(2) 34°28.57′ N lat., 120°34.44′ W long.;
(3) 34°26.81′ N lat., 120°33.21′ W long.;
(4) 34°24.54′ N lat., 120°32.23′ W long.;
(5) 34°23.41′ N lat., 120°30.61′ W long.;
(6) 33°53.05′ N lat., 121°05.19′ W long.;
(7) 34°13.64′ N lat., 121°20.91′ W long.;
(8) 34°40.04′ N lat., 120°54.01′ W long.;
(9) 34°36.41′ N lat., 120°43.48′ W long.;
(10) 34°33.50′ N lat., 120°43.72′ W long.;
(11) 34°31.22′ N lat., 120°42.06′ W long.;
(12) 34°30.04′ N lat., 120°40.27′ W long.;
(13) 34°30.02′ N lat., 120°40.23′ W long.; and
(14) 34°29.26′ N lat., 120°37.89′ W long.
(jj) Harris Point. The boundary of the Harris Point EFHCA is defined by the mean high water line and straight
lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 34°03.10′ N lat., 120°23.30′ W long.;
(2) 34°12.50′ N lat., 120°23.30′ W long.;
(3) 34°12.50′ N lat., 120°18.40′ W long.;
(4) 34°01.80′ N lat., 120°18.40′ W long.;
(5) 34°02.90′ N lat., 120°20.20′ W long.; and
(6) 34°03.50′ N lat., 120°21.30′ W long.
(kk) Harris Point Exception. An exemption to the Harris Point reserve, where commercial and recreational take
of living marine resources is allowed, exists between the mean high water line in Cuyler Harbor and a
straight line connecting all of the following points:
(1) 34°02.90′ N lat., 120°20.20′ W long.; and
(2) 34°03.50′ N lat., 120°21.30′ W long.
(ll) Richardson Rock. The boundary of the Richardson Rock EFHCA is defined by straight lines connecting all
of the following points in the order stated and connecting back to 34°10.40′ N lat., 120°28.20′ W long.:
(1) 34°10.40′ N lat., 120°28.20′ W long.;
(2) 34°10.40′ N lat., 120°36.29′ W long.;
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(3) 34°02.21′ N lat., 120°36.29′ W long.; and
(4) 34°02.21′ N lat., 120°28.20′ W long.
(mm) Scorpion. The boundary of the Scorpion EFHCA is defined by the mean high water line and a straight line
connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 34°02.94′ N lat., 119°35.50′ W long.;
(2) 34°09.35′ N lat., 119°35.50′ W long.;
(3) 34°09.35′ N lat., 119°32.80′ W long.; and
(4) 34°02.80′ N lat., 119°32.80′ W long.
(nn) Painted Cave. The boundary of the Painted Cave EFHCA is defined by the mean high water line and a
straight line connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 34°04.50′ N lat., 119°53.00′ W long.;
(2) 34°05.20′ N lat., 119°53.00′ W long.;
(3) 34°05.00′ N lat., 119°51.00′ W long.; and
(4) 34°04.00′ N lat., 119°51.00′ W long.
(oo) Anacapa Island. The boundary of the Anacapa Island EFHCA is defined by the mean high water line and
straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 34°00.80′ N lat., 119°26.70′ W long.;
(2) 34°05.00′ N lat., 119°26.70′ W long.;
(3) 34°05.00′ N lat., 119°21.40′ W long.; and
(4) 34°01.00′ N lat., 119°21.40′ W long.
(pp) Carrington Point. The boundary of the Carrington Point EFHCA is defined by the mean high water line and
straight lines connecting all of the following points:
(1) 34°01.30′ N lat., 120°05.20′ W long.;
(2) 34°04.00′ N lat., 120°05.20′ W long.;
(3) 34°04.00′ N lat., 120°01.00′ W long.;
(4) 34°00.50′ N lat., 120°01.00′ W long.; and
(5) 34°00.50′ N lat., 120°02.80′ W long.
(qq) Judith Rock. The boundary of the Judith Rock EFHCA is defined by the mean high water line and a straight
line connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 34°01.80′ N lat., 120°26.60′ W long.;
(2) 33°58.50′ N lat., 120°26.60′ W long.;
(3) 33°58.50′ N lat., 120°25.30′ W long.; and
(4) 34°01.50′ N lat., 120°25.30′ W long.
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(rr) Skunk Point. The boundary of the Skunk Point EFHCA is defined by the mean high water line and straight
lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°59.00′ N lat., 119°58.80′ W long.;
(2) 33°59.00′ N lat., 119°58.02′ W long.;
(3) 33°57.10′ N lat., 119°58.00′ W long.; and
(4) 33°57.10′ N lat., 119°58.20′ W long.
(ss) Footprint. The boundary of the Footprint EFHCA is defined by straight lines connecting all of the following
points in the order stated and connecting back to 33°59.00′ N lat., 119°26.00′ W long.:
(1) 33°59.00′ N lat., 119°26.00′ W long.;
(2) 33°59.00′ N lat., 119°31.00′ W long.;
(3) 33°54.11′ N lat., 119°31.00′ W long.; and
(4) 33°54.11′ N lat., 119°26.00′ W long.
(tt) Gull Island. The boundary of the Gull Island EFHCA is defined by the mean high water line and straight
lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°58.02′ N lat., 119°51.00′ W long.;
(2) 33°58.02′ N lat., 119°53.00′ W long.;
(3) 33°51.63′ N lat., 119°53.00′ W long.;
(4) 33°51.62′ N lat., 119°48.00′ W long.; and
(5) 33°57.70′ N lat., 119°48.00′ W long.
(uu) South Point. The boundary of the South Point EFHCA is defined by the mean high water line and straight
lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°55.00′ N lat., 120°10.00′ W long.;
(2) 33°50.40′ N lat., 120°10.00′ W long.;
(3) 33°50.40′ N lat., 120°06.50′ W long.; and
(4) 33°53.80′ N lat., 120°06.50′ W long.
(vv) Hidden Reef/Kidney Bank. The boundary of the Hidden Reef/Kidney Bank EFHCA is defined by straight
lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated and connecting back to 33°48.00′ N lat.,
119°15.06′ W long.:
(1) 33°48.00′ N lat., 119°15.06′ W long.;
(2) 33°48.00′ N lat., 118°57.06′ W long.;
(3) 33°33.00′ N lat., 118°57.06′ W long.; and
(4) 33°33.00′ N lat., 119°15.06′ W long.
(ww) Catalina Island. The boundary of the Catalina Island EFHCA is defined by straight lines connecting all of
the following points in the order stated and connecting back to 33°34.71′ N lat., 118°11.40′ W long.:
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(1) 33°34.71′ N lat., 118°11.40′ W long.;
(2) 33°25.88′ N lat., 118°03.76′ W long.;
(3) 33°11.69′ N lat., 118°09.21′ W long.;
(4) 33°19.73′ N lat., 118°35.41′ W long.;
(5) 33°23.90′ N lat., 118°35.11′ W long.;
(6) 33°25.68′ N lat., 118°41.66′ W long.;
(7) 33°30.25′ N lat., 118°42.25′ W long.;
(8) 33°32.73′ N lat., 118°38.38′ W long.; and
(9) 33°27.07′ N lat., 118°20.33′ W long.
(xx) Santa Barbara. The Santa Barbara EFHCA is defined by the mean high water line and straight lines
connecting all of the following points in the order stated:
(1) 33°28.50′ N lat., 119°01.70′ W long.;
(2) 33°28.50′ N lat., 118°54.54′ W long.;
(3) 33°21.78′ N lat., 118°54.54′ W long.;
(4) 33°21.78′ N lat., 119°02.20′ W long.; and
(5) 33°27.90′ N lat., 119°02.20′ W long.
(yy) Potato Bank. The boundary of the Potato Bank EFHCA is defined by straight lines connecting all of the
following points in the order stated and connecting back to 33°11.00′ N lat., 119°55.67′ W long.:
(1) 33°11.00′ N lat., 119°55.67′ W long.;
(2) 33°21.00′ N lat., 119°55.67′ W long.;
(3) 33°21.00′ N lat., 119°45.67′ W long.; and
(4) 33°11.00′ N lat., 119°45.67′ W long.
(zz) Cherry Bank. The Cherry Bank EFH Conservation Area is defined by straight lines connecting all of the
following points in the order stated and connecting back to 32°59.00′ N lat., 119°32.05′ W long.:
(1) 32°59.00′ N lat., 119°32.05′ W long.;
(2) 32°59.00′ N lat., 119°17.05′ W long.;
(3) 32°46.00′ N lat., 119°17.05′ W long.; and
(4) 32°46.00′ N lat., 119°32.05′ W long.
(aaa) Cowcod EFHCA East. The Cowcod EFHCA East is defined by straight lines connecting all of the following
points in the order stated and connecting back to 32°41.15′ N lat., 118°02.00′ W long.:
(1) 32°41.15′ N lat., 118°02.00′ W long.;
(2) 32°42.00′ N lat., 118°02.00′ W long.;
(3) 32°42.00′ N lat., 117°50.00′ W long.;
50 CFR 660.79(aaa)(3) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.79(aaa)(4)

(4) 32°36.70′ N lat., 117°50.00′ W long.;
(5) 32°30.00′ N lat., 117°53.50′ W long.;
(6) 32°30.00′ N lat., 118°02.00′ W long.; and
(7) 32°40.49′ N lat., 118°02.00′ W long.
(bbb) Southern California Bight. The boundary of the Southern California Bight EFHCA is defined as the area that
includes all waters within the West Coast EEZ that is: south of a straight line connecting 34°02.65′ N lat.,
120°54.25′ W long. And 34°23.09′ N lat., 120°30.98′ W long.; shoreward (east and northeast) of the
boundary line approximating the 700-fm (1280-m) depth contour, defined at § 660.76(b) and seaward
(south and southwest) of a line defined by the inner boundary of the West Coast EEZ and a series of
straight lines connecting the coordinates listed below in the order stated. The straight line segments and
coordinates defined below exclude nearshore portions of the West Coast EEZ from this EFHCA.
(1) Northern Boundary. The northern boundary of the Southern California Bight EFHCA is a straight line
connecting the following points in the order stated.
(i)

34°02.68′ N lat., 120°54.30′ W long.; and

(ii) 34°23.09′ N lat., 120°30.98′ W long.
(2) Santa Barbara Channel. In the area of the Santa Barbara Channel, the EFHCA extends seaward/
southwest of a boundary line defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the order
stated:
(i)

34°02.68′ N lat., 120°54.30′ W long.;

(ii) 34°23.09′ N lat., 120°30.98′ W long.;
(iii) 34°21.64′ N lat., 120°25.32′ W long.;
(iv) 34°23.55′ N lat., 120°15.12′ W long.;
(v) 34°20.15′ N lat., 119°57.09′ W long.;
(vi) 34°16.84′ N lat., 119°49.14′ W long.;
(vii) 34°11.24′ N lat., 119°42.12′ W long.;
(viii) 34°11.30′ N lat., 119°37.11′ W long.;
(ix) 34°09.89′ N lat., 119°29.78′ W long.;
(x) 34°09.19′ N lat., 119°27.45′ W long.;
(xi) 34°04.70′ N lat., 119°15.38′ W long.;
(xii) 34°03.33′ N lat., 119°12.93′ W long.; and
(xiii) 34°02.84′ N lat., 119°07.92′ W long.
(3) Santa Monica Bay. In the area of Santa Monica bay, the EFHCA extends seaward/southwest of a
boundary line defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the order stated:
(i)

33°58.64′ N lat., 118°44.34′ W long.;

(ii) 33°55.90′ N lat., 118°36.39′ W long.;
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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
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50 CFR 660.79(bbb)(3)(iii)

(iii) 33°53.54′ N lat., 118°39.81′ W long.;
(iv) 33°50.10′ N lat., 118°36.30′ W long.; and
(v) 33°46.75′ N lat., 118°29.33′ W long.
(4) San Pedro Bay. In the area between Long Beach, CA and Newport Beach, CA, the EFHCA extends
seaward/southwest of a boundary line defined by straight lines connecting the following points in
the order stated:
(i)

33°39.28′ N lat., 118°16.82′ W long.;

(ii) 33°35.78′ N lat., 118°17.28′ W long.;
(iii) 33°33.74′ N lat., 118°12.53′ W long.;
(iv) 33°34.71′ N lat., 118°11.40′ W long.;
(v) 33°32.69′ N lat., 118°09.66′ W long.; and
(vi) 33°33.70′ N lat., 117°57.43′ W long.
(5) San Clemente. In the area between Dana Point, CA and Oceanside, CA, the EFHCA extends seaward/
southwest of a boundary line defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the order
stated:
(i)

33°24.37′ N lat., 117°42.49′ W long.;

(ii) 33°16.07′ N lat., 117°34.74′ W long.; and
(iii) 33°09.00′ N lat., 117°25.27′ W long.
(6) San Diego. In the area west of San Diego, CA, the EFHCA extends seaward/west of a boundary line
defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the order stated:
(i)

32°51.02′ N lat., 117°20.47′ W long.;

(ii) 32°46.31′ N lat., 117°23.44′ W long.;
(iii) 32°42.68′ N lat., 117°20.98′ W long.; and
(iv) 32°34.18′ N lat., 117°21.08′ W long.
[84 FR 63979, Nov. 19, 2019, as amended at 88 FR 83848, Dec. 1, 2023]

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.79(bbb)(6)(iv)

Table 1a to Part 660, Subpart C—2025, Specifications of OFL, ABC, ACL, ACT and Fishery HG

TABLE 1a TO PART 660, SUBPART C—2025, SPECIFICATIONS OF OFL, ABC, ACL,
ACT AND FISHERY HG (WEIGHTS IN METRIC TONS). CAPITALIZED STOCKS ARE
REBUILDING
Species/stock

Area

OFL

ABC

ACL a

Fishery
HG b

QUILLBACK ROCKFISH OFF
CALIFORNIA

California

1.52

1.3

1.3

1.2

YELLOWEYE ROCKFISH c

Coastwide

105.8

87.2

55.8

41

Arrowtooth Flounder

Coastwide

16,460

11,193

11,193

9,098

Big Skate

Coastwide

1,456

1,224

1,224

1,164.6

Black Rockfish

Washington (N of 46°16′
N lat.)

262

244.6

244.6

226

Black Rockfish

California (S of 42° N
lat.)

250

234

224

222.3

Bocaccio

S of 40°10′ N lat

1,849

1,681

1,681

1,673.2

Cabezon

California (S of 42° N
lat.)

176

162

162

161.2

California Scorpionfish

S of 34°27′ N lat

273

244

244

242

Canary Rockfish

Coastwide

647

605

572

508.4

Chilipepper

S of 40°10′ N lat

3,128

2,815

2,815

2,788

a

Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs) and harvest guidelines (HGs) are specified
as total catch values.
b

Fishery HGs means the HG or quota after subtracting Pacific Coast treaty Indian Tribes allocations
and projected catch, projected research catch, deductions for fishing mortality in non-groundfish
fisheries, and deductions for EFPs from the ACL or ACT. These deductions, as well as any HG sharing
agreements between states and/or sectors, are published in the SAFE.
c

Yelloweye rockfish has a non-trawl ACT of 29.6 mt and a non-nearshore ACT of 6.2 mt. The
recreational ACTs are: 7.6 mt (Washington), 6.9 mt (Oregon), and 8.9 mt (California).
d

Pacific hake/whiting. The 2025 OFL of 560,742 mt is based on the 2025 assessment with an F-40
percent of FMSY proxy. The 2025 coastwide adjusted Total Allowable Catch (TAC) is 400,000 mt. The
U.S. TAC is 73.88 percent of the coastwide TAC. The 2025 adjusted U.S. TAC is 295,520 mt. From the
U.S. TAC, 51,716 mt is deducted to accommodate the Tribal fishery, and 750 mt is deducted to
accommodate research and bycatch in other fisheries, resulting in a 2025 non-Tribal fishery HG of
243,054 mt. The TAC for Pacific whiting is established under the provisions of the Agreement between
the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Canada on Pacific Hake/
Whiting of 2003 and the Pacific Whiting Act of 2006, 16 U.S.C. 7001-7010, and the international
exception applies. Therefore, no ABC or ACL values are provided for Pacific whiting.
e

Shortspine thornyhead has a commercial ACT of 67 mt for north of 34° 27′ N lat.

f

Copper rockfish has a recreational ACT of 15.8 for south of 34° 27′ N lat.

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
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Species/stock
Cowcod

50 CFR 660.79(bbb)(6)(iv)

Area
S of 40°10′ N lat

OFL

ABC

ACL a

111

77

77

Fishery
HG b
66.5

Cowcod

(Conception)

93

66

66

Cowcod

(Monterey)

18

11

11

Darkblotched Rockfish

Coastwide

830

754

754

729.8

Dover Sole

Coastwide

52,214

47,424

47,424

45,840

English Sole

Coastwide

11,175

8,884

8,884

8,669.4

Lingcod

N of 40°10′ N lat

4,237

3,631

3,631

3,349.9

Lingcod

S of 40°10′ N lat

897

768

748

736.4

Longnose Skate

Coastwide

1,922

1,616

1,616

1,365.4

Longspine Thornyhead

Coastwide

4,284

2,698

2,698

Longspine Thornyhead

N of 34°27′ N lat

2,050

2,000.7

Longspine Thornyhead

S of 34°27′ N lat

648

646

Pacific Cod

Coastwide

3,200

1,926

1,600

1,098.6

Pacific Ocean Perch

N of 40°10′ N lat

4,029

3,328

3,328

3,182.5

Pacific Spiny Dogfish

Coastwide

1,857

1,361

1,361

1,037.6

Coastwide

560,742

(d )

(d )

243,054
(d )

Petrale Sole

Coastwide

2,518

2,354

2,354

2,035.5

Sablefish

Coastwide

39,085

36,545

36,545

Sablefish

N of 36° N lat

Pacific Whiting

d

28,688 See Table
1c

a

Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs) and harvest guidelines (HGs) are specified
as total catch values.
b

Fishery HGs means the HG or quota after subtracting Pacific Coast treaty Indian Tribes allocations
and projected catch, projected research catch, deductions for fishing mortality in non-groundfish
fisheries, and deductions for EFPs from the ACL or ACT. These deductions, as well as any HG sharing
agreements between states and/or sectors, are published in the SAFE.
c

Yelloweye rockfish has a non-trawl ACT of 29.6 mt and a non-nearshore ACT of 6.2 mt. The
recreational ACTs are: 7.6 mt (Washington), 6.9 mt (Oregon), and 8.9 mt (California).
d

Pacific hake/whiting. The 2025 OFL of 560,742 mt is based on the 2025 assessment with an F-40
percent of FMSY proxy. The 2025 coastwide adjusted Total Allowable Catch (TAC) is 400,000 mt. The
U.S. TAC is 73.88 percent of the coastwide TAC. The 2025 adjusted U.S. TAC is 295,520 mt. From the
U.S. TAC, 51,716 mt is deducted to accommodate the Tribal fishery, and 750 mt is deducted to
accommodate research and bycatch in other fisheries, resulting in a 2025 non-Tribal fishery HG of
243,054 mt. The TAC for Pacific whiting is established under the provisions of the Agreement between
the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Canada on Pacific Hake/
Whiting of 2003 and the Pacific Whiting Act of 2006, 16 U.S.C. 7001-7010, and the international
exception applies. Therefore, no ABC or ACL values are provided for Pacific whiting.
e

Shortspine thornyhead has a commercial ACT of 67 mt for north of 34° 27′ N lat.

f

Copper rockfish has a recreational ACT of 15.8 for south of 34° 27′ N lat.

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50 CFR 660.79(bbb)(6)(iv)

Species/stock

Area

Sablefish
Shortspine Thornyhead

OFL

ABC

S of 36° N lat
e

Coastwide

ACL a

Fishery
HG b

7,857

7,829.80

940

821

815

743.3

1,724

1,508

1,508

1,493.9

Splitnose

S of 40°10′ N lat

Starry Flounder

Coastwide

652

392

392

375.3

Widow Rockfish

Coastwide

12,254

11,237

11,237

11,018.7

Yellowtail Rockfish

N of 40°10′ N lat

6,866

6,241

6,241

5,216.1

464

423

423

421.7

19

15

15

12.2

SPECIES/STOCK COMPLEXES
Blue/Deacon/Black Rockfish

Oregon

Cabezon/Kelp Greenling

Washington

Cabezon/Kelp Greenling

Oregon

196

177

177

176.1

Nearshore Rockfish North

N of 40°10′ N lat

106

88

88

84.8

Nearshore Rockfish South

S of 40°10′ N lat

1,137

934

932

929.3

Other Fish

Coastwide

286

223

223

213.2

Other Flatfish

Coastwide

10,895

7,974

7,974

7,803

Shelf Rockfish North

N of 40°10′ N lat

1,668.7 1,329.7 1,329.6

1,250.4

Shelf Rockfish South

S of 40°10′ N lat

1,827.6 1,457.7 1,457.1

1,430.5

Slope Rockfish North

N of 40°10′ N lat

1,779

1,488

1,488

1,430

Slope Rockfish South

S of 40°10′ N lat

866

693

693

674

a

Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs) and harvest guidelines (HGs) are specified
as total catch values.
b

Fishery HGs means the HG or quota after subtracting Pacific Coast treaty Indian Tribes allocations
and projected catch, projected research catch, deductions for fishing mortality in non-groundfish
fisheries, and deductions for EFPs from the ACL or ACT. These deductions, as well as any HG sharing
agreements between states and/or sectors, are published in the SAFE.
c

Yelloweye rockfish has a non-trawl ACT of 29.6 mt and a non-nearshore ACT of 6.2 mt. The
recreational ACTs are: 7.6 mt (Washington), 6.9 mt (Oregon), and 8.9 mt (California).
d

Pacific hake/whiting. The 2025 OFL of 560,742 mt is based on the 2025 assessment with an F-40
percent of FMSY proxy. The 2025 coastwide adjusted Total Allowable Catch (TAC) is 400,000 mt. The
U.S. TAC is 73.88 percent of the coastwide TAC. The 2025 adjusted U.S. TAC is 295,520 mt. From the
U.S. TAC, 51,716 mt is deducted to accommodate the Tribal fishery, and 750 mt is deducted to
accommodate research and bycatch in other fisheries, resulting in a 2025 non-Tribal fishery HG of
243,054 mt. The TAC for Pacific whiting is established under the provisions of the Agreement between
the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Canada on Pacific Hake/
Whiting of 2003 and the Pacific Whiting Act of 2006, 16 U.S.C. 7001-7010, and the international
exception applies. Therefore, no ABC or ACL values are provided for Pacific whiting.
e

Shortspine thornyhead has a commercial ACT of 67 mt for north of 34° 27′ N lat.

f

Copper rockfish has a recreational ACT of 15.8 for south of 34° 27′ N lat.

[89 FR 101527, Dec. 16, 2024, as amended at 90 FR 27266, June 26, 2025]

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.79(bbb)(6)(iv)

Table 1b to Part 660, Subpart C—2025, Allocations by Species or Species Group

TABLE 1b TO PART 660, SUBPART C—2025, ALLOCATIONS BY SPECIES OR SPECIES
GROUP
[WEIGHT IN METRIC TONS]
Species/stock &
complexes

Area

Fishery HG or
ACT

Trawl
%

Non-trawl

mt

%

mt

YELLOWEYE ROCKFISH

Coastwide

41

8

3.3

92

37.7

Arrowtooth flounder

Coastwide

9,098

95

8,643.1

5

454.9

Big skate

Coastwide

1,164.6

95

1,106.4

5

58.2

Bocaccio

S of 40°10′ N lat

1,673.2

39

652.5

Canary rockfish

Coastwide

508.4 72.3

367.6 27.7

Chilipepper rockfish

S of 40°10′ N lat

2,788

75

2,091

25

697

Cowcod

S of 40°10′ N lat

66.5

36

23.90

64

42.6

Darkblotched rockfish

Coastwide

729.8

95

693.3

5

36.5

Dover sole

Coastwide

45,840

95 43,459.8

5 2,290.2

English sole

Coastwide

8,669.4

95

8,235.9

5

Lingcod

N of 40°10′ N
lat

3,349.9

45

1,507.5

Lingcod

S of 40°10′ N lat

736.4

40

294.6

60

441.8

Longnose skate

Coastwide

1,365.4

90

1,228.9

10

136.5

Longspine thornyhead

N of 34°27′ N
lat

2,000.7

95

1,900.7

5

100

Pacific cod

Coastwide

1,098.6

95

1,043.7

5

54.9

Pacific Ocean perch

N of 40°10′ N
lat

3,182.5

95

3,023.4

5

159.1

Pacific whiting

Coastwide

243,054

100

243,054

0

0

Petrale sole

Coastwide

2,035.5

Sablefish

N of 36° N lat

25,729.3

Sablefish

S of 36° N lat

7,829.8

42

Shortspine thornyhead

Coastwide

Splitnose rockfish

S of 40°10′ N lat

Starry flounder

61 1,020.6
140.8

433.5

55 1,842.4

2,005.5

30

See Table 1c
3,288.5

58 4,541.3

743.3

64

475.71

36

267.59

1,493.9

95

1,419.2

5

74.7

Coastwide

375.3

50

187.7

50

187.7

Widow rockfish

Coastwide

11,018.7

Yellowtail rockfish

N of 40°10′ N
lat

5,216.1

Shelf rockfish north

N of 40°10′ N
lat

Shelf rockfish south

S of 40°10′ N lat

50 CFR 660.79(bbb)(6)(iv) (enhanced display)

10,718.7
88

4,590.2

300
12

625.9

1,250.4 60.2

760.8 39.8

503

1,430.5 12.2

174.5 87.8

1,256

page 333 of 684

50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

Species/stock &
complexes

50 CFR 660.79(bbb)(6)(iv)

Area

Slope rockfish north

N of 40°10′ N
lat

Slope rockfish south

S of 40°10′ N lat

Other flatfish

Coastwide

Fishery HG or
ACT

Trawl
%

Non-trawl

mt

%

mt

1,430

81

1,158.3

19

271.7

674

63

424.6

37

249.4

7,803

90

7,022.7

10

780.3

[89 FR 101527, Dec. 16, 2024, as amended at 90 FR 27266, June 26, 2025]

Table 1c to Part 660, Subpart C—Sablefish North of 36° N Lat. Allocations, 2025

TABLE 1c TO PART 660, SUBPART C—SABLEFISH NORTH OF 36° N LAT.
ALLOCATIONS, 2025
[WEIGHT IN METRIC TONS]
Allocation
(mt)

Percent
Non-Tribal Commercial HG a

25,729.3

LE Share

90.6

23,310.7

LE Trawl

58

13,520.2

LEFG

42

9,791.9

Primary

85

8,323.1

Trip limit

15

1,468.8

OA Share

9.4

2,418.6

a

Off-the-top deductions from the ACL that result in the HG are in the SAFE.

[89 FR 101527, Dec. 16, 2024]

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.79(bbb)(6)(iv)

Table 1d to Part 660, Subpart C—Whiting and non-whiting initial issuance allocation
percentage for IFQ decided through the harvest specifications, 2011

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.79(bbb)(6)(iv) (enhanced display)

50 CFR 660.79(bbb)(6)(iv)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.79(bbb)(6)(iv)

[76 FR 27531, May 11, 2011. Redesignated at 84 FR 68806, Dec. 17, 2019]

Table 2a to Part 660, Subpart C—2026, and Beyond, Specifications of OFL, ABC, ACL, ACT, and
Fishery HG

TABLE 2a TO PART 660, SUBPART C—2026, AND BEYOND, SPECIFICATIONS OF
OFL, ABC, ACL, ACT, AND FISHERY HG (WEIGHTS IN METRIC TONS). CAPITALIZED
STOCKS ARE REBUILDING
Species/stock

Area

OFL

ABC

ACL a

Fishery
HG b

QUILLBACK ROCKFISH OFF
CALIFORNIA

California

1.77

1.5

1.5

1.4

YELLOWEYE ROCKFISH c

Coastwide

108.3

88.5

56.6

41.8

Arrowtooth Flounder

Coastwide

13,833

9,227

9,227

7,132

Big Skate

Coastwide

1,426

1,188

1,188

1,128.6

Black Rockfish

Washington (N of 46°16′
N lat.)

259

241

241

226.6

Black Rockfish

California (S of 42° N
lat.)

265

247

236

234.4

Bocaccio

S of 40°10′ N lat

1,846

1,668

1,668

1,660.2

Cabezon

California (S of 42° N
lat.)

170

155

155

154.5

California Scorpionfish

S of 34°27′ N lat

267

238

238

236

Canary Rockfish

Coastwide

655

609

573

509.6

Chilipepper Rockfish

S of 40°10′ N lat

2,949

2,643

2,643

2,615.2

Cowcod

S of 40°10′ N lat

111

75

75

65.2

Cowcod

(Conception)

92

64

64

Cowcod

(Monterey)

19

11

11

a

Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs) and harvest guidelines (HGs) are specified
as total catch values.
b

Fishery HGs means the HG or quota after subtracting Pacific Coast treaty Indian Tribes allocations
and projected catch, projected research catch, deductions for fishing mortality in non-groundfish
fisheries, and deductions for EFPs from the ACL or ACT. These deductions, as well as any HG sharing
agreements between states and/or sectors, are published in the SAFE.
c

Yelloweye rockfish has a non-trawl ACT of 30.2 mt and a non-nearshore ACT of 6.3 mt. The
recreational ACTs are: 7.7 mt (Washington), 7.0 mt (Oregon), and 9.1 mt (California).
d

Pacific whiting are assessed annually. The final specifications will be determined consistent with the
U.S.-Canada Pacific Whiting Agreement and will be announced in 2026.
e

Shortspine thornyhead has a commercial ACT of 55 mt for north of 34° 27′ N lat.

f

Copper rockfish has a recreational ACT of 18.0 for south of 34° 27′ N lat.

50 CFR 660.79(bbb)(6)(iv) (enhanced display)

page 337 of 684

50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.79(bbb)(6)(iv)

Species/stock

Area

OFL

ABC

ACL a

Fishery
HG b

Darkblotched Rockfish

Coastwide

810

732

732

707.8

Dover Sole

Coastwide

46,049

42,457

42,457

40,873

English Sole

Coastwide

11,192

8,819

8,819

8,604.4

Lingcod

N of 40°10′ N lat

4,163

3,534

3,534

3,252.9

Lingcod

S of 40°10′ N lat

937

795

773

761.5

Longnose Skate

Coastwide

1,895

1,579

1,579

1,328.4

Longspine Thornyhead

Coastwide

4,166

2,575

2,575

Longspine Thornyhead

N of 34°27′ N lat

1,957

1,907.3

Longspine Thornyhead

S of 34°27′ N lat

618

616.5

Pacific Cod

Coastwide

3,200

1,926

1,600

1,098.6

Pacific Ocean Perch

N of 40°10′ N lat

3,937

3,220

3,220

3,074.5

Pacific Spiny Dogfish

Coastwide

1,833

1,318

1,318

994.2

Pacific Whiting

Coastwide

(d )

(d )

(d )

(d )

Petrale Sole

Coastwide

2,424

2,255

2,238

1,919.5

Sablefish

Coastwide

37,310

34,699

34,699

Sablefish

N of 36° N lat

Sablefish
Shortspine Thornyhead

27,238 See Table
2c

S of 36° N lat
e

Coastwide

7,460

7,432.9

961

831

825

752.7

1,686

1,469

1,469

1,454.9

Splitnose Rockfish

S of 40°10′ N lat

Starry Flounder

Coastwide

652

392

392

375.3

Widow Rockfish

Coastwide

11,382

10,392

10,392

10,173.7

Yellowtail Rockfish

N of 40°10′ N lat

6,662

6,023

6,023

4,997.5

472

428

428

426.5

19

15

15

12.1

194

174

174

173.6

SPECIES/STOCK COMPLEXES
Blue/Deacon/Black Rockfish

Oregon

Cabezon/Kelp Greenling

Washington

Cabezon/Kelp Greenling

Oregon

a

Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs) and harvest guidelines (HGs) are specified
as total catch values.
b

Fishery HGs means the HG or quota after subtracting Pacific Coast treaty Indian Tribes allocations
and projected catch, projected research catch, deductions for fishing mortality in non-groundfish
fisheries, and deductions for EFPs from the ACL or ACT. These deductions, as well as any HG sharing
agreements between states and/or sectors, are published in the SAFE.
c

Yelloweye rockfish has a non-trawl ACT of 30.2 mt and a non-nearshore ACT of 6.3 mt. The
recreational ACTs are: 7.7 mt (Washington), 7.0 mt (Oregon), and 9.1 mt (California).
d

Pacific whiting are assessed annually. The final specifications will be determined consistent with the
U.S.-Canada Pacific Whiting Agreement and will be announced in 2026.
e

Shortspine thornyhead has a commercial ACT of 55 mt for north of 34° 27′ N lat.

f

Copper rockfish has a recreational ACT of 18.0 for south of 34° 27′ N lat.

50 CFR 660.79(bbb)(6)(iv) (enhanced display)

page 338 of 684

50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.79(bbb)(6)(iv)

Species/stock

Area

Nearshore Rockfish North
Nearshore Rockfish South

f

OFL

Fishery
HG b

ACL a

ABC

N of 40°10′ N lat

105

86

86

83

S of 40°10′ N lat

1,143

933

931

928.1

Other Fish

Coastwide

286

223

223

212.7

Other Flatfish

Coastwide

9,988

7,144

7,144

6,972.6

Shelf Rockfish North

N of 40°10′ N lat

1,654.5 1,316.3 1,316.2

1,263.8

Shelf Rockfish South

S of 40°10′ N lat

1,827.1 1,455.4 1,454.9

1,428.4

Slope Rockfish North

N of 40°10′ N lat

1,754

1,460

1,460

1,402.2

Slope Rockfish South

S of 40°10′ N lat

865

690

690

671

a

Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs) and harvest guidelines (HGs) are specified
as total catch values.
b

Fishery HGs means the HG or quota after subtracting Pacific Coast treaty Indian Tribes allocations
and projected catch, projected research catch, deductions for fishing mortality in non-groundfish
fisheries, and deductions for EFPs from the ACL or ACT. These deductions, as well as any HG sharing
agreements between states and/or sectors, are published in the SAFE.
c

Yelloweye rockfish has a non-trawl ACT of 30.2 mt and a non-nearshore ACT of 6.3 mt. The
recreational ACTs are: 7.7 mt (Washington), 7.0 mt (Oregon), and 9.1 mt (California).
d

Pacific whiting are assessed annually. The final specifications will be determined consistent with the
U.S.-Canada Pacific Whiting Agreement and will be announced in 2026.
e

Shortspine thornyhead has a commercial ACT of 55 mt for north of 34° 27′ N lat.

f

Copper rockfish has a recreational ACT of 18.0 for south of 34° 27′ N lat.

[89 FR 101530, Dec. 16, 2024]

Table 2b to Part 660, Subpart C—2026, and Beyond, Allocations by Species or Species Group

TABLE 2b TO PART 660, SUBPART C—2026, AND BEYOND, ALLOCATIONS BY
SPECIES OR SPECIES GROUP
Species/stock &
complexes

Area

Fishery HG or
ACT

Trawl
%

Non-trawl

mt

%

mt

YELLOWEYE ROCKFISH

Coastwide

41.8

8

3.3

92

38.5

Arrowtooth flounder

Coastwide

7,132

95

6,775.4

5

356.6

Big skate

Coastwide

1,128.6

95

1,072.2

5

56.4

Bocaccio

S of 40°10′ N lat

1,660.2

39

647.5

Canary rockfish

Coastwide

Chilipepper rockfish

S of 40°10′ N lat

50 CFR 660.79(bbb)(6)(iv) (enhanced display)

509.6 72.3
2,615.2

75

61 1,012.7

368.4 27.7
1,961.4

25

141.2
653.8

page 339 of 684

50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

Species/stock &
complexes

50 CFR 660.79(bbb)(6)(iv)

Area

Cowcod

S of 40°10′ N lat

Darkblotched rockfish

Fishery HG or
ACT

Trawl
%

Non-trawl

mt

%

mt

65.2

36

23.5

64

41.7

Coastwide

707.8

95

672.4

5

35.4

Dover sole

Coastwide

40,873

95 38,829.4

English sole

Coastwide

8,604.4

95

8,174.2

Lingcod

N of 40°10′ N lat

3,252.9

45

1,463.8

Lingcod

S of 40°10′ N lat

761.5

40

304.6

60

456.9

Longnose skate

Coastwide

1,328.4

90

1,195.6

10

132.8

Longspine thornyhead

N of 34°27′ N lat

1,907.3

95

1,811.9

5

95.4

Pacific cod

Coastwide

1,098.6

95

1,043.7

5

54.9

Pacific Ocean perch

N of 40°10′ N lat

3,074.5

95

2,920.8

5

153.7

Pacific whiting

Coastwide

100

0.0

0

Petrale sole

Coastwide

1,889.5

30

Sablefish

N of 36° N lat

24,425.1

Sablefish

S of 36° N lat

7,432.9

42

Shortspine thornyhead

Coastwide

Splitnose rockfish

S of 40°10′ N lat

Starry flounder

1,919.5

5 2,043.7
5

430.2

55 1,789.1

See Table 2c
3,121.8

58 4,311.1

752.7

71

534.4

29

218.3

1,454.9

95

1,382.2

5

72.7

Coastwide

375.3

50

187.7

50

187.7

Widow rockfish

Coastwide

10,173.7

Yellowtail rockfish

N of 40°10′ N lat

4,997.5

Shelf rockfish north

N of 40°10° N
lat

Shelf rockfish south

9,873.7
88

4,397.8

300
12

599.7

1,263.8 60.2

760.8 39.8

503

S of 40°10′ N lat

1,428.4 12.2

174.3 87.8 1,254.1

Slope rockfish north

N of 40°10′ N lat

1,402.2

81

1,135.8

19

266.4

Slope rockfish south

S of 40°10′ N lat

671

63

422.7

37

248.3

Other flatfish

Coastwide

6,972.6

90

6,275.3

10

697.3

[89 FR 101530, Dec. 16, 2024]

50 CFR 660.79(bbb)(6)(iv) (enhanced display)

page 340 of 684

50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.79(bbb)(6)(iv)

Table 2c to Part 660, Subpart C—Sablefish North of 36° N Lat. Allocations, 2026 and Beyond

Table 2c to Part 660, Subpart C—Sablefish North of 36° N Lat. Allocations, 2026 and
Beyond
TABLE 2c TO PART 660, SUBPART C—SABLEFISH NORTH OF 36° N LAT.
ALLOCATIONS, 2026 AND BEYOND
[WEIGHTS IN METRIC TONS]
Allocation
(mt)

Percent
Non-Tribal Commercial HG a
LE Share

24,425.1
90.6

22,129.1

LE Trawl

58

12,834.9

LEFG

42

9,294

Primary

85

7,899.9

Trip limit

15

1,394.1

OA Share

9.4

2,296

a

Off-the-top deductions from the ACL that result in the HG are in the SAFE.

[89 FR 101530, Dec. 16, 2024]

Table 3 to Part 660, Subpart C—Vessel Capacity Ratings for West Coast Groundfish Limited
Entry Permits

Vessel length

Capacity rating

<20

1.00

21

1.13

22

1.27

23

1.42

24

1.58

25

1.75

26

1.93

27

2.12

28

2.32

29

2.53

30

2.76

50 CFR 660.79(bbb)(6)(iv) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

Vessel length

50 CFR 660.79(bbb)(6)(iv)

Capacity rating

31

2.99

32

3.24

33

3.50

34

3.77

35

4.05

36

4.35

37

4.66

38

4.98

39

5.31

40

5.66

41

6.02

42

6.39

43

6.78

44

7.18

45

7.59

46

8.02

47

8.47

48

8.92

49

9.40

50

9.88

51

10.38

52

10.90

53

11.43

54

11.98

55

12.54

56

13.12

57

13.71

58

14.32

59

14.95

60

15.59

61

16.25

62

16.92

63

17.61

64

18.32

65

19.04

66

19.78

67

20.54

68

21.32

69

22.11

50 CFR 660.79(bbb)(6)(iv) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

Vessel length

50 CFR 660.79(bbb)(6)(iv)

Capacity rating

70

22.92

71

23.74

72

24.59

73

25.45

74

26.33

75

27.23

76

28.15

77

29.08

78

30.04

79

31.01

80

32.00

81

33.01

82

34.04

83

35.08

84

36.15

85

37.24

86

38.34

87

39.47

88

40.61

89

41.77

90

42.96

91

44.16

92

45.38

93

46.63

94

47.89

95

49.17

96

50.48

97

51.80

98

53.15

99

54.51

100

55.90

101

57.31

102

58.74

103

60.19

104

61.66

105

63.15

106

64.67

107

66.20

108

67.76

50 CFR 660.79(bbb)(6)(iv) (enhanced display)

page 343 of 684

50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

Vessel length

50 CFR 660.79(bbb)(6)(iv)

Capacity rating

109

69.34

110

70.94

111

72.57

112

74.21

113

75.88

114

77.57

115

79.28

116

81.02

117

82.77

118

84.55

119

86.36

120

88.18

121

90.03

122

91.90

123

93.80

124

95.72

125

97.66

126

99.62

127

101.61

128

103.62

129

105.66

130

107.72

131

109.80

132

111.91

133

114.04

134

116.20

135

118.38

136

120.58

137

122.81

138

125.06

139

127.34

140

129.64

141

131.97

142

134.32

143

136.70

144

139.10

145

141.53

146

143.98

147

146.46

50 CFR 660.79(bbb)(6)(iv) (enhanced display)

page 344 of 684

50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

Vessel length

50 CFR 660.79(bbb)(6)(iv)

Capacity rating

148

148.96

149

151.49

150

154.05

151

154.68

152

155.31

153

155.94

154

156.57

155

157.20

156

157.83

157

158.46

158

159.10

159

159.73

160

160.36

161

160.99

162

161.62

163

162.25

164

162.88

165

163.51

166

164.14

167

164.77

168

165.41

169

166.04

170

166.67

171

167.30

172

167.93

173

168.56

174

169.19

175

169.82

176

170.45

177

171.08

178

171.72

179

172.35

180

172.98

181

173.61

182

174.24

183

174.87

184

175.50

185

176.13

186

176.76

50 CFR 660.79(bbb)(6)(iv) (enhanced display)

page 345 of 684

50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

Vessel length

50 CFR 660.79(bbb)(6)(iv)

Capacity rating

187

177.40

188

178.03

189

178.66

190

179.29

191

179.92

192

180.55

193

181.18

194

181.81

195

182.44

196

183.07

197

183.71

198

184.34

199

184.97

200

185.60

201

186.23

202

186.86

203

187.49

204

188.12

205

188.75

206

189.38

207

190.02

208

190.65

209

191.28

210

191.91

211

192.54

212

193.17

213

193.80

214

194.43

215

195.06

216

195.69

217

196.33

218

196.96

219

197.59

220

198.22

221

198.85

222

199.48

223

200.11

224

200.74

225

201.37

50 CFR 660.79(bbb)(6)(iv) (enhanced display)

page 346 of 684

50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

Vessel length

50 CFR 660.79(bbb)(6)(iv)

Capacity rating

226

202.01

227

202.64

228

203.27

229

203.90

230

204.53

231

205.16

232

205.79

233

206.42

234

207.05

235

207.68

236

208.32

237

208.95

238

209.58

239

210.21

240

210.84

241

211.47

242

212.10

243

212.73

244

213.36

245

213.99

246

214.63

247

215.26

248

215.89

249

216.52

250

217.15

251

217.78

252

218.41

253

219.04

254

219.67

255

220.30

256

220.94

257

221.57

258

222.20

259

222.83

260

223.46

261

224.09

262

224.72

263

225.35

264

225.98

50 CFR 660.79(bbb)(6)(iv) (enhanced display)

page 347 of 684

50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

Vessel length

50 CFR 660.79(bbb)(6)(iv)

Capacity rating

265

226.61

266

227.25

267

227.88

268

228.51

269

229.14

270

229.77

271

230.40

272

231.03

273

231.66

274

232.29

275

232.93

276

233.56

277

234.19

278

234.82

279

235.45

280

236.08

281

236.71

282

237.34

283

237.97

284

238.60

285

239.24

286

239.87

287

240.50

288

241.13

289

241.76

290

242.39

291

243.02

292

243.65

293

244.28

294

244.91

295

245.55

296

246.18

297

246.81

298

247.44

299

248.07

300

248.70

301

249.33

302

249.96

303

250.59

50 CFR 660.79(bbb)(6)(iv) (enhanced display)

page 348 of 684

50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

Vessel length

50 CFR 660.79(bbb)(6)(iv)

Capacity rating

304

251.22

305

251.86

306

252.49

307

253.12

308

253.75

309

254.38

310

255.01

311

255.64

312

256.27

313

256.90

314

257.54

315

258.17

316

258.80

317

259.43

318

260.06

319

260.69

320

261.32

321

261.95

322

262.58

323

263.21

324

263.85

325

264.48

326

265.11

327

265.74

328

266.37

329

267.00

330

267.63

331

268.26

332

268.89

333

269.52

334

270.16

335

270.79

336

271.42

337

272.05

338

272.68

339

273.31

340

273.94

341

274.57

342

275.20

50 CFR 660.79(bbb)(6)(iv) (enhanced display)

page 349 of 684

50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

Vessel length

50 CFR 660.79(bbb)(6)(iv)

Capacity rating

343

275.83

344

276.47

345

277.10

346

277.73

347

278.36

348

278.99

349

279.62

350

280.25

351

280.88

352

281.51

353

282.14

354

282.78

355

283.41

356

284.04

357

284.67

358

285.30

359

285.93

360

286.56

361

287.19

362

287.82

363

288.46

364

289.09

365

289.72

366

290.35

367

290.98

368

291.61

369

292.24

370

292.87

371

293.50

372

294.13

373

294.77

374

295.40

375

296.03

376

296.66

377

297.29

378

297.92

379

298.55

380

299.18

381

299.81

50 CFR 660.79(bbb)(6)(iv) (enhanced display)

page 350 of 684

50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

Vessel length

50 CFR 660.100

Capacity rating

382

300.44

383

301.08

384

301.71

385

302.34

386

302.97

387

303.60

388

304.23

389

304.86

390

305.49

391

306.12

392

306.75

393

307.39

394

308.02

395

308.65

396

309.28

397

309.91

398

310.54

399

311.17

>400

311.80

[61 FR 34572, July 2, 1996. Redesignated at 75 FR 60995, Oct. 1, 2010]

Subpart D—West Coast Groundfish—Limited Entry Trawl Fisheries
Source: 75 FR 60897, Oct. 1, 2010, unless otherwise noted.

§ 660.100 Purpose and scope.
This subpart applies to the Pacific coast groundfish limited entry trawl fishery. Under the trawl rationalization
program, the limited entry trawl fishery consists of the Shorebased IFQ Program, the MS Co-op Program, and the
C/P Co-op Program. Nothing in these regulations shall be construed to modify, impair, or supersede the operation of
any of the antitrust laws. The trawl rationalization program creates limited access privileges. These limited access
privileges, including the QS or IBQ, QP or IBQ pounds, and catch history assignments, may be revoked, limited or
modified at any time in accordance with the MSA—and do not create any right of compensation to the holder of the
limited access privilege if it is revoked, limited, or modified. The trawl rationalization program does not create any
right, title, or interest in or to any fish before the fish is harvested by the holder and shall be considered a grant of
permission to the holder of the limited access privilege to engage in activities permitted by the trawl rationalization
program.
[75 FR 78383, Dec. 15, 2010, as amended at 80 FR 77271, Dec. 14, 2015; 88 FR 81358, Nov. 22, 2023]
50 CFR 660.100 (enhanced display)

page 351 of 684

50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.111

§ 660.111 Trawl fishery—definitions.
These definitions are specific to the limited entry trawl fisheries covered in this subpart. General groundfish
definitions are found at § 660.11.
Accumulation limits mean the maximum extent of permissible ownership, control or use of a privilege within the
trawl rationalization program, and include the following:
(1) Shorebased IFQ Program —
(i)

Control limits means the maximum amount of QS or IBQ that a person may own or control, as
described at § 660.140(d)(4).

(ii) Vessel limits means the maximum amount of QP a vessel can hold, acquire, and/or use during a
calendar year, and specify the maximum amount of QP that may be registered to a single
vessel during the year (QP Vessel Limit) and, for some species, the maximum amount of
unused QP registered to a vessel account at any one time (Unused QP Vessel Limit), as
described at § 660.140(e)(4). Compliance with the QP vessel limit (annual limit) is calculated
as all QPs transferred in minus all QPs transferred out of the vessel account.
(2) MS Co-op Program.
(i)

MS/CV permit ownership limit means the maximum amount of catch history assignment that a
person may own, no more than 20 percent of the MS sector's allocation of Pacific whiting, as
described at § 660.150(g)(3)(i).

(ii) Catcher vessel usage limit means the maximum amount of the annual mothership sector
Pacific whiting allocation that a vessel may catch, no more than 30 percent, as described at §
660.150(g)(3)(ii).
Block area closures or BACs are a type of groundfish conservation area, defined at § 660.11, bounded on the
north and south by commonly used geographic coordinates, defined at § 660.11, and on the east and
west by the EEZ, and boundary lines approximating depth contours, defined with latitude and longitude
coordinates at §§ 660.71 through 660.74 (10 fm (18 m) through 250 fm (457 m)), and § 660.76 (700 fm
(1,280 m)). BACs may be implemented or modified as routine management measures, per regulations at
§ 660.60(c). BACs may be implemented in the EEZ seaward of Washington, Oregon, and California for
vessels using limited entry bottom trawl and/or midwater trawl gear. BACs may be implemented within
Tribal Usual and Accustomed fishing areas but may only apply to non-Tribal vessels. BACs may close
areas to specific trawl gear types (e.g., closed for midwater trawl, bottom trawl, or bottom trawl unless
using selective flatfish trawl) and/or specific programs within the trawl fishery (e.g., Pacific whiting fishery
or MS Co-op Program). BACs may vary in their geographic boundaries and duration. Their geographic
boundaries, applicable gear type(s) and/or specific trawl fishery program, and effective dates will be
announced in the FEDERAL REGISTER. BACs may have a specific termination date as described in the
FEDERAL REGISTER or may be in effect until modified. BACs that are in effect until modified by Council
recommendation and subsequent NMFS action are set out in tables 1a (North) and 1a (South) of this
subpart.
Catch history assignment or CHA means a percentage of the mothership sector allocation of Pacific whiting
based on a limited entry permit's qualifying history and which is specified on the MS/CV-endorsed limited
entry permit.

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50 CFR 660.111 “Catcher/processor co-op or C/P co-op”

Catcher/processor co-op or C/P co-op means a harvester group that includes all eligible catcher/processor atsea Pacific whiting endorsed permit owners who voluntarily form a co-op and who manage the catcher/
processor-specified allocations through private agreements and contracts.
Catcher/Processor (C/P) Co-op Program or C/P sector, refers to the fishery described at § 660.160, subpart D.
The C/P Co-op Program is composed of vessels registered to a limited entry permit with a C/P
endorsement and a valid declaration for limited entry, midwater trawl, Pacific whiting catcher/processor
sector.
Charterer means, for the purpose of economic data collection program, a person, other than the owner of the
vessel, who: entered in to any agreement or commitment by which the possession or services of the
vessel are secured for a period of time for the purposes of commercially harvesting or processing fish. A
long-term or exclusive contract for the sale of all or a portion of the vessel's catch or processed products
is not considered a charter.
Columbia River Salmon Conservation Zone means the ocean area surrounding the Columbia River mouth
bounded by a line extending for 6 nm due west from North Head along 46°18′ N lat. to 124°13.30′ W long.,
then southerly along a line of 167 True to 46°11.10′ N lat. and 124°11′ W long. (Columbia River Buoy), then
northeast along Red Buoy Line to the tip of the south jetty.
Complete economic data collection (EDC) form means that a response is supplied for each question, subquestion, and answer-table cell. If particular question or sub-question is not applicable, “NA”, must be
entered in the appropriate space on the form. The form must also be signed and dated to certify that the
information is true and complete to the best of the signatory's knowledge.
Co-op agreement means a private agreement between a group of MS/CV-endorsed limited entry permit owners
or C/P-endorsed permit owners that contains all information specified at §§ 660.150 and 660.160,
subpart D.
Co-op member means a permit owner of an MS/CV-endorsed permit for the MS Co-op Program that is a party to
an MS co-op agreement, or a permit owner of a C/P-endorsed permit for the C/P Co-op Program that is
legally obligated to the C/P co-op.
Co-op permit means a Federal permit required to participate as a Pacific whiting co-op in the catcher/processor
or mothership sectors.
Designated co-op manager means an individual appointed by a permitted co-op that is identified in the co-op
agreement and is responsible for actions described at §§ 660.150 (for an MS co-op) or 660.160 (for a C/P
co-op), subpart D.
Ex-vessel value means, for the purposes of the cost recovery program specified at § 660.115, all compensation
(based on an arm's length transaction between a buyer and seller) that a fish buyer pays to a fish seller in
exchange for groundfish species (as defined in § 660.11), and includes the value of all in-kind
compensation and all other goods or services exchanged in lieu of cash. Ex-vessel value shall be
determined before any deductions are made for transferred or leased allocation, or for any goods or
services.
(1) For the Shorebased IFQ Program, the value of all groundfish species (as defined in § 660.11) from
IFQ landings.
(2) For the MS Co-op Program, the value of Pacific whiting delivered by a catcher vessel to an MSpermitted vessel.

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50 CFR 660.111 “Ex-vessel value” (3)

(3) For the C/P Co-op Program, the value as determined by the aggregate pounds of Pacific whiting
retained on board by the vessel registered to a C/P-endorsed limited entry trawl permit, multiplied by
the MS Co-op Program average price per pound as announced pursuant to § 660.115(b)(2).
Fish buyer means, for the purposes of the cost recovery program specified at § 660.115,
(1) For the Shorebased IFQ Program, the IFQ first receiver as defined in § 660.111.
(2) For the MS Co-op Program, the owner of a vessel registered to an MS permit, the operator of a vessel
registered to an MS permit, and the owner of the MS permit registered to that vessel. All three
parties shall be jointly and severally responsible for fulfilling the obligations of a fish buyer.
(3) For the C/P Co-op Program, the owner of a vessel registered to a C/P-endorsed limited entry trawl
permit, the operator of a vessel registered to a C/P-endorsed limited entry trawl permit, and the
owner of the C/P-endorsed limited entry trawl permit registered to that vessel. All three parties shall
be jointly and severally responsible for fulfilling the obligations of a fish buyer.
Fish seller means the party who harvests and first sells or otherwise delivers groundfish species (as defined in §
660.11) to a fish buyer.
IBQ pounds means the quotas, expressed in round weight of fish, that are issued annually to each QS permit
owner in the Shorebased IFQ Program based on the amount of IBQ they own and the amount of allowable
bycatch mortality allocated to the Shorebased IFQ Program. IBQ pounds have the same species/species
group and area designations as the IBQ from which they are issued.
IFQ first receivers mean persons who first receive, purchase, or take custody, control, or possession of catch
onshore directly from a vessel that harvested the catch while fishing under the Shorebased IFQ Program
described at § 660.140, subpart D.
IFQ landing means an offload of fish harvested under the Shorebased IFQ Program described at § 660.140,
subpart D.
IFQ trip means a trip in which the vessel has a valid fishing declaration for any of the following: Limited entry
midwater trawl, non-whiting shorebased IFQ; Limited entry midwater trawl, Pacific whiting shorebased
IFQ; Limited entry bottom trawl, shorebased IFQ, not including demersal trawl; Limited entry demersal
trawl, shorebased IFQ; or Limited entry groundfish non-trawl, shorebased IFQ.
Individual bycatch quota (IBQ) means the amount of bycatch quota for an individual species/species group and
area expressed as a percentage of the annual allocation of allowable bycatch mortality to the Shorebased
IFQ Program. IBQ is used as the basis for the annual calculation and allocation of a QS permit owner's IBQ
pounds in the Shorebased IFQ Program. Both IBQ and QS may be listed on a QS permit and in the
associated QS account. Species for which IBQ will be issued for the Shorebased IFQ Program are listed at
§ 660.140, subpart D.
Individual fishing quota (IFQ) means a Federal permit to harvest a quantity of fish, expressed as a percentage of
the total allowable catch of a fishery that may be received or held for exclusive use by a person. An IFQ is
a harvest privilege that may be revoked at any time in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Act. IFQ
species for the Shorebased IFQ Program are listed at § 660.140, subpart D.
Inter-co-op means two or more permitted co-ops that have submitted an accepted inter-co-op agreement to
NMFS that specifies a coordinated strategy for harvesting pooled allocations of Pacific whiting and nonwhiting groundfish.

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50 CFR 660.111 “Inter-co-op agreement”

Inter-co-op agreement means a written agreement between two or more permitted mothership co-ops and which
contains private contractual arrangements for sharing catch and/or bycatch with one another.
Klamath River Salmon Conservation Zone means the ocean area surrounding the Klamath River mouth bounded
on the north by 41°38.80′ N lat. (approximately 6 nm north of the Klamath River mouth), on the west by
124°23′ W long. (approximately 12 nm from shore), and on the south by 41°26.80′ N lat. (approximately 6
nm south of the Klamath River mouth).
Lessee means, for the purpose of economic data collection program, a person, other than the owner of the
vessel or facility, who: was identified as the leaseholder, in a written lease, of the vessel or facility, or paid
expenses of the vessel or facility, or claimed expenses for the vessel or facility as a business expense on
a federal income tax return, or on a state income tax return.
Material change means, for the purposes of a co-op agreement, a change to any of the required components of
the co-op agreement, defined at §§ 660.150 and 660.160, subpart D, which was submitted to NMFS
during the application process for the co-op permit.
Maximized retention means a vessel retains all catch from a trip until landing, subject to the specifications of
this subpart.
Mothership co-op or MS co-op means a group of MS/CV-endorsed limited entry permit owners that are
authorized by means of a co-op permit to jointly harvest and process from a single co-op allocation.
Mothership (MS) Co-op Program or MS sector refers to the fishery described at § 660.150, subpart D, and
includes both the co-op and non-cooperative fisheries. The MS Co-op Program is composed of
motherships with MS permits and catcher vessels registered to a limited entry permit with an MS/CV
endorsement and a valid declaration for limited entry, midwater trawl, Pacific whiting mothership sector.
The MS Co-op Program also includes vessels registered to a limited entry permit without an MS/CV
endorsement if the vessel is authorized to harvest the MS sector's allocation and has a valid declaration
for limited entry, midwater trawl, Pacific whiting mothership sector.
Net ex-vessel value means, for the purposes of the cost recovery program specified at § 660.115, the ex-vessel
value minus the cost recovery fee.
Pacific halibut set-aside means an amount of Pacific halibut annually set aside for the at-sea whiting fisheries
(mothership and C/P sectors) and which is based on the trawl allocation of Pacific whiting.
Pacific whiting fishery refers to the Pacific whiting primary season fisheries described at § 660.131. The Pacific
whiting fishery is composed of vessels participating in the C/P Co-op Program, the MS Co-op Program, or
the Pacific whiting IFQ fishery.
Pacific whiting IFQ fishery is composed of vessels on Pacific whiting IFQ trips.
Pacific whiting IFQ trip means a trip in which a vessel uses midwater groundfish trawl gear during the dates of
the Pacific whiting primary season to target Pacific whiting, and Pacific whiting constitutes 50 percent or
more of the catch by weight at landing as reported on the state landing receipt. Vessels on Pacific whiting
IFQ trips must have a valid declaration for limited entry midwater trawl, Pacific whiting shorebased IFQ.
Quota pounds (QP) means the quotas, expressed in round weight of fish, that are issued annually to each QS
permit owner in the Shorebased IFQ Program based on the amount of QS they own and the amount of fish
allocated to the Shorebased IFQ Program. QP have the same species/species group and area
designations as the QS from which they are issued.

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50 CFR 660.111 “Quota share (QS)”

Quota share (QS) means the amount of fishing quota for an individual species/species group and area
expressed as a percentage of the annual allocation of fish to the Shorebased IFQ Program. The QS is
used as the basis for the annual calculation and allocation of a QS permit owner's QP in the Shorebased
IFQ Program. Both QS and IBQ may be listed on a QS permit and in the associated QS account. Species
for which QS will be issued for the Shorebased IFQ Program are listed at § 660.140, subpart D.
Salmon Mitigation Plan (SMP) means a voluntary agreement amongst a group of at least three vessels in the MS
Co-op Program, C/P Co-op Program, or Pacific whiting IFQ fishery to manage Chinook salmon bycatch,
approved by NMFS under § 660.113(e). Vessels fishing under an approved SMP would have access to the
Chinook salmon bycatch reserve as described in § 660.60(i)(2). Routine management measures to
minimize Chinook salmon bycatch as described in § 660.60(i) may be implemented for vessels that are
parties to an approved SMP.
Shorebased IFQ Program or Shorebased IFQ sector, refers to the fishery described at § 660.140, subpart D, and
includes all vessels on IFQ trips.
Stow or stowed, for the purposes of this subpart, means the subject trawl gear is either stored below deck; or, if
the gear cannot readily be moved, must be stowed in a secured and covered manner detached from all
towing lines so that it is rendered unusable for fishing; or, if remaining on deck uncovered, must be
stowed disconnected from the trawl doors with the trawl doors hung from their stanchions.
Vessel account means an account held by the vessel owner where QP and IBQ pounds are registered for use by
a vessel in the Shorebased IFQ Program.
[75 FR 60897, Oct. 1, 2010, as amended at 75 FR 78383, Dec. 15, 2010; 76 FR 74739, Dec. 1, 2011; 78 FR 68769, Nov. 15, 2013; 78
FR 75278, Dec. 11, 2013; 80 FR 77271, Dec. 14, 2015; 84 FR 63986, Nov. 19, 2019; 84 FR 68806, Dec. 17, 2019; 86 FR 10869, Feb.
23, 2021; 87 FR 77026, Dec. 16, 2022; 87 FR 77005, Dec. 16, 2022; 88 FR 81358, Nov. 22, 2023; 89 FR 101522, 101532, Dec. 16,
2024]

§ 660.112 Trawl fishery—prohibitions.
In addition to the general prohibitions specified in § 660.12 and § 600.725 of this chapter, it is unlawful for any
person or vessel to:
(a) General —
(1) Trawl gear endorsement. Fish with groundfish trawl gear, or carry groundfish trawl gear on board a
vessel that also has groundfish on board, unless the vessel is registered for use with a valid limited
entry permit with a trawl gear endorsement, with the following exception.
(i)

The vessel is in continuous transit from outside the fishery management area to a port in
Washington, Oregon, or California;

(ii) The vessel is registered to a limited entry MS permit with a valid mothership fishery declaration,
in which case trawl nets and doors must be stowed in a secured and covered manner, and
detached from all towing lines, so as to be rendered unusable for fishing.
(2) Sorting, retention, and disposition.
(i)

Fail to sort, retain, discard, or dispose of catch consistent with the requirements specified at §§
660.130(d), 660.140 (b)(2)(iii) and (viii), 660.140(g), and 660.140(j)(2).

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50 CFR 660.112(a)(2)(ii)

(ii) Fail to sort, retain, discard, or dispose of prohibited and protected species from maximized
retention landings consistent with the requirements specified at § 660.140(g)(3).
(iii) Retain for personal use or allow to reach commercial markets any part of any prohibited or
protected species.
(3) Recordkeeping and reporting.
(i)

Fail to comply with all recordkeeping and reporting requirements at § 660.13, subpart C;
including failure to submit information, or submission of inaccurate or false information on any
report required at § 660.13(d), subpart C, and § 660.113.

(ii) Falsify or fail to make and/or file, retain or make available any and all reports of groundfish
landings, containing all data, and in the exact manner, required by the regulation at § 660.13,
subpart C, or § 660.113.
(iii) Failure to submit a complete EDC form to NMFS as required by § 660.113.
(4) Observers.
(i)

Fish in the Shorebased IFQ Program, the MS Co-op Program, or the C/P Co-op Program without
observer coverage unless exempt from the observer coverage requirement for gear testing
activity and have satisfied the declaration and notification requirements, as described in §
660.140(h), § 660.150(j), or § 660.160(g).

(ii) Fish in the Shorebased IFQ Program, the MS Co-op Program, or the C/P Co-op Program if the
vessel is inadequate or unsafe for observer deployment as described at § 660.12(e).
(iii) Fail to maintain observer coverage in port as specified at § 660.140(h)(1)(i).
(5) Fishing in conservation areas with trawl gear.
(i)

Operate any vessel registered to a limited entry permit with a trawl endorsement in an
applicable GCA (defined at §§ 660.11 and 660.130), except for purposes of continuous
transiting (defined at § 660.11), unless all groundfish trawl gear on board is stowed (as defined
at § 660.111), or unless otherwise authorized at § 660.130.

(ii) Fish with bottom trawl gear (defined at § 660.11) anywhere within EFH seaward of a line
approximating the 700-fm (1,280-m) depth contour, as defined in § 660.76. For the purposes of
regulation, EFH seaward of 700-fm (1,280-m) within the EEZ is described at § 660.75.
(iii) Fish with bottom trawl gear (defined at § 660.11) with a footrope diameter greater than 19
inches (48 cm) (including rollers, bobbins or other material encircling or tied along the length of
the footrope) anywhere within EFH within the EEZ. For the purposes of regulation, EFH within
the EEZ is described at § 660.75.
(iv) Fish with bottom trawl gear (defined at § 660.11) with a footrope diameter greater than 8
inches (20 cm) (including rollers, bobbins or other material encircling or tied along the length of
the footrope) anywhere within the EEZ shoreward of a line approximating the 100-fm (183-m)
depth contour (defined at § 660.73).
(v) Fish with bottom trawl gear (defined at § 660.11), within the EEZ in the following EFHCAs areas
(defined at §§ 660.77 and 660.78): Olympic 2, Biogenic 1, Biogenic 2, Quinault Canyon, Grays
Canyon, Willapa Canyonhead, Willapa Deep, Biogenic 3, Astoria Deep, Astoria Canyon, Nehalem
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50 CFR 660.112(a)(5)(vi)

Bank/Shale Pile, Garibaldi Reef North, Garibaldi Reef South, Siletz Deepwater, Daisy Bank/
Nelson Island, Newport Rockpile/Stonewall Bank, Hydrate Ridge, Heceta Bank, Deepwater off
Coos Bay, Arago Reef, Bandon High Spot, Rogue Canyon, and Rogue River Reef.
(vi) Fish with bottom trawl gear (defined at § 660.11), other than demersal seine, unless otherwise
specified in this section or § 660.130, within the EEZ in the following EFHCAs areas (defined at
§ 660.79): Brush Patch, Trinidad Canyon, Mad River Rough Patch, Samoa Deepwater, Eel River
Canyon, Blunts Reef, Mendocino Ridge, Delgada Canyon, Tolo Bank, Navarro Canyon, Point
Arena North, Point Arena South Biogenic Area, The Football, Gobbler's Knob, Point Reyes Reef,
Cordell Bank/Biogenic Area, Rittenburg Bank, Farallon Islands/Fanny Shoal/Cochrane Bank,
Farallon Escarpment, Half Moon Bay, Pescadero Reef, Pigeon Point Reef, Ascension
Canyonhead, South of Davenport, Monterey Bay/Canyon, West of Sobranes Point, Point Sur
Deep, Big Sur Coast/Port San Luis, La Cruz Canyon, West of Piedras Blancas State Marine
Conservation Area, East San Lucia Bank, Point Conception, Hidden Reef/Kidney Bank (within
Cowcod Conservation Area West), Catalina Island, Potato Bank (within Cowcod Conservation
Area West), Cherry Bank (within Cowcod Conservation Area West), Cowcod EFHCA
Conservation Area East, and Southern California Bight.
(vii) Fish with bottom contact gear (defined at § 660.11) within specific EFHCAs and the DECA,
consistent with the prohibitions at § 660.12(a)(4), (16) through (18).
(6) Cost recovery program.
(i)

Fail to fully pay or collect any fee due under the cost recovery program specified at § 660.115
and/or otherwise avoid, decrease, interfere with, hinder, or delay any such payment or
collection.

(ii) Convert, or otherwise use any paid or collected fee for any purpose other than the purposes
specified in this subpart.
(iii) For the Shorebased IFQ Program and the MS Co-op Program, fail to deposit on time the full
amount of all fee revenue collected under the cost recovery program specified at § 660.115 into
a deposit account, or fail to timely disburse the full amount of all deposit principal to the Fund.
(iv) Fail to maintain records as required by § 660.113 and/or fail to make reports to NMFS as
required under § 660.113.
(v) Fail to advise NMFS of any fish buyer's failure to collect any fee due and payable under the cost
recovery program specified at § 660.115.
(vi) Refuse to allow NMFS employees, agents, or contractors to review and audit all records and
other information required to be maintained as set forth in § 660.113, and/or § 660.115.
(vii) Make any false statement to NMFS, including any NMFS employee, agent or contractor,
concerning a matter related to the cost recovery program described in this subpart.
(viii) Obstruct, prevent, or delay, or attempt to obstruct, prevent, or delay, any audit or investigation
NMFS employees, agents, or contractors conduct, or attempt to conduct, in connection with
any of the matters in the cost recovery program described in this subpart.
(7) Gear testing.
(i)

Retain fish while gear testing.

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50 CFR 660.112(a)(7)(ii)

(ii) Fish with a closed codend, use terminal gear (i.e., hooks), or fish with open pot gear while gear
testing.
(iii) Test gear in groundfish conservation areas described in § 660.70, or EFHCAs described in §§
660.76 through 660.79.
(iv) Test experimental gear, or any other gear not currently approved for groundfish fishing.
(b) Shorebased IFQ Program —
(1) General.
(i)

Own or control by any means whatsoever an amount of QS or IBQ that exceeds the Shorebased
IFQ Program accumulation limits.

(ii) Fish in the Shorebased IFQ Program with a vessel that does not have a valid vessel account or
that has a vessel account with a deficit (negative balance) for any species/species group.
(iii) Have any IFQ species/species group catch (landings and discards) from an IFQ trip not covered
by QP for greater than 30 days from the date the deficit (negative balance) from that trip is
documented, unless the deficit is within the limits of the carryover provision specified at §
660.140(e)(5), subpart D, in which case the vessel has 30 days after the QP for the following
year are issued to eliminate the deficit.
(iv) Register the limited entry trawl endorsed permit to another vessel or sell the limited entry trawl
endorsed permit to another owner if the vessel registered to the permit has a deficit (negative
balance) in their vessel account, until the deficit is covered, regardless of the amount of the
deficit.
(v) Use QP by vessels not registered to a limited entry trawl permit with a valid vessel account.
(vi) Use QP in an area or for species/species groups other than that for which it is designated.
(vii) For vessels fishing with multiple trawl gear types on a single trip, fail to keep catch from
different trawl gears separate and land the catch separately by gear type.
(viii) Fish on a Pacific whiting IFQ trip with a gear other than midwater groundfish trawl gear.
(ix) Fish on a Pacific whiting IFQ trip without a valid declaration for limited entry midwater trawl,
Pacific whiting shorebased IFQ.
(x) Use midwater groundfish trawl gear outside the Pacific whiting IFQ fishery primary season
dates as specified at § 660.131(b).
(xi) Mix catch from different hauls before all sampling and monitoring requirements for the hauls
have been met.
(xii) Process groundfish at-sea (“at-sea processing”) by vessels in the Shorebased IFQ Program
regardless of the type of gear used, with the following exceptions:
(A) A vessel that is 75-ft (23-m) or less LOA that harvests Pacific whiting and, in addition to
heading and gutting, cuts the tail off and freezes the whiting, is not considered to be a C/P
vessel nor is it considered to be processing fish, and
(B) A vessel that has a non-whiting at-sea processing exemption, described at §
660.25(b)(6)(ii) may process non-whiting groundfish at sea.
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50 CFR 660.112(b)(1)(xiii)

(xiii) Discard or attempt to discard IFQ species/species group at sea unless the observer has
documented or estimated the discards.
(xiv) Begin a new fishing trip until all fish from an IFQ landing have been offloaded from the vessel,
consistent with § 660.12(a)(11).
(xv) Fail to establish a new registered vessel account in the name of the current vessel owner,
following a change in ownership of a vessel, prior to fishing in the Shorebased IFQ Program
with that vessel.
(xvi) Land groundfish taken and retained during an IFQ trip, from the vessel that harvested the fish, to
a first receiver that does not hold a valid first receiver site license for the physical location
where the IFQ landing occurred.
(xvii) When declared into the limited entry groundfish non-trawl Shorebased IFQ fishery, retain fish
caught with fixed gear in more than one IFQ management area, specified at § 660.140(c)(1), on
the same trip.
(2) IFQ first receivers.
(i)

Receive, purchase, or take custody, control, or possession of an IFQ landing from a vessel that
harvested the catch while fishing under the Shorebased IFQ Program without a valid first
receiver site license.

(ii) Fail to sort or dispose of catch received from an IFQ trip in accordance with the requirements of
§§ 660.130(d) and 660.140(g)(3).
(iii) Process, sell, or discard any groundfish received from an IFQ landing that has not been weighed
on a scale that is in compliance with requirements at § 660.15, subpart C.
(iv) Transport catch away from the point of landing before that catch has been sorted and weighed
by federal groundfish species or species group, and recorded for submission on an electronic
fish ticket. (If fish will be transported to a different location for processing, all sorting and
weighing to federal groundfish species groups must occur before transporting the catch away
from the point of landing).
(v) Receive an IFQ landing without coverage by a catch monitor when one is required by
regulations, unless NMFS has granted a written waiver exempting the IFQ first receiver from the
catch monitor coverage requirements. On a case-by-case basis, a temporary written waiver may
be granted by the Assistant Regional Administrator or designee if he/she determines that the
failure to obtain coverage of a catch monitor was due to circumstances beyond the control of
the first receiver. The duration of the waiver will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
(vi) Receive an IFQ landing without a NMFS-accepted catch monitoring plan or not in accordance
with their NMFS-accepted catch monitoring plan.
(vii) Mix catch from more than one IFQ landing prior to the catch being sorted and weighed.
(viii) Fail to comply with the IFQ first receiver responsibilities specified at § 660.140(b)(2).
(ix) Process, sell, or discard any groundfish received from an IFQ landing that has not been
accounted for on an electronic fish ticket with the identification number for the vessel that
delivered the fish.

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50 CFR 660.112(b)(2)(x)

(x) Fail to submit, or submit incomplete or inaccurate information on any report, application, or
statement required under this part.
(c) MS and C/P Co-op Programs.
(1) Process Pacific whiting in the fishery management area during times or in areas where at-sea
processing is prohibited for the sector in which the vessel fishes, unless:
(i)

The fish are received from a member of a Pacific Coast treaty Indian tribe fishing under §
660.50, subpart C;

(ii) The fish are processed by a waste-processing vessel according to § 660.131(g); or
(iii) The vessel is completing processing of Pacific whiting taken on board prior to the close of that
vessel's primary season.
(2) During times or in areas where at-sea processing is prohibited, take and retain or receive Pacific
whiting, except as cargo or fish waste, on a vessel in the fishery management area that already has
processed Pacific whiting on board. An exception to this prohibition is provided if the fish are
received within the tribal U&A fishing area, described at § 660.4, subpart A, from a member of a
Pacific Coast treaty Indian tribe fishing under § 660.50, subpart C.
(3) Operate as a waste-processing vessel within 48 hours of a primary season for Pacific whiting in
which that vessel operates as a catcher/processor or mothership, according to § 660.131(g).
(4) Catch, take, or harvest fish in the MS Co-op Program with a vessel that does not have a valid VMS
declaration for limited entry midwater trawl, Pacific whiting mothership sector, as specified at §
660.13(d)(4)(iv)(A), subpart C.
(5) Fail to weigh all fish taken and retained aboard the vessel on a scale that meets the performance and
technical requirements specified at § 660.15(b).
(6) Weigh fish taken and retained aboard the vessel without operating and maintaining a video
monitoring system that meets the performance and technical requirements specified at § 660.15(e).
(d) MS Co-op Program (co-op and non-cooperative fisheries).
(1) Catch, take, or harvest fish in the mothership non-cooperative fishery with a vessel that is not
registered to a current MS/CV-endorsed limited entry trawl permit.
(2) Receive catch, process catch, or otherwise fish as a mothership vessel if it is not registered to a
current MS permit.
(3) Catch, take, or harvest fish in the MS Co-op Program with a vessel that does not have a valid VMS
declaration for limited entry midwater trawl, Pacific whiting mothership sector, as specified at §
660.13(d)(5)(iv)(A), subpart C.
(4) Transfer catch to a vessel that is not registered to an MS permit. (i.e., a tender vessel).
(5) Use a vessel registered to a limited entry permit with a trawl endorsement (with or without an MS/CV
endorsement) to catch more than 30 percent of the Pacific whiting allocation for the mothership
sector.
(6) Catch, take, or harvest fish before all catch from any previous haul has been transferred to a single
vessel registered to an MS permit.
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(7) Transfer catch from a single haul to more than one permitted MS vessel.
(8) Catch, take, or harvest fish for a MS co-op with a vessel that has not been identified by the co-op as a
vessel authorized to harvest that cooperative's allocation.
(9) Catch, take, or harvest fish in the non-cooperative fishery with a vessel registered to an MS/CVendorsed permit in the same year the MS/CV-endorsed permit was registered to a vessel that fished
as a member of a co-op in the MS Co-op Program.
(10) Sort or discard any portion of the catch taken by a catcher vessel in the MS Co-op Program before
the catcher vessel observer completes sampling of the catch, except for minor operational amounts
of catch lost by a catcher vessel provided the observer has accounted for the discard (i.e., a
maximized retention fishery).
(11) Mix catch from more than one haul before the observer completes their collection of catch for
sampling.
(12) Take deliveries without a valid scale inspection report signed by an authorized scale inspector on
board the MS vessel.
(13) Sort, process, or discard catch delivered to MS vessels before the catch is weighed on a scale that
meets the requirements of § 660.15(b), including the daily test requirements.
(14) Retain and process more than 1 mt of Shared EC Species other than squid species in any calendar
year; or, retain and process more than 40 mt of any Shared EC squid species in any calendar year.
(e) C/P Co-op Program.
(1) Fish with a vessel in the catcher/processor sector that is not registered to a current C/P-endorsed
limited entry trawl permit.
(2) Fish as a catcher/processor vessel in the same year that the vessel fishes as a catcher vessel in the
mothership fishery.
(3) Fish in the C/P Co-op Program with a vessel that does not have a valid VMS declaration for limited
entry midwater trawl, Pacific whiting catcher/processor sector, as specified at § 660.13(d)(4)(iv)(A).
(4) Fish in the C/P Co-op Program with a vessel that is not identified in the C/P Co-op agreement.
(5) Fish in the C/P Co-op Program without a valid scale inspection report signed by an authorized scale
inspector on board the vessel.
(6) Sort, process, or discard catch before the catch is weighed on a scale that meets the requirements of
§ 660.15(b), including the daily test requirements.
(7) Discard any catch from the codend or net (i.e., bleeding) before the observer has completed their
data collection.
(8) Mix catch from more than one haul before the observer completes their collection of catch for
sampling.
(9) Retain and process more than 1 mt of Shared EC Species other than squid species in any calendar
year; or, retain and process more than 40 mt of any Shared EC squid species in any calendar year.

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50 CFR 660.113

[75 FR 60897, Oct. 1, 2010, as amended at 75 FR 78384, Dec. 15, 2010; 76 FR 53837, Aug. 30, 2011; 76 FR 74739, Dec. 1, 2011; 77
FR 55155, Sept. 7, 2012; 78 FR 629, Jan. 3, 2013; 78 FR 68769, Nov. 15, 2013; 78 FR 75279, Dec. 11, 2013; 80 FR 22285, Apr. 21,
2015; 80 FR 77272, Dec. 14, 2015; 81 FR 19058, Apr. 4, 2016; 81 FR 27010, May 5, 2016; 81 FR 36808, June 8, 2016; 81 FR 84429,
Nov. 23, 2016; 83 FR 62276, Dec. 3, 2018; 84 FR 63986, Nov. 19, 2019; 85 FR 37029, June 19, 2020; 85 FR 35601, June 11, 2020; 86
FR 26442, May 14, 2021; 86 FR 58813, Oct. 25, 2021; 87 FR 11599, Mar. 2, 2022; 87 FR 77005, Dec. 16, 2022; 88 FR 81358, Nov. 22,
2023; 89 FR 101522, Dec. 16, 2024]

§ 660.113 Trawl fishery—recordkeeping and reporting.
General groundfish recordkeeping and reporting requirements are defined at § 660.13, subpart C. The following
recordkeeping and reporting requirements are in addition to those and are specific to the limited entry trawl
fisheries.
(a) General requirements.
(1) All records or reports required by this paragraph (a) must: be maintained in English, be accurate, be
legible, be based on local time, and be submitted in a timely manner.
(2) All records used in the preparation of records or reports specified in this section or corrections to
these reports must be maintained for a period of not less than three years after the date of landing
and must be immediately available upon request for inspection by NMFS or authorized officers or
others as specifically authorized by NMFS. Records used in the preparation of required reports
specified in this section or corrections to these reports that are required to be kept include, but are
not limited to, any written, recorded, graphic, electronic, or digital materials as well as other
information stored in or accessible through a computer or other information retrieval system;
worksheets; weight slips; preliminary, interim, and final tally sheets; receipts; checks; ledgers;
notebooks; diaries; spreadsheets; diagrams; graphs; charts; tapes; disks; or computer printouts. All
relevant records used in the preparation of electronic fish ticket reports or corrections to these
reports, including dock tickets, must be maintained for a period of not less than three years after the
date of landing and must be immediately available upon request for inspection by NMFS or
authorized officers or others as specifically authorized by NMFS.
(b) Shorebased IFQ Program —
(1) Economic data collection (EDC) program. The following persons are required to submit an EDC form
as specified at § 660.114:
(i)

All owners, lessees, and charterers of a catcher vessel registered to a limited entry trawl
endorsed permit.

(ii) All owners of a first receiver site license.
(iii) All owners and lessees of a shorebased processor.
(iv) All owners of a quota share (QS) permit as defined at § 660.25(c).
(2) Electronic vessel logbook. [Reserved]
(3) Gear switching declaration. Any person with a limited entry trawl permit participating in the
Shorebased IFQ Program using groundfish non-trawl gear (i.e., gear switching) must submit a valid
gear declaration reporting such participation as specified in § 660.13(d)(4)(iv)(A).
(4) Electronic fish ticket. The IFQ first receiver is responsible for compliance with all reporting
requirements described in this paragraph.
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(i)

50 CFR 660.113(b)(4)(i)

Required information. All IFQ first receivers must provide the following types of information:
Date of landing, vessel that made the delivery, vessel account number, name of the vessel
operator, gear type used, catch area, first receiver, actual weights of species landed listed by
species or species group including species with no value, condition landed, number of salmon
by species, number of Pacific halibut, ex-vessel value of the landing by species, fish caught
inside/outside 3 miles or both, and any other information deemed necessary by the Regional
Administrator as specified on the appropriate electronic fish ticket form.

(ii) Submissions. The IFQ first receiver must:
(A) Include, as part of each electronic fish ticket submission, the actual scale weight for each
groundfish species as specified by requirements at § 660.15(c), and the vessel
identification number. Use, and maintain in good working order, hardware, software, and
internet access as specified at § 660.15(d).
(B) Submit a completed electronic fish ticket for every IFQ landing no later than 24 hours after
the date the fish are received, unless a waiver of this requirement has been granted under
provisions specified at paragraph (b)(4)(iv) of this section.
(C) Follow these process and submittal requirements for offloading at a first receiver site
where the fish will be processed at the offload site or if an electronic fish ticket will be
recorded prior to transport:
(1) The IFQ first receiver must communicate the electronic fish ticket number to the
catch monitor.
(2) After completing the offload, the electronic fish ticket information must be recorded
immediately.
(3) Prior to submittal of the electronic fish ticket, the information recorded for the
electronic fish ticket must be reviewed by the catch monitor and the vessel operator
who delivered the fish.
(4) After review, the IFQ first receiver and the vessel operator must sign a printed hard
copy of the electronic fish ticket or, if the delivery occurs outside of business hours,
the original dock ticket.
(5) Prior to submittal, three copies of the printed, signed, electronic fish ticket must be
produced by the IFQ first receiver and a copy provided to each of the following:
(i)

The vessel operator,

(ii) The state of origin if required by state regulations, and
(iii) The IFQ first receiver.
(6) After review and signature, the electronic fish ticket must be submitted within 24
hours of the completion of the offload, as specified in paragraph (b)(4)(ii)(B) of this
section.
(D) Follow these process and submittal requirements for offloading at a first receiver site
where the fish will be transported for processing at a different location if an electronic fish
ticket is not recorded prior to transport:

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50 CFR 660.113(b)(4)(ii)(D)(1)

(1) The IFQ first receiver must communicate the electronic fish ticket number to the
catch monitor at the beginning of the offload.
(2) The vessel name and the electronic fish ticket number must be recorded on each
dock ticket related to that delivery.
(3) Upon completion of the dock ticket, but prior to transfer of the offload to another
location, the dock ticket information that will be used to complete the electronic fish
ticket must be reviewed by the catch monitor and the vessel operator who delivered
the fish.
(4) After review, the IFQ first receiver and the vessel operator must sign the original copy
of each dock ticket related to that delivery.
(5) Prior to submittal of the electronic fish ticket, three copies of the signed dock ticket
must be produced by the IFQ first receiver and a copy provided to each of the
following:
(i)

The vessel operator,

(ii) The state of origin if required by state regulations, and
(iii) The IFQ first receiver.
(6) Based on the information contained in the signed dock ticket, the electronic fish
ticket must be completed and submitted within 24 hours of the completion of the
offload, as specified in paragraph (b)(4)(ii)(D) of this section.
(7) Three copies of the electronic fish ticket must be produced by the IFQ first receiver
and a copy provided to each of the following:
(i)

The vessel operator,

(ii) The state of origin if required by state regulations, and
(iii) The IFQ first receiver.
(iii) Revising a submission. In the event that a data error is found, electronic fish ticket submissions
must be revised by resubmitting the revised form electronically. Electronic fish tickets are to be
used for the submission of final data. Preliminary data, including estimates of fish weights or
species composition, shall not be submitted on electronic fish tickets.
(iv) Waivers for submission. On a case-by-case basis, a temporary written waiver of the requirement
to submit electronic fish tickets may be granted by the Assistant Regional Administrator or
designee if he/she determines that circumstances beyond the control of a first receiver would
result in inadequate data submissions using the electronic fish ticket system. The duration of
the waiver will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
(v) Reporting requirements when a temporary waiver has been granted. IFQ first receivers that have
been granted a temporary waiver from the requirement to submit electronic fish tickets must
submit on paper the same data as is required on electronic fish tickets within 24 hours of the
date received during the period that the waiver is in effect. Paper fish tickets must be sent by
facsimile to NMFS, West Coast Region, Sustainable Fisheries Division, 206-526-6736 or by

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50 CFR 660.113(b)(5)

delivering it in person to 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Seattle, WA 98115. The requirements for
submissions of paper tickets in this paragraph are separate from, and in addition to existing
state requirements for landing receipts or fish receiving tickets.
(5) Cost recovery program. In addition to the requirements at paragraph (a) of this section, the fish buyer,
as defined at § 660.111 for the Shorebased IFQ Program, is required to comply with the following
recordkeeping and reporting requirements:
(i)

Reporting. The fish buyer must submit a cost recovery form at the time cost recovery fees are
paid to NMFS as specified at § 660.115. The cost recovery form requires providing information
that includes, but is not limited to, fish buyer's name, address, phone number, first receiver site
license number, month and year of landings, weight of landings, ex-vessel value, and fee due.

(ii) Recordkeeping. The fish buyer must maintain the following records:
(A) For all deliveries of groundfish that the fish buyer buys from each fish seller:
(1) The date of delivery,
(2) The fish seller's identity,
(3) The weight of each species of groundfish delivered,
(4) Information sufficient to specifically identify the fishing vessel which delivered the
groundfish,
(5) The ex-vessel value of each species of groundfish,
(6) The net ex-vessel value of each species of groundfish,
(7) The identity of the payee to whom the net ex-vessel value is paid, if different than the
fish seller,
(8) The date the net ex-vessel value was paid,
(9) The total fee amount collected as a result of all groundfish.
(B) For all fee collection deposits to and disbursements from the deposit account:
(1) The date of each deposit in to the deposit account required at § 660.115(d)(1)(ii)(A),
(2) The total amount deposited in to the deposit account,
(3) The date of each disbursement,
(4) The total amount disbursed,
(5) The dates and amounts of disbursements to the fish buyer, or other parties, of
interest earned on deposits.
(c) MS Co-op Program (co-op and non-cooperative fisheries) —
(1) Economic data collection (EDC) program. The following persons are required to submit a complete
economic data collection form as specified at § 660.114.
(i)

All owners, lessees, and charterers of a catcher vessel registered to a limited entry trawl MS/
CV-endorsed permit.

(ii) All owners, lessees, and charterers of a vessel registered to an MS permit.
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(2) NMFS-approved scale —
(i)

Scale test report form. Mothership vessel operators are responsible for conducting scale tests
and for recording the scale test information on the scale test report form as specified at §
660.15(b), for mothership vessels.

(ii) Printed scale reports. Requirements pertaining to printed scale reports and scale weight
printouts are specified at § 660.15(b), for mothership vessels.
(iii) Retention of scale records and reports. Vessels must maintain scale test report forms on board
until the end of the fishing year during which the tests were conducted, and make the report
forms available to observers, NMFS staff, or authorized officers. In addition, the scale test
report forms must be maintained for 3 years after the end of the fishing year during which the
tests were performed. All scale test report forms must be signed by the operator.
(3) Annual co-op report. The designated co-op manager for the mothership co-op must submit an annual
report to NMFS and the Council by March 17 each year, before a co-op permit is issued for that year.
The annual co-op report will contain information about the previous year's fishery, including:
(i)

The mothership sector's annual allocation of Pacific whiting and the permitted mothership coop allocation;

(ii) The mothership cooperative's actual retained and discarded catch of Pacific whiting, salmon,
Pacific halibut, rockfish, groundfish, and other species on a vessel-by-vessel basis;
(iii) A description of the method used by the mothership co-op to monitor performance of co-op
vessels that participated in the fishery;
(iv) A description of any actions taken by the mothership co-op in response to any vessels that
exceed their allowed catch and bycatch; and
(v) Plans for the current year's mothership co-op fishery, including the companies participating in
the cooperative, the harvest agreement, and catch monitoring and reporting requirements.
(4) [Reserved]
(5) Cost recovery program. In addition to the requirements at paragraph (a) of this section, the fish buyer,
as defined at § 660.111 for the MS Co-op Program, is required to comply with the following
recordkeeping and reporting requirements:
(i)

Reporting —
(A) Cost recovery form. The fish buyer must submit a cost recovery form at the time cost
recovery fees are paid to NMFS as specified at § 660.115. The cost recovery form requires
providing information that includes, but is not limited to, fish buyer's name, address, phone
number, MS permit number, vessel name, USCG vessel documentation number, month and
year of deliveries, weight of deliveries, ex-vessel value, and fee due.
(B) Annual report. By March 31 each year, each fish buyer must submit to NMFS a report
containing the following information from the preceding calendar year for all groundfish
each fish buyer purchases from fish sellers:
(1) Total weight bought,
(2) Total ex-vessel value paid,

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(3) Total fee amounts collected,
(4) Total fee collection amounts deposited by month,
(5) Dates and amounts of monthly disbursements to the Fund.
(ii) Recordkeeping. The fish buyer must maintain the following records:
(A) For all deliveries of Pacific whiting that the fish buyer buys from each fish seller:
(1) The date of delivery,
(2) The fish seller's identity,
(3) The weight of Pacific whiting delivered;
(4) Information sufficient to specifically identify the fishing vessel which delivered the
groundfish,
(5) The ex-vessel value of Pacific whiting;
(6) The net ex-vessel value of Pacific whiting;
(7) The identity of the payee to whom the net ex-vessel value is paid, if different than the
fish seller,
(8) The date the net ex-vessel value was paid,
(9) The total fee amount collected as a result of all Pacific whiting.
(B) For all fee collection deposits to and disbursements from the deposit account:
(1) The date of each deposit in to the deposit account required at § 660.115(d)(1)(ii)(A),
(2) The total amount deposited in to the deposit account,
(3) The date of each disbursement,
(4) The total amount disbursed,
(5) The dates and amounts of disbursements to the fish buyer, or other parties, of
interest earned on deposits.
(d) C/P Co-op Program —
(1) Economic data collection (EDC) program. All owners, lessees, and charterers of a vessel registered to
a C/P-endorsed limited entry trawl permit are required to submit a complete economic data
collection form as specified at § 660.114.
(2) NMFS-approved scales —
(i)

Scale test report form. Catcher/processor vessel operators are responsible for conducting scale
tests and for recording the scale test information on the scale test report form as specified at §
660.15(b), for catcher/processor vessels.

(ii) Printed scale reports. Specific requirements pertaining to printed scale reports and scale weight
printouts are specified at § 660.15(b), for catcher/processor vessels.

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50 CFR 660.113(d)(2)(iii)

(iii) Retention of scale records and reports. The vessel must maintain the scale test report form on
board until the end of the fishing year during which the tests were conducted, and make the
report forms available to observers, NMFS staff, or authorized officers. In addition, the scale
test report forms must be maintained for 3 years after the end of the fishing year during which
the tests were performed. All scale test report forms must be signed by the operator.
(3) Annual co-op report. The designated co-op manager for the C/P co-op must submit an annual report
to NMFS and the Council by March 17 each year, before a co-op permit is issued for that year. The
annual co-op report will contain information about the previous year's fishery, including:
(i)

The C/P sector's annual allocation of Pacific whiting;

(ii) The C/P cooperative's actual retained and discarded catch of Pacific whiting, salmon, Pacific
halibut, rockfish, groundfish, and other species on a vessel-by-vessel basis;
(iii) A description of the method used by the C/P co-op to monitor performance of cooperative
vessels that participated in the fishery;
(iv) A description of any actions taken by the C/P co-op in response to any vessels that exceed their
allowed catch and bycatch; and
(v) Plans for the current year's C/P co-op fishery, including the companies participating in the
cooperative, the harvest agreement, and catch monitoring and reporting requirements.
(4) [Reserved]
(5) Cost recovery program. In addition to the requirements at paragraph (a) of this section, the fish buyer,
as defined at § 660.111 for the C/P Co-op Program, is required to comply with the following
recordkeeping and reporting requirements:
(i)

Reporting. The fish buyer must submit a cost recovery form at the time cost recovery fees are
paid to NMFS as specified at § 660.115. The cost recovery form requires providing information
that includes, but is not limited to, fish buyer's name, address, phone number, C/P-endorsed
limited entry permit number, vessel name, USCG vessel documentation number, year of harvest,
weight, ex-vessel value, and fee due.

(ii) Recordkeeping. The fish buyer must maintain the following records:
(A) For all Pacific whiting:
(1) The date of harvest,
(2) The weight of Pacific whiting retained on board;
(3) Information sufficient to specifically identify the fishing vessel which harvested the
groundfish,
(4) The ex-vessel value of Pacific whiting retained on board;
(5) The net ex-vessel value of Pacific whiting retained on board; and
(6) The total fee amount collected as a result of all Pacific whiting.
(B) For all disbursements to NMFS:
(1) The date of each disbursement,
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(2) The total amount disbursed.
(e) Salmon Mitigation Plan (SMP). NMFS may approve a SMP for a group of at least three vessels in the MS
Co-op Program, C/P Co-op Program, or Pacific whiting IFQ fishery. NMFS may approve an SMP for more
than one group in a given year.
(1) Applicability of further measures to manage salmon bycatch. Routine management measures to
minimize Chinook salmon bycatch as described in § 660.60(i) may be implemented for vessels with
an approved SMP.
(2) SMP contents. The SMP must contain, at a minimum, the following—
(i)

SMP name. The name of the SMP.

(ii) Vessels party to the SMP. The vessel name and USCG vessel registration number (as given on
USCG Form 1270) or state registration number, if no USCG documentation, of each vessel that
is party to the SMP. A minimum of three vessels must be party to the SMP.
(iii) Compliance agreement. A written statement that all parties to the SMP agree to voluntarily
comply with all provisions of the SMP.
(iv) Signatures of those party to SMP. The names and signatures of the owner or representative for
each vessel that is party to the SMP.
(v) Designated SMP representative. The name, telephone number, mailing address, and email
address of a person appointed by those party to the SMP who is responsible for:
(A) Serving as the SMP contact person between NMFS and the Council;
(B) Submitting the SMP proposal and any SMP amendments; and
(C) Submitting the SMP postseason report to the Council and NMFS.
(vi) Plan. A description of:
(A) How parties to the SMP will adequately monitor and account for the catch of Chinook
salmon.
(B) How parties to the SMP will avoid and minimize Chinook salmon bycatch, including a
description of tools parties will employ. Tools may include, but would not be limited to,
information sharing, area closures, movement rules, salmon excluder use, and internal
bycatch guidelines.
(C) How the SMP is expected to promote reductions in Chinook salmon bycatch relative to
what would have occurred in absence of the SMP.
(3) Deadline for proposed SMP. A proposed SMP must be submitted between February 1 and March 17
of the year in which it intends to be in effect to NMFS at: NMFS, West Coast Region, ATTN: Fisheries
Permit Office, Bldg. 1, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115.
(4) Duration. Once approved, the SMP expires on December 31 of the year in which it was approved. An
SMP may not expire mid-year. No party may join or leave an SMP once it is approved, except as
allowed in paragraph (e)(5)(iii) of this section.
(5) NMFS review of a proposed SMP —

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(i)

50 CFR 660.113(e)(5)(i)

Approval. The Assistant Regional Administrator will provide written notification of approval to
the designated SMP representative if the SMP meets the following requirements:
(A) Contains the information required in paragraph (e)(2) of this section;
(B) Is submitted in compliance with the requirements of paragraphs (e)(3) and (4) of this
section; and
(C) As determined by NMFS, is reasonably expected to reduce Chinook salmon bycatch.

(ii) SMP identification number. If approved, NMFS will assign an SMP identification number to the
approved SMP.
(iii) Amendments to an SMP. After the SMP is approved, the designated SMP representative must
submit any changes to the SMP, including any changes in the vessels party to the SMP, as an
amendment to the SMP for approval by NMFS. The designated SMP representative may submit
amendments to an approved SMP to NMFS at any time during the year in which the SMP is
approved. The amendment must include the SMP identification number. An amendment to an
approved SMP is effective upon written notification of approval by NMFS to the designated
SMP representative. The Assistant Regional Administrator will provide written notification of
approval to the designated SMP representative if the SMP as amended meets the following
requirements:
(A) Contains the information required in paragraph (e)(2) of this section;
(B) Is submitted in compliance with the requirements of paragraph (e)(4) of this section; and
(C) As determined by NMFS, is reasonably expected to reduce Chinook salmon bycatch.
(iv) Disapproval —
(A) NMFS Disapproval. NMFS will disapprove a proposed SMP or a proposed amendment to
an SMP for any of the following reasons:
(1) If the proposed SMP fails to meet any of the requirements of paragraphs (e)(2)
through (4) of this section,
(2) If a proposed amendment to an SMP would cause the SMP to no longer meet the
requirements of paragraphs (e)(2) and (4) of this section, or
(3) If NMFS determines the proposed SMP or SMP amendment is not reasonably
expected to reduce Chinook salmon bycatch.
(B) Initial Administrative Determination (IAD). If, in NMFS' review of the proposed SMP or
amendment, NMFS identifies deficiencies in the proposed SMP that would require
disapproval of the proposed SMP or amendment, NMFS will notify the applicant in writing.
The applicant will be provided one 30-day period to address, in writing, the deficiencies
identified by NMFS. Additional information or a revised SMP received by NMFS after the
expiration of the 30-day period specified by NMFS will not be considered for purposes of
the review of the proposed SMP or amendment. NMFS will evaluate any additional
information submitted by the applicant within the 30-day period. If the Assistant Regional
Administrator determines the additional information addresses deficiencies in the
proposed SMP or amendment, the Assistant Regional Administrator will approve the
proposed SMP or amendment under paragraph (e)(5)(i) or (iii) of this section. However, if,
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50 CFR 660.113(e)(5)(iv)(C)

after consideration of the original proposed SMP or amendment, any additional
information, or a revised SMP submitted during the 30-day period, NMFS determines the
proposed SMP or amendment does not comply with the requirements of paragraph
(e)(5)(i) or (iii) of this section, the Assistant Regional Administrator will issue an IAD to the
applicant in writing providing the reasons for disapproving the proposed SMP or
amendment.
(C) Administrative Appeals. An applicant who receives an IAD disapproving a proposed SMP or
amendment may appeal. The appeal must be filed in writing within 30 calendar days of
when NMFS issues the IAD. The NOAA Fisheries National Appeals Office will process any
appeal. The regulations and policy of the National Appeals Office will govern the appeals
process. The National Appeals Office regulations are specified at 15 CFR part 906.
(D) Pending appeal. While the appeal of an IAD disapproving a proposed SMP or amendment
is pending, proposed parties to the SMP subject to the IAD will not have access to the
Chinook salmon bycatch reserve unless a measure described in § 660.60(i)(1)(ii) has
been implemented for that component of the whiting fishery.
(6) SMP postseason report. The designated SMP representative for an approved SMP must submit a
written postseason report to NMFS and the Council for the year in which the SMP was approved.
(i)

Submission deadline. The SMP postseason report must be received by NMFS and the Council
no later than March 17 of the year following that in which the SMP was approved.

(ii) Information requirements. The SMP postseason report must contain, at a minimum, the
following information:
(A) Name of the SMP and SMP identification number.
(B) A comprehensive description of Chinook salmon bycatch avoidance measures used in the
fishing year in which the SMP was approved, including but not limited to, information
sharing, area closures, movement rules, salmon excluder use, and internal bycatch
guidelines.
(C) An evaluation of the effectiveness of these avoidance measures in minimizing Chinook
salmon bycatch.
(D) A description of any amendments to the terms of the SMP that were approved by NMFS
during the fishing year in which the SMP was approved and the reasons the amendments
to the SMP were made.
[75 FR 60897, Oct. 1, 2010, as amended at 75 FR 78385, Dec. 15, 2010; 76 FR 53837, Aug. 30, 2011; 76 FR 74740, Dec. 1, 2011; 78
FR 68769, Nov. 15, 2013; 78 FR 75279, Dec. 11, 2013; 80 FR 22285, Apr. 21, 2015; 81 FR 27010, May 5, 2016; 81 FR 84430, Nov. 23,
2016; 83 FR 62276, Dec. 3, 2018; 84 FR 68806, Dec. 17, 2019; 86 FR 10869, Feb. 23, 2021; 87 FR 77005, Dec. 16, 2022; 88 FR
81358, Nov. 22, 2023; 89 FR 101522, Dec. 16, 2024]

§ 660.114 Trawl fishery—economic data collection program.
(a) General. The economic data collection (EDC) program collects mandatory economic data from
participants in the trawl rationalization program. NMFS requires submission of EDC forms to gather
ongoing, annual economic data, including, but not limited to the following categories of information
related to participation in the trawl rationalization program:
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50 CFR 660.114(a)(1)

(1) Annual data related to QS permit owner activity and characteristics of participation in the fishery,
costs and earnings from quota trades, and quota leasing.
(2) Annual data related to costs, earnings, value, labor, operations, physical characteristics, ownership
and leasing information for vessels, first receiver sites, or shorebased processors.
(b) Economic data collection program requirements. The following fishery participants in the limited entry
groundfish trawl fisheries are required to comply with the following EDC program requirements:

Fishery
participant
(1) Limited
entry trawl
catcher
vessels

Economic
data
collection

Who is required to submit
an EDC?

(i)
Annual/
ongoing
economic
data

(A) All owners, lessees,
and charterers of a
catcher vessel registered
to a limited entry trawl
endorsed permit

Consequence for failure to submit (In
addition to consequences listed below,
failure to submit an EDC may be a violation
of the MSA.)
(1) For permit owner, a limited entry trawl
permit application (including MS/CVendorsed limited entry trawl permit) will not
be considered complete until the required
EDC for that permit owner associated with
that permit is submitted, as specified at §
660.25(b)(4)(i).
(2) For a vessel owner, participation in the
groundfish fishery (including, but not limited
to, changes in vessel registration, vessel
account actions, or if own QS permit,
issuance of annual QP or IBQ pounds) will
not be authorized until the required EDC for
that owner for that vessel is submitted, as
specified, in part, at § 660.25(b)(4)(vi) and §
660.140(e).
(3) For a vessel lessee or charterer,
participation in the groundfish fishery
(including, but not limited to, issuance of
annual QP or IBQ pounds if own QS or IBQ)
will not be authorized, until the required EDC
for their operation of that vessel is
submitted.

(B) [Reserved]
(2)
(i)
Motherships Annual/
ongoing
economic
data

(A) All owners, lessees,
and charterers of a
mothership vessel
registered to an MS
permit

(1) For permit owner, an MS permit
application will not be considered complete
until the required EDC for that permit owner
associated with that permit is submitted, as
specified at § 660.25(b)(4)(i).
(2) For a vessel owner, participation in the
groundfish fishery (including, but not limited
to, changes in vessel registration) will not be
authorized until the required EDC for that

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Fishery
participant

Economic
data
collection

Who is required to submit
an EDC?

50 CFR 660.114(b)

Consequence for failure to submit (In
addition to consequences listed below,
failure to submit an EDC may be a violation
of the MSA.)
owner for that vessel is submitted, as
specified, in part, at § 660.25(b)(4)(vi).
(3) For a vessel lessee or charterer,
participation in the groundfish fishery will
not be authorized, until the required EDC for
their operation of that vessel is submitted.

(B) [Reserved]
(3) Catcher
processors

(i)
Annual/
ongoing
economic
data

(A) All owners, lessees,
and charterers of a
catcher processor vessel
registered to a C/Pendorsed limited entry
trawl permit

(1) For permit owner, a C/P-endorsed limited
entry trawl permit application will not be
considered complete until the required EDC
for that permit owner associated with that
permit is submitted, as specified at §
660.25(b)(4)(i).
(2) For a vessel owner, participation in the
groundfish fishery (including, but not limited
to, changes in vessel registration) will not be
authorized until the required EDC for that
owner for that vessel is submitted, as
specified, in part, at § 660.25(b)(4)(vi).
(3) For a vessel lessee or charterer,
participation in the groundfish fishery will
not be authorized, until the required EDC for
their operation of that vessel is submitted.

(B) [Reserved]
(4) First
receivers/
shorebased
processors

(i)
(A) All owners of a first
Annual/
receiver site license
ongoing
economic
data

(1) A first receiver site license application
will not be considered complete until the
required EDC for that license owner
associated with that license is submitted, as
specified at § 660.140(f)(3). See paragraph
(b)(4)(i)(A) of this table.
(2) [Reserved]

(B) All owners and lessees
of a shorebased
processor (as defined
under “processor” at §
660.11, for purposes of
EDC) that received round
or headed-and-gutted IFQ
species groundfish or
whiting from a first
receiver.

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Fishery
participant
(5) Quota
Share
Permit
Owners

Economic
data
collection
(i)
Annual/
ongoing
economic
data

Who is required to submit
an EDC?
(A) All owners of a Quota
Share permit and account
(as defined under §
660.25 (c))

50 CFR 660.114(c)

Consequence for failure to submit (In
addition to consequences listed below,
failure to submit an EDC may be a violation
of the MSA.)
(1) A Quota Share permit application or
permit renewal package will not be
considered complete until the required EDC
for that permit is submitted, as specified at
§ 660.140, subpart D.
(2) [Reserved]

(B) [Reserved]

(c) Submission of the EDC forms, and deadline —
(1) Submission of the EDC form. The complete, certified EDC forms must contain valid responses for all
data fields, and must be submitted either by paper or web form submission as follows:
(i)

Paper form submission. Paper forms must be submitted to ATTN: Economic Data Collection
Program (FRAM Division), NMFS, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, 2725 Montlake
Boulevard East, Seattle, WA 98112.

(ii) Web form submission. Completed EDC web forms must be submitted electronically via the
Economic Data Collection Program Web Form portal through NOAA.gov/fisheries and the
signature page faxed, mailed, or hand-delivered to NWFSC.
(2) Deadline. Complete, certified EDC forms must be mailed and postmarked by or hand-delivered to
NMFS NWFSC no later than September 1 each year for the prior year's data.
(3) Quota Share Permit Owner Survey Submissions and Deadline. Quota Share Permit Owner survey
forms are submitted by webform only during the quota account application and renewal process
specified at § 660.140 (d)(2). The complete certified Quota Share Permit Owner survey must be
submitted no later than November 30 of each year.
(d) Confidentiality of information. Information received on an EDC form will be considered confidential under
applicable law and guidance.
(e) EDC audit procedures —
(1) NMFS reserves the right to conduct verification of economic data with the submitter of the form.
NMFS may employ a third party agent to conduct the audits.
(2) The submitter of the EDC form must respond to any inquiry by NMFS or a NMFS agent within 20 days
of the date of issuance of the inquiry, unless an extension is granted by NMFS.
(3) The submitter of the form must provide copies of additional data to facilitate verification by NMFS or
NMFS' agent upon request. The NMFS auditor may review and request copies of additional data
provided by the submitter, including but not limited to, previously audited or reviewed financial
statements, worksheets, tax returns, invoices, receipts, and other original documents substantiating
the economic data submitted.
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50 CFR 660.115

[75 FR 78387, Dec. 15, 2010, as amended at 77 FR 55155, Sept. 7, 2012; 81 FR 84430, Nov. 23, 2016; 84 FR 68806, Dec. 17, 2019]

§ 660.115 Trawl fishery—cost recovery program.
(a) General. The cost recovery program collects mandatory fees of up to three percent of the ex-vessel value
of fish harvested by sector under the trawl rationalization program in accordance with the MagnusonStevens Act. NMFS collects the fees to recover the actual costs directly related to the management, data
collection, and enforcement of the trawl rationalization program. In addition to the requirements of this
section, the following groundfish regulations also apply:
(1) Regulations set out in the following sections of subpart C: § 660.11 Definitions and § 660.25
Permits.
(2) Regulations set out in the following sections of subpart D: § 660.111 Definitions, § 660.112 Trawl
fishery prohibitions, § 660.113 Trawl fishery recordkeeping and reporting, § 660.140 Shorebased IFQ
Program, § 660.150 MS Co-op Program, and § 660.160 C/P Co-op Program.
(b) Fee percentage by sector. The annual fee percentage by sector is calculated as described in paragraph
(b)(1) of this section. NMFS will establish the fee percentage each year and will announce the fee
percentage by sector in accordance with paragraph (b)(2) of this section. The fee percentage must not
exceed three percent of the ex-vessel value of fish harvested by sector under the trawl rationalization
program pursuant to the Magnuson-Stevens Act at 16 U.S.C. 1854(d)(2)(B).
(1) Calculation. In the last quarter of each calendar year, NMFS will calculate the fee percentage by
sector based on information from the previous fiscal year (defined at § 660.11). The fee percentage
will be rounded to the nearest 0.1 percent and must not exceed three percent for each sector
(Shorebased IFQ Program, MS Co-op Program, and C/P Co-op Program). NMFS will use the following
equation to annually determine the fee percentage by sector: Fee percentage = the lower of 3% or
(DPC/V) × 100, where:
(i)

“DPC,” or direct program costs, are the actual incremental costs for the previous fiscal year
directly related to the management, data collection, and enforcement of each sector
(Shorebased IFQ Program, MS Co-op Program, and C/P Co-op Program). Actual incremental
costs means those net costs that would not have been incurred but for the implementation of
the trawl rationalization program, including additional costs for new requirements of the
program and reduced trawl sector related costs resulting from efficiencies as a result of the
program. If the amount of fees collected by NMFS is greater or less than the actual net
incremental costs incurred, the DPC will be adjusted accordingly for calculation of the fee
percentage in the following year.

(ii) “V” is, for each applicable sector, the total ex-vessel value, as defined at § 660.111, from the
previous calendar year attributable to that sector of the trawl rationalization program
(Shorebased IFQ Program, MS Co-op Program, and C/P Co-op Program).
(2) Notification of the fee percentage and MS average pricing. During the last quarter of each calendar
year, NMFS will announce the following through a FEDERAL REGISTER notice:
(i)

The fee percentage to be applied by fish buyers and fish sellers, for each sector, that will be in
effect for the upcoming calendar year, and

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50 CFR 660.115(b)(2)(ii)

(ii) The average MS price per pound from the previous fiscal year as reported for the MS Co-op
Program to be used in the C/P Co-op Program to calculate the fee amount for the upcoming
calendar year as specified in paragraph (c) of this section.
(iii) Information on how to pay in to the Fund subaccount as specified at paragraph (d) of this
section.
(c) Fee amount. The fee amount is the ex-vessel value, as defined at § 660.111, for each sector multiplied by
the fee percentage for that sector as announced in accordance with paragraph (b)(2) of this section.
(d) Fee payment and collection —
(1) Fee payment and collection in the Shorebased IFQ Program and MS Co-op Program. Payment of fees
at the fee percentage rate announced in paragraph (b)(2) of this section begins January 1 and
continues without interruption through December 31 each year.
(i)

Between the fish seller and fish buyer. Except as described below, the full fee is due and payable
at the time of fish landing/delivery. Each fish buyer must collect the fee at the time of fish
landing/delivery by deducting the fee from the ex-vessel value before paying the net ex-vessel
value to the fish seller. Each fish seller must pay the fee at the time of fish landing/delivery by
receiving from the fish buyer the net ex-vessel value, as defined at § 660.111.
(A) In the event of any post-delivery payment for fish, the fish seller must pay, and the fish
buyer must collect, at the time the amount of such post-landing/delivery payment, the fee
that would otherwise have been due and payable at the time of initial fish landing/delivery.
(B) When the fish buyer and fish seller are the same entity, that entity must comply with the
requirements for both the fish seller and the fish buyer as specified in this section.

(ii) Between the fish buyer and NMFS —
(A) Deposit accounts. Each fish buyer shall maintain a segregated account at a federally
insured financial institution for the sole purpose of depositing collected fee revenue from
the cost recovery program specified in this section and disbursing the deposit principal
directly to NMFS in accordance with paragraph (d)(1)(ii)(C) of this section.
(B) Fee collection deposits. Each fish buyer, no less frequently than at the end of each month,
shall deposit, in the deposit account established under paragraph (d)(1)(ii)(A) of this
section, all fees collected, not previously deposited, that the fish buyer collects through a
date not more than two calendar days before the date of deposit. The deposit principal
may not be pledged, assigned, or used for any purpose other than aggregating collected
fee revenue for disbursement to the Fund in accordance with paragraph (d)(1)(ii)(C) of this
section. The fish buyer is entitled, at any time, to withdraw deposit interest, if any, but
never deposit principal, from the deposit account for the fish buyer's own use and
purposes. If the fish buyer has used a credit card to pay the cost recovery fee, the deposit
principal may be used to reimburse the credit card in the same amount as the fee
payment.
(C) Deposit principal disbursement. Not later than the 14th calendar day after the last calendar
day of each month, or more frequently if the amount in the account exceeds the account
limit for insurance purposes, the fish buyer shall disburse to NMFS the full deposit
principal then in the deposit account. The fish buyer shall disburse deposit principal by
electronic payment to the Fund subaccount to which the deposit principal relates. If the
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50 CFR 660.115(d)(2)

fish buyer has used a credit card to pay the cost recovery fee, the deposit principal may be
used to reimburse the credit card in the same amount as the fee payment. NMFS will
announce information about how to make an electronic payment to the Fund subaccount
in the notification on fee percentage specified in paragraph (b)(2) of this section. Each
disbursement must be accompanied by a cost recovery form provided by NMFS.
Recordkeeping and reporting requirements are specified in paragraph (d)(4) of this section
and at § 660.113(b)(5) for the Shorebased IFQ Program and § 660.113(c)(5) for the MS
Co-op Program. The cost recovery form will be available on the pay.gov website.
(2) Fee payment and collection in the C/P Co-op Program. Payment of fees for the calendar year at the
fee percentage rate announced in paragraph (b)(2) of this section is due in the last quarter of the
calendar year and no later than December 31 each year. The fish buyer is responsible for fee
payment to NMFS. The fish seller and the fish buyer, as defined at § 660.111, are considered the
same entity in the C/P Co-op Program. The fish buyer shall disburse to NMFS the full fee amount for
the calendar year by electronic payment to the Fund subaccount. NMFS will announce information
about how to make an electronic payment to the Fund subaccount in the notification on fee
percentage specified in paragraph (b)(2) of this section. Each disbursement must be accompanied
by a cost recovery form provided by NMFS. Recordkeeping and reporting requirements are specified
in paragraph (d)(4) of this section and at § 660.113(d)(5) for the C/P Co-op Program. The cost
recovery form will be available on the pay.gov Web site.
(3) Failure to pay or collect —
(i)

Responsibility to notify NMFS.
(A) If a fish buyer fails to collect the fee in the amount and manner required by this section, the
fish seller shall then advise the fish buyer of the fish seller's fee payment obligation and of
the fish buyer's cost recovery fee collection obligation. If the fish buyer still fails to
properly collect the fee, the fish seller, within the next 7 calendar days, shall forward the
fee to NMFS. The fish seller at the same time shall also advise NMFS in writing at the
address in paragraph (d)(3)(i)(C) of this section of the full particulars, including:
(1) The fish buyer's and fish seller's name, address, and telephone number,
(2) The name of the fishing vessel from which the fish seller made fish delivery and the
date of doing so,
(3) The weight and ex-vessel value of each species of fish that the fish seller delivered,
and
(4) The fish buyer's reason, if known, for failing or refusing to collect the fee in
accordance with this subpart;
(B) Notifications must be mailed or faxed to: National Marine Fisheries Service, West Coast
Region, Office of Management and Information, ATTN: Cost Recovery Notification, 7600
Sand Point Way NE., Seattle, WA 98115; Fax: 206-526-6426; or delivered to National
Marine Fisheries Service at the same address.

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50 CFR 660.115(d)(3)(ii)

(ii) IAD, appeals, and final decision. If NMFS determines the fish buyer or other responsible party
has not submitted a complete cost recovery form and corresponding payment by the due date
specified in paragraphs (d)(1) and (2) of this section, NMFS will at any time thereafter notify the
fish buyer or other responsible party in writing via an initial administrative determination (IAD)
letter.
(A) IAD. In the IAD, NMFS will state the discrepancy and provide the person 30 calendar days
to either pay the specified amount due or appeal the IAD in writing.
(B) Appeals. If the fish buyer appeals an IAD, the appeal must be postmarked, faxed, or hand
delivered to NMFS no later than 30 calendar days after the date on the IAD. If the last day
of the time period is a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal holiday, the time period will extend to
the close of business on the next business day. The appeal must be in writing, must allege
credible facts or circumstances, and must include any relevant information or
documentation to support the appeal. Appeals must be mailed, faxed, or hand-delivered
to: National Marine Fisheries Service, West Coast Region, Office of Management and
Information, ATTN: Cost Recovery Appeals, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Seattle, WA 98115;
Fax: 206-526-6426; or delivered to National Marine Fisheries Service at the same address.
(C) Final decision —
(1) Final decision on appeal. For the appeal of an IAD, the Regional Administrator shall
appoint an appeals officer. After determining there is sufficient information and that
all procedural requirements have been met, the appeals officer will review the record
and issue a recommendation on the appeal to the Regional Administrator, which
shall be advisory only. The recommendation must be based solely on the record.
Upon receiving the findings and recommendation, the Regional Administrator, acting
on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce, will issue a written decision on the appeal
which is the final decision of the Secretary of Commerce.
(2) Final decision if there is no appeal. If the fish buyer does not appeal the IAD within 30
calendar days, NMFS will notify the fish buyer or other responsible party in writing via
a final decision letter. The final decision will be from the Regional Administrator
acting on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce.
(3) If the final decision determines that the fish buyer is out of compliance, the final
decision will require payment within 30 calendar days. If such payment is not
received within 30 calendar days of issuance of the final decision, NMFS will refer the
matter to the appropriate authorities for purposes of collection. As of the date of the
final decision if the fish buyer is out of compliance, NMFS will not approve a permit
renewal for an MS permit or a C/P-endorsed limited entry trawl permit until all cost
recovery fees due have been paid as specified at § 660.25(b)(4)(i)(G); or reissue an
IFQ first receiver site license until all cost recovery fees due have been paid, as
specified at § 660.140(f)(4).
(4) Recordkeeping, reporting, and audits —
(i)

Recordkeeping. Each fish buyer and fish seller shall retain records in accordance with §
660.113(a). In addition, fish buyers shall retain records in accordance with the following
paragraphs: § 660.113(b)(5) for the Shorebased IFQ Program, § 660.113(c)(5) for the MS Co-op
Program, and § 660.113(d)(5) for the C/P Co-op Program.

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50 CFR 660.115(d)(4)(ii)

(ii) Reporting, including annual report. Each fish buyer shall submit reports in accordance with the
following paragraphs: § 660.113(b)(5) for the Shorebased IFQ Program, § 660.113(c)(5) for the
MS Co-op Program, and § 660.113(d)(5) for the C/P Co-op Program. The fish buyer must
submit a cost recovery form along with fee payment to NMFS. By March 31 each year, fish
buyers in the MS Co-op Program must submit an annual report to NMFS containing information
from the preceding calendar year as specified at § 660.113(c)(5).
(iii) Audits. NMFS or its agents may audit, in whatever manner NMFS determines reasonably
necessary for the duly diligent administration of the cost recovery program, the financial
records of fish buyers and fish sellers in order to ensure proper fee payment, collection, deposit,
disbursement, accounting, recordkeeping, and reporting. Fish buyers and fish sellers must
respond to any inquiry by NMFS or a NMFS agent within 20 calendar days of the date of
issuance of the inquiry, unless an extension is granted by NMFS. Fish buyers and fish sellers
shall make all relevant records available to NMFS or NMFS' agents at reasonable times and
places and promptly provide all requested information reasonably related to these records.
NMFS may employ a third party agent to conduct the audits. The NMFS auditor may review and
request copies of additional data provided by the submitter, including but not limited to,
previously audited or reviewed financial statements, worksheets, tax returns, invoices, receipts,
and other original documents substantiating the data submitted.
[78 FR 75280, Dec. 11, 2013, as amended at 84 FR 68808, Dec. 17, 2019; 88 FR 81358, Nov. 22, 2023]

§ 660.120 Trawl fishery—crossover provisions.
The crossover provisions listed at § 660.60(h)(7), apply to vessels fishing in the limited entry trawl fishery.
[76 FR 74740, Dec. 1, 2011]

§ 660.130 Trawl fishery—management measures.
(a) General. This section applies to the limited entry trawl fishery. Most species taken in the limited entry trawl
fishery will be managed with quotas (see § 660.140), allocations or set-asides (see § 660.150 or §
660.160), or cumulative trip limits (see trip limits in tables 1b (North) and 1b (South) of this subpart), size
limits (see § 660.60(h)(5)), seasons (see Pacific whiting at § 660.131(b)), gear restrictions (see
paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section) and closed areas (see paragraphs (c) and (e) of this section and §§
660.70 through 660.79). The limited entry trawl fishery has gear requirements and harvest limits that
differ by the type of groundfish trawl gear on board and the area fished. Groundfish vessels operating
south of Point Conception must adhere to CCA restrictions (see paragraph (e)(1) of this section and §
660.70). The trip limits in tables 1b (North) and 1b (South) of this subpart apply to vessels participating in
the limited entry trawl fishery and may not be exceeded. Federal commercial groundfish regulations are
not intended to supersede any more restrictive state commercial groundfish regulations relating to
federally managed groundfish.
(b) Trawl gear requirements and restrictions. Trawl nets may be fished with or without otter boards, and may
use warps or cables to herd fish.
(1) Bottom trawl gear —

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(i)

50 CFR 660.130(b)(1)(i)

Large footrope trawl gear. Lines or ropes that run parallel to the footrope may not be augmented
with material encircling or tied along their length such that they have a diameter larger than 19
inches (48 cm). For enforcement purposes, the footrope will be measured in a straight line from
the outside edge to the opposite outside edge at the widest part on any individual part,
including any individual disk, roller, bobbin, or any other device.

(ii) Small footrope trawl gear. Lines or ropes that run parallel to the footrope may not be augmented
with material encircling or tied along their length such that they have a diameter larger than 8
inches (20 cm). For enforcement purposes, the footrope will be measured in a straight line from
the outside edge to the opposite outside edge at the widest part on any individual part,
including any individual disk, roller, bobbin, or any other device.
(A) Selective flatfish trawl gear. Selective flatfish trawl gear is a type of small footrope trawl
gear. The selective flatfish trawl net must be either a two-seamed or four-seamed net with
no more than four riblines, excluding the codend. The breastline may not be longer than 3
ft (0.92 m) in length. There may be no floats along the center third of the headrope or
attached to the top panel except on the riblines. The footrope must be less than 105 ft
(32.26 m) in length. The headrope must be not less than 30 percent longer than the
footrope. The headrope shall be measured along the length of the headrope from the
outside edge to the opposite outside edge. An explanatory diagram of a selective flatfish
trawl net is provided as Figure 1 of part 660, subpart D.
(B) [Reserved]
(2) Midwater (pelagic or off-bottom) trawl gear. Midwater trawl gear must have unprotected footropes at
the trawl mouth, and must not have rollers, bobbins, tires, wheels, rubber discs, or any similar device
anywhere on any part of the net. The footrope of midwater gear may not be enlarged by encircling it
with chains or by any other means. Ropes or lines running parallel to the footrope of midwater trawl
gear must be bare and may not be suspended with chains or any other materials. Sweep lines,
including the bottom leg of the bridle, must be bare. For at least 20 ft (6.15 m) immediately behind
the footrope or headrope, bare ropes or mesh of 16-inch (40.6-cm) minimum mesh size must
completely encircle the net.
(c) Restrictions by limited entry trawl gear type. Management measures may vary depending on the type of
trawl gear (i.e., large footrope, small footrope, selective flatfish, or midwater trawl gear) used and/or on
board a vessel during a fishing trip, cumulative limit period, and the area fished. Trawl nets may be used
on and off the seabed. For some species or species groups, tables 1b (North) and 1b (South) of this
subpart provide trip limits that are specific to different types of trawl gear: Large footrope, small footrope
(including selective flatfish), selective flatfish, midwater, and multiple types. If tables 1a (North), 1b
(North), 1a (South), and 1b (South) of this subpart provide gear specific limits or closed areas for a
particular species or species group, prohibitions at §§ 660.12 and 660.112(a)(5) apply. Additional
conservation areas applicable to vessels registered to limited entry permits with trawl endorsements are
listed at paragraph (e) of this section.
(1) Fishing with large footrope trawl gear —
(i)

North of 46°16′ N lat. It is unlawful for any vessel using large footrope gear to fish for groundfish
shoreward of the trawl RCA, defined at § 660.11 and with latitude and longitude coordinates at
§§ 660.71 through 660.74. The use of large footrope gear is allowed where bottom trawling is
allowed seaward of the trawl RCA.

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(ii) South of 46°16′ N lat. It is unlawful for any vessel using large footrope gear to fish for groundfish
shoreward of the boundary line approximating the 100 fm (183 m) depth contour defined with
latitude and longitude coordinates at § 660.73. The use of large footrope gear is allowed where
bottom trawling is allowed seaward of the boundary line approximating the 100 fm (183 m)
depth contour.
(2) Fishing with small footrope trawl gear. The use of small footrope bottom trawl gear is allowed in all
areas where bottom trawling is allowed with the following requirements:
(i)

Fishing with selective flatfish trawl gear. The use of selective flatfish trawl gear, a type of small
footrope trawl gear, is allowed in all areas where bottom trawling is allowed. Selective flatfish
trawl gear is required shoreward of the boundary line approximating the 100 fm (183 m) depth
contour between 42° N lat. and 40°10′ N lat. and fishing with all other types of small footrope
trawl gear is prohibited in this area.

(ii) Salmon bycatch mitigation restrictions. The use of small footrope trawl, other than selective
flatfish trawl gear, is prohibited between 42° N lat. and 40°10′ N lat.
(iii) Salmon conservation area restrictions. The use of small footrope trawl, other than of selective
flatfish trawl gear, is prohibited inside the Klamath River Salmon Conservation Zone and the
Columbia River Salmon Conservation Zone (defined at § 660.131(e)(8)).
(3) Fishing with limited entry midwater trawl gear —
(i)

North of 40°10′ N lat., limited entry midwater trawl gear is required for vessels declared into the
Pacific whiting fishery; limited entry midwater trawl gear is allowed for vessels declared into the
non-whiting Shorebased IFQ Program during the Pacific whiting primary season.

(ii) South of 40°10′ N lat., vessels declared into limited entry midwater trawl are prohibited from
operating, other than for the purpose of continuous transiting with prohibited gear stowed,
shoreward of the boundary line approximating the 150 fm (274 m) depth contour, as defined
with latitude and longitude coordinates at § 660.73. Vessels declared limited entry midwater
trawl may operate seaward of a boundary line approximating the 150 fm (274 m) depth contour.
See also paragraph (c)(4)(ii) of this section for additional restrictions.
(4) More than one type of trawl gear on board. The trip limits in table 1b (North) or 1b (South) of this
subpart must not be exceeded. A vessel may not have both groundfish trawl gear and nongroundfish trawl gear onboard simultaneously. A vessel may have more than one type of limited
entry trawl gear on board (midwater, large or small footrope, including selective flatfish trawl), either
simultaneously or successively, during a cumulative limit period except between 42° N lat. and
40°10′ N lat. as described in this section. If a vessel fishes both north and south of 40°10′ N lat. with
any type of small or large footrope gear onboard the vessel at any time during the cumulative limit
period, the most restrictive cumulative limit associated with the gear on board would apply for that
trip and all catch would be counted toward that cumulative limit (see crossover provisions at §
660.60(h)(7)). When operating in an applicable GCA, all trawl gear must be stowed, consistent with
prohibitions at § 660.112(a)(5)(i), unless authorized in this section.
(i)

Vessels operating north of 40°10′ N lat. —
(A) Limited entry bottom trawl gears. A vessel may have more than one type of limited entry
bottom trawl gear on board (large or small footrope, including selective flatfish trawl),
either simultaneously or successively, during a cumulative limit period with the following

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exception: between 42° N lat. and 40°10′ N lat. and shoreward of the boundary line
approximating the 100 fm (183 m) depth contour defined with latitude and longitude
coordinates at § 660.73. In this area, vessels may not have any type of small footrope
trawl gear other than selective flatfish trawl gear on board when fishing, per prohibitions at
§ 660.112(a)(5)(i).
(B) Limited entry midwater trawl gears. A vessel may have more than one type of midwater
groundfish trawl gear on board, either simultaneously or successively, during a cumulative
limit period.
(C) Limited entry selective flatfish trawl gear. If a vessel fishes exclusively with selective
flatfish trawl gear during an entire cumulative limit period, then the vessel is subject to the
selective flatfish trawl gear-cumulative limits during that limit period, regardless of
whether the vessel is fishing shoreward or seaward of the trawl RCA or the boundary line
approximating the 100 fm (183 m) depth contour defined with latitude and longitude
coordinates at § 660.73.
(D) Cumulative limits. If a vessel fishes exclusively with large or small footrope trawl gear
during an entire cumulative limit period, the vessel is subject to the cumulative limits for
that gear. If more than one type of groundfish bottom trawl gear (selective flatfish, large
footrope, or small footrope) is on board, either simultaneously or successively, at any time
during a cumulative limit period, then the most restrictive cumulative limit associated with
the groundfish bottom trawl gear on board during that cumulative limit period applies for
the entire cumulative limit period.
(ii) Vessels operating south of 40°10′ N lat. —
(A) Limited entry bottom trawl gears. A vessel may have more than one type of limited entry
bottom trawl gear on board (large or small footrope, including selective flatfish trawl),
either simultaneously or successively, during a cumulative limit period.
(B) Limited entry midwater trawl gear. Vessels may not operate, other than transiting through,
with limited entry midwater trawl gear on board that is not stowed, consistent with §
660.112(a)(5), in the area shoreward of the boundary line approximating the 150 fm (274
m) depth contour defined with latitude and longitude coordinates at § 660.73. If a vessel
fishes with limited entry bottom trawl gear in this area, vessels may have midwater trawl
gear on board that is stowed, consistent with § 660.112(a)(5), and may fish seaward of
the boundary line approximating the 150 fm (274 m) depth contour on the same trip with
appropriate declaration changes. Vessels with groundfish on board harvested using
limited entry midwater trawl gear may transit the area shoreward of the boundary line
approximating the 150 fm (274 m) depth contour defined with latitude and longitude
coordinates at § 660.73 if the midwater gear is stowed consistent with § 660.112(a)(5).
(d) Sorting. In addition to the requirements at § 660.12(a)(8), the States of Washington, Oregon, and
California may also require that vessels record their landings as sorted on their state landing receipt.
Sector-specific sorting requirements and exceptions are listed at paragraphs (d)(2) and (d)(3) of this
section.
(1) Species and areas —

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(i)

50 CFR 660.130(d)(1)(i)

Coastwide. Widow rockfish, canary rockfish, darkblotched rockfish, yelloweye rockfish,
shortbelly rockfish, black rockfish, blue/deacon rockfish, minor nearshore rockfish, minor shelf
rockfish, minor slope rockfish, shortraker rockfish, rougheye/blackspotted rockfish, shortspine
and longspine thornyhead, Dover sole, arrowtooth flounder, petrale sole, starry flounder, English
sole, other flatfish, lingcod, sablefish, Pacific cod, spiny dogfish, other fish, longnose skate,
Pacific whiting, and big skate.

(ii) North of 40°10′ N lat. POP, yellowtail rockfish, Washington cabezon/kelp greenling complex,
Oregon cabezon/kelp greenling complex, cabezon off California; and
(iii) South of 40°10′ N. lat. Minor shallow nearshore rockfish, minor deeper nearshore rockfish,
California scorpionfish, chilipepper, bocaccio, splitnose rockfish, Pacific sanddabs, cowcod,
bronzespotted rockfish, blackgill rockfish and cabezon.
(2) Sorting requirements for the Shorebased IFQ Program —
(i)

First receivers. Fish landed at IFQ first receivers (including shoreside processing facilities and
buying stations that intend to transport catch for processing elsewhere) must be sorted, prior
to first weighing after offloading from the vessel and prior to transport away from the point of
landing, with the following exception: Catch from a Pacific whiting IFQ trip may be sorted after
weighing as specified at § 660.140(j)(2).

(ii) Catcher vessels. All catch must be sorted to the species groups specified in paragraph (d)(1) of
this section for vessels with limited entry permits, except those engaged in maximized
retention while declared into a Pacific whiting IFQ trip. The catch must not be discarded from
the vessel and the vessel must not mix catch from hauls until the observer has sampled the
catch, unless otherwise allowed under the EM Program requirements at § 660.604 of subpart J.
Prohibited species must be sorted according to the following species groups: Dungeness crab,
Pacific halibut, Chinook salmon, other salmon. Non-groundfish species must be sorted as
required by the state of landing.
(3) Sorting requirements for the MS Co-op and the C/P Co-op Programs.
(i)

Processing vessels in the MS and C/P Co-op Programs may use a bulk weighing scale in
compliance with the equipment requirement at § 660.15(b) to derive an accurate total catch
weight prior to sorting. Immediately following weighing of the total catch, the catch must be
sorted to the species groups specified in paragraph (d)(1) of this section and all catch ofgroundfish and non-groundfish species must be accurately accounted for and the weight of all
catch other than a single predominant species deducted from the total catch weight to derive
the weight of a single predominant species.

(ii) If sorting occurs on a catcher vessel in the MS Co-op Program, the catch must not be discarded
from the vessel and the vessel must not mix catch from hauls until the observer has sampled
the catch, or unless otherwise allowed under the EM Program requirements at § 660.604 of
subpart J.
(e) Groundfish conservation areas (GCAs). GCAs are closed areas, defined at § 660.11, and using latitude and
longitude coordinates specified at §§ 660.70 through 660.74, and § 660.76.
(1) Cowcod conservation areas (CCAs). This closure applies to vessels with limited entry trawl gear on
board. Limited entry trawl vessels may transit through the Western CCA within the transit corridor,
defined at § 660.70.
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50 CFR 660.130(e)(2)

(2) Cordell Bank. Commercial fishing for groundfish is prohibited in waters of depths less than 100-fm
(183-m) around Cordell Bank, defined at § 660.70. Vessels may transit through with all trawl gear
stowed.
(3) Trawl RCA. This GCA is off the coast of Washington, between the US/Canada border and 46°16′ N lat.
Boundaries for the trawl RCA applicable to groundfish trawl vessels throughout the year are provided
in the header to table 1a (North) of this subpart and may be modified by NMFS inseason pursuant to
§ 660.60(c). Prohibitions at § 660.112(a)(5) do not apply under the following conditions and when
the vessel has a valid declaration for the allowed fishing:
(i)

Limited entry midwater trawl gear. Limited entry midwater trawl gear may be used within the
trawl RCA by vessels targeting Pacific whiting or non-whiting when it is an authorized gear type
for the area and season. If a vessel fishes in the trawl RCA using midwater trawl gear, it may
also fish outside the trawl RCA with limited entry trawl gear on the same trip with appropriate
declaration changes.

(ii) Transiting. A vessel authorized to operate in the trawl RCA may continuously transit through the
trawl RCA, with or without groundfish on board, with prohibited trawl gear stowed, as defined at
§ 660.111.
(4) Block area closures or BACs. BACs, defined at § 660.111, are applicable to vessels with groundfish
bottom trawl or midwater trawl gear on board that is not stowed, per the prohibitions in §
660.112(a)(5). When in effect, BACs are areas closed to bottom trawl and/or midwater trawl fishing.
A vessel operating, for any purpose other than continuous transiting, in the BAC must have
prohibited trawl gear stowed, as defined at § 660.111. Nothing in these Federal regulations
supersedes any state regulations that may prohibit trawling shoreward of the fishery management
area, defined at § 660.11. Prohibitions at § 660.112(a)(5) do not apply under any of the following
conditions and when the vessel has a valid declaration for the allowed fishing:
(i)

Trawl gear. Limited entry midwater trawl gear and bottom trawl gear may be used within the
BAC only when it is an authorized gear type for the area and season, and not prohibited by the
BAC.

(ii) Transiting. A vessel authorized to operate in a BAC may continuously transit through the BAC,
with or without groundfish on board, with prohibited trawl gear stowed, as defined at § 660.111.
(iii) Multiple gears. If a vessel fishes in a BAC with an authorized groundfish trawl gear, it may fish
outside the BAC on the same trip using another authorized trawl gear type for that area and
season, provided it makes the appropriate declaration change.
(5) Bycatch reduction areas or BRAs. Vessels using midwater groundfish trawl gear during the applicable
Pacific whiting primary season may be prohibited from fishing shoreward of a boundary line
approximating the 75 fm (137 m), 100 fm (183 m), 150 fm (274 m), or 200 fm (366 m) depth
contours.
(6) Eureka management area midwater trawl trip limits. No more than 10,000-lb (4,536 kg) of whiting may
be taken and retained, possessed, or landed by a vessel that, at any time during a fishing trip, fished
with midwater groundfish trawl gear in the fishery management area shoreward of the boundary line
approximating the 100 fm (183 m) depth contour in the Eureka management area, defined at §
660.11. See also midwater trawl depth restrictions in paragraph (c) of this section.

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50 CFR 660.130(e)(7)

(7) Salmon conservation zones. Fishing with midwater trawl gear and bottom trawl gear, other than
selective flatfish trawl gear, is prohibited in the Klamath River Salmon Conservation Zone and the
Columbia River Salmon Conservation Zone (defined at § 660.111).
(f) Essential fish habitat conservation areas. EFHCAs are defined at § 660.11 and at §§ 660.76 through
660.79. EFHCAs apply to vessels using bottom trawl gear or to vessels using bottom contact gear,
defined at § 660.11. Vessels may transit through, with or without groundfish on board, with all prohibited
gear stowed. EFHCAs closed to bottom trawl gear are listed at § 660.112(a)(5)(v). EFHCAs off California
that are closed to bottom trawl gear, except vessels fishing with a valid declaration for demersal seine
gear, are listed in § 660.112(a)(5)(vi). EFHCAs closed to bottom contact gear are listed at § 660.12(a)(4),
(16) and (17).
(g) Salmon bycatch. This fishery may be closed through automatic action at § 660.60(d)(1)(iv) and (v).
[75 FR 60897, Oct. 1, 2010, as amended at 75 FR 78389, Dec. 15, 2010; 75 FR 82305, Dec. 30, 2010; 76 FR 27546, May 11, 2011; 76
FR 53837, Aug. 30, 2011; 76 FR 74741, Dec. 1, 2011; 78 FR 629, Jan. 3, 2013; 78 FR 68769, Nov. 15, 2013; 79 FR 71343, Dec. 2,
2014; 80 FR 12590, Mar. 10, 2015; 80 FR 31860, June 4, 2015; 80 FR 77272, Dec. 14, 2015; 82 FR 9658, Feb. 7, 2017; 83 FR 62277,
Dec. 3, 2018; 83 FR 64002, Dec. 12, 2018; 83 FR 66638, Dec. 27, 2018; 84 FR 31159, June 28, 2019; 84 FR 49962, Sept. 24, 2019;
84 FR 63986, Nov. 19, 2019; 86 FR 10870, Feb. 23, 2021; 88 FR 81358, Nov. 22, 2023; 88 FR 83848, Dec. 1, 2023; 89 FR 101532,
Dec. 16, 2024]

§ 660.131 Pacific whiting fishery management measures.
(a) General. This section applies to the MS sector, the C/P sector, the Pacific whiting IFQ fishery, and
Shorebased IFQ vessels targeting Pacific whiting under trip limits outside the Pacific whiting primary
season.
(b) Pacific whiting primary seasons and Pacific whiting trip limits —
(1) Pacific whiting fishery primary seasons.
(i)

For the Pacific whiting IFQ fishery, the primary season is the period(s) of the large-scale Pacific
whiting target fishery conducted after the primary season start date.

(ii) For the C/P sector, the primary season is the period(s) when catching and at-sea processing are
allowed (after the season closes, at-sea processing of any fish already on board the processing
vessel is allowed to continue).
(iii) For vessels delivering to motherships, the primary season is the period(s) when catching and
at-sea processing is allowed for the MS sector (after the season closes, at-sea processing of
any fish already on board the processing vessel is allowed to continue).
(2) Different primary season start dates. North of 40°30′ N. lat., different primary season starting dates
may be established for the C/P Co-op Program, the MS Co-op Program, and the Pacific whiting IFQ
fishery for vessels delivering to IFQ first receivers north of 42° N. lat. and vessels delivering to IFQ
first receivers between 42° and 40°30′ N. lat.
(i)

Procedures. The Pacific whiting primary seasons north of 40°30′ N. lat. generally will be
established according to the procedures of the PCGFMP for developing and implementing
harvest specifications and apportionments. The season opening dates remain in effect unless
changed.

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50 CFR 660.131(b)(2)(ii)

(ii) Criteria. The start of a Pacific whiting primary season may be changed based on a
recommendation from the Council and consideration of the following factors, if applicable: Size
of the harvest guidelines for whiting and bycatch species; age/size structure of the whiting
population; expected harvest of bycatch and prohibited species; availability and stock status of
prohibited species; expected participation by catchers and processors; environmental
conditions; timing of alternate or competing fisheries; industry agreement; fishing or processing
rates; and other relevant information.
(iii) Primary whiting season start dates and duration. After the start of a primary season for a sector
of the Pacific whiting fishery, the primary season remains open for that sector until the sector
allocation of whiting or non-whiting groundfish (with allocations) is reached or projected to be
reached and the primary season for that sector is closed by NMFS. The starting dates for the
primary seasons are as follows:
(A) Catcher/processor sector—May 1.
(B) Mothership sector—May 1.
(C) Shorebased IFQ Program. The start of the Shorebased IFQ Program primary whiting
season is:
(1) North of 40°30′ N lat.—May 1; and
(2) South of 40°30′ N. lat.—April 15.
(3) Pacific whiting trip limits. For Shorebased IFQ Program vessels targeting Pacific whiting outside the
primary season, the “per trip” limit for whiting is announced in table 1b of this subpart. The per-trip
limit is a routine management measure under § 660.60(c). This trip limit includes any whiting caught
shoreward of 100 fm (183 m) in the Eureka management area. The per-trip limit for other groundfish
species are announced in tables 1b (North) and 1b (South) of this subpart and apply as follows:
(i)

During the groundfish cumulative limit periods both before and after the primary whiting
season, vessels may use either small and/or large footrope gear, but are subject to the more
restrictive trip limits for those entire cumulative periods.

(ii) If a vessel on a Pacific whiting IFQ trip harvests a groundfish species other than whiting for
which there is a midwater trip limit, then that vessel may also harvest up to another footropespecific limit for that species during any cumulative limit period that overlaps the start or close
of the primary season.
(c) Closed areas. The conservation areas described here are in addition to conservation areas applicable to
vessels operating with midwater trawl gear on board described in § 660.130(c) and (e). Vessels fishing
during the Pacific whiting primary seasons shall not target Pacific whiting with midwater groundfish trawl
gear in the following portions of the fishery management area:
(1) Klamath river salmon conservation zone, defined at § 660.111.
(2) Columbia river salmon conservation zone, defined at § 660.111.
(3) Bycatch reduction areas or BRAs. Bycatch reduction area closures specified at § 660.130(e) may be
implemented inseason through automatic action when NMFS projects that a Pacific whiting sector
will exceed an allocation for a non-whiting groundfish species specified for that sector before the
sector's whiting allocation is projected to be reached.
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50 CFR 660.131(d)

(d) Eureka management area trip limits. Trip landing or frequency limits may be established, modified, or
removed under § 660.60 or this paragraph, specifying the amount of Pacific whiting that may be taken
and retained, possessed, or landed by a vessel that, at any time during a fishing trip, fished in the fishery
management area shoreward of the 100 fathom (183 m) contour in the Eureka management area. Unless
otherwise specified, no more than 10,000-lb (4,536 kg) of whiting may be taken and retained, possessed,
or landed by a vessel that, at any time during a fishing trip, fished in the fishery management area
shoreward of the 100 fm (183 m) contour in the Eureka management area.
(e) At-sea processing. Whiting may not be processed at sea south of 42°00′ N. lat. (Oregon-California border),
unless by a waste-processing vessel as authorized under paragraph (g) of this section.
(f) Time of day. Vessels fishing in the Pacific whiting primary seasons for the Shorebased IFQ Program, MS
Co-op Program or C/P Co-op Program shall not target Pacific whiting with midwater trawl gear in the
fishery management area south of 42°00′ N. lat. between 0001 hours to one-half hour after official sunrise
(local time). During this time south of 42°00′ N. lat., trawl doors must be on board any vessel used to fish
for whiting and the trawl must be attached to the trawl doors. Official sunrise is determined, to the nearest
5° lat., in The Nautical Almanac issued annually by the Nautical Almanac Office, U.S. Naval Observatory,
and available from the U.S. Government Printing Office.
(g) Processing fish waste at sea. A vessel that processes only fish waste (a “waste-processing vessel”) is not
considered a whiting processor and therefore is not subject to the allocations, seasons, or restrictions for
catcher/processors or motherships while it operates as a waste-processing vessel. However, no vessel
may operate as a waste-processing vessel 48 hours immediately before and after a primary season for
whiting in which the vessel operates as a catcher/processor or mothership. A vessel must meet the
following conditions to qualify as a waste-processing vessel:
(1) The vessel makes meal (ground dried fish), oil, or minced (ground flesh) product, but does not make,
and does not have on board, surimi (fish paste with additives), fillets (meat from the side of the fish,
behind the head and in front of the tail), or headed and gutted fish (head and viscera removed).
(2) The amount of whole whiting on board does not exceed the trip limit (if any) allowed under §
660.60(c) or table 1b (North) or 1b (South) in subpart D.
(3) Any trawl net and doors on board are stowed in a secured and covered manner, and detached from
all towing lines, so as to be rendered unusable for fishing.
(4) The vessel does not receive codends containing fish.
(5) The vessel's operations are consistent with applicable state and Federal law, including those
governing disposal of fish waste at sea.
(h) Reapportionment of Pacific whiting.
(1) Upon receipt of written notice to the Regional Administrator from the tribe(s) participating in the
fishery that they do not intend to use a portion of the tribal allocation, the Regional Administrator
may, no earlier than 7 days following notice to other treaty tribes with rights to whiting, reapportion
any remainder to the other sectors of the trawl fishery as soon as practicable after receiving such
notice. If no such reapportionment has occurred prior to September 15 of the fishing year, the
Regional Administrator will, based on discussions with representatives of the tribes participating in
the Pacific whiting fishery for that fishing year, consider the tribal harvests to date and catch
projections for the remainder of the year relative to the tribal allocation of Pacific whiting, as
specified at § 660.50. That portion of the tribal allocation that the Regional Administrator determines
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50 CFR 660.131(h)(2)

will not be used by the end of the fishing year may be reapportioned to the other sectors of the trawl
fishery on September 15 or as soon as practicable thereafter. Subsequent reapportionments may be
made based on subsequent determinations by the Regional Administrator based on the factors
described above in order to ensure full utilization of the resource. However, no reapportionments will
occur after December 1 of the fishing year.
(2) The reapportionment of surplus whiting will be made by actual notice under the automatic action
authority provided at § 660.60(d)(1).
(3) The reapportionment of surplus whiting will be made effective immediately by actual notice under
the automatic action authority provided at § 660.60(d)(1).
(4) Estimates of the portion of the tribal allocation that will not be used by the end of the fishing year will
be based on the best information available to the Regional Administrator.
(i)

Salmon bycatch. This fishery may be closed through automatic action at § 660.60(d)(1)(v) and
(vi).

(ii) [Reserved]
(5) Prior to reapportionment, NMFS will consider Chinook salmon take numbers and bycatch rates in
each sector of the Pacific whiting fishery, in order to prevent a reapportionment that would limit
Pacific Coast treaty Indian Tribes' access to the tribal allocation by triggering inseason closure of the
Pacific whiting fishery as described at § 660.60(d)(1)(v).
(i)

Salmon bycatch. This fishery may be closed through automatic action at § 660.60(d)(1)(v) and (vi).

[75 FR 60897, Oct. 1, 2010, as amended at 75 FR 75421, Dec. 3, 2010; 75 FR 78390, Dec. 15, 2010; 76 FR 27546, May 11, 2011; 76
FR 53837, Aug. 30, 2011; 77 FR 28516, May 15, 2012; 80 FR 27600, May 14, 2015; 80 FR 19036, Apr. 9, 2015; 80 FR 77273, Dec. 14,
2015; 83 FR 64002, Dec. 12, 2018; 84 FR 63988, Nov. 19, 2019; 84 FR 65926, Dec. 2, 2019; 87 FR 77006, Dec. 16, 2022; 88 FR
81358, Nov. 22, 2023; 89 FR 101533, Dec. 16, 2024]

§ 660.140 Shorebased IFQ Program.
(a) General. The regulations in this section apply to the Shorebased IFQ Program. The Shorebased IFQ
Program includes a system of transferable QS for most groundfish species or species groups, IBQ for
Pacific halibut, and trip limits or set-asides for the remaining groundfish species or species groups. NMFS
will issue a QS permit to eligible participants and will establish a QS account for each QS permit owner to
track the amount of QS or IBQ and QP or IBQ pounds owned by that owner. QS permit owners may own
QS or IBQ for IFQ species, expressed as a percent of the allocation to the Shorebased IFQ Program for
that species. NMFS will issue QP or IBQ pounds to QS permit owners, expressed in pounds, on an annual
basis, to be deposited in the corresponding QS account. NMFS will establish a vessel account for each
eligible vessel owner participating in the Shorebased IFQ Program, which is independent of the QS permit
and QS account. In order to use QP or IBQ pounds, a QS permit owner must transfer the QP or IBQ pounds
from the QS account into the vessel account for the vessel to which the QP or IBQ pounds is to be
assigned. Harvests of IFQ species may only be delivered to an IFQ first receiver with a first receiver site
license. In addition to the requirements of this section, the Shorebased IFQ Program is subject to the
following groundfish regulations of subparts C and D:

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(1) Regulations set out in the following sections of subpart C: § 660.11 Definitions, § 660.12
Prohibitions, § 660.13 Recordkeeping and reporting, § 660.14 VMS requirements, § 660.15
Equipment requirements, § 660.16 Groundfish observer program, § 660.20 Vessel and gear
identification, § 660.25 Permits, § 660.55 Allocations, § 660.60 Specifications and management
measures, § 660.65 Groundfish harvest specifications, and §§ 660.70 through 660.79 Closed areas.
(2) Regulations set out in the following sections of subpart D: § 660.111 Trawl fishery definitions, §
660.112 Trawl fishery prohibitions, § 660.113 Trawl fishery recordkeeping and reporting, § 660.115
Trawl fishery cost recovery program, § 660.120 Trawl fishery crossover provisions, § 660.130 Trawl
fishery management measures, and § 660.131 Pacific whiting fishery management measures.
(3) The Shorebased IFQ Program may be restricted or closed as a result of projected overages within the
Shorebased IFQ Program, the MS Co-op Program, or the C/P Co-op Program. As determined
necessary by the Regional Administrator, area restrictions, season closures, or other measures will
be used to prevent the trawl sector in aggregate or the individual trawl sectors (Shorebased IFQ, MS
Co-op, or C/P Co-op) from exceeding an ACL, OY, ACT or formal allocation specified in the PCGFMP
or regulation at § 660.55, subpart C, or §§ 660.140, 660.150, or 660.160, subpart D.
(b) Participation requirements and responsibilities —
(1) IFQ vessels.
(i)

Vessels must be registered to a groundfish limited entry permit, endorsed for trawl gear with no
C/P endorsement.

(ii) To start a fishing trip in the Shorebased IFQ Program, a vessel and its owner(s) (as described on
the USCG documentation or state registration document) must be registered to the same
vessel account established by NMFS with no deficit (negative balance) for any species/species
group.
(iii) All IFQ species/species group catch (landings and discards) must be covered by QP or IBQ
pounds. Any deficit (negative balance in a vessel account) must be cured within 30 calendar
days from the date the deficit from that trip is documented in the vessel account, unless the
deficit is within the limits of the carryover provision at paragraph (e)(5) of this section, in which
case the vessel account owner must declare out of the Shorebased IFQ Program, and must
eliminate the deficit prior to re-entry into the fishery in the current year, or within 30 days after
the issuance of QP or IBQ pounds for the following year.
(iv) Any vessel with a deficit (negative balance) in its vessel account is prohibited from fishing that
is within the scope of the Shorebased IFQ Program until sufficient QP or IBQ pounds are
transferred into the vessel account to remove any deficit, regardless of the amount of the
deficit.
(v) A vessel account may not have QP or IBQ pounds (used and unused combined) in excess of the
QP Vessel Limit in any year, and for species covered by Unused QP Vessel Limit, may not have
QP or IBQ pounds in excess of the Unused QP Vessel Limit at any time. These amounts are
specified at paragraph (e)(4) of this section.
(vi) Vessels must use either trawl gear as specified at § 660.130(b), or a legal non-trawl groundfish
gear under the gear switching provisions as specified at § 660.140(k).

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50 CFR 660.140(b)(1)(vii)

(vii) Vessels that are registered to MS/CV-endorsed permits may be used to fish in the Shorebased
IFQ Program provided that the vessel is registered to a valid Shorebased IFQ Program vessel
account.
(viii) In the same calendar year, a vessel registered to a trawl endorsed limited entry permit with no
MS/CV or C/P endorsements may be used to fish in the Shorebased IFQ Program if the vessel
has a valid vessel account, and to fish in the mothership sector for a permitted MS co-op as
authorized by the MS co-op.
(ix) Vessels that are registered to C/P-endorsed permits may not be used to fish in the Shorebased
IFQ Program.
(x) Fish sellers must pay cost recovery program fees, as specified at § 660.115.
(2) IFQ first receivers. The IFQ first receiver must:
(i)

Ensure that all catch removed from a vessel making an IFQ delivery is weighed on a scale or
scales meeting the requirements described in § 660.15(c).

(ii) Ensure that all catch is landed, sorted, and weighed in accordance with a valid catch monitoring
plan as described in § 660.140(f)(3)(iii).
(iii) Ensure that all catch is sorted, prior to first weighing, as specified at § 660.130(d) and
consistent with § 660.140(j)(2)(viii).
(iv) Provide unrestricted access to all areas where fish are or may be sorted or weighed to catch
monitors, NMFS staff, NMFS-authorized personnel, or authorized officers at any time when a
delivery of IFQ species, or the processing of those species, is taking place.
(v) Ensure that each scale produces a complete and accurate printed record of the weight of all
catch in a delivery, unless exempted in the NMFS-accepted catch monitoring plan.
(vi) Retain and make available to catch monitors, NMFS staff, NMFS-authorized personnel, or
authorized officers, all printed output from any scale used to weigh catch, and any hand tally
sheets, worksheets, or notes used to determine the total weight of any species.
(vii) Ensure that each delivery of IFQ catch is monitored by a catch monitor and that the catch
monitor is on site the entire time the delivery is being weighed or sorted.
(viii) Ensure that sorting and weighing is completed prior to catch leaving the area that can be
monitored from the observation area described paragraph (i) of this section.
(ix) Collect and remit to NMFS cost recovery program fees, as specified at § 660.115.
(c) IFQ species, management areas, and allocations.
(1) IFQ management areas. IFQ management areas are as follows:
(i)

Between the U.S./Canada border and 40°10′ N lat.,

(ii) Between 40°10′ N lat. and 36° N lat.,
(iii) Between 36° N lat. and 34°27′ N lat., and
(iv) Between 34°27′ N lat. and the U.S./Mexico border.

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50 CFR 660.140(c)(2)

(2) Moving pot or trap gear between multiple IFQ management areas. A vessel using fixed gear declared
into the limited entry groundfish non-trawl Shorebased IFQ fishery may deploy pot or trap gear in
multiple IFQ management areas on a trip provided the vessel does not retrieve gear from more than
one IFQ management area during a trip.
(3) IFQ program allocations. Allocations for the Shorebased IFQ Program are determined for IFQ species
as follows:
(i)

For Pacific whiting, the Shorebased IFQ Program allocation is specified at § 660.55(i)(2),
subpart C, 42 percent.

(ii) For Sablefish N. of 36° N. lat., the Shorebased IFQ Program allocation is the limited entry trawl
allocation specified at § 660.55(h), subpart C, minus any set-asides for the mothership and C/P
sectors for that species.
(iii) For IFQ species listed in the trawl/non-trawl allocation table, specified at § 660.55(c), subpart C,
allocations are determined by applying the trawl column percent to the fishery harvest guideline
minus any set-asides for the mothership and C/P sectors for that species.
(iv) The remaining IFQ species (bocaccio, canary rockfish, cowcod, darkblotched rockfish, lingcod S
of 40°10′ N lat., minor shelf rockfish N of 40°10′ N lat., minor shelf rockfish S of 40°10′ N lat.,
and minor slope rockfish S of 40°10′ N lat., POP, widow rockfish, and yelloweye rockfish) are
allocated through the biennial specifications and management measures process minus any
set-asides for the mothership and C/P sectors for that species.
(v) For Pacific halibut N. of 40°10′ N. lat., the Shorebased IFQ Program allocation is specified at
660.55(m).
(vi) For each IFQ species, NMFS will determine annual sub-allocations to individual QS accounts by
multiplying the percent of QS or IBQ registered to the account by the amount of each respective
IFQ species allocated to the Shorebased IFQ Program for that year. For each IFQ species, NMFS
will deposit QP or IBQ pounds in the respective QS account in the amount of each suballocation determined.
(vii) Reallocations —
(A) Reallocation with changes in management areas.
(1) Area subdivision. If at any time after the initial allocation, an IFQ species is
geographically subdivided, those holding QS or IBQ for the IFQ species being
subdivided will receive an amount of QS or IBQ for each newly created area that is
equivalent to the amount they held for the area before it was subdivided.
(2) Area recombination. When two areas are combined for an IFQ species, the QS or IBQ
held by individuals in each area will be adjusted proportionally such that:
(i)

The total QS or IBQ for the area sums to 100 percent, and

(ii) A person holding QS or IBQ in the newly created area will receive the same
amount of total QP or IBQ pounds as they would if the areas had not been
combined.

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(3) Area line movement. When a management area boundary line is moved for an IFQ
species, the QS or IBQ held by individuals in each area will be adjusted proportionally
such that they each maintain their same share of the trawl allocation on a coastwide
basis (a fishing area may expand or decrease, but the individual's QP or IBQ pounds
for both areas combined wouldn't change because of the change in areas). In order
to achieve this end, the holders of QS or IBQ in the area being reduced will receive QS
or IBQ for the area being expanded, such that the total QP or IBQ pounds they would
be issued will not be reduced as a result of the area reduction. Those holding QS or
IBQ in the area being expanded will have their QS or IBQ reduced such that the total
QP or IBQ pounds they receive in the year of the line movement will not increase as a
result of the expansion (nor will it be reduced).
(B) Reallocation with subdivision of a species group. If at any time after the initial allocation an
IFQ species which is a species group is subdivided, each species or species group
resulting from the subdivision will be an IFQ species. QS owners for the species group
being subdivided will receive an amount of QS for each newly created IFQ species that is
equivalent to the amount they held for the species group before it was subdivided. For
example, if a person holds one percent of a species group before the subdivision, that
person will hold one percent of the QS for each IFQ species resulting from the subdivision.
(d) QS permits and QS accounts —
(1) General. In order to obtain QS and/or IBQ, a person must apply for a QS permit. NMFS will determine
if the applicant is eligible to own QS and/or IBQ in accordance with paragraph (d)(2) of this section.
If eligible, NMFS will issue a QS permit, and will establish a QS account to track QS and IBQ balances
for all IFQ species identified at § 660.140(c)(1). NMFS will issue initial allocations of QS and IBQ in
accordance with paragraph (d)(8) of this section. Transfers of QS and IBQ, and of QP or IBQ pounds,
are subject to provisions at paragraph (d)(3) of this section. QS permit owners can monitor the
status of their QS and IBQ, and associated QP and IBQ pounds, throughout the year in their QS
account.
(i)

Annual QS adjustments. On or about January 1 each year, QS permit owners will be notified, via
the IFQ Web site and their QS account, of any adjustments to their QS and/or IBQ allocations,
for each of the IFQ species. Updated QS and/or IBQ values, if applicable, will reflect the results
of: any recalculation of initial allocation formulas resulting from changes in provisional OYs
used in the allocation formulas or appeals, any redistribution of QS and IBQ (e.g., resulting from
permanent revocation of applicable permits, subject to accumulation limits), and any transfers
of QS and/or IBQ made during the prior year.

(ii) Annual QP and IBQ pound allocations. QP and IBQ pounds will be deposited into QS accounts
annually. QS permit owners will be notified of QP deposits via the IFQ website and their QS
account. QP and IBQ pounds will be issued to the nearest whole pound using standard
rounding rules (i.e., decimal amounts less than 0.5 round down and 0.5 and greater round up).
NMFS will distribute such allocations to the maximum extent practicable, not to exceed the
total allocation. QS permit owners must transfer their QP and IBQ pounds from their QS
account to a vessel account in order for those QP and IBQ pounds to be fished. QP and IBQ
pounds must be transferred in whole pounds (i.e., no fraction of a QP or IBQ pound can be
transferred). All QP and IBQ pounds in a QS account must be transferred to a vessel account
between January 1 and December 31 of the year for which they were issued in order to be
fished.
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50 CFR 660.140(d)(1)(ii)(A)

(A) Non-whiting QP annual sub-allocations. NMFS will issue QP for IFQ species other than
Pacific whiting and Pacific halibut annually by multiplying the QS permit owner's QS for
each such IFQ species by that year's shorebased trawl allocation for that IFQ species.
Deposits to QS accounts for IFQ species other than Pacific whiting and Pacific halibut will
be made on or about January 1 each year. Until the implementation of any regulatory
changes developed pursuant to the first program review for the trawl rationalization
program, the resulting AMP QP will be issued to all QS permit owners in proportion to their
non-whiting QS.
(1) In years where the groundfish harvest specifications are known by January 1,
deposits to QS accounts for IFQ species will be made on or about January 1.
(2) In years where the groundfish harvest specifications are not known by January 1,
NMFS will issue QP in two parts. On or about January 1, NMFS will deposit QP based
on the shorebased trawl allocation multiplied by the lower end of the range of
potential harvest specifications for that year. After the final harvest specifications are
established later in the year, NMFS will deposit additional QP to the QS account.
(3) In years where the non-tribal deductions from the TAC, ACL, or ACT when specified,
described at § 660.55(b), were too high and would go unharvested, NMFS may
increase the shorebased trawl allocation, consistent with § 660.60(c), and issue
additional QP to QS accounts.
(B) Pacific whiting QP annual allocation. NMFS will issue QP for Pacific whiting annually by
multiplying the QS permit owner's QS for Pacific whiting by that year's shorebased trawl
allocation for Pacific whiting.
(1) In years where the Pacific whiting harvest specification is known by January 1,
deposits to QS accounts for Pacific whiting will be made on or about January 1.
(2) In years where the Pacific whiting harvest specification is not known by January 1,
NMFS will issue Pacific whiting QP in two parts. On or about January 1, NMFS will
deposit Pacific whiting QP based on the shorebased trawl allocation multiplied by the
lower end of the range of potential harvest specifications for Pacific whiting for that
year. After the final Pacific whiting harvest specifications are established later in the
year, NMFS will deposit additional QP to QS accounts.
(3) In years where the non-tribal deductions from the TAC, ACL, or ACT when specified,
described at § 660.55(b), were too high and would go unharvested, NMFS may
increase the shorebased trawl allocation, consistent with § 660.60(c), and issue
additional QP to QS accounts.
(4) In years where there is reapportionment of Pacific whiting, specified at § 660.131(h),
to the Shorebased IFQ Program, NMFS will increase the shorebased trawl allocation
and issue additional QP to QS accounts as described at paragraph (d)(3)(ii)(B)(3) of
this section.
(C) Pacific halibut IBQ pounds annual allocation. NMFS will issue IBQ pounds for Pacific
halibut annually by multiplying the QS permit owner's IBQ percent by the Shorebased IFQ
Program component of the trawl bycatch mortality limit for that year. Deposits to QS
accounts for Pacific halibut IBQ pounds will be made on or about January 1 each year.
Mortality of any size Pacific halibut count against IBQ pounds.
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(1) In years where the Pacific halibut total constant exploitation yield is known by
January 1, deposits to QS accounts will be made on or about January 1.
(2) In years where the Pacific halibut total constant exploitation yield is not known by
January 1, NMFS will issue QP in two parts. On or about January 1, NMFS will
deposit QP based on some portion of the International Pacific Halibut Commission's
staff recommended total constant exploitation yield from their interim meeting. After
the final Pacific halibut total constant exploitation yield is established from the
International Pacific Halibut Commission's annual meeting, NMFS will deposit
additional QP to the QS account.
(D) Shorebased trawl allocations. For the trawl fishery, NMFS will issue QP based on the
following shorebased trawl allocations:

TABLE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (d)(1)(ii)(D)—SHOREBASED TRAWL ALLOCATIONS FOR
2025 AND 2026

IFQ species

Area

2025 Shorebased
trawl allocation
(mt)

2026 Shorebased
trawl allocation
(mt)

YELLOWEYE ROCKFISH

Coastwide

3.3

3.3

Arrowtooth flounder

Coastwide

8,543

6,765

Bocaccio

South of 40°10′ N lat

653

648

Canary rockfish

Coastwide

348

348

Chilipepper rockfish

South of 40°10′ N lat

2,091

1,961

Cowcod

South of 40°10′ N lat

24

24

Darkblotched rockfish

Coastwide

593

572

Dover sole

Coastwide

43,538

38,819

English sole

Coastwide

8,236

8,174

Lingcod

North of 40°10′ N lat

1,493

1,449

Lingcod

South of 40°10′ N lat

295

305

Longspine thornyhead

North of 34°27′ N lat

1,901

1,812

Pacific cod

Coastwide

1,044

1,044

North of 40°10′ N lat

2,723

2,621

Coastwide

102,082.68

TBD

Petrale sole

Coastwide

2,001

1,885

Sablefish

North of 36° N lat

13,091

12,406

Sablefish

South of 36° N lat

3,289

3,122

Shortspine thornyhead

Coastwide

406

464

Splitnose rockfish

South of 40°10′ N lat

1,419

1,382

Starry flounder

Coastwide

188

188

Pacific ocean perch
Pacific whiting

a

a

Managed through an international process. These allocations will be updated when announced.

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IFQ species

50 CFR 660.140(d)(2)

Area

2025 Shorebased
trawl allocation
(mt)

2026 Shorebased
trawl allocation
(mt)

Widow rockfish

Coastwide

10,419

9,574

Yellowtail rockfish

North of 40°10′ N lat

4,230

4,038

Other Flatfish complex

Coastwide

6,923

6,175

Shelf Rockfish complex

North of 40°10′ N lat

726

718

Shelf Rockfish complex

South of 40°10′ N lat

175

175

Slope Rockfish complex

North of 40°10′ N lat

858

836

Slope Rockfish complex

South of 40°10′ N lat

425

423

a

Managed through an international process. These allocations will be updated when announced.

(2) Eligibility and registration —
(i)

Eligibility. Only the following persons are eligible to own QS permits:
(A) A United States citizen, that is eligible to own and control a U.S. fishing vessel with a
fishery endorsement pursuant to 46 U.S.C. 12113 (general fishery endorsement
requirements and 75 percent citizenship requirement for entities);
(B) A permanent resident alien, that is eligible to own and control a U.S. fishing vessel with a
fishery endorsement pursuant to 46 U.S.C. 12113 (general fishery endorsement
requirements and 75 percent citizenship requirement for entities); or
(C) A corporation, partnership, or other entity established under the laws of the United States
or any State, that is eligible to own and control a U.S. fishing vessel with a fishery
endorsement pursuant to 46 U.S.C. 12113 (general fishery endorsement requirements and
75 percent citizenship requirement for entities). However, there is an exception for any
entity that owns a mothership that participated in the west coast groundfish fishery during
the allocation period and is eligible to own or control that U.S. fishing vessel with a fishery
endorsement pursuant to sections 203(g) and 213(g) of the AFA.

(ii) Registration. A QS account will be established by NMFS with the issuance of a QS permit. The
administrative functions associated with the Shorebased IFQ Program (e.g., account
registration, landing transactions, and transfers) are designed to be accomplished online;
therefore, a participant must have access to a computer with Internet access and must set up
online access to their QS account to participate. The computer must have Internet browser
software installed (e.g., Internet Explorer, Netscape, Mozilla Firefox); as well as the Adobe Flash
Player software version 9.0 or greater. NMFS will mail initial QS permit owners instructions to
set up online access to their QS account. NMFS will use the QS account to send messages to
QS permit owners; it is important for QS permit owners to monitor their online QS account and
all associated messages.
(iii) QS permit application process. NMFS will accept a QS permit application from January 1 to
November 30 of each calendar year. QS permit applications received between December 1 and
December 31 will be processed by NMFS in the following calendar year. NMFS will issue only
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one QS permit to each unique person, as defined at § 660.11 subject to the eligibility
requirements at paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section. Each applicant must submit a complete
application. A complete application includes a QS permit application form, payment of required
fees, complete documentation of QS permit ownership on the Trawl Identification of Ownership
Interest Form as required under paragraph (d)(4)(iv) of this section, and a complete economic
data collection form as required under § 660.114. NMFS may require additional documentation
as it deems necessary to make a determination on the application. The QS permit application
will be considered incomplete until the required information is submitted.
(A) Initial administrative determination. For all complete applications, NMFS will issue an IAD if
it disapproves the application. If approved, the QS permit serves as the IAD. If
disapproved, the IAD will provide the reasons for this determination. If the applicant does
not appeal the IAD within 30 calendar days, the IAD becomes the final decision of the
Regional Administrator acting on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce.
(B) Effective date. The QS permit is effective on the date given on the permit and remains
effective until the end of the calendar year.
(C) Appeals. If NMFS does not accept the QS permit application, the applicant may appeal the
IAD consistent with the general permit appeals process defined at § 660.25(g).
(3) Renewal, change of permit ownership, and transfers —
(i)

Renewal.
(A) QS permits expire at the end of each calendar year, and must be renewed between October
1 and November 30 of each year in order to remain in effect the following year. A complete
QS permit renewal package must be received by NMFS no later than November 30 to be
accepted by NMFS. A QS permit owner may submit a paper renewal package after
January 1 of the following year as described in paragraph (d)(3)(i)(C) of this section.
(B) Notification to renew QS permits will be sent by SFD by September 15 each year to the QS
permit owner's most recent email address in the SFD record. The QS permit owner shall
provide SFD with notice of any email address change within 15 days of the change.
(C) A complete QS permit renewal package must be received by November 30 of each
calendar year. If a complete QS permit renewal package is not received by November 30,
NMFS will not renew the QS permit, the associated QS account will not be activated in the
following calendar year, and QS may not be transferred. NMFS will not issue QP or IBQ
pounds associated with the non-renewed QS permit for that year. Any QP or IBQ pounds
derived from the QS or IBQ in the inactive QS account will be distributed to the active QS
accounts in proportion to the QS or IBQ for each IFQ species given on the renewed QS
permit. If a QS permit is not renewed during the October 1 through November 30 renewal
period, the QS permit owner may renew after January 1 in the following year by
submission of a paper renewal application, or may renew the QS permit during the next
October 1 through November 30 renewal period. For renewals submitted after January 1,
QPs allocated as specified at paragraph (d)(1) of this section will not be allocated to the
QS account in that year. The QS permit owner will be able to transfer QS percentages from
the time the QS account is activated until November 30 of that calendar year.

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50 CFR 660.140(d)(3)(i)(D)

(D) QS permits will not be renewed until SFD has received a complete application for a QS
permit renewal, which includes payment of required fees, complete documentation of QS
permit ownership on the Trawl Identification of Ownership Interest Form as required under
paragraph (d)(4)(iv) of this section, a complete economic data collection form as required
under § 660.114. The QS permit renewal will be considered incomplete until the required
information is submitted.
(E) Effective Date. A QS permit is effective on the date given on the permit and remains
effective until the end of the calendar year.
(F) IAD and appeals. QS permit renewals are subject to the permit appeals process specified
at § 660.25(g), subpart C.
(ii) Change of permit ownership and transfer restrictions —
(A) Change in QS permit ownership. Ownership of a QS permit cannot be registered to another
individual or entity. The QS permit owner cannot change or add additional individuals or
entities as owners of the permit (i.e., cannot change the legal name of the permit owner(s)
as given on the permit). Any change in ownership of the QS permit requires the new
owner(s) to apply for a QS permit, and is subject to accumulation limits and approval by
NMFS.
(B) Transfers of QS or IBQ or QP or IBQ pounds.
(1) General. Transfers of QS or IBQ from one QS account to another QS account and
transfers of QP or IBQ pounds from a QS account to a vessel account must be
accomplished via the online QS account. During the year there may be situations
where NMFS deems it necessary to prohibit transfers (i.e., account reconciliation,
system maintenance, or for emergency fishery management reasons). To make a
transfer, a QS permit owner must initiate a transfer request by logging onto the online
QS account. Following the instructions provided on the Web site, the QS permit
owner must enter pertinent information regarding the transfer request including, but
not limited to: IFQ species, amount of QS, IBQ, QP, or IBQ pounds to be transferred for
each IFQ species; name and any other identifier of the eligible transferee (e.g., QS
permit number, vessel account number); and the value of the transferred QS, IBQ, QP,
or IBQ pounds for each IFQ species. The online system will verify whether all
information has been entered and whether the transfer complies with ownership
limits or vessel limits, as applicable. If the information is not accepted, an electronic
message will record as much in the transferor's QS account explaining the reason(s).
If the information is accepted, the online system will record the pending transfer in
both the transferor's QS account and the transferee's QS account or vessel account.
The transferee must approve the transfer by electronic signature in order for the
transfer to be completed. If the transferee accepts the transfer, the online system will
record the transfer and confirm the transaction in both the transferor's QS account
and the transferee's QS account or vessel account through a transaction
confirmation notice. Once the transferee accepts the transaction, the transaction is
final and permanent.
(2) Transfer of QS or IBQ between QS accounts. QS permit owners may transfer QS or IBQ
to another owner of a QS permit, subject to accumulation limits and approval by
NMFS. QS or IBQ is transferred as a percent, divisible to one-thousandth of a percent
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50 CFR 660.140(d)(3)(ii)(B)(3)

(i.e., greater than or equal to 0.001 percent). QS or IBQ cannot be transferred to a
vessel account. Owners of non-renewed QS permits may not transfer QS. QP in QS
accounts cannot be transferred between QS accounts. NMFS will allocate QP based
on the QS percentages as listed on a QS permit that was renewed during the previous
October 1 through November 30 renewal period. QS transfers will be recorded in the
QS account but will not become effective for purposes of allocating QPs until the
following year. QS or IBQ may not be transferred between December 1 through
December 31 each year. Any QS transaction that is pending as of December 1 will be
administratively retracted. NMFS will allocate QP for the following year based on the
QS percentages as of December 1 of each year.
(3) Transfer of QP or IBQ pounds from a QS account to a vessel account. QP or IBQ
pounds must be transferred in whole pounds (i.e., no fraction of a QP can be
transferred). QP or IBQ pounds must be transferred to a vessel account in order to be
used. Transfers of QP or IBQ pounds from a QS account to a vessel account are
subject to annual vessel accumulation limits and NMFS' approval. Once QP or IBQ
pounds are transferred from a QS account to a vessel account (accepted by the
transferee/vessel owner), they cannot be transferred back to a QS account and may
only be transferred to another vessel account. QP or IBQ pounds may not be
transferred from one QS account to another QS account. All QP or IBQ pounds from a
QS account must be transferred to one or more vessel accounts by December 31
each year in order to be fished. All QP or IBQ pounds expire at the end of the postseason transfer period of the year after which they were issued. If, in any year, the
Regional Administrator makes a decision to reapportion Pacific whiting from the
tribal to the non-tribal fishery or NMFS releases additional QP consistent with §
660.60(c) and paragraph (d)(1)(ii) of this section, NMFS will credit QS accounts with
additional QP proportionally, based on the QS percent for a particular QS permit
owner and the increase in the shorebased trawl allocation specified at paragraph
(d)(1)(ii)(D) of this section.
(C) Effective date —
(1) Transfer of QS or IBQ between QS accounts is effective on the date approved by
NMFS.
(2) Transfer of QP or IBQ pounds from a QS account to a vessel account is effective on
the date approved by NMFS.
(D) IAD and appeals. Transfers are subject to the permit appeals process specified at § 660.25
(g), subpart C.
(4) Accumulation limits —
(i)

QS and IBQ control limits. QS and IBQ control limits are accumulation limits and are the amount
of QS and IBQ that a person, individually or collectively, may own or control. QS and IBQ control
limits are expressed as a percentage of the Shorebased IFQ Program's allocation.
(A) Control limits for individual species. No person may own or control, or have a controlling
influence over, by any means whatsoever an amount of QS or IBQ for any individual
species that exceeds the Shorebased IFQ Program accumulation limits.

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50 CFR 660.140(d)(4)(i)(B)

(B) Control limit for aggregate nonwhiting QS holdings. To determine how much aggregate
nonwhiting QS a person holds, NMFS will convert the person's QS to pounds. This
conversion will always be conducted using the trawl allocations applied to the 2010 OYs,
until such time as the Council recommends otherwise. Specifically, NMFS will multiply
each person's QS for each species by the shoreside trawl allocation for that species. The
person's pounds for all nonwhiting species will be summed and divided by the shoreside
trawl allocation of all nonwhiting species to calculate the person's share of the aggregate
nonwhiting trawl quota. To determine the shoreside trawl allocation for the purpose of
determining compliance with the aggregate nonwhiting control limit, for species that have
specific trawl allocation percentages in Amendment 21, NMFS will apply the Amendment
21 trawl allocation percentages to (set forth at § 660.55) the 2010 OYs, and where
applicable, will deduct the preliminary set-asides for the at-sea sectors from Amendment
21. For species that do not have specific trawl allocation percentages in Amendment 21,
NMFS will apply a percentage based on the Northwest Fishery Science Center final report
on 2010 estimated total fishing mortality of groundfish by sector, or, if the final report for
2010 is not available, based on the most recent report available.
(C) The Shorebased IFQ Program accumulation limits are as follows:

ACCUMULATION LIMITS

Species category
Arrowtooth flounder
Bocaccio S. of 40°10′ N. lat.
Canary rockfish
Chilipepper S. of 40°10′ N. lat.
Cowcod S. of 40°10′ N. lat.

QS and IBQ
control limit
(in percent)
10
13.2
4.4
10
17.7

Darkblotched rockfish

4.5

Dover sole

2.6

English sole

5

Lingcod:
N. of 40°10′ N. lat.

2.5

S. of 40°10′ N. lat.

2.5

Longspine thornyhead:
N. of 34°27′ N. lat.

6

Minor rockfish complex N. of 40°10′ N. lat.:
Shelf species

5

Slope species

5

Minor rockfish complex S. of 40°10′ N. lat.:
Shelf species

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Species category
Slope species

50 CFR 660.140(d)(4)(ii)

QS and IBQ
control limit
(in percent)
6

Other flatfish stock complex

10

Pacific cod

12

Pacific halibut (IBQ) N. of 40°10′ N. lat.

5.4

Pacific ocean perch N. of 40°10′ N. lat.

4

Pacific whiting (shoreside)
Petrale sole

10
3

Sablefish:
N. of 36° N. lat. (Monterey north)

3

S. of 36° N. lat. (Conception area)

10

Shortspine thornyhead

6

Splitnose rockfish S. of 40°10′ N. lat.

10

Starry flounder

10

Widow rockfish

5.1

Yelloweye rockfish

5.7

Yellowtail rockfish N. of 40°10′ N. lat.
Non-whiting groundfish species

5
2.7

(ii) Ownership—individual and collective rule. The QS or IBQ that counts toward a person's
accumulation limit will include:
(A) The QS or IBQ owned by that person, and
(B) That portion of the QS or IBQ owned by an entity in which that person has an economic or
financial interest, where the person's share of interest in that entity will determine the
portion of that entity's QS or IBQ that counts toward the person's limit.
(iii) Control. Control means, but is not limited to, the following:
(A) The person has the right to direct, or does direct, in whole or in part, the business of the
entity to which the QS or IBQ are registered, with the exception of those activities allowed
under paragraphs (d)(4)(iii)(C) and (G) of this section;
(B) The person has the right to limit the actions of or replace, or does limit the actions of or
replace, the chief executive officer, a majority of the board of directors, any general partner,
or any person serving in a management capacity of the entity to which the QS or IBQ are
registered, with the exception of those activities allowed under paragraphs (d)(4)(iii)(C)
and (G) of this section;

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50 CFR 660.140(d)(4)(iii)(C)

(C) The person, excluding banks and other financial institutions that rely on QS or IBQ as
collateral for loans as described under paragraph (d)(4)(iii)(G) of this section, has the right
to direct, or does direct, and/or the right to prevent or delay, or does prevent or delay, the
transfer of QS or IBQ, or the resulting QP or IBQ pounds;
(D) The person, through loan covenants or any other means, has the right to restrict, or does
restrict, and/or has a controlling influence over the day to day business activities or
management policies of the entity to which the QS or IBQ are registered, with the
exception of those activities allowed under paragraphs (d)(4)(iii)(C) and (G) of this
section;
(E) The person, has the right to restrict, or does restrict, any activity related to QS or IBQ or QP
or IBQ pounds, including, but not limited to, use of QS or IBQ, or the resulting QP or IBQ
pounds, or disposition of fish harvested under the resulting QP or IBQ pounds, with the
exception of those activities allowed under paragraphs (d)(4)(iii)(C) and (G) of this
section;
(F) The person has the right to control, or does control, the management of, or to be a
controlling factor in, the entity to which the QS or IBQ, or the resulting QP or IBQ pounds,
are registered, with the exception of those activities allowed under paragraphs
(d)(4)(iii)(C) and (G) of this section;
(G) The person, excluding banks and other financial institutions that rely on QS or IBQ as
collateral for loans, has the right to cause or prevent, or does cause or prevent, the sale,
lease or other disposition of QS or IBQ, or the resulting QP or IBQ pounds; and
(1) To qualify for this exception, a bank or other financial institution must be regularly or
primarily engaged in the business of lending and not engaged in or controlled by
entities whose primary business is the harvesting, processing, or distribution of fish
or fish products.
(2) Any state or federally chartered bank or financial institution that meets the
requirement of paragraph (d)(4)(iii)(G)(1) of this section does not need to submit
additional information to NMFS.
(3) Any entity that is not a state or federally chartered bank or financial institution, must
submit a letter requesting the exception and disclose the identity and interest share
of any shareholder with a 2% or more ownership interest in the lender through
submission of the Trawl Identification of Ownership Interest Form (see paragraph
(d)(4)(iv) of this section). The lender must make subsequent annual submissions of
the letter and Trawl Identification of Ownership Interest Form to maintain the
exception. Letters requesting the exception and complete Trawl Identification of
Ownership Interest Forms may be submitted to NMFS, West Coast Region, Permits
Office, ATTN: Fisheries Permit Office, Bldg. 1, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Seattle, WA
98115. NMFS will only accept complete applications.
(H) The person has the ability through any means whatsoever to control or have a controlling
influence over the entity to which QS or IBQ is registered, with the exception of those
activities allowed under paragraphs (d)(4)(iii)(C) and (G) of this section.

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50 CFR 660.140(d)(4)(iv)

(iv) Trawl identification of ownership interest form. Any person that owns a limited entry trawl permit
and that is applying for or renewing a QS permit shall document those persons that have an
ownership interest in the limited entry trawl or QS permit greater than or equal to 2 percent.
This ownership interest must be documented with the SFD via the Trawl Identification of
Ownership Interest Form. For renewal, if the limited entry trawl permit and QS permit have
identical ownership interest, only one form need be submitted attesting to such ownership. SFD
will not issue a QS permit unless the Trawl Identification of Ownership Interest Form has been
completed. Further, if SFD discovers through review of the Trawl Identification of Ownership
Interest Form that a person owns or controls more than the accumulation limits and is not
authorized to do so under paragraph (d)(4)(v) of this section, the person will be notified and the
QS permit will be issued up to the accumulation limit specified in the QS or IBQ control limit
table from paragraph (d)(4)(i) of this section. NMFS may request additional information of the
applicant as necessary to verify compliance with accumulation limits.
(v) Divestiture. Accumulation limits will be calculated by first calculating the aggregate nonwhiting
QS limit and then the individual species QS or IBQ control limits. For QS permit owners
(including any person who has ownership interest in the owner named on the permit) that are
found to exceed the accumulation limits during the reallocation of widow rockfish QS, an
adjustment period will be provided during which they will have to completely divest their QS or
IBQ in excess of the accumulation limits. If NMFS identifies that a QS permit owner exceeds the
accumulation limits in 2016 or beyond, the QS permit owner must divest of the QS or IBQ in
excess of the accumulation limits according to the procedure provided under paragraph
(d)(4)(v)(A) or (B) of this section. Owners of QS or IBQ in excess of the control limits may
receive and use the QP or IBQ pounds associated with that excess, up to the time their
divestiture is completed.
(A) Divestiture and redistribution process in 2016 and beyond. Any person owning or
controlling QS or IBQ must comply with the accumulation limits, even if that control is not
reflected in the ownership records available to NMFS as specified under paragraphs
(d)(4)(i) and (iii) of this section. If NMFS identifies that a QS permit owner exceeds an
accumulation limit in 2016 or beyond for a reason other than the reallocation of widow
rockfish, NMFS will notify the QS permit owner that he or she has 90 days to divest of the
excess QS or IBQ. In the case that a QS permit owner exceeds the control limit for
aggregate nonwhiting QS holdings, the QS permit owner may abandon QS to NMFS within
60 days of the notification by NMFS, using the procedure provided under paragraph
(d)(4)(v)(C) of this section. After the 90-day divestiture period, NMFS will revoke all QS or
IBQ held by a person (including any person who has ownership interest in the owner
names on the permit) in excess of the accumulation limits following the procedures
specified under paragraphs (d)(4)(v)(D) through (G) of this section. All abandoned or
revoked shares will be redistributed to all other QS permit owners in proportion to their QS
or IBQ holdings on or about January 1 of the following calendar year, based on current
ownership records, except that no person will be allocated an amount of QS or IBQ that
would put that person over an accumulation limit.
(B) Divestiture and redistribution process for the reallocation of widow rockfish. Any person
owning or controlling QS or IBQ must comply with the accumulation limits, even if that
control is not reflected in the ownership records available to NMFS as specified under
paragraphs (d)(4)(i) and (iii) of this section. If the reallocation of widow rockfish puts any
QS permit owner over an accumulation limit, the QS permit owner will have until November
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50 CFR 660.140(d)(4)(v)(C)

30 of the year widow rockfish becomes transferrable to divest of their excess widow
rockfish QS. In the case that a QS permit owner exceeds the control limit for aggregate
nonwhiting QS holdings as the result of the reallocation of widow rockfish, the permit
owner may abandon QS to NMFS by November 15 of the year widow rockfish becomes
transferrable, using the procedure provided under paragraph (d)(4)(v)(C) of this section.
NMFS will announce the QS transfer date for widow rockfish, the divestiture deadline, and
the abandonment deadline after the widow reallocation IAD appeal deadline. After the
widow rockfish reallocation divestiture period, NMFS will revoke all QS and IBQ held by a
person (including any person who has ownership interest in the owner names on the
permit) in excess of the accumulation limits following the procedures specified under
paragraphs (d)(4)(v)(D) through (G) of this section. All abandoned or revoked shares will
be redistributed to all other QS permit owners in proportion to their QS or IBQ holdings on
or about January 1 of the following calendar year, based on current ownership records,
except that no person will be allocated an amount of QS or IBQ that would put that person
over an accumulation limit.
(C) Abandonment of QS. QS permit owners that are over the control limit for aggregate
nonwhiting QS holdings may voluntarily abandon QS if they notify NMFS in writing by the
applicable deadline specified under paragraph (d)(4)(v)(A) or (B) of this section. The
written abandonment request must include the following information: QS permit number,
IFQ species, and the QS percentage to be abandoned. Either the QS permit owner or an
authorized representative of the QS permit owner must sign the request. QS permit
owners choosing to utilize the abandonment option will permanently relinquish to NMFS
any right to the abandoned QS, and the QS will be redistributed as described under
paragraph (d)(4)(v)(A) or (B) of this section. No compensation will be due for any
abandoned shares.
(D) Revocation. NMFS will revoke QS from any QS permit owner who exceeds an accumulation
limit after the divestiture deadline specified under paragraph (d)(4)(v)(A) or (B) of this
section. NMFS will follow the revocation approach summarized in the following table and
explained under paragraphs (d)(4)(v)(E) through (G) of this section:

If, after the divestiture
deadline, a QS permit
owner exceeds

Then

An individual species
control limit in one QS
permit

NMFS will revoke excess QS at the species level.

An individual species
control limit across
multiple QS permits

NMFS will revoke QS at the species level in proportion to the amount
the QS percentage from each permit contributes to the total QS
percentage owned.

The control limit for
aggregate nonwhiting QS

NMFS will revoke QS at the species level in proportion to the amount
of the aggregate overage divided by the aggregate total owned.

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If, after the divestiture
deadline, a QS permit
owner exceeds

50 CFR 660.140(d)(4)(v)(E)

Then

holdings

(E) Revocation of excess QS or IBQ from one QS permit. In cases where a person has not
divested to the control limits for individual species in one QS permit by the deadline
specified under paragraph (d)(4)(v)(A) or (B) of this section, NMFS will revoke excess QS
at the species level in order to get that person to the limits. NMFS will redistribute the
revoked QS following the process specified in paragraph (d)(4)(v)(A) or (B) of this section.
No compensation will be due for any revoked shares.
(F) Revocation of excess QS or IBQ from multiple QS permits. In cases where a person has not
divested to the control limits for individual species across QS permits by the deadline
specified under paragraph (d)(4)(v)(A) or (B) of this section, NMFS will revoke QS at the
species level in proportion to the amount the QS percentage from each permit contributes
to the total QS percentage owned. NMFS will redistribute the revoked QS following the
process specified in paragraph (d)(4)(v)(A) or (B) of this section. No compensation will be
due for any revoked shares.
(G) Revocation of QS in excess of the control limit for aggregate nonwhiting QS holdings. In
cases where a QS permit owner has not divested to the control limit for aggregate
nonwhiting QS holdings by the deadline specified under paragraph (d)(4)(v)(A) or (B) of
this section, NMFS will revoke QS at the species level in proportion to the amount of the
aggregate overage divided by the aggregate total owned. NMFS will redistribute the
revoked QS following the process in paragraph (d)(4)(v)(A) or (B) of this section. No
compensation will be due for any revoked shares.
(5) Appeals. An appeal to a QS permit or QS account action follows the same process as the general
permit appeals process as defined at § 660.25(g), subpart C.
(6) Fees. The Regional Administrator is authorized to charge fees for administrative costs associated
with the issuance of a QS permit consistent with the provisions given at § 660.25(f), subpart C.
(7) [Reserved]
(8) Application requirements and initial issuance for QS permit and QS/IBQ —
(i)

Additional definitions. The following definitions are applicable to paragraph (d)(8) of this section
and apply to terms used for the purposes of application requirements and initial issuance of QS
permits and QS/IBQ:
(A) Nonwhiting trip means a fishing trip where less than 50 percent by weight of all fish
reported on the state landing receipt is whiting.
(B) PacFIN means the Pacific Fisheries Information Network of the Pacific States Marine
Fisheries Commission.

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50 CFR 660.140(d)(8)(i)(C)

(C) Relative history means the landings history of a permit for a species, year, and area
subdivision, divided by the total fleet history of the sector for that species, year, and area
subdivision, as appropriate, or, in the case of shoreside processors, the annual sum of the
shoreside processor's whiting receipts divided by the aggregate annual sum of whiting
received by all shoreside processors in that year. Relative history is expressed as a
percent.
(D) Shoreside processor means an operation, working on U.S. soil, that takes delivery of trawl
caught groundfish that has not been processed; and that thereafter engages that fish in
shoreside processing. Entities that received fish that have not undergone at-sea
processing or shoreside processing and sell that fish directly to consumers shall not be
considered a processor for purposes of QS allocations. Shoreside processing is defined
as either of the following:
(1) Any activity that takes place shoreside; and that involves: Cutting groundfish into
smaller portions; or freezing, cooking, smoking, drying groundfish; or packaging that
groundfish for resale into 100 pound units or smaller for sale or distribution into a
wholesale or retail market.
(2) The purchase and redistribution in to a wholesale or retail market of live groundfish
from a harvesting vessel.
(E) Whiting trip means a fishing trip where greater than or equal to 50 percent by weight of all
fish reported on the state landing receipt is whiting.
(ii) Eligibility criteria for QS permit and QS/IBQ. Only the following persons are eligible to receive a
QS permit or QS/IBQ:
(A) The owner of a valid trawl limited entry permit is eligible to receive a QS permit and its
associated QS or IBQ amount. Any past landings history associated with the current
limited entry trawl permit accrues to the current permit owner. NMFS will not recognize
any person as the limited entry permit owner other than the person listed as limited entry
permit owner in NMFS permit database. If a limited entry permit has history on state
landing receipts and has been combined with a permit that has received or will receive a
C/P endorsement, the trawl limited entry permit does not qualify for QS or IBQ.
(B) Shoreside processors that meet the recent participation requirement of having received
deliveries of 1 mt or more of whiting from whiting trips in each of any two years from 1998
through 2004 are eligible for an initial issuance of whiting QS. NMFS will initially identify
shoreside processors by reference to Pacific whiting shoreside first receivers recorded on
fish tickets in the relevant PacFIN dataset on July 1, 2010, subject to correction as
described in paragraph (d)(8)(iv)(G) of this section.
(iii) Steps for QS and IBQ allocation formulas. The QS and IBQ allocation formulas are applied in the
following steps:
(A) First, for each limited entry trawl permit owner, NMFS will determine a preliminary QS
allocation for non-whiting trips.
(B) Second, for each limited entry trawl permit owner, NMFS will determine a preliminary QS
allocation for whiting trips.

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50 CFR 660.140(d)(8)(iii)(C)

(C) Third, for each limited entry trawl permit owner, NMFS will combine the amounts resulting
from paragraphs (d)(8)(iii)(A) and (B) of this section.
(D) Fourth, NMFS will reduce the results for limited entry trawl permit owners by 10 percent of
non-whiting species as a set aside for Adaptive Management Program (AMP) and by 20
percent of whiting for the initial issuance of QS allocated to qualifying shoreside
processors.
(E) Fifth, NMFS will determine the whiting QS allocation for qualifying shoreside processors
from the 20 percent of whiting QS allocated to qualifying shoreside processors at initial
issuance of QS.
(F) Sixth, for each limited entry trawl permit owner, NMFS will determine the Pacific halibut
IBQ allocation.
(G) Seventh, for limited entry trawl permits transferred after November 8, 2008, or if
transferred earlier, not registered with NMFS by November 30, 2008, for which NMFS
determines the owners of such permits would exceed the accumulation limits specified at
paragraph (d)(4) of this section based on the previous steps, NMFS will redistribute the
excess QS or IBQ to other qualified QS permit owners within the accumulation limits.
(iv) Allocation formula for specific QS and IBQ amounts —
(A) Allocation formula rules. Unless otherwise specified, the following rules will be applied to
data for the purpose of calculating an initial allocation of QS and IBQ:
(1) For limited entry trawl permit owners, a permit will be assigned catch history or
relative history based on the landing history of the vessel(s) associated with the
permit at the time the landings were made.
(2) The relevant PacFIN dataset includes species compositions based on port sampled
data and applied to data at the vessel level.
(3) Only landings of IFQ species which are caught in the exclusive economic zone or
adjacent state waters off Washington, Oregon and California will be used for
calculation of allocation formulas. For the purpose of allocation of IFQ species for
which the QS or IBQ will be subdivided by area, catch areas have been assigned to
landings of IFQ species reported on state landing receipts based on port of landing.
(4) History from limited entry permits that have been combined with a permit that may
qualify for a C/P endorsement and which has shorebased permit history will not be
included in the preliminary QS and IBQ allocation formula, other than in the
determination of fleet history used in the calculation of relative history for permits
that do not have a C/P endorsement.
(5) History of illegal landings and landings made under non-whiting EFPs that are in
excess of the cumulative limits in place for the non-EFP fishery will not count toward
the allocation of QS or IBQ.
(6) The limited entry permit's landings history includes the landings history of permits
that have been previously combined with that permit.

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(7) If two or more limited entry trawl permits have been simultaneously registered to the
same vessel, NMFS will split the landing history evenly between all such limited entry
trawl-endorsed permits during the time they were simultaneously registered to the
vessel.
(8) Unless otherwise noted, the calculation for QS or IBQ allocation under paragraph
(d)(8) of this section will be based on state landing receipts (fish tickets) as recorded
in the relevant PacFIN dataset on July 1, 2010.
(9) For limited entry trawl permits, landings under provisional “A” permits that did not
become “A” permits and “B” permits will not count toward the allocation of QS or IBQ,
other than in the determination of fleet history used in the calculation of relative
history for permits that do not have a C/P endorsement.
(10) For limited entry trawl permits, NMFS will calculate initial issuance of QS separately
based on whiting trips and non-whiting trips, and will weigh each calculation
according to initial issuance allocations between whiting trips and non-whiting trips,
which are one-time allocations necessary for the formulas used during the initial
issuance of QS to create a single Shorebased IFQ Program. The initial issuance
allocations between whiting and non-whiting trips for canary rockfish, bocaccio,
cowcod, yelloweye rockfish, minor shelf rockfish N. of 40°10′, minor shelf rockfish S.
of 40°10′, and minor slope rockfish S. of 40°10′ will be determined through the
biennial specifications process. The initial issuance allocations for the remaining IFQ
species are as follows:

Initial issuance allocation percentage
Species

Nonwhiting

Whiting

Lingcod

99.7%

0.3%

Pacific Cod

99.9%

0.1%

Pacific Whiting

0.1%

99.9%

Sablefish N. of 36° N. lat.

98.2%

1.8%

Sablefish S. of 36° N. lat.

100.0%

0.0%

PACIFIC OCEAN PERCH

remaining 17% or 30 mt, whichever is greater, to shorebased + at-sea
whiting.
If under rebuilding, 52% to shorebased + at-sea whiting.

WIDOW

remaining If stock rebuilt, 10% or 500 mt, whichever is greater, to
shorebased + at-sea whiting.

Chilipepper S. of 40°10′ N.
lat.

100.0%

0.0%

Splitnose S. of 40°10′ N.
lat.

100.0%

0.0%

Yellowtail N. of 40°10′ N.
lat.

remaining 300 mt.

Shortspine N. of 34°27′ N.

99.9%

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50 CFR 660.140(d)(8)(iv)(B)

Initial issuance allocation percentage
Species

Nonwhiting

Whiting

lat.
Shortspine S. of 34°27′ N.
lat.

100.0%

0.0%

Longspine N. of 34°27′ N.
lat.

100.0%

0.0%

DARKBLOTCHED

remaining 9% or 25 mt, whichever is greater, to shorebased + at-sea
whiting.

Minor Slope Rockfish N. of
40°10′ N. lat

98.6%

1.4%

Dover Sole

100.0%

0.0%

English Sole

99.9%

0.1%

Petrale Sole

100.0%

0.0%

Arrowtooth Flounder

100.0%

0.0%

Starry Flounder

100.0%

0.0%

Other Flatfish

99.9%

0.1%

(B) Preliminary QS allocation for nonwhiting trips. NMFS will calculate the non-whiting
preliminary QS allocation differently for different species groups, Groups 1 through 3.
(1) Allocation formula species groups. For the purposes of preliminary QS allocation, IFQ
species will be grouped as follows:
(i)

Group 1 includes lingcod, Pacific cod, Pacific whiting, sablefish north of 36° N.
lat., sablefish south of 36° N. lat., Dover sole, English sole, petrale sole,
arrowtooth flounder, starry flounder, other flatfish stock complex, chilipepper
rockfish, splitnose rockfish, yellowtail rockfish, shortspine thornyhead north of
34°27′ N. lat., shortspine thornyhead south of 34°27′ N. lat., longspine
thornyhead north of 34°27′ N. lat., minor rockfish north slope species complex,
minor rockfish south slope species complex, minor rockfish north shelf species
complex, and minor rockfish south shelf species complex.

(ii) Group 2 includes bocaccio, cowcod, darkblotched rockfish, Pacific ocean perch,
widow rockfish, and yelloweye rockfish.
(iii) Group 3 includes canary rockfish.
(2) Group 1 species: The preliminary QS allocation process indicated in paragraph
(d)(8)(iii)(A) of this section for Group 1 species follows a two-step process, one to
allocate a pool of QS equally among all eligible limited entry permits and the other to
allocate the remainder of the preliminary QS based on permit history. Through these

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two processes, preliminary QS totaling 100 percent for each Group 1 species will be
allocated. In later steps this amount will be adjusted and reduced as indicated in
paragraph (d)(8)(iii)(C) and (D), to determine the QS allocation.
(i)

QS to be allocated equally. The pool of QS for equal allocation will be determined
using the landings history from Federal limited entry groundfish permits that
were retired through the Federal buyback program (i.e., buyback permit) (70 FR
45695, August 8, 2005). The QS pool associated with the buyback permits will
be the buyback permit history as a percent of the total fleet history for the
allocation period. The calculation will be based on total absolute pounds with
no dropped years and no other adjustments. The QS pool will be divided equally
among qualifying limited entry permits for all QS species/species groups and
areas in Group 1.

(ii) QS to be allocated based on each permit's history. The pool for QS allocation
based on limited entry trawl permit history will be the QS remaining after
subtracting out the QS allocated equally. This pool will be allocated to each
qualifying limited entry trawl permit based on the permit's relative history from
1994 through 2003. For each limited entry trawl permit, NMFS will calculate a
set of relative histories using the following methodology. First, NMFS will sum
the permit's landings by each year for each Group 1 species/species group and
area subdivision. Second, NMFS will divide each permit's annual sum for a
particular species/species group and area subdivision by the shoreside limited
entry trawl fleet's annual sum for the same species/species group and area
subdivision. NMFS will then calculate a total relative history for each permit by
species/species group and area subdivision by adding all relative histories for
the permit together and subtracting the three years with the lowest relative
history for the permit. The result for each permit by species/species group and
areas subdivision will be divided by the aggregate sum of all total relative
histories of all qualifying limited entry trawl permits for that species/species
group and area subdivision. NMFS will then multiply the result from this
calculation by the amount of QS in the pool to be allocated based on each
permit's history.
(3) Group 2 species: The preliminary QS allocation step indicated in paragraph
(d)(8)(iii)(A) of this section will be calculated for each limited entry trawl permit using
a formula based on QS allocations for each limited entry trawl permit for 11 target
species, areas of distribution of fishing effort as determined from 2003-2006 target
species catch data from the PacFIN Coastwide Trawl Logbook Database, average
bycatch ratios for each area as derived from West Coast Groundfish Observer
Program (WCGOP) data from 2003 through 2006, and the non-whiting initial issuance
allocation of the limited entry trawl allocation amounts for 2011 for each of the 11
target species. These data are used in a series of sequential steps to estimate the
allocation of Group 2 species to each limited entry trawl permit. Paragraphs
(d)(8)(iv)(B)(3)(iii) to (vi) of this section estimate the permit's total 2003-2006 target
species by area. Paragraphs (d)(8)(iv)(B)(3)(vii) to (xii) of this section project Group 2
species bycatch amounts using 2003-2006 WCGOP observer ratios and the initial
issuance allocation applied to the 2011 limited entry trawl allocation. Paragraphs
(d)(8)(iv)(B)(3)(xiv) to (xvii) of this section convert these amounts into QS. As with
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Group 1 species, preliminary QS totaling 100 percent for each Group 2 species unit
will be allocated and the amount of the allocations will be adjusted and reduced as
indicated in paragraph (d)(8)(iii)(C) and (D) of this section to determine the QS
allocation.
(i)

The 11 target species are arrowtooth flounder, starry flounder, other flatfish,
Dover sole, English sole, petrale sole, minor slope rockfish, shortspine
thornyheads, longspine thornyheads, sablefish, and Pacific cod.

(ii) The 8 areas of distribution of fishing effort are defined latitudinally and by
depth. The latitudinal areas are (a) north of 47°40 N. lat.; (b) between 47°40 N.
lat. and 43°55′ N. lat.; (c) 43°55′ N. lat. and 40°10′ N. lat.; and (d) south of 40°10′
N. lat. Each latitudinal area is further divided by depth into areas shoreward and
seaward of the trawl Rockfish Conservation Area as defined at § 660.130(e)(4)
of this subpart.
(iii) For each limited entry trawl permit, NMFS will review the permit logbook data for
that permit and sum target species catch recorded for the years 2003-2006,
resulting in total target species catch in each area for each permit for the years
2003 through 2006 for all 11 target species in aggregate.
(iv) For each limited entry trawl permit, NMFS will also sum target species catch by
area into total coastwide target species catch for each permit for the years
2003 through 2006 for all 11 target species in aggregate. For practicability,
seaward or shoreward of the RCA as identified in the logbook data is defined as
being deeper than or shallower than 115 fathoms, respectively.
(v) For each limited entry trawl permit, NMFS will divide logbook aggregate target
species catch in each area (paragraph (d)(8)(iv)(B)(3)(iii) of this section) by the
permit's total coastwide target species catch (paragraph (d)(8)(iv)(B)(3)(iv) of
this section) to create a set of 8 area catch ratios for each permit. (Note: The
sum of all area catch ratios equals 1 for each permit).
(vi) For limited entry trawl permits where the vessel registered to the permit did not
submit logbooks showing any catch of the 11 target species for any of the
years 2003 through 2006, NMFS will use the following formula to calculate area
target catch ratios: (a) NMFS will sum by area all limited entry trawl permits'
total logbook area target catches from paragraph (d)(8)(iv)(B)(3)(iii) of this
section, (b) NMFS will sum coastwide all limited entry trawl permits' total
logbook target catches across all areas from paragraph (d)(8)(iv)(B)(3)(iv) of
this section, and (c) NMFS will divide these sums (i.e., a/b) to create average
permit logbook area target catch ratios.
(vii) NMFS will calculate the 2011 non-whiting short term allocation amount for each
of the 11 target species by multiplying the limited entry trawl allocation
amounts for 2011 for each by the corresponding initial issuance allocation
percentage for the non-whiting sector given in paragraph (d)(8)(iii)(A)(10) of this
section or determined through the biennial specifications process, as
applicable.

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(viii) For each limited entry trawl permit, NMFS will obtain the percentage of the
limited entry trawl permit initial QS allocation for each of the 11 target species
resulting from paragraph (d)(8)(iv)(B)(2) of this section.
(ix) NMFS will calculate each limited entry trawl permit's projected non-whiting
sector quota pounds for 2011 by multiplying the 2011 non-whiting sector initial
issuance allocation amounts for each of the 11 target species from paragraph
(d)(8)(iv)(B)(3)(vii) of this section by each permit's target species QS allocation
percentage from paragraph (d)(8)(iv)(B)(3)(viii) of this section.
(x) For each limited entry trawl permit, NMFS will sum the projected quota pounds
for the 11 target species from paragraph (d)(8)(iv)(B)(3)(ix) of this section to
get a total projected weight of all 11 target species for the limited entry trawl
permit.
(xi) For each limited entry trawl permit, NMFS will estimate the permit's total
incidental catch of Group 2 species by area by multiplying the projected 2011
total weight of all 11 target species by the applicable area catch ratio for each
area as calculated in either paragraph (d)(8)(iv)(B)(3)(v) of this section (permits
with logbook data) or paragraph (d)(8)(iv)(B)(3)(vi) of this section (permits
without logbook data).
(xii) NMFS will apply WCGOP average bycatch ratios for each Group 2 species
(observed Group 2 species catch/total target species catch) by area. The
WCGOP average bycatch ratios are as follows:

Area

Shoreward

Seaward

BOCACCIO
N. of 47°40′ N. lat.
43°55′ N. lat. to 47°40′ N. lat.
40°10′ N. lat. to 43°55′ N. lat.
S. of 40°10′ N. lat.

0.019013759

0.001794203

0.001285088

0.000050510

N. of 47°40′ N. lat.

0.001560461

0.009950330

43°55′ N. lat. to 47°40′ N. lat.

0.002238054

0.018835786

40°10′ N. lat. to 43°55′ N. lat.

0.002184788

0.015025697

S. of 40°10′ N. lat.

0.000006951

0.004783988

0.001069954

0.019848047

COWCOD
N. of 47°40′ N. lat.
43°55′ N. lat. to 47°40′ N. lat.
40°10′ N. lat. to 43°55′ N. lat.
S. of 40°10′ N. lat.
DARKBLOTCHED

PACIFIC OCEAN PERCH
N. of 47°40′ N. lat.

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Area

Shoreward

Seaward

43°55′ N. lat. to 47°40′ N. lat.

0.000110802

0.015831815

40°10′ N. lat. to 43°55′ N. lat.

0.000148715

0.001367645

N. of 47°40′ N. lat.

0.000132332

0.000065291

43°55′ N. lat. to 47°40′ N. lat.

0.000387346

0.000755163

40°10′ N. lat. to 43°55′ N. lat.

0.000175128

0.000008118

S. of 40°10′ N. lat.

0.001049485

0.000676828

N. of 47°40′ N. lat.

0.000334697

0.000006363

43°55′ N. lat. to 47°40′ N. lat.

0.000083951

0.000010980

40°10′ N. lat. to 43°55′ N. lat.

0.000128942

0.000006300

S. of 40°10′ N. lat.

0.000094029

S. of 40°10′ N. lat.
WIDOW

YELLOWEYE

(xiii) For each limited entry trawl permit, NMFS will calculate projected Group 2
species amounts by area by multiplying the limited entry trawl permit's
projected 2011 total weight of all target species by area from paragraph
(d)(8)(iv)(B)(3)(xi) of this section by the applicable average bycatch ratio for
each Group 2 species and corresponding area of paragraph (d)(8)(iv)(B)(3)(xii)
of this section.
(xiv) For each limited entry trawl permit, NMFS will sum all area amounts for each
Group 2 species from paragraph (d)(8)(iv)(B)(3)(xiii) of this section to calculate
the total projected amounts of each Group 2 species for each limited entry trawl
permit.
(xv) NMFS will sum all limited entry trawl permits' projected Group 2 species
amounts from paragraph (d)(8)(iv)(B)(3)(xiv) of this section to calculate
coastwide total projected amounts for each Group 2 species.
(xvi) NMFS will estimate preliminary QS for each limited entry trawl permit for each
Group 2 species by dividing each limited entry trawl permit's total projected
amount of each Group 2 species from paragraph (d)(8)(iv)(B)(3)(xiv) of this
section by the coastwide total projected amount for that species from
paragraph (d)(8)(iv)(B)(3)(xv) of this section.
(4) Group 3 Species:
(i)

The preliminary QS allocation step indicated in paragraph (d)(8)(iii)(A) of this
section will be performed in two calculations that result in the division of
preliminary QS allocation into two pools, one to allocate QS equally among all
eligible limited entry permits, using the approach identified for Group 1 species
in paragraph (d)(8)(iv)(B)(2)(i) of this section, and the other to allocate QS using

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a formula based on QS allocations for target species and areas fished, using the
approach identified for Group 2 species in paragraph (d)(8)(iv)(B)(3) of this
section, using the following WCGOP average bycatch rates:

CANARY
Area

Shoreward

Seaward

N. of 47°40′ N. lat.

0.008041898

0.000030522

43°55′ N. lat. to 47°40′ N. lat.

0.003081830

0.000142136

40°10′ N. lat. to 43°55′ N. lat.

0.008716148

0.000021431

S. of 40°10′ N. lat.

0.001581194

0.000009132

(ii) Through these two processes, preliminary QS totaling 100 percent for each
species will be allocated. In later steps, this amount will be adjusted and
reduced as indicated in paragraphs (d)(8)(iii)(C) and (D) of this section to
determine the QS allocation. In combining the two QS pools for each permit, the
equal allocation portion is weighted according to the process in paragraph
(d)(8)(iv)(B)(2)(i) of this section, and the portion calculated based on
allocations for target species and areas fished is weighted according to the
process in (d)(8)(iv)(B)(2)(ii) of this section.
(C) Preliminary QS allocation for whiting trips. The preliminary QS allocation based on whiting
trips as indicated in paragraph (d)(8)(iii)(B) of this section for limited entry trawl permits
follows a two step process, one to allocate a pool of QS equally among all eligible limited
entry permits and the other to allocate the remainder of the preliminary QS based on
permit history. Through these two processes, preliminary QS totaling 100 percent for each
species will be allocated. In later steps, this amount will be adjusted and reduced, as
indicated in paragraphs (d)(8)(iii)(C) and (D) of this section, to determine the QS
allocation.
(1) QS to be allocated equally. The pool of QS for equal allocation will be determined
using the whiting trip landings history from Federal limited entry groundfish permits
that were retired through the Federal buyback program (i.e., buyback permit) (70 FR
45695, August 8, 2005). For each species, the whiting trip QS pool associated with
the buyback permits will be the buyback permit history as a percent of the total fleet
history for the allocation period. The calculation will be based on total absolute
pounds with no dropped years and no other adjustments. The whiting trip QS pool
associated with the buyback permits will be divided equally among all qualifying
limited entry permits for each species.
(2) QS to be allocated based on each permit's history. The pool for QS allocation based on
each limited entry trawl permit's history will be the QS remaining after subtracting out
the QS associated with the buyback permits allocated equally.

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(i)

50 CFR 660.140(d)(8)(iv)(C)(2)(i)

Whiting QS allocated based on each permit's history. Whiting QS based on each
limited entry trawl permit's history will be allocated based on the permit's
relative history from 1994 through 2003. For each limited entry trawl permit,
NMFS will calculate a whiting relative history for each qualifying year, as
follows. First, NMFS will sum the permit's history of landings of whiting from
whiting trips for each year. Second, NMFS will divide each permit's annual sum
of whiting from whiting trips by the shoreside limited entry trawl fleet's annual
sum of whiting. NMFS will then calculate a total relative history for each permit
by adding all relative histories for the permit together and subtracting the two
years with the lowest relative history. NMFS will then divide the result for each
permit by the total relative history for whiting of all qualifying limited entry trawl
permits. The result from this calculation will then be multiplied by the amount of
whiting QS in the pool to be allocated based on each permit's history.

(ii) Other incidentally caught species QS allocation for eligible limited entry trawl
permit owners. Other incidentally caught species from the QS remaining after
subtracting out the QS associated with the buyback permits will be allocated
pro-rata based on each limited entry trawl permit's whiting QS from whiting
trips. Pro-rata means a percent that is equal to the percent of whiting QS.
(D) QS from limited entry permits calculated separately for non-whiting trips and whiting trips.
NMFS will calculate the portion of QS for each species which a permit receives based on
non-whiting trips and whiting trips separately and will weight each preliminary QS in
proportion to the initial issuance allocation percentage between whiting trips and nonwhiting trips for that species in paragraph (d)(8)(iv)(A)(10) of this section or determined
through the biennial specifications process, as applicable.
(1) Nonwhiting trips. To determine the amount of QS of each species for non-whiting
trips for each limited entry trawl permit, NMFS will multiply the preliminary QS for the
permit from paragraph (d)(8)(iii)(A) of this section for each species by the initial
issuance allocation percentage for that species for non-whiting trips.
(2) Whiting trips. To determine the amount of QS of each species for whiting trips for
each limited entry trawl permit, NMFS will multiply the preliminary QS from paragraph
(d)(8)(iii)(B) of this section for each species by the initial issuance allocation
percentage for that species for whiting trips.
(E) QS for each limited entry trawl permit. For each limited entry trawl permit, NMFS will add
the results for the permit from paragraphs (d)(8)(iv)(D)(1) and (D)(2) of this section in
order to determine the total QS for each species on that permit.
(F) Adjustment for AMP set-aside and shoreside processor initial issuance allocations. NMFS
will reduce the non-whiting QS allocation to each limited entry trawl permit by 10 percent,
for a QS set-aside to AMP. NMFS will reduce the whiting QS allocation to each limited
entry trawl permit by 20 percent for the initial QS allocation to shoreside processors.
(G) Allocation of initial issuance of whiting QS for shoreside processors. NMFS will calculate
the amount of whiting QS available to shoreside processors from the 20 percent
adjustment of whiting QS allocations in paragraph (d)(8)(iv)(F) of this section. For each
eligible shoreside processor, whiting QS will be allocated based on the eligible shoreside

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processor's relative history from 1998 through 2004. Only the deliveries for which the
shoreside processor is the first processor of the fish will be used in the calculation of
whiting relative history.
(1) For each shoreside processor which has received deliveries of at least 1 mt of
whiting from whiting trips in each of any two years from 1998 through 2004, NMFS
will calculate a whiting relative history for each qualifying year, as follows. First,
NMFS will sum the shoreside processor's receipts of whiting for each year. Second,
NMFS will calculate the relative history for each year by dividing each shoreside
processor's annual sum of whiting receipts by the aggregate annual sum of whiting
received by all shoreside processors in that year. NMFS will then calculate a total
relative history for each shoreside processor by adding all relative histories for the
shoreside processor together and subtracting the two years with the lowest relative
history. NMFS will then divide the result for each shoreside processor by the
aggregate sum of all total relative histories for whiting by all qualifying shoreside
processors. The result from this calculation will then be multiplied by 20 percent to
determine the shoreside processor's whiting QS.
(2) For purposes of making an initial issuance of whiting QS to a shoreside processor,
NMFS will attribute landing history to the Pacific whiting shoreside first receiver
reported on the landing receipt (the entity responsible for filling out the state landing
receipt) as recorded in the relevant PacFIN dataset on July 1, 2010. History may be
reassigned to a shoreside processor not on the state landings receipt as described at
paragraph (d)(8)(vi)(B) of this section.
(H) Allocation of Pacific halibut IBQ for each limited entry trawl permit. For each eligible limited
entry trawl permit owner, NMFS will calculate Pacific halibut individual bycatch quota (IBQ)
for the area north of 40°10′ N. lat. using a formula based on (a) QS allocations for each
limited entry trawl permit for two target species, (b) areas of distribution of fishing effort
as determined from 2003-2006 target species catch data from the PacFIN Coastwide
Trawl Logbook Database, (c) average bycatch ratios for each area as derived from WCGOP
data from 2003 through 2006, and (d) the non-whiting initial issuance allocation of the
limited entry trawl allocation amounts for 2011 for arrowtooth and petrale sole. These
data are used in a series of sequential steps to determine the allocation of IBQ to each
limited entry trawl permit. Paragraphs (d)(8)(iv)(H)(3) to (6) of this section estimate the
permit's total 2003-2006 target species by area. Paragraphs (d)(8)(iv)(H)(7) to (13) of this
section project Pacific halibut bycatch amounts using 2003-2006 WCGOP observer ratios
and the 2011 non-whiting initial issuance allocation of the limited entry trawl allocation
amounts. Paragraphs (d)(8)(iv)(H)(14) to (16) of this section convert these amounts into
QS.
(1) The target species are arrowtooth flounder and petrale sole.
(2) The four bycatch areas are defined latitudinally and by depth. The latitudinal areas
are (a) north of 47°30′ N. lat., and (b) between 40°10′ N. lat. and 47°30′ N. lat. Each
latitudinal area is further divided by depth into areas shoreward and seaward of the
trawl Rockfish Conservation Area as defined at § 660.130(e)(4), subpart D.
(3) For each limited entry trawl permit, NMFS will review the permit logbook data for that
permit and sum target species catch recorded for the years 2003-2006, resulting in
total target species catch in each of the four areas for each permit for the years 2003
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through 2006 for both target species in aggregate. For practicability, seaward or
shoreward of the RCA as identified in the logbook data is defined as being deeper
than or shallower than 115 fathoms, respectively.
(4) For each limited entry trawl permit, NMFS will also sum the target species catch by
area into total aggregate target species catch for each permit for the years 2003
through 2006.
(5) For each limited entry trawl permit, NMFS will divide logbook aggregate target
species catch in each area (paragraph (d)(8)(iv)(H)(3) of this section) by the sum of
the permit's catch of each target species in all four bycatch areas (paragraph
(d)(8)(iv)(H)(4) of this section) to create a set of area catch ratios for each permit.
(Note: The sum of all four area catch ratios in aggregate equals 1 for each permit).
(6) For limited entry trawl permits where the vessel registered to the permit did not
submit logbooks showing any catch of either of the two target species for any of the
years 2003 through 2006, NMFS will use the following formula to calculate area
target catch ratios: NMFS will sum by area all limited entry trawl permits' total
logbook area target catches from paragraph (d)(8)(iv)(H)(3) of this section, and sum
all limited entry trawl permits' total logbook target catches across all four areas from
paragraph (d)(8)(iv)(H)(4) of this section; and divide these sums to create average
permit logbook area target catch ratios.
(7) NMFS will calculate the 2011 non-whiting initial issuance allocation amount for each
of the two target species by multiplying the limited entry trawl allocation amounts for
2011 for each by the corresponding initial issuance allocation percentage for the
non-whiting sector given in paragraph (d)(8)(iv)(A)(10) of this section.
(8) For each limited entry trawl permit, NMFS will obtain the non-whiting portion of each
limited entry trawl permit's initial QS allocations for each of the two target species
resulting from paragraph (d)(8)(iv)(B)(2) of this section.
(9) NMFS will calculate each limited entry trawl permit's projected non-whiting sector
quota pounds for the two target species for 2011 by multiplying the 2011 non-whiting
sector short term allocation amounts for each of the target species by the permit's
QS allocation percentage for the species from paragraph (d)(8)(iv)(H)(8) of this
section.
(10) For each limited entry trawl permit, NMFS will sum the projected quota pounds for
the two target species from paragraph (d)(8)(iv)(H)(9) of this section to get a total
projected weight of the two target species for the limited entry trawl permit.
(11) For each limited entry trawl permit, NMFS will multiply the projected 2011 total
weight of the two target species by the applicable area catch ratio for each area as
calculated in either paragraph (d)(8)(iv)(H)(5) of this section (permits with logbook
data) or paragraph (d)(8)(iv)(H)(6) of this section (permits without logbook data).

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(12) NMFS will apply WCGOP average halibut bycatch ratios (observed halibut catch/total
of two target species catch) by area. The WCGOP average halibut bycatch ratios are
as follows:

PACIFIC HALIBUT
Area

Shoreward

Seaward

N. of 47°30′ N. lat.

0.225737162

0.084214162

40°10′ N. lat. to 47°30′ N. lat.

0.086250913

0.033887839

(13) For each limited entry trawl permit, NMFS will calculate projected Pacific halibut
amounts by area by multiplying the limited entry trawl permit's projected 2011 total
weight of the two target species by area from paragraph (d)(8)(iv)(H)(11) of this
section by the average bycatch ratio for the corresponding area of paragraph
(d)(8)(iv)(H)(12) of this section.
(14) For each limited entry trawl permit, NMFS will sum all area amounts from paragraph
(d)(8)(iv)(H)(13) of this section to calculate the total projected Pacific halibut amount
for each limited entry trawl permit.
(15) NMFS will sum all limited entry trawl permits' projected Pacific halibut amounts from
paragraph (d)(8)(iv)(H)(14) of this section to calculate aggregate total amounts of
Pacific halibut.
(16) NMFS will estimate preliminary Pacific halibut IBQ for each limited entry trawl permit
by dividing each limited entry trawl permit's total projected Pacific halibut amount
from paragraph (d)(8)(iv)(H)(14) of this section by the aggregate total amounts of
Pacific halibut from paragraph (d)(8)(iv)(H)(15) of this section.
(I)

Redistribution of QS and IBQ. For each limited entry trawl permit transferred after
November 8, 2008, or if transferred earlier, not registered with NMFS by November 30,
2008, for which NMFS determines that the owner of such permit would exceed the
accumulation limits specified at paragraph (d)(4)(i) of this section based on calculation of
the preceding allocation formulas for all limited entry trawl permits owned by such owner
using the individual and collective rule described at § 660.140(d)(4)(ii), NMFS will
redistribute the excess QS or IBQ to other qualified QS permit owners within the
accumulation limits.

(v) QS application. Persons may apply for an initial issuance of QS and IBQ and a QS permit in one
of two ways: Complete and submit a prequalified application received from NMFS, or complete
and submit an application package. The completed application must be either postmarked or
hand-delivered within normal business hours no later than November 1, 2010. If an applicant
fails to submit a completed application by the deadline date, they forgo the opportunity to
receive consideration for initial issuance of QS and IBQ and a QS permit.

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(A) Prequalified application. A “prequalified application” is a partially pre-filled application
where NMFS has preliminarily determined the landings history that may qualify the
applicant for an initial issuance of QS and IBQ. The application package will include a
prequalified application (with landings history), a Trawl Identification of Ownership Interest
form, and any other documents NMFS believes are necessary to aid the limited entry
permit owner in completing the QS application.
(1) For current trawl limited entry permit owners, NMFS will mail a prequalified
application to all owners, as listed in the NMFS permit database at the time
applications are mailed, that NMFS determines may qualify for QS or IBQ. NMFS will
mail the application by certified mail to the current address of record in the NMFS
permit database. The application will contain the basis of NMFS' calculation of the
permit owner's QS and IBQ for each species/species group or area.
(2) For shoreside processors, NMFS will mail a prequalified application to those Pacific
whiting shoreside first receivers with receipts of 1 mt or more of whiting from whiting
trips in each of any two years from 1998 through 2004, as documented on fish
tickets in the relevant PacFIN dataset on July 1, 2010. NMFS will mail the prequalified
application by certified mail to the current address of record given by the state in
which the entity is registered. For all qualified entities who meet the eligibility
requirement at paragraph (d)(8)(ii)(B) of this section, the application will provide the
basis of NMFS' calculation of the initial issuance of Pacific whiting QS.
(B) Request for an application. An owner of a current limited entry trawl permit or a Pacific
whiting first receiver or shoreside processor that believes it is qualified for an initial
issuance of QS and IBQ and does not receive a prequalified application, must complete an
application package and submit the completed application to NMFS by the application
deadline. Application packages are available on NMFS' Web site
(https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/region/west-coast) or by contacting SFD. An application
must include valid PacFIN data or other credible information that substantiates the
applicant's qualification for an initial issuance of QS and IBQ.
(vi) Corrections to the application. If an applicant does not accept NMFS' calculation in the
prequalified application either in part or whole, the applicant must identify in writing to NMFS
which parts the applicant believes to be inaccurate, and must provide specific credible
information to substantiate any requested corrections. The completed application and specific
credible information must be provided to NMFS in writing by the application deadline. Written
communication must either be post-marked or hand-delivered within normal business hours no
later than November 1, 2010. Requests for corrections may only be granted for the following
reasons:
(A) Errors in NMFS' use or application of data, including:
(1) Errors in NMFS' use or application of landings data from PacFIN;
(2) Errors in NMFS' use or application of state logbook data from PacFIN;
(3) Errors in NMFS' application of the QS or IBQ allocation formula;
(4) Errors in identification of the permit owner, permit combinations, or vessel
registration as listed in NMFS permit database;

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(5) Errors in identification of ownership information for the first receiver or the processor
that first processed the fish; and
(6) Errors in NMFS' use or application of ownership interest information.
(B) Reassignment of Pacific whiting landings history for shoreside processors. For shoreside
processors, the landing history may be reassigned from the Pacific whiting shoreside first
receive identified in the relevant PacFIN database to a shoreside processor that was in
fact the first processor of the fish. In order for an applicant to request that landing history
be reassigned, an authorized representative for the Pacific whiting shoreside first receiver
identified on the state landing receipt must submit, by the application deadline date
specified in paragraph (d)(8)(vii)(B) of this section for initial issuance of QS, a written
request that the whiting landings history from the qualifying years be conveyed to a
shoreside processor. The letter must be signed and dated by the authorized representative
of the Pacific whiting shoreside first receiver named on the state landing receipt and
signed and dated by the authorized representative of the shoreside processor to which the
Pacific whiting landing history is requested to be reassigned. The letter must identify the
dates of the landings history and the associated amounts that are requested to be
reassigned, and include the legal name of the shoreside processor to which the Pacific
whiting landing history is requested to be reassigned, their date of birth or tax
identification number, business address, business phone number, fax number, and e-mail
address. If any document exists that demonstrates that the shoreside processor to which
the Pacific whiting landing history is requested to be reassigned was in fact the first
processor of the fish, such documentation must be provided to NMFS. NMFS will review
the information submitted and will make a determination as part of the IAD.
(vii) Submission of the application and application deadline —
(A) Submission of the application. Submission of the complete, certified application includes,
but is not limited to, the following:
(1) The applicant is required to sign and date the application and have the document
notarized by a licensed Notary Public.
(2) The applicant must certify that they qualify to own QS and IBQ.
(3) The applicant must indicate they accept NMFS' calculation of initial issuance of QS
and IBQ provided in the prequalified application, or provide credible information that
demonstrates their qualification for QS and IBQ.
(4) The applicant is required to provide a complete Trawl Identification of Ownership
Interest Form as specified at paragraph (d)(4)(iv) of this section.
(5) Business entities may be required to submit a corporate resolution or other credible
documentation as proof that the representative of the entity is authorized to act on
behalf of the entity; and
(6) NMFS may request additional information of the applicant as necessary to make an
IAD on initial issuance of QS or IBQ.

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50 CFR 660.140(d)(8)(vii)(B)

(B) Application deadline. A complete, certified application must be either postmarked or handdelivered within normal business hours to NMFS West Coast Region, Permits Office, Bldg.
1, 7600 Sand Point Way, NE., Seattle, WA 98115, no later than November 1, 2010. NMFS
will not accept or review any applications received or postmarked after the application
deadline. There are no hardship exemptions for this deadline.
(viii) Permit transfer during application period. NMFS will not review or approve any request for a
change in limited entry trawl permit owner at any time after either November 1, 2010 or the date
upon which the application is received by NMFS, whichever occurs first, until a final decision is
made by the Regional Administrator on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce regarding the QS
and IBQ to be issued for that permit.
(ix) Initial Administrative Determination (IAD). NMFS will issue an IAD for all complete, certified
applications received by the application deadline date. If NMFS approves an application for
initial issuance of QS and IBQ, the applicant will receive a QS permit specifying the amounts of
QS and IBQ for which the applicant has qualified and the applicant will be registered to a QS
account. If NMFS disapproves or partially disapproves an application, the IAD will provide the
reasons. As part of the IAD, NMFS will indicate whether the QS permit owner qualifies for QS or
IBQ in amounts that exceed the accumulation limits and are subject to divestiture provisions
given at paragraph (d)(4)(v) of this section, or whether the QS permit owner qualifies for QS or
IBQ that exceed the accumulation limits and does not qualify to receive the excess under
paragraph (d)(4)(v) of this section. If the applicant does not appeal the IAD within 60 calendar
days of the date on the IAD, the IAD becomes the final decision of the Regional Administrator
acting on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce.
(x) Appeals. For QS permits and QS/IBQ issued under this section, the appeals process and
timelines are specified at § 660.25(g), subpart C. For the initial issuance of QS/IBQ and the QS
permits, the bases for appeal are described in paragraph (d)(8)(vi) of this section. An additional
basis for appeal for whiting QS based on shoreside processing is an allegation that the
shoreside processor or Pacific whiting shoreside first receiver to which a QS permit and whiting
QS have been assigned was not in fact the first processor of the fish included in the qualifying
landings history. The appellant must submit credible information supporting the allegation that
they were in fact the first shoreside processor for the fish in question. Items not subject to
appeal include, but are not limited to, the accuracy of permit landings data or Pacific whiting
shoreside first receiver landings data in the relevant PacFIN dataset on July 1, 2010.
(9) Reallocation of widow rockfish QS —
(i)

Additional definitions. The following definitions are applicable to paragraph (d)(9) of this section
and apply only to terms used for the purposes of reallocation of widow rockfish QS:
(A) Nonwhiting trip means a fishing trip where less than 50 percent by weight of all fish
reported on the state landing receipt is whiting.
(B) PacFIN means the Pacific Fisheries Information Network of the Pacific States Marine
Fisheries Commission.
(C) Relative history means the landings history of a limited entry trawl permit for a species,
year, and area subdivision, divided by the total fleet history of the sector for that species,
year, and area subdivision, as appropriate.

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50 CFR 660.140(d)(9)(i)(D)

(D) Whiting trip means a fishing trip where greater than or equal to 50 percent by weight of all
fish reported on the state landing receipt is whiting.
(ii) Eligibility criteria for receiving reallocated widow rockfish QS. Only the owner of an original QS
permit (non-shoreside processor) to which QS was initially allocated in 2011 is eligible to
receive reallocated widow rockfish QS based on the history of the limited entry trawl permit(s)
that accrued to that QS permit, regardless of current limited entry permit ownership. For those
new QS permits to which widow rockfish was administratively transferred by NMFS under U.S.
court order, NMFS will reallocate widow rockfish QS directly to the new QS permit. Any limited
entry trawl permit owners who did not submit an initial application for a QS permit will not be
eligible to receive reallocated widow rockfish QS.
(iii) Steps for widow rockfish QS reallocation formula. The widow rockfish QS reallocation formula is
applied in the following steps:
(A) First, for each limited entry trawl permit, NMFS will determine a preliminary QS allocation
for nonwhiting trips.
(B) Second, for each limited entry trawl permit, NMFS will determine a preliminary QS
allocation for whiting trips.
(C) Third, for each limited entry trawl permit, NMFS will combine the amounts resulting from
paragraphs (d)(9)(iii)(A) and (B) of this section.
(D) Fourth, NMFS will reduce the total widow rockfish QS reallocated to QS permit owners by
10 percent as a set aside for AMP.
(iv) Reallocation formula for specific widow rockfish QS amounts —
(A) Reallocation formula rules. The following rules will be applied to data for the purpose of
calculating the initial reallocation of widow rockfish QS:
(1) Limited entry trawl permits will be assigned catch history or relative history based on
the landing history of the vessel(s) associated with the permit at the time the
landings were made.
(2) The relevant PacFIN dataset includes species compositions based on port sampled
data and applied to data at the vessel level.
(3) Only landings of widow rockfish that were caught in the exclusive economic zone or
adjacent state waters off Washington, Oregon, and California will be used for
calculating the reallocation of widow rockfish QS.
(4) History from limited entry trawl permits that have been combined with a limited entry
trawl permit that qualified for a C/P endorsement and which has shorebased permit
history will not be included in the preliminary QS and IBQ allocation formula, other
than in the determination of fleet history used in the calculation of relative history for
limited entry trawl permits that do not have a C/P endorsement.
(5) History of illegal landings and landings made under nonwhiting EFPs that are in
excess of the cumulative limits in place for the non-EFP fishery will not count toward
the allocation of QS.

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(6) The limited entry trawl permit's landings history includes the landings history of
limited entry trawl permits that have been previously combined with that limited entry
trawl permit.
(7) If two or more limited entry trawl permits have been simultaneously registered to the
same vessel, NMFS will split the landing history evenly between all such limited entry
trawl permits during the time they were simultaneously registered to the vessel.
(8) Unless otherwise noted, the calculation for the reallocation of widow rockfish QS
under paragraph (d)(9) will be based on state landing receipts (fish tickets) as
recorded in the relevant PacFIN dataset on July 27, 2016.
(9) For limited entry trawl permits, landings under provisional “A” permits that did not
become “A” permits and “B” permits will not count toward the reallocation of widow
rockfish QS, other than in the determination of fleet history used in the calculation of
relative history for permits that do not have a C/P endorsement.
(10) For limited entry trawl permits, NMFS will calculate the reallocation of widow rockfish
QS separately based on whiting trips and nonwhiting trips, and will weigh each
calculation according to a split between whiting trips and nonwhiting trips of 10.833
percent for whiting trips and 89.167 percent for nonwhiting trips, which is a one-time
proportion necessary for the reallocation formula.
(B) Preliminary widow rockfish QS reallocation for nonwhiting trips. The preliminary
reallocation process in paragraph (d)(9)(iii)(A) of this section follows a two-step process,
one to allocate a pool of QS equally among all eligible limited entry permits and the other
to allocate the remainder of the preliminary QS based on limited entry trawl permit history.
Through these two processes, preliminary QS totaling 100 percent will be allocated. In
later steps, this will be adjusted and reduced as indicated in paragraph (d)(9)(iii)(C) and
(D) to determine the QS allocation.
(1) QS to be allocated equally. The pool of QS for equal allocation will be determined
using the nonwhiting trip landings history from Federal limited entry groundfish
permits that were retired through the Federal buyback program (i.e., buyback
program) (68 FR 42613, July 18, 2003). The nonwhiting trip QS pool associated with
the buyback permits will be the buyback permit history as a percent of the total fleet
history for the 1994 to 2003 nonwhiting trip reallocation period. The calculation will
be based on total absolute pounds with no dropped years and no other adjustments.
The QS pool associated with the buyback permits will be divided equally among all
qualifying limited entry permits.
(2) QS to be allocated based on each permit's history. The pool of QS for allocation based
on limited entry trawl permit nonwhiting trip history will be the QS remaining after
subtracting out the QS allocated equally. This pool will be allocated to each
qualifying limited entry trawl permit based on the permit's relative nonwhiting trip
history from 1994 through 2002, dropping the three lowest years. For each limited
entry trawl permit, NMFS will calculate relative history using the following
methodology. First, NMFS will sum the permit's widow rockfish landings on
nonwhiting trips for each year in the reallocation period. Second, NMFS will divide
each permit's annual sum by the shoreside limited entry trawl fleet's annual sum.
NMFS will then calculate a total relative history for each permit by adding all relative
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histories for the permit together and subtracting the three years with the lowest
relative history for the permit. The result for each permit will be divided by the
aggregate sum of all total relative histories of all qualifying limited entry trawl
permits. NMFS will then multiply the result from this calculation by the amount of QS
in the pool to be allocated based on each permit's history.
(C) Preliminary widow rockfish QS reallocation for whiting trips. The preliminary reallocation
process in paragraph (d)(9)(iii)(B) of this section follows a two-step process, one to
allocate a pool of QS equally among all eligible limited entry permits and the other to
allocate the remainder of the preliminary QS based on permit history. Through these two
processes, preliminary QS totaling 100 percent will be allocated. In later steps, this will be
adjusted and reduced as indicated in paragraph (d)(9)(iii)(C) and (D) to determine the QS
allocation.
(1) QS to be allocated equally. The pool of QS for equal allocation will be determined
using whiting trip landings history from Federal limited entry groundfish permits that
were retired through the Federal buyback program (i.e., buyback program) (68 FR
42613, July 18, 2003). The whiting trip QS pool associated with the buyback permits
will be the buyback permit history as a percent of the total fleet history for the 1994
to 2003 whiting trip reallocation period. The calculation will be based on total
absolute pounds with no dropped years and no other adjustments. The QS pool
associated with the buyback permits will be divided equally among all qualifying
limited entry permits.
(2) QS to be allocated based on each permit's history. The pool of QS for allocation based
on each limited entry trawl permit's whiting trip history will be the QS remaining after
subtracting out the QS allocated equally. Widow rockfish QS for this pool will be
allocated pro-rata based on each limited entry trawl permit's whiting QS from whiting
trips that was established in 2010 and used to allocate the whiting trip portion of
whiting QS at the time of initial implementation in 2011. Pro-rata means a percent
that is equal to the percent of whiting QS from whiting trips.
(D) QS from limited entry permits calculated separately for nonwhiting trips and whiting trips.
NMFS will calculate the portion of widow QS a limited entry trawl permit receives based
on nonwhiting trips and whiting trips separately, and will weight each preliminary QS in
proportion to the one-time reallocation percentage between whiting trips and nonwhiting
trips of 10.833 percent and 89.167 percent, respectively.
(1) Nonwhiting trips. To determine the amount of widow QS for nonwhiting trips for each
limited entry trawl permit, NMFS will multiply the preliminary QS for the permit from
paragraph (d)(9)(iii)(A) of this section by the one-time reallocation percentage of
89.167 percent for nonwhiting trips.
(2) Whiting trips. To determine the amount of widow QS for whiting trips for each limited
entry trawl permit, NMFS will multiply the preliminary QS for the permit from
paragraph (d)(9)(iii)(B) of this section by the one-time reallocation percentage of
10.833 percent for whiting trips.
(E) QS for each limited entry trawl permit. For each limited entry trawl permit, NMFS will add
the results for the permit from paragraphs (d)(9)(iv)(D)(1) and (D)(2) of this section in
order to determine the total QS widow for that permit.
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50 CFR 660.140(d)(9)(iv)(F)

(F) Adjustment for AMP set-aside. NMFS will reduce the widow QS reallocated to each permit
owner by a proportional amount that is equivalent to a reduction of 10 percent across all
widow reallocation recipients' holdings as a set aside for AMP.
(v) Widow rockfish QS reallocation application. Persons may apply for issuance of reallocated
widow rockfish QS by completing and submitting a prequalified application. A “prequalified
application” is a partially pre-filled application where NMFS has preliminarily determined the
landings history for each limited entry trawl permit that qualifies the applicant for a reallocation
of widow QS. The application package will include a prequalified application with landings
history. The completed application must be either postmarked or hand-delivered to NMFS
within normal business hours no later than December 26, 2017. If an applicant fails to submit a
completed application by the deadline date, they forgo the opportunity to receive reallocated
widow rockfish QS and their percentage will be redistributed to other QS permit owners who
submitted complete widow rockfish reallocation applications in proportion to their reallocated
widow QS amount.
(vi) Corrections to the application. If an applicant does not accept NMFS's calculation in the
prequalified application either in part or whole, the applicant must identify in writing to NMFS
which parts the applicant believes to be inaccurate, and must provide specific credible
information to substantiate any requested corrections. The completed application and specific
credible information must be provided to NMFS in writing by the application deadline. Written
communication must either be post-marked or hand-delivered to NMFS within normal business
hours no later than December 26, 2017. Requests for corrections may only be granted for the
following reasons:
(A) Errors in NMFS's use or application of data, including:
(1) Errors in NMFS's use or application of landings data from PacFIN;
(2) Errors in NMFS's application of the reallocation formula; and
(3) Errors in identification of the QS permit owner, permit combinations, or vessel
registration as listed in NMFS permit database.
(B) [Reserved]
(vii) Submission of the application and application deadline —
(A) Submission of the application. Submission of the complete, certified application includes,
but is not limited to, the following:
(1) The applicant is required to sign and date the application and declare that the
contents are true, correct and complete.
(2) The applicant must certify that they qualify to own reallocated widow rockfish QS.
(3) The applicant must indicate they accept NMFS's calculation of reallocated widow
rockfish QS provided in the prequalified application, or provide a written statement
and credible information if they do not accept NMFS's calculation.
(4) NMFS may request additional information of the applicant as necessary to make an
IAD on reallocated widow rockfish QS.

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(B) Application deadline. A complete, certified application must be either postmarked or handdelivered within normal business hours to NMFS, West Coast Region, Permits Office, Bldg.
1, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Seattle, WA 98115, no later than December 26, 2017. NMFS
will not accept or review any applications received or postmarked after the application
deadline. There are no hardship exemptions for this deadline.
(viii) Initial Administrative Determination (IAD). NMFS will issue an IAD for all complete, certified
applications received by the application deadline date. If NMFS approves an application for
reallocated widow rockfish QS, the IAD will say so, and the applicant will receive a 2018 QS
permit specifying the reallocated amount of widow rockfish QS the applicant has qualified for.
If NMFS disapproves or partially disapproves an application, the IAD will provide the reasons.
As part of the IAD, NMFS will indicate to the best of its knowledge whether the QS permit owner
qualifies for QS or IBQ in amounts that exceed the accumulation limits and are subject to
divestiture provisions given at paragraph (d)(4)(v) of this section. If the applicant does not
appeal the IAD within 60 calendar days of the date on the IAD, the IAD becomes the final
decision of the Regional Administrator acting on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce.
(ix) Appeals. For reallocated widow rockfish QS issued under this section, the appeals process and
timelines are specified at § 660.25(g), subpart C. For the reallocation of widow rockfish QS, the
bases for appeal are described in paragraph (d)(9)(vi) of this section. Items not subject to
appeal include, but are not limited to, the accuracy of permit landings data in the relevant
PacFIN dataset on July 27, 2016.
(e) Vessel accounts —
(1) General. In order to participate in the Shorebased IFQ Program, a vessel must be registered to an
eligible limited entry trawl permit. A vessel account will be established on request for an owner of a
vessel registered to an eligible limited entry trawl permit in order to track QP and IBQ pounds. QP or
IBQ pounds will have the same species/species groups and area designations as the QS or IBQ from
which it was issued. Annually, QS or IBQ (expressed as a percent) are converted to QP or IBQ pounds
(expressed as a weight) in a QS account. QP or IBQ pounds may be transferred from a QS account to
a vessel account or from one vessel account to another vessel account. QP or IBQ pounds are
required to cover catch (landings and discards) by limited entry trawl vessels of all IFQ species/
species groups, except for:
(i)

Gear exception. Vessels registered to a limited entry trawl permit using the following gears
would not be required to cover groundfish catch with QP or Pacific halibut catch with IBQ
pounds: Non-groundfish trawl, gear types defined in the coastal pelagic species FMP, gear types
defined in the highly migratory species FMP, salmon troll, crab pot, and limited entry fixed gear
when the vessel also has a limited entry permit endorsed for fixed gear and has declared that it
is fishing in the limited entry fixed gear fishery. Vessels using gears falling under this exception
are subject to the open access fishery restrictions and limits when declared in to an open
access fishery.

(ii) Species exception. QP are not required for the following species: Longspine thornyheads south
of 34°27′ N. lat., minor nearshore rockfish (north and south), black rockfish (coastwide),
California scorpionfish, cabezon, kelp greenling, shortbelly rockfish, and “other fish” (as defined
at § 660.11, subpart C, under the definition of “groundfish”). For these species, trip limits remain
in place as specified in the trip limit tables at Table 1 (North) and Table 1 (South) of this
subpart.
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50 CFR 660.140(e)(2)

(2) Eligibility and registration —
(i)

Eligibility. To establish a registered vessel account, a person must own a vessel and that vessel
must be registered to a groundfish limited entry permit endorsed for trawl gear.

(ii) Registration. A vessel account must be registered with the NMFS SFD Permits Office. A vessel
account may be established at any time during the year. An eligible vessel owner must submit a
request in writing to NMFS to establish a vessel account. The request must include the vessel
name; USCG vessel registration number (as given on USCG Form 1270) or state registration
number, if no USCG documentation; all vessel owner names (as given on USCG Form 1270, or
on state registration, as applicable); and business contact information, including: Address,
phone number, fax number, and email. Requests for a vessel account must also include the
following information: A complete economic data collection form as required under §
660.113(b), (c) and (d), and a complete Trawl Identification of Ownership Interest Form as
required under paragraph (e)(4)(ii) of this section. The request for a vessel account will be
considered incomplete until the required information is submitted. Any change specified at
paragraph (e)(3)(ii) of this section, including a change in the legal name of the vessel owner(s),
will require the new owner to register with NMFS for a vessel account. A participant must have
access to a computer with internet access and must set up online access to their vessel
account to participate. NMFS will provide vessel account owners instructions to set up online
access to their vessel account. NMFS will use the vessel account to send messages to vessel
owners in the Shorebased IFQ Program; it is important for vessel owners to monitor their online
vessel account and all associated messages.
(3) Renewal, change of account ownership, and transfer of QP or IBQ pounds —
(i)

Renewal.
(A) Vessel accounts expire at the end of each calendar year, and must be renewed between
October 1 and November 30 of each year in order to ensure the vessel account is active on
January 1 of the following year. A complete vessel account renewal package must be
received by SFD no later than November 30 to be accepted by NMFS.
(B) Notification to renew vessel accounts will be issued by SFD by September 15 each year to
the vessel account owner's most recent email address in the SFD record. The vessel
account owner shall provide SFD with notice of any email address change within 15 days
of the change.
(C) Any vessel account for which SFD does not receive a vessel account renewal request by
November 30 will have its vessel account inactivated by NMFS at the end of the calendar
year. NMFS will not issue QP or IBQ pounds to the inactivated vessel account. Any QP or
IBQ pounds in the vessel account will expire and surplus QP or IBQ pounds will not be
available for carryover. A non-renewed vessel account may be renewed in a subsequent
year by submission of a complete vessel account renewal package.
(D) Vessel accounts will not be renewed until SFD has received a complete application for a
vessel account renewal, which includes payment of required fees, a complete
documentation of permit ownership on the Trawl Identification of Ownership Interest Form
as required under paragraph (e)(4)(ii) of this section, and a complete economic data
collection form as required under § 660.114. The vessel account renewal will be
considered incomplete until the required information is submitted.

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50 CFR 660.140(e)(3)(i)(E)

(E) Effective Date. A vessel account is effective on the date issued by NMFS and remains
effective until the end of the calendar year.
(F) IAD and appeals. Vessel account renewals are subject to the appeals process specified at
§ 660.25(g), subpart C.
(ii) Change in vessel account ownership. Vessel accounts are non-transferable and ownership of a
vessel account cannot change (i.e., cannot change the legal name of the owner(s) as given on
the vessel account). If the ownership of a vessel changes (as given on a USCG or state vessel
registration documentation), then a new vessel account must be opened by the new owner in
order for the vessel to participate in the Shorebased IFQ Program.
(iii) Transfer of QP or IBQ pounds —
(A) General. QP or IBQ pounds may only be transferred from a QS account to a vessel account
or between vessel accounts. QP or IBQ pounds cannot be transferred from a vessel
account to a QS account. Transfers of QP or IBQ pounds are subject to annual vessel
accumulation limits. QP or IBQ pounds must be transferred in whole pounds (i.e., no
fraction of a QP or IBQ pound can be transferred). During the year there may be situations
where NMFS deems it necessary to prohibit transfers (i.e., account reconciliation, system
maintenance, or for emergency fishery management reasons).
(B) Transfer procedures. QP or IBQ pound transfers from one vessel account to another vessel
account must be accomplished via the online vessel account. To make a transfer, a vessel
account owner must initiate a transfer request by logging onto the online vessel account.
Following the instructions provided on the website, the vessel account owner must enter
pertinent information regarding the transfer request including, but not limited to: IFQ
species, amount of QP or IBQ pounds to be transferred for each IFQ species (in whole
pound increments); name and any other identifier of the eligible transferee (e.g., USCG
documentation number or state registration number, as applicable) of the eligible vessel
account receiving the transfer; and the value of the transferred QP or IBQ pounds. The
online system will verify whether all information has been entered and whether the
transfer complies with vessel limits, as applicable. If the information is not accepted, an
electronic message will record as much in the transferor's vessel account explaining the
reason(s). If the information is accepted, the online system will record the pending
transfer in both the transferor's and the transferee's vessel accounts. The transferee must
approve the transfer by electronic signature. If the transferee accepts the transfer, the
online system will record the transfer and confirm the transaction in both accounts
through a transaction confirmation notice. Once the transferee accepts the transaction,
the transaction is final and permanent. QP or IBQ pounds may be transferred between
vessel accounts at any time during January 1 through December 31 each year unless
otherwise notified by NMFS. Unused QP from the previous fishing year (base year) may be
transferred for the purpose of covering end-of-the-year vessel account deficits through the
end of the post-season transfer period described at paragraph (e)(5)(iv) of this section.
(4) Accumulation limits —

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(i)

50 CFR 660.140(e)(4)(i)

Vessel limits. For each IFQ species or species group specified in this paragraph, vessel
accounts may not have QP or IBQ pounds in excess of the annual QP vessel limit in any year,
except as allowed by paragraph (e)(5)(iii) of this section. The annual QP vessel limit is
calculated as all QPs transferred in minus all QPs transferred out of the vessel account.

Species category
Arrowtooth flounder
Bocaccio S of 40°10′ N lat

Annual QP
vessel limit
(in percent)
20
15.4

Canary rockfish

10

Chilipepper S of 40°10′ N lat

15

Cowcod S of 40°10′ N lat

17.7

Darkblotched rockfish

6.8

Dover sole

3.9

English sole

7.5

Lingcod:
N of 40°10′ N lat

5.3

S of 40°10′ N lat

13.3

Longspine thornyhead:
N of 34°27′ N lat

9

Minor rockfish complex N of 40°10′ N lat.:
Shelf species

7.5

Slope species

7.5

Minor rockfish complex S of 40°10′ N lat.:
Shelf species

13.5

Slope species

9

Other Flatfish complex

15

Pacific cod

20

Pacific halibut (IBQ) N of 40°10′ N lat

14.4

Pacific ocean perch N of 40°10′ N lat

6

Pacific whiting (shoreside)

15

Petrale sole

4.5

Sablefish:
N of 36° N lat. (Monterey north)

4.5

S of 36° N lat. (Conception area)

15

Shortspine thornyhead

9

Splitnose rockfish S of 40°10′ N lat

15

Starry flounder

20

Widow rockfish

8.5

Yelloweye rockfish

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Species category

50 CFR 660.140(e)(4)(ii)

Annual QP
vessel limit
(in percent)

Yellowtail rockfish N of 40°10′ N lat

7.5

Non-whiting groundfish species

3.2

(ii) Trawl identification of ownership interest form. Any person that owns a vessel registered to a
limited entry trawl permit and that is applying for or renewing a vessel account shall document
those persons that have an ownership interest in the vessel greater than or equal to 2 percent.
This ownership interest must be documented with the SFD via the Trawl Identification of
Ownership Interest Form. SFD will not generate and issue a vessel account unless the Trawl
Identification of Ownership Interest Form has been completed. NMFS may request additional
information of the applicant as necessary to verify compliance with accumulation limits.
(5) Carryover of Surplus and Deficit QP or IBQ. The carryover provision allows a limited amount of
surplus QP or IBQ pounds in a vessel account to be carried over from one year (the base year) to the
next immediately following year or allows a deficit in a vessel account from fishing during the base
year to be covered in the immediately following year with QP or IBQ pounds from the base year or
the a immediately following year, up to a carryover limit without violating the provisions of this
section.
(i)

Surplus QP or IBQ pounds. A vessel account with a surplus of QP or IBQ (unused QP or IBQ
pounds) for any IFQ species following the post-season transfer period specified at paragraph
(e)(5)(iv) of this section, may carryover for use in the year immediately following the base year
amounts of unused QP or IBQ pounds up to its carryover limit specified at (e)(5)(ii) of this
section, and subject to the limitations of this paragraph. After the post-season transfer period is
concluded, NMFS will complete determination of surplus QP or IBQ pound amounts that may
be carried over into the following year up to the surplus carryover limit specified at paragraph
(e)(5)(ii) of this section. The amount of surplus QP or IBQ pounds issued as carryover will be
reduced in proportion to any reduction in the ACL-between the base year and the immediately
following year. At the end of the post-season transfer period, any base year QP or IBQ pounds
remaining in vessel accounts will be suspended from use while NMFS calculates annual
surplus carryover amounts. NMFS will consult with the Council in making its final determination
of the IFQ species and total QP or IBQ amounts to be issued as annual surplus carryover. After
NMFS completes determination of the annual surplus carryover amounts for each vessel
account, suspended QP or IBQ pounds in excess of the annual surplus carryover amount will
expire. NMFS will subsequently release any remaining suspended QP or IBQ pounds for
issuance as surplus carryover to vessel accounts from which they were suspended, and notify
vessel account owners of the issuance. Surplus carryover QP or IBQ pounds are valid for the
year in which they are issued (i.e., the year immediately following the base year). Surplus
carryover amounts that would place a vessel above the annual QP vessel limits for the
immediately following year (specified at paragraph (e)(4) of this section) will not be issued.
Amounts issued as surplus QP or IBQ pounds do not change the shorebased trawl allocation in
the year in which the carryover was issued. Surplus QP or IBQ pounds may not be carried over
for more than one year.

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50 CFR 660.140(e)(5)(ii)

(ii) Surplus Carryover Limit. The limit for the surplus carryover is calculated by multiplying 10
percent by the cumulative total QP or IBQ pounds (used and unused) transferred into a vessel
account for the base year, less any transfers out of the vessel account, QP resulting from
reapportionment of whiting specified at § 660.60(d), additional QP issued to the account during
the year (as specified at § 660.60(c)(3)(ii)), and previous carryover amounts. The percentage
used for the carryover surplus limit may be changed by Council recommendation during the
biennial specifications and management measures process or by routine management
measures as specified in § 660.60(c).
(iii) Deficit QP or IBQ pounds. After the end of the base year, a vessel account may cover the full
amount of any deficit (negative balance) of QP or IBQ pounds using QP or IBQ from the
following year, base year QP or IBQ pounds, through the post-season transfer period, or a
combination, without restriction by annual QP vessel limits. A vessel account acquiring QP or
IBQ after the base year to cover a deficit resulting from catch in excess of the base year annual
QP vessel limits may still be in violation of annual vessel QP limit provisions specified at
paragraph (e)(4)(i) of this section, or other provisions of this section, if the deficit exceeds the
deficit carryover limit specified at paragraph (e)(5)(iii)(B) of this section. If an IFQ species is
reallocated between the base year and the following year due to changes in management areas
or subdivision of a species group as specified at paragraph (c)(3)(vii) of this section, a vessel
account will not carryover the deficit for that IFQ species into the following year. A vessel
account with a deficit for any IFQ species in the base year may cover that deficit during the
post-season transfer period or with QP or IBQ pounds from the following year without violating
the provisions of this section if all of the following conditions are met:
(A) The vessel account owner declares out of the Shorebased IFQ Program for the remainder
of the year in which the deficit occurred. The vessel account owner must submit a signed,
dated, and notarized letter to OLE, declaring out of the Shorebased IFQ Program for the
remainder of the year and invoking the carryover provision to cover the deficit. Signed,
dated, and notarized letters may be submitted to NMFS, West Coast Region, Office of Law
Enforcement, ATTN VMS, Bldg. 1, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115. If the
vessel account owner covers the deficit later within the same calendar year, the vessel
may re-enter the Shorebased IFQ Program. If the deficit is documented less than 30 days
before the end of the calendar year, exiting out of the Shorebased IFQ Program for the
remainder of the year is not required.
(B) The amount of QP or IBQ pounds required to cover the deficit from the current fishing year
is less than or equal to the vessel's carryover limit for a deficit. The carryover limit for a
deficit is calculated as 10 percent of the total cumulative QP or IBQ pounds (used and
unused, less any transfers out of the vessel account, and any previous carryover amounts)
in the vessel account 30 days after the date the deficit is documented;
(C) Sufficient QP or IBQ pounds are transferred into the vessel account to cure the deficit
within 30 days of NMFS' issuance of QP or IBQ pounds to QS accounts in the following
year or the date the deficit is documented (whichever is later) but not later than the end of
the post-season transfer period; and
(D) The total QP required to cover the vessel's total catch from the base year is not greater
than the annual QP vessel limit for the base year.

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50 CFR 660.140(e)(5)(iv)

(iv) Post-Season QP or IBQ transfers. A vessel account with a deficit (negative balance) of QP or IBQ
pounds after December 31 for any IFQ species may conduct post-season transfers to cure the
deficit by obtaining available unused QP or IBQ pounds remaining in other vessel accounts
from the base fishing year. Vessel account owners may conduct post-season transfers of QP
and IBQ pounds according to transfer procedures specified in paragraph (e)(3)(iii) of this
section, and subject to the following conditions:
(A) Post-season transfers may be conducted during a period starting January 1 and ending 14
calendar days after NMFS has completed its determination of the total base year IFQ
catch for all vessels for end-of-the-year account reconciliation. NMFS will issue a public
notice when end-of-the-year account reconciliation has been completed, on or about
March 1 of each year.
(B) QP or IBQ pounds from the base fishing year transferred during the post-season transfer
period may not be fished in any way, and may only be transferred for the purpose of
covering deficits carried into the immediately following fishing year from the base fishing
year.
(C) After the post-season transfer period, remaining QP and IBQ pounds surplus and deficits
from the base fishing year are subject to carryover provisions specified at paragraphs
(e)(5)(ii) and (e)(5)(iii) of this section.
(6) Appeals. An appeal to a vessel account action follows the appeals process defined at § 660.25(g),
subpart C.
(7) Fees. The Regional Administrator is authorized to charge fees for administrative costs associated
with the vessel accounts consistent with the provisions given at § 660.25(f), subpart C.
(8) Cost recovery. The fish seller, as defined at § 660.111, is subject to the cost recovery program
specified at § 660.115.
(f) First receiver site license —
(1) General. The first receiver site license authorizes the holder to receive, purchase, or take custody,
control, or possession of an IFQ landing at a specific physical site onshore directly from a vessel.
Each buyer of groundfish from a vessel making an IFQ landing must have a first receiver site license
for each physical location where the IFQ landing is offloaded.
(2) Issuance.
(i)

First receiver site licenses will only be issued to a person registered to a valid license issued by
the state of Washington, Oregon, or California, and that authorizes the person to receive fish
from a catcher vessel.

(ii) An IFQ first receiver must have a separate first receiver site license for each unique physical
location where the IFQ first receiver will receive, purchase or take custody, control, or take
possession of an IFQ landing from a vessel.
(iii) An IFQ first receiver may apply for a first receiver site license at any time during the calendar
year.
(iv) IFQ first receivers must reapply for a first receiver site license as specified at paragraphs (f)(6)
and (7) of this section:
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50 CFR 660.140(f)(3)

(3) Application process. Persons interested in being licensed as an IFQ first receiver for a specific
physical location must submit a complete application for a first receiver site license through the web
form submission available at https://www.noaa.gov/fisheries. First receiver site license holders may
request a paper application by contacting SFD. NMFS will only consider complete applications for
approval. A complete application includes:
(i)

State license. The license owner must provide a copy of a valid license issued by the state in
which they operate that allows the person to receive fish from a catcher vessel.

(ii) Application form. A completed IFQ first receiver application form provided by NMFS, signed and
dated by an authorized representative of the first receiver. To be considered complete, the form
must also be notarized.
(iii) A catch monitoring plan. All IFQ first receivers must prepare and operate under a NMFSaccepted catch monitoring plan for each specific physical location. A proposed catch
monitoring plan detailing how the IFQ first receiver will meet each of the performance
standards in paragraph (f)(3)(iii)(C) of this section must be included with the application. NMFS
will not issue a first receiver site license to a person that does not have a current, NMFSaccepted catch monitoring plan.
(A) Catch monitoring plan review process. NMFS will accept a catch monitoring plan if it
includes all the required elements specified in paragraph (f)(3)(iii)(C) of this section and
conforms with the actual operations and layout at the site. A site inspection is required for
new first receiver site licenses. For re-registration of an existing first receiver site license,
the site must be inspected at least once every three years or more frequently, as deemed
necessary by NMFS, or by a NMFS designated representative. If NMFS does not accept a
catch monitoring plan for any reason, a new or revised catch monitoring plan may be
required of the first receiver.
(B) Arranging a site inspection. After receiving a complete application for a first receiver site
license, if a site inspection is required, NMFS will contact the applicant to schedule a site
inspection. A complete application for a first receiver site license must include the
proposed catch monitoring plan. NMFS may request a representative of the first receiver
to be at the site at the time of inspection. If the requested representative of the first
receiver is not made available for the inspection, the site inspection may be postponed
until the requested representative of the first receiver is made available.
(C) Contents of a catch monitoring plan. The catch monitoring plan must:
(1) Catch sorting. Describe the amount and location of all space used for sorting catch,
the number of staff assigned to catch sorting, and the maximum rate that catch will
flow through the sorting area.
(2) Monitoring for complete sorting. Detail how IFQ first receiver staff will ensure that
sorting is complete; what steps will be taken to prevent unsorted catch from entering
the factory or other areas beyond the location where catch sorting and weighing can
be monitored from the observation area; and what steps will be taken if unsorted
catch enters the factory or other areas beyond the location where catch sorting and
weighing can be monitored from the observation area.

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50 CFR 660.140(f)(3)(iii)(C)(3)

(3) Scales used for weighing IFQ landings. Identify each scale that will be used to weigh
IFQ landings by the type and capacity and describe where it is located and what it will
be used for. Each scale must be appropriate for its intended use.
(4) Printed record. Identify all scales that will be used to weigh IFQ landings that cannot
produce a complete printed record as specified at § 660.15(c), subpart C. State how
the scale will be used, and how the plant intends to produce a complete and accurate
record of the total weight of each delivery.
(5) Weight monitoring. Detail how the IFQ first receiver will ensure that all catch is
weighed and the process used to meet the catch weighing requirements specified at
paragraph (j) of this section. If a catch monitoring plan proposes the use of totes in
which IFQ species will be weighed, or a deduction for the weight of ice, the catch
monitoring plan must detail how the process will accurately account for the weight of
ice and/or totes.
(6) Delivery points. Identify specific delivery points where catch is removed from an IFQ
vessel. 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 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.
(7) Observation area. Designate and describe the observation area. The observation area
is a location where a catch monitor may monitor the flow of fish during a delivery,
including: Access to the observation area, the flow of fish, and lighting used during
periods of limited visibility. Standards for the observation area are specified at
paragraph (i)(4)(ii) of this section.
(8) Lockable cabinet. Identify the location of a secure, dry, and lockable cabinet or locker
with the minimum interior dimensions of two feet wide by two feet tall by two feet
deep for the exclusive use of the catch monitor, NMFS staff, or authorized officers.
(9) Plant liaison. Identify the designated plant liaison. The plant liaison responsibilities
are specified at paragraph (i)(6) of this section.
(10) First receiver diagram. The catch monitoring plan must be accompanied by a diagram
of the plant showing:
(i)

The delivery point(s);

(ii) The observation area;
(iii) The lockable cabinet;
(iv) The location of each scale used to weigh catch; and
(v) Each location where catch is sorted.
(11) Electronic fish ticket submittal. Describe how the electronic fish ticket submittal
requirements specified at § 660.113(b)(4)(ii) will be met.

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50 CFR 660.140(f)(3)(iii)(C)(12)

(12) Applicant contact. Print the name of the first receiver, physical location of the first
receiver, name and phone number of the applicant, and the date of the application.
The applicant must sign the catch monitoring plan.
(D) Catch monitoring plan acceptance period and changes. NMFS will accept a catch
monitoring plan if it includes the required elements specified in paragraph (f)(3)(iii)(C) of
this section and conforms with the actual operations and layout at the site. For the first
receiver site license to remain in effect, the owner or manager must notify NMFS in writing
of any and all changes made in IFQ first receiver operations or layout that do not conform
to the catch monitoring plan.
(E) Changing a NMFS-accepted catch monitoring plan. An owner and manager may change an
accepted catch monitoring plan by submitting a plan addendum to NMFS. NMFS will
accept the modified catch monitoring plan if it continues to meet the performance
standards specified in paragraph (f)(3)(iii)(C) of this section. Depending on the nature and
magnitude of the change requested, NMFS may require an additional catch monitoring
plan inspection. A catch monitoring plan addendum must contain:
(1) Name and signature of the person submitting the addendum;
(2) Address, telephone number, fax number and email address (if available) of the
person submitting the addendum;
(3) A complete description of the proposed catch monitoring plan change.
(iv) Completed EDC form. A first receiver site license application must include a complete economic
data collection form as required under § 660.113(b), subpart D. The application for a first
receiver site license will be marked incomplete until the required information is submitted.
(4) Initial administrative determination. For all complete applications, NMFS will issue an IAD if the
application is disapproved. The IAD will provide the reasons for this determination. NMFS will not
reissue a first receiver site license until the required cost recovery program fees, as specified at §
660.115, have been paid. The IAD, appeals, and final decision process for the cost recovery program
is specified at § 660.115(d)(3)(ii).
(5) Effective dates. The first receiver site license is valid from the effective date identified on the license
until June 30, or until the state license required by paragraph (f)(2)(i) of this section is no longer
effective, whichever occurs first. A first receiver site license may not be valid for more than 365 days.
(6) Re-registration of FRSL in subsequent years. Existing first receiver site license holders must reapply
annually by following the application process specified in paragraph (f)(3) of this section. If the
existing license holder fails to reapply, the first receiver site license will expire as specified in
paragraph (f)(5) of this section. NMFS will not reissue a first receiver site license until all required
cost recovery program fees, as specified at § 660.115, associated with that license have been paid.
For existing first receiver site license holders to continue to receive IFQ landings without a lapse in
the effectiveness of their first receiver site license, the following re-registration deadlines apply:
(i)

First receiver site license applications will be accessible through an online application on or
about February 1 each year.

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50 CFR 660.140(f)(6)(ii)

(ii) Applicants who want to have their new license effective for July 1 must submit their complete
re-registration application to NMFS by April 15. For those first receiver site license holders who
do not submit a complete re-registration application by April 15, NMFS may not be able to issue
the new license by July 1 of that calendar year, and will issue the new license as soon as
practicable.
(7) Change in ownership of an IFQ first receiver. If there are any changes to the owner of a first receiver
registered to a first receiver site license during a calendar year, the first receiver site license is void.
The new owner of the first receiver must apply to NMFS for a first receiver site license. A first
receiver site license may not be registered to any other person.
(8) Fees. The Regional Administrator is authorized to charge fees for administrative costs associated
with processing the application consistent with the provisions given at § 660.25(f), subpart C.
(9) Appeals. If NMFS does not accept the first receiver site license application through an IAD, the
applicant may appeal the IAD consistent with the general permit appeals process defined at §
660.25(g), subpart C.
(10) Cost recovery. The first receiver site license holder is considered the fish buyer as defined at §
660.111, and must comply with the cost recovery program specified at § 660.115.
(g) Retention and disposition requirements —
(1) General. Shorebased IFQ Program vessels may discard IFQ species/species groups, provided such
discards are accounted for and deducted from QP in the vessel account. The discard mortality for
those species with discard mortality rates must be accounted for and applied to QP in the vessel
account. With the exception of vessels on a declared Pacific whiting IFQ trip and engaged in
maximized retention, and vessels fishing under a valid EM Authorization in accordance with §
660.604, prohibited and protected species (except short-tailed albatross as directed by §
660.21(c)(1)(v)) must be discarded at sea. Pacific halibut must be discarded as soon as practicable
and the discard mortality must be accounted for and deducted from IBQ pounds in the vessel
account. Non-IFQ species and non-groundfish species may be discarded at sea, unless otherwise
required by EM Program requirements at § 660.604. The sorting of catch, the weighing and
discarding of any IBQ and IFQ species, and the retention of IFQ species must be monitored by the
observer or EM system.
(2) Maximized retention for Pacific whiting IFQ trips. Vessels on Pacific whiting IFQ trips may engage in
maximized retention. Maximized retention allows for the discard minor operational amounts of
catch at sea if the observer has accounted for the discard. Vessels engaged in maximized retention
must retain prohibited species until landing. Protected species may be retained until landing except
as provided under paragraph (g)(3) of this section. Pacific halibut must be accounted for and
deducted from IBQ pounds in the vessel account.
(3) Disposition of prohibited species and protected species in maximized retention landings —
(i)

Prohibited species handling and disposition. To ensure compliance with fishery regulations at 50
CFR part 300, subparts E and F, and part 600, subpart H; with the Pacific Salmon Fishery
Management Plan; and with the Pacific Halibut Catch Share Plan; the handling and disposition
of all prohibited species in maximized retention landings are the responsibility of the first
receiver and must be consistent with the following requirements:

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50 CFR 660.140(g)(3)(i)(A)

(A) Any prohibited species landed at first receivers must not be transferred, processed, or
mixed with another landing until the catch monitor has: recorded the number and weight
of salmon by species; inspected all prohibited species for tags or marks; and, collected
biological data, specimens, and genetic samples.
(B) No part of any prohibited species may be retained for personal use by a vessel owner or
crew member, or by a first receiver or processing crew member. No part of any prohibited
species may be allowed to reach commercial markets.
(C) Prohibited species suitable for human consumption at landing must be handled and
stored to preserve the quality. Priority in disposition must be given to the donation to
surplus food collection and distribution system operated and established to assist in
bringing donated food to nonprofit charitable organizations and individuals for the
purpose of reducing hunger and meeting nutritional needs.
(D) The first receiver must report all prohibited species landings on the electronic fish ticket
and is responsible for maintaining records verifying the disposition of prohibited species.
Records on catch disposition may include, but are not limited to: Receipts from charitable
organizations that include the organization's name and amount of catch donated; cargo
manifests setting forth the origin, weight, and destination of all prohibited species; or
disposal receipts identifying the recipient organization and amount disposed. Any such
records must be maintained for a period not less than three years after the date of
disposal and such records must be provided to OLE upon request.
(ii) Protected Species handling and disposition. All protected species must be abandoned to NMFS
or the US Fish and Wildlife Service or disposed of consistent with paragraphs (g)(3)(ii)(A) and
(B) of this section. No part of any protected species may be retained for personal use by a
vessel owner or crew member, or by a first receiver or processing crew member. No part of any
protected species may be allowed to reach commercial markets.
(A) Eulachon and green sturgeon. Must be sorted and reported by species on electronic fish
tickets and state landing receipts and may not be reported in unspecified categories.
Whole body specimens of green sturgeon must be retained, frozen, stored separately by
delivery, and labeled with the vessel name, electronic fish ticket number, and date of
landing. Arrangements for transferring the specimens must be made by contacting NMFS
Southwest Fisheries Science Center at 831-420-3903 within 72 hours after the completion
of the offload.
(B) Seabirds, marine mammals, and sea turtles. Short-tailed albatross must be reported as
soon as possible and directions for surrendering must be followed as directed by §
660.21(c)(1)(v). Marine mammals and sea turtles must be reported to NMFS as soon as
possible (206-526-6550) and directions for surrendering or disposal must be followed.
Whole body specimens must be labeled with the vessel name, electronic fish ticket
number, and date of landing. Whole body specimens must be kept frozen or on ice until
arrangements for surrendering or disposing are completed. Unless directed otherwise,
after reporting is completed, seabirds, marine mammals, and sea turtles may be disposed
by incinerating, rendering, composting, or returning the carcasses to sea.
(h) Observer requirements —
(1) Observer coverage requirements —
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(i)

50 CFR 660.140(h)(1)(i)

Coverage. The following observer coverage pertains to certified observers obtained from an
observer provider permitted by NMFS.
(A) Any vessel participating in the Shorebased IFQ Program:
(1) Must carry a certified observer on any fishing trip from the time the vessel leaves port
and until the completion of landing (until all catch from that fishing trip has been
offloaded—see landing at §§ 660.11 and 660.60(h)(2)).
(2) Must carry an observer at any time the vessel is underway in port, including transit
between delivery points when fish is offloaded at more than one IFQ first receiver.
(3) Is exempt from the requirement to maintain observer coverage as specified in this
paragraph (h) while remaining docked in port when the observer makes available to
the catch monitor an Observer Program reporting form documenting the weight and
number of any overfished species listed under a rebuilding plan at § 660.40 retained
during that trip and which documents any discrepancy the vessel operator and
observer may have in the weights and number of the overfished species, unless
modified inseason under routine management measures at § 660.60(c)(1).
(4) Is exempt from the requirement to carry an observer if the vessel has a valid EM
Authorization and is fishing with EM under § 660.604 of subpart J.
(5) Is exempt from the requirement to maintain observer coverage as specified in this
paragraph (h) while gear testing as defined in § 660.11. The vessel operator must
submit a valid declaration for gear/equipment testing, as required by §
660.13(d)(4)(iv)(A), and must notify the Observer Program of the gear testing activity
at least 48 hours prior to departing on a trip to test gear/equipment.
(B) Any vessel 125 ft (38.1 m) LOA or longer that is engaged in at-sea processing must carry
two certified observers, and any vessel shorter than 125 ft (38.1 m) LOA that is engaged in
at-sea processing must carry one certified observer, each day that the vessel is used to
take, retain, receive, land, process, or transport groundfish.

(ii) Observer deployment limitations and workload. If an observer is unable to perform their duties
for any reason, the vessel is required to be in port within 36 hours of the last haul sampled by
the observer. An observer must not be deployed for more than 22 calendar days in a calendar
month, except for when a waiver has been issued by the Observer Program. The Observer
Program may issue waivers to the observer provider to allow observers to work more than 22
calendar days per month in the following circumstances:
(A) When it's anticipated that one trip will last over 20 days.
(B) When a replacement observer is not available due to injury or illness.
(C) When the Observer Program has predetermined that the extended deployment is not likely
to result in data delays or otherwise impact the overall duties and obligations of the
observer.
(iii) Refusal to board. Any boarding refusal on the part of the observer or vessel must be
immediately reported to the Observer Program and OLE by the observer provider. The observer
must be available for an interview with the Observer Program or OLE if necessary.

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50 CFR 660.140(h)(2)

(2) Vessel responsibilities. As specified at § 660.140(h)(1)(ii), if an observer is unable to perform their
duties for any reason, the vessel is required to be in port within 36 hours of the last haul sampled by
the observer. An operator and/or crew of a vessel required to carry an observer must provide:
(i)

Accommodations and food.
(A) Accommodations and food for trips less than 24 hours must be equivalent to those
provided for the crew.
(B) Accommodations and food for trips of 24 hours or more must be equivalent to those
provided for the crew and must include berthing space, a space that is intended to be
used for sleeping and is provided with installed bunks and mattresses. A mattress or
futon on the floor or a cot is not acceptable if a regular bunk is provided to any crew
member, unless other arrangements are approved in advance by the Regional
Administrator or designee.

(ii) Safe conditions.
(A) Maintain safe conditions on the vessel for the protection of observers including adherence
to all U.S. Coast Guard and other applicable rules, regulations, statutes, and guidelines
pertaining to safe operation of the vessel, including, but not limited to rules of the road,
vessel stability, emergency drills, emergency equipment, vessel maintenance, vessel
general condition and port bar crossings. An observer may refuse boarding or reboarding
a vessel and may request a vessel to return to port if operated in an unsafe manner or if
unsafe conditions are identified.
(B) Have on board a valid Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Decal that certifies compliance
with regulations found in 33 CFR chapter I and 46 CFR chapter I, a certificate of
compliance issued pursuant to 46 CFR 28.710 or a valid certificate of inspection pursuant
to 46 U.S.C. 3311. Maintain safe conditions on the vessel for the protection of observer(s)
including adherence to all USCG and other applicable rules, regulations, or statutes
pertaining to safe operation of the vessel, and provisions at §§ 600.725 and 600.746 of
this chapter.
(iii) Computer hardware and software. [Reserved]
(iv) Vessel position. Allow observer(s) access to the vessel's navigation equipment and personnel,
on request, to determine the vessel's position.
(v) Access. Allow observer(s) free and unobstructed access to the vessel's bridge, trawl or working
deck, holding bins, sorting areas, cargo hold, and any other space that may be used to hold,
process, weigh, or store fish at any time.
(vi) Prior notification. Notify observer(s) at least 15 minutes before fish are brought on board to
allow sampling the catch.
(vii) Records. Allow observer(s) to inspect and copy any state or Federal logbook maintained
voluntarily or as required by regulation.
(viii) [Reserved]
(ix) Sampling station. To allow the observer to carry out the required duties, the vessel owner must
provide an observer sampling station that is:
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50 CFR 660.140(h)(2)(ix)(A)

(A) Accessible. The observer sampling station must be available to the observer at all times.
(B) Limits hazards. To the extent possible, the area should be free and clear of hazards
including, but not limited to, moving fishing gear, stored fishing gear, inclement weather
conditions, and open hatches.
(x) Transfers at sea. Transfers at-sea are prohibited.
(xi) Housing on vessel in port. During all periods an observer is housed on a vessel, the vessel
operator must ensure that at least one crew member is aboard.
(3) Procurement of observer services. Owners of vessels required to carry observers under paragraph
(h)(1) of this section must arrange for observer services from an observer provider, except that:
(i)

Vessels are required to procure observer services directly from the Observer Program when
NMFS has determined and given notification that the vessel must carry NMFS staff or an
individual authorized by NMFS in lieu of an observer provided by an observer provider.

(ii) Vessels are required to procure observer services directly from the Observer Program and an
observer provider when NMFS has determined and given notification that the vessel must carry
NMFS staff and/or individuals authorized by NMFS, in addition to an observer provided by an
observer provider.
(4) Application to become an observer provider. See § 660.18.
(5) Observer provider responsibilities.
(i)

Provide qualified candidates to serve as observers. Observer providers must provide qualified
candidates to serve as observers. To be qualified, a candidate must have:
(A) A Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university with a major in one
of the natural sciences;
(B) Successfully completed a minimum of 30 semester hours or equivalent in applicable
biological sciences with extensive use of dichotomous keys in at least one course;
(C) Successfully completed at least one undergraduate course each in math and statistics
with a minimum of 5 semester hours total for both; and
(D) Computer skills that enable the candidate to work competently with standard database
software and computer hardware.

(ii) Hiring an observer candidate —
(A) The observer provider must provide the candidate a copy of NMFS-provided pamphlets,
information and other literature describing observer duties, for example, the West Coast
Groundfish Observer Program's sampling manual. Observer job information is available
from the Observer Program Office's web site at http://www.nwfsc.noaa.gov/research/
divisions/fram/observer/index.cfm.
(B) Observer contracts. The observer provider must have a written contract or a written
contract addendum signed by the observer and observer provider prior to the observer's
deployment with the following clauses:
(1) That the observer will return all phone calls, emails, text messages, or other forms of
communication within the time specified by the Observer Program;
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(2) That the observer inform the observer provider prior to the time of embarkation if he
or she is experiencing any new mental illness or physical ailments or injury since
submission of the physician's statement as required as a qualified observer
candidate that would prevent him or her from performing their assigned duties; and
(3) That every observer successfully completes a Red Cross (or equivalent) basic
cardiopulmonary resuscitation/first aid certification course prior to the end of the
West Coast Groundfish Observer Training class.
(iii) Ensure that observers complete duties in a timely manner. An observer provider must ensure that
observers employed by that observer provider do the following in a complete and timely
manner:
(A) Submit to NMFS all data, logbooks and reports and biological samples as required under
the observer program policy deadlines.
(B) Report for his or her scheduled debriefing and complete all debriefing responsibilities; and
(C) Return all sampling and safety gear to the Observer Program Office at the termination of
their contract.
(D) Immediately report to the Observer Program Office and the OLE any refusal to board an
assigned vessel.
(iv) Observers provided to vessel.
(A) Must have a valid West Coast Groundfish observer certification with the required
endorsements;
(B) Must not have informed the observer provider prior to the time of embarkation that he or
she is experiencing a mental illness or a physical ailment or injury developed since
submission of the physician's statement, as required in paragraph (h)(5)(xi)(B) of this
section that would prevent him or her from performing his or her assigned duties; and
(C) Must have successfully completed all NMFS required training and briefing before
deployment.
(v) Respond to industry requests for observers. An observer provider must provide an observer for
deployment pursuant to the terms of the contractual relationship with the vessel to fulfill vessel
requirements for observer coverage under paragraphs (h)(5)(xi)(D) of this section. An alternate
observer must be supplied in each case where injury or illness prevents an observer from
performing his or her duties or where an observer resigns prior to completion of his or her
duties. If the observer provider is unable to respond to an industry request for observer
coverage from a vessel for whom the observer provider is in a contractual relationship due to
the lack of available observers by the estimated embarking time of the vessel, the observer
provider must report it to NMFS at least four hours prior to the vessel's estimated embarking
time, unless the vessel provides less than four hour notice to the provider, in which case the
provider is to notify NMFS as soon as practical after the situation arises.
(vi) Provide observer salaries and benefits. An observer provider must provide to its observer
employees salaries and any other benefits and personnel services in accordance with the terms
of each observer's contract.
(vii) Provide observer deployment logistics.
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50 CFR 660.140(h)(5)(vii)(A)

(A) An observer provider must ensure each of its observers under contract:
(1) Has an individually assigned mobile or cell phones, in working order, for all necessary
communication. An observer provider may alternatively compensate observers for
the use of the observer's personal cell phone or pager for communications made in
support of, or necessary for, the observer's duties.
(2) Has a check-in system in which the observer is required to contact the observer
provider each time they depart and return to port on a vessels.
(3) Remains available to OLE and the Observer Program until the conclusion of
debriefing.
(4) Receives all necessary transportation, including arrangements and logistics to the
initial location of deployment, to all subsequent vessel assignments during that
deployment, and to and from the location designated for an observer to be
interviewed by the Observer Program; and
(5) Receives lodging, per diem, and any other services necessary to observers assigned
to fishing vessels.
(i)

An observer under contract may be housed on a vessel to which he or she is
assigned: Prior to their vessel's initial departure from port; for a period not to
exceed 24 hours following the completion of an offload when the observer has
duties and is scheduled to disembark; or for a period not to exceed 24 hours
following the vessel's arrival in port when the observer is scheduled to
disembark.

(ii) Otherwise, each observer between vessels, while still under contract with an
observer provider, shall be provided with accommodations in accordance with
the contract between the observer and the observer provider. If the observer
provider is responsible for providing accommodations under the contract with
the observer, the accommodation must be at a licensed hotel, motel, bed and
breakfast, or other shoreside accommodations that has an assigned bed for
each observer that no other person may be assigned to for the duration of that
observer's stay. Additionally, no more than four beds may be in any room
housing observers at accommodations meeting the requirements of this
section.
(viii) Observer deployment limitations and workload.
(A) Not deploy an observer on the same vessel more than 90 calendar days in a 12-month
period, unless otherwise authorized by NMFS.
(B) Not exceed observer deployment limitations and workload as outlined in paragraph
(h)(1)(ii) of this section.
(ix) Verify vessel's Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Decal. An observer provider must ensure that
the observer completes a current observer vessel safety checklist, and verify that a vessel has a
valid USCG Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Decal as required under paragraph (h)(2)(ii)(B) of
this section prior to the observer embarking on the first trip and before an observer may get

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underway aboard the vessel. The provider must submit all vessel safety checklists to the
Observer Program, as specified by Observer Program. One of the following acceptable means
of verification must be used to verify the decal validity:
(A) An employee of the observer provider, including the observer, visually inspects the decal
aboard the vessel and confirms that the decal is valid according to the decal date of
issuance; or
(B) The observer provider receives a hard copy of the USCG documentation of the decal
issuance from the vessel owner or operator.
(x) Maintain communications with observers. An observer provider must have an employee
responsible for observer activities on call 24 hours a day to handle emergencies involving
observers or problems concerning observer logistics, whenever observers are at sea, in transit,
or in port awaiting vessel reassignment.
(xi) Maintain communications with the Observer Program Office. An observer provider must provide
all of the following information by electronic transmission (email), fax, or other method
specified by NMFS.
(A) Observer training, briefing, and debriefing registration materials. This information must be
submitted to the Observer Program Office at least 10 business days prior to the beginning
of a scheduled West Coast groundfish observer certification training or briefing session.
Submissions received less than 10 business days prior to a West Coast groundfish
observer certification training or briefing session will be approved by the Observer
Program on a case-by-case basis.
(1) Training registration materials consist of the following:
(i)

Date of requested training;

(ii) A list of observer candidates that includes each candidate's full name (i.e., first,
middle and last names), date of birth, and gender;
(iii) A copy of each candidate's academic transcripts and resume;
(iv) A statement signed by the candidate under penalty of perjury which discloses
the candidate's criminal convictions;
(v) Length of each observer's contract.
(2) Briefing registration materials consist of the following:
(i)

Date and type of requested briefing session;

(ii) List of observers to attend the briefing session, that includes each observer's
full name (first, middle, and last names);
(iii) Length of each observer's contract.
(3) Debriefing. The Observer Program will notify the observer provider which observers
require debriefing and the specific time period the observer provider has to schedule
a date, time, and location for debriefing. The observer provider must contact the
Observer Program within 5 business days by telephone to schedule debriefings.

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(i)

50 CFR 660.140(h)(5)(xi)(A)(3)(i)

Observer providers must immediately notify the observer program when
observers end their contract earlier than anticipated.

(ii) [Reserved]
(B) Physical examination. A signed and dated statement from a licensed physician that he or
she has physically examined an observer or observer candidate. The statement must
confirm that, based on that physical examination, the observer or observer candidate does
not have any health problems or conditions that would jeopardize that individual's safety
or the safety of others while deployed, or prevent the observer or observer candidate from
performing his or her duties satisfactorily. The statement must declare that, prior to the
examination, the physician was made aware of the duties of the observer and the
dangerous, remote, and rigorous nature of the work by reading the NMFS-prepared
information. The physician's statement must be submitted to the Observer Program Office
prior to certification of an observer. The physical exam must have occurred during the 12
months prior to the observer's or observer candidate's deployment. The physician's
statement expires 12 months after the physical exam occurred and a new physical exam
must be performed, and accompanying statement submitted, prior to any deployment
occurring after the expiration of the statement.
(C) Certificates of insurance. The observer provider must submit copies of “certificates of
insurance” that name the Northwest Fisheries Science Center Observer Program manager
as the “certificate holder” to the Observer Program Office by February 1 of each year. The
certificates of insurance shall verify all coverage provisions specified at § 600.748(b) and
(c) of this chapter and state that the insurance company will notify the certificate holder if
insurance coverage is changed or canceled.
(D) Observer provider contracts. If requested, observer providers must submit to the Observer
Program Office a completed and unaltered copy of each type of signed and valid contract
(including all attachments, appendices, addendums, and exhibits incorporated into the
contract) between the observer provider and those entities requiring observer services
under paragraph (h)(1)(i) of this section. Observer providers must also submit to the
Observer Program Office, upon request, a completed and unaltered copy of the current or
most recent signed and valid contract (including all attachments, appendices, addendums,
and exhibits incorporated into the contract and any agreements or policies with regard to
observer compensation or salary levels) between the observer provider and the particular
entity identified by the Observer Program or with specific observers. The copies must be
submitted to the Observer Program Office via email, fax, or mail within 5 business days of
the request. Signed and valid contracts include the contracts an observer provider has
with:
(1) Vessels required to have observer coverage as specified at paragraph (h)(1)(i) of this
section; and
(2) Observers.
(E) Change in observer provider management and contact information. An observer provider
must submit to the Observer Program Office any change of management or contact
information as required at § 660.18(h).
(F) Biological samples. The observer provider must ensure that biological samples are stored/
handled properly prior to delivery/transport to NMFS.
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50 CFR 660.140(h)(5)(xi)(G)

(G) Observer status report. Observer providers must provide NMFS with an updated list of
observer trips per Observer Program protocol. Trip information includes observer provider
name, observer last name, observer first name, trip start date, trip end date, status of
observer, vessel name, and vessel identification number.
(H) Other information. Observer providers must submit to NMFS, if requested, copies of any
information developed and used by the observer providers distributed to vessels, such as
informational pamphlets, payment notification, description of observer duties, etc.
(I)

Other reports. Reports of the following must be submitted in writing to the Observer
Program Office by the observer provider via fax or email address designated by the
Observer Program Office within 24 hours after the observer provider becomes aware of
the information:
(1) Any information regarding possible observer harassment;
(2) Any information regarding any action prohibited under § 660.12(e); § 660.112(a)(4);
or § 600.725(o), (t) and (u) of this chapter;
(3) Any concerns about vessel safety or marine casualty under 46 CFR 4.05-1(a)(1)
through (7);
(4) Any observer illness or injury that prevents the observer from completing any of his
or her duties described in the observer manual; and
(5) Any information, allegations or reports regarding observer conflict of interest or
breach of the standards of behavior described in observer provider policy.

(xii) Replace lost or damaged gear. Lost or damaged gear issued to an observer by NMFS must be
replaced by the observer provider. All replacements must be provided to NMFS and be in
accordance with requirements and procedures identified in writing by the Observer Program
Office.
(xiii) Maintain confidentiality of information. An observer provider must ensure that all records on
individual observer performance received from NMFS under the routine use provision of the
Privacy Act U.S.C. 552a or as otherwise required by law remain confidential and are not further
released to any person outside the employ of the observer provider company to whom the
observer was contracted except with written permission of the observer.
(xiv) Limitations on conflict of interest. Observer providers:
(A) Must not have a direct financial interest, other than the provision of observer, catch
monitor or other biological sampling services, in any federal or state managed fisheries,
including, but not limited to:
(1) Any ownership, mortgage holder, or other secured interest in a vessel or shoreside
processor facility involved in the catching, taking, harvesting or processing of fish;
(2) Any business involved with selling supplies or services to any vessel or shoreside
processors participating in a fishery managed pursuant to an FMP in the waters off
the coasts of Alaska, California, Oregon, and Washington, or

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50 CFR 660.140(h)(5)(xiv)(A)(3)

(3) Any business involved with purchasing raw or processed products from any vessel or
shoreside processor participating in a fishery managed pursuant to an FMP in the
waters off the coasts of Alaska, California, Oregon, and Washington.
(B) Must assign observers without regard to any preference by representatives of vessels
other than when an observer will be deployed.
(C) Must not solicit or accept, directly or indirectly, any gratuity, gift, favor, entertainment, loan,
or anything of monetary value except for compensation for providing observer services
from any person who conducts fishing or fish processing activities that are regulated by
NMFS, or who has interests that may be substantially affected by the performance or nonperformance of the official duties of observer providers.
(xv) Observer conduct and behavior. An observer provider must develop and maintain a policy
addressing observer conduct and behavior for their employees that serve as observers.
(A) The policy shall address the following behavior and conduct regarding:
(1) Observer use of alcohol;
(2) Observer use, possession, or distribution of illegal drugs in violation of applicable
law; and;
(3) Sexual contact with personnel of the vessel or processing facility to which the
observer is assigned, or with any vessel or processing plant personnel who may be
substantially affected by the performance or non-performance of the observer's
official duties.
(B) An observer provider shall provide a copy of its conduct and behavior policy by February 1
of each year, to: observers, observer candidates and the Observer Program Office.
(xvi) Refusal to deploy an observer. Observer providers may refuse to deploy an observer on a
requesting vessel if the observer provider has determined that the requesting vessel is
inadequate or unsafe pursuant to those described at § 600.746 or U.S. Coast Guard and other
applicable rules, regulations, statutes, or guidelines pertaining to safe operation of the vessel.
(6) Observer certification and responsibilities —
(i)

Applicability. Observer certification authorizes an individual to fulfill duties as specified in
writing by the Observer Program Office while under the employ of an observer provider and
according to certification requirements as designated under paragraph (h)(6)(iii) of this section.

(ii) Observer certification official. The Regional Administrator will designate a NMFS observer
certification official who will make decisions for the Observer Program Office on whether to
issue or deny observer certification.
(iii) Certification requirements —
(A) Initial certification. NMFS may certify individuals who, in addition to any other relevant
considerations:
(1) Are employed by an permitted observer provider at the time of the of the certification
is issued;
(2) Have provided, through their observer provider:
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(i)

50 CFR 660.140(h)(6)(iii)(A)(2)(i)

Information identified by NMFS at § 679.52 (b) of this chapter regarding an
observer candidate's health and physical fitness for the job;

(ii) Meet all observer candidate education and health standards as specified in §
679.52 (b) of this chapter; and
(iii) Have successfully completed NMFS-approved training as prescribed by the
Observer Program. Successful completion of training by an observer applicant
consists of meeting all attendance and conduct standards issued in writing at
the start of training; meeting all performance standards issued in writing at the
start of training for assignments, tests, and other evaluation tools; and
completing all other training requirements established by the Observer
Program.
(iv) Have not been decertified under paragraph (h)(6)(ix) of this section, or pursuant
to § 679.53(c) of this chapter.
(B) [Reserved]
(iv) Denial of a certification. The NMFS observer certification official will issue a written
determination denying observer certification if the candidate fails to successfully complete
training, or does not meet the qualifications for certification for any other relevant reason.
(v) Issuance of an observer certification. An observer certification may be issued upon
determination by the observer certification official that the candidate has successfully met all
requirements for certification as specified at paragraph (h)(6)(iii) of this section. The following
endorsements as prescribed by the Observer Program must be obtained in addition to observer
certification.
(A) West Coast Groundfish Observer Program training endorsement. A training endorsement
signifies the successful completion of the training course required to obtain observer
certification. This endorsement expires when the observer has not been deployed and
performed sampling duties as required by the Observer Program Office for a period of
time, specified by the Observer Program, after his or her most recent debriefing. The
Observer can renew the endorsement by successfully completing training once more.
(B) West Coast Groundfish Observer Program annual general endorsement. Each observer must
obtain an annual general endorsement to their certification prior to his or her first
deployment within any calendar year subsequent to a year in which a training
endorsement is obtained. To obtain an annual general endorsement, an observer must
successfully complete the annual briefing, as specified by the Observer Program. All
briefing attendance, performance, and conduct standards required by the Observer
Program must be met.
(C) West Coast Groundfish Observer Program deployment endorsement. Each observer who
has completed an initial deployment, as defined by the Observer Program, after receiving a
training endorsement or annual general endorsement, must complete all applicable
debriefing requirements specified by the Observer Program. A deployment endorsement is
issued to observers who meet the performance standards specified by the Observer
Program. A deployment endorsement must be obtained prior to any subsequent
deployments for the remainder of that calendar year. If a deployment endorsement is not
issued, certification training must be repeated.
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(vi) Maintaining the validity of an observer certification. After initial issuance, an observer must keep
their certification valid by meeting all of the following requirements specified below:
(A) Successfully perform their assigned duties as described in the observer manual or other
written instructions from the Observer Program.
(B) Accurately record their sampling data, write complete reports, and report accurately any
observations of suspected violations of regulations relevant to conservation of marine
resources or their environment.
(C) Not disclose collected data and observations made on board the vessel or in the
processing facility to any person except the owner or operator of the observed vessel or
an authorized officer or NMFS.
(D) Successfully complete any required trainings or briefings as prescribed by the Observer
Program.
(E) Successful completion of briefing by an observer applicant consists of meeting all
attendance and conduct standards issued in writing at the start of training; meeting all
performance standards issued in writing at the start of briefing for assignments, tests,
and other evaluation tools; and completing all other briefing requirements established by
the Observer Program.
(F) Hold a Red Cross (or equivalent) basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation/first aid
certification.
(G) Successfully meet Observer Program performance standards reporting for assigned
debriefings or interviews.
(H) Submit all data and information required by the Observer Program within the program's
stated guidelines.
(I)

Meet the minimum annual deployment period of 45 days every 12 months. On a case-by
case basis, the Observer Program may consider waiving the 45 day requirement.

(vii) Limitations on conflict of interest. Observers:
(A) Must not have a direct financial interest, other than the provision of observer services or
catch monitor services, in a North Pacific fishery managed pursuant to an FMP for the
waters off the coast of Alaska, Alaska state waters, or in a Pacific Coast fishery managed
by either the state or Federal Governments in waters off Washington, Oregon, or California,
including but not limited to:
(1) Any ownership, mortgage holder, or other secured interest in a vessel, shore-based or
floating stationary processor facility involved in the catching, taking, harvesting or
processing of fish,
(2) Any business involved with selling supplies or services to any vessel, shore-based or
floating stationary processing facility; or
(3) Any business involved with purchasing raw or processed products from any vessel,
shore-based or floating stationary processing facilities.

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(B) Must not solicit or accept, directly or indirectly, any gratuity, gift, favor, entertainment, loan,
or anything of monetary value from any person who either conducts activities that are
regulated by NMFS in the Pacific coast or North Pacific regions or has interests that may
be substantially affected by the performance or nonperformance of the observers' official
duties.
(C) May not serve as observers on any vessel or at any shore-based or floating stationary
processor owned or operated by a person who employed the observer in the last two
years.
(D) May not solicit or accept employment as a crew member or an employee of a vessel or
shore-based or floating stationary processor while employed by an observer provider.
(E) Provisions for remuneration of observers under this section do not constitute a conflict of
interest.
(viii) Standards of behavior. Observers must:
(A) Perform their duties as described in the observer manual or other written instructions from
the Observer Program Office.
(B) Accurately record their sampling data, write complete reports, and report accurately any
observations of suspected violations of regulations relevant to the conservation of marine
resources of their environment.
(C) Not disclose collected data and observations made on board the vessel to any person
except the owner or operator of the observed vessel, an authorized officer, or NMFS.
(ix) Suspension and decertification —
(A) Suspension and decertification review official. The Regional Administrator (or a designee)
will designate an observer suspension and decertification review official(s), who will have
the authority to review observer certifications and issue IAD of observer certification
suspension and/or decertification.
(B) Causes for suspension or decertification. In addition to any other supported basis
connected to an observer's job performance, the suspension and decertification official
may initiate suspension or decertification proceedings against an observer:
(1) When it is alleged that the observer has not met applicable standards, including any
of the following:
(i)

Failed to satisfactorily perform duties as described or directed by the Observer
Program; or

(ii) Failed to abide by the standards of conduct for observers, including conflicts of
interest;
(2) Upon conviction of a crime or upon entry of a civil judgment for:
(i)

Commission of fraud or other violation in connection with obtaining or
attempting to obtain certification, or in performing the duties as specified in
writing by the NMFS Observer Program;

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(ii) Commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction
of records, making false statements, or receiving stolen property;
(iii) Commission of any other offense indicating a lack of integrity or honesty that
seriously and directly affects the fitness of observers.
(C) Issuance of an IAD. Upon determination that suspension or decertification is warranted,
the suspension/decertification official will issue a written IAD to the observer via certified
mail at the observer's most current address provided to NMFS. The IAD will identify
whether a certification is suspended or revoked and will identify the specific reasons for
the action taken. Decertification is effective 30 calendar days after the date on the IAD,
unless there is an appeal.
(D) Appeals. A certified observer who receives an IAD that suspends or revokes his or her
observer certification may appeal the determination within 30 calendar days after the date
on the IAD to the Office of Administrative Appeals pursuant to § 660.19.
(i)

Catch monitor requirements for IFQ first receivers —
(1) Catch monitor coverage requirements. A catch monitor is required be present at each IFQ first
receiver whenever an IFQ landing is received, unless the first receiver has been granted a written
waiver from the catch monitor requirements by NMFS.
(2) Procurement of catch monitor services. Owners or managers of each IFQ first receiver must arrange
for catch monitor services from a catch monitor provider prior to accepting IFQ landings.
(3) Catch monitor safety.
(i)

Each IFQ first receiver must adhere to all applicable rules, regulations, or statutes pertaining to
safe operation and maintenance of a processing and/or receiving facility.

(ii) Unless alternative arrangements are approved by the Catch Monitor Program Office, the
working hours of each individual catch monitor will be limited as follows: the time required for a
catch monitor to conduct monitoring duties must not exceed 14 consecutive hours in a
calendar day. Following a monitoring shift of more than 10 hours, each catch monitor must be
provided with a minimum 8 hours break before they may resume monitoring.
(4) Catch monitor access.
(i)

Each IFQ first receiver must allow catch monitors free and unobstructed access to the catch
throughout the sorting process and the weighing process.

(ii) The IFQ first receiver must ensure that there is an observation area available to the catch
monitor that meets the following standards:
(A) Access to the observation area. The observation area must be freely accessible to NMFS
staff, NMFS-authorized personnel, or authorized officers at any time a valid catch
monitoring plan is required.
(B) Monitoring the flow of fish. The catch monitor 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 takes place and each species has been weighed.
(C) Adequate lighting. Adequate lighting must be provided during periods of limited visibility.
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(iii) Each IFQ first receiver must allow catch monitors free and unobstructed access to any
documentation required by regulation including fish tickets, scale printouts and scale test
results.
(5) Lockable cabinet. Each IFQ first receiver must provide a secure, dry, and lockable cabinet or locker
with the minimum interior dimensions of two feet wide by two feet tall by two feet deep for the
exclusive use the catch monitor and NMFS staff or NMFS-authorized agents.
(6) Plant liaison for the catch monitor. Each IFQ first receiver must designate a plant liaison. The plant
liaison is responsible for:
(i)

Orienting new catch monitors to the facility;

(ii) Assisting in the resolution of catch monitoring concerns; and
(iii) Informing NMFS if changes must be made to the catch monitoring plan.
(7) Reasonable assistance. Each IFQ first receiver must provide reasonable assistance to the catch
monitors to enable each catch monitor to carry out his or her duties. Reasonable assistance
includes, but is not limited to: informing the monitor when bycatch species will be weighed, and
providing a secure place to store equipment and gear.
(j)

Catch weighing requirements —
(1) Catch monitoring plan. All IFQ first receivers must operate under a NMFS-accepted catch monitoring
plan for each specific physical location where IFQ landings will be received, purchased, or taken
custody, control, or possession of.
(2) Sorting and weighing IFQ landings —
(i)

Approved scales. The IFQ first receiver must ensure that all IFQ species received from a vessel
making an IFQ landing are weighed on a scale(s) that meets the requirements specified at §
660.15(c).

(ii) Printed record. All scales identified in the catch monitoring plan accepted by NMFS during the
first receiver site license application process, must produce a printed record as specified at §
660.15(c).
(iii) Scales that may be exempt from printed report. An IFQ first receiver that receives no more than
200,000 pounds of groundfish in any calendar month will be exempt from the requirement to
produce a printed record provided that:
(A) The first receiver has not previously operated under a catch monitoring plan where a
printed record was required;
(B) The first receiver ensures that all catch is weighed; and
(C) The catch monitor, NMFS staff, or authorized officer can verify that all catch is weighed.
(iv) Retention of printed records. An IFQ first receiver must maintain printouts on site until the end of
the fishing year during which the printouts were made consistent with § 660.113(a)(2).
(v) Weight monitoring. An IFQ first receiver must ensure that it is possible for the catch monitor,
NMFS staff, or authorized officer to verify the weighing of all catch.

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(vi) Catch sorting. All fish delivered to the plant must be sorted and weighed by species as specified
at § 660.130(d).
(vii) Complete sorting. Sorting and weighing must be completed prior to catch leaving the area that
can be monitored from the catch monitor's observation area.
(viii) Pacific whiting IFQ trips. Immediately following weighing of the total catch and prior to
processing or transport away from the point of landing, the catch must be sorted to the species
groups specified at § 660.130(d) and all catch other than the target species (groundfish and
non groundfish species) must be accurately weighed and the weight of non-target species
deducted from the total catch weight to derive the weight of a single predominant species.
Catch from a Pacific whiting IFQ trip may be sorted after weighing and the weight of a single
predominant species determined by deducting the weight of all other species from the total
weight of the landing, provided that:
(A) The unsorted catch is weighed on a bulk weighing scale in compliance with equipment
requirements at § 660.15(c);
(B) All catch (groundfish and non-groundfish species) in the landing other than the single
predominant species is reweighed on a scale in compliance with equipment requirements
at § 660.15(c) and the reweighed catch is deducted from the total weight of the landing;
(C) The catch is sorted to the species groups specified at § 660.130(d) prior to processing or
transport away from the point of landing; and
(D) Prohibited species are sorted by species, counted, and weighed.
(ix) For all other IFQ landings the following weighing standards apply:
(A) A belt or automatic hopper scale may be used to weigh all of the catch prior to sorting. All
but a single predominant species must then be reweighed.
(B) An in-line conveyor or automatic hopper scale may be used to weigh the single
predominant species after catch has been sorted. Other species must be weighed in a
manner that facilitates tracking of the weights of those species.
(C) IFQ species or species group may be weighed in totes on a platform scale capable of
printing a label or tag and recording the label or tag information to memory for printing a
report as specified at § 660.15. The label or tag must remain affixed to the tote until the
tote is emptied. The label or tag must show the following information:
(1) The species or species group;
(2) The weight of the fish in the tote;
(3) The date the label or tag was printed; and
(4) The vessel name.
(D) Totes and ice. If a catch monitoring plan proposes the use of totes in which fish will be
weighed, or a deduction for the weight of ice, the deduction must be accurately accounted
for. No deduction may be made for the weight of water or slime. This standard may be
met by:
(1) Taring the empty or pre-iced tote on the scale prior to filling with fish;
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(2) Labeling each tote with an individual tare weight. This weight must be accurate within
500 grams (1 pound if scale is denominated in pounds) for any given tote and the
average error for all totes may not exceed 200 grams (8 ounces for scales
denominated in pounds);
(3) An alternate approach accepted by NMFS. NMFS will only accept approaches that do
not involve the estimation of the weight of ice or the weight of totes and allow NMFS
staff or an authorized officer to verify that the deduction or tare weight is accurate.
(E) An alternate approach accepted by NMFS in the catch monitoring plan.
(3) IFQ first receiver responsibilities relative to catch weighing and monitoring of catch weighing. The IFQ
first receiver must:
(i)

General. Ensure that all IFQ landings are sorted and weighed as specified at § 660.130(d) and in
accordance with an approved catch monitoring plan.

(ii) Catch monitors, NMFS staff, and authorized officers.
(A) Have a catch monitor on site the entire time an IFQ landing is being offloaded, sorted, or
weighed.
(B) Notify the catch monitor of the offloading schedule.
(C) Provide catch monitors, NMFS staff, or an authorized officer with unobstructed access to
any areas where IFQ species are or may be sorted or weighed at any time IFQ species are
being landed or processed.
(D) Ensure that catch monitors, NMFS staff, or an authorized officer are able to
simultaneously observe the weighing of catch on the scale and read the scale display at
any time.
(E) Ensure that printouts of the scale weight of each delivery or offload are made available to
catch monitors, NMFS staff, or an authorized officer at the time printouts are generated.
(4) Scale tests. All testing must meet the scale test standards specified at § 660.15(c).
(k) Gear switching.
(1) Participants in the Shorebased IFQ Program may take IFQ species using any legal groundfish nontrawl gear (i.e., gear switching) and are exempt from the gear endorsements at § 660.25(b)(3) for
limited entry fixed gear permits, provided the following requirements are met:
(i)

The vessel must be registered to a limited entry trawl permit.

(ii) The vessel must be registered to a vessel account that is not in deficit on any IFQ species.
(iii) The vessel operator must have submitted a valid gear declaration for the trip that declares
“Limited entry groundfish non-trawl, shorebased IFQ,” as specified in § 660.13(d)(5)(iv)(A), and
does not declare any other designation (a Shorebased IFQ Program trip may not be combined
with any other designation).
(iv) The vessel must comply with prohibitions applicable to the limited entry fixed gear fishery as
specified at § 660.212, gear restrictions applicable to limited entry fixed gear as specified in §§
660.219 and 660.230(b), and management measures specified in § 660.230(d), including
restrictions on the fixed gear allowed onboard, its usage, and applicable fixed gear groundfish
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conservation area restrictions, except that the vessel will not be subject to limited entry fixed
gear trip limits when fishing in the Shorebased IFQ Program. Vessels using bottom longline and
snap gears as defined at § 660.11 are subject to the requirements of the Seabird Avoidance
Program described in § 660.21.
(v) The vessel must comply with the limited entry trawl trip limits for species/species groups not
covered under the Shorebased IFQ Program or whiting trip limits outside the primary season.
(vi) The vessel must comply with recordkeeping and reporting requirements applicable to limited
entry trawl gear as specified in § 660.113.
(vii) The vessel must comply with and observer requirements and all other provisions of the
Shoreside IFQ Program as specified in this section.
(2) [Reserved]
(l)

Adaptive management program —
(1) General. The adaptive management program (AMP) is a set-aside of 10 percent of the non-whiting
QS to address the following objectives:
(i)

Community stability;

(ii) Processor stability;
(iii) Conservation;
(iv) Unintended/unforeseen consequences of IFQ management; or
(v) Facilitating new entrants.
(2) AMP QP pass through. The 10 percent of non-whiting QS will be reserved for the AMP, but the
resulting AMP QP will be issued to all QS permit owners in proportion to their non-whiting QS until an
alternative use of AMP QP is implemented.
[75 FR 60897, Oct. 1, 2010]

Editorial Note: For FEDERAL REGISTER citations affecting § 660.140, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which
appears in the Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.

§ 660.150 Mothership (MS) Co-op Program.
(a) General. The MS Co-op Program is a general term to describe the limited access program that applies to
eligible harvesters and processors in the mothership sector of the Pacific whiting at-sea trawl fishery.
Eligible harvesters and processors, including co-op and non-cooperative fishery participants, must meet
the requirements set forth in this section of the Pacific Coast groundfish regulations. Each year a vessel
registered to an MS/CV-endorsed permit may fish in either the co-op or non-cooperative portion of the MS
Co-op Program, but not both. In addition to the requirements of this section, the MS Co-op Program is
subject to the following groundfish regulations of subparts C and D of this part:
(1) Pacific whiting seasons § 660.131(b), subpart D.
(2) Area restrictions specified for midwater trawl gear used to harvest Pacific whiting fishery specified at
§ 660.131(c), Subpart D for GCAs, RCAs, Salmon Conservation Zones, BRAs, and EFHCAs.
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(3) Regulations set out in the following sections of subpart C: § 660.11 Definitions, § 660.12
Prohibitions, § 660.13 Recordkeeping and reporting, § 660.14 VMS requirements, § 660.15
Equipment requirements, § 660.16 Groundfish Observer Program, § 660.20 Vessel and gear
identification, § 660.25 Permits, § 660.55 Allocations, § 660.60 Specifications and management
measures, § 660.65 Groundfish harvest specifications, and §§ 660.70 through 660.79 Closed areas.
(4) Regulations set out in the following sections of subpart D: § 660.111 Trawl fishery definitions, §
660.112 Trawl fishery prohibitions, § 660.113 Trawl fishery recordkeeping and reporting, § 660.115
Trawl fishery cost recovery program, § 660.120 Trawl fishery crossover provisions, § 660.130 Trawl
fishery management measures, and § 660.131 Pacific whiting fishery management measures.
(5) The MS Co-op Program may be restricted or closed as a result of projected overages within the MS
Co-op Program, the C/P Co-op Program, or the Shorebased IFQ Program. As determined necessary
by the Regional Administrator, area restrictions, season closures, or other measures will be used to
prevent the trawl sectors in aggregate or the individual trawl sector (Shorebased IFQ, MS Co-op, or
C/P Co-op) from exceeding an ACL, ACT, or formal allocation specified in the PCGFMP or regulation
at § 660.55, subpart C, or §§ 660.140, 660.150, or 660.160, subpart D.
(b) Participation requirements and responsibilities —
(1) Mothership vessels —
(i)

Mothership vessel participation requirements. A vessel is eligible to receive and process catch
as a mothership in the MS Co-op Program if:
(A) The vessel is registered to an MS permit; and
(B) The vessel is not used to fish as a catcher vessel in the mothership sector of the Pacific
whiting fishery in the same calendar year.

(ii) Mothership vessel responsibilities. The owner and operator of a mothership vessel must:
(A) Recordkeeping and reporting. Maintain a valid declaration as specified at § 660.13(d);
maintain records as specified at § 660.113(a); and maintain and submit all records and
reports specified at § 660.113(c) including, economic data, scale tests records, cease
fishing reports, and cost recovery.
(B) Observers. As specified at paragraph (j) of this section, procure observer services,
maintain the appropriate level of coverage, and meet the vessel responsibilities.
(C) Catch weighing requirements. The owner and operator of a mothership vessel must:
(1) Ensure that all catch is weighed in its round form on a NMFS-approved scale that
meets the requirements described in section § 660.15(b);
(2) Provide a NMFS-approved platform scale, belt scale, and test weights that meet the
requirements described in section § 660.15(b).
(D) Cost recovery program. Collect and remit to NMFS cost recovery program fees as specified
at § 660.115.
(2) Mothership catcher vessels —
(i)

Mothership catcher vessel participation requirements —
(A) A vessel is eligible to harvest in the MS Co-op Program if the following conditions are met:

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(1) If the vessel is used to fish as a mothership catcher vessel for a permitted MS co-op,
the vessel is registered to a limited entry permit with a trawl endorsement and NMFS
has been notified that the vessel is authorized to fish for the co-op.
(2) If the vessel is used to harvest fish in the non-cooperative fishery, the vessel is
registered to an MS/CV-endorsed limited entry permit.
(3) The vessel does not catch more than 30 percent of the Pacific whiting allocation for
the mothership sector.
(B) [Reserved]
(ii) Mothership catcher vessel responsibilities —
(A) Observers. As specified at paragraph (j) of this section, procure observer services,
maintain the appropriate level of coverage, and meet the vessel responsibilities.
(B) Recordkeeping and reporting. Maintain a valid declaration as specified at § 660.13(d),
subpart C; and, maintain and submit all records and reports specified at § 660.113(c)
including, economic data and scale tests records, if applicable.
(C) Cost recovery program. Vessel must pay cost recovery program fees, as specified at §
660.115.
(3) MS co-ops —
(i)

MS co-op participation requirements. For a MS co-op to participate in the Pacific whiting
mothership sector fishery it must:
(A) Be issued a MS co-op permit;
(B) Be composed of MS/CV-endorsed limited entry permit owners;
(C) Be formed voluntarily;
(D) Be a legally recognized entity that represents its members;
(E) Designate an individual as a co-op manager; and
(F) Include at least 20 percent of all MS/CV-endorsed permits as members. The co-op
membership percentage will be interpreted by rounding to the nearest whole permit (i.e.,
less than 0.5 rounds down and 0.5 and greater rounds up).

(ii) MS co-op responsibilities. A MS co-op is responsible for:
(A) Applying for and being registered to a MS co-op permit;
(B) Organizing and coordinating harvest activities of vessels authorized to fish for the co-op;
(C) Reassigning catch history assignments for use by co-op members;
(D) Organizing and coordinating the transfer and leasing of catch allocations with other
permitted co-ops through inter-co-op agreements;
(E) Monitoring harvest activities and enforcing the catch limits of co-op members;
(F) Submitting an annual report.
(G) Having a designated co-op manager. The designated co-op manager must:
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(1) Serve as the contact person between NMFS, the Council, and other co-ops;
(2) Be responsible for the annual distribution of catch and bycatch allocations among
co-op members;
(3) Oversee reassignment of catch allocations within the co-op;
(4) Oversee inter-co-op catch allocation reassignments;
(5) Prepare and submit an annual report on behalf of the co-op;
(6) Be authorized to receive or respond to any legal process in which the co-op is
involved; and
(7) Notify NMFS if the co-op dissolves.
(iii) MS co-op compliance and joint/several liability. An MS co-op must comply with the provisions of
this section. The MS co-op, member limited entry permit owners, and owners and operators of
vessels registered to member limited entry permits, are jointly and severally responsible for
compliance with the provisions of this section. Pursuant to 15 CFR part 904, each MS co-op,
member permit owner, and owner and operator of a vessel registered to a co-op member permit
may be charged jointly and severally for violations of the provisions of this section. For
purposes of enforcement, an MS co-op is a legal entity that can be subject to NOAA
enforcement action for violations of the provisions of this section.
(c) MS Co-op Program species and allocations —
(1) MS Co-op Program species. All species other than Pacific whiting are managed with set-asides for
the MS and C/P Co-op Programs, as described in the biennial specifications.
(2) Annual mothership sector sub-allocations. Annual allocation amount(s) will be determined using the
following procedure:
(i)

MS/CV catch history assignments. Catch history assignments will be based on catch history
using the following methodology:
(A) Pacific whiting catch history assignment. Each MS/CV endorsement's associated catch
history assignment of Pacific whiting will be annually allocated to a single permitted MS
co-op or to the non-coop fishery. If multiple MS/CV endorsements and their associated
CHAs are registered to a limited entry permit, that permit may be simultaneously
registered to more than one MS co-op or to both a co-op(s) and non-cooperative fishery.
Once assigned to a permitted MS co-op or to the non-cooperative fishery, each MS/CV
endorsement's catch history assignment remains with that permitted MS co-op or noncooperative fishery for that calendar year. When the mothership sector allocation is
established, the information for the conversion of catch history assignment to pounds will
be made available to the public through a FEDERAL REGISTER announcement and/or public
notice and/or the NMFS website. The amount of whiting from the catch history
assignment will be issued to the nearest whole pound using standard rounding rules (i.e.,
less than 0.5 rounds down and 0.5 and greater rounds up).
(1) In years where the Pacific whiting harvest specification is known by the start of the
mothership sector primary whiting season specified at § 660.131(b)(2)(iii)(B),
allocation for Pacific whiting will be made by the start of the season.

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(2) In years where the Pacific whiting harvest specification is not known by the start of
the mothership sector primary whiting season specified at § 660.131(b)(2)(iii)(B),
NMFS will issue Pacific whiting allocations in two parts. Before the start of the
primary whiting season, NMFS will allocate Pacific whiting based on the MS Co-op
Program allocation percent multiplied by the lower end of the range of potential
harvest specifications for Pacific whiting for that year. After the final Pacific whiting
harvest specifications are established, NMFS will allocate any additional amounts of
Pacific whiting to the MS Co-op Program.
(B) Non-whiting groundfish species catch —
(1) At-sea set-asides of non-whiting groundfish species will be managed on an annual
basis unless there is a risk of a harvest specification being exceeded, unforeseen
impact on other fisheries, or conservation concerns, in which case inseason action
may be taken. Set asides may be adjusted through the biennial specifications and
management measures process as necessary.
(2) Groundfish species not addressed in paragraph (c)(2)(i)(B)(1) of this section, will be
managed on an annual basis unless there is a risk of a harvest specification being
exceeded, unforeseen impact on other fisheries, or conservation concerns, in which
case inseason action may be taken.
(3) Annually a specified amount of the Pacific halibut will be held in reserve as a shared
set-aside for bycatch in the at-sea Pacific whiting fisheries and the shorebased trawl
sector south of 40°10′ N lat.
(C) Rounding rules and MS/CV allocations. Rounding rules may affect distribution of the MS
Co-op Program allocations among the catch history assignments for individual MS/CVendorsed permits. NMFS will distribute such allocations to the maximum extent
practicable, not to exceed the total allocation.
(ii) Annual co-op allocations —
(A) Pacific whiting. Each permitted MS co-op is authorized to harvest a quantity of Pacific
whiting that is based on the sum of the catch history assignments for each member MS/
CV-endorsed permit identified in the NMFS-accepted co-op agreement for a given
calendar year. Other limited entry permits registered to vessels that will fish for the co-op
do not bring catch allocation to a permitted MS co-op.
(B) Single MS/CV Co-op Fishery. If all MS/CV-endorsed permits are members of a single co-op
in a given year and there is not a non-cooperative fishery, then NMFS will allocate 100
percent of the MS Co-op Program allocation to that co-op.
(iii) Annual non-cooperative allocation —
(A) Pacific whiting. The non-cooperative whiting fishery is authorized to harvest a quantity of
Pacific whiting that is remaining in the mothership sector annual allocation after the
deduction of all co-op allocations.

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(B) Announcement of the non-cooperative fishery allocations. Information on the amount of
Pacific whiting and non-whiting groundfish with allocations that will be made available to
the non-cooperative fishery when the final Pacific whiting specifications for the
mothership sector is established and will be announced to the public through a FEDERAL
REGISTER announcement and/or public notice and/or the NMFS website.
(3) Reaching an allocation or sub-allocation. When the mothership sector Pacific whiting allocation, or
Pacific whiting sub-allocation is reached or is projected to be reached, the following action may be
taken:
(i)

Further harvesting, receiving or at-sea processing by a mothership or catcher vessel in the
mothership sector is prohibited when the mothership sector Pacific whiting allocation is
projected to be reached. No additional unprocessed groundfish may be brought on board after
at-sea processing is prohibited, but a mothership may continue to process catch that was on
board before at-sea processing was prohibited. Pacific whiting may not be taken and retained,
possessed, or landed by a catcher vessel participating in the mothership sector.

(ii) When a permitted MS co-op sub-allocation of Pacific whiting-is reached, further harvesting or
receiving of groundfish by vessels fishing in the permitted MS co-op must cease, unless the
permitted MS co-op is operating under an NMFS-accepted inter-co-op agreement.
(iii) When the non-cooperative fishery sub-allocation of Pacific whiting is projected to be reached,
further harvesting or receiving of groundfish by vessels fishing in the non-cooperative fishery
must cease.
(4) [Reserved]
(5) Announcements. The Regional Administrator will announce in the FEDERAL REGISTER when the
mothership sector allocation of Pacific whiting is reached, or is projected to be reached, and specify
the appropriate action. In order to prevent exceeding an allocation and to avoid underutilizing the
resource, prohibitions against further taking and retaining, receiving, or at-sea processing of Pacific
whiting may be made effective immediately by actual notice to fishers and processors, by email,
internet, phone, fax, letter, press release, and/or USCG Notice to Mariners (monitor channel 16 VHF),
followed by publication in the FEDERAL REGISTER, in which instance public comment will be sought for
a reasonable period of time thereafter.
(6) Redistribution of annual allocation —
(i)

Between permitted MS co-ops (inter-co-op).
(A) Through an inter-co-op agreement, the designated co-op managers of permitted MS coops may distribute Pacific whiting allocations among one or more permitted MS co-ops.
(B) In the case of a MS co-op failure during the Pacific whiting primary season for the
mothership sector, unused allocation associated with the catch history will not be
available for harvest by the co-op that failed, by any former members of the co-op that
failed, or any other MS co-op for the remainder of that calendar year.
(1) Between the MS co-op and non-cooperative fisheries. Pacific whiting may not be
redistributed between the co-op and non-cooperative fisheries.

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(2) Between Pacific whiting sectors. Pacific whiting may not be redistributed between the
mothership sector and catcher/processor sector. Whiting may not be redistributed to
the Shorebased IFQ Program.
(d) MS co-op permit and agreement —
(1) Eligibility and registration —
(i)

Eligibility. To be an eligible co-op entity a group of MS/CV-endorsed permit owners (co-op
members) must be a recognized entity under the laws of the United States or the laws of a
State and represent all of the co-op members.

(ii) Annual registration and deadline. Each year, a co-op entity intending to participate as a co-op
under the MS Co-op Program must submit an application for a MS co-op permit between
January 17 and March 17 of the year in which it intends to fish. NMFS will not consider any
applications received after March 17. An MS co-op permit expires on December 31 of the year
in which it was issued.
(iii) Application for MS co-op permit. The designated co-op manager, on behalf of the co-op entity,
must submit a complete application form and include each of the items listed in paragraph
(d)(1)(iii)(A) of this section. Only complete applications will be considered for issuance of a MS
co-op permit. An application will not be considered complete if any required application fees
and annual co-op reports have not been received by NMFS. NMFS may request additional
supplemental documentation as necessary to make a determination of whether to approve or
disapprove the application. Application forms and instruction are available on the NMFS West
Coast Region (WCR) website (https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/permit/groundfish-mothershipcooperative-permit) or by request from NMFS. The designated co-op manager must sign the
application acknowledging the responsibilities of a designated co-op manager defined in
paragraph (b)(3) of this section. For permit owners with more than one MS/CV endorsement
and associated CHA, paragraph (g)(2)(iv)(D) of this section specifies how to join an MS coop(s).
(A) Co-op agreement. Signed copies of the co-op agreement must be submitted to NMFS
before the co-op is authorized to engage in fishing activities. A co-op agreement must
include all of the information listed in this paragraph to be considered a complete co-op
agreement. NMFS will only review complete co-op agreements. A co-op agreement will
not be accepted unless it includes all of the required information; the descriptive items
listed in this paragraph appear to meet the stated purpose; and information submitted is
correct and accurate.
(1) Co-op agreement contents. Each co-op agreement must be signed by all of the co-op
members (MS/CV-endorsed permit owners) and include the following information:
(i)

A list of all vessels and permit owners participating in the co-op and their share
of the allocated catch history assignments which must match the amount
distributed to individual permit owners by NMFS.

(ii) All MS/CV-endorsed limited entry member permits identified by permit number.
(iii) A clause indicting that each member MS/CV-endorsed permit's catch history
assignment is based on the catch history assignment calculation by NMFS
used for distribution to the co-op.
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(iv) A description of the cooperative's plan to adequately monitor and account for
the catch of Pacific whiting and non-whiting groundfish, and to monitor and
account for the catch of prohibited species.
(v) A clause stating that if a permit is registered to a new permit owner during the
effective period of the co-op agreement, any new owners of that member permit
would be co-op members required to comply with membership restrictions in
the co-op agreement.
(vi) A description of the cooperative's enforcement and penalty provisions adequate
to maintain catch of Pacific whiting and non-whiting groundfish within the
allocations.
(vii) A description of measures to reduce catch of overfished species.
(viii) A clause describing the co-op manager's responsibility for managing inter-co-op
reassignments of catch history assignment, should any occur.
(ix) A clause describing how the annual report will be produced to document the
cooperative's catch, bycatch data, inseason catch history reassignments and
any other significant activities undertaken by the co-op during the year, and the
submission deadlines for that report.
(x) Identification of the designated co-op manager.
(xi) Provisions that prohibit member permit owners that have incurred legal
sanctions that prevent them from fishing groundfish in the Council region from
fishing in the co-op.
(2) Inter-co-op agreement. The co-op entity must provide, at the time of annual
application, copies of any inter-co-op agreement(s) into which the co-op has entered.
Such agreements must incorporate and honor the provisions of the individual co-op
agreements for each co-op that is a party to the inter-co-op agreement. Inter-co-op
agreements are specified at paragraph (e) of this section.
(B) Acceptance of a co-op agreement —
(1) If NMFS does not accept the co-op agreement, the co-op permit application will be
returned to the applicant with a letter stating the reasons the co-op agreement was
not accepted by NMFS.
(2) Co-op agreements that are not accepted may be resubmitted for review by
sufficiently addressing the deficiencies identified in the NMFS letter and resubmitting
the entire co-op permit application by the date specified in the NMFS letter.
(3) An accepted co-op agreement that was submitted with the MS co-op permit
application and for which a MS co-op permit was issued will remain in place through
the end of the calendar year. The designated co-op manager must resubmit a
complete co-op agreement to NMFS consistent with the co-op agreement contents
described in paragraph (d)(1)(iii)(A)(1) of this section if there is a material change to
the co-op agreement.

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(4) Within 7 calendar days following a material change, the designated co-op manager
must notify NMFS of the material change. Within 30 calendar days, the designated
co-op manger must submit to NMFS the revised co-op agreement with a letter that
describes such changes. NMFS will review the material changes and provide a letter
to the co-op manager that either accepts the changes as given or does not accept
the revised co-op agreement with a letter stating the reasons that it was not
accepted by NMFS. The co-op may resubmit the co-op agreement with further
revisions to the material changes responding to NMFS concerns.
(iv) Effective date of MS co-op permit. A MS co-op permit will be effective upon the date approved
by NMFS and will allow fishing from the start of the MS sector primary whiting season until the
end of the calendar year or until one or more of the following events occur, whichever comes
first:
(A) NMFS permanently closes the mothership sector fishing season for the year or a specific
MS co-op or the designated co-op manager notifies NMFS that the co-op has completed
fishing for the calendar year,
(B) The co-op has reached its Pacific whiting allocation,
(C) A material change to the co-op agreement has occurred and the designated co-op
manager failed to notify NMFS within 7 calendar days of the material change and submit
to NMFS the revised co-op agreement with a letter that describes such changes within 30
calendar days, or
(D) NMFS has determined that a co-op failure occurred.
(2) Initial administrative determination. For all complete applications, NMFS will issue an IAD if the
application is disapproved. An approved application will result in issuance of the permit. If
disapproved, the IAD will provide the reasons for this determination. The IAD for a MS co-op permit
follows the same requirement as specified for limited entry permits at § 660.25(g)(4)(ii); if the
applicant does not appeal the IAD within the 30 calendar days, the IAD becomes the final decision of
the Regional Administrator acting on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce.
(3) Appeals. An appeal to a MS co-op permit action follows the same process as the general permit
appeals process defined at § 660.25(g), subpart C.
(4) Fees. The Regional Administrator is authorized to charge fees for administrative costs associated
with the issuance of a MS co-op permit consistent with the provisions given at § 660.25(f), subpart
C.
(e) Inter-co-op agreements —
(1) General. Permitted MS co-ops may voluntarily enter into inter-co-op agreements for the purpose of
sharing permitted MS co-op allocations of Pacific whiting and allocated non-whiting groundfish. If
two or more permitted MS co-ops enter into an inter-co-op agreement, the inter-co-op agreement
must incorporate and honor the provisions of each permitted MS co-op subject to the inter-co-op
agreement.
(2) Submission of inter-co-op agreements. Inter-co-op agreements must be submitted to NMFS for
acceptance.

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(3) Inter-co-op agreement review process. Each designated co-op manager must submit a copy of the
inter-co-op agreement signed by both designated co-op managers for review. Complete co-op
agreements containing all items listed under paragraph (d)(1)(iii)(A)(1) will be reviewed by NMFS.
(f) Mothership (MS) permit.
(1) General. Any vessel that processes or receives deliveries as a mothership processor in the Pacific
whiting fishery mothership sector must be registered to an MS permit. A vessel registered to an MS
permit may receive fish from a vessel that fishes in an MS co-op and/or may receive fish from a
vessel that fishes in the non-cooperative fishery at the same time or during the same year.
(i)

Vessel size endorsement. An MS permit does not have a vessel size endorsement. The
endorsement provisions at § 660.25(b)(3)(iii), subpart C, do not apply to an MS permit.

(ii) Restriction on C/P vessels operating as motherships. Restrictions on a vessel registered to a
limited entry permit with a C/P endorsement operating as a mothership are specified at §
660.160, subpart D.
(2) Renewal, change of permit ownership, or vessel registration —
(i)

Renewal. An MS permit must be renewed annually consistent with the limited entry permit
regulations given at § 660.25(b)(4). If a vessel registered to the MS permit will operate as a
mothership in the year for which the permit is renewed, the permit owner must make a
declaration as part of the permit renewal that while participating in the whiting fishery it will
operate solely as a mothership during the calendar year to which its limited entry permit
applies. Any such declaration is binding on the vessel for the calendar year, even if the permit is
registered to a different permit owner during the year, unless it is rescinded in response to a
written request from the permit owner. Any request to rescind a declaration must be made by
the permit owner and granted in writing by the Regional Administrator before any unprocessed
whiting has been taken on board the vessel that calendar year.

(ii) Change of permit ownership. An MS permit is subject to the limited entry permit change in
permit ownership regulations given at § 660.25(b)(4), subpart C.
(iii) Change of vessel registration. An MS permit is subject to the limited entry permit change of
vessel registration regulations given at § 660.25(b)(4), subpart C.
(3) Appeals. An appeal to an MS permit action follows the same process as the general permit appeals
process defined at § 660.25(g), subpart C.
(4) Fees. The Regional Administrator is authorized to charge fees for administrative costs associated
with the issuance of an MS permit consistent with the provisions given at § 660.25(f), Subpart C.
(5) Cost recovery. The owner of a vessel registered to an MS permit, the operator of a vessel registered
to an MS permit, and the owner of the MS permit registered to that vessel, are considered to be the
fish buyer as defined at § 660.111, and must comply with the cost recovery program specified at §
660.115.
(g) Mothership catcher vessel (MS/CV)—endorsed permit —
(1) General. Any vessel that delivers whiting to a mothership processor in the Pacific whiting fishery
mothership sector must be registered to an MS/CV-endorsed permit, except that a vessel registered
to limited entry trawl permit without an MS/CV or C/P endorsement may fish for a co-op if
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authorized by the co-op. Within the MS Co-op Program, an MS/CV-endorsed permit may participate
in an MS co-op or in the non-cooperative fishery. An MS/CV-endorsed permit is a limited entry permit
and is subject to the limited entry permit provisions given at § 660.25(b), subpart C.
(i)

Catch history assignment. NMFS will assign a catch history assignment to each MS/CVendorsed permit. The catch history assignment is based on the catch history in the Pacific
whiting mothership sector during the qualifying years of 1994 through 2003. The catch history
assignment is expressed as a percentage of Pacific whiting of the total mothership sector
allocation as described at paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section. Catch history assignments will be
issued to the nearest whole pound using standard rounding rules (i.e., decimal amounts from
zero up to 0.5 round down and 0.5 up to 1.0 round up).

(ii) Pacific whiting mothership sector allocation. The catch history assignment allocation accrues to
the co-op to which the MS/CV-endorsed permit is tied through private agreement, or will be
assigned to the non-cooperative fishery if the MS/CV-endorsed permit does not participate in
the co-op fishery.
(iii) MS/CV endorsement and CHA non-severable. Subject to the regulations at paragraph (g)(2)(iv)
and (v) of this section, an MS/CV endorsement and its associated CHA are permanently linked
together as originally issued by NMFS and cannot be divided or registered separately to another
limited entry trawl permit. An MS/CV endorsement and its associated CHA must be registered
to a limited entry trawl permit and any change in endorsement registration must be to another
limited entry trawl permit.
(iv) Restrictions on processing for MS/CV-endorsed permits. A vessel registered to an MS/CVendorsed permit in a given year shall not engage in processing of Pacific whiting during that
year.
(2) Renewal, change of permit owner, vessel registration, or combination —
(i)

Renewal. An MS/CV-endorsed permit must be renewed annually consistent with the limited
entry permit regulations given at § 660.25(b)(4). During renewal, all MS/CV-endorsed limited
entry permit owners must make a preliminary declaration regarding their intent to participate in
the co-op or non-co-op portion of the MS Co-op Program for the following year. MS/CVendorsed permits not obligated to a permitted MS co-op by March 17 of the fishing year will be
assigned to the non-co-op fishery. For an MS/CV-endorsed permit that is not renewed, the
following occurs:
(A) For the first year after the permit is not renewed, the permit will be extinguished, and the
catch history assignment from that permit will be assigned to the non-cooperative fishery.
(B) In the year after the permit is extinguished (the second year after the permit is not
renewed), the catch history assignment from that permit will be redistributed
proportionally to all valid MS/CV-endorsed permits.

(ii) Change of permit ownership. An MS/CV-endorsed permit is subject to the limited entry permit
change in permit ownership regulations given at § 660.25(b)(4), subpart C.
(iii) Change of vessel registration. An MS/CV-endorsed permit is subject to the limited entry permit
change of vessel registration regulations given at § 660.25(b)(4), subpart C.

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(iv) Change in MS/CV endorsement registration. As specified at § 660.25(b)(3)(v), each MS/CV
endorsement has an associated CHA that is permanently linked as originally issued by NMFS
and cannot be divided or registered separately to another limited entry trawl permit. An MS/CV
endorsement and associated CHA must be registered to a limited entry trawl permit and any
change in MS/CV endorsement registration must be to another limited entry trawl permit. Any
change in MS/CV endorsement registration will be registered separately on the limited entry
trawl permit. An MS/CV endorsement and its associated CHA cannot be registered to any other
person other than the specified owner of the limited entry trawl permit to which it is registered.
(A) Multiple MS/CV endorsements on a limited entry trawl permit. Multiple MS/CV
endorsements and associated CHAs may be registered to a single limited entry trawl
permit. If multiple endorsements are registered to a single limited entry trawl permit, the
whiting CHA amount (expressed as a percent) will remain in the amount that it was
originally issued by NMFS and will not be combined as a single larger CHA, unless two or
more MS/CV-endorsed permits are combined for purposes of increasing the size
endorsement, as specified at § 660.25(b)(4)(ii)(B). Any change in MS/CV endorsement
registration may be disapproved if the person owning the limited entry trawl permit has
aggregate CHA amounts in excess of the accumulation limits specified at paragraph
(g)(3) of this section.
(B) Application. NMFS will begin accepting applications for a change in MS/CV endorsement
registration beginning September 1, 2014. A request for a change in MS/CV endorsement
registration must be made between September 1 and December 31 of each year. Any
transfer of MS/CV endorsement and its associated CHA to another limited entry trawl
permit must be requested using a Change in Registration of a Mothership/Catcher Vessel
Endorsement/Catch History Assignment Application form and the permit owner or an
authorized representative of the permit owner must certify that the application is true and
correct by signing and dating the form. In addition, the form must be notarized, and the
permit owner selling the MS/CV endorsement and its CHA must provide the sale price of
the MS/CV endorsement and its associated CHA. If any assets in addition to the MS/CV
endorsement and its associated CHA are included in the sale price, those assets must be
itemized and described.
(C) Effective date. Any change in MS/CV endorsement registration from one limited entry trawl
permit to another limited entry trawl permit will be effective on January 1 in the year
following the application period.
(D) A limited entry trawl permit owner with multiple MS/CV-endorsements and associated
CHA on a single permit may assign each distinct MS/CV endorsement and catch history
assignment separately to co-op(s) or the non-cooperative fishery. In such cases, as part of
the co-op permit application process, specified at paragraph (d)(1)(iii) of this section, the
permit owner must specify on the co-op permit application form which MS/CV
endorsement and associated CHA is specifically registered to a particular co-op.
(v) Combination. An MS/CV-endorsed permit may be combined with one or more other limited
entry trawl permits; the resulting permit will be a single permit with an increased size
endorsement. If the MS/CV-endorsed permit is combined with another limited entry trawlendorsed permit other than a C/P-endorsed permit, the resulting permit will be MS/CVendorsed. If an MS/CV-endorsed permit is combined with a C/P-endorsed permit, the resulting
permit will be exclusively a C/P-endorsed permit, and will not have an MS/CV endorsement. If
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an MS/CV-endorsed permit is combined with another MS/CV-endorsed permit, the combined
catch history assignment of the permit(s) will be added to the active permit (the permit
remaining after combination) and the other permit will be retired. If a trawl permit has more
than one MS/CV endorsements and it is combined with a non C/P-endorsed trawl permit with
no such endorsements, the MS/CV endorsements on the resulting permit will be maintained as
separate endorsements on the resulting permit. NMFS will not approve a permit combination if
it results in a person exceeding the accumulation limits specified at paragraph (g)(3) of this
section. Any request to combine permits is subject to the provision provided at § 660.25(b),
including the combination formula for resulting size endorsements.
(vi) One-time request to undo a permit combination. If two or more MS/CV-endorsed permits have
been combined before January 1, 2012 for purposes of increasing the vessel's size
endorsement, a permit owner of the resulting combined permit will have until February 29, 2012
to undo that permit combination. The permit owner must submit a letter to NMFS requesting
such action. The letter must be postmarked or hand-delivered to NMFS by the deadline.
(3) Accumulation limits —
(i)

MS/CV-endorsed permit ownership limit. No person shall own MS/CV-endorsed permits for
which the collective Pacific whiting allocation total is greater than 20 percent of the total
mothership sector allocation. For purposes of determining accumulation limits, NMFS requires
that permit owners submit a complete trawl ownership interest form for the permit owner as
part of annual renewal of an MS/CV-endorsed permit. An ownership interest form will also be
required whenever a new permit owner obtains an MS/CV-endorsed permit as part of a request
for a change in permit ownership. Accumulation limits will be determined by calculating the
percentage of ownership interest a person has in any MS/CV-endorsed permit and the amount
of the Pacific whiting catch history assignment given on the permit. Determination of
ownership interest will be subject to the individual and collective rule.
(A) Ownership—Individual and collective rule. The Pacific whiting catch history assignment that
applies to a person's accumulation limit will include:
(1) The catch history assignment on any MS/CV-endorsed permit owned by that person,
and
(2) That portion of the catch history assignment on any MS/CV-endorsed permit owned
by an entity in which that person has an economic or financial interest, where the
person's share of interest in that entity will determine the portion of that entity's catch
history assignment that counts toward the person's limit.
(B) [Reserved]
(C) Trawl identification of ownership interest form. Any person that owns a limited entry trawl
permit and that is applying for or renewing an MS/CV endorsement shall document those
persons that have an ownership interest in the permit greater than or equal to 2 percent.
This ownership interest must be documented with the SFD via the Trawl Identification of
Ownership Interest Form. SFD will not issue an MS/CV endorsement unless the Trawl
Identification of Ownership Interest Form has been completed. NMFS may request
additional information of the applicant as necessary to verify compliance with
accumulation limits. Further, if SFD discovers through review of the Trawl Identification of

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Ownership Interest Form that a person owns or controls more than the accumulation
limits, the person will be subject to divestiture provisions specified in paragraph
(g)(3)(i)(D) of this section.
(D) Divestiture. For MS/CV-endorsed permit owners that are found to exceed the accumulation
limits during the initial issuance of MS/CV-endorsed permits, an adjustment period will be
provided during which they will have to completely divest of ownership in permits that
exceed the accumulation limits. Any person that NMFS determines, as a result of the
initial issuance of MS/CV-endorsed permits, to own in excess of 20 percent of the total
catch history assignment in the MS Co-op Program applying the individual and collective
rule described at § 660.150(g)(3)(i)(A) will be allowed to receive such permit(s), but must
divest themselves of the excess ownership by August 31, 2016. Owners of such permit(s)
may receive and use the MS/CV-endorsed permit(s), up to the time their divestiture is
completed. After August 31, 2016, any MS/CV-endorsed permits owned by a person
(including any person who has ownership interest in the owner named on the permit) in
excess of the accumulation limits will not be issued (renewed) until the permit owner
complies with the accumulation limits.
(ii) Catcher vessel usage limit. No vessel may catch more than 30 percent of the mothership
sector's whiting allocation.
(4) Appeals. An appeal to an MS/CV-endorsed permit action follows the same process as the general
permit appeals process defined at § 660.25(g), subpart C.
(5) Fees. The Regional Administrator is authorized to charge a fee for administrative costs associated
with the issuance of an MS/CV-endorsed permit, as provided at § 660.25(f), subpart C.
(6) Application requirements and initial issuance for MS/CV endorsement —
(i)

Eligibility criteria for MS/CV endorsement. Only a current trawl limited entry permit with a
qualifying history of Pacific whiting deliveries in the MS Pacific whiting sector is eligible to
receive an MS/CV endorsement. Any past catch history associated with the current limited
entry trawl permit accrues to the permit. If a trawl limited entry permit is eligible to receive both
a C/P endorsement and an MS/CV endorsement, the permit owner must choose which
endorsement to apply for (i.e., the owner of such a permit may not receive both a C/P and an
MS/CV endorsement). NMFS will not recognize any other person as permit owner other than
the person listed as permit owner in NMFS permit database.

(ii) Qualifying criteria for MS/CV endorsement. In order to qualify for an MS/CV endorsement, a
qualifying trawl-endorsed limited entry permit must have been registered to a vessel or vessels
that caught and delivered a cumulative amount of at least 500 mt of Pacific whiting to
motherships between 1994 through 2003. The calculation will be based on the following:
(A) To determine a permit's qualifying catch history, NMFS will use documented deliveries to a
mothership in Pacific whiting observer data as recorded in the relevant NORPAC dataset
on August 1, 2010.
(B) The qualifying catch history will include any deliveries of Pacific whiting to motherships by
vessels registered to limited entry trawl-endorsed permits that were subsequently
combined to generate the current permit.

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(C) If two or more limited entry trawl permits have been simultaneously registered to the same
vessel, NMFS will divide the qualifying catch history evenly between all such limited entry
trawl-endorsed permits during the time they were simultaneously registered to the vessel.
(D) History of illegal deliveries will not be included in the qualifying catch history.
(E) Deliveries made from Federal limited entry groundfish permits that were retired through
the Federal buyback program will not be included in the qualifying catch history.
(F) Deliveries made under provisional “A” permits that did not become “A” permits and “B”
permits will not be included in the qualifying catch history.
(iii) Qualifying criteria for catch history assignment. A catch history assignment will be specified as
a percent on the MS/CV-endorsed permit. The calculation will be based on the following:
(A) For determination of a permit's catch history, NMFS will use documented deliveries to a
mothership in Pacific whiting observer data as recorded in the relevant NORPAC dataset
on August 1, 2010.
(B) NMFS will use relative history, which means the catch history of a permit for a year divided
by the total fleet history for that year, expressed as a percent. NMFS will calculate relative
history for each year in the qualifying period from 1994 through 2003 by dividing the total
deliveries of Pacific whiting to motherships for the vessel(s) registered to the permit for
each year by the sum of the total catch of Pacific whiting delivered to mothership
vessel(s) for that year.
(C) NMFS will select the eight years with the highest relative history of Pacific whiting, unless
the applicant requests a different set of eight years during the initial issuance and appeals
process, and will add the relative histories for these years to generate the permit's total
relative history. NMFS will then divide the permit's total relative history by the sum of all
qualifying permits' total relative histories to determine the permit's catch history
assignment, expressed as a percent.
(D) The total relative history will include any deliveries of Pacific whiting to motherships by
vessels registered to limited entry trawl-endorsed permits that were subsequently
combined to generate the current permit.
(E) If two or more limited entry trawl permits have been simultaneously registered to the same
vessel, NMFS will split the catch history evenly between all such limited entry trawlendorsed permits during the time they were simultaneously registered to the vessel.
(F) History of illegal deliveries will not be included in the calculation of a permit's catch history
assignment or in the calculation of relative history for individual years.
(G) Deliveries made from Federal limited entry groundfish permits that were retired through
the Federal buyback program will not be included in the calculation of a permit's catch
history assignment other than for the purpose of calculating relative history for individual
years.
(H) Deliveries made under provisional “A” permits that did not become “A” permits and “B”
permits will not be included in the calculation of a permit's catch history assignment other
than for the purpose of calculating relative history for individual years.

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(iv) MS/CV endorsement and catch history assignment application. Persons may apply for an initial
issuance of an MS/CV endorsement on a limited entry trawl permit and its associated catch
history assignment in one of two ways: complete and submit a prequalified application
received from NMFS, or complete and submit an application package. The completed
application must be either postmarked or hand-delivered within normal business hours no later
than November 1, 2010. If an applicant fails to submit a completed application by the deadline
date, they forgo the opportunity to receive consideration for an initial issuance of an MS/CV
endorsement and associated catch history assignment.
(A) Prequalified application. A “prequalified application” is a partially pre-filled application
where NMFS has preliminarily determined the catch history that may qualify the applicant
for an initial issuance of an MS/CV endorsement and associated catch history
assignment. NMFS will mail prequalified application packages to the owners of current
limited entry trawl permits, as listed in the NMFS permit database at the time applications
are mailed, which NMFS determines may qualify for an MS/CV endorsement and
associated catch history assignment. NMFS will mail the application by certified mail to
the current address of record in the NMFS permit database. The application will contain
the basis of NMFS' calculation. The application package will include, but is not limited to:
a prequalified application (with landings history), a Trawl Identification of Ownership
Interest form, and any other documents NMFS believes are necessary to aid the limited
entry permit owner in completing the application.
(B) Request for an application. Any owner of a current limited entry trawl permit that does not
receive a prequalified application that believes the permit qualifies for an initial issuance
of an MS/CV endorsement and associated catch history assignment must complete an
application package and submit the completed application to NMFS by the application
deadline. Application packages are available on the NMFS Web site
(https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/region/west-coast) or by contacting SFD. An application
must include valid NORPAC data, copies of NMFS observer data forms, or other credible
information that substantiates the applicant's qualification for an initial issuance of an
MS/CV endorsement and associated catch history assignment.
(v) Corrections to the application. If the applicant does not accept NMFS' calculation in the
prequalified application either in part or whole, in order for NMFS to reconsider NMFS'
calculation, the applicant must identify in writing to NMFS which parts of the application that
the applicant contends to be inaccurate, and must provide specific credible information to
substantiate any requested corrections. The completed application and specific credible
information must be provided to NMFS in writing by the application deadline. Written
communication must be either post-marked or hand-delivered within normal business hours no
later than November 1, 2010. Requests for corrections may only be granted for changes to the
selection of the eight years with the highest relative history of whiting and errors in NMFS' use
or application of data, including:
(A) Errors in NMFS' use or application of data from NORPAC;
(B) Errors in NMFS' calculations;
(C) Errors in the identification of the permit owner, permit combinations, or vessel registration
as listed in the NMFS permit database; and
(D) Errors in NMFS' use or application of ownership interest information.
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(vi) Submission of the application and application deadline —
(A) Submission of the application. Submission of the complete, certified application includes,
but is not limited to, the following:
(1) The applicant is required to sign and date the application and have the document
notarized by a licensed Notary Public.
(2) The applicant must certify that they qualify to own an MS/CV-endorsed permit and
associated catch history assignment.
(3) The applicant must indicate they accept NMFS' calculation of initial issuance of an
MS/CV-endorsed permit and associated catch history assignment provided in the
prequalified application, or provide credible information that demonstrates their
qualification for an MS/CV-endorsed permit and associated catch history
assignment.
(4) The applicant is required to provide a complete Trawl Identification of Ownership
Interest Form as specified at paragraph (g)(3)(i)(C) of this section.
(5) Business entities may be required to submit a corporate resolution or other credible
documentation as proof that the representative of the entity is authorized to act on
behalf of the entity; and
(6) NMFS may request additional information of the applicant as necessary to make an
IAD on initial issuance of an MS/CV-endorsed permit and associated catch history
assignment.
(B) Application deadline. A complete, certified application must be either postmarked or handdelivered within normal business hours to NMFS West Coast Region, Permits Office, Bldg.
1, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Seattle, WA 98115, no later than November 1, 2010. NMFS
will not accept or review any applications received or postmarked after the application
deadline. There are no hardship provisions for this deadline.
(vii) Permit transfer during application period. NMFS will not review or approve any request for a
change in limited entry trawl permit owner at any time after either November 1, 2010 or the date
upon which the application is received by NMFS, whichever occurs first, until a final decision is
made by the Regional Administrator on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce on that permit.
(viii) Initial Administrative Determination (IAD). NMFS will issue an IAD for all complete, certified
applications received by the application deadline date. If NMFS approves an application for
initial issuance of an MS/CV-endorsed permit and associated catch history assignment, the
applicant will receive an MS/CV endorsement on a limited entry trawl permit specifying the
amounts of catch history assignment for which the applicant has qualified. If NMFS
disapproves an application, the IAD will provide the reasons. If known at the time of the IAD,
NMFS will indicate if the owner of the MS/CV-endorsed permit has ownership interest in catch
history assignments that exceed the accumulation limits and are subject to divestiture
provisions given at paragraph (g)(3)(i)(D) of this section. If the applicant does not appeal the
IAD within 60 calendar days of the date on the IAD, the IAD becomes the final decision of the
Regional Administrator acting on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce.

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(ix) Appeals. For an MS/CV-endorsed permit and associated catch history assignment issued under
this section, the appeals process and timelines are specified at § 660.25(g), subpart C. For the
initial issuance of an MS/CV-endorsed permit and associated catch history assignment, the
bases for appeal are described in paragraph (g)(6)(v) of this section. Items not subject to
appeal include, but are not limited to, the accuracy of data in the relevant NORPAC dataset on
August 1, 2010.
(7) Cost recovery. The fish seller, as defined at § 660.111, is subject to the cost recovery program
specified at § 660.115.
(h) non-cooperative fishery —
(1) Access to non-cooperative fishery allocation. All vessels registered to the MS/CV-endorsed permits
assigned to the non-cooperative fishery will have access to harvest and deliver the aggregate catch
history assignment of all MS/CV permits assigned to the non-cooperative fishery.
(2) non-cooperative fishery closure. The non-cooperative fishery will be closed by automatic action as
specified at § 660.60(d) when the Pacific whiting or non-whiting allocations to the non-cooperative
fishery have been reached or are projected to be reached.
(i)

Retention requirements. Catcher vessels participating in the MS Co-op Program may discard minor
operational amounts of catch at sea if the observer or EMS has accounted for the discard (i.e., a
maximized retention fishery).

(j)

Observer requirements —
(1) Observer coverage requirements —
(i)

Coverage. The following observer coverage pertains to certified observers obtained from an
observer provider permitted by NMFS.
(A) MS vessels. Any vessel registered to an MS permit 125 ft (38.1 m) LOA or longer must
carry two certified observers, and any vessel registered to an MS permit shorter than 125
ft (38.1 m) LOA must carry one certified observer, each day that the vessel is used to take,
retain, receive, land, process, or transport groundfish.
(B) Catcher vessels. Any vessel delivering catch to any MS vessel must carry one certified
observer each day that the vessel is used to take groundfish, unless the catcher vessel
has a valid EM Authorization and is fishing with EM under § 660.604 of subpart J.
(C) Gear testing exemption. Vessels are exempt from the requirement to maintain observer
coverage as specified in this paragraph (j) while gear testing as defined at § 660.11. The
vessel operator must submit a valid declaration for gear/equipment testing, as required by
§ 660.13(d)(4)(iv)(A), and must notify the Observer Program of the gear testing activity at
least 48 hours prior to departing on a trip to test gear/equipment.

(ii) Observer workload —
(A) MS vessels. The time required for the observer to complete sampling duties must not
exceed 12 consecutive hours in each 24-hour period.
(B) Catcher vessels. If an observer is unable to perform their duties for any reason, the vessel
is required to be in port within 36 hours of the last haul sampled by the observer.

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(iii) Refusal to board. Any boarding refusal on the part of the observer or vessel must be reported to
the Observer Program and OLE by the observer provider. The observer must be available for an
interview with the Observer Program or OLE if necessary.
(2) Vessel responsibilities. An operator and/or crew of a vessel required to carry an observer must
provide:
(i)

Accommodations and food —
(A) MS vessels. Provide accommodations and food that are equivalent to those provided for
officers, engineers, foremen, deck-bosses or other management level personnel of the
vessel.
(B) Catcher vessels —
(1) Accommodations and food for trips less than 24 hours must be equivalent to those
provided for the crew.
(2) Accommodations and food for trips of 24 hours or more must be equivalent to those
provided for the crew and must include berthing space, a space that is intended to be
used for sleeping and is provided with installed bunks and mattresses. A mattress or
futon on the floor or a cot is not acceptable if a regular bunk is provided to any crew
member, unless other arrangements are approved in advance by the Regional
Administrator or designee.

(ii) Safe conditions. MS vessels and catcher vessels must:
(A) Maintain safe conditions on the vessel for the protection of observers including adherence
to all U.S. Coast Guard and other applicable rules, regulations, or statutes pertaining to
safe operation of the vessel including, but not limited to, rules of the road, vessel stability,
emergency drills, emergency equipment, vessel maintenance, vessel general condition,
and port bar crossings. An observer may refuse boarding or reboarding a vessel and may
request a vessel return to port if operated in an unsafe manner or if unsafe conditions are
indentified.
(B) Have on board a valid Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Decal that certifies compliance
with regulations found in 33 CFR chapter I and 46 CFR chapter I, a certificate of
compliance issued pursuant to 46 CFR 28.710 or a valid certificate of inspection pursuant
to 46 U.S.C. 3311. Maintain safe conditions on the vessel for the protection of observer(s)
including adherence to all USCG and other applicable rules, regulations, or statutes
pertaining to safe operation of the vessel, and provisions at §§ 600.725 and 600.746 of
this chapter.
(iii) Computer hardware and software. MS vessels must:
(A) Provide hardware and software pursuant to regulations at § 679.51(e)(iii)(B) of this
chapter.
(B) Provide the observer(s) access to a computer required under paragraph (j)(2)(iii)(A) of this
section, and that is connected to a communication device that provides a point-to-point
connection to the NMFS host computer.

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(C) Ensure that the MS vessel has installed the most recent release of NMFS data entry
software or other approved software prior to the vessel receiving, catching or processing
IFQ species.
(D) Ensure that the communication equipment required in paragraph (j)(2)(iii) of this section
and that is used by observers to enter and transmit data, is fully functional and
operational. “Functional” means that all the tasks and components of the NMFS supplied,
or other approved, software described at paragraph (j)(2)(iii) of this section and the data
transmissions to NMFS can be executed effectively aboard the vessel by the
communications equipment.
(iv) Vessel position. Allow observer(s) access to the vessel's navigation equipment and personnel,
on request, to determine the vessel's position.
(v) Access. Allow observer(s) free and unobstructed access to the vessel's bridge, trawl or working
decks, holding bins, processing areas, freezer spaces, weight scales, cargo holds, and any other
space that may be used to hold, process, weigh, or store fish or fish products at any time.
(vi) Prior notification. Notify observer(s) at least 15 minutes before fish are brought on board, or fish
and fish products are transferred from the vessel, to allow sampling the catch or observing the
transfer.
(vii) Records. Allow observer(s) to inspect and copy any state or Federal logbook maintained
voluntarily or as required by regulation.
(viii) Assistance. Provide all other reasonable assistance to enable observer(s) to carry out their
duties, including, but not limited to:
(A) Measuring decks, codends, and holding bins.
(B) Providing the observer(s) with a safe work area.
(C) Collecting samples of catch.
(D) Collecting and carrying baskets of fish.
(E) Allowing the observer(s) to collect biological data and samples.
(F) Providing adequate space for storage of biological samples.
(ix) Sample station and operational requirements.
(A) MS vessels. To allow the observer to carry out required duties, the vessel owner must
provide an observer sampling station that meets the following requirements:
(1) Accessibility. The observer sampling station must be available to the observer at all
times.
(2) Location. The observer sampling station must be located within 4 m of the location
from which the observer samples unsorted catch.
(3) Access. Unobstructed passage must be provided between the observer sampling
station and the location where the observer collects sample catch.

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(4) Minimum work space. The observer must have a working area of at least 4.5 square
meters, including the observer's sampling table, for sampling and storage of fish to
be sampled. 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.
(5) 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 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.
(6) Diverter board. The conveyor belt conveying unsorted catch must have a removable
board (“diverter board”) to allow all 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. 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.
(7) Other requirements. The sampling station must be in a well-drained area that includes
floor grating (or other material that prevents slipping), lighting adequate for day or
night sampling, and a hose that supplies fresh or sea water to the observer.
(8) Observer sampling scale. The observer sample station must include a NMFSapproved platform scale (pursuant to requirements at § 679.28(j)(2)) 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.
(B) Catcher vessels. To allow the observer to carry out the required duties, the vessel owner
must provide an observer sampling station that is:
(1) Accessible. The observer sampling station must be available to the observer at all
times.
(2) Limits hazards. To the extent possible, the area should be free and clear of hazards
including, but not limited to, moving fishing gear, stored fishing gear, inclement
weather conditions, and open hatches.
(x) Transfer at sea. Observers may be transferred at-sea between MS vessels, between MS vessels
and C/P vessels, or between a MS vessel and a catcher vessel. Transfers at-sea between
catcher vessels is prohibited. For transfers, both vessels must:
(A) Ensure that transfers of observers at sea via small boat under its own power are carried
out during daylight hours, under safe conditions, and with the agreement of observers
involved.
(B) Notify observers at least 3 hours before observers are transferred, such that the observers
can finish any sampling work, collect personal belongings, equipment, and scientific
samples.
(C) Provide a safe pilot ladder and conduct the transfer to ensure the safety of observers
during transfers.

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(D) Provide an experienced crew member to assist observers in the small boat in which any
transfer is made.
(xi) Housing on vessel in port. During all periods an observer is housed on a vessel, the vessel
operator must ensure that at least one crew member is aboard.
(3) Procurement of observer services —
(i)

MS vessels. Owners of vessels required to carry observers under paragraph (j)(1)(i) of this
section must arrange for observer services from an observer provider, except that:
(A) Vessels are required to procure observer services directly from the Observer Program
when NMFS has determined and given notification that the vessel must carry NMFS staff
or an individual authorized by NMFS in lieu of an observer provided by an observer
provider.
(B) Vessels are required to procure observer services directly from the Observer Program and
an observer provider when NMFS has determined and given notification that the vessel
must carry NMFS staff and/or individuals authorized by NMFS, in addition to an observer
provided by an observer provider.

(ii) Catcher vessels. Owners of vessels required to carry observers under paragraph (j)(1)(i) of this
section must arrange for observer services from an observer provider, except that:
(A) Vessels are required to procure observer services directly from the Observer Program
when NMFS has determined and given notification that the vessel must carry NMFS staff
or an individual authorized by NMFS in lieu of an observer provided by an observer
provider.
(B) Vessels are required to procure observer services directly from the Observer Program and
an observer provider when NMFS has determined and given notification that the vessel
must carry NMFS staff and/or individuals authorized by NMFS, in addition to an observer
provided by an observer provider.
(4) Observer provider responsibilities.
(i)

Provide qualified candidates to serve as observers. Observer providers must provide qualified
candidates to serve as observers. To be qualified, a candidate must have:
(A) A Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university with a major in one
of the natural sciences;
(B) Successfully completed a minimum of 30 semester hours or equivalent in applicable
biological sciences with extensive use of dichotomous keys in at least one course;
(C) Successfully completed at least one undergraduate course each in math and statistics
with a minimum of 5 semester hours total for both; and
(D) Computer skills that enable the candidate to work competently with standard database
software and computer hardware.

(ii) Hiring an observer candidate —
(A) MS vessels.

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(1) The observer provider must provide the candidate a copy of NMFS-provided
pamphlets, information and other literature describing observer duties (i.e. The AtSea Hake Observer Program's Observer Manual) prior to hiring the candidate.
Observer job information is available from the Observer Program Office's Web site at
http://www.nwfsc.noaa.gov/research/divisions/fram/observer/index.cfm.
(2) The observer provider must have a written contract or a written contract addendum
that is signed by the observer and observer provider prior to the observer's
deployment with the following clauses:
(i)

That the observer will return all phone calls, emails, text messages, or other
forms of communication within the time specified by the Observer Program;

(ii) That the observer inform the observer provider prior to the time of embarkation
if he or she is experiencing any new mental illness or physical ailments or injury
since submission of the physician's statement as required as a qualified
observer candidate that would prevent him or her from performing their
assigned duties.
(B) Catcher vessels.
(1) Provide the candidate a copy of NMFS-provided pamphlets, information and other
literature describing observer duties, for example, the West Coast Groundfish
Observer Program's sampling manual. Observer job information is available from the
Observer Program Office's Web site at http://www.nwfsc.noaa.gov/research/divisions/
fram/observer/index.cfm.
(2) The observer provider must have a written contract or a written contract addendum
that is signed by the observer and observer provider prior to the observer's
deployment with the following clauses:
(i)

That the observer will return all phone calls, emails, text messages, or other
forms of communication within the time specified by the Observer Program;

(ii) That the observer inform the observer provider prior to the time of embarkation
if he or she is experiencing any new mental illness or physical ailments or injury
since submission of the physician's statement as required as a qualified
observer candidate that would prevent him or her from performing their
assigned duties; and
(iii) That the observer successfully completes a Red Cross (or equivalent) basic
cardiopulmonary resuscitation/first aid certification course prior to the end of
the Observer Program Training class.
(iii) Ensure that observers complete duties in a timely manner —
(A) MS vessels. An observer provider must ensure that observers employed by that observer
provider do the following in a complete and timely manner:
(1) Submit to NMFS all data, logbooks, and reports as required by the observer manual;
(2) Report for his or her scheduled debriefing and complete all debriefing
responsibilities;
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(3) Return all sampling and safety gear to the Observer Program Office;
(4) Submit all biological samples from the observer's deployment by the completion of
the electronic vessel and/or processor survey(s); and
(5) Immediately report to the Observer Program Office and the OLE any refusal to board
an assigned vessel.
(B) Catcher vessels. An observer provider must ensure that observers employed by that
observer provider do the following in a complete and timely manner:
(1) Submit to NMFS all data, logbooks, and reports and biological samples as required
under the Observer Program policy deadlines;
(2) Report for his or her scheduled debriefing and complete all debriefing
responsibilities;
(3) Return all sampling and safety gear to the Observer Program Office; and
(4) Immediately report to the Observer Program Office and the OLE any refusal to board
an assigned vessel.
(iv) Observers provided to vessel —
(A) MS vessels. Observers provided to MS vessels:
(1) Must have a valid North Pacific groundfish observer certification with required
endorsements and an At-Sea Hake Observer Program endorsement;
(2) Must not have informed the observer provider prior to the time of embarkation that
he or she is experiencing a mental illness or a physical ailment or injury developed
since submission of the physician's statement that would prevent him or her from
performing his or her assigned duties; and
(3) Must have successfully completed all NMFS required training and briefing before
deployment.
(B) Catcher vessels. Observers provided to catcher vessels:
(1) Must have a valid West Coast Groundfish observer certification with the required
endorsements;
(2) Must have not informed the observer provider prior to the time of embarkation that
he or she is experiencing a mental illness or a physical ailment or injury developed
since submission of the physician's statement (required in paragraph (j)(4)(xi)(B)(2)
of this section) that would prevent him or her from performing his or her assigned
duties; and,
(3) Must have successfully completed all NMFS required training and briefing before
deployment.
(v) Respond to industry requests for observers. An observer provider must provide an observer for
deployment pursuant to the terms of the contractual relationship with the vessel to fulfill vessel
requirements for observer coverage specified at paragraph (j)(1)(i) of this section. An alternate
observer must be supplied in each case where injury or illness prevents an observer from
performing his or her duties or where the observer resigns prior to completion of his or her
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duties. If the observer provider is unable to respond to an industry request for observer
coverage from a vessel for whom the observer provider is in a contractual relationship due to
lack of available observers by the estimated embarking time of the vessel, the observer
provider must report it to the Observer Program at least four hours prior to the vessel's
estimated embarking time.
(vi) Provide observer salaries and benefits. An observer provider must provide to its observer
employees salaries and any other benefits and personnel services in accordance with the terms
of each observer's contract.
(vii) Provide observer deployment logistics —
(A) MS vessels. An observer provider must provide to each of its observers under contract:
(1) All necessary transportation, including arrangements and logistics, to the initial
location of deployment, to all subsequent vessel assignments during that
deployment, and to and from the location designated for an observer to be
interviewed by the Observer Program; and
(2) Lodging, per diem, and any other services necessary to observers assigned to fishing
vessels.
(3) An observer under contract may be housed on a vessel to which he or she is
assigned:
(i)

Prior to their vessel's initial departure from port;

(ii) For a period not to exceed 24 hours following the completion of an offload when
the observer has duties and is scheduled to disembark; or
(iii) For a period not to exceed 24 hours following the vessel's arrival in port when
the observer is scheduled to disembark.
(iv) An observer under contract who is between vessel assignments must be
provided with shoreside accommodations pursuant to the terms of the contract
between the observer provider and the observers. If the observer provider is
responsible for providing accommodations under the contract with the
observer, the accommodations must be at a licensed hotel, motel, bed and
breakfast, or other shoreside accommodations for the duration of each period
between vessel or shoreside assignments. Such accommodations must include
an assigned bed for each observer and no other person may be assigned that
bed for the duration of that observer's stay. Additionally, no more than four beds
may be in any room housing observers at accommodations meeting the
requirements of this section.
(B) Catcher vessels. An observer provider must ensure each of its observers under contract:
(1) Has an individually assigned mobile or cell phones, in working order, for all necessary
communication. An observer provider may alternatively compensate observers for
the use of the observer's personal cell phone or pager for communications made in
support of, or necessary for, the observer's duties.
(2) Has a check-in system in which the observer is required to contact the observer
provider each time they depart and return to port on a vessel.
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(3) Remains available to OLE and the Observer Program until the conclusion of
debriefing.
(4) Receives all necessary transportation, including arrangements and logistics to the
initial location of deployment, to all subsequent vessel assignments during that
deployment, and to and from the location designated for an observer to be
interviewed by the Observer Program; and
(5) Receives lodging, per diem, and any other services necessary to observers assigned
to fishing vessels.
(i)

An observer under contract may be housed on a vessel to which he or she is
assigned: Prior to their vessel's initial departure from port; for a period not to
exceed 24 hours following the completion of an offload when the observer has
duties and is scheduled to disembark; or for a period not to exceed 24 hours
following the vessel's arrival in port when the observer is scheduled to
disembark.

(ii) Otherwise, each observer between vessels, while still under contract with an
observer provider, shall be provided with accommodations in accordance with
the contract between the observer and the observer provider. If the observer
provider is responsible for providing accommodations under the contract with
the observer, the accommodations must be at a licensed hotel, motel, bed and
breakfast, or other shoreside accommodations that has an assigned bed for
each observer that no other person may be assigned to for the duration of that
observer's stay. Additionally, no more than four beds may be in any room
housing observers at accommodations meeting the requirements of this
section.
(viii) Observer deployment limitations —
(A) MS vessels. Unless alternative arrangements are approved by the Observer Program
Office, an observer provider must not:
(1) Deploy an observer on the same vessel more than 90 days in a 12-month period;
(2) Deploy an observer for more than 90 days in a single deployment;
(3) Include more than four vessels assignments in a single deployment, or
(4) Disembark an observer from a vessel before that observer has completed his or her
sampling or data transmission duties.
(B) Catcher vessels. Unless alternative arrangements are approved by the Observer Program
Office, an observer provider must not deploy an observer on the same vessel more than 90
calendar days in a 12-month period.
(ix) Verify vessel's Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Decal. An observer provider must ensure that
the observer completes an observer vessel safety checklist, and verify that a vessel has a valid
USCG Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Decal as required under paragraph (j)(2)(ii)(B) of this
section prior to the observer embarking on the first trip and before an observer may get

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underway aboard the vessel. The provider must submit all vessel safety checklists to the
Observer Program, as specified by Observer Program policy. One of the following acceptable
means of verification must be used to verify the decal validity:
(A) The observer provider or employee of the observer provider, including the observer, visually
inspects the decal aboard the vessel and confirms that the decal is valid according to the
decal date of issuance; or
(B) The observer provider receives a hard copy of the USCG documentation of the decal
issuance from the vessel owner or operator.
(x) Maintain communications with observers. An observer provider must have an employee
responsible for observer activities on call 24 hours a day to handle emergencies involving
observers or problems concerning observer logistics, whenever observers are at sea, in transit,
or in port awaiting vessel reassignment.
(xi) Maintain communications with the Observer Program Office. An observer provider must provide
all of the following information by electronic transmission (email), fax, or other method
specified by NMFS.
(A) Motherships —
(1) Training and briefing registration materials. The observer provider must submit
training and briefing registration materials to the Observer Program Office at least 5
business days prior to the beginning of a scheduled observer at-sea hake training or
briefing session.
(i)

Registration materials. Registration materials consist of the date of requested
training or briefing with a list of observers including each observer's full name
(i.e., first, middle and last names).

(ii) Projected observer assignments. Prior to the observer's completion of the
training or briefing session, the observer provider must submit to the Observer
Program Office a statement of projected observer assignments that include the
observer's name; vessel, gear type, and vessel/processor code; port of
embarkation; and area of fishing.
(2) Observer debriefing registration. The observer provider must contact the At-Sea Hake
Observer Program within 5 business days after the completion of an observer's
deployment to schedule a date, time and location for debriefing. Observer debriefing
registration information must be provided at the time of debriefing scheduling and
must include the observer's name, cruise number, vessel name(s) and code(s), and
requested debriefing date.
(3) Observer provider contracts. If requested, observer providers must submit to the
Observer Program Office a completed and unaltered copy of each type of signed and
valid contract (including all attachments, appendices, addendums, and exhibits
incorporated into the contract) between the observer provider and those entities
requiring observer services under paragraph (j)(1)(i) of this section. Observer
providers must also submit to the Observer Program Office upon request, a
completed and unaltered copy of the current or most recent signed and valid
contract (including all attachments, appendices, addendums, and exhibits
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incorporated into the contract and any agreements or policies with regard to
observer compensation or salary levels) between the observer provider and the
particular entity identified by the Observer Program or with specific observers. The
copies must be submitted to the Observer Program Office via fax or mail within 5
business days of the request. Signed and valid contracts include the contracts an
observer provider has with:
(i)

Vessels required to have observer coverage as specified at paragraph (j)(1)(i) of
this section; and

(ii) Observers.
(4) Change in observer provider management and contact information. Observer providers
must submit notification of any other change to provider contact information,
including but not limited to, changes in contact name, phone number, email address,
and address.
(5) Other reports. Reports of the following must be submitted in writing to the At-Sea
Hake Observer Program Office by the observer provider via fax or email address
designated by the Observer Program Office within 24 hours after the observer
provider becomes aware of the information:
(i)

Any information regarding possible observer harassment;

(ii) Any information regarding any action prohibited under § 660.12(e); §
660.112(a)(4); or § 600.725(o), (t) and (u) of this chapter;
(iii) Any concerns about vessel safety or marine casualty under 46 CFR 4.05-1(a)(1)
through (7);
(iv) Any observer illness or injury that prevents the observer from completing any of
his or her duties described in the observer manual; and
(v) Any information, allegations or reports regarding observer conflict of interest or
breach of the standards of behavior described in observer provider policy.
(6) Certificates of insurance. The observer service provider must submit copies of
“certificates of insurance” that name the Northwest Fisheries Science Center
Observer Program manager as the “certificate holder” to the Observer Program Office
by February 1 of each year. The certificates of insurance shall verify all coverage
provisions specified at § 600.748(b) and (c) of this chapter and state that the
insurance company will notify the certificate holder if insurance coverage is changed
or canceled.
(B) Catcher vessels. An observer provider must provide all of the following information by
electronic transmission (email), fax, or other method specified by NMFS.
(1) Observer training, briefing, and debriefing registration materials. This information
must be submitted to the Observer Program Office at least 10 business days prior to
the beginning of a scheduled West Coast groundfish observer certification training or
briefing session. Submissions received less than 10 business days prior to a West
Coast groundfish observer certification training or briefing session will be approved
by the Observer Program on a case-by-case basis.
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(i)

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Training registration materials consist of the following: Date of requested
training; a list of observer candidates that includes each candidate's full name
(i.e., first, middle and last names), date of birth, and gender; a copy of each
candidate's academic transcripts and resume; a statement signed by the
candidate under penalty of perjury which discloses the candidate's criminal
convictions; and length of observer contract.

(ii) Briefing registration materials consist of the following: Date and type of
requested briefing session; list of observers to attend the briefing session, that
includes each observer's full name (first, middle, and last names); and length of
observer contract.
(iii) The Observer Program will notify the observer provider which observers require
debriefing and the specific time period the observer provider has to schedule a
date, time, and location for debriefing. The observer provider must contact the
Observer Program within 5 business days by telephone to schedule debriefings.
Observer providers must immediately notify the Observer Program when
observers end their contract earlier than anticipated.
(2) Physical examination. A signed and dated statement from a licensed physician that
he or she has physically examined an observer or observer candidate. The statement
must confirm that, based on that physical examination, the observer or observer
candidate does not have any health problems or conditions that would jeopardize
that individual's safety or the safety of others while deployed, or prevent the observer
or observer candidate from performing his or her duties satisfactorily. The statement
must declare that, prior to the examination, the physician was made aware of the
duties of the observer and the dangerous, remote, and rigorous nature of the work by
reading the NMFS-prepared information. The physician's statement must be
submitted to the Observer Program Office prior to certification of an observer. The
physical exam must have occurred during the 12 months prior to the observer's or
observer candidate's deployment. The physician's statement expires 12 months after
the physical exam occurred and a new physical exam must be performed, and
accompanying statement submitted, prior to any deployment occurring after the
expiration of the statement.
(3) Certificates of insurance. The observer provider must submit copies of “certificates of
insurance” that name the Northwest Fisheries Science Center Observer Program
manager as the “certificate holder” to the Observer Program Office by February 1 of
each year. The certificates of insurance shall verify all coverage provisions specified
at § 600.748(b) and (c) of this chapter and state that the insurance company will
notify the certificate holder if insurance coverage is changed or canceled.
(4) Observer provider contracts. If requested, observer providers must submit to the
Observer Program Office a completed and unaltered copy of each type of signed and
valid contract (including all attachments, appendices, addendums, and exhibits
incorporated into the contract) between the observer provider and those entities
requiring observer services under paragraph (j)(1)(i) of this section. Observer
providers must also submit to the Observer Program Office upon request, a
completed and unaltered copy of the current or most recent signed and valid
contract (including all attachments, appendices, addendums, and exhibits
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incorporated into the contract and any agreements or policies with regard to
observer compensation or salary levels) between the observer provider and the
particular entity identified by the Observer Program or with specific observers. The
copies must be submitted to the Observer Program Office via fax or mail within 5
business days of the request. Signed and valid contracts include the contracts an
observer provider has with:
(i)

Vessels required to have observer coverage as specified at paragraph (j)(1)(i) of
this section; and

(ii) Observers.
(5) Change in observer provider management and contact information. An observer
provider must submit to the Observer Program office any change of management or
contact information as required at § 660.18(f).
(6) Biological samples. The observer provider must ensure that biological samples are
stored/handled properly prior to delivery/transport to NMFS.
(7) Observer status report. Observer providers must provide NMFS with an updated list of
observer trip per Observer Program protocol. Trip information includes observer
provider name, observer last name, observer first name, trip start date, trip end date,
status of observer, vessel name, and vessel identification number.
(8) Other information. An observer provider must submit to NMFS, if requested, copies of
any information developed and used by the observer providers distributed to vessels,
such as informational pamphlets, payment notification, description of observer
duties, etc.
(9) Other reports. Reports of the following must be submitted in writing to the Observer
Program Office by the observer provider via fax or email address designated by the
Observer Program Office within 24 hours after the observer provider becomes aware
of the information:
(i)

Any information regarding possible observer harassment;

(ii) Any information regarding any action prohibited under § 660.12(e); §
660.112(a)(4); or § 600.725(o), (t) and (u) of this chapter;
(iii) Any concerns about vessel safety or marine casualty under 46 CFR 4.05-1(a)(1)
through (7);
(iv) Any observer illness or injury that prevents the observer from completing any of
his or her duties described in the observer manual; and
(v) Any information, allegations or reports regarding observer conflict of interest or
breach of the standards of behavior described in observer provider policy.
(xii) Replace lost or damaged gear. Lost or damaged gear issued to an observer by NMFS must be
replaced by the observer provider. All replacements must be provided to NMFS and be in
accordance with requirements and procedures identified in writing by the Observer Program
Office.

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(xiii) Maintain confidentiality of information. An observer provider must ensure that all records on
individual observer performance received from NMFS under the routine use provision of the
Privacy Act under 5 U.S.C. 552a or as otherwise required by law remain confidential and are not
further released to any person outside the employ of the observer provider company to whom
the observer was contracted except with written permission of the observer.
(xiv) Limitations on conflict of interest. Observer providers must meet limitations on conflict of
interest. Observer providers:
(A) Must not have a direct financial interest, other than the provision of observer, catch
monitor or other biological sampling services, in any federal or state managed fisheries,
including but not limited to:
(1) Any ownership, mortgage holder, or other secured interest in a vessel, or shoreside
processor facility involved in the catching, taking, harvesting or processing of fish,
(2) Any business involved with selling supplies or services to any vessel or shoreside
processors participating in a fishery managed pursuant to an FMP in the waters off
the coasts of Alaska, California, Oregon, and Washington, or
(3) Any business involved with purchasing raw or processed products from any vessel or
shoreside processor participating in a fishery managed pursuant to an FMP in the
waters off the coasts of Alaska, California, Oregon, and Washington.
(B) Must assign observers without regard to any preference by representatives of vessels
other than when an observer will be deployed.
(C) Must not solicit or accept, directly or indirectly, any gratuity, gift, favor, entertainment, loan,
or anything of monetary value except for compensation for providing observer services
from any person who conducts fishing or fish processing activities that are regulated by
NMFS in the Pacific coast or North Pacific regions, or who has interests that may be
substantially affected by the performance or nonperformance of the official duties of
observer providers.
(xv) Observer conduct and behavior. An observer provider must develop and maintain a policy
addressing observer conduct and behavior for their employees that serve as observers. The
policy shall address the following behavior and conduct regarding:
(A) Observer use of alcohol;
(B) Observer use, possession, or distribution of illegal drugs in violation of applicable law; and
(C) Sexual contact with personnel of the vessel or processing facility to which the observer is
assigned, or with any vessel or processing plant personnel who may be substantially
affected by the performance or non-performance of the observer's official duties.
(D) An observer provider shall provide a copy of its conduct and behavior policy by February 1
of each year, to: observers, observer candidates and the Observer Program Office.
(xvi) Refusal to deploy an observer. Observer providers may refuse to deploy an observer on a
requesting vessel if the observer provider has determined that the requesting vessel is
inadequate or unsafe pursuant to those regulations described at § 600.746 of this chapter or
U.S. Coast Guard and other applicable rules, regulations, statutes, or guidelines pertaining to
safe operation of the vessel.
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(5) Observer certification and responsibilities —
(i)

Applicability. Observer certification authorizes an individual to fulfill duties as specified in
writing by the NMFS Observer Program Office while under the employ of a NMFS-permitted
observer provider and according to certification endorsements as designated under paragraph
(j)(6)(iii) of this section.

(ii) Observer certification official. The Regional Administrator will designate a NMFS observer
certification official who will make decisions for the Observer Program Office on whether to
issue or deny observer certifications and endorsements.
(iii) Certification requirements —
(A) Initial certification. NMFS may certify individuals who, in addition to any other relevant
considerations:
(1) Are employed by an observer provider company permitted pursuant to § 660.16 at
the time of the issuance of the certification;
(2) Have provided, through their observer provider:
(i)

Information identified by NMFS at § 679.52(b) of this chapter regarding an
observer candidate's health and physical fitness for the job;

(ii) Meet all observer education and health standards as specified in § 679.52(b) of
this chapter; and
(iii) Have successfully completed NMFS-approved training as prescribed by the
Observer Program. Successful completion of training by an observer applicant
consists of meeting all attendance and conduct standards issued in writing at
the start of training; meeting all performance standards issued in writing at the
start of training for assignments, tests, and other evaluation tools; and
completing all other training requirements established by the Observer
Program.
(iv) Have not been decertified under paragraph (j)(5)(ix) of this section, or pursuant
to § 679.53(c) of this chapter.
(B) [Reserved]
(iv) Denial of a certification. The NMFS observer certification official will issue a written
determination denying observer certification if the candidate fails to successfully complete
training, or does not meet the qualifications for certification for any other relevant reason.
(v) Issuance of an observer certification. An observer certification will be issued upon
determination by the observer certification official that the candidate has successfully met all
requirements for certification as specified at paragraph (j)(6)(iii) of this section. The following
endorsements must be obtained, in addition to observer certification, in order for an observer to
deploy.
(A) MS vessels —
(1) North Pacific Groundfish Observer Program certification training endorsement. A
certification training endorsement signifies the successful completion of the training
course required to obtain observer certification. This endorsement expires when the
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observer has not been deployed and performed sampling duties as required by the
Observer Program Office for a period of time, specified by the Observer Program,
after his or her most recent debriefing. The observer can renew the endorsement by
successfully completing certification training once more.
(2) North Pacific Groundfish Observer Program annual general endorsements. Each
observer must obtain an annual general endorsement to their certification prior to his
or her first deployment within any calendar year subsequent to a year in which a
certification training endorsement is obtained. To obtain an annual general
endorsement, an observer must successfully complete the annual briefing, as
specified by the Observer Program. All briefing attendance, performance, and
conduct standards required by the Observer Program must be met.
(3) North Pacific Groundfish Observer Program deployment endorsements. Each observer
who has completed an initial deployment after certification or annual briefing must
receive a deployment endorsement to their certification prior to any subsequent
deployments for the remainder of that year. An observer may obtain a deployment
endorsement by successfully completing all pre-cruise briefing requirements. The
type of briefing the observer must attend and successfully complete will be specified
in writing by the Observer Program during the observer's most recent debriefing.
(4) At-Sea Hake Observer Program endorsements. A Pacific whiting fishery endorsement
is required for purposes of performing observer duties aboard vessels that process
groundfish at sea in the Pacific whiting fishery. A Pacific whiting fishery endorsement
to an observer's certification may be obtained by meeting the following requirements:
(i)

Have a valid North Pacific groundfish observer certification;

(ii) Receive an evaluation by NMFS for his or her most recent deployment that
indicated that the observer's performance met Observer Program expectations
for that deployment; successfully complete any required briefings as prescribed
by the Observer Program; and comply with all of the other requirements of this
section.
(B) Catcher vessels. The following endorsements as prescribed by the Observer Program must
be obtained in addition to observer certification, in order for an observer to deploy.
(1) West Coast Groundfish Observer Program training endorsement. A training
endorsement signifies the successful completion of the training course required to
obtain observer certification. This endorsement expires when the observer has not
been deployed and performed sampling duties as required by the Observer Program
office for a period of time, specified by the Observer Program, after his or her most
recent debriefing. The observer can renew the endorsement by successfully
completing training once more.
(2) West Coast Groundfish Observer Program annual general endorsement. Each observer
must obtain an annual general endorsement to their certification prior to his or her
first deployment within any calendar year subsequent to a year in which a training
certification endorsement is obtained. To obtain an annual general endorsement, an
observer must successfully complete the annual briefing, as specified by the
Observer Program. All briefing attendance, performance, and conduct standards
required by the Observer Program must be met.
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(3) West Coast Groundfish Observer Program deployment endorsement. Each observer
who has completed an initial deployment, as defined by the Observer Program, after
receiving a training endorsement or annual general endorsement, must complete all
applicable debriefing requirements specified by the Observer Program. A deployment
endorsement is issued to observers who meet the performance standards specified
by the Observer Program. A deployment endorsement must be obtained prior to any
subsequent deployments for the remainder of that calendar year. If a deployment
endorsement is not issued, certification training must be repeated.
(vi) Maintaining the validity of an observer certification. After initial issuance, an observer must keep
their certification valid by meeting all of the following requirements specified below:
(A) MS vessels.
(1) Successfully perform their assigned duties as described in the observer manual or
other written instructions from the Observer Program.
(2) Accurately record their sampling data, write complete reports, and report accurately
any observations of suspected violations of regulations relevant to conservation of
marine resources or their environment.
(3) Not disclose collected data and observations made on board the vessel or in the
processing facility to any person except the owner or operator of the observed vessel
or an authorized officer or NMFS.
(4) Successfully complete any required briefings as prescribed by the At-Sea Hake
Observer Program.
(5) Successful completion of briefing by an observer applicant consists of meeting all
attendance and conduct standards issued in writing at the start of training; meeting
all performance standards issued in writing at the start of training for assignments,
tests, and other evaluation tools; and completing all other briefing requirements
established by the Observer Program.
(6) Successfully meet all debriefing expectations including meeting Observer Program
performance standards reporting for assigned debriefings or interviews.
(7) Submit all data and information required by the Observer Program within the
program's stated guidelines.
(B) Catcher vessels. After initial issuance, an observer must keep their certification valid by
meeting all of the following requirements specified below:
(1) Successfully perform their assigned duties as described in the observer manual or
other written instructions from the Observer Program.
(2) Accurately record their sampling data, write complete reports, and report accurately
any observations of suspected violations of regulations relevant to conservation of
marine resources or their environment.
(3) Not disclose collected data and observations made on board the vessel or in the
processing facility to any person except the owner or operator of the observed vessel
or an authorized officer or NMFS.
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(4) Successfully complete any required trainings or briefings as prescribed by the
Observer Program.
(5) Successful completion of briefing by an observer applicant consists of meeting all
attendance and conduct standards issued in writing at the start of training; meeting
all performance standards issued in writing at the start of training for assignments,
tests, and other evaluation tools; and completing all other briefing requirements
established by the Observer Program.
(6) Hold current a Red Cross (or equivalent) basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation/first
aid certification.
(7) Successfully meet all expectations in all debriefings including reporting for assigned
debriefings or interviews and meeting program standards.
(8) Submit all data and information required by the observer program within the
program's stated guidelines.
(9) Meet the minimum annual deployment period of 45 days every 12 months. On a caseby case basis, the Observer Program may consider waiving the 45 day requirement.
(vii) Limitations on conflict of interest. Observers:
(A) Must not have a direct financial interest, other than the provision of observer services or
catch monitor services, in a North Pacific fishery managed pursuant to an FMP for the
waters off the coast of Alaska, Alaska state waters, or in a Pacific Coast fishery managed
by either the state or Federal Governments in waters off Washington, Oregon, or California,
including but not limited to:
(1) Any ownership, mortgage holder, or other secured interest in a vessel, shore-based or
floating stationary processor facility involved in the catching, taking, harvesting or
processing of fish,
(2) Any business involved with selling supplies or services to any vessel, shore-based or
floating stationary processing facility; or
(3) Any business involved with purchasing raw or processed products from any vessel,
shore-based or floating stationary processing facilities.
(B) Must not solicit or accept, directly or indirectly, any gratuity, gift, favor, entertainment, loan,
or anything of monetary value from any person who either conducts activities that are
regulated by NMFS in the Pacific coast or North Pacific regions or has interests that may
be substantially affected by the performance or nonperformance of the observers' official
duties.
(C) May not serve as observers on any vessel or at any shore-based or floating stationary
processor owned or operated by a person who employed the observer in the last two
years.
(D) May not solicit or accept employment as a crew member or an employee of a vessel or
shore-based or floating stationary processor while employed by an observer provider.
(E) Provisions for remuneration of observers under this section do not constitute a conflict of
interest.
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(viii) Standards of behavior. Observers must:
(A) Perform their assigned duties as described in the observer manual or other written
instructions from the Observer Program Office.
(B) Accurately record their sampling data, write complete reports, and report accurately any
observations of suspected violations of regulations relevant to conservation of marine
resources or their environment.
(C) Not disclose collected data and observations made on board the vessel to any person
except the owner or operator of the observed vessel, an authorized officer, or NMFS.
(D) Not disclose collected data and observations made on board the vessel to any person
except the owner or operator of the observed vessel, an authorized officer, or NMFS.
(ix) Suspension and decertification —
(A) Suspension and decertification review official. The Regional Administrator (or a designee)
will designate an observer suspension and decertification review official(s), who will have
the authority to review observer certifications and issue IADs of observer certification
suspension and/or decertification.
(B) Causes for suspension or decertification. The suspension/decertification official may
initiate suspension or decertification proceedings against an observer:
(1) When it is alleged that the observer has not met applicable standards, including any
of the following:
(i)

Failed to satisfactorily perform duties of observers as specified in writing by the
NMFS Observer Program; or

(ii) Failed to abide by the standards of conduct for observers, including conflicts of
interest;
(2) Upon conviction of a crime or upon entry of a civil judgment for:
(i)

Commission of fraud or other violation in connection with obtaining or
attempting to obtain certification, or in performing the duties as specified in
writing by the NMFS Observer Program;

(ii) Commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction
of records, making false statements, or receiving stolen property;
(iii) Commission of any other offense indicating a lack of integrity or honesty that
seriously and directly affects the fitness of observers.
(C) Issuance of an IAD. Upon determination that suspension or decertification is warranted,
the suspension/decertification official will issue a written IAD to the observer via certified
mail at the observer's most current address provided to NMFS. The IAD will identify
whether a certification is suspended or revoked and will identify the specific reasons for
the action taken. Decertification is effective 30 calendar days after the date on the IAD,
unless there is an appeal.

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(D) Appeals. A certified observer who receives an IAD that suspends or revokes his or her
observer certification may appeal the determination within 30 calendar days after the date
on the IAD to the Office of Administrative Appeals pursuant to § 660.19.
(k) MS co-op failure —
(1) The Regional Administrator will determine that a permitted MS co-op is considered to have failed if:
(i)

The co-op members dissolve the co-op, or

(ii) The co-op membership falls below 20 percent of the MS/CV-endorsed limited entry permits, or
(iii) The co-op agreement is no longer valid.
(2) If a permitted MS co-op dissolves, the designated co-op manager must notify NMFS SFD in writing of
the dissolution of the co-op.
(3) In the event of a NMFS determined co-op failure, or reported failure, the designated co-op manager
will be notified in writing about NMFS' determination. Upon notification of a co-op failure, fishing
under the MS co-op permit will no longer be allowed. Should a co-op failure determination be made
during the Pacific whiting primary season for the mothership sector, unused allocation associated
with the catch history will not be available for harvest by the co-op that failed, by any former
members of the co-op that failed, or any other MS co-op for the remainder of that calendar year.
[75 FR 60897, Oct. 1, 2010, as amended at 75 FR 78406, Dec. 15, 2010; 76 FR 27547, May 11, 2011; 76 FR 53838, Aug. 30, 2011; 76
FR 74744, Dec. 1, 2011; 77 FR 45512, Aug. 1, 2012; 77 FR 55157, Sept. 7, 2012; 78 FR 18896, Mar. 28, 2013; 78 FR 68772, Nov. 15,
2013; 78 FR 75282, Dec. 11, 2013; 80 FR 22290, Apr. 21, 2015; 81 FR 27011, May 5, 2016; 83 FR 762, Jan. 8, 2018; 83 FR 64004,
Dec. 12, 2018; 84 FR 31160, June 28, 2019; 84 FR 68810, Dec. 17, 2019; 85 FR 37029, June 19, 2020; 85 FR 35601, June 11, 2020;
86 FR 26443, May 14, 2021; 86 FR 58813, Oct. 25, 2021; 87 FR 54909, Sept. 8, 2022; 87 FR 77027, Dec. 16, 2022; 87 FR 77006, Dec.
16, 2022; 88 FR 81358, 81359, Nov. 22, 2023; 89 FR 101522, Dec. 16, 2024]

§ 660.160 Catcher/processor (C/P) Co-op Program.
(a) General. The C/P Co-op Program is a limited access program that applies to vessels in the C/P sector of
the Pacific whiting at-sea trawl fishery and is a single voluntary co-op. Eligible harvesters and processors
must meet the requirements set forth in this section of the Pacific Coast groundfish regulations. In
addition to the requirements of this section, the C/P Co-op Program is subject to the following groundfish
regulations:
(1) Pacific whiting seasons § 660.131(b), subpart D.
(2) Area restrictions specified for midwater trawl gear used to harvest Pacific whiting fishery specified at
§ 660.131(c), subpart D for GCAs, RCAs, Salmon Conservation Zones, BRAs, and EFHCAs.
(3) Regulations set out in the following sections of subpart C: § 660.11 Definitions, § 660.12
Prohibitions, § 660.13 Recordkeeping and reporting, § 660.14 VMS requirements, § 660.15
Equipment requirements, § 660.16 Groundfish Observer Program, § 660.20 Vessel and gear
identification, § 660.25 Permits, § 660.55 Allocations, § 660.60 Specifications and management
measures, § 660.65 Groundfish harvest specifications, and §§ 660.70 through 660.79 Closed areas.
(4) Regulations set out in the following sections of subpart D: § 660.111 Trawl fishery definitions, §
660.112 Trawl fishery prohibitions, § 660.113 Trawl fishery recordkeeping and reporting, § 660.115
Trawl fishery cost recovery program, § 660.120 Trawl fishery crossover provisions, § 660.130 Trawl
fishery management measures, and § 660.131 Pacific whiting fishery management measures.
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(5) The C/P Co-op Program may be restricted or closed as a result of projected overages within the MS
Co-op Program, the C/P Co-op Program, or the Shorebased IFQ Program. As determined necessary
by the Regional Administrator, area restrictions, season closures, or other measures will be used to
prevent the trawl sectors in aggregate or the individual trawl sector (Shorebased IFQ, MS Co-op, or
C/P Co-op) from exceeding an ACL, ACT, or formal allocation specified in the PCGFMP or regulation
at § 660.55, subpart C, or §§ 660.140, 660.150, or 660.160, subpart D.
(b) Participation requirements and responsibilities —
(1) C/P vessels —
(i)

C/P vessel participation requirements. A vessel is eligible to fish as a catcher/processor in the
C/P Co-op Program if:
(A) The vessel is registered to a C/P-endorsed limited entry trawl permit.
(B) The vessel is not used to harvest fish as a catcher vessel in the mothership co-op program
in the same calendar year.

(ii) Catcher/processor vessel responsibilities. The owner and operator of a catcher/processor
vessel must:
(A) Recordkeeping and reporting. Maintain a valid declaration as specified at § 660.13(d);
maintain records as specified at § 660.113(a); and maintain and submit all records and
reports specified at § 660.113(d) including, economic data, scale tests records, cease
fishing reports, and cost recovery.
(B) Observers. As specified at paragraph (g) of this section, procure observer services,
maintain the appropriate level of coverage, and meet the vessel responsibilities.
(C) Catch weighing requirements. The owner and operator of a catcher/processor vessel must:
(1) Ensure that all catch is weighed in its round form on a NMFS-approved scale that
meets the requirements described in § 660.15(b);
(2) Provide a NMFS-approved platform scale, belt scale, and test weights that meet the
requirements described in § 660.15(b).
(D) Cost recovery program. Collect and remit to NMFS cost recovery program fees, as
specified at § 660.115.
(2) C/P co-ops —
(i)

C/P co-op participation requirements. For a C/P co-op to participate in the catcher/processor
sector of the Pacific whiting fishery, the C/P co-op must:
(A) Be issued a C/P co-op permit;
(B) Be composed of all C/P-endorsed limited entry permits and their owners;
(C) Be formed voluntarily;
(D) Be a legally recognized entity that represents its members; and
(E) Designate an individual as a co-op manager.

(ii) C/P co-op responsibilities. A C/P co-op is responsible for:
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(A) Applying for and being registered to a C/P co-op permit;
(B) Organizing and coordinating harvest activities of vessels that fish for the co-op;
(C) Allocating catch for use by specific co-op members;
(D) Monitoring harvest activities and enforcing the catch limits of co-op members;
(E) Submitting an annual report.
(F) Having a designated co-op manager. The designated co-op manager must:
(1) Serve as the contact person with NMFS and the Council;
(2) Be responsible for the annual distribution of catch and bycatch allocations among
co-op members;
(3) Prepare and submit an annual report on behalf of the co-op; and
(4) Be authorized to receive or respond to any legal process in which the co-op is
involved; and
(5) Notify NMFS if the co-op dissolves.
(iii) C/P co-op compliance and joint/several liability. A C/P co-op must comply with the provisions of
this section. The C/P co-op, member limited entry permit owners, and owners and operators of
vessels registered to member limited entry permits, are jointly and severally responsible for
compliance with the provisions of this section. Pursuant to 15 CFR part 904, each C/P co-op,
member permit owner, and owner and operator of a vessel registered to a co-op member permit
may be charged jointly and severally for violations of the provisions of this section. For
purposes of enforcement, a C/P co-op is a legal entity that can be subject to NOAA
enforcement action for violations of the provisions of this section.
(c) C/P Co-op Program species and allocations —
(1) C/P Co-op Program species. All species other than Pacific whiting are managed with set-asides for
the MS and C/P Co-op Programs.
(i)

Species with formal allocations to the C/P Co-op Program: Pacific whiting.

(ii) Species with set-asides for the MS and C/P Programs, as described in the biennial
specifications.
(2) C/P Co-op Program annual allocations. The C/P Co-op Program allocation of Pacific whiting is equal
to the catcher/processor sector allocation. Only a single co-op may be formed in the catcher/
processor sector with the one permitted co-op receiving the catcher/processor sector allocation.
(i)

In years where the Pacific whiting harvest specification is known by the start of the catcher/
processor sector primary whiting season specified at § 660.131(b)(2)(iii)(A), allocation for
Pacific whiting will be made by the start of the season.

(ii) In years where the Pacific whiting harvest specification is not known by the start of the catcher/
processor sector primary whiting season specified at § 660.131(b)(2)(iii)(A), NMFS will issue
Pacific whiting allocations in two parts. Before the start of the primary whiting season, NMFS
will allocate Pacific whiting based on the C/P Co-op Program allocation percent multiplied by

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the lower end of the range of potential harvest specifications for Pacific whiting for that year.
After the final Pacific whiting harvest specifications are established, NMFS will allocate any
additional amounts of Pacific whiting to the C/P Co-op Program.
(3) Non-whiting groundfish species —
(i)

At-sea sector set-asides of non-whiting groundfish species will be managed on an annual basis
unless there is a risk of a harvest specification being exceeded, unforeseen impact on other
fisheries, or conservation concerns, in which case inseason action may be taken. Set asides
may be adjusted through the biennial specifications and management measures process as
necessary.

(ii) Groundfish species not addressed in paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this section, will be managed on an
annual basis unless there is a risk of a harvest specification being exceeded, unforeseen
impact on other fisheries, or conservation concerns, in which case inseason action may be
taken.
(4) Halibut set-asides. Annually a specified amount of the Pacific halibut will be held in reserve as a
shared set-aside for bycatch in the at-sea Pacific whiting fisheries and the shorebased trawl sector
south of 40°10′ N lat.
(5) [Reserved]
(6) Reaching the catcher/processor sector allocation. When the catcher/processor sector allocation of
Pacific whiting is reached or is projected to be reached, further taking and retaining, receiving, or atsea processing by a catcher/processor is prohibited. No additional unprocessed groundfish may be
brought on board after at-sea processing is prohibited, but a catcher/processor may continue to
process catch that was on board before at-sea processing was prohibited. The catcher/processor
sector will close when the allocation of any one species is reached or projected to be reached.
(7) Announcements. The Regional Administrator will announce in the FEDERAL REGISTER when the
catcher/processor sector allocation of Pacific whiting is reached, or is projected to be reached, and
specify the appropriate action. In order to prevent exceeding an allocation and to avoid underutilizing
the resource, prohibitions against further taking and retaining, receiving, or at-sea processing of
Pacific whiting may be made effective immediately by actual notice to fishers and processors, by
email, internet, phone, fax, letter, press release, and/or USCG Notice to Mariners (monitor channel 16
VHF), followed by publication in the FEDERAL REGISTER, in which instance public comment will be
sought for a reasonable period of time thereafter.
(d) C/P co-op permit and agreement —
(1) Eligibility and registration —
(i)

Eligibility. To be an eligible co-op entity a group of C/P-endorsed permit owners (co-op
members) must be a recognized entity under the laws of the United States or the laws of a
State and that represents all of the co-op members.

(ii) Annual registration and deadline. Each year, the co-op entity must submit a complete application
to NMFS for a C/P co-op permit. The application must be submitted to NMFS by between
January 17 and March 17 of the year in which it intends to participate. NMFS will not consider
any applications received after March 17. A C/P co-op permit expires on December 31 of the
year in which it was issued.

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(iii) Application for a C/P co-op permit. The designated co-op manager, on behalf of the co-op entity,
must submit a complete application form and include each of the items listed in paragraph
(d)(1)(iii)(A) of this section. Only complete applications will be considered for issuance of a C/P
co-op permit. An application will not be considered complete if any required application fees
and annual co-op reports have not been received by NMFS. NMFS may request additional
supplemental documentation as necessary to make a determination of whether to approve or
disapprove the application. Application forms and instruction are available on the NMFS WCR
Web site (https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/region/west-coast) or by request from NMFS. The
designated co-op manager must sign the application acknowledging the responsibilities of a
designated co-op manager defined in paragraph (b)(2) of this section.
(A) Co-op agreement. Signed copies of the co-op agreement must be submitted to NMFS
before the co-op is authorized to engage in fishing activities. A co-op agreement must
include all of the information listed in this paragraph to be considered a complete co-op
agreement. NMFS will only review complete co-op agreements. A co-op agreement will
not be accepted unless it includes all of the required information; the descriptive items
listed in this paragraph appear to meet the stated purpose; and information submitted is
correct and accurate.
(1) Co-op agreement contents. The co-op agreement must be signed by the co-op
members (C/P-endorsed permit owners) and include the following information:
(i)

A list of all vessels registered to C/P-endorsed permits that the member permit
owners intend to use for fishing under the C/P co-op permit.

(ii) All C/P-endorsed limited entry member permits identified by permit number.
(iii) A description of the cooperative's plan to adequately monitor and account for
the catch of Pacific whiting and non-whiting groundfish, and to monitor and
account for the catch of prohibited species.
(iv) A clause stating that if a permit is registered to a new permit owner during the
effective period of the co-op agreement, any new owners of that member permit
would be co-op members and are required to comply with membership
restrictions in the co-op agreement.
(v) A description of the cooperative's enforcement and penalty provisions adequate
to maintain catch of Pacific whiting and non-whiting groundfish within the
allocations.
(vi) A description of measures to reduce catch of overfished species.
(vii) A clause describing how the annual report will be produced to document the
cooperative's catch, bycatch data, and any other significant activities
undertaken by the co-op during the year, and the submission deadlines for that
report.
(viii) Identification of the designated co-op manager.
(2) [Reserved]
(B) Acceptance of a co-op agreement —

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(1) If NMFS does not accept the co-op agreement, the co-op permit application will be
returned to the applicant with a letter stating the reasons the co-op agreement was
not accepted by NMFS.
(2) Co-op agreements that are not accepted may be resubmitted for review by
sufficiently addressing the deficiencies identified in the NMFS letter and resubmitting
the entire co-op permit application by the date specified in the NMFS letter.
(3) An accepted co-op agreement that was submitted with the C/P co-op permit
application and for which a C/P co-op permit was issued will remain in place through
the end of the calendar year. The designated co-op manager must resubmit a
complete co-op agreement to NMFS consistent with the co-op agreement contents
described in this paragraph if there is a material change to the co-op agreement.
(4) Within 7 calendar days following a material change, the designated co-op manager
must notify NMFS of the material change. Within 30 calendar days, the designated
co-op manger must submit to NMFS the revised co-op agreement with a letter that
describes such changes. NMFS will review the material changes and provide a letter
to the co-op manager that either accepts the changes as given or does not accept
the revised co-op agreement with a letter stating the reasons that it was not
accepted by NMFS. The co-op may resubmit the co-op agreement with further
revisions to the material changes responding to NMFS concerns.
(iv) Effective date of C/P co-op permit. A C/P co-op permit will be effective on the date approved by
NMFS and will allow fishing from the start of the C/P sector primary whiting season until the
end of the calendar year or until one or more of the following events occur, whichever comes
first:
(A) NMFS closes the C/P sector fishing season for the year or the designated co-op manager
notifies NMFS that the co-op has completed fishing for the calendar year,
(B) The C/P co-op has reached its Pacific whiting allocation,
(C) A material change to the co-op agreement has occurred and the designated co-op
manager failed to notify NMFS within 7 calendar days of the material change and submit
to NMFS the revised co-op agreement with a letter that describes such changes within 30
calendar days, or
(D) NMFS has determined that a co-op failure occurred.
(2) Initial administrative determination. For all complete applications, NMFS will issue an IAD if the
application is disapproved. An approved application will result in issuance of the permit. If
disapproved, the IAD will provide the reasons for this determination. The IAD for a C/P co-op permit
follows the same requirement as specified for limited entry permits at § 660.25(g)(4)(ii), if the
applicant does not appeal the IAD within the 30 calendar days, the IAD becomes the final decision of
the Regional Administrator acting on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce.
(3) Appeals. An appeal to a C/P co-op permit action follows the same process as the general permit
appeals process defined at § 660.25(g), subpart C.
(4) Fees. The Regional Administrator is authorized to charge fees for administrative costs associated
with the issuance of a C/P co-op permit consistent with the provisions given at § 660.25(f), subpart
C.
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(e) C/P-endorsed permit —
(1) General. Any vessel participating in the C/P sector of the non-tribal primary Pacific whiting fisherymust be registered to a valid limited entry permit with a C/P endorsement—subject to the limited
entry permit provisions given at § 660.25(b).
(i)

Non-severable. A C/P endorsement is not severable from the limited entry trawl permit, and
therefore, the endorsement may not be registered to another permit owner or to another vessel
separately from the limited entry trawl permit.

(ii) Restriction on C/P vessel operating as a catcher vessel in the mothership sector. A vessel
registered to a C/P-endorsed permit cannot operate as a catcher vessel delivering unprocessed
Pacific whiting to a mothership processor during the same calendar year it participates in the
C/P sector.
(iii) Restriction on C/P vessel operating as mothership. A vessel registered to a C/P-endorsed permit
may operate as a mothership during the same calendar year it participates in the C/P sector
but not on the same trip.
(iv) Trawl identification of ownership interest form. Any person that is applying for or renewing a C/
P-endorsed permit shall document those persons that have an ownership interest in the permit
greater than or equal to 2 percent. This ownership interest must be documented with the SFD
via the Trawl Identification of Ownership Interest Form. SFD will not issue a C/P-endorsed
permit unless the Trawl Identification of Ownership Interest Form has been completed.
(2) Renewal, change in permit ownership, vessel registration, or combination —
(i)

Renewal. A C/P-endorsed permit must be renewed annually consistent with the limited entry
permit regulations given at § 660.25(b)(4).

(ii) Change of permit ownership. A C/P-endorsed permit is subject to the limited entry permit
change in permit ownership regulations given at § 660.25(b)(4), subpart C.
(iii) Change of vessel registration. A C/P-endorsed permit is subject to the limited entry permit
change of vessel registration regulations given at § 660.25(b)(4), subpart C.
(iv) Combination. If two or more permits are combined, the resulting permit is one permit with an
increased size endorsement. A C/P-endorsed permit that is combined with another limited
entry trawl-endorsed permit that does not have a C/P endorsement will result in a single trawl
limited entry permit with a C/P endorsement with a larger size endorsement. Any request to
combine permits is subject to the provisions provided at § 660.25(b), including the combination
formula for resulting size endorsements.
(3) Appeals. An appeal to a C/P-endorsed permit action follows the same process as the general permit
appeals process defined at § 660.25(g), subpart C.
(4) Fees. The Regional Administrator is authorized to charge fees for the administrative costs
associated with review and issuance of a C/P endorsement consistent with the provisions at §
660.25(f), subpart C.

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(5) Cost recovery. The owner of a vessel registered to a C/P-endorsed limited entry trawl permit, the
operator of a vessel registered to a C/P-endorsed limited entry trawl permit, and the owner of the C/
P-endorsed limited entry trawl permit registered to that vessel, are considered both the fish buyer
and the fish seller as defined at § 660.111, and must comply with the cost recovery program
specified at § 660.115.
(f) Retention requirements. [Reserved]
(g) Observer requirements —
(1) Observer coverage requirements —
(i)

Coverage. The following observer coverage pertains to certified observers obtained from an
observer provider permitted by NMFS. Any vessel registered to a C/P-endorsed limited entry
trawl permit that is 125 ft (38.1 m) LOA or longer must carry two certified observers, and any
vessel registered to a C/P-endorsed limited entry trawl permit that is shorter than 125 ft (38.1
m) LOA must carry one certified observer, each day that the vessel is used to take, retain,
receive, land, process, or transport groundfish.

(ii) Observer workload. The time required for the observer to complete sampling duties must not
exceed 12 consecutive hours in each 24-hour period.
(iii) Refusal to board. Any boarding refusal on the part of the observer or vessel must be reported to
the Observer Program and OLE by the observer provider. The observer must be available for an
interview with the Observer Program or OLE if necessary.
(iv) Gear testing exemption. Vessels exempt from the requirement to maintain observer coverage as
specified in this paragraph (g) while gear testing as defined at § 660.11. The vessel operator
must submit a valid declaration for gear/equipment testing, as required by §
660.13(d)(4)(iv)(A), and must notify the Observer Program of the gear testing activity at least
48 hours prior to departing on a trip to test gear/equipment.
(v) Certificates of insurance. The observer provider must submit copies of “certificates of
insurance” that name the Northwest Fisheries Science Center Observer Program manager as
the “certificate holder” to the Observer Program Office by February 1 of each year. The
certificates of insurance shall verify all coverage provisions specified at § 600.748(b) and (c) of
this chapter and state that the insurance company will notify the certificate holder if insurance
coverage is changed or canceled.
(2) Vessel responsibilities. An operator and/or crew of a vessel required to carry an observer must
provide:
(i)

Accommodations and food. Provide accommodations and food that are equivalent to those
provided for officers, engineers, foremen, deck-bosses or other management level personnel of
the vessel.

(ii) Safe conditions —
(A) Maintain safe conditions on the vessel for the protection of observers including adherence
to all U.S. Coast Guard and other applicable rules, regulations, or statutes pertaining to
safe operation of the vessel, including but not limited to, rules of the road, vessel stability,
emergency drills, emergency equipment, vessel maintenance, vessel general condition,

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and port bar crossings. An observer may refuse boarding or reboarding a vessel and may
request a vessel to return to port if operated in an unsafe manner or if unsafe conditions
are identified.
(B) Have on board a valid Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Decal that certifies compliance
with regulations found in 33 CFR chapter I and 46 CFR chapter I, a certificate of
compliance issued pursuant to 46 CFR 28.710 or a valid certificate of inspection pursuant
to 46 U.S.C. 3311. Maintain safe conditions on the vessel for the protection of observer(s)
including adherence to all USCG and other applicable rules, regulations, or statutes
pertaining to safe operation of the vessel, and provisions at §§ 600.725 and 600.746 of
this chapter.
(iii) Computer hardware and software. C/P vessels must:
(A) Provide hardware and software pursuant to regulations at § 679.51 (e)(iii)(B) of this
chapter.
(B) Provide the observer(s) access to a computer required under paragraph (g)(2)(iii) of this
section that is connected to a communication device that provides a point-to-point
connection to the NMFS host computer.
(C) Ensure that the C/P vessel has installed the most recent release of NMFS data entry
software, or other approved software prior to the vessel receiving, catching or processing
IFQ species.
(D) Ensure that the communication equipment required in paragraph (g)(2)(iii) of this section
and used by observers to enter and transmit data, is fully functional and operational.
“Functional” means that all the tasks and components of the NMFS supplied, or other
approved, software described at paragraph (g)(2)(iii) of this section and the data
transmissions to NMFS can be executed effectively aboard the vessel by the
communications equipment.
(iv) Vessel position. Allow observer(s) access to, the vessel's navigation equipment and personnel,
on request, to determine the vessel's position.
(v) Access. Allow observer(s) free and unobstructed access to the vessel's bridge, trawl or working
decks, holding bins, processing areas, freezer spaces, weight scales, cargo holds, and any other
space that may be used to hold, process, weigh, or store fish or fish products at any time.
(vi) Prior notification. Notify observer(s) at least 15 minutes before fish are brought on board, or fish
and fish products are transferred from the vessel, to allow sampling the catch or observing the
transfer.
(vii) Records. Allow observer(s) to inspect and copy any State or Federal logbook maintained
voluntarily or as required by regulation.
(viii) Assistance. Provide all other reasonable assistance to enable observer(s) to carry out their
duties, including, but not limited to:
(A) Measuring decks, codends, and holding bins.
(B) Providing the observer(s) with a safe work area.
(C) Collecting samples of catch.
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(D) Collecting and carrying baskets of fish.
(E) Allowing the observer(s) to collect biological data and samples.
(F) Providing adequate space for storage of biological samples.
(ix) Sampling station and operational requirements for C/P vessels. This paragraph contains the
requirements for observer sampling stations. To allow the observer to carry out the required
duties, the vessel owner must provide an observer sampling station that meets the following
requirements:
(A) Accessibility. The observer sampling station must be available to the observer at all times.
(B) Location. The observer sampling station must be located within 4 m of the location from
which the observer samples unsorted catch.
(C) Access. Unobstructed passage must be provided between the observer sampling station
and the location where the observer collects sample catch.
(D) Minimum work space. The observer must have a working area of at least 4.5 square
meters, including the observer's sampling table, for sampling and storage of fish to be
sampled. 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.
(E) 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 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.
(F) Diverter board. The conveyor belt conveying unsorted catch must have a removable board
(“diverter board”) to allow all 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. At least 1 m of accessible belt space, located downstream of the scale
used to weight total catch, must be available for the observer's use when sampling.
(G) Other requirements. The sampling station must be in a well-drained area that includes floor
grating (or other material that prevents slipping), lighting adequate for day or night
sampling, and a hose that supplies fresh or sea water to the observer.
(H) Observer sampling scale. The observer sample station must include a NMFS-approved
platform scale (pursuant to requirements at § 679.28(d)(5)) 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.
(x) Transfer at sea. Observers may be transferred at-sea between catcher-processors, between
catcher-processors and motherships, or between a catcher-processor and a catcher vessel.
Transfers at-sea between catcher vessels is prohibited. For transfers, both vessels must:
(A) Ensure that transfers of observers at sea via small boat under its own power are carried
out during daylight hours, under safe conditions, and with the agreement of observers
involved.

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(B) Notify observers at least 3 hours before observers are transferred, such that the observers
can finish any sampling work, collect personal belongings, equipment, and scientific
samples.
(C) Provide a safe pilot ladder and conduct the transfer to ensure the safety of observers
during transfers.
(D) Provide an experienced crew member to assist observers in the small boat in which any
transfer is made.
(xi) Housing on vessel in port. During all periods an observer is housed on a vessel, the vessel
operator must ensure that at least one crew member is aboard.
(3) Procurement of observer services. Owners of vessels required to carry observers under paragraph
(g)(1) of this section must arrange for observer services from an observer provider permitted by
NMFS, except that:
(i)

Vessels are required to procure observer services directly from the Observer Program when
NMFS has determined and given notification that the vessel must carry NMFS staff or an
individual authorized by NMFS in lieu of an observer provided by an observer provider.

(ii) Vessels are required to procure observer services directly from the Observer Program and an
observer provider when NMFS has determined and given notification that the vessel must carry
NMFS staff and/or individuals authorized by NMFS, in addition to an observer provided by an
observer provider.
(4) Observer provider responsibilities —
(i)

Provide qualified candidates to serve as observers. Observer providers must provide qualified
candidates to serve as observers. To be qualified, a candidate must have:
(A) A Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university with a major in one
of the natural sciences;
(B) Successfully completed a minimum of 30 semester hours or equivalent in applicable
biological sciences with extensive use of dichotomous keys in at least one course;
(C) Successfully completed at least one undergraduate course each in math and statistics
with a minimum of 5 semester hours total for both; and
(D) Computer skills that enable the candidate to work competently with standard database
software and computer hardware.

(ii) Hiring an observer candidate.
(A) The observer provider must provide the candidate a copy of NMFS-provided pamphlets,
information and other literature describing observer duties (i.e. The At-Sea Hake Observer
Program's Observer Manual) prior to hiring an observer candidate. Observer job
information is available from the Observer Program Office's Web site at
http://www.nwfsc.noaa.gov/research/divisions/fram/observer/index.cfm.
(B) The observer provider must have a written contract or a written contract addendum that is
signed by the observer and observer provider prior to the observer's deployment with the
following clauses:
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(1) That the observer will return all phone calls, emails, text messages, or other forms of
communication within the time specified by the Observer Program;
(2) That the observer inform the observer provider prior to the time of embarkation if he
or she is experiencing any new mental illness or physical ailments or injury since
submission of the physician's statement as required as a qualified observer
candidate that would prevent him or her from performing their assigned duties.
(iii) Ensure that observers complete duties in a timely manner. An observer provider must ensure that
observers employed by that observer provider do the following in a complete and timely
manner:
(A) Submit to NMFS all data, logbooks and reports as required by the observer manual;
(B) Report for his or her scheduled debriefing and complete all debriefing responsibilities;
(C) Return all sampling and safety gear to the Observer Program Office;
(D) Submit all biological samples from the observer's deployment by the completion of the
electronic vessel and/or processor survey(s); and
(E) Immediately report to the Observer Program Office and the OLE any refusal to board an
assigned vessel.
(iv) Observers provided to vessel. Observers provided to C/P vessels:
(A) Must have a valid North Pacific groundfish observer certification with required
endorsements and an At-Sea Hake Observer Program endorsement;
(B) Must not have informed the observer provider prior to the time of embarkation that he or
she is experiencing a mental illness or a physical ailment or injury developed since
submission of the physician's statement that would prevent him or her from performing
his or her assigned duties; and
(C) Must have successfully completed all NMFS required training and briefing before
deployment.
(v) Respond to industry requests for observers. An observer provider must provide an observer for
deployment as requested pursuant to the contractual relationship with the vessel to fulfill
vessel requirements for observer coverage specified under paragraph (g)(1) of this section. An
alternate observer must be supplied in each case where injury or illness prevents the observer
from performing his or her duties or where the observer resigns prior to completion of his or her
duties. If the observer provider is unable to respond to an industry request for observer
coverage from a vessel for whom the observer provider is in a contractual relationship due to
lack of available observers by the estimated embarking time of the vessel, the observer
provider must report it to the Observer Program at least four hours prior to the vessel's
estimated embarking time.
(vi) Provide observer salaries and benefits. An observer provider must provide to its observer
employees salaries and any other benefits and personnel services in accordance with the terms
of each observer's contract.
(vii) Provide observer deployment logistics. An observer provider must provide to each of its
observers under contract:
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(A) All necessary transportation, including arrangements and logistics, to the initial location of
deployment, to all subsequent vessel assignments during that deployment, and to and
from the location designated for an observer to be interviewed by the Observer Program;
and
(B) Lodging, per diem, and any other services necessary to observers assigned to fishing
vessels.
(1) An observer under contract may be housed on a vessel to which he or she is
assigned:
(i)

Prior to their vessel's initial departure from port;

(ii) For a period not to exceed 24 hours following the completion of an offload when
the observer has duties and is scheduled to disembark; or
(iii) For a period not to exceed 24 hours following the vessel's arrival in port when
the observer is scheduled to disembark.
(2) [Reserved]
(C) An observer under contract who is between vessel assignments must be provided with
shoreside accommodations in accordance with the contract between the observer and the
observer provider. If the observer provider is providing accommodations, it must be at a
licensed hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, or other shoreside accommodations for the
duration of each period between vessel or shoreside assignments. Such accommodations
must include an assigned bed for each observer and no other person may be assigned
that bed for the duration of that observer's stay. Additionally, no more than four beds may
be in any room housing observers at accommodations meeting the requirements of this
section.
(viii) Observer deployment limitations. An observer provider must not exceed observer deployment
limitations specified in this paragraph unless alternative arrangements are approved by the
Observer Program Office. An observer provider must not:
(A) Deploy an observer on the same vessel for more than 90 days in a 12-month period;
(B) Deploy an observer for more than 90 days in a single deployment;
(C) Include more than four vessel assignments in a single deployment, or
(D) Disembark an observer from a vessel before that observer has completed his or her
sampling or data transmission duties.
(ix) Verify vessel's Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Decal. An observer provider must ensure that
the observer completes an observer vessel safety checklist, and verify that a vessel has a valid
USCG Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety decal as required under paragraph (h)(2)(ii)(B) of this
section prior to the observer embarking on the first trip and before an observer may get
underway aboard the vessel. The provider must submit all vessel safety checklists to the
Observer Program, as specified by Observer Program policy. One of the following acceptable
means of verification must be used to verify the decal validity:

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(A) The observer provider or employee of the observer provider, including the observer, visually
inspects the decal aboard the vessel and confirms that the decal is valid according to the
decal date of issuance; or
(B) The observer provider receives a hard copy of the USCG documentation of the decal
issuance from the vessel owner or operator.
(x) Maintain communications with observers. An observer provider must have an employee
responsible for observer activities on call 24 hours a day to handle emergencies involving
observers or problems concerning observer logistics, whenever observers are at sea, in transit,
or in port awaiting vessel reassignment.
(xi) Maintain communications with the Observer Program Office. An observer provider must provide
all of the following information by electronic transmission (email), fax, or other method
specified by NMFS.
(A) Observer training and briefing. Observer training and briefing registration materials must be
submitted to the Observer Program Office at least 5 business days prior to the beginning
of a scheduled observer at-sea hake training or briefing session. Registration materials
consist of the following: The date of requested training or briefing with a list of observers
including each observer's full name (i.e., first, middle and last names).
(B) Observer debriefing registration. The observer provider must contact the Observer Program
within 5 business days after the completion of an observer's deployment to schedule a
date, time and location for debriefing. Observer debriefing registration information must
be provided at the time of debriefing scheduling and must include the observer's name,
cruise number, vessel name(s) and code(s), and requested debriefing date.
(C) Observer provider contracts. If requested, observer providers must submit to the Observer
Program Office a completed and unaltered copy of each type of signed and valid contract
(including all attachments, appendices, addendums, and exhibits incorporated into the
contract) between the observer provider and those entities requiring observer services
under paragraph (g)(1) of this section. Observer providers must also submit to the
Observer Program Office upon request, a completed and unaltered copy of the current or
most recent signed and valid contract (including all attachments, appendices, addendums,
and exhibits incorporated into the contract and any agreements or policies with regard to
observer compensation or salary levels) between the observer provider and the particular
entity identified by the Observer Program or with specific observers. The copies must be
submitted to the Observer Program Office via fax or mail within 5 business days of the
request. Signed and valid contracts include the contracts an observer provider has with:
(1) Vessels required to have observer coverage as specified at paragraph (g)(1) of this
section; and
(2) Observers.
(D) Change in observer provider management and contact information. Observer providers
must submit notification of any other change to provider contact information, including
but not limited to, changes in contact name, phone number, email address, and address.

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(E) Other reports. Reports of the following must be submitted in writing to the Observer
Program Office by the observer provider via fax or email address designated by the
Observer Program Office within 24 hours after the observer provider becomes aware of
the information:
(1) Any information regarding possible observer harassment;
(2) Any information regarding any action prohibited under §§ 660.12(e), 660.112 or
600.725(o), (t) and (u) of this chapter;
(3) Any concerns about vessel safety or marine casualty under 46 CFR 4.05-1(a)(1)
through (7);
(4) Any observer illness or injury that prevents the observer from completing any of his
or her duties described in the observer manual; and
(5) Any information, allegations or reports regarding observer conflict of interest or
breach of the standards of behavior described in observer provider policy.
(xii) Replace lost or damaged gear. Lost or damaged gear issued to an observer by NMFS must be
replaced by the observer provider. All replacements must be provided to NMFS and be in
accordance with requirements and procedures identified in writing by the Observer Program
Office.
(xiii) Maintain confidentiality of information. An observer provider must ensure that all records on
individual observer performance received from NMFS under the routine use provision of the
Privacy Act 5 U.S.C. 552a or other applicable law remain confidential and are not further
released to any person outside the employ of the observer provider company to whom the
observer was contracted except with written permission of the observer.
(xiv) Limitations on conflict of interest. An observer provider must meet limitations on conflict of
interest. Observer providers:
(A) Must not have a direct financial interest, other than the provision of observer, catch
monitor or other biological sampling services, in any federal or state managed fisheries,
including but not limited to:
(1) Any ownership, mortgage holder, or other secured interest in a vessel or shoreside
processor facility involved in the catching, taking, harvesting or processing of fish,
(2) Any business involved with selling supplies or services to any vessel or shoreside
processors participating in a fishery managed pursuant to an FMP in the waters off
the coasts of Alaska, California, Oregon, and Washington, or
(3) Any business involved with purchasing raw or processed products from any vessel or
shoreside processor participating in a fishery managed pursuant to an FMP in the
waters off the coasts of Alaska, California, Oregon, and Washington.
(B) Must assign observers without regard to any preference by representatives of vessels
other than when an observer will be deployed.

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(C) Must not solicit or accept, directly or indirectly, any gratuity, gift, favor, entertainment, loan,
or anything of monetary value except for compensation for providing observer services
from any person who conducts fishing or fish processing activities that are regulated by
NMFS, or who has interests that may be substantially affected by the performance or
nonperformance of the official duties of observer providers.
(xv) Observer conduct and behavior. An observer provider must develop and maintain a policy
addressing observer conduct and behavior for their employees that serve as observers. The
policy shall address the following behavior and conduct:
(A) Observer use of alcohol;
(B) Observer use, possession, or distribution of illegal drugs in violation of applicable law; and
(C) Sexual contact with personnel of the vessel or processing facility to which the observer is
assigned, or with any vessel or processing plant personnel who may be substantially
affected by the performance or non-performance of the observer's official duties.
(D) An observer provider shall provide a copy of its conduct and behavior policy by February 1
of each year, to observers, observer candidates, and the Observer Program Office.
(xvi) Refusal to deploy an observer. Observer providers may refuse to deploy an observer on a
requesting vessel if the observer provider has determined that the requesting vessel is
inadequate or unsafe pursuant to those regulations described at § 600.746 of this chapter or
U.S. Coast Guard and other applicable rules, regulations, statutes, or guidelines pertaining to
safe operation of the vessel.
(5) Observer certification and responsibilities —
(i)

Applicability. Observer certification authorizes an individual to fulfill duties as specified in
writing by the Observer Program Office while under the employ of an observer provider and
according to certification endorsements as designated under paragraph (g)(5)(iii) of this
section.

(ii) Observer certification official. The Regional Administrator will designate a NMFS observer
certification official who will make decisions for the Observer Program Office on whether to
issue or deny observer certifications and endorsements.
(iii) Certification requirements —
(A) Initial certification. NMFS may certify individuals who, in addition to any other relevant
considerations:
(1) Are employed by an observer provider company holding a valid North Pacific
Groundfish Observer Program permit at the time of the issuance of the certification
to the observer;
(2) Have provided, through their observer provider:
(i)

Information set forth at § 679.52(b) of this chapter regarding an observer
candidate's health and physical fitness for the job;

(ii) Meet all observer education and health standards as specified in § 679.52(b) of
this chapter; and
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(iii) Have successfully completed NMFS-approved training as prescribed by the
Observer Program. Successful completion of training by an observer applicant
consists of meeting all attendance and conduct standards issued in writing at
the start of training; meeting all performance standards issued in writing at the
start of training for assignments, tests, and other evaluation tools; and
completing all other training requirements established by the Observer
Program.
(iv) Have not been decertified under paragraph (g)(5)(ix) of this section, or pursuant
to § 679.53(c) of this chapter.
(B) [Reserved]
(iv) Denial of a certification. The NMFS observer certification official will issue a written
determination denying observer certification if the candidate fails to successfully complete
training, or does not meet the qualifications for certification for any other relevant reason.
(v) Issuance of an observer certification. An observer certification may be issued upon
determination by the observer certification official that the candidate has successfully met all
requirements for certification as specified in paragraph (g)(6)(iii) of this section. The following
endorsements must be obtained, in addition to observer certification, in order for an observer to
deploy.
(A) North Pacific Groundfish Observer Program certification training endorsement. A
certification training endorsement signifies the successful completion of the training
course required to obtain observer certification. This endorsement expires when the
observer has not been deployed and performed sampling duties as required by the
Observer Program Office for a period of time, specified by the Observer Program, after his
or her most recent debriefing. The observer can renew the endorsement by successfully
completing certification training once more.
(B) North Pacific Groundfish Observer Program annual general endorsements. Each observer
must obtain an annual general endorsement to their certification prior to his or her first
deployment within any calendar year subsequent to a year in which a certification training
endorsement is obtained. To obtain an annual general endorsement, an observer must
successfully complete the annual briefing, as specified by the Observer Program. All
briefing attendance, performance, and conduct standards required by the Observer
Program must be met.
(C) North Pacific Groundfish Observer Program deployment endorsements. Each observer who
has completed an initial deployment after certification or annual briefing must receive a
deployment endorsement to their certification prior to any subsequent deployments for
the remainder of that year. An observer may obtain a deployment endorsement by
successfully completing all pre-cruise briefing requirements. The type of briefing the
observer must attend and successfully complete will be specified in writing by the
Observer Program during the observer's most recent debriefing.
(D) At-Sea Hake Observer Program endorsements. A Pacific whiting fishery endorsement is
required for purposes of performing observer duties aboard vessels that process
groundfish at sea in the Pacific whiting fishery. A Pacific whiting fishery endorsement to
an observer's certification may be obtained by meeting the following requirements:
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(1) Have a valid North Pacific groundfish observer certification.
(2) Receive an evaluation by NMFS for his or her most recent deployment that indicated
that the observer's performance met Observer Program expectations for that
deployment;
(3) Successfully complete any required briefings as prescribed by the Observer Program;
and
(4) Comply with all of the other requirements of this section.
(vi) Maintaining the validity of an observer certification. After initial issuance, an observer must keep
their certification valid by meeting all of the following requirements specified below:
(A) Successfully perform their assigned duties as described in the observer manual or other
written instructions from the Observer Program.
(B) Accurately record their sampling data, write complete reports, and report accurately any
observations of suspected violations of regulations relevant to conservation of marine
resources or their environment.
(C) Not disclose collected data and observations made on board the vessel or in the
processing facility to any person except the owner or operator of the observed vessel or
an authorized officer or NMFS.
(D) Successfully complete any required briefings as prescribed by the At-Sea Hake Observer
Program.
(E) Successful completion of briefing by an observer applicant consists of meeting all
attendance and conduct standards issued in writing at the start of training; meeting all
performance standards issued in writing at the start of training for assignments, tests,
and other evaluation tools; and completing all other briefing requirements established by
the Observer Program.
(F) Successfully meet all debriefing expectations including meeting Observer Program
performance standards reporting for assigned debriefings or interviews.
(G) Submit all data and information required by the Observer Program within the program's
stated guidelines.
(vii) Limitations on conflict of interest. Observers:
(A) Must not have a direct financial interest, other than the provision of observer services or
catch monitor services, in a North Pacific fishery managed pursuant to an FMP for the
waters off the coast of Alaska, Alaska state waters, or in a Pacific Coast fishery managed
by either the state or Federal Governments in waters off Washington, Oregon, or California,
including but not limited to:
(1) Any ownership, mortgage holder, or other secured interest in a vessel, shore-based or
floating stationary processor facility involved in the catching, taking, harvesting or
processing of fish,
(2) Any business involved with selling supplies or services to any vessel, shore-based or
floating stationary processing facility; or
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(3) Any business involved with purchasing raw or processed products from any vessel,
shore-based or floating stationary processing facilities.
(B) Must not solicit or accept, directly or indirectly, any gratuity, gift, favor, entertainment, loan,
or anything of monetary value from anyone who either conducts activities that are
regulated by NMFS in the Pacific coast or North Pacific regions or has interests that may
be substantially affected by the performance or nonperformance of the observers' official
duties.
(C) May not serve as observers on any vessel or at any shore-based owned or operated by a
person who employed the observer in the last two years.
(D) May not solicit or accept employment as a crew member or an employee of a vessel or
shore-based processor while employed by an observer provider.
(E) Provisions for remuneration of observers under this section do not constitute a conflict of
interest.
(viii) Standards of behavior. Observers must:
(A) Perform their assigned duties as described in the observer manual or other written
instructions from the Observer Program Office.
(B) Accurately record their sampling data, write complete reports, and report accurately any
observations of suspected violations of regulations relevant to conservation of marine
resources or their environment.
(C) Not disclose collected data and observations made on board the vessel to any person
except the owner or operator of the observed vessel, an authorized officer, or NMFS.
(ix) Suspension and decertification —
(A) Suspension and decertification review official. The Regional Administrator (or a designee)
will designate an observer suspension and decertification review official(s), who will have
the authority to review observer certifications and issue IADs of observer certification
suspension and/or decertification.
(B) Causes for suspension or decertification. The suspension/decertification official may
initiate suspension or decertification proceedings against an observer:
(1) When it is alleged that the observer has committed any acts or omissions of any of
the following: Failed to satisfactorily perform the duties of observers as specified in
writing by the Observer Program; or failed to abide by the standards of conduct for
observers (including conflicts of interest);
(2) Upon conviction of a crime or upon entry of a civil judgment for: Commission of fraud
or other violation in connection with obtaining or attempting to obtain certification, or
in performing the duties as specified in writing by the Observer Program; commission
of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records,
making false statements, or receiving stolen property; or commission of any other
offense indicating a lack of integrity or honesty that seriously and directly affects the
fitness of observers.

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50 CFR 660.160(g)(5)(ix)(C)

(C) Issuance of an IAD. Upon determination that suspension or decertification is warranted,
the suspension/decertification official will issue a written IAD to the observer via certified
mail at the observer's most current address provided to NMFS. The IAD will identify
whether a certification is suspended or revoked and will identify the specific reasons for
the action taken. Decertification is effective 30 calendar days after the date on the IAD,
unless there is an appeal.
(D) Appeals. A certified observer who receives an IAD that suspends or revokes the observer
certification may appeal the determination within 30 calendar days after the date on the
IAD to the Office of Administrative Appeals pursuant to § 660.19.
(h) C/P co-op failure —
(1) Conditions for determination of co-op failure. The Regional Administrator will determine that a
permitted C/P co-op has failed if any one of the following occurs:
(i)

Any current C/P-endorsed limited entry trawl permit is not identified as a C/P co-op member in
the co-op agreement submitted to NMFS during the C/P co-op permit application process;

(ii) Any current C/P-endorsed permit withdraws from the C/P co-op agreement;
(iii) The co-op members voluntarily dissolve the co-op; or
(iv) The co-op agreement is no longer valid.
(2) Notification of co-op failure. If the permitted C/P co-op dissolves, the designated co-op manager
must notify NMFS SFD in writing of the dissolution of the co-op to allow the Regional Administrator
to make a determination of co-op failure. The Regional Administrator may also make an independent
determination of a co-op failure based on factual information collected by or provided to NMFS.
NMFS will notify the designated co-op manager in writing in the event the Regional Administrator
determines the co-op has failed.
(3) Co-op permit no longer in effect. Upon determination of a co-op failure, the C/P co-op permit will no
longer be in effect.
(4) Conversion to IFQ Fishery. The C/P sector will convert to an IFQ-based fishery beginning the following
calendar year after a determination of a co-op failure, or as soon as practicable thereafter. NMFS will
develop additional regulations, as necessary to implement an IFQ-based fishery for the C/P sector.
Each C/P-endorsed permit will receive an equal amount of QS from the total C/P sector allocation.
That QS will not be transferable separate from the C/P-endorsed permit until a determination is
made to allow such transfers, necessary regulations are implemented, and public notice is provided.
Any use of QP or IBQ pounds associated with C/P endorsed permits is prohibited until the
regulations for a C/P sector IFQ system are implemented.
(5) Accumulation limits. C/P Sector accumulation limits will take effect in the event that the C/P co-op
fails and converts to an IFQ-based fishery. If an IFQ fishery is implemented, any individual or entity
may own or control a maximum of five C/P endorsed permits and QS allocations associated with
those permits, as described in paragraph (e)(5)(iv) of this section. C/P endorsed permit
accumulation limits will only take effect after determination of a co-op failure is made and the
following administrative process occurs:

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(i)

50 CFR 660.160(h)(5)(i)

Divestiture Period. Upon determination of a co-op failure, a divestiture period will occur starting
with the date that co-op failure has been determined and running through the date on which an
IFQ program is implemented for the C/P sector or another date specified in the IFQ program
implementing regulations. During the divestiture period, an individual or entity may not acquire
ownership or control over a total of more than five C/P-endorsed permits. Any entity that
already owns or controls more than five C/P-endorsed permits may not acquire additional
permits. During the divestiture period any entity who owns or controls C/P-endorsed permits
may sell or trade any permits it owns. C/P-endorsed permits may be voluntarily abandoned to
NMFS using the procedures provided under paragraph (h)(5)(iii) of this section.

(ii) Divestiture and redistribution process. After conversion to an IFQ fishery and completion of the
divestiture period, any person owning or controlling C/P-endorsed permits must be in
compliance with accumulation limits, even if that ownership is not reflected in the ownership
records available to NMFS as specified at § 660.140(e)(1)(iv). Permit owners found to exceed
the five permit accumulation limit for C/P-endorsed permits after the divestiture period are in
violation of the accumulation limits and required to completely divest of ownership or control of
C/P-endorsed permits that exceed the accumulation limit. C/P-endorsed permits may be
voluntarily abandoned to NMFS using the procedures provided under paragraph (h)(5)(iii) of
this section. If NMFS finds that any entity owns or controls more than five C/P-endorsed
permits, NMFS will make an Initial Administrative Determination (IAD) that the entity must
divest of control or ownership of permits that exceed the accumulation limit within 30 days or
NMFS will revoke the excess permits in accordance with § 660.25(h)(2)(ii). The permit owner
will have the opportunity to appeal the IAD through the National Appeals Office under the
provisions established at 15 CFR part 906. All QS associated with revoked permits will be
redistributed to all other C/P-endorsed permit owners in proportion to their QS holdings, based
on current ownership records, on or about January 1 of the calendar year following the year in
which the permits are revoked. This redistribution process will not allow any entity to receive
more than 50 percent of the total QS allocations for the C/P sector.
(iii) Abandonment of C/P-endorsed permits. C/P-endorsed permits owners that own or control more
than the five permit accumulation limit may voluntarily abandon C/P-endorsed permits if they
notify NMFS in writing during the divestiture period specified at paragraph (h)(5)(i) of this
section or within 30 days of conversion to an IFQ fishery. The written abandonment request
must include the C/P endorsed permit number and the associated QS allocation percentage
that will be abandoned. Either the C/P-endorsed permit owner or an authorized representative
of the C/P-endorsed permit owner must sign the request. C/P-endorsed permit owners
choosing to utilize the abandonment option will permanently relinquish to NMFS any right to
the abandoned C/P-endorsed permit, and the QS associated with that permit will be
redistributed as described under paragraph (h)(5)(ii) of this section. No compensation will be
due for any abandoned permit, or associated QS or QP.
(iv) Review of C/P-permit ownership interest and accumulation limits. NMFS may request additional
information from C/P-permit owners as necessary to verify compliance with accumulation
limits in the event of C/P co-op failure and conversion to IFQ fishery. If NMFS discovers through
review of the Trawl Identification of Ownership Interest Form that a person is not in compliance
with accumulation limits, the person will be subject to divestiture provisions specified in
paragraph (h)(5)(ii) of this section.
(v) Definition of Ownership or Control. For the purpose of determining ownership or control a
person or entity has over a C/P endorsed permit, all of the following criteria apply:
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50 CFR 660.160(h)(5)(v)(A)

(A) The person or entity has the right to direct, or does direct, in whole or in part, the business
of the entity to which the permits are registered, with the exception of those activities
allowed under paragraphs (h)(5)(v)(C) and (G) of this section.
(B) The person or entity has the right to limit the actions of or replace, or does limit the
actions of or replace, the chief executive officer, a majority of the board of directors, any
general partner, or any person serving in a management capacity of the entity to which the
C/P permits are registered, with the exception of those activities allowed under
paragraphs (h)(5)(v)(C) and (G) of this section.
(C) With the exception of banks and other financial institutions that rely on permits as
collateral for loans as described under paragraphs (h)(5)(v)(G) of this section, the person
or entity has the right to direct, or does direct, and/or the right to prevent or delay, or does
prevent or delay, the transfer of the C/P permit associated QS, or the resulting QP.
(D) The person or entity, through loan covenants or any other means, has the right to restrict,
or does restrict, and/or has a controlling influence over the day to day business activities
or management policies of the entity to which the permits are registered, with the
exception of those activities allowed under paragraphs (h)(5)(v)(C) and (G) of this section.
(E) The person or entity has the right to restrict, or does restrict, any activity related to the C/P
permit, associated QS or the resulting QP, including, but not limited to, use of permits, or
associated QS, or disposition of fish harvested and processed under the resulting QP, with
the exception of those activities allowed under paragraphs (h)(5)(v)(C) and (G) of this
section.
(F) The person or entity has the right to control, or does control, the management of, or to be a
controlling factor in, the entity to which the C/P permit, associated QS, or the resulting QP,
are registered, with the exception of those activities allowed under paragraphs (h)(5)(v)(C)
and (G) of this section.
(G) With the exception of banks and other financial institutions that rely on permits as
collateral for loans, the person or entity has the right to cause or prevent, or does cause or
prevent, the sale, lease or other disposition of C/P permits, associated QS, or the resulting
QP.
(1) To qualify for this exception for banks and other financial institutions that rely on
permits as collateral for loans, a bank or other financial institution must be regularly
or primarily engaged in the business of lending, and must not be engaged in
business with, or be controlled by, entities whose primary business is the harvesting,
processing, or distribution of fish or fish products.
(2) Any state or federally chartered bank or financial institution that meets the
requirement of paragraph (h)(5)(v)(G)(1) of this section does not need to submit
additional information to NMFS.
(3) Any entity that is not a state or federally chartered bank or financial institution must
submit a letter requesting the exception and disclose the identity and interest share
of any shareholder with a 2 percent or more ownership interest in the lender through
submission of the Trawl Identification of Ownership Interest Form (see paragraph
(e)(1)(iv) of this section). The lender must make subsequent annual submissions of
the letter and Trawl Identification of Ownership Interest Form to maintain the
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50 CFR 660.160(h)(5)(v)(H)

exception. Letters requesting the exception and complete Trawl Identification of
Ownership Interest Forms may be submitted to NMFS, West Coast Region, Permits
Office, ATTN: Fisheries Permit Office, Bldg. 1, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA
98115. NMFS will only accept complete applications.
(H) The person or entity has the ability through any means whatsoever to control or have a
controlling influence over the entity to which a permit associated QS is registered, with the
exception of those activities allowed under paragraphs (h)(5)(v)(C) and (G) of this section.
[75 FR 60897, Oct. 1, 2010, as amended at 75 FR 78419, Dec. 15, 2010; 76 FR 27547, May 11, 2011; 76 FR 53838, Aug. 30, 2011; 76
FR 74746, Dec. 1, 2011; 77 FR 55158, Sept. 7, 2012; 78 FR 75282, Dec. 11, 2013; 80 FR 22297, Apr. 21, 2015; 81 FR 27011, May 5,
2016; 83 FR 763, Jan. 8, 2018; 83 FR 64004, Dec. 12, 2018; 84 FR 68812, Dec. 17, 2019; 85 FR 35601, June 11, 2020; 85 FR 37029,
June 19, 2020; 86 FR 26443, May 14, 2021; 86 FR 58813, Oct. 25, 2021; 87 FR 54910, Sept. 8, 2022; 87 FR 77027, Dec. 16, 2022; 87
FR 77006, Dec. 16, 2022; 88 FR 81358, 81359, Nov. 22, 2023; 89 FR 101522, Dec. 16, 2024]

Table 1a (North) to Part 660, Subpart D—Limited Entry Trawl Rockfish Conservation Areas for
North of 40°10′ N Lat.

TABLE 1a (NORTH) TO PART 660, SUBPART D—LIMITED ENTRY TRAWL ROCKFISH
CONSERVATION AREAS FOR NORTH OF 40°10′ N LAT.
Latitude

Boundary

North of 46°16′ N lat

100 fm line-150 fm line.

46°16′ N lat.-40°10′ N
lat

BACs may be implemented and will be announced in the FEDERAL
REGISTER.

NOTE 1 TO TABLE 1A (NORTH): The Trawl RCA is an area closed to fishing with groundfish trawl gear, as
defined at § 660.11. Trawl RCA boundaries apply in the EEZ only; see appropriate state regulations for
state closures. Trawl RCA boundaries or Block Area Closures (BACs) may be revised or implemented
via inseason action; therefore, users should refer back to this table throughout the year. Vessels
fishing groundfish trawl quota pounds with groundfish non-trawl gears, under gear switching
provisions at § 660.140, are subject to the limited entry fixed gear Non-Trawl RCA, as described in
tables 2a (North) and 2a (South) to part 660, subpart E.

[89 FR 101534, Dec. 16, 2024]

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50 CFR 660.160(h)(5)(v)(H)

Table 1b (North) to Part 660, Subpart D—Landing Allowances for Non-IFQ Species and Pacific
Whiting North of 40°10′ N Lat.

TABLE 1b (NORTH) TO PART 660, SUBPART D—LANDING ALLOWANCES FOR NONIFQ SPECIES AND PACIFIC WHITING NORTH OF 40°10′ N LAT.
Species

Trip limit

Big skate

Unlimited.

Cabezon (California)

50 lb/month.

Longnose skate

Unlimited.

Nearshore rockfish complex, 300 lb/month.
Washington black rockfish
and Oregon black/blue/
deacon rockfish
Oregon cabezon/kelp
greenling complex

50 lb/month.

Other fish

Unlimited.

Pacific Spiny Dogfish

60,000 lb/month.

Pacific whiting—Midwater
Trawl

Before the primary whiting season: CLOSED.
During the primary whiting season: mid-water trawl permitted in the
RCA. See § 660.131 for season and trip limit details.
After the primary whiting season: CLOSED.

Pacific whiting—Large &
Small Footrope Gear

Before the primary whiting season: 20,000 lb/trip.
During the primary whiting season: 10,000 lb/trip.
After the primary whiting season: 10,000 lb/trip.

Pacific whiting—Eureka
Management Area

No more than 10,000 lb of whiting may be taken and retained,
possessed, or landed by a vessel that, at any time during the fishing
trip, fished in the fishery management area shoreward of 100 fm

NOTE 1 TO TABLE 1B (NORTH): This table describes incidental landing allowances for vessels registered
to a Federal limited entry trawl permit. Trip limits apply in the EEZ only; see appropriate state
regulations for state trip limits. Trip limits are effective year-round unless otherwise specified for
different cumulative periods (defined at § 660.11 under “Trip limits”). Trip limits are effective from the
U.S.-Canada border to 40°10′ N lat. unless otherwise specified via latitudinal or state subdivisions in
this table. Stock complexes are defined at § 660.11 under “Groundfish”. Trip limits may be revised via
inseason action; therefore, users should refer back to this table throughout the year. To convert
pounds to kilograms, divide the weight in pounds by 2.20462. The resulting quotient is the weight in
kilograms. See provisions at § 660.130 for gear restrictions and requirements by area. Vessels fishing
groundfish trawl quota pounds with groundfish non-trawl gears, under gear switching provisions at §
660.140, are subject to the limited entry groundfish trawl fishery landing allowances in this table,
regardless of the type of fishing gear used.

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50 CFR 660.160(h)(5)(v)(H)

Species

Trip limit
contour (see § 660.131(d)).

NOTE 1 TO TABLE 1B (NORTH): This table describes incidental landing allowances for vessels registered
to a Federal limited entry trawl permit. Trip limits apply in the EEZ only; see appropriate state
regulations for state trip limits. Trip limits are effective year-round unless otherwise specified for
different cumulative periods (defined at § 660.11 under “Trip limits”). Trip limits are effective from the
U.S.-Canada border to 40°10′ N lat. unless otherwise specified via latitudinal or state subdivisions in
this table. Stock complexes are defined at § 660.11 under “Groundfish”. Trip limits may be revised via
inseason action; therefore, users should refer back to this table throughout the year. To convert
pounds to kilograms, divide the weight in pounds by 2.20462. The resulting quotient is the weight in
kilograms. See provisions at § 660.130 for gear restrictions and requirements by area. Vessels fishing
groundfish trawl quota pounds with groundfish non-trawl gears, under gear switching provisions at §
660.140, are subject to the limited entry groundfish trawl fishery landing allowances in this table,
regardless of the type of fishing gear used.

[89 FR 101534, Dec. 16, 2024]

Table 1a (South) to Part 660, Subpart D—Limited Entry Trawl Rockfish Conservation Areas for
South of 40°10′ N Lat.

TABLE 1a (SOUTH) TO PART 660, SUBPART D—LIMITED ENTRY TRAWL ROCKFISH
CONSERVATION AREAS FOR SOUTH OF 40°10′ N LAT.
Latitude
South of 40°10′ N lat.:

Boundary
BACs may be implemented and will be announced in the FEDERAL REGISTER.

NOTE 1 TO TABLE 1A (SOUTH): The Trawl RCA is an area closed to fishing with groundfish trawl gear, as
defined at § 660.11. Trawl RCA boundaries apply in the EEZ only; see appropriate state regulations for
state closures. Trawl RCA boundaries or Block Area Closures (BACs) may be revised or implemented
via inseason action; therefore, users should refer back to this table throughout the year. Vessels
fishing groundfish trawl quota pounds with groundfish non-trawl gears, under gear switching
provisions at § 660.140, are subject to the limited entry fixed gear Non-Trawl RCA, as described in
tables 2a (North) and 2a (South) to part 660, subpart E.

[ 89 FR 101534, Dec. 16, 2024]

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50 CFR 660.160(h)(5)(v)(H)

Table 1b (South) to Part 660, Subpart D—Landing Allowances for Non-IFQ Species and Pacific
Whiting South of 40°10′ N Lat.

TABLE 1b (SOUTH) TO PART 660, SUBPART D—LANDING ALLOWANCES FOR NONIFQ SPECIES AND PACIFIC WHITING SOUTH OF 40°10′ N LAT.
Species

Trip limit

Big skate

Unlimited.

Blackgill rockfish

Unlimited.

Cabezon

50 lb/month.

California scorpionfish

Unlimited.

Longnose skate

Unlimited.

Longspine thornyhead (south of 34°27′ N
lat.)

24,000 lb/2 months.

Nearshore rockfish complex, Washington
black rockfish and Oregon black/blue/
deacon rockfish

300 lb/month.

Other fish

Unlimited.

Pacific Spiny Dogfish

60,000 lb/month.

Pacific whiting—Midwater Trawl

During the primary whiting season: allowed seaward
of the Trawl RCA; prohibited within and shoreward of
the Trawl RCA.

Pacific whiting—Large & Small Footrope
Gear

Before the primary whiting season: 20,000 lb/trip.
During the primary whiting season: 10,000 lb/trip.
After the primary whiting season: 10,000 lb/trip.

NOTE 1 TO TABLE 1B (SOUTH): This table describes incidental landing allowances for vessels registered
to a Federal limited entry trawl permit. Trip limits apply in the EEZ only; see appropriate state
regulations for state trip limits. Trip limits are effective year-round unless otherwise specified for
different cumulative periods (defined at § 660.11 under “Trip limits”). Trip limits are effective from
40°10′ N lat. to the U.S.-Mexico border unless otherwise specified via latitudinal or state subdivisions
in this table. Stock complexes are defined at § 660.11 under “Groundfish”. Trip limits may be revised
via inseason action; therefore, users should refer back to this table throughout the year. To convert
pounds to kilograms, divide the weight in pounds by 2.20462. The resulting quotient is the weight in
kilograms. See provisions at § 660.130 for gear restrictions and requirements by area. Vessels fishing
groundfish trawl quota pounds with groundfish non-trawl gears, under gear switching provisions at §
660.140, are subject to the limited entry groundfish trawl fishery landing allowances in this table,
regardless of the type of fishing gear used.

[89 FR 101534, Dec. 16, 2024]

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
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50 CFR 660.210

Figure 1 to Part 660, Subpart D—Diagram of Selective Flatfish Trawl

Subpart E—West Coast Groundfish—Limited Entry Fixed Gear Fisheries
Source: 75 FR 60897, Oct. 1, 2010, unless otherwise noted.

§ 660.210 Purpose and scope.
This subpart covers the Pacific Coast Groundfish limited entry fixed gear fishery.

§ 660.211 Fixed gear fishery—definitions.
These definitions are specific to the limited entry fixed gear fisheries covered in this subpart. General groundfish
definitions are found at § 660.11, subpart C.
Daily Trip Limit (DTL) Fishery means a sablefish fishery that occurs both north and south of 36° N. lat. that is
subject to trip limit restrictions including daily and/or weekly and/or bimonthly trip limits.
Limited entry fixed gear fishery means the fishery composed of vessels registered to limited entry permits with
longline and pot/trap endorsements.
Sablefish primary fishery means, for the limited entry fixed gear sablefish fishery north of 36° N. lat, the fishery
where vessels registered to at least one limited entry permit with both a gear endorsement for longline or
trap (or pot) gear and a sablefish endorsement fish up to a specified tier limit and when they are not
eligible to fish in the DTL fishery.
Sablefish primary season means, for the limited entry fixed gear sablefish fishery north of 36° N. lat, the period
when vessels registered to at least one limited entry permit with both a gear endorsement for longline or
trap (or pot) gear and a sablefish endorsement, are allowed to fish in the sablefish primary fishery
described at § 660.231 of this subpart.

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50 CFR 660.211 “Tier limit”

Tier limit means a specified amount of sablefish that may be harvested by a vessel registered to a limited entry
fixed gear permit(s) with a Tier 1, Tier 2, and/or Tier 3 designation; a gear endorsement for longline or trap
(or pot) gear; and a sablefish endorsement.
[75 FR 60897, Oct. 1, 2010, as amended at 76 FR 53838, Aug. 30, 2011]

§ 660.212 Fixed gear fishery—prohibitions.
These prohibitions are specific to the limited entry fixed gear fisheries and to the limited entry trawl fishery
Shorebased IFQ Program under gear switching. In addition to the general prohibitions specified in §§ 660.12 and
600.725 of this chapter, it is unlawful for any person to:
(a) General.
(1) Possess, deploy, haul, or carry onboard a fishing vessel subject to subparts C and E a set net, trap or
pot, longline, or commercial vertical hook-and-line as defined at § 660.11, subpart C, that is not in
compliance with the gear restrictions in § 660.230, subpart E, unless such gear is the gear of
another vessel that has been retrieved at sea and made inoperable or stowed in a manner not
capable of being fished. The disposal at sea of such gear is prohibited by Annex V of the
International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution From Ships, 1973 (Annex V of MARPOL 73/
78).
(2) Take and retain, possess, or land more than a single cumulative limit of a particular species, per
vessel, per applicable cumulative limit period, except for sablefish taken in the limited entry fixed
gear sablefish primary season from a vessel authorized to fish in that season, as described at §
660.231 and except for IFQ species taken in the Shorebased IFQ Program from a vessel authorized
under gear switching provisions as described at § 660.140(k).
(3) Transport fish, if that fish includes any amount of sablefish, away from the point of landing before
being sorted and weighed by federal groundfish species or species group, and recorded for
submission on an electronic fish ticket under § 660.213(e). (If fish will be transported to a different
location for processing, all sorting and weighing to federal groundfish species groups must occur
before transporting the fish away from the point of landing).
(4) Mix fish from more than one landing, where one or more of the landings includes any sablefish, prior
to the fish being sorted and weighed for reporting on an electronic fish ticket under § 660.213(e).
(5) Process, sell, or discard any fish, if that fish includes any amount of sablefish, that has not been
accounted for on an electronic fish ticket under § 660.213(e).
(b) Recordkeeping and reporting.
(1) Fail to comply with all recordkeeping and reporting requirements at § 660.13, subpart C; including
failure to submit information, or submission of inaccurate or false information on any report required
at § 660.13(d), subpart C, and § 660.213.
(2) Falsify or fail to make and/or file, retain or make available any and all reports of groundfish landings
that include sablefish, containing all data, and in the exact manner, required by the regulation at §
660.13, subpart C, or § 660.213.
(c) Fishing in conservation areas.

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50 CFR 660.212(c)(1)

(1) Operate a vessel registered to a limited entry permit with a longline, trap (pot), or trawl endorsement
and longline and/or trap gear onboard in an applicable GCA (as defined at § 660.230(d)), except for
purposes of continuous transiting, with all groundfish longline and/or trap gear stowed in
accordance with § 660.212(a) or except as authorized in the groundfish management measures at §
660.230.
(2) Fish with bottom contact gear (defined at § 660.11) within specific EFHCAs or the DECA, as
specified in § 660.12(a).
(3) Fish inside the Non-Trawl RCA with any gear type other than those specified at § 660.230(b)(6). In
addition, a vessel may not carry more than one gear type as specified at § 660.230(b)(6) on board
while declared to fish inside the Non-Trawl RCA (see § 660.13(d)(4)(iv)(A) for valid declarations for
use inside the Non-Trawl RCA).
(d) Sablefish fisheries.
(1) Take and retain, possess or land sablefish under the tier limits provided for the limited entry, fixed
gear sablefish primary season, described in § 660.231(b)(3), from a vessel that is not registered to a
limited entry permit with a sablefish endorsement.
(2) Take and retain, possess or land sablefish in the sablefish primary season, described at §
660.231(b), unless the owner of the limited entry permit registered for use with that vessel and
authorizing the vessel to fish in the sablefish primary season is on board that vessel. Exceptions to
this prohibition are provided at § 660.231(b)(4)(i) and (ii).
(3) Process sablefish taken at-sea in the limited entry fixed gear sablefish primary fishery defined at §
660.231, from a vessel that does not have a sablefish at-sea processing exemption, described at §
660.25(b)(6)(i).
[75 FR 60897, Oct. 1, 2010, as amended at 75 FR 78427, Dec. 15, 2010; 76 FR 53838, Aug. 30, 2011; 76 FR 74746, Dec. 1, 2011; 81
FR 84430, Nov. 23, 2016; 84 FR 63991, Nov. 19, 2019; 88 FR 83848, Dec. 1, 2023; 89 FR 101522, Dec. 16, 2024]

§ 660.213 Fixed gear fishery—recordkeeping and reporting.
(a) General. General reporting requirements specified at § 660.13 (a) through (c), subpart C, apply to limited
entry fixed gear fishery vessels.
(b) Declaration reports for limited entry fixed gear fishery vessels. Declaration reporting requirements for
limited entry fixed gear fishery vessels are specified at § 660.13 (d), subpart C.
(c) VMS requirements for limited entry fixed gear fishery vessels. VMS requirements for limited entry fixed
gear fishery vessels are specified at § 660.14, subpart C.
(d) Retention of records.
(1) Any person landing groundfish must retain on board the vessel from which groundfish are landed,
and provide to an authorized officer upon request, copies of any and all reports of groundfish
landings containing all data, and in the exact manner, required by the applicable state law throughout
the cumulative limit period during which a landing occurred and for 15 days thereafter. All relevant
records used in the preparation of electronic fish ticket reports or corrections to these reports,
including dock tickets, must be maintained for a period of not less than three years after the date of
landing and must be immediately available upon request for inspection by NMFS or authorized
officers or others as specifically authorized by NMFS.
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(2) For participants in the sablefish primary season, the cumulative limit period to which this
requirement applies is April 1 through December 31 or, for an individual vessel owner, when the tier
limit for the permit(s) registered to the vessel has been reached, whichever is earlier.
(e) Electronic fish ticket. The first receiver, as defined at § 660.11, subpart C, of fish, if that fish includes any
amount of sablefish, from a limited entry fixed gear vessel, is responsible for compliance with all reporting
requirements described in this paragraph. Per requirements at § 660.212(a), all fish, if that fish includes
any amount of sablefish, must be reported via electronic fish ticket. When used in this paragraph, submit
means to transmit final electronic fish ticket information via web-based form or, if a waiver is granted, by
paper form. When used in this paragraph, record means the action of documenting electronic fish ticket
information in any written format.
(1) Required information. All first receivers must provide the following types of information: Date of
landing, vessel that made the landing, vessel identification number, limited entry permit number(s),
name of the vessel operator, gear type used, receiver, actual weights of species landed listed by
species or species group including species with no value, condition landed, number of salmon by
species, number of Pacific halibut, ex-vessel value of the landing by species, fish caught inside/
outside 3 miles or both, and any other information deemed necessary by the Regional Administrator
(or designee) as specified on the appropriate electronic fish ticket form.
(2) Submissions. The first receiver must:
(i)

Include, as part of each electronic fish ticket submission, the actual scale weight for each
groundfish species as specified by requirements at § 660.15(c), the vessel identification
number, and the limited entry permit number. Use and maintain, for the purposes of submitting
electronic fish tickets, equipment as specified at § 660.15(d).

(ii) Submit a completed electronic fish ticket(s) no later than 24 hours after the date of landing,
unless a waiver of this requirement has been granted under provisions specified at paragraph
(e)(4) of this section.
(iii) Sablefish from a single landing in the limited entry fixed gear sablefish primary fishery may be
counted against more than one stacked permit, or against a tier limit(s) and the cumulative trip
limit in the DTL fishery. For vessels with stacked limited entry sablefish permits, defined at §
660.12, sablefish may be divided for the purposes of apportioning the sablefish amongst the
remaining tier limits associated with each of the stacked permits; in that instance the electronic
fish ticket(s) must record all pertinent limited entry permit numbers and apportion sablefish
landed against each tier limit. Per regulations at § 660.232(a)(2) a vessel may apportion
sablefish catch between the remainder of its tier limit(s) and against the applicable DTL limits;
in that instance the electronic fish ticket must be used to apportion sablefish landed against
the tier(s) from the sablefish landed against cumulative trip limits of the DTL fishery. If
sablefish is apportioned in either of the ways described in this paragraph, the electronic fish
ticket must meet the process and submittal requirements specified in paragraphs (e)(iv) and (v)
of this section. In addition, the owner-on-board, unless exempted under regulations at §
660.231(a)(4), must review and sign documentation of the landing, as described in paragraphs
(e)(2)(iv) and (v) of this section.
(iv) If electronic fish tickets will be submitted prior to processing or transport, follow these process
and submittal requirements:
(A) After completing the landing, the electronic fish ticket information must be recorded
immediately.
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(B) Prior to submittal of the electronic fish ticket, the information recorded for the electronic
fish ticket must be reviewed by the vessel operator who delivered the fish and the port
sampler, if one is present. If required by regulations at § 660.231(a)(4), the owner-onboard must also review the information recorded on the electronic fish ticket prior to
submittal.
(C) After review, the receiver and the vessel operator must sign a printed hard copy of the
electronic fish ticket or, if the landing occurs outside of business hours, the original dock
ticket. If required by regulations at § 660.231(a)(4), the owner-on-board must also sign a
printed copy of the electronic fish ticket or, if the landing occurs outside of business hours,
the original dock ticket.
(D) Prior to submittal, three copies of the signed electronic fish ticket must be produced by the
receiver and a copy provided to each of the following:
(1) The vessel operator and/or the owner-on-board,
(2) The state of origin if required by state regulations, and
(3) The first receiver.
(E) After review and signature, the electronic fish ticket must be submitted within 24 hours
after the date of landing, as specified in paragraph (e)(2)(ii) of this section.
(v) If electronic fish tickets will be submitted after transport, follow these process and submittal
requirements:
(A) The vessel name, limited entry permit number, and the electronic fish ticket number must
be recorded on each dock ticket related to that landing.
(B) Upon completion of the dock ticket, but prior to transfer of the landing to another location,
the dock ticket information that will be used to complete the electronic fish ticket must be
reviewed by the vessel operator who delivered the fish. If the electronic fish ticket will
report landings of sablefish in the sablefish primary fishery, the owner-on-board, unless
exempted under regulations at § 660.231(a)(4), must review the information recorded on
the dock ticket prior to transfer of the landing to another location.
(C) After review, the first receiver and the vessel operator must sign the original copy of each
dock ticket related to that landing. If a dock ticket includes landings of sablefish in the
sablefish primary fishery, the owner-on-board, unless exempted under regulations at §
660.231(a)(4), must sign the original copy of that dock ticket.
(D) Prior to submittal of the electronic fish ticket, three copies of the signed dock ticket must
be produced by the first receiver and a copy provided to each of the following:
(1) The vessel operator and/or the owner-on-board,
(2) The state of origin if required by state regulations, and
(3) The first receiver.
(E) Based on the information contained in the signed dock ticket, the electronic fish ticket
must be completed and submitted within 24 hours of the completion of the landing, as
specified in paragraph (e)(2)(ii) of this section.
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50 CFR 660.213(e)(2)(v)(F)

(F) Three copies of the electronic fish ticket must be produced by the first receiver and a copy
provided to each of the following:
(1) The vessel operator and/or the owner-on-board,
(2) The state of origin if required by state regulations, and
(3) The first receiver.
(3) Revising a submission. In the event that a data error is found, electronic fish ticket submissions must
be revised by resubmitting the revised form electronically. Electronic fish tickets are to be used for
the submission of final data. Preliminary data, including estimates of fish weights or species
composition, shall not be submitted on electronic fish tickets.
(4) Waivers for submission. On a case-by-case basis, a temporary written waiver of the requirement to
submit electronic fish tickets may be granted by the Assistant Regional Administrator or designee if
he/she determines that circumstances beyond the control of a receiver would result in inadequate
data submissions using the electronic fish ticket system. The duration of the waiver will be
determined on a case-by-case basis.
(5) Reporting requirements when a temporary waiver has been granted. Receivers that have been granted
a temporary waiver from the requirement to submit electronic fish tickets must submit on paper the
same data as is required on electronic fish tickets within 24 hours of the date received during the
period that the waiver is in effect. Paper fish tickets must be sent by facsimile to NMFS, West Coast
Region, Sustainable Fisheries Division, 206-526-6736 or by delivering it in person to 7600 Sand Point
Way NE., Seattle, WA 98115. The requirements for submissions of paper tickets in this paragraph are
separate from, and in addition to existing state requirements for landing receipts or fish receiving
tickets.
[75 FR 60897, Oct. 1, 2010, as amended at 78 FR 68773, Nov. 15, 2013; 81 FR 84430, Nov. 23, 2016; 85 FR 68004, Oct. 27, 2020; 86
FR 14693, Mar. 18, 2021; 86 FR 59876, Oct. 29, 2021; 86 FR 70422, Dec. 10, 2021; 87 FR 77027, Dec. 16, 2022]

§ 660.216 Fixed gear fishery—observer requirements.
(a) Observer coverage requirements —
(1) Harvesting vessels. When NMFS notifies the owner, operator, permit holder, or the manager of a
harvesting vessel of any requirement to carry an observer, the harvesting vessel may not be used to
fish for groundfish without carrying an observer.
(2) Processing vessels. Unless specified otherwise by the Observer Program, any vessel 125 ft (38.1 m)
LOA or longer that is engaged in at-sea processing must carry two certified observers procured from
a permitted observer provider, and any vessel shorter than 125 ft (38.1 m) LOA that is engaged in atsea processing must carry one certified observer procured from a permitted observer provider, each
day that the vessel is used to take, retain, receive, land, process, or transport groundfish. Owners of
vessels required to carry observers under this paragraph must arrange for observer services from a
permitted observer provider except when the Observer Program has determined and given
notification that the vessel must carry NMFS staff or an individual authorized by NMFS in addition to
or in lieu of an observer provided by a permitted observer provider.

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(b) Notice of departure basic rule. At least 24 hours (but not more than 36 hours) before departing on a fishing
trip, a harvesting vessel that has been notified by NMFS that it is required to carry an observer, or that is
operating in an active sampling unit, must notify NMFS (or its designated agent) of the vessel's intended
time of departure.
(1) Optional notice—weather delays. A harvesting vessel that anticipates a delayed departure due to
weather or sea conditions may advise NMFS of the anticipated delay when providing the basic
notice described in paragraph (b) of this section. If departure is delayed beyond 36 hours from the
time the original notice is given, the vessel must provide an additional notice of departure not less
than four hours prior to departure, in order to enable NMFS to place an observer.
(2) Optional notice—back-to-back fishing trips. A harvesting vessel that intends to make back-to-back
fishing trips (i.e., trips with less than 24 hours between offloading from one trip and beginning
another), may provide the basic notice described in paragraph (b) of this section for both trips, prior
to making the first trip. A vessel that has given such notice is not required to give additional notice of
the second trip.
(c) Cease fishing report. Within 24 hours of ceasing the taking and retaining of groundfish, vessel owners,
operators, or managers must notify NMFS or its designated agent that fishing has ceased. This
requirement applies to any harvesting and processing vessel that is required to carry an observer, or that
is operating in a segment of the fleet that NMFS has identified as an active sampling unit.
(d) Waiver. The West Coast Regional Administrator (or designee) may provide written notification to the
vessel owner stating that a determination has been made to temporarily waive coverage requirements
because of circumstances that are deemed to be beyond the vessel's control.
(e) Vessel responsibilities —
(1) Accommodations and food. An operator of a vessel required to carry one or more observer(s) must
provide accommodations and food that are Equivalent to those provided to the crew.
(2) Safe conditions. Maintain safe conditions on the vessel for the protection of observer(s) including
adherence to all USCG and other applicable rules, regulations, or statutes pertaining to safe
operation of the vessel, and provisions at §§ 600.725 and 600.746 of this chapter. Have on board a
valid Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Decal that certifies compliance with regulations found in 33
CFR chapter I and 46 CFR chapter I, a certificate of compliance issued pursuant to 46 CFR 28.710 or
a valid certificate of inspection pursuant to 46 U.S.C. 3311.
(3) Observer communications. Facilitate observer communications by:
(i)

Observer use of equipment. Allowing observer(s) to use the vessel's communication equipment
and personnel, on request, for the entry, transmission, and receipt of work-related messages, at
no cost to the observer(s), the observer provider or NMFS.

(ii) Functional equipment. Ensuring that the vessel's communications equipment, used by
observers to enter and transmit data, is fully functional and operational.
(4) Vessel position. Allow observer(s) access to, and the use of, the vessel's navigation equipment and
personnel, on request, to determine the vessel's position.
(5) Access. Allow observer(s) free and unobstructed access to the vessel's bridge, trawl or working
decks, holding bins, processing areas, freezer spaces, weight scales, cargo holds, and any other
space that may be used to hold, process, weigh, or store fish or fish products at any time.
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50 CFR 660.216(e)(6)

(6) Prior notification. Notify observer(s) at least 15 minutes before fish are brought on board, or fish and
fish products are transferred from the vessel, to allow sampling the catch or observing the transfer,
unless the observer specifically requests not to be notified.
(7) Records. Allow observer(s) to inspect and copy any state or Federal logbook maintained voluntarily
or as required by regulation.
(8) Assistance. Provide all other reasonable assistance to enable observer(s) to carry out their duties,
including, but not limited to:
(i)

Measuring decks, codends, and holding bins.

(ii) Providing the observer(s) with a safe work area.
(iii) Collecting bycatch when requested by the observer(s).
(iv) Collecting and carrying baskets of fish when requested by the observer(s).
(v) Allowing the observer(s) to collect biological data and samples.
(vi) Providing adequate space for storage of biological samples.
(f) Observer sampling station. This paragraph contains the requirements for observer sampling stations. The
vessel owner must provide an observer sampling station that complies with this section so that the
observer can carry out required duties.
(1) Accessibility. The observer sampling station must be available to the observer at all times.
(2) Location. The observer sampling station must be located within four meters of the location from
which the observer samples unsorted catch. Unobstructed passage must be provided between the
observer sampling station and the location where the observer collects sample catch.
[75 FR 60897, Oct. 1, 2010, as amended at 77 FR 55158, Sept. 7, 2012; 78 FR 68773, Nov. 15, 2013; 80 FR 22301, Apr. 21, 2015]

§ 660.219 Fixed gear identification and marking.
(a) Gear identification.
(1) Limited entry fixed gear (longline, trap or pot) must be marked at the surface and at each terminal
end, with a pole, flag, light, radar reflector, and a buoy.
(2) A buoy used to mark fixed gear must be marked with a number clearly identifying the owner or
operator of the vessel. The number may be either:
(i)

If required by applicable state law, the vessel's number, the commercial fishing license number,
or buoy brand number; or

(ii) The vessel documentation number issued by the USCG, or, for an undocumented vessel, the
vessel registration number issued by the state.
(b) [Reserved]

§ 660.220 Fixed gear fishery—crossover provisions.
The crossover provisions listed at § 660.60(h)(7), apply to vessels fishing in the limited entry fixed gear fishery.

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50 CFR 660.230

[76 FR 74746, Dec. 1, 2011]

§ 660.230 Fixed gear fishery—management measures.
Link to an amendment published at 90 FR 57719, Dec. 12, 2025.
(a) General. Most species taken in limited entry fixed gear (longline and pot/trap) fisheries will be managed
with cumulative trip limits (see trip limits in tables 2b (North) and 2b (South) of this subpart), size limits
(see § 660.60(h)(5)), seasons (see trip limits in tables 2b (North) and 2b (South) of this subpart and
sablefish primary season details in § 660.231), gear restrictions (see paragraph (b) of this section), and
closed areas (see paragraph (d) of this section and §§ 660.70 through 660.79). Cowcod, yelloweye, and
California quillback rockfish retention is prohibited in all fisheries, and groundfish vessels operating south
of Point Conception must adhere to GEA restrictions (see paragraph (d)(16) of this section and § 660.70).
Regulations governing tier limits for the limited entry fixed gear sablefish primary season north of 36° N
lat. are found in § 660.231. Vessels not participating in the sablefish primary season are subject to daily
or weekly sablefish limits in addition to cumulative limits for each cumulative limit period. Only one
sablefish landing per week may be made in excess of the daily trip limit and, if the vessel chooses to
make a landing in excess of that daily trip limit, then that is the only sablefish landing permitted for that
week. The trip limit for black rockfish caught with hook-and-line gear also applies, see paragraph (e) of
this section. The trip limits in tables 2b (North) and 2b (South) of this subpart apply to vessels
participating in the limited entry groundfish fixed gear fishery and may not be exceeded.
(b) Gear restrictions —
(1) Longline and pot or trap gear are authorized in the limited entry fixed gear fishery, providing the gear
is in compliance with the restrictions set forth in this section, and gear marking requirements
described in § 660.219 of this subpart.
(2) Vessels participating in the limited entry fixed gear fishery may also fish with open access gear
subject to the gear restrictions at § 660.330(b), subpart F, but will be subject to the most restrictive
trip limits for the gear used as specified at § 660.60(h)(7), subpart C.
(3) Limited entry fixed gear (longline, trap or pot gear) must be attended at least once every 7 days.
(4) Traps or pots must have biodegradable escape panels constructed with 21 or smaller untreated
cotton twine in such a manner that an opening at least 8 inches (20.3 cm) in diameter results when
the twine deteriorates.
(5) Vessels fishing with bottom longline and snap gears as defined at § 660.11 are subject to the
requirements of the Seabird Avoidance Program described in § 660.21.
(6) Gear for use in the Non-trawl RCA. Inside the Non-Trawl RCA, only legal non-bottom contact hookand-line gear configurations may be used for target fishing for groundfish by vessels that participate
in the limited entry fixed gear sector as defined at § 660.11. On a fishing trip where any fishing will
occur inside the Non-Trawl RCA, only one type of legal non-bottom contact gear may be carried on
board, and no other fishing gear of any type may be carried on board or stowed during that trip. The
vessel may fish inside and outside the Non-Trawl RCA on the same fishing trip, provided a valid
declaration report as required at § 660.13(d) has been filed with NMFS OLE. Legal non-bottom
contact hook-and-line gear means stationary vertical jig gear not anchored to the bottom and
groundfish troll gear, subject to the specifications in paragraphs (b)(6)(i) and (ii) of this section.
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(i)

50 CFR 660.230(b)(6)(i)

Stationary vertical jig gear. The following requirements apply to stationary vertical jig gear:
(A) Must be a minimum of 30 feet (9 m) between the bottom weight and the lowest fishing
hook;
(B) No more than four vertical mainlines attached to or fished from the vessel (e.g., rod and
reel) may be used in the water at one time.
(C) No more than 100 hooks may be in the water at one time, with no more than 25 extra
hooks on board the vessel.

(ii) Groundfish troll gear. The following requirements apply to groundfish troll gear:
(A) Must be a minimum of 50 feet (15 m) between the bottom weight and the troll wire's
connection to the horizontal mainline;
(B) No more than one mainline attached to or fished form the vessel may be used in the water
at one time;
(C) No more than 500 hooks may be in the water at one time, with no more than 25 extra
hooks on board the vessel;
(D) Hooks must be spaced apart by a visible maker (e.g., floats, line wraps, colored line
splices), with no more than 25 hooks between each marker and no more than 20 markers
on the mainline; and
(E) Natural bait or weighted hooks may not be used nor be on board the vessel. Artificial lures
and bait are permitted.
(c) Sorting Requirements.
(1) In addition to the requirements at § 660.12(a)(8) the States of Washington, Oregon, and California
may also require that vessels record their landings as sorted on their state landing receipts.
(2) For limited entry fixed gear vessels, the following species must be sorted:
(i)

Coastwide —arrowtooth flounder, big skate, black rockfish, blue/deacon rockfish, canary
rockfish, darkblotched rockfish, Dover sole, English sole, lingcod, longnose skate, longspine
thornyhead, petrale sole, minor nearshore rockfish, minor shelf rockfish, minor slope rockfish,
other fish, other flatfish, Pacific cod, Pacific whiting, rougheye/blackspotted rockfish, sablefish,
shortbelly rockfish, shortraker rockfish, shortspine thornyhead, spiny dogfish, starry flounder,
widow rockfish, and yelloweye rockfish;

(ii) North of 40°10′ N lat. —cabezon (California), copper rockfish (California), Oregon cabezon/kelp
greenling complex, POP, quillback rockfish (California), Washington cabezon/kelp greenling
complex, yellowtail rockfish; and
(iii) South of 40°10′ N lat. —blackgill rockfish, bocaccio, bronzespotted rockfish, cabezon, California
scorpionfish, chilipepper rockfish, copper rockfish, cowcod, minor shallow nearshore rockfish,
minor deeper nearshore rockfish, Pacific sanddabs, quillback rockfish, splitnose rockfish, and
vermilion rockfish.
(d) Groundfish conservation areas. GCAs are defined by coordinates expressed in degrees of latitude and
longitude. The latitude and longitude coordinates of the GCA boundaries are specified at §§ 660.70
through 660.74. A vessel that is authorized by this paragraph to fish within a GCA (e.g., fishing for “other
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flatfish” with hook and line gear only), may not simultaneously have other gear on board the vessel that is
unlawful to use for fishing within the GCA. The following GCAs apply to vessels participating in the limited
entry fixed gear fishery.
(1) North coast recreational yelloweye rockfish conservation area. The latitude and longitude coordinates
of the North Coast Recreational Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Area (YRCA) boundaries are
specified at § 660.70, subpart C. The North Coast Recreational YRCA is designated as an area to be
avoided (a voluntary closure) by commercial fixed gear fishers.
(2) North coast commercial yelloweye rockfish conservation area. The latitude and longitude coordinates
of the North Coast Commercial Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Area (YRCA) boundaries are
specified at § 660.70, subpart C. Fishing with limited entry fixed gear is prohibited within the North
Coast Commercial YRCA. It is unlawful to take and retain, possess, or land groundfish taken with
limited entry fixed gear within the North Coast Commercial YRCA. Limited entry fixed gear vessels
may transit through the North Coast Commercial YRCA with or without groundfish on board.
(3) South coast recreational yelloweye rockfish conservation area. The latitude and longitude coordinates
of the South Coast Recreational Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Area (YRCA) boundaries are
specified at § 660.70, subpart C. The South Coast Recreational YRCA is designated as an area to be
avoided (a voluntary closure) by commercial fixed gear fishers.
(4) Westport offshore recreational YRCA. The latitude and longitude coordinates that define the Westport
Offshore Recreational YRCA boundaries are specified at § 660.70, subpart C. The Westport Offshore
Recreational YRCA is designated as an area to be avoided (a voluntary closure) by commercial fixed
gear fishers.
(5) Tillamook YRCA. The latitude and longitude coordinates that define the Tillamook YRCA boundaries
are specified at § 660.70, subpart C. Fishing with limited entry fixed gear is prohibited within the
Tillamook YRCA on dates when the closure is in effect. It is unlawful to take and retain, possess, or
land groundfish taken with limited entry fixed gear within the Tillamook YRCA on dates when the
closure is in effect. The closure is not in effect at this time. This closure may be implemented
through inseason adjustment. Limited entry fixed gear vessels may transit through the Tillamook
YRCA at any time, with or without groundfish on board.
(6) Newport YRCA. The latitude and longitude coordinates that define the Newport YRCA boundaries are
specified at § 660.70, subpart C. Fishing with limited entry fixed gear is prohibited within the
Newport YRCA on dates when the closure is in effect. It is unlawful to take and retain, possess, or
land groundfish taken with limited entry fixed gear within the Newport YRCA on dates when the
closure is in effect. The closure is not in effect at this time. This closure may be implemented
through inseason adjustment. Limited entry fixed gear vessels may transit through the Newport
YRCA at any time, with or without groundfish on board.
(7) Florence YRCA. The latitude and longitude coordinates that define the Florence YRCA boundaries are
specified at § 660.70, subpart C. Fishing with limited entry fixed gear is prohibited within the
Florence YRCA on dates when the closure is in effect. It is unlawful to take and retain, possess, or
land groundfish taken with limited entry fixed gear within the Florence YRCA on dates when the
closure is in effect. The closure is not in effect at this time. This closure may be implemented
through inseason adjustment. Limited entry fixed gear vessels may transit through the Florence
YRCA at any time, with or without groundfish on board.

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(8) Heceta Bank YRCA. The latitude and longitude coordinates that define the Heceta Bank YRCA
boundaries are specified at § 660.70, subpart C. Fishing with limited entry fixed gear is prohibited
within the Heceta Bank YRCA on dates when the closure is in effect. It is unlawful to take and retain,
possess, or land groundfish taken with limited entry fixed gear within the Heceta Bank YRCA on
dates when the closure is in effect. The closure is currently in effect. This closure may be modified
through inseason adjustment. Limited entry fixed gear vessels may transit through the Heceta Bank
YRCA at any time, with or without groundfish on board.
(9) Point St. George YRCA. The latitude and longitude coordinates of the Point St. George YRCA
boundaries are specified at § 660.70, subpart C. Fishing with limited entry fixed gear is prohibited
within the Point St. George YRCA, on dates when the closure is in effect. It is unlawful to take and
retain, possess, or land groundfish taken with limited entry fixed gear within the Point St. George
YRCA, on dates when the closure is in effect. The closure is not in effect at this time. This closure
may be imposed through inseason adjustment. Limited entry fixed gear vessels may transit through
the Point St. George YRCA, at any time, with or without groundfish on board.
(10) South Reef YRCA. The latitude and longitude coordinates of the South Reef YRCA boundaries are
specified at § 660.70, subpart C. Fishing with limited entry fixed gear is prohibited within the South
Reef YRCA, on dates when the closure is in effect. It is unlawful to take and retain, possess, or land
groundfish taken with limited entry fixed gear within the South Reef YRCA, on dates when the closure
is in effect. The closure is not in effect at this time. This closure may be imposed through inseason
adjustment. Limited entry fixed gear vessels may transit through the South Reef YRCA, at any time,
with or without groundfish on board.
(11) Reading Rock YRCA. The latitude and longitude coordinates of the Reading Rock YRCA boundaries
are specified at § 660.70, subpart C. Fishing with limited entry fixed gear is prohibited within the
Reading Rock YRCA, on dates when the closure is in effect. It is unlawful to take and retain, possess,
or land groundfish taken with limited entry fixed gear within the Reading Rock YRCA, on dates when
the closure is in effect. The closure is not in effect at this time. This closure may be imposed through
inseason adjustment. Limited entry fixed gear vessels may transit through the Reading Rock YRCA,
at any time, with or without groundfish on board.
(12) Point Delgada (North) YRCA. The latitude and longitude coordinates of the Point Delgada (North)
YRCA boundaries are specified at § 660.70, subpart C. Fishing with limited entry fixed gear is
prohibited within the Point Delgada (North) YRCA, on dates when the closure is in effect. It is
unlawful to take and retain, possess, or land groundfish taken with limited entry fixed gear within the
Point Delgada (North) YRCA, on dates when the closure is in effect. The closure is not in effect at
this time. This closure may be imposed through inseason adjustment. Limited entry fixed gear
vessels may transit through the Point Delgada (North) YRCA, at any time, with or without groundfish
on board.
(13) Point Delgada (South) YRCA. The latitude and longitude coordinates of the Point Delgada (South)
YRCA boundaries are specified at § 660.70, subpart C. Fishing with limited entry fixed gear is
prohibited within the Point Delgada (South) YRCA, on dates when the closure is in effect. It is
unlawful to take and retain, possess, or land groundfish taken with limited entry fixed gear within the
Point Delgada (South) YRCA, on dates when the closure is in effect. The closure is not in effect at
this time. This closure may be imposed through inseason adjustment. Limited entry fixed gear
vessels may transit through the Point Delgada (South) YRCA, at any time, with or without groundfish
on board.

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50 CFR 660.230(d)(14)

(14) Non-trawl Rockfish Conservation Area (RCA). The Non-Trawl RCA is defined at § 660.11 and with
latitude and longitude coordinates, at §§ 660.71 through 660.74 or the EEZ, where fishing for
groundfish with non-trawl gear is prohibited. Boundaries for the Non-Trawl RCA throughout the year
are provided in the header to Table 2 (North) and Table 2 (South) of this subpart and may be
modified by NMFS inseason pursuant to § 660.60(c).
(i)

It is unlawful to operate a vessel with limited entry non-trawl gear in the Non-Trawl RCA, except
for the purpose of continuous transit, or when the use of limited entry non-trawl gear is
authorized in this section. It is unlawful to take and retain, possess, or land groundfish taken
with limited entry non-trawl gear within the Non-Trawl RCA, unless otherwise authorized in this
section.

(ii) Limited entry non-trawl vessels may transit through the Non-Trawl RCA, with or without
groundfish on board, provided all groundfish non-trawl gear is stowed either: Below deck; or if
the gear cannot readily be moved, in a secured and covered manner, detached from all lines, so
that it is rendered unusable for fishing.
(iii) The Non-Trawl RCA restrictions in this section apply to vessels registered to limited entry fixed
gear permits fishing for species other than groundfish with non-trawl gear on trips where
groundfish species are retained. Unless otherwise authorized in this section, a vessel may not
retain any groundfish taken on a fishing trip for species other than groundfish that occurs
within the Non-Trawl RCA. If a vessel fishes in a non-groundfish fishery in the Non-Trawl RCA, it
may not participate in any fishing for groundfish on that trip that is prohibited within the NonTrawl RCA. [For example, if a vessel fishes in the salmon troll fishery within the RCA, the vessel
cannot on the same trip fish in the sablefish fishery outside of the RCA.]
(iv) It is lawful to fish within the Non-Trawl RCA with limited entry fixed gear using hook and line
gear only when trip limits authorize such fishing, and provided a valid declaration report as
required at § 660.13(d), subpart C, has been filed with NMFS OLE.
(v) It is lawful to fish within the Non-Trawl RCA under the limited entry fixed gear trip limits
specified in Table 2 (North) and Table 2 (South) of this subpart only when using the non-bottom
contact hook-and-line gear types described at § 660.230(b)(6), and provided a valid declaration
report as required at § 660.13(d), subpart C, has been filed with NMFS OLE.
(15) Cordell Bank. Commercial fishing for groundfish is prohibited in waters of depths less than 100 fm
(183 m) around Cordell Bank, as defined by specific latitude and longitude coordinates at § 660.70,
subpart C. An exception to this prohibition is that commercial fishing for “other flatfish” is allowed
around Cordell Bank using hook and line gear only.
(16) Groundfish exclusion areas (GEAs). The GEAs are closed areas in the Southern California Bight,
defined by specific latitude and longitude coordinates (specified at § 660.70) where commercial and
recreational fishing for groundfish is prohibited. It is unlawful to fish for, take and retain, possess
(except for the purpose of continuous transit) or land groundfish within the GEAs. All fishing gear for
targeting groundfish must be stowed while transiting through a GEA. If fishing for non-groundfish
species within a GEA, then no groundfish may be on board the vessel.
(e) Black rockfish fishery management. The trip limit for black rockfish (Sebastes melanops) for commercial
fishing vessels using hook-and-line gear between the U.S.-Canada border and Cape Alava (48°09.50′ N.
lat.), and between Destruction Island (47°40′ N. lat.) and Leadbetter Point (46°38.17′ N. lat.), is 100 lbs (45
kg) or 30 percent, by weight of all fish on board, whichever is greater, per vessel per fishing trip. These per
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50 CFR 660.230(f)

trip limits apply to limited entry and open access fisheries, in conjunction with the cumulative trip limits
and other management measures in § 660.230, subpart E, and § 660.330, subpart F. The crossover
provisions in § 660.60(h)(7), subpart C, do not apply to the black rockfish per-trip limits.
(f) Salmon bycatch. This fishery may be closed through automatic action at § 660.60(d)(1)(v) and (vi).
(g) Essential Fish Habitat Conservation Areas (EFHCA). EFHCAs, defined at § 660.11 and with latitude and
longitude coordinates at §§ 660.75 through 660.79, apply to vessels using bottom contact gear, defined
at § 660.11, and includes limited entry fixed gear (e.g., longline and pot/trap,) among other gear types.
EFHCAs closed to bottom contact gear are listed at § 660.12(a).
[75 FR 60897, Oct. 1, 2010, as amended at 76 FR 27549, May 11, 2011; 76 FR 53838, Aug. 30, 2011; 78 FR 634, Jan. 3, 2013; 80 FR
12593, Mar. 10, 2015; 80 FR 71981, Nov. 18, 2015; 82 FR 9662, Feb. 7, 2017; 82 FR 60569, Dec. 21, 2017; 83 FR 64006, Dec. 12,
2018; 84 FR 49962, Sept. 24, 2019; 84 FR 63991, Nov. 19, 2019; 85 FR 79921, Dec. 11, 2020; 86 FR 14381, Mar. 16, 2021; 87 FR
77027, Dec. 16, 2022; 88 FR 83849, Dec. 1, 2023; 89 FR 101522, 101535, Dec. 16, 2024; 90 FR 15414, Apr. 11, 2025]

§ 660.231 Limited entry fixed gear sablefish primary fishery.
This section applies to the sablefish primary fishery for the limited entry fixed gear fishery north of 36° N. lat.
Limited entry and open access fixed gear sablefish fishing outside of the sablefish primary season north of 36° N.
lat. is governed by management measures imposed under §§ 660.230, 660.232, 660.330 and 660.332.
(a) Sablefish endorsement. In addition to requirements pertaining to fishing in the limited entry fixed gear
fishery (described in subparts C and E), a vessel may not fish in the sablefish primary season for the
limited entry fixed gear fishery, unless at least one limited entry permit with both a gear endorsement for
longline or trap (or pot) gear and a sablefish endorsement is registered for use with that vessel. Permits
with sablefish endorsements are assigned to one of three tiers, as described at § 660.25(b)(3)(iv),
subpart C.
(b) Sablefish primary season for the limited entry fixed gear fishery —
(1) Season dates. North of 36° N lat., the sablefish primary season for the limited entry, fixed gear,
sablefish-endorsed vessels begins at 12 noon local time on April 1 and closes at 12 noon local time
on December 31, or closes for an individual vessel owner when the tier limit for the sablefish
endorsed permit(s) registered to the vessel has been reached, whichever is earlier, unless otherwise
announced by the Regional Administrator through the routine management measures process
described at § 660.60(c).
(2) Gear type. During the primary season, when fishing against primary season cumulative limits, each
vessel authorized to fish in that season under paragraph (a) of this section may fish for sablefish
with any of the gear types, except trawl gear, endorsed on at least one of the sablefish endorsed
permits registered for use with that vessel.
(3) Cumulative limits.
(i)

A vessel participating in the primary season will be constrained by the sablefish cumulative
limit associated with each of the permits registered for use with that vessel. During the primary
season, each vessel authorized to fish in that season under paragraph (a) of this section may
take, retain, possess, and land sablefish, up to the cumulative limits for each of the permits
registered for use with that vessel (i.e., stacked permits). If multiple limited entry permits with
sablefish endorsements are registered for use with a single vessel, that vessel may land up to
the total of all cumulative limits announced in this paragraph for the tiers for those permits,

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50 CFR 660.231(b)(3)(ii)

except as limited by paragraph (b)(3)(ii) of this section. Up to three permits may be registered
for use with a single vessel during the primary season; thus, a single vessel may not take and
retain, possess or land more than three primary season sablefish cumulative limits in any one
year. A vessel registered for use with multiple limited entry permits is subject to per vessel
limits for species other than sablefish, and to per vessel limits when participating in the daily
trip limit fishery for sablefish under § 660.232. In 2025, the following annual limits are in effect:
Tier 1 at 246,824 lb (111,957 kg), Tier 2 at 112,193 lb (50,890 kg), and Tier 3 at 64,110 lb
(29,080 kg). In 2026 and beyond, the following annual limits are in effect: Tier 1 at 234,312 lb
(106,282 kg), Tier 2 at 106,506 lb (48,310 kg), and Tier 3 at 60,860 lb (27,606 kg).
(ii) If a sablefish endorsed permit is registered to more than one vessel during the primary season
in a single year, the second vessel may only take the portion of the cumulative limit for that
permit that has not been harvested by the first vessel to which the permit was registered. The
combined primary season sablefish landings for all vessels registered to that permit may not
exceed the cumulative limit for the tier associated with that permit.
(iii) A cumulative trip limit is the maximum amount of sablefish that may be taken and retained,
possessed, or landed per vessel in a specified period of time, with no limit on the number of
landings or trips.
(iv) Incidental Pacific halibut retention north of Pt. Chehalis, WA (lat. 46°53.30′ N). Pacific halibut
may be retained north of Pt. Chehalis by vessels participating in the sablefish primary fishery
with the requisite Pacific halibut commercial fishery permit. Pacific halibut incidentally caught
in the primary sablefish fishery when using bottom longline gear may be retained from April 1
through the Pacific halibut commercial fishing closure date set by the International Pacific
Halibut Commission. Vessels permitted as described in this section may possess and land up
to 75 lb (34 kg) dressed weight of Pacific halibut for every 1,000 lb (454 kg) dressed weight of
sablefish landed, plus two additional Pacific halibut. Pacific halibut retained as described in this
section may not be possessed or landed south of Pt. Chehalis.
(4) Owner-on-board requirement. Any person who owns or has ownership interest in a limited entry
permit with a sablefish endorsement, as described at § 660.25(b)(3), subpart C, must be on board
the vessel registered for use with that permit at any time that the vessel has sablefish on board the
vessel that count toward that permit's cumulative sablefish landing limit. This person must carry
government issued photo identification while aboard the vessel. This person must review and sign a
printed copy of the electronic fish ticket(s) or dock ticket, as described at § 660.213(d), unless this
person qualified for the owner-on-board exemption. A permit owner is qualified for the owner-onboard exemption and not obligated to be on board the vessel registered for use with the sablefishendorsed limited entry permit during the sablefish primary season if:
(i)

The person, partnership or corporation had ownership interest in a limited entry permit with a
sablefish endorsement prior to November 1, 2000. A person who has ownership interest in a
partnership or corporation that owned a sablefish-endorsed permit as of November 1, 2000, but
who did not individually own a sablefish-endorsed limited entry permit as of November 1, 2000,
is not exempt from the owner-on-board requirement when he/she leaves the partnership or
corporation and purchases another permit individually. A person, partnership, or corporation
that is exempt from the owner-on-board requirement may sell all of their permits, buy another
sablefish-endorsed permit within up to a year from the date the last change in permit ownership
was approved, and retain their exemption from the owner-on-board requirements. Additionally,
a person, partnership, or corporation that qualified for the owner-on-board exemption, but later

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50 CFR 660.231(b)(4)(ii)

divested their interest in a permit or permits, may retain rights to an owner-on-board exemption
as long as that person, partnership, or corporation purchases another permit by March 2, 2007.
A person, partnership or corporation could only purchase a permit if it has not added or
changed individuals since November 1, 2000, excluding individuals that have left the
partnership or corporation, or that have died.
(ii) The person who owns or who has ownership interest in a sablefish-endorsed limited entry
permit is prevented from being on board a fishing vessel because the person died, is ill, or is
injured. The person requesting the exemption must send a letter to NMFS requesting an
exemption from the owner-on-board requirements, with appropriate evidence as described at
paragraph (b)(4)(ii)(A) or (B) of this section. All emergency exemptions for death, injury, or
illness will be evaluated by NMFS and a decision will be made in writing to the permit owner
within 60 calendar days of receipt of the original exemption request.
(A) Evidence of death of the permit owner shall be provided to NMFS in the form of a copy of
a death certificate. In the interim before the estate is settled, if the deceased permit owner
was subject to the owner-on-board requirements, the estate of the deceased permit owner
may send a letter to NMFS with a copy of the death certificate, requesting an exemption
from the owner-on-board requirements. An exemption due to death of the permit owner
will be effective only until such time that the estate of the deceased permit owner has
registered the deceased permit owner's permit to a beneficiary or up to three years after
the date of death as proven by a death certificate, whichever is earlier. An exemption from
the owner-on-board requirements will be conveyed in a letter from NMFS to the estate of
the permit owner and is required to be on the vessel during fishing operations.
(B) Evidence of illness or injury that prevents the permit owner from participating in the fishery
shall be provided to NMFS in the form of a letter from a certified medical practitioner. This
letter must detail the relevant medical conditions of the permit owner and how those
conditions prevent the permit owner from being onboard a fishing vessel during the
primary season. An exemption due to injury or illness will be effective only for the fishing
year of the request for exemption, and will not be granted for more than three consecutive
or total years. NMFS will consider any exemption granted for less than 12 months in a
year to count as one year against the 3-year cap. In order to extend an emergency medical
exemption for a succeeding year, the permit owner must submit a new request and
provide documentation from a certified medical practitioner detailing why the permit
owner is still unable to be onboard a fishing vessel. An emergency exemption will be
conveyed in a letter from NMFS to the permit owner and is required to be on the vessel
during fishing operations.
[75 FR 60897, Oct. 1, 2010]

Editorial Note: For FEDERAL REGISTER citations affecting § 660.231, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which
appears in the Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.

§ 660.232 Limited entry daily trip limit (DTL) fishery for sablefish.
(a) Limited entry DTL fisheries both north and south of 36° N. lat.

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50 CFR 660.232(a)(1)

(1) Before the start of the sablefish primary season, all sablefish landings made by a vessel declared
into the limited entry fixed gear fishery and authorized by § 660.231(a) to fish in the sablefish
primary season will be subject to the restrictions and limits of the limited entry DTL fishery for
sablefish specified in this section and which is governed by routine management measures imposed
under § 660.60(c), subpart C.
(2) Following the start of the primary season, all sablefish landings made by a vessel declared into the
limited entry fixed gear fishery and authorized by § 660.231(a) to fish in the primary season will
count against the primary season cumulative limit(s) associated with the sablefish-endorsed
permit(s) registered for use with that vessel. A vessel that is eligible to fish in the sablefish primary
season may fish in the DTL fishery for sablefish once that vessels' primary season sablefish limit(s)
have been landed, or after the close of the primary season, whichever occurs earlier (as described at
§ 660.231(b)(1). If the vessel continues to fish in the limited entry fixed gear fishery for any part of
the remaining fishing year, any subsequent sablefish landings by that vessel will be subject to the
restrictions and limits of the limited entry DTL fishery for sablefish.
(3) Vessels registered for use with a limited entry fixed gear permit that does not have a sablefish
endorsement may fish in the limited entry DTL fishery, consistent with regulations at § 660.230, for
as long as that fishery is open during the fishing year, subject to routine management measures
imposed under § 660.60(c), Subpart C. DTL limits for the limited entry fishery north and south of 36°
N lat. are provided in tables 2b (North) and 2b (South) of this subpart.
(b) A vessel that is jointly registered, and has participated or will participate in both the limited entry fixed
gear fishery and the Shorebased IFQ Program during the fishing year, is subject to crossover provisions
described at § 660.60(h)(7), subpart C.
[81 FR 84432, Nov. 23, 2016, as amended at 89 FR 101536, Dec. 16, 2024]

Table 2a (North) to Part 660, Subpart E—Non-Trawl Rockfish Conservation Area Boundaries

TABLE 2a (NORTH) TO PART 660, SUBPART E—NON-TRAWL ROCKFISH
CONSERVATION AREA BOUNDARIES
Latitude

Boundary

North of 46°16′ N lat.:

Shoreward EEZ-100 fm line.

46°16′ N lat.-40°10′ N lat

30 fm line-75 fm line.

NOTE 1 TO TABLE 2A (NORTH): The Non-Trawl RCA is an area closed to fishing with particular non-trawl
gear types, as defined at § 660.11. Non-Trawl RCA boundaries apply in the EEZ only; see appropriate
state regulations for state closures. Non-Trawl RCA boundaries may be revised via inseason action;
therefore, users should refer back to this table throughout the year.

[89 FR 101536, Dec. 16, 2024, as amended at 90 FR 45003, Sept. 18, 2025]

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50 CFR 660.232(b)

Table 2b (North) to Part 660, Subpart E—Trip Limits for Limited Entry Fixed Gear North of 40°10′
N Lat.

TABLE 2b (NORTH) TO PART 660, SUBPART E—TRIP LIMITS FOR LIMITED ENTRY
FIXED GEAR NORTH OF 40°10′ N LAT.
Species

Trip limit

Big skate

Unlimited.

Black rockfish (42°00′ N lat.-40°10′ N lat.)

7,000 lb/2 months.

Cabezon (42°00′ N lat.-40°10′ N lat.)

Unlimited.

Cabezon/kelp greenling complex (Oregon)

Unlimited.

Canary rockfish

3,000 lb/2 months.

Flatfish (includes dover sole, arrowtooth
flounder, petrale sole, English sole, starry
flounder)

20,000 lb/2 months.

Lingcod (north of 42°00′ N lat.)

11,000 lb/2 months.

Lingcod (42°00′ N lat.-40°10′ N lat.)

2,000 lb/2 months.

Longnose skate

Unlimited.

Longspine thornyheads

10,000 lb/2 months.

Nearshore rockfish complex, Oregon black/blue/
deacon rockfish, & Washington black rockfish
(north of 42°00′ N lat.)

5,000 lb/2 months, no more than 1,200 lb of
which may be species other than black rockfish
or blue/deacon rockfish.
See § 660.230(e) for additional trip limits for
Washington black rockfish.

Nearshore rockfish complex (42°00′ N lat.-40°10′ 2,000 lb/2 months, of which no more than 75 lb
N lat.)
may be copper rockfish.
Other fish

Unlimited.

Other flatfish complex

20,000 lb/2 months.

Pacific cod

1,000 lb/2 months.

Pacific ocean perch

3,600 lb/2 months.

Pacific Spiny Dogfish

Periods 1-2: 200,000 lb/2 months.
Period 3: 150,000 lb/2 months.
Periods 4-6: 100,000 lb/2 months.

Pacific whiting

10,000 lb per trip.

NOTE 1 TO TABLE 2B (NORTH): Trip limits apply in the EEZ only; see appropriate state regulations for state
trip limits. Trip limits are effective year-round unless otherwise specified for different cumulative
periods (defined at § 660.11 under “Trip limits”). Trip limits are effective from the U.S.-Canada border
to 40°10′ N lat. unless otherwise specified via latitudinal or state subdivisions in this table. Stock
complexes are defined at § 660.11 under “Groundfish”. Trip limits may be revised via inseason action;
therefore, users should refer back to this table throughout the year. To convert pounds to kilograms,
divide the weight in pounds by 2.20462. The resulting quotient is the weight in kilograms.

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50 CFR 660.232(b)

Species

Trip limit

Quillback rockfish (42°00′ N lat.-40°10′ N lat.)

CLOSED.

Sablefish

5,500 lb/week not to exceed 11,000 lb/2
months.

Shelf rockfish complex

1,600 lb/2 months.

Shortspine thornyhead

3,000 lb/2 months.

Slope rockfish complex & darkblotched rockfish

8,000 lb/2 months.

Widow rockfish

4,000 lb/2 months.

Yelloweye rockfish

CLOSED.

Yellowtail rockfish

6,000 lb/2 months.

NOTE 1 TO TABLE 2B (NORTH): Trip limits apply in the EEZ only; see appropriate state regulations for state
trip limits. Trip limits are effective year-round unless otherwise specified for different cumulative
periods (defined at § 660.11 under “Trip limits”). Trip limits are effective from the U.S.-Canada border
to 40°10′ N lat. unless otherwise specified via latitudinal or state subdivisions in this table. Stock
complexes are defined at § 660.11 under “Groundfish”. Trip limits may be revised via inseason action;
therefore, users should refer back to this table throughout the year. To convert pounds to kilograms,
divide the weight in pounds by 2.20462. The resulting quotient is the weight in kilograms.

[89 FR 101536, Dec. 16, 2024, as amended at 90 FR 34188, July 21, 2025; 90 FR 45003, Sept. 18, 2025]

Table 2a (South) to Part 660, Subpart E—Non-Trawl Rockfish Conservation Area Boundaries

TABLE 2a (SOUTH) TO PART 660, SUBPART E—NON-TRAWL ROCKFISH
CONSERVATION AREA BOUNDARIES
Latitude

Boundary

40°10′ N lat.-38°57.5′ N lat

40 fm line-75 fm line.

38°57.5′ N lat.-34°27′ N lat

50 fm line-75 fm line.

South of 34°27′ N lat

100 fm line-150 fm line (also applies around islands and banks).

NOTE 1 TO TABLE 2A (SOUTH): The Non-Trawl RCA is an area closed to fishing with particular non-trawl
gear types, as defined at § 660.11. Non-Trawl RCA boundaries apply in the EEZ only; see appropriate
state regulations for state closures. Non-Trawl RCA boundaries may be revised via inseason action;
therefore, users should refer back to this table throughout the year.

[89 FR 101536, Dec. 16, 2024, as amended at 90 FR 45003, Sept. 18, 2025]

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50 CFR 660.232(b)

Table 2b (South) to Part 660, Subpart E—Trip Limits for Limited Entry Fixed Gear South of 40°10′
N. Lat.

TABLE 2b (SOUTH) TO PART 660, SUBPART E—TRIP LIMITS FOR LIMITED ENTRY
FIXED GEAR SOUTH OF 40°10′ N. LAT.
Species

Trip limit

Big skate

Unlimited.

Bocaccio

8,000 lb/2 months.

Bronzespotted rockfish

CLOSED.

Cabezon

Unlimited.

California scorpionfish

3,500 lb/2 months.

Canary rockfish

3,500 lb/2 months.

Chilipepper rockfish (40°10′ N lat.-34° 27′ N
lat.)

10,000 lb/2 months.

Chilipepper rockfish (south of 34° 27′ N lat.)

8,000 lb/2 months.

Cowcod

CLOSED.

Flatfish (includes dover sole, arrowtooth
flounder, petrale sole, English sole, starry
flounder)

20,000 lb/2 months.

Lingcod

1,600 lb/2 months.

Longnose skate

Unlimited.

Longspine thornyhead

10,000 lb/2 months.

Nearshore rockfish complexes
Shallow nearshore rockfish complex

2,000 lb/2 months.

Deeper nearshore rockfish complex

2,000 lb/2 months, of which no more than 75 lb
may be copper rockfish.

Other fish

Unlimited.

Other flatfish complex

20,000 lb/2 months.

Pacific cod

1,000 lb/2 months.

Pacific spiny dogfish

Periods 1-2: 200,000 lb/2 months Period 3:
150,000 lb/2 months Periods 4-6: 100,000 lb/2
months.

Pacific whiting

10,000 lb per trip.

NOTE 1 TO TABLE 2B (SOUTH): Trip limits apply in the EEZ only; see appropriate state regulations for state
trip limits. Trip limits are effective year-round unless otherwise specified for different cumulative
periods (defined at § 660.11 under “Trip limits”). Trip limits are effective from 40°10′ N lat. to the U.S.Mexico border unless otherwise specified via latitudinal or state subdivisions in this table. Stock
complexes are defined at § 660.11 under “Groundfish”. Trip limits may be revised via inseason action;
therefore, users should refer back to this table throughout the year. To convert pounds to kilograms,
divide the weight in pounds by 2.20462. The resulting quotient is the weight in kilograms.

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50 CFR 660.310

Species

Trip limit

Quillback rockfish

CLOSED.

Sablefish (40°10′ N lat.-36° N lat.)

5,500 lb/week not to exceed 11,000 lb/2 months.

Sablefish (south of 36° N lat.)

3,000 lb/week.

Shelf rockfish complex (40°10′ N lat.-34° 27′ N
lat.); excludes bronzespotted rockfish

8,000 lb per 2 months, of which no more than 500
lb may be vermilion/sunset rockfish.

Shelf rockfish complex (south of 34° 27′ N
lat.); excludes bronzespotted rockfish

5,000 lb per 2 months, of which no more than
3,000 lb may be vermilion/sunset rockfish.

Shortspine thornyhead (40° 10′ N. lat.-34° 27′
N. lat.)

3,000 lb/2 months.

Shortspine thornyhead (south of 34°27′ N lat.)

4,000 lb/2 months.

Slope rockfish complex & darkblotched
rockfish

40,000 lb/2 months, of which no more than 6,000
lb may be blackgill rockfish.

Splitnose rockfish

40,000 lb/2 months.

Widow rockfish (40°10′ N lat.-34° 27′ N lat.)

10,000 lb/2 months.

Widow rockfish (south of 34° 27′ N lat.)

8,000 lb/2 months.

Yelloweye rockfish

CLOSED.

NOTE 1 TO TABLE 2B (SOUTH): Trip limits apply in the EEZ only; see appropriate state regulations for state
trip limits. Trip limits are effective year-round unless otherwise specified for different cumulative
periods (defined at § 660.11 under “Trip limits”). Trip limits are effective from 40°10′ N lat. to the U.S.Mexico border unless otherwise specified via latitudinal or state subdivisions in this table. Stock
complexes are defined at § 660.11 under “Groundfish”. Trip limits may be revised via inseason action;
therefore, users should refer back to this table throughout the year. To convert pounds to kilograms,
divide the weight in pounds by 2.20462. The resulting quotient is the weight in kilograms.

[89 FR 101536, Dec. 16, 2024, as amended at 90 FR 15414, Apr. 11, 2025; 90 FR 34188, July 21, 2025; 90 FR 45003, Sept. 18, 2025]

Subpart F—West Coast Groundfish—Open Access Fisheries
Source: 75 FR 60897, Oct. 1, 2010, unless otherwise noted.

§ 660.310 Purpose and scope.
This subpart covers the Pacific Coast Groundfish open access fishery. The open access fishery, as defined at §
660.11, subpart C, is the fishery composed of commercial vessels using open access gear fished pursuant to the
harvest guidelines, quotas, and other management measures specified for the harvest of open access allocations
or governing the fishing activities of open access vessels.

§ 660.311 Open access fishery—definitions.
General definitions for the Pacific Coast groundfish fisheries are defined at § 660.11, subpart C. The definitions in
this subpart are specific to the open access fishery covered in this subpart and are in addition to those specified at
§ 660.11, subpart C.
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50 CFR 660.311 “Closely tended”

Closely tended for the purposes of this subpart means that a vessel is within visual sighting distance or within
0.25 nm (463 m) of the gear as determined by electronic navigational equipment.

§ 660.312 Open access fishery—prohibitions.
In addition to the general prohibitions specified in §§ 660.12 and 600.725 of this chapter, it is unlawful for any
person to:
(a) General.
(1) Take and retain, possess, or land groundfish in excess of the landing limit for the open access fishery
without having a valid limited entry permit for the vessel affixed with a gear endorsement for the
gear used to catch the fish.
(2) Black rockfish fisheries. Have onboard a commercial hook-and-line fishing vessel (other than a vessel
operated by persons under § 660.60 (c)(1)(ii), subpart C), more than the amount of the trip limit set
for black rockfish by § 660.330(e) while that vessel is fishing between the U.S.-Canada border and
Cape Alava (48°09′30″ N. lat.), or between Destruction Island (47°40′00″ N. lat.) and Leadbetter Point
(46°38′10″ N. lat.).
(3) Transport fish, if that fish includes any amount of sablefish, away from the point of landing before
being sorted and weighed by federal groundfish species or species group, and recorded for
submission on an electronic fish ticket under § 660.313(f). (If fish will be transported to a different
location for processing, all sorting and weighing to federal groundfish species groups must occur
before transporting the fish away from the point of landing).
(4) Mix fish from more than one landing, where one or more of the landings includes any amount of
sablefish, prior to the fish being sorted and weighed for reporting on an electronic fish ticket under §
660.313(f).
(5) Process, sell, or discard any fish if that fish includes any amount of sablefish, that has not been
accounted for on an electronic fish ticket under § 660.313(f).
(6) Take and retain, possess, or land groundfish in the directed open access fishery without having a
valid directed open access permit for the vessel.
(b) Recordkeeping and reporting.
(1) Fail to comply with all recordkeeping and reporting requirements at § 660.13, subpart C, including
failure to submit information, or submission of inaccurate or false information on any report required
at § 660.13(d), subpart C, and § 660.313.
(2) Falsify or fail to make and/or file, retain or make available any and all reports of groundfish landings
that include sablefish, containing all data, and in the exact manner, required by the regulation at §
660.13, subpart C, or § 660.313.
(c) Gear.
(1) Possess, deploy, haul, or carry onboard a fishing vessel subject to this subpart a set net, trap or pot,
longline, or commercial vertical hook-and-line that is not in compliance with the gear restrictions in §
660.330(b), subpart F, unless such gear is the gear of another vessel that has been retrieved at sea
and made inoperable or stowed in a manner not capable of being fished. The disposal at sea of such
gear is prohibited by Annex V of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution From
Ships, 1973 (Annex V of MARPOL 73/78).
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(2) Fish with dredge gear (defined in § 660.11) anywhere within EFH within the EEZ, as defined by
latitude/longitude coordinates at § 660.75.
(3) Fish with beam trawl gear (defined in § 660.11) anywhere within EFH within the EEZ, as defined by
latitude/longitude coordinates at § 660.75.
(4) Fish with bottom trawl gear with a footrope diameter greater than 19 inches (48 cm) (including
rollers, bobbins, or other material encircling or tied along the length of the footrope) anywhere in EFH
within the EEZ, as defined by latitude/longitude coordinates at § 660.75.
(d) Fishing in conservation areas with open access gears.
(1) Operate a vessel with non-groundfish trawl gear onboard in any applicable GCA (as defined at §
660.330(d)) except for purposes of continuous transiting, with all trawl gear stowed in accordance
with § 660.330(b), or except as authorized in the groundfish management measures published at §
660.330.
(2) Operate a vessel in an applicable GCA (as defined at § 660.330(d) that has non-trawl gear onboard
and is not registered to a limited entry permit on a trip in which the vessel is used to take and retain
or possess groundfish in the EEZ, possess or land groundfish taken in the EEZ, except for purposes
of continuous transiting, with all groundfish non-trawl gear stowed in accordance with § 660.330(b),
or except as authorized in the groundfish management measures published at § 660.330.
(3) Fish with bottom contact gear (defined at § 660.11) within specific EFHCAs or the DECA, as
specified in § 660.12(a).
(4) Fish with bottom trawl gear (defined at § 660.11) anywhere within EFH seaward of a line
approximating the 700-fm (1280-m) depth contour, as defined in § 660.76. For the purposes of
regulation, EFH seaward of 700-fm (1280-m) within the EEZ is described at § 660.75.
(5) Fish with bottom trawl gear (defined at § 660.11) with a footrope diameter greater than 8 inches (20
cm) (including rollers, bobbins or other material encircling or tied along the length of the footrope)
anywhere within the EEZ shoreward of a line approximating the 100-fm (183-m) depth contour
(defined at § 660.73).
(6) Fish with bottom trawl gear (defined at § 660.11), within the EEZ in the following EFHCAs (defined at
§§ 660.77 and 660.78): Olympic 2, Biogenic 1, Biogenic 2, Quinault Canyon, Grays Canyon, Willapa
Canyonhead, Willapa Deep, Biogenic 3, Astoria Deep, Astoria Canyon, Nehalem Bank/Shale Pile,
Garibaldi Reef North, Garibaldi Reef South, Siletz Deepwater, Daisy Bank/Nelson Island, Newport
Rockpile/Stonewall Bank, Hydrate Ridge, Heceta Bank, Deepwater off Coos Bay, Arago Reef, Bandon
High Spot, Rogue Canyon, and Rogue River Reef.
(7) Fish with bottom trawl gear (defined at § 660.11), other than demersal seine, unless otherwise
specified in this section or § 660.330, within the EEZ in the following EFHCAs (defined at § 660.79):
Brush Patch, Trinidad Canyon, Mad River Rough Patch, Samoa Deepwater, Eel River Canyon, Blunts
Reef, Mendocino Ridge, Delgada Canyon, Tolo Bank, Navarro Canyon, Point Arena North, Point Arena
South Biogenic Area, the Football, Gobbler's Knob, Point Reyes Reef, Cordell Bank/Biogenic Area,
Rittenburg Bank, Farallon Islands/Fanny Shoal/Cochrane Bank, Farallon Escarpment, Half Moon Bay,
Pescadero Reef, Pigeon Point Reef, Ascension Canyonhead, South of Davenport, Monterey Bay/
Canyon, West of Sobranes Point, Point Sur Deep, Big Sur Coast/Port San Luis, La Cruz Canyon, West

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of Piedras Blancas State Marine Conservation Area, East San Lucia Bank, Point Conception, Hidden
Reef/Kidney Bank, Catalina Island, Potato Bank, Cherry Bank, Cowcod EFHCA East, and Southern
California Bight.
(8) Fish inside the Non-Trawl RCA with any gear type other than those specified at § 660.330(b)(3). In
addition, a vessel may not carry more than one gear type as specified at § 660.330(b)(3) on board
while declared to fish inside the Non-Trawl RCA (see § 660.13(d)(4)(iv)(A) for valid declarations for
use inside the Non-Trawl RCA).
[75 FR 60897, Oct. 1, 2010, as amended at 81 FR 84433, Nov. 23, 2016; 84 FR 63992, Nov. 19, 2019; 88 FR 83852, Dec. 1, 2023; 89
FR 101522, 101538, Dec. 16, 2024]

§ 660.313 Open access fishery—recordkeeping and reporting.
(a) General. General reporting requirements specified at § 660.13(a) through (c), subpart C, apply to the open
access fishery.
(b) Declaration reports for vessels using non-trawl gear. Declaration reporting requirements for open access
vessels using non-trawl gear (all types of open access gear other than non-groundfish trawl gear) are
specified at § 660.13(d), subpart C.
(c) Declaration reports for vessels using non-groundfish trawl gear. Declaration reporting requirements for
open access vessels using non-groundfish trawl gear are specified at § 660.13(d), subpart C.
(d) VMS requirements for open access fishery vessels. VMS requirements for open access fishery vessels are
specified at § 660.14, subpart C.
(e) Retention of records. Any person landing groundfish must retain on board the vessel from which
groundfish is landed, and provide to an authorized officer upon request, copies of any and all reports of
groundfish landings containing all data, and in the exact manner, required by the applicable state law
throughout the cumulative limit period during which a landing occurred and for 15 days thereafter. All
relevant records used in the preparation of electronic fish ticket reports or corrections to these reports,
including dock tickets, must be maintained for a period of not less than three years after the date of
landing and must be immediately available upon request for inspection by NMFS or authorized officers or
others as specifically authorized by NMFS.
(f) Electronic fish ticket. The first receiver, as defined at § 660.11, subpart C, of fish, if that fish includes any
amount of sablefish, from an open access vessel, is responsible for compliance with all reporting
requirements described in this paragraph. Per requirements at § 660.312(a), all fish, if that fish includes
any amount of sablefish, must be reported via electronic fish ticket. When used in this paragraph, submit
means to transmit final electronic fish ticket information via web-based form or, if a waiver is granted, by
paper form. When used in this paragraph, record means the action of documenting electronic fish ticket
information in any written format.
(1) Required information. All first receivers must provide the following types of information: Date of
landing, vessel that made the landing, vessel identification number, name of the vessel operator, gear
type used, receiver, actual weights of species landed listed by species or species group including
species with no value, condition landed, number of salmon by species, number of Pacific halibut, exvessel value of the landing by species, fish caught inside/outside 3 miles or both, and any other
information deemed necessary by the Regional Administrator (or designee) as specified on the
appropriate electronic fish ticket form.
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(2) Submissions. The first receiver must:
(i)

Include, as part of each electronic fish ticket submission, the actual scale weight for each
groundfish species as specified by requirements at § 660.15(c) and the vessel identification
number. Use and maintain, for the purposes of submitting electronic fish tickets, equipment as
specified at § 660.15(d).

(ii) Submit a completed electronic fish ticket no later than 24 hours after the date of landing, unless
a waiver of this requirement has been granted under provisions specified at paragraph (f)(4) of
this section.
(iii) If electronic fish tickets will be submitted prior to processing or transport, follow these process
and submittal requirements:
(A) After completing the landing, the electronic fish ticket information must be recorded
immediately.
(B) Prior to submittal of the electronic fish ticket, the information recorded for the electronic
fish ticket must be reviewed by the vessel operator who delivered the fish and the port
sampler, if one is present.
(C) After review, the receiver and the vessel operator must sign a printed hard copy of the
electronic fish ticket or, if the landing occurs outside of business hours, the original dock
ticket.
(D) Prior to submittal, three copies of the signed electronic fish ticket must be produced by the
receiver and a copy provided to each of the following:
(1) The vessel operator,
(2) The state of origin if required by state regulations, and
(3) The first receiver.
(E) After review and signature, the electronic fish ticket must be submitted within 24 hours
after the date of landing, as specified in paragraph (f)(2)(ii) of this section.
(iv) If electronic fish tickets will be submitted after transport, follow these process and submittal
requirements:
(A) The vessel name and the electronic fish ticket number must be recorded on each dock
ticket related to that landing.
(C) Upon completion of the dock ticket, but prior to transfer of the offload to another location,
the dock ticket information that will be used to complete the electronic fish ticket must be
reviewed by the vessel operator who delivered the fish.
(D) After review, the first receiver and the vessel operator must sign the original copy of each
dock ticket related to that landing.
(E) Prior to submittal of the electronic fish ticket, three copies of the signed dock ticket must
be produced by the first receiver and a copy provided to each of the following:
(1) The vessel operator,
(2) The state of origin if required by state regulations, and
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(3) The first receiver.
(F) Based on the information contained in the signed dock ticket, the electronic fish ticket
must be completed and submitted within 24 hours of the date of landing, as specified in
paragraph (f)(2)(ii) of this section.
(G) Three copies of the electronic fish ticket must be produced by the first receiver and a copy
provided to each of the following:
(1) The vessel operator,
(2) The state of origin if required by state regulations, and
(3) The first receiver.
(3) Revising a submission. In the event that a data error is found, electronic fish ticket submissions must
be revised by resubmitting the revised form electronically. Electronic fish tickets are to be used for
the submission of final data. Preliminary data, including estimates of fish weights or species
composition, shall not be submitted on electronic fish tickets.
(4) Waivers for submission. On a case-by-case basis, a temporary written waiver of the requirement to
submit electronic fish tickets may be granted by the Assistant Regional Administrator or designee if
he/she determines that circumstances beyond the control of a receiver would result in inadequate
data submissions using the electronic fish ticket system. The duration of the waiver will be
determined on a case-by-case basis.
(5) Reporting requirements when a temporary waiver has been granted. Receivers that have been granted
a temporary waiver from the requirement to submit electronic fish tickets must submit on paper the
same data as is required on electronic fish tickets within 24 hours of the date of landing during the
period that the waiver is in effect. Paper fish tickets must be sent by facsimile to NMFS, West Coast
Region, Sustainable Fisheries Division, 206-526-6736 or by delivering it in person to 7600 Sand Point
Way NE., Seattle, WA 98115. The requirements for submissions of paper tickets in this paragraph are
separate from, and in addition to existing state requirements for landing receipts or fish receiving
tickets.
[81 FR 84432, Nov. 23, 2016, as amended at 89 FR 101522, Dec. 16, 2024]

§ 660.316 Open access fishery—observer requirements.
(a) Observer coverage requirements —
(1) Harvesting vessels. When NMFS notifies the owner, operator, permit holder, or the manager of a
harvesting vessel of any requirement to carry an observer, the harvesting vessel may not be used to
fish for groundfish without carrying an observer.
(2) Processing vessels. Unless specified otherwise by the Observer Program, any vessel 125 ft (38.1 m)
LOA or longer that is engaged in at-sea processing must carry two certified observers procured from
a permitted observer provider, and any vessel shorter than 125 ft (38.1 m) LOA that is engaged in atsea processing must carry one certified observer procured from a permitted observer provider, each
day that the vessel is used to take, retain, receive, land, process, or transport groundfish. Owners of
vessels required to carry observers under this paragraph must arrange for observer services from a

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permitted observer provider except when the Observer Program has determined and given
notification that the vessel must carry NMFS staff or an individual authorized by NMFS in addition to
or in lieu of an observer provided by a permitted observer provider.
(b) Notice of departure—basic rule. At least 24 hours (but not more than 36 hours) before departing on a
fishing trip, a harvesting vessel that has been notified by NMFS that it is required to carry an observer, or
that is operating in an active sampling unit, must notify NMFS (or its designated agent) of the vessel's
intended time of departure. Notice will be given in a form to be specified by NMFS.
(1) Optional notice—weather delays. A harvesting vessel that anticipates a delayed departure due to
weather or sea conditions may advise NMFS of the anticipated delay when providing the basic
notice described in paragraph (b) of this section. If departure is delayed beyond 36 hours from the
time the original notice is given, the vessel must provide an additional notice of departure not less
than four hours prior to departure, in order to enable NMFS to place an observer.
(2) Optional notice—back-to-back fishing trips. A harvesting vessel that intends to make back-to-back
fishing trips (i.e., trips with less than 24 hours between offloading from one trip and beginning
another), may provide the basic notice described in paragraph (b) of this section for both trips, prior
to making the first trip. A vessel that has given such notice is not required to give additional notice of
the second trip.
(c) Cease fishing report. Within 24 hours of ceasing the taking and retaining of groundfish, vessel owners,
operators, or managers must notify NMFS or its designated agent that fishing has ceased. This
requirement applies to any harvesting or processing vessel that is required to carry an observer, or that is
operating in a segment of the fleet that NMFS has identified as an active sampling unit.
(d) Waiver. The West Coast Regional Administrator (or designate) may provide written notification to the
vessel owner stating that a determination has been made to temporarily waive coverage requirements
because of circumstances that are deemed to be beyond the vessel's control.
(e) Vessel responsibilities —
(1) Accommodations and food. An operator of a vessel required to carry one or more observer(s) must
provide accommodations and food that are Equivalent to those provided to the crew.
(2) Safe conditions. Maintain safe conditions on the vessel for the protection of observer(s) including
adherence to all USCG and other applicable rules, regulations, or statutes pertaining to safe
operation of the vessel, and provisions at §§ 600.725 and 600.746 of this chapter. Have on board a
valid Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Decal that certifies compliance with regulations found in 33
CFR chapter I and 46 CFR chapter I, a certificate of compliance issued pursuant to 46 CFR 28.710 or
a valid certificate of inspection pursuant to 46 U.S.C. 3311.
(3) Observer communications. Facilitate observer communications by:
(i)

Observer use of equipment. Allowing observer(s) to use the vessel's communication equipment
and personnel, on request, for the entry, transmission, and receipt of work-related messages, at
no cost to the observer(s), observer provider or NMFS.

(ii) Functional equipment. Ensuring that the vessel's communications equipment, used by
observers to enter and transmit data, is fully functional and operational.
(4) Vessel position. Allow observer(s) access to, and the use of, the vessel's navigation equipment and
personnel, on request, to determine the vessel's position.
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(5) Access. Allow observer(s) free and unobstructed access to the vessel's bridge, trawl or working
decks, holding bins, processing areas, freezer spaces, weight scales, cargo holds, and any other
space that may be used to hold, process, weigh, or store fish or fish products at any time.
(6) Prior notification. Notify observer(s) at least 15 minutes before fish are brought on board, or fish and
fish products are transferred from the vessel, to allow sampling the catch or observing the transfer,
unless the observer specifically requests not to be notified.
(7) Records. Allow observer(s) to inspect and copy any state or Federal logbook maintained voluntarily
or as required by regulation.
(8) Assistance. Provide all other reasonable assistance to enable observer(s) to carry out their duties,
including, but not limited to:
(i)

Measuring decks, codends, and holding bins.

(ii) Providing the observer(s) with a safe work area.
(iii) Collecting bycatch when requested by the observer(s).
(iv) Collecting and carrying baskets of fish when requested by the observer(s).
(v) Allowing the observer(s) to collect biological data and samples.
(vi) Providing adequate space for storage of biological samples.
(f) Observer sampling station. This paragraph contains the requirements for observer sampling stations. The
vessel owner must provide an observer sampling station that complies with this section so that the
observer can carry out required duties.
(1) Accessibility. The observer sampling station must be available to the observer at all times.
(2) Location. The observer sampling station must be located within four meters of the location from
which the observer samples unsorted catch. Unobstructed passage must be provided between the
observer sampling station and the location where the observer collects sample catch.
[75 FR 60897, Oct. 1, 2010, as amended at 77 FR 55158, Sept. 7, 2012; 78 FR 68773, Nov. 15, 2013; 80 FR 22301, Apr. 21, 2015]

§ 660.319 Open access fishery gear identification and marking.
(a) Gear identification.
(1) Open access fixed gear (longline, trap or pot, set net and stationary hook-and-line gear, including
commercial vertical hook-and-line gear) must be marked at the surface and at each terminal end,
with a pole, flag, light, radar reflector, and a buoy.
(2) Open access commercial vertical hook-and-line gear that is closely tended as defined at § 660.311
of this subpart, may be marked only with a single buoy of sufficient size to float the gear.
(3) A buoy used to mark fixed gear under paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this section must be marked with
a number clearly identifying the owner or operator of the vessel. The number may be either:
(i)

If required by applicable state law, the vessel's number, the commercial fishing license number,
or buoy brand number; or

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(ii) The vessel documentation number issued by the USCG, or, for an undocumented vessel, the
vessel registration number issued by the state.
(b) [Reserved]

§ 660.320 Open access fishery—crossover provisions.
The crossover provisions listed at § 660.60(h)(7), apply to vessels fishing in the open access fishery.
[76 FR 74747, Dec. 1, 2011]

§ 660.330 Open access fishery—management measures.
Link to an amendment published at 90 FR 57719, Dec. 12, 2025.
(a) General. Groundfish species taken in open access fisheries will be managed with cumulative trip limits
(see trip limits in tables 3b (North) and 3b (South) of this subpart), size limits (see § 660.60(h)(5)),
seasons (see seasons in tables 3a (North) and 3a (South) of this subpart), gear restrictions (see
paragraph (b) of this section), and closed areas (see paragraph (d) of this section and §§ 660.70 through
660.79). Unless otherwise specified, a vessel operating in the open access fishery is subject to, and must
not exceed, any trip limit, frequency limit, and/or size limit for the open access fishery. Retention of
cowcod, yelloweye rockfish, and quillback rockfish off California is prohibited in all fisheries, and
groundfish vessels operating south of Point Conception must adhere to GEA restrictions (see paragraph
(d)(18) of this section and § 660.70). For information on the open access daily/weekly trip limit fishery for
sablefish, see § 660.332 and the trip limits in tables 3b (North) and 3b (South) of this subpart. Open
access vessels are subject to daily or weekly sablefish limits in addition to cumulative limits for each
cumulative limit period. Only one sablefish landing per week may be made in excess of the daily trip limit
and, if the vessel chooses to make a landing in excess of that daily trip limit, then that is the only sablefish
landing permitted for that week. The trip limit for black rockfish caught with hook-and-line gear also
applies (see paragraph (e) of this section).
(b) Gear restrictions. Open access gear includes longline, trap, pot, hook-and-line (fixed or mobile), setnet
(anchored gillnet or trammel net, which are permissible south of 38° N. lat. only), spear and nongroundfish trawl gear (trawls used to target non-groundfish species: pink shrimp or ridgeback prawns,
and, south of Pt. Arena, CA (38°57.50' N. lat.), California halibut or sea cucumbers). Restrictions for gears
used in the open access fisheries are as follows:
(1) Non-groundfish trawl gear. Non-groundfish trawl gear is generally trawl gear used to target pink
shrimp, ridgeback prawn, California halibut and sea cucumber and is exempt from the limited entry
trawl gear restrictions at § 660.130(b). The following gear restrictions apply to non-groundfish trawl
gear:
(i)

Bottom trawl gear with a footrope diameter greater than 19 inches (48 cm) (including rollers,
bobbins, or other material encircling or tied along the length of the footrope) is prohibited
anywhere in EFH within the EEZ, as defined by latitude/longitude coordinates at § 660.75.
unless such gear is the gear of another vessel that has been retrieved at sea and made
inoperable or stowed in a manner not capable of being fished. The disposal at sea of such gear
is prohibited by Annex V of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution From
Ships, 1973 (Annex V of MARPOL 73/78).

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(ii) [Reserved]
(2) Fixed gear.
(i)

Fixed gear (longline, trap or pot, set net and stationary hook-and-line gear, including commercial
vertical hook-and-line gear) must be attended at least once every 7 days. Vessels fishing with
bottom longline and snap gears as defined at § 660.11 are subject to the requirements of the
Seabird Avoidance Program described in § 660.21.

(ii) Set nets. Fishing for groundfish with set nets is prohibited in the fishery management area north
of 38°00.00' N. lat.
(iii) Traps or pots. Traps must have biodegradable escape panels constructed with 21 or smaller
untreated cotton twine in such a manner that an opening at least 8 inches (20.3 cm) in
diameter results when the twine deteriorates.
(iv) Spears. Spears may be propelled by hand or by mechanical means.
(3) Gear for use inside the Non-Trawl RCA. Inside the Non-Trawl RCA, only legal non-bottom contact
hook-and-line gear configurations may be used for target fishing for groundfish by vessels that
participate in the directed open access sector as defined at § 660.11. Vessels must be registered to
a valid directed open access permit as defined at § 660.25(i). On a fishing trip where any fishing will
occur inside the Non-Trawl RCA, only one type of legal non-bottom contact gear may be carried on
board, and no other fishing gear of any type may be carried on board or stowed during that trip. The
vessel may fish inside and outside the Non-Trawl RCA on the same fishing trip, provided a valid
declaration report as required at § 660.13(d) has been filed with NMFS OLE. Legal non-bottom
contact hook-and-line gear means stationary vertical jig gear not anchored to the bottom, and
groundfish troll gear, subject to the specifications in paragraphs (b)(3)(i) and (ii) of this section.
(i)

Stationary vertical jig gear. The following requirements apply to stationary vertical jig gear:
(A) Must be a minimum of 30 feet (9 m) between the bottom weight and the lowest fishing
hook;
(B) No more than four vertical mainlines attached to or fished from the vessel (e.g., rod & reel)
may be used in the water at one time.
(C) No more than 100 hooks may be in the water at one time, with no more than 25 extra
hooks on board the vessel.

(ii) Groundfish troll gear. The following requirements apply to groundfish troll gear:
(A) Must be a minimum of 50 feet between the bottom weight and the troll wire's connection
to the horizontal mainline;
(B) No more than one mainline attached to or fished from the vessel may be used in the water
at one time;
(C) No more than 500 hooks may be in the water at one time, with no more than 25 extra
hooks on board the vessel;
(D) Hooks must be spaced apart by a visible maker (e.g., floats, line wraps, colored line
splices), with no more than 25 hooks between each marker and no more than 20 markers
on the mainline; and
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(E) Natural bait or weighted hooks may not be used nor be on board the vessel. Artificial lures
and flies are permitted.
(c) Sorting requirements.
(1) In addition to the requirements at § 660.12(a)(8) the States of Washington, Oregon, and California
may also require that vessels record their landings as sorted on their state landing receipts.
(2) For open access vessels, the following species must be sorted:
(i)

Coastwide —arrowtooth flounder, big skate, black rockfish, blue/deacon rockfish, canary
rockfish, darkblotched rockfish, Dover sole, English sole, lingcod, longnose skate, longspine
thornyhead, minor nearshore rockfish, minor shelf rockfish, minor slope rockfish, other fish,
other flatfish, Pacific cod, Pacific sanddabs, Pacific whiting, petrale sole, shortbelly rockfish,
shortraker rockfish, rougheye/blackspotted rockfish, sablefish, shortspine thornyhead, spiny
dogfish, starry flounder, widow rockfish, and yelloweye rockfish;

(ii) North of 40°10′ N lat. —cabezon (California), copper rockfish (California), Oregon cabezon/kelp
greenling complex, POP, quillback rockfish (California), Washington cabezon/kelp greenling
complex, yellowtail rockfish; and
(iii) South of 40°10′ N lat. —blackgill rockfish, bocaccio, bronzespotted rockfish, cabezon,
chilipepper rockfish, copper rockfish, cowcod, minor shallow nearshore rockfish, minor deeper
nearshore rockfish, quillback rockfish, splitnose rockfish, and vermilion rockfish.
(d) Groundfish conservation areas (GCAs). GCAs, a type of closed area, are defined at § 660.11 and with
latitude and longitude coordinates at §§ 660.70 through 660.74. A vessel that is authorized by this
paragraph to fish within a GCA (e.g., fishing for “other flatfish” using hook and line gear only), may not
simultaneously have other gear on board the vessel that is unlawful to use for fishing within the GCA. The
following GCAs apply to vessels participating in the open access groundfish fishery.
(1) North coast recreational yelloweye rockfish conservation area. The latitude and longitude coordinates
of the North Coast Recreational Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Area (YRCA) boundaries are
specified at § 660.70, subpart C. The North Coast Recreational YRCA is designated as an area to be
avoided (a voluntary closure) by commercial fixed gear fishers.
(2) North coast commercial yelloweye rockfish conservation area. The latitude and longitude coordinates
of the North Coast Commercial Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Area (YRCA) boundaries are
specified at § 660.70, subpart C. Fishing with open access gear is prohibited within the North Coast
Commercial YRCA. It is unlawful to take and retain, possess, or land groundfish taken with open
access gear within the North Coast Commercial YRCA. Open access vessels may transit through the
North Coast Commercial YRCA with or without groundfish on board.
(3) South coast recreational yelloweye rockfish conservation area. The latitude and longitude coordinates
of the South Coast Recreational Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Area (YRCA) boundaries are
specified at § 660.70, subpart C. The South Coast Recreational YRCA is designated as an area to be
avoided (a voluntary closure) by commercial fixed gear fishers.
(4) Westport offshore recreational YRCA. The latitude and longitude coordinates that define the Westport
Offshore Recreational YRCA boundaries are specified at § 660.70, subpart C. The Westport Offshore
Recreational YRCA is designated as an area to be avoided (a voluntary closure) by commercial fixed
gear fishers.

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(5) Tillamook YRCA. The latitude and longitude coordinates of the Tillamook YRCA boundaries are
specified at § 660.70, subpart C. Fishing with open access gear is prohibited within the Tillamook
YRCA, on dates when the closure is in effect. It is unlawful to take and retain, possess, or land
groundfish taken with open access gear within the Tillamook YRCA, on dates when the closure is in
effect. The closure is not in effect at this time. This closure may be imposed through inseason
adjustment. Open access vessels may transit through the Tillamook YRCA, at any time, with or
without groundfish on board.
(6) Newport YRCA. The latitude and longitude coordinates of the Newport YRCA boundaries are
specified at § 660.70, subpart C. Fishing with open access gear is prohibited within the Newport
YRCA, on dates when the closure is in effect. It is unlawful to take and retain, possess, or land
groundfish taken with open access gear within the Newport YRCA, on dates when the closure is in
effect. The closure is not in effect at this time. This closure may be imposed through inseason
adjustment. Open access vessels may transit through the Newport YRCA, at any time, with or
without groundfish on board.
(7) Florence YRCA. The latitude and longitude coordinates of the Florence YRCA boundaries are
specified at § 660.70, subpart C. Fishing with open access gear is prohibited within the Florence
YRCA, on dates when the closure is in effect. It is unlawful to take and retain, possess, or land
groundfish taken with open access gear within the Florence YRCA, on dates when the closure is in
effect. The closure is not in effect at this time. This closure may be imposed through inseason
adjustment. Open access vessels may transit through the Florence YRCA, at any time, with or
without groundfish on board.
(8) Heceta Bank YRCA. The latitude and longitude coordinates of the Heceta Bank YRCA boundaries are
specified at § 660.70, subpart C. Fishing with open access gear is prohibited within the Heceta Bank
YRCA, on dates when the closure is in effect. It is unlawful to take and retain, possess, or land
groundfish taken with open access gear within the Heceta Bank YRCA, on dates when the closure is
in effect. The closure is in effect at this time. This closure may be imposed through inseason
adjustment. Open access vessels may transit through the Heceta Bank YRCA, at any time, with or
without groundfish on board.
(9) Point St. George YRCA. The latitude and longitude coordinates of the Point St. George YRCA
boundaries are specified at § 660.70, subpart C. Fishing with open access gear is prohibited within
the Point St. George YRCA, on dates when the closure is in effect. It is unlawful to take and retain,
possess, or land groundfish taken with open access gear within the Point St. George YRCA, on dates
when the closure is in effect. The closure is not in effect at this time. This closure may be imposed
through inseason adjustment. Open access vessels may transit through the Point St. George YRCA,
at any time, with or without groundfish on board.
(10) South Reef YRCA. The latitude and longitude coordinates of the South Reef YRCA boundaries are
specified at § 660.70, subpart C. Fishing with open access gear is prohibited within the South Reef
YRCA, on dates when the closure is in effect. It is unlawful to take and retain, possess, or land
groundfish taken with open access gear within the South Reef YRCA, on dates when the closure is in
effect. The closure is not in effect at this time. This closure may be imposed through inseason
adjustment. Open access gear vessels may transit through the South Reef YRCA, at any time, with or
without groundfish on board.
(11) Reading Rock YRCA. The latitude and longitude coordinates of the Reading Rock YRCA boundaries
are specified at § 660.70, subpart C. Fishing with open access gear is prohibited within the Reading
Rock YRCA, on dates when the closure is in effect. It is unlawful to take and retain, possess, or land
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groundfish taken with open access gear within the Reading Rock YRCA, on dates when the closure is
in effect. The closure is not in effect at this time. This closure may be imposed through inseason
adjustment. Open access gear vessels may transit through the Reading Rock YRCA, at any time, with
or without groundfish on board.
(12) Point Delgada (North) YRCA. The latitude and longitude coordinates of the Point Delgada (North)
YRCA boundaries are specified at § 660.70, subpart C. Fishing with open access gear is prohibited
within the Point Delgada (North) YRCA, on dates when the closure is in effect. It is unlawful to take
and retain, possess, or land groundfish taken with open access gear within the Point Delgada (North)
YRCA, on dates when the closure is in effect. The closure is not in effect at this time. This closure
may be imposed through inseason adjustment. Open access gear vessels may transit through the
Point Delgada (North) YRCA, at any time, with or without groundfish on board.
(13) Point Delgada (South) YRCA. The latitude and longitude coordinates of the Point Delgada (South)
YRCA boundaries are specified at § 660.70, subpart C. Fishing with open access gear is prohibited
within the Point Delgada (South) YRCA, on dates when the closure is in effect. It is unlawful to take
and retain, possess, or land groundfish taken with open access gear within the Point Delgada
(South) YRCA, on dates when the closure is in effect. The closure is not in effect at this time. This
closure may be imposed through inseason adjustment. Open access gear vessels may transit
through the Point Delgada (South) YRCA, at any time, with or without groundfish on board.
(14) Salmon Troll Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Area (YRCA). The latitude and longitude coordinates of
the Salmon Troll YRCA boundaries are specified in the groundfish regulations at § 660.70, subpart C,
and in the salmon regulations at § 660.405. Fishing with salmon troll gear is prohibited within the
Salmon Troll YRCA. It is unlawful for commercial salmon troll vessels to take and retain, possess, or
land fish taken with salmon troll gear within the Salmon Troll YRCA. Open access vessels may transit
through the Salmon Troll YRCA with or without fish on board.
(15) Non-trawl rockfish conservation area for the open access fisheries. The Non-Trawl RCA is defined at §
660.11 and with latitude and longitude coordinates, at §§ 660.70 through 660.74 or the EEZ, where
fishing for groundfish with non-trawl gear is prohibited. Boundaries for the Non-Trawl RCA
throughout the year are provided in the header to Table 3 (North) and Table 3 (South) of this subpart
and may be modified by NMFS inseason pursuant to § 660.60(c).
(i)

It is unlawful to operate a vessel in the Non-Trawl RCA that has non-trawl gear onboard and is
not registered to a limited entry permit on a trip in which the vessel is used to take and retain or
possess groundfish in the EEZ, or land groundfish taken in the EEZ, except for the purpose of
continuous transiting, or when the use of non-trawl gear is authorized in part 660.

(ii) On any trip on which a groundfish species is taken with non-trawl open access gear and
retained, the open access non-trawl vessel may transit through the Non-Trawl RCA only if all
groundfish non-trawl gear is stowed either: Below deck; or if the gear cannot readily be moved,
in a secured and covered manner, detached from all lines, so that it is rendered unusable for
fishing.
(iii) The Non-Trawl RCA restrictions in this section apply to vessels taking and retaining or
possessing groundfish in the EEZ, or landing groundfish taken in the EEZ. Unless otherwise
authorized by part 660, a vessel may not retain any groundfish taken on a fishing trip for
species other than groundfish that occurs within the Non-Trawl RCA. If a vessel fishes in a nongroundfish fishery in the Non-Trawl RCA, it may not participate in any fishing for groundfish on

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that trip that is prohibited within the Non-Trawl RCA. [For example, if a vessel fishes in the
salmon troll fishery within the RCA, the vessel cannot on the same trip fish in the sablefish
fishery outside of the RCA.]
(iv) Fishing for “other flatfish” off California (between 42° N lat. south to the U.S./Mexico border) is
allowed within the Non-Trawl RCA with hook and line gear only; and provided a valid declaration
report as required at § 660.13(d), has been filed with NMFS OLE.
(v) Target fishing for groundfish off Oregon and California (between 46°16′ N lat. and the
U.S./Mexico border) is allowed within the Non-Trawl RCA for vessels participating in the
directed open access sector as defined at § 660.11, subject to the gear restrictions at §
660.330(b)(3)(i-ii), and provided a valid declaration report as required at § 660.13(d) has been
filed with NMFS OLE.
(16) Non-groundfish trawl rockfish conservation areas for the open access non-groundfish trawl fisheries.
The non-groundfish trawl RCAs are closed areas, defined by specific latitude and longitude
coordinates (specified at §§ 660.70 through 660.74, subpart C) designed to approximate specific
depth contours, where fishing for groundfish with non-trawl gear is prohibited. Boundaries for the
Non-Trawl RCA throughout the year are provided in the open access trip limit tables, Table 3 (North)
and Table 3 (South) of this subpart and may be modified by NMFS in season pursuant to §
660.60(c).
(i)

It is unlawful to operate a vessel in the non-groundfish trawl RCA with non-groundfish trawl gear
onboard, except for the purpose of continuous transiting, or when the use of trawl gear is
authorized in part 660. It is unlawful to take and retain, possess, or land groundfish taken with
non-groundfish trawl gear within the Non-Trawl RCA, unless otherwise authorized in part 660.

(ii) Non-groundfish trawl vessels may transit through the non-groundfish trawl RCA, with or without
groundfish on board, provided all non-groundfish trawl gear is stowed either: Below deck; or if
the gear cannot readily be moved, in a secured and covered manner, detached from all towing
lines, so that it is rendered unusable for fishing; or remaining on deck uncovered if the trawl
doors are hung from their stanchions and the net is disconnected from the doors.
(iii) The non-groundfish trawl RCA restrictions in this section apply to vessels taking and retaining
or possessing groundfish in the EEZ, or landing groundfish taken in the EEZ. Unless otherwise
authorized by part 660, it is unlawful for a vessel to retain any groundfish taken on a fishing trip
for species other than groundfish that occurs within the non-groundfish trawl RCA. If a vessel
fishes in a non-groundfish fishery in the non-groundfish trawl RCA, it may not participate in any
fishing on that trip that is prohibited within the non-groundfish trawl RCA. Nothing in these
Federal regulations supersedes any state regulations that may prohibit trawling shoreward of
the fishery management area (3-200 nm).
(iv) It is lawful to fish with non-groundfish trawl gear within the non-groundfish trawl RCA only under
the following conditions:
(A) Pink shrimp trawling is permitted in the non-groundfish trawl RCA when a valid declaration
report as required at § 660.12(d), subpart C, has been filed with NMFS OLE. Groundfish
caught with pink shrimp trawl gear may be retained anywhere in the EEZ and are subject
to the limits in Table 3 (North) and Table 3 (South) of this subpart.

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(B) When the shoreward line of the trawl RCA is shallower than 100 fm (183 m), vessels using
ridgeback prawn trawl gear south of 34°27.00′ N lat. may operate out to the 100 fm (183
m) boundary line specified at § 660.73, when a valid declaration report as required at §
660.13(d), has been filed with NMFS OLE. Groundfish caught with ridgeback prawn trawl
gear are subject to the limits in Table 3 (North) and Table 3 (South) of this subpart.
(17) Cordell Bank. Commercial fishing for groundfish is prohibited in waters of depths less than 100-fm
(183-m) around Cordell Bank, as defined by specific latitude and longitude coordinates at § 660.70,
subpart C. An exception to this prohibition is that commercial fishing for “other flatfish” is allowed
around Cordell Bank using hook and line gear only.
(18) Groundfish exclusion areas (GEAs). The GEAs are closed areas in the Southern California Bight,
defined by specific latitude and longitude coordinates (specified at § 660.70) where commercial and
recreational fishing for groundfish is prohibited. It is unlawful to fish for, take and retain, possess
(except for the purpose of continuous transit) or land groundfish within the GEAs. All fishing gear for
targeting groundfish must be stowed while transiting through a GEA. If fishing for non-groundfish
species within a GEA, then no groundfish may be on board the vessel.
(e) Black rockfish fishery management. The trip limit for black rockfish (Sebastes melanops) for commercial
fishing vessels using hook-and-line gear between the U.S.-Canada border and Cape Alava (48°09.50′ N.
lat.), and between Destruction Island (47°40′ N. lat.) and Leadbetter Point (46°38.17′ N. lat.), is 100-lbs (45
kg) or 30 percent, by weight of all fish on board, whichever is greater, per vessel per fishing trip. These per
trip limits apply to limited entry and open access fisheries, in conjunction with the cumulative trip limits
and other management measures in §§ 660.230 and 660.330. The crossover provisions in § 660.60(h)(7),
do not apply to the black rockfish per-trip limits.
(f) Salmon bycatch. This fishery may be closed through automatic action at § 660.60(d)(1)(v) and (vi).
(g) Essential fish habitat conservation areas (EFHCA). EFHCAs, defined at § 660.11 and with latitude and
longitude coordinates at §§ 660.75 through 660.79, apply to vessels using bottom trawl gear or bottom
contact gear, defined at § 660.11, and includes non-groundfish trawl gear and limited entry fixed gear
(e.g., longline and pot/trap,) among other gear types. EFHCAs closed to bottom contact gear are listed at
§ 660.12(a). EFHCAs closed to bottom trawl gear are listed at § 660.312(d).
[75 FR 60897, Oct. 1, 2010, as amended at 76 FR 27554, May 11, 2011; 76 FR 53839, Aug. 30, 2011; 78 FR 638, Jan. 3, 2013; 80 FR
12597, Mar. 10, 2015; 80 FR 71981, Nov. 18, 2015; 82 FR 9665, Feb. 7, 2017; 82 FR 60570, Dec. 21, 2017; 83 FR 64010, Dec. 12,
2018; 84 FR 49962, Sept. 24, 2019; 84 FR 63992, Nov. 19, 2019; 86 FR 14383, Mar. 16, 2021; 87 FR 77029, Dec. 16, 2022; 88 FR
12868, Mar. 1, 2023; 88 FR 83853, Dec. 1, 2023; 89 FR 101522, 101538, Dec. 16, 2024; 90 FR 15415, Apr. 11, 2025]

§ 660.332 Open access daily trip limit (DTL) fishery for sablefish.
(a) Open access DTL fisheries both north and south of 36° N. lat. Open access vessels may fish in the open
access, daily trip limit fishery for as long as that fishery is open during the year, subject to the routine
management measures imposed under § 660.60.
(b) Trip limits.
(1) Daily and/or weekly trip limits for the open access fishery north and south of 36° N lat. are provided
in tables 3b (North) and 3b (South) of this subpart.
(2) Trip and/or frequency limits may be imposed in the limited entry fishery on vessels that are not
participating in the primary season under § 660.60.
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(3) Trip and/or size limits to protect juvenile sablefish in the limited entry or open access fisheries also
may be imposed at any time under § 660.60.
(4) Trip limits may be imposed in the open access fishery at any time under § 660.60.
[75 FR 60897, Oct. 1, 2010, as amended at 78 FR 638, Jan. 3, 2013; 89 FR 101538, Dec. 16, 2024]

§ 660.333 Open access non-groundfish trawl fishery—management measures.
(a) General. This section describes management measures for vessels that take groundfish incidentally with
non-groundfish trawl gear, including vessels engaged in fishing for pink shrimp, ridgeback prawns,
California halibut, or sea cucumbers.
(b) Participation in the ridgeback prawn fishery. A trawl vessel will be considered participating in the open
access, non-groundfish trawl ridgeback prawn fishery if:
(1) It is declared “non-groundfish trawl gear for ridgeback prawn” under § 660.13(d)(4)(iv)(A)(10),
regardless of whether it is registered to a Federal limited entry trawl-endorsed permit; and
(2) The landing includes ridgeback prawns taken in accordance with California Fish and Game Code,
section 8595, which states: “Prawns or shrimp may be taken for commercial purposes with a trawl
net, subject to Article 10 (commencing with Section 8830) of Chapter 3.”
(c) Participation in the California halibut fishery. A trawl vessel will be considered participating in the open
access, non-groundfish trawl California halibut fishery if:
(1) It is declared “non-groundfish trawl gear for California halibut” under § 660.13(d)(4)(iv)(A)(11),
regardless of whether it is registered to a Federal limited entry trawl-endorsed permit;
(2) All fishing on the trip takes place south of Pt. Arena, CA (38°57.50′ N. lat.); and
(3) The landing includes California halibut of a size required by California Fish and Game Code section
8392, which states: “No California halibut may be taken, possessed or sold which measures less
than 22 in (56 cm) in total length. Total length means the shortest distance between the tip of the
jaw or snout, whichever extends farthest while the mouth is closed, and the tip of the longest lobe of
the tail, measured while the halibut is lying flat in natural repose, without resort to any force other
than the swinging or fanning of the tail.”
(d) Participation in the sea cucumber fishery. A trawl vessel will be considered to be participating in the open
access, non-groundfish trawl sea cucumber fishery if:
(1) It is declared “non-groundfish trawl gear for sea cucumber” under § 660.13(d)(4)(iv)(A)(12),
regardless of whether it is registered to a Federal limited entry trawl-endorsed permit;
(2) All fishing on the trip takes place south of Pt. Arena, CA (38°57.50′ N. lat.); and
(3) The landing includes sea cucumbers taken in accordance with California Fish and Game Code,
section 8405, which requires a permit issued by the State of California.
(e) Non-Trawl Rockfish Conservation Area restrictions for the ridgeback prawn, California halibut, and sea
cucumber fisheries.
(1) 40° 10′ N lat.-38.00° N lat.: 100 fm to 150 fm during Periods 1 and 6; 100 fm to 150 fm during Periods
2, 3, 4, and 5.
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(2) 38.00° N lat.-34° 27 N lat.: 100 fm to 150 fm
(3) South of 34° 27 N lat.: 100 fm to 150 fm
(f) Trip Limits for the ridgeback prawn, California halibut, and sea cucumber fisheries. Groundfish. 300 lb (136
kg) per trip. Species-specific limits described in table 3b South also apply and are counted toward the 300
lb (136 kg) groundfish per trip limit. The amount of groundfish landed may not exceed the amount of the
target species landed, except that the amount of Pacific spiny dogfish landed may exceed the amount of
target species landed. Pacific spiny dogfish are limited by the 300 lb (136 kg)/trip overall groundfish limit.
The daily trip limits for sablefish coastwide and thornyheads south of Pt. Conception and the overall
groundfish “per trip” limit may not be multiplied by the number of days of the trip. Vessels participating in
the California halibut fishery south of 38°57.50′ N lat. are allowed to:
(1) Land up to 100 lb (45 kg) per day of groundfish without the ratio requirement, provided that at least
one California halibut is landed; and
(2) Land up to 3,000 lb (1,361 kg) per month of flatfish, no more than 300 lb (136 kg) of which may be
species other than Pacific sanddabs, sand sole, starry flounder, rock sole, curlfin sole, or California
scorpionfish (California scorpionfish is also subject to the trip limits and closures in table 3b South).
(g) Groundfish taken with non-groundfish trawl gear by vessels engaged in fishing for pink shrimp.
Notwithstanding § 660.60(h)(7), a vessel that takes and retains pink shrimp and also takes and retains
groundfish in either the limited entry or another open access fishery during the same applicable
cumulative limit period that it takes and retains pink shrimp (which may be 1 month or 2 months,
depending on the fishery and the time of year), may retain the larger of the two limits, but only if the
limit(s) for each gear or fishery are not exceeded when operating in that fishery or with that gear. The
limits are not additive; the vessel may not retain a separate trip limit for each fishery.
(h) Management measures for the pink shrimp fishery north of 40° 10′ N lat. Effective April 1-October 31:
Groundfish: 500 lb (227 kg)/day, multiplied by the number of days of the trip, not to exceed 1,500 lb (680
kg)/trip. The following sublimits also apply and are counted toward the overall 500 lb (227 kg)/day and
1,500 lb (680 kg)/trip groundfish limits: lingcod 300 lb (136 kg)/month (minimum 24-inch (0.61 cm) size
limit); sablefish 2,000 lb (907 kg)/month; canary, thornyheads, and yelloweye rockfish are PROHIBITED. All
other groundfish species taken are managed under the overall 500 lb (227 kg)/day and 1,500 lb (680
kg)/trip groundfish limits. Landings of these species count toward the per day and per trip groundfish
limits and do not have species-specific limits. The amount of groundfish landed may not exceed the
amount of pink shrimp landed.
(i)

Management measures for the pink shrimp fishery south of 40° 10′ N lat. Effective April 1-October 31:
Groundfish: 500 lb (227 kg)/day, multiplied by the number of days of the trip, not to exceed 1,500 lb (680
kg)/trip. The following sublimits also apply and are counted toward the overall 500 lb (227 kg)/day and
1,500 lb (680 kg)/trip groundfish limits: lingcod 300 lb (136 kg)/month (minimum 24-inch (0.61 cm) size
limit); sablefish 2,000 lb (907 kg)/month; canary rockfish, thornyheads, and yelloweye rockfish are
PROHIBITED. All other groundfish species taken are managed under the overall 500 lb (227 kg)/day and
1,500 lb (680 kg)/trip groundfish limits. Landings of all groundfish species count toward the per day, per
trip or other species-specific sublimits described here and the species-specific limits described in the
table above do not apply. The amount of groundfish landed may not exceed the amount of pink shrimp
landed.

[75 FR 60897, Oct. 1, 2010, as amended at 76 FR 74747, Dec. 1, 2011; 83 FR 62280, Dec. 3, 2018; 83 FR 64292, Dec. 14, 2018; 83
FR 64010, Dec. 12, 2018; 89 FR 101538, Dec. 16, 2024]
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§ 660.334 Open access non-groundfish salmon troll fishery—management measures.
(a) General. This section includes management measures applicable to vessels that incidentally take and
retain groundfish while participating in the West Coast salmon fishery under the regulations at part 660,
subpart H (herein referred to as “salmon troll fishery”). All salmon troll vessels that take and retain
groundfish species are subject to the open access trip limits, seasons, size limits, and Non-Trawl RCA
restrictions listed in tables 3a (North), 3b (North), 3a (South), and 3b (South) to this subpart, unless
otherwise stated in this section.
(b) Trip limits.
(1) In the area north of 40° 10′ N lat., salmon trollers may retain and land up to 500 lb (227 kg) of
yellowtail rockfish per month as long as salmon is on board, both within and outside of the NonTrawl RCA. Salmon trollers may retain and land up to 1 lingcod per 2 Chinook per trip, plus 1 lingcod
per trip, up to a trip limit of 10 lingcod, on a trip where any fishing occurs within the Non-Trawl RCA.
The lingcod limit only applies during times when lingcod retention is allowed and is not “CLOSED”.
These limits are within the limits described in table 3b (North), and not in addition to those limits.
(2) In the area south of 40° 10′ N lat., salmon trollers may retain and land up to 1 lb (0.45 kg) of yellowtail
rockfish for every 2 lb (0.90 kg) of Chinook salmon landed, with a cumulative limit of 200 lb (91
kg)/month, both within and outside of the Non-Trawl RCA. This limit is within the trip limits for shelf
rockfish, and not in addition to those limits. All groundfish species are subject to the open access
limits, seasons, size limits, and RCA restrictions listed in tables 3a (South) and 3b (South) to this
subpart, unless otherwise stated here.
[89 FR 101539, Dec. 16, 2024]

Table 3a (North) to Part 660, Subpart F—Non-Trawl Rockfish Conservation Area Boundaries

TABLE 3a (NORTH) TO PART 660, SUBPART F—NON-TRAWL ROCKFISH
CONSERVATION AREA BOUNDARIES
Latitude
North of 46°16′ N lat.:
46°16′ N lat.-42°00′ N lat.
42°00′ N lat.-40°10′ N lat.

Boundary
Shoreward EEZ-100 fm line.
30 fm line-75 fm line.
30 fm line-75 fm line.

NOTE 1 TO TABLE 3A (NORTH): The Non-Trawl RCA is an area closed to fishing with particular non-trawl
gear types, as defined at § 660.11. Non-Trawl RCA boundaries apply in the EEZ only; see appropriate
state regulations for state closures. Non-Trawl RCA boundaries may be revised via inseason action;
therefore, users should refer back to this table throughout the year.

[89 FR 101539, Dec. 16, 2024, as amended at 90 FR 45004, Sept. 18, 2025]

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50 CFR 660.334(b)(2)

Table 3b (North) to Part 660, Subpart F—Trip Limits for Open Access North of 40°10′ N. lat.

TABLE 3b (NORTH) TO PART 660, SUBPART F—TRIP LIMITS FOR OPEN ACCESS
NORTH OF 40°10′ N. lat.
Species

Trip limit

Big skate

Unlimited.

Black rockfish (42°00′ N lat.-40°10′ N lat.)

7,000 lb/2 months.

Cabezon (42°00′ N lat.-40°10′ N lat.)

Unlimited.

Cabezon/kelp greenling complex (Oregon)

Unlimited.

Canary rockfish

1,000 lb/2 months.

Flatfish (includes dover sole, arrowtooth
flounder, petrale sole, English sole, starry
flounder)

10,000 lb/2 months.

Lingcod (north of 42°00′ N. lat.)

9,000 lb/2 months.

Lingcod (42°00′ N lat.-40°10′ N lat.)

2,000 lb/2 months.

Longnose skate

Unlimited.

Longspine thornyheads

100 lb/2 months.

Nearshore rockfish complex, Oregon black/blue/
deacon rockfish, & Washington black rockfish
(north of 42°00′ N. lat.)

5,000 lb/2 months no more than 1,200 lb of
which may be species other than black rockfish
or blue/deacon rockfish.
See § 660.330(e) for additional trip limits for
Washington black rockfish.

Nearshore rockfish complex (42°00′ N lat.-40°10′
N lat.)

2,000 lb/2 months, of which no more than 75 lb
may be copper rockfish.

Other fish

Unlimited.

Other flatfish complex

10,000 lb/2 months.

Pacific cod

1,000 lb/2 months.

Pacific ocean perch

200 lb/2 months.

Pacific Spiny Dogfish

Periods 1-2: 200,000 lb/2 months.
Period 3: 150,000 lb/2 months.
Periods 4-6: 100,000 lb/2 months.

Pacific whiting

600 lb/2 months.

Quillback rockfish (42°00′ N lat.-40°10′ N lat.)

CLOSED.

Sablefish

4,000 lb/week not to exceed 8,000 lb/2 months.

NOTE 1 TO TABLE 3B (NORTH): Trip limits apply in the EEZ only; see appropriate state regulations for state
trip limits. Trip limits are effective year-round unless otherwise specified for different cumulative
periods (defined at § 660.11 under “Trip limits”). Trip limits are effective from the U.S.-Canada border
to 40°10′ N lat. unless otherwise specified via latitudinal or state subdivisions in this table. Stock
complexes are defined at § 660.11 under “Groundfish”. Trip limits may be revised via inseason action;
therefore, users should refer back to this table throughout the year. To convert pounds to kilograms,
divide the weight in pounds by 2.20462. The resulting quotient is the weight in kilograms.

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50 CFR 660.334(b)(2)

Species

Trip limit

Shelf rockfish complex (north of 42°00′ N. lat.)

1,600 lb/2 months.

Shelf rockfish complex (42°00′ N lat.-40°10′ N
lat.)

1,600 lb/2 months.

Shortspine thornyhead

100 lb/2 months.

Slope rockfish complex & darkblotched rockfish

4,000 lb/2 months.

Widow rockfish

2,000 lb/2 months.

Yelloweye rockfish

CLOSED.

Yellowtail rockfish

3,000 lb/2 months.

Salmon Troll

See § 660.334(b)(1).

Pink Shrimp non-groundfish trawl

See § 660.333(g) and (h).

NOTE 1 TO TABLE 3B (NORTH): Trip limits apply in the EEZ only; see appropriate state regulations for state
trip limits. Trip limits are effective year-round unless otherwise specified for different cumulative
periods (defined at § 660.11 under “Trip limits”). Trip limits are effective from the U.S.-Canada border
to 40°10′ N lat. unless otherwise specified via latitudinal or state subdivisions in this table. Stock
complexes are defined at § 660.11 under “Groundfish”. Trip limits may be revised via inseason action;
therefore, users should refer back to this table throughout the year. To convert pounds to kilograms,
divide the weight in pounds by 2.20462. The resulting quotient is the weight in kilograms.

[89 FR 101539, Dec. 16, 2024, as amended at 90 FR 11390, Mar. 6, 2025; 90 FR 34188, July 21, 2025; 90 FR 45004, Sept. 18, 2025]

Table 3a (South) to Part 660, Subpart F—Non-Trawl Rockfish Conservation Area Boundaries

TABLE 3a (SOUTH) TO PART 660, SUBPART F—NON-TRAWL ROCKFISH
CONSERVATION AREA BOUNDARIES
Latitude

Boundary

40°10′ N lat.-38°57.5′ N lat.

40 fm line-75 fm line.

38°57.5′ N lat.-34°27′ N lat.

50 fm line-75 fm line.

South of 34° 27′ N lat.

100 fm line-150 fm line (also applies around islands and banks).

NOTE 1 TO TABLE 3A (SOUTH): The Non-Trawl RCA is an area closed to fishing with particular non-trawl
gear types, as defined at § 660.11. Non-Trawl RCA boundaries apply in the EEZ only; see appropriate
state regulations for state closures. Non-Trawl RCA boundaries may be revised via inseason action;
therefore, users should refer back to this table throughout the year.

[89 FR 101539, Dec. 16, 2024, as amended at 90 FR 45004, Sept. 18, 2025]

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50 CFR 660.334(b)(2)

Table 3b (South) to Part 660, Subpart F—Trip Limits for Open Access South of 40°10′ N. lat.

TABLE 3b (SOUTH) TO PART 660, SUBPART F—TRIP LIMITS FOR OPEN ACCESS
SOUTH OF 40°10′ N. lat.
Species

Trip limit

Big skate

Unlimited.

Bocaccio

6,000 lb/2 months.

Bronzespotted rockfish

CLOSED.

Cabezon

Unlimited.

California scorpionfish

3,500 lb/2 months.

Canary rockfish

1,500 lb/2 months.

Chilipepper rockfish (40°10′ N lat.-34° 27′ N lat.)

6,000 lb/2 months.

Chilipepper rockfish (south of 34° 27′ N lat.)

4,000 lb/2 months.

Cowcod

CLOSED.

Flatfish (includes Dover sole, arrowtooth flounder,
petrale sole, English sole, starry flounder)

10,000 lb/2 months.

Lingcod (south of 40°10′ N lat.)

1,400 lb/2 months.

Longnose skate

Unlimited.

Longspine thornyhead (40° 10′ to 34° 27′ N lat.)

100 lb/2 months.

Nearshore rockfish complexes:
Shallow nearshore rockfish (south of 40°10′ N
lat.)

2,000 lb/2 months.

Deeper nearshore rockfish (south of 40°10′ N lat.)

2,000 lb/2 months, of which no more than 75 lb
may be copper rockfish.

Other fish (defined at § 660.11)

Unlimited.

Other flatfish complex (defined at § 660.11)

10,000 lb/2 months.

Pacific cod

1,000 lb/2 months.

Pacific Spiny Dogfish

Periods 1-2: 200,000 lb/2 months.
Period 3: 150,000 lb/2 months.
Periods 4-6: 100,000 lb/2 months.

Pacific whiting

600 lb/2 months.

Quillback rockfish

CLOSED.

Sablefish (40°10′ N lat.-36° N lat.)

4,000 lb/week not to exceed 8,000 lb/2

Note 1 to table 3b (South): Trip limits apply in the EEZ only; see appropriate state regulations for state
trip limits. Trip limits are effective year-round unless otherwise specified for different cumulative
periods (defined at § 660.11 under “Trip limits”). Trip limits are effective from 40°10′ N lat. to the U.S.Mexico border unless otherwise specified via latitudinal or state subdivisions in this table. Stock
complexes are defined at § 660.11 under “Groundfish”. Trip limits may be revised via inseason action;
therefore, users should refer back to this table throughout the year. To convert pounds to kilograms,
divide the weight in pounds by 2.20462. The resulting quotient is the weight in kilograms.

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50 CFR 660.350

Species

Trip limit
months.

Sablefish (south of 36° N lat.)

2,500 lb/week not to exceed 7,500 lb/2
months.

Shelf rockfish complex (40°10′ N lat.-34°27′ N
lat.); excludes bronzespotted rockfish

4,000 lb per 2 months, of which no more than
300 lb may be vermilion/sunset rockfish.

Shelf rockfish complex (south of 34° 27′ N lat.);
excludes bronzespotted rockfish

3,000 lb per 2 months, of which no more than
900 lb may be vermilion/sunset rockfish.

Shortspine thornyhead (40° 10′ N. lat.-34° 27′ N.
lat.)

100 lb/2 months.

Shortspine thornyhead and longspine thornyhead
(south of 34° 27′ N. lat.)

100 lb/day, no more than 1,000 lb/2 months for
all periods.

Slope rockfish complex & darkblotched rockfish

10,000 lb/2 months, of which no more than
2,500 lb may be blackgill rockfish.

Splitnose rockfish

400 lb/2 months.

Widow rockfish (40°10′ N lat.-34° 27′ N lat.)

6,000 lb/2 months.

Widow rockfish (south of 34° 27′ N lat.)

4,000 lb/2 months.

Yelloweye rockfish

CLOSED.

Salmon Troll

See § 660.334(b)(2).

Ridgeback Prawn, California halibut, and sea
cucumber

See § 660.333(e) and (f).

Pink Shrimp

See § 660.333(g) and (i).

Note 1 to table 3b (South): Trip limits apply in the EEZ only; see appropriate state regulations for state
trip limits. Trip limits are effective year-round unless otherwise specified for different cumulative
periods (defined at § 660.11 under “Trip limits”). Trip limits are effective from 40°10′ N lat. to the U.S.Mexico border unless otherwise specified via latitudinal or state subdivisions in this table. Stock
complexes are defined at § 660.11 under “Groundfish”. Trip limits may be revised via inseason action;
therefore, users should refer back to this table throughout the year. To convert pounds to kilograms,
divide the weight in pounds by 2.20462. The resulting quotient is the weight in kilograms.

[89 FR 101539, Dec. 16, 2024, as amended at 90 FR 15415, Apr. 11, 2025; 90 FR 34189, July 21, 2025; 90 FR 45005, Sept. 18, 2025]

Subpart G—West Coast Groundfish—Recreational Fisheries
Source: 75 FR 60995, Oct. 1, 2010, unless otherwise noted.

Editorial Note: At 88 FR 83859, Dec. 1, 2023, Subpart G was amended by revising all references to “Cordell
Banks” to read “Cordell Bank” however, the amendment could not be incorporated because the term did not exist.

§ 660.350 Purpose and scope.
This subpart covers the Pacific Coast Groundfish recreational fishery.

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50 CFR 660.351

§ 660.351 Recreational fishery—definitions.
These definitions are specific to the recreational fisheries covered in this subpart. General groundfish definitions are
defined at § 660.11, subpart C.
Bag limit means the number of fish available to an angler.
Boat limit means the number of fish available for a vessel or boat.
Descending device means an instrument capable of releasing a fish at the depth from which the fish was
caught.
Hook limit means a limit on the number of hooks on any given fishing line.
Long-leader gear (also known as Holloway gear) means fishing gear with the following: One fishing line,
deployed with a sinker and no more than three hooks, with a minimum of 30 feet (9.14 meters) between
the sinker and the lowest hook, and a non-compressible float attached to the line above the hooks. The
gear may be equipped with artificial lures and flies less than or equal to 5 inches in length. Natural bait,
and lures or flies greater than 5 inches in length, may not be used.
[75 FR 60995, Oct. 1, 2010, as amended at 83 FR 13431, Mar. 29, 2018; 89 FR 101541, Dec. 16, 2024]

§ 660.352 Recreational fishery—prohibitions.
These prohibitions are specific to the recreational fisheries. General groundfish prohibitions are found at § 660.12,
subpart C. In addition to the general groundfish prohibitions specified in § 600.12, subpart C, of this chapter, it is
unlawful for any person to:
(a) Sell, offer to sell, or purchase any groundfish taken in the course of recreational groundfish fishing.
(b) Use fishing gear other than hook-and-line or spear for recreational fishing.
(c) Fail to have at least one functional descending device on board ready for immediate use during a
groundfish recreational fishing trip.
[89 FR 101541, Dec. 16, 2024]

§ 660.353 Recreational fishery—recordkeeping and reporting.
Recordkeeping and reporting requirements at § 660.13 (a) through (c), subpart C, apply to the recreational fishery.

§ 660.360 Recreational fishery—management measures.
Link to an amendment published at 90 FR 57720, Dec. 12, 2025.
(a) General. Federal recreational groundfish regulations are not intended to supersede any more restrictive
state recreational groundfish regulations relating to federally-managed groundfish. The bag limits include
fish taken in both state and Federal waters.

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50 CFR 660.360(b)

(b) Gear restrictions. The only types of fishing gear authorized for recreational fishing are hook-and-line and
spear. Spears may be propelled by hand or by mechanical means. More fishery-specific gear restrictions
may be required by state as noted in paragraph (c) of this section (e.g., California's recreational “other
flatfish” fishery).
(1) All vessels participating in the groundfish recreational fishery seaward of California, Oregon, or
Washington must carry on board one functional descending device as defined at § 660.351. The
descending device must be available for immediate use and be available to present to an
enforcement officer upon request.
(2) [Reserved]
(c) State-specific recreational fishery management measures. Federal recreational groundfish regulations are
not intended to supersede any more restrictive State recreational groundfish regulations relating to
federally-managed groundfish. Off the coast of Washington, Oregon, and California, boat limits apply,
whereby each fisher aboard a vessel may continue to use angling gear until the combined daily limits of
groundfish for all licensed and juvenile anglers aboard has been attained (additional state restrictions on
boat limits may apply).
(1) Washington. For each person engaged in recreational fishing off the coast of Washington, the
groundfish bag limit is nine groundfish per day, including rockfish, cabezon, and lingcod. Within the
groundfish bag limit, there are sub-limits for rockfish, lingcod, and cabezon outlined in paragraph
(c)(1)(i)(D) of this section. In addition to the groundfish bag limit of nine, there will be a flatfish limit
of five fish, not to be counted towards the groundfish bag limit but in addition to it. The recreational
groundfish fishery will open the second Saturday in March through the third Saturday in October for
all species. In the Pacific halibut fisheries, retention of groundfish is governed in part by annual
management measures for Pacific halibut fisheries, which are published in the FEDERAL REGISTER. The
following seasons, closed areas, sub-limits, and size limits apply:
(i)

Recreational groundfish conservation areas off Washington —
(A) North coast recreational yelloweye rockfish conservation area. Recreational fishing for
groundfish and halibut is prohibited within the North Coast Recreational Yelloweye
Rockfish Conservation Area (YRCA). It is unlawful for recreational fishing vessels to take
and retain, possess, or land groundfish taken with recreational gear within the North Coast
Recreational YRCA. A vessel fishing in the North Coast Recreational YRCA may not be in
possession of any groundfish. Recreational vessels may transit through the North Coast
Recreational YRCA with or without groundfish on board. The North Coast Recreational
YRCA is defined by latitude and longitude coordinates specified at § 660.70, subpart C.
(B) South coast recreational yelloweye rockfish conservation area. Recreational fishing for
groundfish and halibut is allowed within the South Coast Recreational YRCA. The South
Coast Recreational YRCA is defined by latitude and longitude coordinates specified at §
660.70, subpart C.
(C) Westport offshore recreational yelloweye rockfish conservation area. Recreational fishing
for groundfish and halibut is allowed within the Westport Offshore Recreational YRCA. The
Westport Offshore Recreational YRCA is defined by latitude and longitude coordinates
specified at § 660.70, subpart C.

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50 CFR 660.360(c)(1)(i)(D)

(D) Recreational rockfish conservation area. Fishing for groundfish with recreational gear is
prohibited within the recreational RCA unless otherwise stated. It is unlawful to take and
retain, possess, or land groundfish taken with recreational gear within the recreational
RCA unless otherwise stated. A vessel fishing in the recreational RCA may not be in
possession of any groundfish unless otherwise stated. [For example, if a vessel
participates in the recreational salmon fishery within the RCA, the vessel cannot be in
possession of groundfish while in the RCA. The vessel may, however, on the same trip fish
for and retain groundfish shoreward of the RCA on the return trip to port.] Coordinates
approximating boundary lines at the 10-fm (18-m) through 100-fm (183-m) depth contours
can be found at § 660.71 through § 660.73. The Washington recreational fishing season
structure is as follows:

Table 1 To Paragraph (c)(1)(i)(D)—Washington Recreational Fishing Season Structure

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(ii) Rockfish. In areas of the EEZ seaward of Washington (Washington Marine Areas 1-4) that are
open to recreational groundfish fishing, there is a seven rockfish per day bag limit, including a
sub-bag limit of five canary rockfish. Taking and retaining yelloweye rockfish is prohibited in all
Marine Areas.
(iii) Cabezon. In areas of the EEZ seaward of Washington (Washington Marine Areas 1-4) that are
open to recreational groundfish fishing, there is a one cabezon per day bag limit.

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50 CFR 660.360(c)(1)(iv)

(iv) Lingcod. In areas of the EEZ seaward of Washington (Washington Marine Areas 1-4) that are
open to recreational groundfish fishing and when the recreational season for lingcod is open,
there is a bag limit of two lingcod per day. The recreational fishing seasons for lingcod is open
from the second Saturday in March through the third Saturday in October.
(2) Oregon —
(i)

Recreational groundfish conservation areas off Oregon —
(A) Stonewall Bank yelloweye rockfish conservation area. Recreational fishing for groundfish
and halibut is prohibited within the Stonewall Bank YRCA. It is unlawful for recreational
fishing vessels to take and retain, possess, or land groundfish taken with recreational gear
within the Stonewall Bank YRCA. A vessel fishing in the Stonewall Bank YRCA may not be
in possession of any groundfish. Recreational vessels may transit through the Stonewall
Bank YRCA with or without groundfish on board. The Stonewall Bank YRCA, and two
possible expansions that are available through inseason adjustment, are defined by
latitude and longitude coordinates specified at § 660.70, subpart C.
(B) Recreational rockfish conservation area (RCA). Fishing for groundfish with recreational
gear is prohibited within the recreational RCA, a type of closed area or groundfish
conservation area, except with long-leader gear (as defined at § 660.351). It is unlawful to
take and retain, possess, or land groundfish taken with recreational gear within the
recreational RCA, except with long-leader gear (as defined at § 660.351). A vessel fishing
in the recreational RCA may not be in possession of any groundfish unless otherwise
stated. [For example, if a vessel fishes in the recreational salmon fishery within the
recreational RCA, the vessel cannot be in possession of groundfish while within the
recreational RCA. The vessel may, however, on the same trip fish for and retain groundfish
shoreward of the recreational RCA on the return trip to port.] Off Oregon, from January 1
through December 31, recreational fishing for groundfish is allowed in all depths.
Coordinates approximating boundary lines at the 10-fm (18-m) through 100-fm (183-m)
depth contours can be found at § 660.71 through § 660.73.
(C) Essential fish habitat conservation areas. The Essential Fish Habitat Conservation Areas
(EFHCAs) are closed areas, defined by specific latitude and longitude coordinates at §§
660.76 through 660.79, where specified types of fishing are prohibited. Prohibitions
applying to specific EFHCAs are found at § 660.12.

(ii) Seasons. Recreational fishing for groundfish is open from January 1 through December 31,
subject to the closed areas described in paragraph (c) of this section.
(iii) Bag limits, size limits. For each person engaged in recreational fishing off the coast of Oregon,
the following bag limits apply:
(A) Marine fish. The bag limit is 10 marine fish per day, which includes rockfish, kelp greenling,
cabezon, and other groundfish species; except the daily bag limit in the long-leader gear
fishery is 12 fish per day with a sub-bag limit of 1 fish per day for canary rockfish. The bag
limit of marine fish excludes Pacific halibut, salmonids, tuna, perch species, sturgeon,
sanddabs, flatfish, lingcod, striped bass, hybrid bass, offshore pelagic species, and
baitfish (e.g., herring, smelt, anchovies, and sardines). The minimum size for cabezon
retained in the Oregon recreational fishery is 16 in (41 cm) total length.

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50 CFR 660.360(c)(2)(iii)(B)

(B) Lingcod. There is a three fish limit per day. The minimum size for lingcod retained in the
Oregon recreational fishery is 22 in (56 cm) total length. For vessels using long-leader
gear (as defined in § 660.351) and fishing inside the Recreational RCA, possession of
lingcod is prohibited.
(C) Flatfish. There is a 25 fish limit per day for all flatfish, excluding Pacific halibut, but
including all soles, flounders, and Pacific sanddabs.
(D) Sablefish. There is a 10 fish limit per day.
(E) In the Pacific halibut fisheries. Retention of groundfish is governed in part by annual
management measures for Pacific halibut fisheries, which are published in the FEDERAL
REGISTER. Between the Columbia River and Humbug Mountain, during days open to the “alldepth” sport halibut fisheries, when Pacific halibut are onboard the vessel, no groundfish,
except sablefish, Pacific cod, and other species of flatfish (sole, flounder, sanddab), may
be taken and retained, possessed or landed, except with long-leader gear (as defined at §
660.351). “All-depth” season days are established in the annual management measures
for Pacific halibut fisheries, which are published in the FEDERAL REGISTER and are
announced on the NMFS Pacific halibut hotline, 1-800-662-9825.
(F) Taking and retaining yelloweye rockfish is prohibited at all times and in all areas.
(3) California. Seaward of California, for groundfish species not specifically mentioned in this paragraph,
fishers are subject to the overall 20-fish bag limit for all species of finfish, of which no more than 10
fish of any one species may be taken or possessed by any one person. Petrale sole, Pacific sanddab,
and starry flounder are not subject to a bag limit. Recreational spearfishing for all federally-managed
groundfish, is exempt from closed areas and seasons, consistent with Title 14 of the California Code
of Regulations. This exemption applies only to recreational vessels and divers provided no other
fishing gear, except spearfishing gear, is on board the vessel. California state law may provide
regulations similar to Federal regulations for kelp greenlings. Retention of cowcod, yelloweye
rockfish, quillback rockfish, and bronzespotted rockfish, is prohibited in the recreational fishery
seaward of California all year in all areas. Retention of species or species groups for which the
season is closed is prohibited in the recreational fishery seaward of California all year in all areas,
unless otherwise authorized in this section. For each person engaged in recreational fishing in the
EEZ seaward of California, the following closed areas, seasons, bag limits, and size limits apply:
(i)

Recreational groundfish conservation areas off California. A Groundfish Conservation Area
(GCA), a type of closed area, is a geographic area defined by coordinates expressed in degrees
latitude and longitude. The following GCAs apply to participants in California's recreational
fishery.
(A) Recreational rockfish conservation areas. The Recreational RCAs are areas that are closed
to recreational fishing for certain groundfish. Fishing for the California rockfish, cabezon,
greenling complex (RCG Complex), as defined in paragraph (c)(3)(ii) of this section, and
lingcod with recreational gear, is prohibited within the Recreational RCA. It is unlawful to
take and retain, possess, or land the RCG Complex and lingcod taken with recreational
gear within the Recreational RCA, unless otherwise authorized in this section. A vessel
fishing in the Recreational RCA may not be in possession of any species prohibited by the
restrictions that apply within the Recreational RCA. For example, if a vessel fishes in the
recreational salmon fishery within the Recreational RCA, the vessel cannot be in
possession of the RCG Complex and lingcod while in the Recreational RCA. The vessel

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may, however, on the same trip fish for and retain rockfish shoreward of the Recreational
RCA on the return trip to port. If the season is closed for a species or species group,
fishing for that species or species group is prohibited both within the Recreational RCA
and outside of the Recreational RCA, unless otherwise authorized in this section. In times
and areas where a Recreational RCA is in place, vessels may stop, anchor in, or transit
through waters closed by the Recreational RCA so long as they do not have any hook-andline fishing gear in the water. Coordinates approximating boundary lines at the 30 fm (55
m) through 100 fm (183 m) depth contours can be found at §§ 660.71 through 660.73.
The recreational fishing season structure and RCA depth boundaries seaward of California
by management area and month are as follows:
(1) Between 42° N lat. (California/Oregon border) and 40°10′ N lat. (Northern
Management Area), recreational fishing for the RCG Complex and lingcod is closed
January 1 through March 31 and is open at all-depths from April 1 through December
31.
(2) Between 40°10′ N lat. and 38°57.50′ N lat. (Mendocino Management Area),
recreational fishing for the RCG Complex and lingcod is closed from January 1
through March 31 and is open at all-depths from April 1 through December 31.
(3) Between 38°57.50′ N lat. and 37°11′ N lat. (San Francisco Management Area),
recreational fishing for the RCG Complex and lingcod is closed from January 1
through March 31 and is open at all-depths from April 1 through December 31.
Closures around Cordell Bank (see paragraph (c)(3)(i)(C) of this section) also apply
in this area.
(4) Between 37°11′ N lat. and 34°27′ N lat. (Central Management Area), recreational
fishing for the RCG Complex and lingcod is closed from January 1 through March 31
and is open at all-depths from April 1 through December 31.
(5) South of 34°27′ N lat. (Southern Management Area), recreational fishing for the RCG
Complex and lingcod is closed from January 1 through March 31, open at all depths
from April 1 through June 30; is prohibited in the EEZ seaward of a boundary line
approximating the 50 fm (91 m) depth contour along the mainland coast and along
islands and offshore seamounts from July 1 through September 30, and is prohibited
in the EEZ shoreward of a boundary line approximating the 50 fm (91 m) depth
contour along the mainland coast and along islands and offshore seamounts from
October 1 through December 31.
(B) Groundfish exclusion areas (GEAs). The GEAs are closed areas in the Southern California
Bight, defined by specific latitude and longitude coordinates (specified at § 660.70) where
commercial and recreational fishing for groundfish is prohibited. It is unlawful to fish for,
take and retain, possess (except for the purpose of continuous transit) or land groundfish
within the GEAs. Recreational fishing gear for targeting groundfish may not be deployed
while transiting through a GEA. If fishing for non-groundfish species within a GEA, then no
groundfish may be on board the vessel.

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50 CFR 660.360(c)(3)(i)(C)

(C) Cordell Bank. Recreational fishing for groundfish is prohibited in waters less than 100 fm
(183 m) around Cordell Bank as defined by specific latitude and longitude coordinates at §
660.70, subpart C, except that recreational fishing for petrale sole, starry flounder, and
“Other Flatfish” is permitted around Cordell Bank as specified in paragraph (c)(3)(iv) of this
section.
(D) Point St. George Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Area (YRCA). Recreational fishing for
groundfish is prohibited within the Point St. George YRCA, as defined by latitude and
longitude coordinates at § 660.70, subpart C, on dates when the closure is in effect. The
closure is not in effect at this time. This closure may be imposed through inseason
adjustment.
(E) South reef YRCA. Recreational fishing for groundfish is prohibited within the South Reef
YRCA, as defined by latitude and longitude coordinates at § 660.70, subpart C, on dates
when the closure is in effect. The closure is not in effect at this time. This closure may be
imposed through inseason adjustment.
(F) Reading Rock YRCA. Recreational fishing for groundfish is prohibited within the Reading
Rock YRCA, as defined by latitude and longitude coordinates at § 660.70, subpart C, on
dates when the closure is in effect. The closure is not in effect at this time. This closure
may be imposed through inseason adjustment.
(G) Point Delgada (North) YRCA. Recreational fishing for groundfish is prohibited within the
Point Delgada (North) YRCA, as defined by latitude and longitude coordinates at § 660.70,
subpart C, on dates when the closure is in effect. The closure is not in effect at this time.
This closure may be imposed through inseason adjustment.
(H) Point Delgada (South) YRCA. Recreational fishing for groundfish is prohibited within the
Point Delgada (South) YRCA, as defined by latitude and longitude coordinates at § 660.70,
subpart C, on dates when the closure is in effect. The closure is not in effect at this time.
This closure may be imposed through inseason adjustment.
(I)

Essential fish habitat conservation areas. The Essential Fish Habitat Conservation Areas
(EFHCAs) are closed areas, defined by specific latitude and longitude coordinates at §§
660.76 through 660.79, subpart C where specified types of fishing are prohibited.
Prohibitions applying to specific EFHCAs are found at § 660.12, subpart C.

(ii) RCG complex. The California rockfish, cabezon, greenling complex (RCG Complex) includes all
rockfish, kelp greenling, rock greenling, and cabezon. This category does not include California
scorpionfish, also known as “sculpin”.
(A) Seasons. When recreational fishing for the RCG complex is open, it is permitted only
outside of the recreational RCAs described in paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this section.
(1) Between 42° N lat. (California/Oregon border) and 40°10′ N lat. (Northern
Management Area), recreational fishing for the RCG Complex is closed from January
1 through March 31 and is open April 1 through December 31.
(2) Between 40°10′ N lat. and 38°57.50′ N lat. (Mendocino Management Area),
recreational fishing for the RCG Complex is closed from January 1 through March 31
and is open April 1 through December 31.

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50 CFR 660.360(c)(3)(ii)(A)(3)

(3) Between 38°57.50′ N lat. and 37°11′ N lat. (San Francisco Management Area),
recreational fishing for the RCG Complex is closed from January 1 through March 31
and is open April 1 through December 31.
(4) Between 37°11′ N lat. and 34°27′ N lat. (Central Management Area), recreational
fishing for the RCG Complex is closed from January 1 through March 31 and is open
April 1 through December 31.
(5) South of 34°27′ N lat. (Southern Management Area), recreational fishing for the RCG
Complex and lingcod is closed from January 1 through March 31, open at all depths
from April 1 through June 30; is prohibited in the EEZ seaward of a boundary line
approximating the 50 fm (91 m) depth contour along the mainland coast and along
islands and offshore seamounts from July 1 through September 30, and is prohibited
in the EEZ shoreward of a boundary line approximating the 50 fm (91 m) depth
contour along the mainland coast and along islands and offshore seamounts from
October 1 through December 31.
(B) Bag limits, hook limits. In times and areas when the recreational season for the RCG
Complex is open, there is a limit of two hooks and one line when fishing for the RCG
complex. The bag limit is 10 RCG Complex fish per day coastwide, with the following sub
bag limits: 4 fish for vermilion/sunset rockfish between 42° N lat. and 40°10 N lat., 2 fish
for vermilion/sunset rockfish south of 40°10 N lat., 2 fish for canary rockfish, and 1 fish for
copper rockfish. These sub-bag limits count towards the bag limit for the RCG Complex
and are not in addition to that limit. Retention of yelloweye rockfish, bronzespotted
rockfish, quillback rockfish, and cowcod is prohibited. Multi-day limits are authorized by a
valid permit issued by California and must not exceed the daily limit multiplied by the
value of days in the fishing trip.
(C) Dressing/fileting. Each RCG Complex filet must have the entire skin attached.
(iii) Lingcod —
(A) Seasons. When recreational fishing for lingcod is open, it is permitted only outside of the
recreational RCAs described in paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this section.
(1) Between 42° N lat. (California/Oregon border) and 40°10′ N lat. (Northern
Management Area), recreational fishing for lingcod is open from April 1 through
December 31 (i.e., recreational fishing for lingcod in the EEZ is closed from January 1
through March 31).
(2) Between 40°10′ N lat. and 38°57.50′ N lat. (Mendocino Management Area),
recreational fishing for lingcod is open from April 1 through December 31 (i.e.,
recreational fishing for lingcod in the EEZ is closed from January 1 through March
31).
(3) Between 38°57.50′ N lat. and 37°11′ N lat. (San Francisco Management Area),
recreational fishing for lingcod is open from April 1 through December 31 (i.e.,
recreational fishing for lingcod in the EEZ is closed from January 1 through March
31).

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50 CFR 660.360(c)(3)(iii)(A)(4)

(4) Between 37°11′ N lat. and 34°27′ N lat. (Central Management Area), recreational
fishing for lingcod in the EEZ is open from April 1 through December 31 (i.e.,
recreational fishing for lingcod in the EEZ is closed from January 1 through March
31).
(5) South of 34°27′ N lat. (Southern Management Area), recreational fishing for lingcod in
the EEZ is open from April 1 through December 31 (i.e., recreational fishing for
lingcod in the EEZ is closed from January 1 through March 31).
(B) Bag limits, hook limits. In times and areas when the recreational season for lingcod is
open, there is a limit of 2 hooks and 1 line when fishing for lingcod. Multi-day limits are
authorized by a valid permit issued by California and must not exceed the daily limit
multiplied by the number of days in the fishing trip.
(1) The bag limit between 42° N lat. (California/Oregon border) and 40°10′ N lat.
(Northern Management Area) is 2 lingcod per day.
(2) The bag limit between 40°10′ N lat. and the U.S. border with Mexico (Mendocino
Management Area, San Francisco Management Area, Central Management Area, and
Southern Management Area) is 2 lingcod per day.
(C) Size limits. Lingcod may be no smaller than 22 in (56 cm) total length.
(D) Dressing/fileting. Lingcod filets may be no smaller than 14 in (36 cm) in length. Each
lingcod filet must have the entire skin attached.
(iv) “Other Flatfish,” petrale sole, and starry flounder. “Other Flatfish” are defined at § 660.11, and
include butter sole, curlfin sole, flathead sole, Pacific sanddab, rex sole, rock sole, and sand
sole.
(A) Seasons. Recreational fishing for “Other Flatfish,” petrale sole, and starry flounder is open
from January 1 through December 31. When recreational fishing for “Other Flatfish,”
petrale sole, and starry flounder is open, it is permitted both outside and within the
recreational RCAs described in paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this section.
(B) Bag limits, hook limits. In times and areas where the recreational season for “Other
Flatfish,” petrale sole, and starry flounder is open, “Other Flatfish” are subject to the overall
20-fish bag limit for all species of finfish, of which there may be no more than 10 fish of
any one species; there is no daily bag limit for petrale sole, starry flounder and Pacific
sanddab.
(C) Size limits. There are no size limits for “Other Flatfish,” petrale sole, and starry flounder.
(D) Dressing/Filleting. “Other Flatfish,” petrale sole, and starry flounder may be filleted at sea.
Fillets may be of any size, but must bear intact a one-inch (2.6 cm) square patch of skin.
(v) California scorpionfish. California scorpionfish predominately occur south of 40°10′ N. lat.
(A) Seasons. When recreational fishing for California scorpionfish is open, it is permitted both
outside of and within the recreational RCAs described in paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this
section. Recreational fishing for California scorpionfish is open from January 1 through
December 31.

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50 CFR 660.360(c)(3)(v)(B)

(B) Bag limits, hook limits. South of 40°10.00′ N lat., in times and areas where the recreational
season for California scorpionfish is open there is a limit of 2 hooks and 1 line, the bag
limit is 5 California scorpionfish per day. California scorpionfish do not count against the
10 RCG Complex fish per day limit. Multi-day limits are authorized by a valid permit issued
by California and must not exceed the daily limit multiplied by the number of days in the
fishing trip.
(C) Dressing/fileting. Each California scorpionfish filet must have the entire skin attached.
(d) Salmon bycatch. Recreational fisheries that are not accounted for within pre-season salmon modeling
may be closed through automatic action at § 660.60(d)(1)(v) and (vi).
[75 FR 60995, Oct. 1, 2010, as amended at 76 FR 11392, Mar. 2, 2011; 76 FR 27559, May 11, 2011; 76 FR 54714, Sept. 2, 2011; 76
FR 79133, Dec. 21, 2011; 77 FR 12504, Mar. 1, 2012; 77 FR 55158, Sept. 7, 2012; 77 FR 63761, Oct. 17, 2012; 78 FR 642, Jan. 3,
2013; 78 FR 26279, May 6, 2013; 80 FR 12601, Mar. 10, 2015; 80 FR 61766, Oct. 14, 2015; 82 FR 9668, Feb. 7, 2017; 82 FR 21951,
May 11, 2017; 82 FR 48666, Oct. 19, 2017; 82 FR 60570, Dec. 21, 2017; 83 FR 13431, Mar. 29, 2018; 83 FR 16008, Apr. 13, 2018; 83
FR 48728, Sept. 27, 2018; 83 FR 64014, Dec. 12, 2018; 84 FR 25720, June 4, 2019; 85 FR 79926, Dec. 11, 2020; 86 FR 14386, Mar.
16, 2021; 86 FR 72873, Dec. 23, 2021; 87 FR 77033, Dec. 16, 2022; 88 FR 4919, Jan. 26, 2023; 88 FR 12868, Mar. 1, 2023; 88 FR
67665, Oct. 2, 2023; 88 FR 83363, Nov. 29, 2023; 88 FR 83859, Dec. 1, 2023; 89 FR 22350, 22355, Apr. 1, 2024; 89 FR 67327, Aug.
20, 2024; 89 FR 101541, Dec. 16, 2024; 90 FR 15941, Apr. 16, 2025; 90 FR 45005, Sept. 18, 2025; 90 FR 58171, Dec. 16, 2025]

Subpart H—West Coast Salmon Fisheries
§ 660.401 Purpose and scope.
This subpart implements the Fishery Management Plan for Commercial and Recreational Salmon Fisheries Off the
Coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California developed by the Pacific Fishery Management Council. These
regulations govern the management of West Coast salmon fisheries in the EEZ.

§ 660.402 Definitions.
In addition to the definitions in the Magnuson Act and in § 600.10 of this chapter, the terms used in this subpart
have the following meanings:
Barbless hook means a hook with a single shank and point, with no secondary point or barb curving or
projecting in any other direction. Where barbless hooks are specified, hooks manufactured with barbs can
be made barbless by forcing the point of the barb flat against the main part of the point.
Commercial fishing means fishing with troll fishing gear as defined annually under § 660.408, or fishing for the
purpose of sale or barter of the catch.
Council means the Pacific Fishery Management Council.
Dressed, head-off length of salmon means the shortest distance between the midpoint of the clavicle arch and
the fork of the tail, measured along the lateral line while the fish is lying on its side, without resort to any
force or mutilation of the fish other than removal of the head, gills, and entrails.
Dressed, head-off salmon means salmon that have been beheaded, gilled, and gutted without further separation
of vertebrae, and are either being prepared for on-board freezing, or are frozen and will remain frozen until
landed.

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50 CFR 660.402 “Fishery management area”

Fishery management area means the EEZ off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California, bounded on the
north by the Provisional International Boundary between the United States and Canada, and bounded on
the south by the International Boundary between the United States and Mexico. The northeastern,
northern, and northwestern boundaries of the fishery management area are as follows:
(1) Northeastern boundary—that part of a line connecting the light on Tatoosh Island, WA, with the light
on Bonilla Point on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, southerly of the International Boundary
between the United States and Canada (at 48°29′37″ N. lat., 124°43′33″ W. long.), and northerly of the
point where that line intersects with the boundary of the U.S. territorial sea.
(2) Northern and northwestern boundary is a line[1] connecting the following coordinates:

N. lat.

W. long.

48°29′37.19″

124°43′33.19″

48°30′11″

124°47′13″

48°30′22″

124°50′21″

48°30′14″

124°52′52″

48°29′57″

124°59′14″

48°29′44″

125°00′06″

48°28′09″

125°05′47″

48°27′10″

125°08′25″

48°26′47″

125°09′12″

48°20′16″

125°22′48″

48°18′22″

125°29′58″

48°11′05″

125°53′48″

47°49′15″

126°40′57″

47°36′47″

127°11′58″

47°22′00″

127°41′23″

46°42′05″

128°51′56″

46°31′47″

129°07′39″

(3) The southern boundary of the fishery management area is the U.S.-Mexico International Boundary,
which is a line connecting the following coordinates:

N. lat.

W. long.

[1]

The line joining these coordinates is the provisional international boundary of the U.S. EEZ as shown on
NOAA/NOS Charts #18480 and #18002.
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50 CFR 660.402 “Fishery management area” (4)

32°35′22″

117°27′49″

32°37′37″

117°49′31″

31°07′58″

118°36′18″

30°32′31″

121°51′58″

(4) The inner boundaries of the fishery management area are subject to change if the Secretary
assumes responsibility for the regulation of the salmon fishery within state waters under section
306(b) of the Magnuson Act.
Freezer trolling vessel means a fishing vessel, equipped with troll fishing gear, that has a present capability for:
(1) On board freezing of the catch.
(2) Storage of the fish in a frozen condition until they are landed.
Land or landing means to begin transfer of fish from a fishing vessel. Once transfer begins, all fish onboard the
vessel are counted as part of the landing.
Pacific Coast Salmon Plan (PCSP or Salmon FMP) means the Fishery Management Plan, as amended, for
commercial and recreational ocean salmon fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) (3 to 200
nautical miles offshore) off Washington, Oregon, and California. The Salmon FMP was first developed by
the Council and approved by the Secretary in 1978. The Salmon FMP was amended on October 31, 1984,
to establish a framework process to develop and implement fishery management actions; the Salmon
FMP has been subsequently amended at irregular intervals. Other names commonly used include: Pacific
Coast Salmon Fishery Management Plan, West Coast Salmon Plan, West Coast Salmon Fishery
Management Plan.
Plugs means artificial fishing lures made of wood or hard plastic with one or more hooks attached. Lures
commonly known as “spoons,” “wobblers,” “dodgers,” and flexible plastic lures are not considered plugs,
and may not be used where “plugs only” are specified.
Recreational fishing means fishing with recreational fishing gear as defined annually under § 660.408 and not for
the purpose of sale or barter.
Recreational fishing gear will be defined annually under § 660.408.
Regional Administrator means the Administrator, West Coast Region, NMFS.
Salmon means any anadromous species of the family Salmonidae and genus Oncorhynchus, commonly known
as Pacific salmon, including, but not limited to:
Chinook (king) salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
Coho (silver) salmon, Oncorhynchus kisutch
Pink (humpback) salmon, Oncorhynchus gorbuscha
Chum (dog) salmon, Oncorhynchus keta

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50 CFR 660.402 “Total length of salmon”

Sockeye (red) salmon, Oncorhynchus nerka
Steelhead (rainbow trout), Oncorhynchus mykiss
Total length of salmon means the shortest distance between the tip of the snout or jaw (whichever extends
furthest while the mouth is closed) and the tip of the longest lobe of the tail, without resort to any force or
mutilation of the salmon other than fanning or swinging the tail.
Treaty Indian fishing means fishing for salmon and steelhead in the fishery management area by a person
authorized by the Makah Tribe to exercise fishing rights under the Treaty with the Makah, or by the
Quileute, Hoh, or Quinault Tribes to exercise fishing rights under the Treaty of Olympia.
Troll fishing gear will be defined annually under § 660.408.
Whole bait means a hook or hooks baited with whole natural bait with no device to attract fish other than a
flasher.
[61 FR 34572, July 2, 1996, as amended at 66 FR 29241, May 30, 2001; 76 FR 81858, Dec. 29, 2011; 78 FR 10559, Feb. 14, 2013; 87
FR 25430, Apr. 29, 2022]

§ 660.403 Relation to other laws.
(a) The relation of this part to other laws is set forth in § 600.705 of this chapter, § 660.2, and paragraphs (b)
and (c) of this section.
(b) Any person fishing subject to this subpart who also engages in fishing for groundfish should consult
Federal regulations in subpart C through G for applicable requirements of that subpart, including the
requirement that vessels engaged in commercial fishing for groundfish (except commercial passenger
vessels) have vessel identification in accordance with § 660.20.
(c) Any person fishing subject to this subpart is bound by the international boundaries of the fishery
management area described in § 660.402, notwithstanding any dispute or negotiation between the United
States and any neighboring country regarding their respective jurisdictions, until such time as new
boundaries are published by the United States.
[61 FR 34572, July 2, 1996, as amended at 76 FR 81858, Dec. 29, 2011]

§ 660.404 Recordkeeping and reporting.
(a) This subpart recognizes that catch and effort data necessary for implementation of any applicable fishery
management plan are collected by the States and Indian tribes of Washington, Oregon, California, and
Idaho under existing data collection requirements. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, no
additional catch reports will be required of fishermen or processors so long as the data collection and
reporting systems operated by State agencies and Indian tribes continue to provide NMFS with statistical
information adequate for management.
(b) Persons engaged in commercial fishing may be required to submit catch reports that are specified
annually under § 660.408.
[61 FR 34600, July 2, 1996]
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50 CFR 660.405

§ 660.405 Prohibitions.
(a) In addition to the general prohibitions specified in § 600.725 of this chapter, it is unlawful for any person
to do any of the following, except as otherwise authorized under this part:
(1) Take and retain, possess, or land salmon caught with a net in the fishery management area, except
that a hand-held net may be used to bring hooked salmon on board a vessel.
(2) Fish for, take and retain, or possess any species of salmon:
(i)

During closed seasons or in closed areas;

(ii) While possessing on board any species not allowed to be taken in the area at the time;
(iii) Once any catch limit is attained;
(iv) By means of gear or methods other than recreational fishing gear or troll fishing gear, or gear
authorized under § 660.408(k) for treaty Indian fishing;
(v) In violation of any action issued under this subpart; or
(vi) In violation of any applicable area, season, species, zone, gear, daily bag limit, or length
restriction.
(3) Fish for salmon in an area when salmon of less than the legal minimum length for that area are on
board the fishing vessel, except that this provision does not prohibit transit of an area when salmon
of less than the legal minimum length for that area are on board, so long as no fishing is being
conducted.
(4) Remove the head of any salmon caught in the fishery management area, or possess a salmon with
the head removed, if that salmon has been marked by removal of the adipose fin to indicate that a
coded wire tag has been implanted in the head of the fish.
(5) Take and retain or possess on board a fishing vessel any species of salmon that is less than the
applicable minimum total length, including the applicable minimum length for dressed, head-off
salmon.
(6) Possess on board a fishing vessel a salmon, for which a minimum total length is extended or cannot
be determined, except that dressed, head-off salmon may be possessed on board a freezer trolling
vessel, unless the adipose fin of such salmon has been removed.
(7) Fail to return to the water immediately and with the least possible injury any salmon the retention of
which is prohibited by this subpart.
(8) Engage in recreational fishing while aboard a vessel engaged in commercial fishing. This restriction
is not intended to prohibit the use of fishing gear otherwise permitted under the definitions of troll
and recreational fishing gear, so long as that gear is legal in the fishery for which it is being used.
(9) Take and retain, possess, or land any steelhead taken in the course of commercial fishing in the
fishery management area, unless such take and retention qualifies as treaty Indian fishing.
(10) Sell, barter, offer to sell, offer to barter, or purchase any salmon taken in the course of recreational
salmon fishing.
(11) Refuse to submit fishing gear or catch subject to such person's control to inspection by an
authorized officer, or to interfere with or prevent, by any means, such an inspection.
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50 CFR 660.405(a)(12)

(12) Take and retain Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) except in accordance with regulations of
the International Pacific Halibut Commission at part 300 of this title. Pacific halibut that cannot be
retained lawfully must be returned to the water immediately and with the least possible injury.
(13) Violate any other provision of this subpart.
(b) The fishery management area is closed to salmon fishing except as opened by this subpart or
superseding regulations or notices. All open fishing periods begin at 0001 hours and end at 2400 hours
local time on the dates specified, except that a fishing period may be ended prior to 2400 hours local time
through an inseason action taken under § 660.409 in order to meet fishery management objectives.
(c) Under the Pacific Coast groundfish regulations at § 660.330, fishing with salmon troll gear is prohibited
within the Salmon Troll Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Area (YRCA). It is unlawful for commercial
salmon troll vessels to take and retain, possess, or land fish taken with salmon troll gear within the
Salmon Troll YRCA. Vessels may transit through the Salmon Troll YRCA with or without fish on board.The
Salmon Troll YRCA is an area off the northern Washington coast. The Salmon Troll YRCA is intended to
protect yelloweye rockfish. The Salmon Troll YRCA is defined by straight lines connecting specific latitude
and longitude coordinates under the Pacific Coast Groundfish regulations at § 660.70.
[61 FR 34572, July 2, 1996, as amended at 71 FR 78719, Dec. 29, 2006; 76 FR 81858, Dec. 29, 2011; 80 FR 77275, Dec. 14, 2015; 89
FR 66013, Aug. 14, 2024]

§ 660.406 Exempted fishing.
(a) NMFS may allow such exempted fishing in the fishery management area as may be recommended by the
Council, the Federal Government, state government, or treaty Indian tribes having usual and accustomed
fishing grounds in the fishery management area.
(b) NMFS will not allow any exempted fishery recommended by the Council unless NMFS determines that the
purpose, design, and administration of the exempted fishery are consistent with the goals and objectives
of the Council's fishery management plan, the national standards (section 301(a) of the Magnuson Act),
and other applicable law.
(c) Each vessel participating in any exempted fishery recommended by the Council and allowed by NMFS is
subject to all provisions of this subpart, except those portions which relate to the purpose and nature of
the exempted fishery. These exceptions will be specified in a permit issued by the Regional Administrator
to each vessel participating in the exempted fishery and that permit must be carried aboard each
participating vessel.
[61 FR 34572, July 2, 1996, as amended at 78 FR 10559, Feb. 14, 2013]

§ 660.407 Treaty Indian fishing.
Except as otherwise provided in this subpart, treaty Indian fishing in any part of the fishery management area is
subject to the provisions of this subpart, the Magnuson Act, and any other regulations issued under the Magnuson
Act.

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50 CFR 660.408

§ 660.408 Annual actions.
(a) General. NMFS will annually establish specifications and management measures or, as necessary, adjust
specifications and management measures for the commercial, recreational, and treaty Indian fisheries by
publishing the action in the FEDERAL REGISTER under § 660.411. Management of the Pacific Coast salmon
fishery will be conducted consistent with the standards and procedures in the Salmon FMP. The Salmon
FMP is available from the Regional Administrator or the Council. Specifications and management
measures are described in paragraphs (b) through (o) of this section.
(b) Annual catch limits. Annual Specifications will include annual catch limits (ACLs) determined consistent
with the standards and procedures in the Salmon FMP.
(c) Allowable ocean harvest levels. Allowable ocean harvest levels must ensure that conservation objectives
and ACLs are met, as described in § 660.410, except that where the de minimis fishing control rules
described in § 660.410(c) apply, conservation objectives may not be met, provided ACLs are met. The
allowable ocean harvest for commercial, recreational, and treaty Indian fishing may be expressed in terms
of season regulations expected to achieve a certain optimum harvest level or in terms of a particular
number of fish. Procedures for determining allowable ocean harvest vary by species and fishery
complexity, and are documented in the fishery management plan and Council documents.
(d) Allocation of ocean harvest levels —
(1) Coho and chinook from the U.S.-Canada border to Cape Falcon —
(i)

Overall allocation schedule. Initial allocation of coho and chinook salmon north of Cape Falcon,
OR, will be based on the following schedule:

Allowable non-treaty ocean harvest (thousands of fish)

Percentage 1
Commercial

Recreational

Coho:
0-300

25

75

>300

60

40

0-100

50

50

>100-150

60

40

>150

70

30

Chinook:

1

The percentage allocation is tiered and must be calculated in additive steps when the harvest level
exceeds the initial tier. For example, for a total allowable ocean harvest of 150,000 chinook, the
recreational allocation would be equal to 50 percent of 100,000 chinook plus 40 percent of 50,000
chinook or 50,000 + 20,000 = 70,000 chinook.

(ii) Deviations from allocation schedule. The initial allocation may be modified annually in
accordance with paragraphs (d)(1)(iii) through (viii) of this section. These deviations from the
allocation schedule provide flexibility to account for the dynamic nature of the fisheries and
better achieve the allocation objectives and fishery allocation priorities in paragraphs (d)(1)(ix)
and (x) of this section. Total allowable ocean harvest will be maximized to the extent possible
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50 CFR 660.408(d)(1)(iii)

consistent with treaty obligations, state fishery needs, conservation objectives, and ACLs. Every
effort will be made to establish seasons and gear requirements that provide troll and
recreational fleets a reasonable opportunity to catch the available harvest. These may include
single-species directed fisheries with landing restrictions for other species.
(iii) Preseason trades. Preseason species trades (chinook and coho) may be made if they are based
upon the recommendation of the commercial and recreational Salmon Advisory Subpanel
representatives for the area north of Cape Falcon; simultaneously benefit both the commercial
and recreational fisheries or benefit one fishery without harming the other; and are supported
by a socio-economic analysis that compares the impacts of the recommendation to those of
the standard allocation schedule to determine the allocation that best meets the allocation
objectives. This analysis will be made available to the public during the preseason process for
establishing annual management measures. Preseason trades will use an exchange ratio of
four coho to one chinook as a desirable guideline.
(iv) Commercial allocation. The commercial allowable ocean harvest of chinook and coho derived
during the preseason allocation process may be varied by major subareas (i.e., north of
Leadbetter Point and south of Leadbetter Point) if there is need to do so to decrease impacts
on weak stocks. Deviations in each major subarea will generally not exceed 50 percent of the
allowable ocean harvest of each species that would have been established without a
geographic deviation in the distribution of the allowable ocean harvest. Deviation of more than
50 percent will be based on a conservation need to protect the weak stocks and will provide
larger overall harvest for the entire fishery north of Cape Falcon than would have been possible
without the deviation.
(v) Recreational allocation. The recreational allowable ocean harvest of chinook and coho derived
during the preseason allocation process will be distributed among the four major recreational
subareas as described in the coho and chinook distribution sections below. The Council may
deviate from subarea quotas to meet recreational season objectives, based on agreement of
representatives of the affected ports and/or in accordance with section 6.5.3.2 of the Pacific
Coast Salmon Plan, regarding certain selective fisheries. Additionally, based upon the
recommendation of the recreational Salmon Advisory Subpanel representatives for the area
north of Cape Falcon, the Council will include criteria in its preseason salmon management
recommendations to guide any inseason transfer of coho among the recreational subareas to
meet recreational season duration objectives.
(A) Coho distribution. The preseason recreational allowable ocean harvest of coho north of
Cape Falcon will be distributed to provide 50 percent to the area north of Leadbetter Point
and 50 percent to the area south of Leadbetter Point. In years with no fishery in
Washington State management area 4B, the distribution of coho north of Leadbetter Point
will be divided to provide 74 percent to the subarea between Leadbetter Point and the
Queets River (Westport), 5.2 percent to the subarea between Queets River and Cape
Flattery (La Push), and 20.8 percent to the area north of the Queets River (Neah Bay). In
years when there is an Area 4B (Neah Bay) fishery under state management, 25 percent of
the numerical value of that fishery shall be added to the recreational allowable ocean
harvest north of Leadbetter Point prior to applying the sharing percentages for Westport
and La Push. The increase to Westport and La Push will be subtracted from the Neah Bay
ocean share to maintain the same total harvest allocation north of Leadbetter Point. Each

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50 CFR 660.408(d)(1)(v)(B)

of the four recreational port area allocations will be rounded, to the nearest hundred fish,
with the largest quotas rounded downward, if necessary, to sum to the preseason
recreational allowable ocean harvest of coho north of Cape Falcon.
(B) Chinook distribution. Subarea distributions of Chinook will be managed as guidelines
based on calculations of the Salmon Technical Team with the primary objective of
achieving all-species fisheries without imposing Chinook restrictions (i.e., area closures or
bag limit reductions). Chinook in excess of all-species fisheries needs may be utilized by
directed Chinook fisheries north of Cape Falcon or by negotiating a preseason species
trade of Chinook and coho between commercial and recreational allocations in
accordance with paragraph (d)(1)(iii) of this section.
(vi) Inseason trades and transfers. Inseason transfers, including species trades of Chinook and
coho, may be permitted in either direction between commercial and recreational fishery quotas
to allow for uncatchable fish in one fishery to be reallocated to the other. Fish will be deemed
uncatchable by a respective commercial or recreational fishery only after considering all
possible annual management actions to allow for their harvest that are consistent with the
harvest management objectives specific in the fishery management plan including
consideration of single species fisheries. Implementation of inseason transfers will require
consultation with the pertinent commercial and recreational Salmon Advisory Subpanel
representatives from the area involved and the Salmon Technical Team, and a clear
establishment of available fish and impacts from the transfer. Inseason trades or transfers may
vary from the guideline ratio of four coho to one Chinook to meet the allocation objectives in
paragraph (d)(1)(ix) of this section.
(vii) Other inseason provisions. Any increase or decrease in the recreational or commercial allowable
ocean harvest resulting from an inseason restructuring of a fishery or other inseason
management action does not require reallocation of the overall non-treaty allowable ocean
harvest north of Cape Falcon between the recreational and commercial fisheries. Inseason
redistribution of subarea quotas within the recreational fishery or the distribution of allowable
coho catch transfers from the commercial fishery among subareas may deviate from the
preseason distribution. Inseason management actions may be taken by the Regional
Administrator to assure meeting the primary objective of achieving all-species fisheries without
imposing Chinook restrictions in each of the recreational subareas north of Cape Falcon. Such
actions might include, but are not limited to: Closure from 0 to 3, 0 to 6, 3 to 200, or 5 to 200 nm
from shore; closure from a point extending due west from Tatoosh Island for 5 nm, then south
to a point due west of Umatilla Reef Buoy, then due east to shore; closure from North Head at
the Columbia River mouth north to Leadbetter Point; change in species that may be landed; or
other actions as prescribed in the annual management measures.
(viii) Selective fisheries. Deviations from the initial gear and port area allocations may be allowed to
implement selective fisheries for marked salmon stocks as long as the deviations are within the
constraints and process specified in section 6.5.3.2 of the Pacific Coast Salmon Plan.
(ix) Allocation objectives. The goal of allocating ocean harvest north of Cape Falcon is to achieve, to
the greatest degree possible, the following objectives for the commercial and recreational
fisheries. When deviation from the allocation schedule is being considered, these objectives will
serve as criteria to help determine whether a user group will benefit from the deviation.
(A) Provide recreational opportunity by maximizing the duration of the fishing season while
minimizing daily and area closures and restrictions on gear and daily limits.
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50 CFR 660.408(d)(1)(ix)(B)

(B) Maximize the value of the commercial harvest while providing fisheries of reasonable
duration.
(x) Fishery allocation priorities. The following fishery allocation priorities will provide guidance in
the preseason process of establishing final harvest allocations and structuring seasons that
best achieve the allocation objectives. To the extent fish are provided to each fishery by the
allocation schedule, these priorities do not favor one user group over the other and should be
met simultaneously for each fishery. Seasons may be structured that deviate from these
priorities consistent with the allocation objectives.
(A) At total allowable harvest levels up to 300,000 coho and 100,000 chinook: For the
recreational fishery, provide coho for a late June through early September all-species
season; provide chinook to allow access to coho and, if possible, a minimal chinook-only
fishery prior to the all-species season; and adjust days per week and/or institute area
restrictions to stabilize season duration. For the commercial fishery, provide chinook for a
May and early June chinook season and provide coho for hooking mortality and/or access
to a pink fishery, and ensure that part of the chinook season will occur after June 1.
(B) At total allowable harvest levels above 300,000 coho and above 100,000 chinook: For the
recreational fishery, relax any restrictions in the all-species fishery and/or extend the allspecies season beyond Labor Day as coho quota allows; provide chinook for a Memorial
Day through late June chinook-only fishery; and adjust days per week to ensure continuity
with the all-species season. For the commercial fishery, provide coho for an all-species
season in late summer and/or access to a pink fishery; and leave adequate chinook from
the May through June season to allow access to coho.
(2) Coho south of Cape Falcon —
(i)

Allocation schedule. Preseason allocation shares of coho salmon south of Cape Falcon, OR, will
be determined by an allocation schedule, which is based on the following formula. The formula
will be used to interpolate between allowable harvest levels as shown in the table below.
(A) Up to 350,000 allowable ocean harvest: The first 150,000 fish will be allocated to the
recreational fishery. Additional fish will be allocated 66.7 percent to troll and 33.3 percent
to recreational. The incidental coho mortality for a commercial all-salmon-except-coho
fishery will be deducted from the troll allocation. If the troll allocation is insufficient for this
purpose, the remaining number of coho needed for this estimated incidental coho
mortality will be deducted from the recreational share.
(B) From 350,000 to 800,000 allowable ocean harvest: The recreational allocation is equal to
14 percent of the allowable harvest above 350,000 fish, plus 217,000 fish. The remainder
of the allowable ocean harvest will be allocated to the troll fishery.

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50 CFR 660.408(d)(2)(i)(C)

(C) Above 800,000 allowable ocean harvest: The recreational allocation is equal to 10 percent
of the allowable harvest above 800,000 fish, plus 280,000 fish. The remainder of the
allowable ocean harvest will be allocated to the troll fishery.

Allowable ocean harvest (thousands of
fish)

Commercial

Recreational

Number
Number
Percentage
Percentage
(thousands)
(thousands)

2,700

2,230

82.6

470

17.4

2,600

2,140

82.3

460

17.7

2,500

2,050

82.0

450

18.0

2,400

1,960

81.7

440

18.3

2,300

1,870

81.3

430

18.7

2,200

1,780

80.9

420

19.1

2,100

1,690

80.5

410

19.5

2,000

1,600

80.0

400

20.0

1,900

1,510

79.5

390

20.5

1,800

1,420

78.9

380

21.1

1,700

1,330

78.2

370

21.8

1,600

1,240

77.5

360

22.5

1,500

1,150

76.7

350

23.3

1,400

1,060

75.7

340

24.3

1,300

970

74.6

330

25.4

1,200

880

73.3

320

26.7

1,100

790

71.8

310

28.2

1,000

700

70.0

300

30.0

900

610

67.8

290

32.2

800

520

65.0

280

35.0

700

434

62.0

266

38.0

600

348

58.0

252

42.0

500

262

52.4

238

47.6

400

176

44.0

224

56.0

350

133

38.0

217

62.0

300

100

200

1

33

33.3
1

16.5

200
1

167

66.7
1

83.5

1

An incidental coho allowance associated with any commercial all-salmon-except-coho fishery will be
deducted from the recreational share of coho during periods of low coho abundance when the
commercial allocation of coho under the schedule would be insufficient to allow for incidental hooking
mortality of coho in the commercial all-salmon-except-coho fishery.

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Allowable ocean harvest (thousands of
fish)
100

50 CFR 660.408(d)(2)(ii)

Commercial

Recreational

Number
Number
Percentage
Percentage
(thousands)
(thousands)
(1)

( 1)

(1)

( 1)

1

An incidental coho allowance associated with any commercial all-salmon-except-coho fishery will be
deducted from the recreational share of coho during periods of low coho abundance when the
commercial allocation of coho under the schedule would be insufficient to allow for incidental hooking
mortality of coho in the commercial all-salmon-except-coho fishery.

(ii) Geographic distribution. Allowable harvest south of Cape Falcon may be divided and portions
assigned to subareas based on considerations including, but not limited to, controlling ocean
harvest impacts on depressed, viable natural stocks within acceptable maximum allowable
levels; stock abundance; allocation considerations; stock specific impacts; relative abundance
of the salmon species in the fishery; escapement goals; and maximizing harvest potential.
(iii) Recreational allocation at 167,000 fish or less. When the recreational allocation is at 167,000
fish or less, the total recreational allowable ocean harvest of coho will be divided between two
major subareas with independent impact quotas. The initial allocation will be 70 percent from
Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain and 30 percent south of Humbug Mountain. Coho transfers
between the two impact quotas may be permitted on a one-for-one basis, if chinook constraints
preclude access to coho. Horse Mountain to Point Arena will be managed for an impact
guideline of 3 percent of the south of Cape Falcon recreational allocation. The recreational
coho fishery between Humbug Mountain and Point Arena may be closed when it is projected
that the harvest impact between Humbug Mountain and Point Arena, combined with the
projected harvest impact that will be taken south of Point Arena to the end of the season,
equals the impact quota for south of Humbug Mountain. The recreational fishery for coho
salmon south of Point Arena will not close upon attainment of the south of Humbug Mountain
impact quota.
(iv) Oregon coastal natural coho. The allocation provisions in paragraph (d)(2) of this section
provide guidance only when coho abundance permits a directed coho harvest, not when the
allowable harvest impacts are insufficient to allow coho retention south of Cape Falcon. At
such low levels, allowable harvest impacts will be allocated during the Council's preseason
process.
(v) Inseason reallocation. No later than August 15 each year, the Salmon Technical Team will
estimate the number of coho salmon needed to complete the recreational seasons. Any coho
salmon allocated to the recreational fishery that are not needed to complete the recreational
seasons will be reallocated to the commercial fishery. Once reallocation has taken place, the
remaining recreational quota will change to a harvest guideline. If the harvest guideline for the
recreational fishery is projected to be reached on or before Labor Day, the Regional
Administrator may allow the recreational fishery to continue through the Labor Day weekend
only if there is no significant danger of impacting the allocation of another fishery or of failing
to meet an escapement goal.

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50 CFR 660.408(e)

(e) Management boundaries and zones. Management boundaries and zones will be established or adjusted to
achieve a conservation purpose or management objective. A conservation purpose or management
objective protects a fish stock, simplifies management of a fishery, or promotes wise use of fishery
resources by, for example, separating fish stocks, facilitating enforcement, separating conflicting fishing
activities, or facilitating harvest opportunities. Management boundaries and zones will be described by
geographical references, coordinates (latitude and longitude), depth contours, distance from shore, or
similar criteria.
(f) Minimum harvest lengths. The minimum harvest lengths for commercial, recreational, and treaty Indian
fishing may be changed upon demonstration that a useful purpose will be served. For example, an
increase in minimum size for commercially caught salmon may be necessary for conservation or may
provide a greater poundage and monetary yield from the fishery while not substantially increasing
hooking mortality. The removal of a minimum size for the recreational fishery may prevent wastage of fish
and outweigh the detrimental impacts of harvesting immature fish.
(g) Recreational daily bag limits. Recreational daily bag limits for each fishing area will specify number and
species of salmon that may be retained. The recreational daily bag limits for each fishing area will be set
to maximize the length of the fishing season consistent with the allowable level of harvest in the area.
(h) Fishing gear restrictions. Gear restrictions for commercial, recreational, and treaty Indian fishing may be
established or modified upon demonstration that a useful purpose will be served. For example, gear
restrictions may be imposed or modified to facilitate enforcement, reduce hooking mortality, or reduce
gear expenses for fishermen.
(i)

Seasons —
(1) In general. Seasons for commercial and recreational fishing will be established or modified taking
into account allowable ocean harvest levels and quotas, allocations between the commercial and
recreational fisheries, and the estimated amount of effort required to catch the available fish based
on past seasons.
(2) Commercial seasons. Commercial seasons will be established or modified taking into account
wastage of fish that cannot legally be retained, size and poundage of fish caught, effort shifts
between fishing areas, and protection of depressed stocks present in the fishing areas. All-species
seasons will be established to allow the maximum allowable harvest of pink salmon, when and
where available, without exceeding allowable Chinook or coho harvest levels and within conservation
and allocation constraints of the pink stocks.
(3) Recreational seasons. If feasible, recreational seasons will be established or modified to encompass
Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, and to avoid the need for inseason closures.

(j)

Quotas (by species, including fish caught 0-3 nm seaward of Washington, Oregon, and California). Quotas
for commercial, recreational, and treaty Indian fishing may be established or modified to ensure that
allowable ocean harvests are not exceeded. Quotas may be fixed or adjustable and used in conjunction
with seasons. Any quota established does not represent a guaranteed ocean harvest, but a maximum
ceiling on catch.

(k) Selective fisheries —
(1) In general. In addition to the all-species seasons and the all-species-except-coho seasons
established for the commercial and recreational fisheries, species selective fisheries and mark
selective fisheries may be established.
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50 CFR 660.408(k)(2)

(2) Species selective fisheries. Selective coho-only, Chinook-only, pink-only, all salmon except Chinook,
and all salmon except coho fisheries may be established if harvestable fish of the target species are
available; harvest of incidental species will not exceed allowable levels; proven, documented
selective gear exists; significant wastage of incidental species will not occur; and the selective
fishery will occur in an acceptable time and area where wastage can be minimized and target stocks
are primarily available.
(3) Mark selective fisheries. Fisheries that select for salmon marked with a healed adipose fin clip may
be established in the annual management measures as long as they are consistent with guidelines
in section 6.5.3.1 of the Pacific Coast Salmon Plan.
(l)

Treaty Indian fishing.
(1) NMFS will establish or modify treaty Indian fishing seasons and/or fixed or adjustable quotas, size
limits, gear restrictions, and/or area restrictions taking into account recommendations of the
Council, proposals from affected tribes, and relevant Federal court proceedings.
(2) The combined treaty Indian fishing seasons will not be longer than necessary to harvest the
allowable treaty Indian catch, which is the total treaty harvest that would occur if the tribes chose to
take their total entitlement of the weakest stock in the fishery management area, assuming this level
of harvest did not create conservation or allocation problems for other stocks.
(3) Any fixed or adjustable quotas established will be consistent with established treaty rights and will
not exceed the harvest that would occur if the entire treaty entitlement to the weakest run were
taken by treaty Indian fisheries in the fishery management area.
(4) If adjustable quotas are established for treaty Indian fishing, they may be subject to inseason
adjustment because of unanticipated Chinook or coho hooking mortality occurring during the
season, catches in treaty Indian fisheries inconsistent with those unanticipated under Federal
regulations, or a need to redistribute quotas to ensure attainment of an overall quota.

(m) Yurok and Hoopa Valley tribal fishing rights. For purposes of section 303 of the Magnuson Act, the
federally reserved fishing rights of the Yurok and Hoopa Valley Indian Tribes as set out in a legal opinion[2]
dated October 4, 1993, by the Office of the Solicitor, Department of the Interior, are applicable law. Under
section 303 of the Magnuson Act, allowable ocean harvest must be consistent with all applicable laws.

(n) Inseason notice procedures. Telephone hotlines and USCG broadcasts will provide actual notice of
inseason actions for commercial, recreational, and treaty Indian fishing.
(o) Reporting requirements. Reporting requirements for commercial fishing may be imposed to ensure timely
and accurate assessment of catches in regulatory areas subject to quota management. Such reports are
subject to the limitations described herein. Persons engaged in commercial fishing in a regulatory area
subject to quota management and landing their catch in another regulatory area open to fishing may be
required to transmit a brief report prior to leaving the first regulatory area. The regulatory areas subject to
these reporting requirements, the contents of the reports, and the entities receiving the reports will be
specified annually.

[2]

Copies of the Solicitor's Opinion are available from the West Coast Region, NMFS.

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50 CFR 660.409

[61 FR 34601, July 2, 1996, as amended at 64 FR 26328, May 14, 1999; 66 FR 29241, May 30, 2001; 76 FR 81859, Dec. 29, 2011; 78
FR 10559, Feb. 14, 2013; 87 FR 25430, Apr. 29, 2022]

§ 660.409 Inseason actions.
(a) Fixed inseason management provisions. NMFS is authorized to take the following inseason management
actions annually, as appropriate.
(1) Automatic season closures based on quotas. When a quota for the commercial or the recreational
fishery, or both, for any salmon species in any portion of the fishery management area is projected
by the Regional Administrator to be reached on or by a certain date, NMFS will, by an inseason action
issued under § 660.411, close the commercial or recreational fishery, or both, for all salmon species
in the portion of the fishery management area to which the quota applies as of the date the quota is
projected to be reached.
(2) Rescission of automatic closure. If a fishery is closed under a quota before the end of a scheduled
season based on overestimate of actual catch, NMFS will reopen that fishery in as timely a manner
as possible for all or part of the remaining original season provided NMFS finds that a reopening of
the fishery is consistent with the management objectives for the affected species and the additional
open period is no less than 24 hours. The season will be reopened by an inseason action issued
under § 660.411.
(3) Adjustment for error in preseason estimates. NMFS may, by an inseason action issued under §
660.411, make appropriate changes in relevant seasons or quotas if a significant computational
error or errors made in calculating preseason estimates of salmon abundance are identified,
provided that such correction can be made in a timely manner to affect the involved fishery without
disrupting the capacity to meet the objectives of the fishery management plan.
(b) Flexible inseason management provisions.
(1) The Regional Administrator will consult with the Chairman of the Council and the appropriate State
Directors prior to taking any of the following flexible inseason management provisions, which
include, but are not limited to, the following:
(i)

Modification of quotas and/or fishing seasons.

(ii) Modification of the species that may be caught and landed during specific seasons and the
establishment or modification of limited retention regulations.
(iii) Modification of recreational bag limits and recreational fishing days per calendar week.
(iv) Establishment or modification of gear restrictions.
(v) Modification of boundaries, including landing boundaries, and establishment of closed areas.
(2) Fishery managers must determine that any inseason adjustment in management measures is
consistent with fishery regimes established by the U.S.-Canada Pacific Salmon Commission,
conservation objectives and ACLs, conservation of the salmon resource, any adjudicated Indian
fishing rights, and the ocean allocation scheme in the fishery management plan. All inseason
adjustments will be based on consideration of the following factors:
(i)

Predicted sizes of salmon runs.

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50 CFR 660.409(b)(2)(ii)

(ii) Harvest quotas and hooking mortality limits for the area and total allowable impact limitations,
if applicable.
(iii) Amount of commercial, recreational, and treaty Indian catch for each species in the area to
date.
(iv) Amount of commercial, recreational, and treaty Indian fishing effort in the area to date.
(v) Estimated average daily catch per fisherman.
(vi) Predicted fishing effort for the area to the end of the scheduled season.
(vii) Other factors, as appropriate.
[61 FR 34572, July 2, 1996, as amended at 76 FR 81860, Dec. 29, 2011]

§ 660.410 Conservation objectives, ACLs, and de minimis control rules.
(a) Conservation objectives. Annual management measures will be consistent with conservation objectives
described in Table 3-1 of the Salmon FMP or as modified through the processes described below, except
where the ACL escapement level for a stock is higher than the conservation objective, in which case
annual management measures will be designed to ensure that the ACL for that stock is met, or where the
de minimis control rules described in paragraph (c) of this section apply.
(1) Modification of conservation objectives. NMFS is authorized, through an action issued under §
660.411, to modify a conservation objective if—
(i)

A comprehensive technical review of the best scientific information available provides
conclusive evidence that, in the view of the Council, the Scientific and Statistical Committee,
and the Salmon Technical Team, justifies modification of a conservation objective or

(ii) Action by a Federal court indicates that modification of a conservation objective is appropriate.
(2) ESA-listed species. The annual specifications and management measures will be consistent with
NMFS consultation standards or NMFS recovery plans for species listed under the Endangered
Species Act (ESA). Where these standards differ from those described in FMP Table 3-1, NMFS will
describe the ESA-related standards for the upcoming annual specifications and management
measures in a letter to the Council prior to the first Council meeting at which the development of
those annual management measures occurs.
(b) Annual Catch Limits. Annual management measures will be designed to ensure escapement levels at or
higher than ACLs determined through the procedures set forth in the FMP.
(c) De minimis control rules. Klamath River fall Chinook (KRFC) and Sacramento River fall Chinook salmon
have the same form of de minimis control rule described in the Salmon FMP, which allows for limited
fishing impacts when abundance falls below SMSY (the abundance of adult spawners that is expected, on
average, to produce MSY). The control rule describes maximum allowable exploitation rates at any given
level of abundance. The annual management measures may provide for lower exploitation rates as
needed to address uncertainties or other year-specific circumstances. The de minimis exploitation rate in
a given year must also be determined in consideration of the following factors:
(1) The potential for critically low natural spawner abundance, including considerations for substocks
that may fall below crucial genetic thresholds;
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50 CFR 660.410(c)(2)

(2) Spawner abundance levels in recent years;
(3) The status of co-mingled stocks;
(4) Indicators of marine and freshwater environmental conditions;
(5) Minimal needs for Tribal fisheries;
(6) Whether the stock is currently in an approaching overfished condition;
(7) Whether the stock is currently overfished;
(8) Other considerations, as appropriate; and
(9) Exploitation rates, including de minimis exploitation rates, must not jeopardize the long-term capacity
of the stock to produce maximum sustained yield on a continuing basis. NMFS expects that the
control rule and associated criteria will result in decreasing harvest opportunity as abundance
declines and little or no opportunity for harvest at abundance levels less than half of the maximum
stock size threshold (MSST).
(d) Salmon fisheries affecting California Coastal Chinook. Salmon fisheries off the coast of California affecting
this ESA-listed stock are managed to meet the conservation objective described in Salmon FMP table 3-1.
(1) The annual specifications and management measures will include an allowable harvest level
expressed in numbers of Chinook salmon for the salmon fisheries off the coast of California that is
projected, using the Klamath Ocean Harvest Model and Sacramento Harvest Model, to ensure
fisheries do not exceed the conservation objective. A harvest rate that is lower than the conservation
objective may be used to determine the allowable harvest level in order to address the potential for
exceeding the objective in a particular year. The lower harvest rate will be determined in two steps.
(i)

In the first step, NMFS and the Council will calculate the average percent error (defined as the
difference between the preseason projected HR and the post-season estimated HR, divided by
the post-season estimated HR, and expressed as a percentage) averaged over the most recent
5 years, and apply the average percent error to the conservation objective. Only positive percent
error will be applied because the intent is to keep the post-season harvest rate below the
conservation objective.

(ii) In the second step, other relevant factors affecting the preseason assessment of the age-4
KRFC harvest rate will be considered, such as revisions to the fishery management models
used to estimate the preseason Chinook catch, environmental indicators relevant to the status
of KRFC, constraints on fisheries under consideration for the areas and months with greatest
impacts to KRFC Chinook, and the lower harvest rate may be modified based on these factors.
(2) The annual specifications and management measures will include the following management
measures to ensure fisheries affecting California Coastal Chinook do not exceed the allowable
harvest level.
(i)

Landing and possession limits will be used in the commercial troll fisheries to keep fishery
catch within the allowable harvest level. Landing and possession limits will be set for periods
not to exceed 1 week. Landing and possession limits may vary from one calendar month to the
next but will be the same for periods within the same calendar month.

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50 CFR 660.410(d)(2)(ii)

(ii) A percentage of the allowable harvest level (i.e., trigger) that will require consideration of
inseason action to ensure that the allowable harvest level is not exceeded will be set through
the annual management measures.
(iii) For the first 2 years after the promulgation of this rule in which a salmon fishery occurs in the
EEZ off the California coast, inseason actions will only be used to further restrict harvest (i.e.,
reduce landing limits, reduce time/area, and close the fishery when the allowable harvest level
is projected to have been met).
(3) Electronic fish tickets must be submitted within 24 hours of landing to the California Department of
Fish and Wildlife. Fish tickets must be submitted in accordance with the requirements of the
applicable State regulations.
(4) NMFS will implement inseason actions as described in § 660.409, following processes described in
that section, as needed to ensure catch in the fishery does not exceed the allowable harvest level
and will close areas and seasons upon reaching the allowable harvest limit.
[76 FR 81860, Dec. 29, 2011, as amended at 89 FR 66014, Aug. 14, 2024]

§ 660.411 Notification and publication procedures.
(a) Notification and effective dates.
(1) Annual and certain other actions taken under §§ 660.408 and 660.410 will be implemented by an
action published in the FEDERAL REGISTER, and will be effective upon filing, unless a later time is
specified in the action.
(2) Inseason actions taken under § 660.409 will be by actual notice available from telephone hotlines
and USCG broadcasts, as specified annually. Inseason actions will also be published in the FEDERAL
REGISTER as soon as practicable. Inseason actions will be effective from the time specified in the
actual notice of the action (telephone hotlines and USCG broadcasts), or at the time the inseason
action published in the FEDERAL REGISTER is effective, whichever comes first.
(3) Any action issued under this section will remain in effect until the expiration date stated in the action
or until rescinded, modified, or superseded. However, no inseason action has any effect beyond the
end of the calendar year in which it is issued.
(b) Public comment. If time allows, NMFS will invite public comment prior to the effective date of any action
published in the FEDERAL REGISTER.
(c) Availability of data. The Regional Administrator will compile in aggregate form all data and other
information relevant to the action being taken and will make them available for public review upon
request. Contact information will be published annually in the FEDERAL REGISTER, posted on the NMFS
website, and announced on the telephone hotline.
[61 FR 34572, July 2, 1996, as amended at 78 FR 10559, Feb. 14, 2013; 87 FR 25430, Apr. 29, 2022]

§ 660.412 EFH identifications and descriptions for Pacific salmon.
Essential fish habitat (EFH) is identified for anadromous Pacific salmon stocks managed by the Pacific Fishery
Management Council (PFMC) under the Pacific Coast Salmon Fishery Management Plan (FMP). These managed
salmon include most of the Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) stocks and all of the coho salmon (O.
50 CFR 660.412 (enhanced display)

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50 CFR 660.412(a)

kisutch) stocks from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and California; as well as pink salmon (O. gorbuscha) stocks
originating from watersheds within Puget Sound east of, and including, the Elwha River. The geographic extent of
freshwater EFH is specifically identified in the FMP as all water bodies currently or historically occupied by PFMCmanaged salmon in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and California; including aquatic areas above all artificial barriers
that are not specifically excluded. Freshwater EFH, identified in Table 1 of this subpart H, is described using fourth
field hydrologic unit codes developed by the U.S. Geological Survey (defined in U.S. Geological Survey and U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service: Federal guidelines, requirements, and
procedures for the national Watershed Boundary Dataset: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods 11-A3,
2009). Table 1 also identifies the dams that represent the upstream extent of EFH in each hydrologic unit.
(a) Chinook salmon EFH includes all water bodies currently or historically occupied by PFMC-managed
Chinook salmon in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and California as identified in Table 1 of this subpart.
Chinook salmon EFH also includes the estuarine and marine areas extending from the extreme high tide
line in nearshore and tidal submerged environments within state territorial waters out to the full extent of
the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) (200 nautical miles) offshore of Washington, Oregon, and California
north of Point Conception; and the marine areas of Alaska that are designated as Chinook salmon EFH by
the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC), for stocks that are also managed by the PFMC.
(b) Coho salmon EFH includes all water bodies currently or historically occupied by PFMC-managed coho
salmon in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and California as identified in Table 1 of this subpart. Coho salmon
EFH also includes the estuarine and marine areas extending from the extreme high tide line in nearshore
and tidal submerged environments within state territorial waters out to the full extent of the EEZ (200
nautical miles) offshore of Washington, Oregon, and California north of Point Conception; and the marine
areas of Alaska that are designated as coho salmon EFH by the NPFMC, for stocks that are also managed
by the PFMC.
(c) Puget Sound pink salmon EFH includes all water bodies currently or historically occupied by PFMCmanaged Puget Sound pink salmon in Washington State as identified in Table 1 of this subpart. Puget
Sound pink salmon EFH also includes the estuarine and marine areas extending from the extreme high
tide line in nearshore and tidal submerged environments within state territorial waters north and east of
Cape Flattery, Washington, including Puget Sound, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Strait of Georgia; the
waters of the U.S. EEZ north of 48° N latitude to the U.S.-Canada border; and marine areas of Alaska that
are designated as pink salmon EFH by the NPFMC, for stocks that are also managed by the PFMC.
[79 FR 75450, Dec. 18, 2014]

§ 660.413 Overfished species rebuilding plans.
For each overfished salmon stock with an approved rebuilding plan, annual management measures will be
established using the standards in this section, specifically the target date for rebuilding the stock to its maximum
sustainable yield (MSY) level (generally expressed as SMSY) and the harvest control rule to be used to rebuild the
stock.
(a) Klamath River Fall-run Chinook Salmon (KRFC). KRFC was declared overfished in 2018. The target year for
rebuilding the KRFC stock is 2020. The harvest control rule during the rebuilding period for the KRFC
stock is the de minimis control rule specified in the FMP and at § 660.410(c), which allows for limited
fishing impacts when abundance falls below SMSY. The control rule describes maximum allowable
exploitation rates at any given level of abundance. The control rule is presented in Figure 1 of subpart H of
this part.
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50 CFR 660.413(a)(1)

(1) The KRFC control rule uses reference points FABC MSST, SMSY, and two levels of de minimis
exploitation rates, F = 0.10 and F = 0.25. The maximum allowable exploitation rate, F, in a given year,
depends on the pre-fishery ocean abundance in spawner equivalent units, N. At high abundance, the
control rule caps the exploitation rate at FABC; at moderate abundance, the control rule specifies an F
that results in SMSY spawners; and at low abundance (i.e. when expected escapement is below
SMSY), the control rule allows for de minimis exploitation rates with the abundance breakpoints
defined as: A = MSST/2; B = (MSST + SMSY)/2; C = SMSY/(1—0.25); D = SMSY/(1—FABC), as shown in
Figure 1 of subpart H of this part. For N between 0 and A, F increases linearly from 0 at N = 0, to 0.10
at N = A. For N between A and MSST, F is equal to 0.10. For N between MSST and B, F increases
linearly from 0.10 at N = MSST, to 0.25 at N = B. For N between B and C, F is equal to 0.25. For N
between C and D, F is the value that results in SMSY spawners. For N greater than D, F is equal to
FABC.
(2) [Reserved]
(b) [Reserved]

[85 FR 75921, Nov. 27, 2020, as amended at 86 FR 9302, Feb. 12, 2021; 87 FR 25430, Apr. 29, 2022; 89 FR 35013, May 1, 2024; 90
FR 47630, Oct. 2, 2025]

50 CFR 660.413(b) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR 660.413(b)

Table 1 to Subpart H of Part 660—Pacific Salmon EFH Identified by USGS Hydrologic Unit Code
(HUC)

Puget
Chinook Coho
Sound
State(s)
salmon salmon
pink
salmon

4th Field
hydrologic
unit code

Hydrologic
unit name

17020005

Chief Joseph

WA

X

17020006

Okanogan

WA

X

n/a.

17020007

Similkameen

WA

X

n/a.

17020008

Methow

WA

X

17020009

Lake Chelan

WA

X

17020010

Upper
ColumbiaEntiat

WA

X

X

n/a.

17020011

Wenatchee

WA

X

X

n/a.

17020012

Moses
Coulee

WA

X

X

n/a.

17020015

Lower Crab

WA

X

17020016

Upper
ColumbiaPriest Rapids

WA

X

X

n/a.

17030001

Upper
Yakima

WA

X

X

Keechelus Dam Kachess Dam
(Kachess River).

17030002

Naches

WA

X

X

Rimrock Dam (Tieton River).

X

X

Impassable dam(s)

Chief Joseph Dam.

n/a.
n/a.

n/a.

1

Cougar Dam is a barrier to coho salmon only. Chinook salmon are trapped and hauled above the
dam.
2

Big Cliff Dam is a barrier to coho salmon only. Chinook salmon are trapped and hauled above the
dam.
3

Capay Dam was selected as the upstream extent of EFH because it was identified as a complete
barrier by NMFS biologists and is located in the vicinity of the historical upstream extent of Chinook
salmon distribution.
4

Natural “lower falls” are downstream of any artificial barriers that would meet the criteria for
designating them as the upstream extent of EFH; therefore, the upstream extent of EFH within this HU
is at the “lower falls”.
5

EFH for Chinook salmon in the Middle San Joaquin-Lower Chowchilla HU (18040001) and Lower San
Joaquin River HU (18040002) includes the San Joaquin River, its eastern tributaries, and the lower
reaches of the western tributaries. Although there is no evidence of current or historical Chinook
salmon distribution in the western tributaries (Yoshiyama et al. 2001), the lower reaches of these
tributaries could provide juvenile rearing habitat or refugia from high flows during floods as salmon
migrate along the mainstem in this area.
6

EFH for coho salmon in the Monterey Bay HU does not include the sections south of the Pajaro HU
(18060002).

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4th Field
hydrologic
unit code

Hydrologic
unit name

50 CFR 660.413(b)

Chinook Coho
State(s)
salmon salmon
X

Puget
Sound
pink
salmon

Impassable dam(s)

17030003

Lower
Yakima

WA

X

n/a.

17060101

Hells Canyon

OR/ID

X

Hells Canyon Dam.

17060102

Imnaha River

OR/ID

X

n/a.

17060103

Lower Snake- OR/
Asotin
WA/ID

X

X

n/a.

17060104

Upper
Grande
Ronde River

OR

X

X

n/a.

17060105

Wallowa
River

OR

X

X

n/a.

17060106

Lower
Grande
Ronde

OR/WA

X

X

n/a.

17060107

Lower Snake- WA
Tucannon

X

X

n/a.

17060108

Palouse River WA

X

17060110

Lower Snake
River

WA

X

17060201

Upper
Salmon

ID

X

n/a.
X

n/a.
n/a.

1

Cougar Dam is a barrier to coho salmon only. Chinook salmon are trapped and hauled above the
dam.
2

Big Cliff Dam is a barrier to coho salmon only. Chinook salmon are trapped and hauled above the
dam.
3

Capay Dam was selected as the upstream extent of EFH because it was identified as a complete
barrier by NMFS biologists and is located in the vicinity of the historical upstream extent of Chinook
salmon distribution.
4

Natural “lower falls” are downstream of any artificial barriers that would meet the criteria for
designating them as the upstream extent of EFH; therefore, the upstream extent of EFH within this HU
is at the “lower falls”.
5

EFH for Chinook salmon in the Middle San Joaquin-Lower Chowchilla HU (18040001) and Lower San
Joaquin River HU (18040002) includes the San Joaquin River, its eastern tributaries, and the lower
reaches of the western tributaries. Although there is no evidence of current or historical Chinook
salmon distribution in the western tributaries (Yoshiyama et al. 2001), the lower reaches of these
tributaries could provide juvenile rearing habitat or refugia from high flows during floods as salmon
migrate along the mainstem in this area.
6

EFH for coho salmon in the Monterey Bay HU does not include the sections south of the Pajaro HU
(18060002).

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4th Field
hydrologic
unit code

Hydrologic
unit name

50 CFR 660.413(b)

Chinook Coho
State(s)
salmon salmon

Puget
Sound
pink
salmon

Impassable dam(s)

17060202

Pahsimeroi

ID

X

n/a.

17060203

Middle
SalmonPanther

ID

X

n/a.

17060204

Lemhi

ID

X

n/a.

17060205

Upper Middle
Fork Salmon

ID

X

n/a.

17060206

Lower Middle ID
Fork Salmon

X

n/a.

17060207

Middle
SalmonChamberlain

ID

X

n/a.

17060208

South Fork
Salmon

ID

X

n/a.

17060209

Lower
Salmon

ID

X

n/a.

17060210

Little Salmon

ID

X

n/a.

17060301

Upper Selway ID

X

X

n/a.

17060302

Lower
Selway

ID

X

X

n/a.

17060303

Lochsa

ID

X

n/a.

1

Cougar Dam is a barrier to coho salmon only. Chinook salmon are trapped and hauled above the
dam.
2

Big Cliff Dam is a barrier to coho salmon only. Chinook salmon are trapped and hauled above the
dam.
3

Capay Dam was selected as the upstream extent of EFH because it was identified as a complete
barrier by NMFS biologists and is located in the vicinity of the historical upstream extent of Chinook
salmon distribution.
4

Natural “lower falls” are downstream of any artificial barriers that would meet the criteria for
designating them as the upstream extent of EFH; therefore, the upstream extent of EFH within this HU
is at the “lower falls”.
5

EFH for Chinook salmon in the Middle San Joaquin-Lower Chowchilla HU (18040001) and Lower San
Joaquin River HU (18040002) includes the San Joaquin River, its eastern tributaries, and the lower
reaches of the western tributaries. Although there is no evidence of current or historical Chinook
salmon distribution in the western tributaries (Yoshiyama et al. 2001), the lower reaches of these
tributaries could provide juvenile rearing habitat or refugia from high flows during floods as salmon
migrate along the mainstem in this area.
6

EFH for coho salmon in the Monterey Bay HU does not include the sections south of the Pajaro HU
(18060002).

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4th Field
hydrologic
unit code

Hydrologic
unit name

50 CFR 660.413(b)

Chinook Coho
State(s)
salmon salmon

Puget
Sound
pink
salmon

Impassable dam(s)

17060304

Middle Fork
Clearwater

ID

X

X

n/a.

17060305

South Fork
Clearwater

ID

X

X

n/a.

17060306

Clearwater

WA/ID

X

X

n/a.

17060308

Lower North
Fork
Clearwater

ID

X

17070101

Middle
ColumbiaLake Wallula

OR/WA

X

X

n/a.

17070103

Umatilla

OR

X

X

McKay Dam (McKay Creek).

17070105

Middle
ColumbiaHood

OR/WA

X

X

n/a.

17070106

Klickitat

WA

X

X

n/a.

17070306

Lower
Deschutes

OR

X

X

n/a.

17080001

Lower
ColumbiaSandy

OR/WA

X

X

Bull Run Dam #2.

Dworshak Dam.

1

Cougar Dam is a barrier to coho salmon only. Chinook salmon are trapped and hauled above the
dam.
2

Big Cliff Dam is a barrier to coho salmon only. Chinook salmon are trapped and hauled above the
dam.
3

Capay Dam was selected as the upstream extent of EFH because it was identified as a complete
barrier by NMFS biologists and is located in the vicinity of the historical upstream extent of Chinook
salmon distribution.
4

Natural “lower falls” are downstream of any artificial barriers that would meet the criteria for
designating them as the upstream extent of EFH; therefore, the upstream extent of EFH within this HU
is at the “lower falls”.
5

EFH for Chinook salmon in the Middle San Joaquin-Lower Chowchilla HU (18040001) and Lower San
Joaquin River HU (18040002) includes the San Joaquin River, its eastern tributaries, and the lower
reaches of the western tributaries. Although there is no evidence of current or historical Chinook
salmon distribution in the western tributaries (Yoshiyama et al. 2001), the lower reaches of these
tributaries could provide juvenile rearing habitat or refugia from high flows during floods as salmon
migrate along the mainstem in this area.
6

EFH for coho salmon in the Monterey Bay HU does not include the sections south of the Pajaro HU
(18060002).

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4th Field
hydrologic
unit code

Hydrologic
unit name

50 CFR 660.413(b)

Chinook Coho
State(s)
salmon salmon

Puget
Sound
pink
salmon

Impassable dam(s)

17080002

Lewis

WA

X

X

n/a.

17080003

Lower
ColumbiaClatskanie

OR/WA

X

X

n/a.

17080004

Upper
Cowlitz

WA

X

X

n/a.

17080005

Cowlitz

WA

X

X

n/a.

17080006

Lower
Columbia

OR/WA

X

X

n/a.

17090001

Middle Fork
Willamette

OR

X

n/a.

17090002

Coast Fork
Willamette

OR

X

Dorena Dam.

17090003

Upper
Willamette

OR

X

X

n/a.

17090004

McKenzie

OR

X

X

Cougar Dam.1

17090005

North
Santiam

OR

X

X

Big Cliff Dam.2

17090006

South
Santiam

OR

X

X

n/a.

17090007

Middle

OR

X

X

n/a.

1

Cougar Dam is a barrier to coho salmon only. Chinook salmon are trapped and hauled above the
dam.
2

Big Cliff Dam is a barrier to coho salmon only. Chinook salmon are trapped and hauled above the
dam.
3

Capay Dam was selected as the upstream extent of EFH because it was identified as a complete
barrier by NMFS biologists and is located in the vicinity of the historical upstream extent of Chinook
salmon distribution.
4

Natural “lower falls” are downstream of any artificial barriers that would meet the criteria for
designating them as the upstream extent of EFH; therefore, the upstream extent of EFH within this HU
is at the “lower falls”.
5

EFH for Chinook salmon in the Middle San Joaquin-Lower Chowchilla HU (18040001) and Lower San
Joaquin River HU (18040002) includes the San Joaquin River, its eastern tributaries, and the lower
reaches of the western tributaries. Although there is no evidence of current or historical Chinook
salmon distribution in the western tributaries (Yoshiyama et al. 2001), the lower reaches of these
tributaries could provide juvenile rearing habitat or refugia from high flows during floods as salmon
migrate along the mainstem in this area.
6

EFH for coho salmon in the Monterey Bay HU does not include the sections south of the Pajaro HU
(18060002).

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4th Field
hydrologic
unit code

Hydrologic
unit name

50 CFR 660.413(b)

Chinook Coho
State(s)
salmon salmon

Puget
Sound
pink
salmon

Impassable dam(s)

Willamette
17090008

Yamhill

OR

X

X

n/a.

17090009

MolallaPudding

OR

X

X

n/a.

17090010

Tualatin

OR

X

X

n/a.

17090011

Clackamas

OR

X

X

n/a.

17090012

Lower
Willamette

OR

X

X

n/a.

17100101

HohQuillayute

WA

X

X

n/a.

17100102

QueetsQuinault

WA

X

X

n/a.

17100103

Upper
Chehalis

WA

X

X

n/a.

17100104

Lower
Chehalis

WA

X

X

n/a.

17100105

Grays Harbor

WA

X

X

n/a.

17100106

Willapa

WA

X

X

n/a.

17100201

Necanicum

OR

X

X

n/a.

17100202

Nehalem

OR

X

X

n/a.

17100203

Wilson-Trask- OR

X

X

n/a.

1

Cougar Dam is a barrier to coho salmon only. Chinook salmon are trapped and hauled above the
dam.
2

Big Cliff Dam is a barrier to coho salmon only. Chinook salmon are trapped and hauled above the
dam.
3

Capay Dam was selected as the upstream extent of EFH because it was identified as a complete
barrier by NMFS biologists and is located in the vicinity of the historical upstream extent of Chinook
salmon distribution.
4

Natural “lower falls” are downstream of any artificial barriers that would meet the criteria for
designating them as the upstream extent of EFH; therefore, the upstream extent of EFH within this HU
is at the “lower falls”.
5

EFH for Chinook salmon in the Middle San Joaquin-Lower Chowchilla HU (18040001) and Lower San
Joaquin River HU (18040002) includes the San Joaquin River, its eastern tributaries, and the lower
reaches of the western tributaries. Although there is no evidence of current or historical Chinook
salmon distribution in the western tributaries (Yoshiyama et al. 2001), the lower reaches of these
tributaries could provide juvenile rearing habitat or refugia from high flows during floods as salmon
migrate along the mainstem in this area.
6

EFH for coho salmon in the Monterey Bay HU does not include the sections south of the Pajaro HU
(18060002).

50 CFR 660.413(b) (enhanced display)

page 593 of 684

50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

4th Field
hydrologic
unit code

Hydrologic
unit name

50 CFR 660.413(b)

Chinook Coho
State(s)
salmon salmon

Puget
Sound
pink
salmon

Impassable dam(s)

Nestucca
17100204

SiletzYaquina

OR

X

X

n/a.

17100205

Alsea

OR

X

X

n/a.

17100206

Siuslaw

OR

X

X

n/a.

17100207

Siltcoos

OR

X

n/a.

17100301

North
Umpqua

OR

X

X

n/a.

17100302

South
Umpqua

OR

X

X

n/a.

17100303

Umpqua

OR

X

X

n/a.

17100304

Coos

OR

X

X

n/a.

17100305

Coquille

OR

X

X

n/a.

17100306

Sixes

OR

X

X

n/a.

17100307

Upper Rogue

OR

X

X

Lost Creek Dam.

17100308

Middle
Rogue

OR

X

X

Emigrant Dam.

17100309

Applegate

CA/OR

X

X

Applegate Dam.

17100310

Lower Rogue

OR

X

X

n/a.

17100311

Illinois

CA/OR

X

X

n/a.

17100312

Chetco

CA/OR

X

X

n/a.

1

Cougar Dam is a barrier to coho salmon only. Chinook salmon are trapped and hauled above the
dam.
2

Big Cliff Dam is a barrier to coho salmon only. Chinook salmon are trapped and hauled above the
dam.
3

Capay Dam was selected as the upstream extent of EFH because it was identified as a complete
barrier by NMFS biologists and is located in the vicinity of the historical upstream extent of Chinook
salmon distribution.
4

Natural “lower falls” are downstream of any artificial barriers that would meet the criteria for
designating them as the upstream extent of EFH; therefore, the upstream extent of EFH within this HU
is at the “lower falls”.
5

EFH for Chinook salmon in the Middle San Joaquin-Lower Chowchilla HU (18040001) and Lower San
Joaquin River HU (18040002) includes the San Joaquin River, its eastern tributaries, and the lower
reaches of the western tributaries. Although there is no evidence of current or historical Chinook
salmon distribution in the western tributaries (Yoshiyama et al. 2001), the lower reaches of these
tributaries could provide juvenile rearing habitat or refugia from high flows during floods as salmon
migrate along the mainstem in this area.
6

EFH for coho salmon in the Monterey Bay HU does not include the sections south of the Pajaro HU
(18060002).

50 CFR 660.413(b) (enhanced display)

page 594 of 684

50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

4th Field
hydrologic
unit code

Hydrologic
unit name

50 CFR 660.413(b)

Chinook Coho
State(s)
salmon salmon

Puget
Sound
pink
salmon

Impassable dam(s)

17110001

Fraser

WA

X

X

n/a.

17110002

Strait Of
Georgia

WA

X

X

X n/a.

17110003

San Juan
Islands

WA

X

n/a.

17110004

Nooksack

WA

X

X

X n/a.

17110005

Upper Skagit

WA

X

X

X Gorge Lake Dam.

17110006

Sauk

WA

X

X

X n/a.

17110007

Lower Skagit

WA

X

X

X n/a.

17110008

Stillaguamish WA

X

X

X n/a.

17110009

Skykomish

WA

X

X

X n/a.

17110010

Snoqualmie

WA

X

X

X Tolt Dam (S. Fork Tolt River).

17110011

Snohomish

WA

X

X

X n/a.

17110012

Lake
Washington

WA

X

X

17110013

Duwamish

WA

X

X

X n/a.

17110014

Puyallup

WA

X

X

X n/a.

17110015

Nisqually

WA

X

X

X n/a.

17110016

Deschutes

WA

X

X

n/a.

17110017

Skokomish

WA

X

X

X n/a.

Cedar Falls (Masonry) Dam
(Cedar River).

1

Cougar Dam is a barrier to coho salmon only. Chinook salmon are trapped and hauled above the
dam.
2

Big Cliff Dam is a barrier to coho salmon only. Chinook salmon are trapped and hauled above the
dam.
3

Capay Dam was selected as the upstream extent of EFH because it was identified as a complete
barrier by NMFS biologists and is located in the vicinity of the historical upstream extent of Chinook
salmon distribution.
4

Natural “lower falls” are downstream of any artificial barriers that would meet the criteria for
designating them as the upstream extent of EFH; therefore, the upstream extent of EFH within this HU
is at the “lower falls”.
5

EFH for Chinook salmon in the Middle San Joaquin-Lower Chowchilla HU (18040001) and Lower San
Joaquin River HU (18040002) includes the San Joaquin River, its eastern tributaries, and the lower
reaches of the western tributaries. Although there is no evidence of current or historical Chinook
salmon distribution in the western tributaries (Yoshiyama et al. 2001), the lower reaches of these
tributaries could provide juvenile rearing habitat or refugia from high flows during floods as salmon
migrate along the mainstem in this area.
6

EFH for coho salmon in the Monterey Bay HU does not include the sections south of the Pajaro HU
(18060002).

50 CFR 660.413(b) (enhanced display)

page 595 of 684

50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.413(b)

Puget
Sound
pink
salmon

4th Field
hydrologic
unit code

Hydrologic
unit name

17110018

Hood Canal

WA

X

X

X n/a.

17110019

Puget Sound

WA

X

X

X n/a.

17110020

DungenessElwha

WA

X

X

X n/a.

17110021

CrescentHoko

WA

X

X

n/a.

18010101

Smith River

CA/OR

X

X

n/a.

18010102

MadRedwood

CA

X

X

Robert W. Matthews Dam.

18010103

Upper Eel

CA

X

X

Scott Dam.

18010104

Middle Fork
Eel

CA

X

X

n/a.

18010105

Lower Eel

CA

X

X

n/a.

18010106

South Fork
Eel

CA

X

X

n/a.

18010107

Mattole

CA

X

X

n/a.

18010108

Big-NavarroGarcia

CA

X

X

n/a.

18010109

GualalaSalmon

CA

X

X

n/a.

18010110

Russian

CA

X

X

Coyote Valley Dam (E. Fork

Chinook Coho
State(s)
salmon salmon

Impassable dam(s)

1

Cougar Dam is a barrier to coho salmon only. Chinook salmon are trapped and hauled above the
dam.
2

Big Cliff Dam is a barrier to coho salmon only. Chinook salmon are trapped and hauled above the
dam.
3

Capay Dam was selected as the upstream extent of EFH because it was identified as a complete
barrier by NMFS biologists and is located in the vicinity of the historical upstream extent of Chinook
salmon distribution.
4

Natural “lower falls” are downstream of any artificial barriers that would meet the criteria for
designating them as the upstream extent of EFH; therefore, the upstream extent of EFH within this HU
is at the “lower falls”.
5

EFH for Chinook salmon in the Middle San Joaquin-Lower Chowchilla HU (18040001) and Lower San
Joaquin River HU (18040002) includes the San Joaquin River, its eastern tributaries, and the lower
reaches of the western tributaries. Although there is no evidence of current or historical Chinook
salmon distribution in the western tributaries (Yoshiyama et al. 2001), the lower reaches of these
tributaries could provide juvenile rearing habitat or refugia from high flows during floods as salmon
migrate along the mainstem in this area.
6

EFH for coho salmon in the Monterey Bay HU does not include the sections south of the Pajaro HU
(18060002).

50 CFR 660.413(b) (enhanced display)

page 596 of 684

50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

4th Field
hydrologic
unit code

Hydrologic
unit name

50 CFR 660.413(b)

Chinook Coho
State(s)
salmon salmon

Puget
Sound
pink
salmon

Impassable dam(s)

Russian R.) Warm Springs Dam
(Dry Cr.).
18010206

Upper
Klamath

CA/OR

X

X

Keno Dam.

18010207

Shasta

CA

X

X

Dwinnell Dam.

18010208

Scott

CA

X

X

n/a.

18010209

Lower
Klamath

CA/OR

X

X

n/a.

18010210

Salmon

CA

X

X

n/a.

18010211

Trinity

CA

X

X

Lewiston Dam.

18010212

South Fork
Trinity

CA

X

X

n/a.

18020104

SacramentoStone Corral

CA

X

n/a.

18020111

Lower
American

CA

X

Nimbus Dam.

18020115

Upper Stony

CA

X

Black Butte Dam.

18020116

Upper Cache

CA

X

Capay Dam.3

18020125

Upper Yuba

CA

X

n/a.

18020126

Upper Bear

CA

X

Camp Far West Dam.

18020151

Cow Creek

CA

X

n/a.

1

Cougar Dam is a barrier to coho salmon only. Chinook salmon are trapped and hauled above the
dam.
2

Big Cliff Dam is a barrier to coho salmon only. Chinook salmon are trapped and hauled above the
dam.
3

Capay Dam was selected as the upstream extent of EFH because it was identified as a complete
barrier by NMFS biologists and is located in the vicinity of the historical upstream extent of Chinook
salmon distribution.
4

Natural “lower falls” are downstream of any artificial barriers that would meet the criteria for
designating them as the upstream extent of EFH; therefore, the upstream extent of EFH within this HU
is at the “lower falls”.
5

EFH for Chinook salmon in the Middle San Joaquin-Lower Chowchilla HU (18040001) and Lower San
Joaquin River HU (18040002) includes the San Joaquin River, its eastern tributaries, and the lower
reaches of the western tributaries. Although there is no evidence of current or historical Chinook
salmon distribution in the western tributaries (Yoshiyama et al. 2001), the lower reaches of these
tributaries could provide juvenile rearing habitat or refugia from high flows during floods as salmon
migrate along the mainstem in this area.
6

EFH for coho salmon in the Monterey Bay HU does not include the sections south of the Pajaro HU
(18060002).

50 CFR 660.413(b) (enhanced display)

page 597 of 684

50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

4th Field
hydrologic
unit code

Hydrologic
unit name

50 CFR 660.413(b)

Chinook Coho
State(s)
salmon salmon

Puget
Sound
pink
salmon

Impassable dam(s)

18020152

Cottonwood
Creek

CA

X

n/a.

18020153

Battle Creek

CA

X

n/a.

18020154

Clear CreekSacramento
River

CA

X

Keswick Dam (Sacramento R.),
Whiskeytown Dam (Clear
Creek).

18020155

Paynes
CreekSacramento
River

CA

X

n/a.

18020156

Thomes
CreekSacramento
River

CA

X

n/a.

18020157

Big Chico
CreekSacramento
River

CA

X

n/a.

18020158

Butte Creek

CA

X

n/a.

18020159

Honcut
HeadwatersLower

CA

X

Feather River Fish Barrier Dam.

1

Cougar Dam is a barrier to coho salmon only. Chinook salmon are trapped and hauled above the
dam.
2

Big Cliff Dam is a barrier to coho salmon only. Chinook salmon are trapped and hauled above the
dam.
3

Capay Dam was selected as the upstream extent of EFH because it was identified as a complete
barrier by NMFS biologists and is located in the vicinity of the historical upstream extent of Chinook
salmon distribution.
4

Natural “lower falls” are downstream of any artificial barriers that would meet the criteria for
designating them as the upstream extent of EFH; therefore, the upstream extent of EFH within this HU
is at the “lower falls”.
5

EFH for Chinook salmon in the Middle San Joaquin-Lower Chowchilla HU (18040001) and Lower San
Joaquin River HU (18040002) includes the San Joaquin River, its eastern tributaries, and the lower
reaches of the western tributaries. Although there is no evidence of current or historical Chinook
salmon distribution in the western tributaries (Yoshiyama et al. 2001), the lower reaches of these
tributaries could provide juvenile rearing habitat or refugia from high flows during floods as salmon
migrate along the mainstem in this area.
6

EFH for coho salmon in the Monterey Bay HU does not include the sections south of the Pajaro HU
(18060002).

50 CFR 660.413(b) (enhanced display)

page 598 of 684

50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

4th Field
hydrologic
unit code

Hydrologic
unit name

50 CFR 660.413(b)

Chinook Coho
State(s)
salmon salmon

Puget
Sound
pink
salmon

Impassable dam(s)

Feather
18020161

Upper CoonUpper
Auburn 4

CA

X

n/a.

18020162

Upper Putah

CA

X

Monticello Dam.

18020163

Lower
Sacramento

CA

X

n/a.

18040001

Middle San
JoaquinLower
Chowchilla 5

CA

X

Buchanan Dam (Chowchilla
River), Bear Dam (Bear Creek),
Owens Dam (Owens Creek)
Mariposa Dam.

18040002

Lower San
CA
Joaquin River

X

n/a.

5

18040003

San Joaquin
Delta

CA

X

n/a.

18040007

Fresno River

CA

X

Hidden Dam.

18040008

Upper
Merced

CA

X

Crocker-Huffman Diversion
Dam.

18040009

Upper
Tuolumne

CA

X

La Grange Dam (Tuolumne R.).

1

Cougar Dam is a barrier to coho salmon only. Chinook salmon are trapped and hauled above the
dam.
2

Big Cliff Dam is a barrier to coho salmon only. Chinook salmon are trapped and hauled above the
dam.
3

Capay Dam was selected as the upstream extent of EFH because it was identified as a complete
barrier by NMFS biologists and is located in the vicinity of the historical upstream extent of Chinook
salmon distribution.
4

Natural “lower falls” are downstream of any artificial barriers that would meet the criteria for
designating them as the upstream extent of EFH; therefore, the upstream extent of EFH within this HU
is at the “lower falls”.
5

EFH for Chinook salmon in the Middle San Joaquin-Lower Chowchilla HU (18040001) and Lower San
Joaquin River HU (18040002) includes the San Joaquin River, its eastern tributaries, and the lower
reaches of the western tributaries. Although there is no evidence of current or historical Chinook
salmon distribution in the western tributaries (Yoshiyama et al. 2001), the lower reaches of these
tributaries could provide juvenile rearing habitat or refugia from high flows during floods as salmon
migrate along the mainstem in this area.
6

EFH for coho salmon in the Monterey Bay HU does not include the sections south of the Pajaro HU
(18060002).

50 CFR 660.413(b) (enhanced display)

page 599 of 684

50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

4th Field
hydrologic
unit code

Hydrologic
unit name

50 CFR 660.413(b)

Chinook Coho
State(s)
salmon salmon

Puget
Sound
pink
salmon

Impassable dam(s)

18040010

Upper
Stanislaus

CA

X

Goodwin Dam.

18040011

Upper
Calaveras

CA

X

New Hogan Dam.

18040012

Upper
Mokelumne

CA

X

Camanche Dam.

18040013

Upper
Cosumnes

CA

X

n/a.

18050001

Suisun Bay

CA

X

n/a.

18050002

San Pablo
Bay

CA

X

X

San Pablo Dam (San Pablo Cr.).

18050003

Coyote

CA

X

X

LeRoy Anderson Dam.

18050004

San
Francisco
Bay

CA

X

X

n/a.

18050005

TomalesDrake Bays

CA

X

X

Nicasio Dam (Nicasio Cr.)
Peters Dam (Lagunitas Cr.).

18050006

San
Francisco
Coastal
South

CA

X

n/a.

1

Cougar Dam is a barrier to coho salmon only. Chinook salmon are trapped and hauled above the
dam.
2

Big Cliff Dam is a barrier to coho salmon only. Chinook salmon are trapped and hauled above the
dam.
3

Capay Dam was selected as the upstream extent of EFH because it was identified as a complete
barrier by NMFS biologists and is located in the vicinity of the historical upstream extent of Chinook
salmon distribution.
4

Natural “lower falls” are downstream of any artificial barriers that would meet the criteria for
designating them as the upstream extent of EFH; therefore, the upstream extent of EFH within this HU
is at the “lower falls”.
5

EFH for Chinook salmon in the Middle San Joaquin-Lower Chowchilla HU (18040001) and Lower San
Joaquin River HU (18040002) includes the San Joaquin River, its eastern tributaries, and the lower
reaches of the western tributaries. Although there is no evidence of current or historical Chinook
salmon distribution in the western tributaries (Yoshiyama et al. 2001), the lower reaches of these
tributaries could provide juvenile rearing habitat or refugia from high flows during floods as salmon
migrate along the mainstem in this area.
6

EFH for coho salmon in the Monterey Bay HU does not include the sections south of the Pajaro HU
(18060002).

50 CFR 660.413(b) (enhanced display)

page 600 of 684

50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

4th Field
hydrologic
unit code
18060015

Hydrologic
unit name
Monterey
Bay 6

50 CFR 660.501

Chinook Coho
State(s)
salmon salmon
CA

X

Puget
Sound
pink
salmon

Impassable dam(s)

Newell Dam (Newell Cr.)

1

Cougar Dam is a barrier to coho salmon only. Chinook salmon are trapped and hauled above the
dam.
2

Big Cliff Dam is a barrier to coho salmon only. Chinook salmon are trapped and hauled above the
dam.
3

Capay Dam was selected as the upstream extent of EFH because it was identified as a complete
barrier by NMFS biologists and is located in the vicinity of the historical upstream extent of Chinook
salmon distribution.
4

Natural “lower falls” are downstream of any artificial barriers that would meet the criteria for
designating them as the upstream extent of EFH; therefore, the upstream extent of EFH within this HU
is at the “lower falls”.
5

EFH for Chinook salmon in the Middle San Joaquin-Lower Chowchilla HU (18040001) and Lower San
Joaquin River HU (18040002) includes the San Joaquin River, its eastern tributaries, and the lower
reaches of the western tributaries. Although there is no evidence of current or historical Chinook
salmon distribution in the western tributaries (Yoshiyama et al. 2001), the lower reaches of these
tributaries could provide juvenile rearing habitat or refugia from high flows during floods as salmon
migrate along the mainstem in this area.
6

EFH for coho salmon in the Monterey Bay HU does not include the sections south of the Pajaro HU
(18060002).

[79 FR 75450, Dec. 18, 2014]

Subpart I—Coastal Pelagics Fisheries
Source: 64 FR 69893, Dec. 15, 1999, unless otherwise noted.

§ 660.501 Purpose and scope.
This subpart implements the Fishery Management Plan for Coastal Pelagic Species (FMP). These regulations
govern commercial fishing for CPS in the EEZ off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California.

§ 660.502 Definitions.
In addition to the definitions in the Magnuson-Stevens Act and in § 600.10 of this chapter, the terms used in this
subpart have the following meanings:
Advisory Subpanel (AP) means the Coastal Pelagic Species Advisory Subpanel that comprises members of the
fishing industry and public appointed by the Council to review proposed actions for managing the coastal
pelagic fisheries.
50 CFR 660.502 “Advisory Subpanel” (enhanced display)

page 601 of 684

50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.502 “Biomass”

Biomass means the estimated amount, by weight, of a coastal pelagic species population. The term biomass
means total biomass (age 1 and above) unless stated otherwise.
Coastal pelagic species (CPS) means northern anchovy (Engraulis mordax), Pacific mackerel (Scomber
japonicus), Pacific sardine (Sardinops sagax), jack mackerel (Trachurus symmetricus), and market squid
(Loligo opelescens).
Coastal Pelagic Species Management Team (CPSMT) means the individuals appointed by the Council to review,
analyze, and develop management measures for the CPS fishery.
Comparable capacity means gross tonnage plus 10 percent of the vessel's calculated gross tonnage.
Council means the Pacific Fishery Management Council, including its CPSMT, AP, Scientific and Statistical
Committee (SSC), and any other committee established by the Council.
Finfish means northern anchovy, Pacific mackerel, Pacific sardine, and jack mackerel.
Fishery Management Area means the EEZ off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California between 3 and
200 nautical miles offshore, bounded in the north by the Provisional International Boundary between the
United States and Canada, and bounded in the south by the International Boundary between the United
States and Mexico.
Fishing trip means a period of time between landings when fishing is conducted.
Gross tonnage (GT) means gross tonnage as determined by the formula in 46 CFR 69.209(a) for a vessel not
designed for sailing (.67 × length × breadth × depth/100). A vessel's length, breadth, and depth are those
specified on the vessel's certificate of documentation issued by the U.S. Coast Guard or State.
Harvest guideline means a specified numerical harvest objective that is not a quota. Attainment of a harvest
guideline does not require complete closure of a fishery. It is operationally similar to an Annual Catch
Target (ACT) (as defined at § 600.310(f)(2) of this chapter).
Harvesting vessel means a vessel involved in the attempt or actual catching, taking or harvesting of fish, or any
activity that can reasonably be expected to result in the catching, taking or harvesting of fish.
Initial harvest guideline means a specified numerical harvest objective set at the beginning of the fishing season.
Krill

means all species of euphausiids that occur in the EEZ off the West Coast.

Land or Landing means to begin transfer of fish from a fishing vessel. Once transfer begins, all fish onboard the
vessel are counted as part of the landing.
Limited entry fishery means the commercial fishery consisting of vessels fishing for CPS in the CPS
Management Zone under limited entry permits issued under § 660.512.
Live bait fishery means fishing for CPS for use as live bait in other fisheries.
Nonreduction fishery means fishing for CPS for use as dead bait or for processing for direct human
consumption.
Owner, means a person who is identified as the current owner in the Certificate of Documentation (CG-1270)
issued by the U.S. Coast Guard for a documented vessel, or in a registration certificate issued by a state
or the U.S. Coast Guard for an undocumented vessel.

50 CFR 660.502 “Owner” (enhanced display)

page 602 of 684

50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.502 “Person”

Person, means any individual, corporation, partnership, association or other entity (whether or not organized or
existing under the laws of any state), and any Federal, state, or local government, or any entity of any such
government that is eligible to own a documented vessel under the terms of 46 U.S.C. 12102(a).
Processing or to process means preparing or packaging coastal pelagic species to render the fish suitable for
human consumption, pet food, industrial uses or long-term storage, including, but not limited to, cooking,
canning, smoking, salting, drying, filleting, freezing, or rendering into meal or oil, but does not mean
heading and gutting unless there is additional preparation.
Prohibited harvest species means all krill species in the EEZ off the West Coast.
Prohibited Species means all species of trout and salmon (Salmonidae) and Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus
stenolepis).
Quota means a specified numerical harvest objective for a single species of CPS, the attainment (or expected
attainment) of which causes the complete closure of the fishery for that species.
Reduction fishery means fishing for CPS for the purposes of conversion into fish flour, fish meal, fish scrap,
fertilizer, fish oil, other fishery products, or byproducts for purposes other than direct human consumption.
Regional Administrator means the Regional Administrator, West Coast Region, NMFS, 501 W. Ocean Boulevard,
Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802-4213, or a designee.
Reserve means a portion of the harvest guideline or quota set aside at the beginning of the year for specific
purposes, such as for individual harvesting groups to ensure equitable distribution of the resource or to
allow for uncertainties in preseason estimates of DAP and JVP.
Sustainable Fisheries Division (SFD) means the Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries,
Southwest Region, NMFS, or a designee.
Totally lost means that the vessel being replaced no longer exists in specie, or is absolutely and irretrievably
sunk or otherwise beyond the possible control of the owner, or the costs of repair (including recovery)
would exceed the repaired value of the vessel.
Trip limit means the total allowable amount of a CPS species by weight or by percentage of weight of fish on
board the vessel that may be taken and retained, possessed, or landed from a single fishing trip by a
vessel that harvests CPS.
[64 FR 69893, Dec. 15, 1999, as amended at 68 FR 3822, Jan. 27, 2003; 71 FR 37001, June 29, 2006; 74 FR 33373, July 13, 2009;
76 FR 70363, Nov. 14, 2011; 83 FR 6473, Feb. 14, 2018; 88 FR 42653, July 3, 2023]

§ 660.503 Management subareas.
The fishery management area is divided into subareas for the regulation of fishing for CPS, with the following
designations and boundaries:
(a) CPS Limited Entry Zone means the EEZ between:
(1) Northern boundary—at 39°00′00″ N. lat. off California; and
(2) Southern boundary—the United States-Mexico International Boundary, which is a line connecting the
following coordinates:
32°35′22″ N. lat., 117°27′49″ W. long.
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50 CFR 660.503(b)

32°37′37″ N. lat., 117°49′31″ W. long.
31°07′58″ N. lat., 118°36′18″ W. long.
30°32′31″ N. lat., 121°51′58″ W. long.
(b) Subarea A means the EEZ between:
(1) Northern boundary—the United States-Canada Provisional International Boundary, which is a line
connecting the following coordinates:
48°29′37.19″ N. lat. 124°43′33.19″ W. long.
48°30′11″ N. lat. 124°47′13″ W. long.
48°30′22″ N. lat. 124°50′21″ W. long.
48°30′14″ N. lat. 124°54′52″ W. long.
48°29′57″ N. lat. 124°59′14″ W. long.
48°29′44″ N. lat. 125°00′06″ W. long.
48°28′09″ N. lat. 125°05′47″ W. long.
48°27′10″ N. lat. 125°08′25″ W. long.
48°26′47″ N. lat 125°09′12″ W. long.
48°20′16″ N. lat. 125°22′48″ W. long.
48°18′22″ N. lat. 125°29′58″ W. long.
48°11′05″ N. lat. 125°53′48″ W. long.
47°49′15″ N. lat. 126°40′57″ W. long.
47°36′47″ N. lat. 127°11′58″ W. long.
47°22′00″ N. lat. 127°41′23″ W. long.
46°42′05″ N. lat. 128°51′56″ W. long.
46°31′47″ N. lat. 129°07′39″ W. long.; and
(2) Southern boundary—at 39°00′00″ N. lat. (Pt. Arena).
(c) Subarea B means the EEZ between:
(1) Northern boundary—at 39°00′00″ N. lat. (Pt. Arena); and
(2) Southern boundary—the United States-Mexico International Boundary described in paragraph (a)(2)
of this section.
[64 FR 69893, Dec. 15, 1999, as amended at 68 FR 52527, Sept. 4, 2003]

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50 CFR 660.504

§ 660.504 Vessel identification.
(a) Official number. Each fishing vessel subject to this subpart must display its official number on the port and
starboard sides of the deckhouse or hull, and on an appropriate weather deck so as to be visible from
enforcement vessels and aircraft.
(b) Numerals. The official number must be affixed to each vessel subject to this subpart in block Arabic
numerals at least 14 inches (35.56 cm) in height. Markings must be legible and of a color that contrasts
with the background.

§ 660.505 Prohibitions.
In addition to the general prohibitions specified in § 600.725 of this chapter, it is unlawful for any person to do any
of the following:
(a) In the CPS Limited Entry Zone, take and retain, possess or land more than 5 mt of CPS finfish, other than
live bait, on a harvesting vessel without a limited entry permit.
(b) In the CPS Limited Entry Zone, take and retain, possess or land more than 125 mt of CPS finfish on a
harvesting vessel.
(c) Sell CPS without an applicable commercial state fishery license.
(d) Fish in the reduction fishery for CPS in any closed area specified in § 660.507.
(e) Fish in the reduction fishery for northern anchovy using gear not authorized under § 660.506.
(f) When fishing for CPS, fail to return a prohibited species to the sea immediately with a minimum of injury.
(g) Falsify or fail to affix and maintain vessel markings as required by § 660.504.
(h) Fish for CPS in violation of any terms or conditions attached to an exempted fishing permit issued under §
600.745 of this chapter.
(i)

When a directed fishery has been closed, take and retain, possess, or land more than the incidental trip
limit announced in the FEDERAL REGISTER, or a directed trip limit as described in § 660.511(d).

(j)

Refuse to submit fishing gear or fish subject to such person's control to inspection by an authorized
officer, or to interfere with or prevent, by any means, such an inspection.

(k) Falsify or fail to make and/or file any and all reports of fishing, landing, or any other activity involving CPS,
containing all data, and in the exact manner, required by the applicable State law, as specified in § 660.3.
(l)

Fail to carry aboard a vessel that vessel's limited entry permit issued under § 660.512 or exempted fishing
permit issued under § 660.516.

(m) Make a false statement on an application for issuing, renewing, transferring, or replacing a limited entry
permit for the CPS fishery.
(n) When fishing for CPS, deploy a net if a southern sea otter is observed within the area that would be
encircled by the purse seine net.
(o) Fish for, target, harvest or land a prohibited harvest species in any fishery within the EEZ off the West
Coast.

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50 CFR 660.506

[64 FR 69893, Dec. 15, 1999, as amended at 72 FR 29892, May 30, 2007; 74 FR 33373, July 13, 2009; 83 FR 6473, Feb. 14, 2018; 83
FR 28784, June 21, 2018]

§ 660.506 Gear restrictions.
The only fishing gear authorized for use in the reduction fishery for northern anchovy off California are round haul
nets that have a minimum wet-stretch mesh size of 10⁄16 of an inch (1.59 cm) excluding the bag portion of a purse
seine. The bag portion must be constructed as a single unit and must not exceed a rectangular area, adjacent to 20
percent of the total corkline of the purse seine. Minimum mesh size requirements are met if a stainless steel wedge
can be passed with only thumb pressure through 16 of 20 sets of 2 meshes each of wet mesh. The wedges used to
measure trawl mesh size are made of 20 gauge stainless steel and will be no wider than 10⁄16 of an inch (1.59 cm)
less one thickness of the metal at the widest part.

§ 660.507 Closed areas to reduction fishing.
The following areas are closed to reduction fishing:
(a) Farallon Islands closure (see Figure 1 to this subpart). The portion of Subarea A bounded by—
(1) A straight line joining Pigeon Point Light (37°10.9′ N. lat., 122°23.6′ W. long.) and the U.S. navigation
light on Southeast Farallon Island (37°42.0′ N. lat., 123°00.1′ W. long.); and
(2) A straight line joining the U.S. navigation light on Southeast Farallon Island (37°42.0′ N. lat., 123°00.1′
W. long.) and the U.S. navigation light on Point Reyes (37°59.7′ N. lat., 123°01.3′ W. long.).
(b) Subarea B closures. Those portions of Subarea B described as—
(1) Oxnard closure (see Figure 1 to this subpart). The area that extends offshore 4 miles from the
mainland shore between lines running 250° true from the steam plant stack at Manadalay Beach
(34°12.4′ N. lat., 119°15.0′ W. long.) and 220° true from the steam plant stack at Ormond Beach
(34°07.8′ N. lat., 119°10.0′ W. long.).
(2) Santa Monica Bay closure (see Figure 1 to this subpart). Santa Monica Bay shoreward of that line
from Malibu Point (34°01.8′ N. lat., 188°40.8′ W. long.) to Rocky Point (Palos Verdes Point) (33°46.5′
N. lat., 118°25.7′ W. long.).
(3) Los Angeles Harbor closure (see Figure 1 to this subpart). The area outside Los Angeles Harbor
described by a line extending 6 miles 180° true from Point Fermin (33°42.3′ N. lat., 118°17.6′ W.
long.) and then to a point located 3 miles offshore on a line 225° true from Huntington Beach Pier
(33°39.2′ N. lat., 118°00.3′ W. long.).
(4) Oceanside to San Diego closure (see Figure 1 to this subpart). The area 6 miles from the mainland
shore south of a line running 225° true from the tip of the outer breakwater (33°12.4′ N. lat.,
117°24.1′ W. long.) of Oceanside Harbor to the United States-Mexico International Boundary.

§ 660.508 Annual specifications.
(a) The Regional Administrator will determine any harvest guideline, quota, Annual Catch Limit (ACL) (defined
at § 600.310(f)(2)) or Annual Catch Target (ACT) (defined at § 600.310(f)(2) of this chapter) in
accordance with the framework process in the FMP.
(b) Any harvest guideline, quota, ACL, or ACT, including any apportionment between the directed fishery and
set-aside for incidental harvest, will be published in the FEDERAL REGISTER.
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50 CFR 660.508(c)

(c) The announcement of each harvest guideline, quota, ACL or ACT will contain the following information if
available or applicable:
(1) The estimated biomass or MSY proxy on which the harvest guideline, quota, ACL or ACT was
determined;
(2) The portion, if appropriate, of the harvest guideline, quota, ACL or ACT set aside to allow for
incidental harvests after closure of the directed fishery;
(3) The estimated level of the incidental trip limit that will be allowed after the directed fishery is closed;
and
(4) The allocation, if appropriate, between Subarea A and Subarea B.
(d) As necessary, harvest guidelines, quotas, OFLs (defined at § 600.310(f)(2)), ABCs (defined at §
600.310(f)(2) of this chapter), ACLs or ACTs, will receive public review according to the following
procedure:
(1) Meetings will be held by the Council's CPSMT and AP, where the estimated biomass and/or other
biological or management benchmarks will be reviewed and public comments received. Each of
these meetings will be announced in the FEDERAL REGISTER before the date of the meeting, if possible.
(2) All materials relating to the estimated biomass and/or other biological or management benchmarks
will be forwarded to the Council and its Scientific and Statistical Committee and will be available to
the public from the Regional Administrator when available.
(3) At a regular meeting of the Council, the Council will review the estimated biomass and/or other
biological or management benchmarks and offer time for public comment. If the Council requests a
revision, justification must be provided.
(4) The Regional Administrator will review the Council's recommendations, justification, and public
comments and base his or her final decision on the requirements of the FMP and other applicable
law.
(e) Pacific mackerel. Every 2 years the Regional Administrator will determine, and publish in the FEDERAL
REGISTER, harvest specifications for 2 consecutive fishing seasons for Pacific mackerel.
[76 FR 70363, Nov. 14, 2011, as amended at 82 FR 35688, Aug. 1, 2017]

§ 660.509 Accountability measures (season closures).
(a) General rule for this subpart. When the directed fishery allocation, incidental allocation, annual catch limit
is reached for any CPS species, the fishery for that CPS species will be closed until the beginning of the
next fishing period or season. The Regional Administrator shall announce in the FEDERAL REGISTER the date
of such closure, as well as any incidental harvest level(s) recommended by the Council and approved by
NMFS.
(b) Pacific Sardine. When the allocation and reallocation levels for Pacific sardine in § 660.511(f) through (h)
are reached, the Pacific sardine fishery shall be closed until either it re-opens per the allocation scheme in
§ 660.511(g) and (h) or the beginning of the next fishing season as stated in § 660.510(a). The Regional
Administrator shall announce in the FEDERAL REGISTER the date of the closure of the directed fishery for
Pacific sardine.

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50 CFR 660.510

[76 FR 70364, Nov. 14, 2011, as amended at 84 FR 25202, May 31, 2019]

§ 660.510 Fishing seasons.
All seasons will begin at 0001 hours and terminate at 2400 hours local time. Fishing seasons for the following CPS
species are:
(a) Pacific sardine. July 1 to June 30, or until closed under § 660.509.
(b) Pacific mackerel. July 1 to June 30, or until closed under § 660.509.
[64 FR 69893, Dec. 15, 1999, as amended at 79 FR 11344, Feb. 28, 2014]

§ 660.511 Catch restrictions.
(a) All CPS harvested shoreward of the outer boundary of the EEZ (0-200 nautical miles off shore) will be
counted toward the catch limitations specified in this section.
(b) The trip limit for harvesting vessels fishing in the CPS Limited Entry Zone for CPS other than live bait
without a limited entry permit is 5 mt tons of all CPS finfish combined.
(c) The trip limit for vessels with a limited entry permit on a fishing trip in which the vessel fishes or lands fish
in the Limited Entry Zone is 125 mt of all CPS finfish combined.
(d) After the directed fishery for a CPS is closed under § 660.509, no person may take and retain, possess or
land more of that species than the incidental trip limit set by the Regional Administrator, except the
following directed fisheries may continue until the effective date of a FEDERAL REGISTER document
published by the Regional Administrator that the annual catch limit has been reached or is projected to be
reached:
(1) Fishing exclusively for live bait;
(2) Minor directed fishing for finfish that does not exceed 1 mt per day per vessel or person, and which is
limited to 1 fishing trip per day by any vessel.
(e) While fishing for CPS, all species of trout and salmon (Salmonidae) and Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus
stenolepis) are prohibited species and must be released immediately with a minimum of injury.
(f) On July 1, 40 percent of the initial harvest guideline for Pacific sardine is allocated coastwide within the
fishery management area.
(g) On September 15, 25 percent of the initial harvest guideline for Pacific sardine plus the remaining
unharvested portion of the July 1 allocation in paragraph (f) of this section is allocated coastwide within
the fishery management area.
(h) On January 1, 35 percent of the initial harvest guideline for Pacific sardine plus the remaining unharvested
portion of the September 15 allocation is allocated coastwide within the fishery management area.
(i)

The following harvest specifications apply for Pacific mackerel:
(1) For the Pacific mackerel fishing season July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024, the harvest guideline is
7,871 mt and the ACT is 6,871 mt; and

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50 CFR 660.511(i)(2)

(2) For the Pacific mackerel fishing season July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, the harvest guideline is
8,943 mt and the ACT is 7,943 mt.
(j)

When an ACT in paragraph (i) of this section has been reached or exceeded, then for the remainder of the
Pacific mackerel fishing season, Pacific mackerel may not be targeted and landings of Pacific mackerel
may not exceed: 45 percent of landings when Pacific mackerel are landed in CPS fisheries (in other words,
no more than 45 percent by weight of the CPS landed per trip may be Pacific mackerel), or up to 3 mt of
Pacific mackerel when landed in non-CPS fisheries. The NMFS West Coast Regional Administer shall
announce in the FEDERAL REGISTER the date that an ACT is reached or exceeded, and the date and time that
the restrictions described in this paragraph (j) go into effect.

(k) The following annual catch limit applies to fishing for Northern Anchovy (Central Subpopulation): 25,000
mt.
[64 FR 69893, Dec. 15, 1999, as amended at 68 FR 52527, Sept. 4, 2003; 71 FR 37001, June 29, 2006; 79 FR 11344, Feb. 28, 2014;
83 FR 6473, Feb. 14, 2018; 83 FR 28784, June 21, 2018; 84 FR 25202, May 31, 2019; 84 FR 65927, Dec. 2, 2019; 86 FR 64827, Nov.
19, 2021; 88 FR 42653, July 3, 2023; 88 FR 86839, Dec. 15, 2023]

§ 660.512 Limited entry fishery.
(a) General.
(1) This section applies to fishing for or landing CPS finfish in the limited entry fishery in the Limited
Entry Zone.
(2) Effective January 1, 2000, the owner of a vessel with more than 5 mt of CPS finfish on board in the
CPS Limited Entry Zone, other than live bait, must have a limited entry permit registered for use with
that vessel.
(3) Only a person eligible to own a documented vessel under the terms of 46 U.S.C. 12102(a) qualifies to
be issued or may hold, by ownership or otherwise, a limited entry permit.
(b) Initial qualification.
(1) A limited entry permit for a vessel will be issued only if that vessel landed 100 mt of CPS finfish from
January 1, 1993, through November 5, 1997.
(2) A limited entry permit will be issued only to the current owner of the vessel, unless:
(i)

The previous owner of a vessel qualifying for a permit, by the express terms of a written
contract, reserved the right to the limited entry permit, in which case the limited entry permit
will be issued to the previous owner based on the catch history of the qualifying vessel, or

(ii) A vessel that would have qualified for a limited entry permit was totally lost prior to issuance of
a limited entry permit. In this case, the owner of the vessel at the time it was lost retains the
right to a permit for a replacement vessel, unless the owner conveyed the right to another
person by the express terms of a written contract. The lost vessel must be replaced within 2
years of the date that the qualifying vessel was lost, and the replaced vessel must be of equal
or less net tonnage.

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50 CFR 660.512(c)

(c) Documentation and burden of proof. A vessel owner (or person holding limited entry rights under the
express terms of a written contract as specified in paragraph (a)(2)) of this section applying for issuance,
renewal, transfer, or registration of a limited entry permit must prove that the qualification requirements
are met by submitting the following documentation:
(1) A certified copy of the vessel's documentation as a fishing vessel of the United States (U.S. Coast
Guard or state) is the best evidence of vessel ownership;
(2) A certified copy of a state fish landing receipt is the best evidence of a landing of a vessel;
(3) A copy of a written contract reserving or conveying limited entry rights is the best evidence of
reserved or acquired rights; and
(4) Other relevant, credible evidence that the applicant may wish to submit or that the SFD may request
or require.
(d) Fees. The Regional Administrator may charge fees to cover administrative expenses related to issuing
limited entry permits, as well as renewing, transferring, and replacing permits. The amount of the fee is
calculated in accordance with the procedures of the NOAA Finance Handbook for determining the
administrative costs of each special product or service. The fee may not exceed such costs and is
specified with each application form. The appropriate fee must accompany each application.
(e) Initial decisions.
(1) The SFD will make initial decisions regarding issuing, renewing, transferring, and registering limited
entry permits.
(2) Adverse decisions shall be in writing and shall state the reasons for the adverse decision.
(3) The SFD may decline to act on an application for issuing, renewing, transferring, or registering a
limited entry permit and will notify the applicant, if the permit sanction provisions of the MagnusonStevens Act at 16 U.S.C. 1858(a) and implementing regulations at 15 CFR part 904, subpart D, apply.
(f) Initial issuance.
(1) The SFD will issue limited entry permits.
(2) In order to receive a final decision on a limited entry permit application before January 1, 2000, an
applicant must submit the application to the SFD on or before February 14, 2000.
(3) A separate, complete, and accurate application form, accompanied by any required supporting
documentation and the appropriate fee, must be submitted for each vessel for which a limited entry
permit is sought.
(4) Upon receipt of an incomplete or improperly executed application, the SFD will notify the applicant of
the deficiency. If the applicant fails to correct the deficiency within 30 days following the date of
notification, the application will be considered void.
(5) The SFD may request further documentation before acting on an application.
(6) The SFD will not accept applications for a limited entry permit after July 1, 2000.
(g) Appeals.

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50 CFR 660.512(g)(1)

(1) Any applicant for an initial permit may appeal the initial issuance decision to the Regional
Administrator. To be considered by the Regional Administrator, such appeal must be in writing and
state the reasons for the appeal, and must be submitted within 30 days of the action by the Regional
Administrator. The appellant may request an informal hearing on the appeal.
(2) Upon receipt of an appeal authorized by this section, the Regional Administrator will notify the permit
applicant, or permit holder as appropriate, and will request such additional information and in such
form as will allow action upon the appeal.
(3) Upon receipt of sufficient information, the Regional Administrator will decide the appeal in
accordance with the permit eligibility criteria set forth in this section and in the FMP, as appropriate,
based upon information relative to the application on file at NMFS and the Council and any
additional information submitted to or obtained by the Regional Administrator, the summary record
kept of any hearing and the hearing officer's recommended decision, if any, and such other
considerations as the Regional Administrator deems appropriate. The Regional Administrator will
notify all interested persons of the decision, and the reasons therefor, in writing, normally within 30
days of the receipt of sufficient information, unless additional time is needed for a hearing.
(4) If a hearing is requested or if the Regional Administrator determines that one is appropriate, the
Regional Administrator may grant an informal hearing before a hearing officer designated for that
purpose after first giving notice of the time, place, and subject matter of the hearing to the applicant.
The appellant and, at the discretion of the hearing officer, other interested persons may appear
personally or be represented by counsel at the hearing and submit information and present
arguments as determined appropriate by the hearing officer. Within 30 days of the last day of the
hearing, the hearing officer shall recommend in writing a decision to the Regional Administrator.
(5) The Regional Administrator may adopt the hearing officer's recommended decision, in whole or in
part, or may reject or modify it. In any event, the Regional Administrator will notify interested persons
of the decision, and the reason(s) therefore, in writing, within 30 days of receipt of the hearing
officer's recommended decision. The Regional Administrator's action shall constitute final action for
the agency for the purposes of the APA.
(6) Any time limit prescribed in this section may be extended for a period not to exceed 30 days by the
Regional Administrator for good cause, either upon his or her own motion or upon written request
from the appellant stating the reason(s) therefore.
(h) Issuance of new permits.
(1) When the aggregate gross tonnage of all vessels participating in the limited entry fishery declines
below 5,650.9 metric tons (mt), the Council will review the status of the fishery, taking into
consideration:
(i)

The changes in gross tonnage that have and are likely to occur in the transfer of limited entry
permits;

(ii) The actual harvesting capacity as experienced in the current fishery in comparison to the
capacity goal;
(iii) Comments of the CPSMT;
(iv) Any other relevant factors related to maintaining the capacity goal.

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50 CFR 660.512(h)(2)

(2) Following its review, the Council will recommend to NMFS whether additional permit(s) should be
issued and if the new permit(s) should be temporary or permanent. The issuance of new permit(s)
shall be based on the following:
(i)

The qualifying criteria in paragraph (b) of this section, but vessels that were issued a permit
before December 31, 2000, are not eligible.

(ii) If no vessel meets the qualifying criteria in paragraph (b), then the permit(s) will be issued to the
vessel(s) with total landings nearest 100 mt during the qualifying period of paragraph (b).
(iii) No vessel will be issued a permit under this paragraph (h) that is currently registered for use
with a permit.
(3) The Regional Administrator will review the Council's recommendation and determine whether issuing
additional permit(s) is consistent with the FMP and with paragraph (h)(2) of this section. If issuing
additional permit(s) is appropriate, the Regional Administrator will:
(i)

Issue the appropriate number of permits consistent with the Council's recommendation; and

(ii) Publish a document in the FEDERAL REGISTER notifying the public that new permits or a new
permit has been issued, the conditions attached to any permit, and the reasons for the action.
[64 FR 69893, Dec. 15, 1999, as amended at 68 FR 3822, Jan. 27, 2003]

§ 660.513 Permit conditions.
(a) A limited entry permit expires on failure to renew the limited entry permit as specified in § 660.515.
(b) A limited entry permit may not be used with a vessel unless it is registered for use with that vessel.
Limited entry permits will be registered for use with a particular vessel at the time the permit is issued,
renewed, or transferred.
(c) Limited entry permits issued or applied for under this subpart are subject to sanctions pursuant to the
Magnuson-Stevens Act, 16 U.S.C. 1858(g), and 15 CFR part 904, subpart D.

§ 660.514 Transferability.
(a) General.
(1) The SFD will process applications for transferring limited entry permits to a different owner and/or to
a different vessel according to this section.
(2) After January 27, 2003, the SFD will issue a limited entry permit to the owner of each vessel
permitted to participate in the limited entry fishery for CPS. This permit will replace the existing
permit and will include the gross tonnage of the vessel, which will constitute an endorsement for
that vessel for the purpose of regulating the transfer of limited entry permits.
(b) Criteria.
(1) When the aggregate gross tonnage of all vessels participating the limited entry fishery is at or below
5,650.9 mt, a permit may be transferred to a different owner or to a different vessel in the following
circumstances only:

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(i)

50 CFR 660.514(b)(1)(i)

A permit may be transferred to a vessel without a permit if the vessel without a permit has a
comparable capacity to the capacity on the permit or is less than comparable capacity on the
permit.

(ii) When a permit is transferred to a vessel without a permit that has less gross tonnage than that
of the permitted vessel, the excess gross tonnage may not be separated from the permit and
applied to a second vessel.
(iii) A permit may be transferred to a vessel without a permit that is of greater than comparable
capacity only if two or more permits are transferred to the vessel without a permit to equal the
gross tonnage of the vessel. The number of permits required will be determined by adding
together the comparable capacity of all permits being transferred. Any gross tonnage in excess
of that needed for a vessel remains with the permit.
(2) When a vessel with multiple permits leaves the fishery, the permits may be sold separately and
applied to other vessels according to the criteria in this section.
(c) Stipulations.
(1) The gross tonnage endorsement of a permit is integral to the permit for the duration of the permit,
regardless of the gross tonnage of any vessel to which the permit is transferred.
(2) Permits may be used only on the vessel for which they are registered by the SFD. All permits that
authorize a vessel to operate in the limited entry fishery must be on board the vessel during any
fishing trip on which CPS is harvested or is on board.
(3) A permit may be transferred only once during a calendar year.
(d) Vessel alterations.
(1) A permitted vessel's length, breadth, or depth may be altered to increase the gross tonnage of the
vessel only if the aggregate gross tonnage of all vessels participating in the limited entry fishery
equals, or is below 5,650.9 mt, and only under the following conditions:
(i)

The gross tonnage of the altered vessel, calculated according to the formula in 46 CFR
69.209(a), does not exceed 110 percent of the vessel's original gross tonnage endorsement,
and

(ii) A new certificate of documentation is obtained from the U.S. Coast Guard or State.
Modifications exceeding 110 percent of the vessel's gross tonnage endorsement will require
registration of the vessel under an additional permit or permits or under a permit with a
sufficient gross tonnage endorsement.
(2) A copy of the certificate of documentation indicating changes in length, depth, or breadth must be
provided to the SFD.
(3) The revised gross tonnage will not be valid as an endorsement until a revised permit is issued by the
SFD.
(e) Applications.
(1) All requests for the transfer of a limited entry permit will be made to the SFD in writing and shall
contain the following information:
(i)

Name, address, and phone number of the owner of the permitted vessel.

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50 CFR 660.514(e)(1)(ii)

(ii) Name of the permitted vessel and documentation number of the vessel.
(iii) Name, address, and phone number of the owner of the vessel to which the permit is to be
transferred.
(iv) Name and documentation number of the vessel to which the permit is to be transferred.
(v) Signature(s) of the owner(s) of the vessels participating in the transfer.
(vi) Any other information that the SFD may request.
(2) No permit transfer is effective until the transfer has been authorized by the SFD.
(f) Capacity reduction.
(1) When the aggregate gross tonnage of the limited entry fleet reaches 5,933.5 mt, a permit may be
transferred to a vessel without a permit only if the vessel without a permit is of the same or less
gross tonnage.
(2) When the aggregate gross tonnage of the limited entry fleet reaches 5,933.5 mt, alterations in the
length, depth, or breadth of a permitted vessel may not result in an increase in the gross tonnage of
the vessel.
[68 FR 3823, Jan. 27, 2003]

§ 660.515 Renewal of limited entry permits.
(a) Each limited entry permit must be renewed by January 1 of even numbered years.
(b) The SFD will send notices to renew limited entry permits to the most recent address of the permit holder.
(c) The permit owner must provide SFD with notice of any address change within 15 days of the change.
(d) The permit holder must submit applications for renewal of a permit on forms available from the SFD.
(e) The permit owner is responsible for renewing a limited entry permit.
(f) An expired permit cannot be used to fish for CPS in the limited entry fishery.

§ 660.516 Exempted fishing.
(a) General. In the interest of developing an efficient and productive fishery for CPS, the Regional
Administrator may issue exempted fishing permits (EFP) for the harvest of CPS that otherwise would be
prohibited.
(b) No exempted fishing for CPS may be conducted unless authorized by an EFP issued for the participating
vessel in accordance with the criteria and procedures specified in § 600.745 of this chapter.

§ 660.517 Framework for revising regulations.
(a) General. NMFS will establish and adjust specifications and management measures in accordance with
procedures and standards in Amendment 8 to the FMP.
(b) Annual actions. Annual specifications are developed and implemented according to § 660.508.

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50 CFR 660.517(c)

(c) Routine management measures. Consistent with section. 2.1 of Amendment 8 to the FMP, management
measures designated as routine may be adjusted during the year after recommendation from the Council,
approval by NMFS, and publication in the FEDERAL REGISTER.
(d) Changes to the regulations. Regulations under this subpart may be promulgated, removed, or revised. Any
such action will be made according to the framework measures in section 2 of Amendment 8 to the FMP
and will be published in the FEDERAL REGISTER.

§ 660.518 Pacific Coast Treaty Indian Rights.
(a) Pacific Coast treaty Indian tribes have treaty rights to harvest CPS in their usual and accustomed fishing
areas in the EEZ.
(b) For the purposes of this section, Pacific Coast treaty Indian tribes means the Hoh, Makah, and Quileute
Indian Tribes and the Quinault Indian Nation, and their “usual and accustomed fishing areas” are
described at § 660.4, subpart A.
(c) Boundaries of a tribe's fishing area may be revised as ordered by a Federal court.
(d) Procedures. The rights referred to in paragraph (a) of this section will be implemented in accordance with
the procedures and requirements of the framework contained in Amendment 9 to the FMP and in this
Subpart.
(1) The Secretary, after consideration of the tribal request, the recommendation of the Council, and the
comments of the public, will implement Indian fishing rights.
(2) The rights will be implemented either through an allocation of fish that will be managed by the tribes
or through regulations that will apply specifically to the tribal fisheries.
(3) An allocation or a regulation specific to the tribes shall be initiated by a written request from a Pacific
Coast treaty Indian tribe to the NMFS Southwest Regional Administrator at least 120 days prior to
the start of the fishing season as specified at § 660.510 and will be subject to public review
according to the procedures in § 660.508(d).
(4) The Regional Administrator will announce the annual tribal allocation at the same time as the annual
specifications.
(e) The Secretary recognizes the sovereign status and co-manager role of Indian tribes over shared Federal
and tribal fishery resources. Accordingly, the Secretary will develop tribal allocations and regulations in
consultation with the affected tribe(s) and, insofar as possible, with tribal consensus.
[66 FR 44987, Aug. 27, 2001, as amended at 81 FR 36808, June 8, 2016]

§ 660.519 Scientific observers.
All fishing vessels operating in the coastal pelagic species fishery, including catcher/processors, at-sea processors,
and vessels that harvest in Washington, Oregon, or California and land catch in another area, may be required to
accommodate NMFS- certified observers aboard to collect scientific data. An observer program will be considered
only for circumstances where other data collection methods are deemed insufficient for management of the fishery.
Any observer program will be implemented in accordance with § 660.517.
[66 FR 44987, Aug. 27, 2001]

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50 CFR 660.520

§ 660.520 Reporting requirements.
(a) Otter interaction.
(1) If a southern sea otter is entangled in a net, regardless of whether the animal is injured or killed, the
vessel operator must report this interaction within 24 hours to the Regional Administrator.
(2) While fishing for CPS, vessel operators must record all observations of otter interactions (defined as
otters within encircled nets or coming into contact with nets or vessels, including but not limited to
entanglement) with their purse seine net(s) or vessel(s). With the exception of an entanglement,
which must be initially reported as described in paragraph (a)(1)of this section, all other
observations must be reported within 20 days to the Regional Administrator.
(3) When contacting NMFS after an interaction, vessel operators must provide the location (latitude and
longitude) of the interaction and a description of the interaction itself. If available, location
information should also include water depth, distance from shore, and relation to port or other
landmarks. Descriptive information of the interaction should include: whether or not the otters were
seen inside or outside the net; if inside the net, had the net been completely encircled; whether any
otters came in contact with either the net or the vessel; the number of otters present; duration of
interaction; the otter's behavior during interaction; measures taken to avoid interaction.
(b) [Reserved]
[72 FR 29892, May 30, 2007]

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50 CFR 660.600

Figure 1 to Subpart I of Part 660—Existing California Area Closures (hatched areas extend to 3
miles offshore; cross-hatched areas extend beyond 3 miles offshore) and Optional Catalina
Channel Foreign Vessel Closure (outlined by dashed lines)

Subpart J—West Coast Groundfish Electronic Monitoring Program
Source: 84 FR 31160, June 28, 2019, unless otherwise noted.

§ 660.600 Applicability.
(a) General. This subpart contains requirements for vessels using EM in lieu of observers, as authorized
under § 660.140(h)(1)(i) (Shorebased IFQ Program) and § 660.150(j)(1)(i) (MS Co-op Program), and
requirements for EM service providers. Vessel owners, operators, and managers are jointly and severally
liable for a vessel's compliance with EM requirements under this subpart. This subpart also contains
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50 CFR 660.600(b)

requirements for a first receiver receiving catch from a trip monitored by EM (see § 660.604(u)). The table
below provides references to the sections that contain vessel owner, operator, first receiver, and service
provider responsibilities.

West coast groundfish fishery

Section

(1) Limited entry trawl fishery:
(i) Vessel owners

660.604

(ii) Vessel operators

660.604

(iii) First receivers

660.604

(iv) Service providers

660.603

(2) [Reserved]

(b) EM program purpose. The purpose of the EM program is to provide NMFS with the best scientific
information available to determine individual accountability for catch (including discards) of IFQ species
and compliance with requirements of the Shorebased IFQ Program (§ 660.140) and MS Co-op Program (§
660.150). NMFS will develop EM Program Guidelines, which will document best practices and other
information that NMFS will use to evaluate proposed service and vessel monitoring plans submitted by
EM service providers and vessel owners under this subpart, and to evaluate the performance of EM
service providers and vessels, in meeting the requirements of this subpart to achieve the purpose of the
EM program. NMFS will develop the EM Program Guidelines in consultation with the Council and publish
notice of their availability in the FEDERAL REGISTER. NMFS will maintain the EM Program Guidelines on its
website and make them available to vessel owners and operators and EM service providers to assist in
developing service plans and vessel monitoring plans that comply with the requirements of this subpart
and meet the purpose of the EM program.

§ 660.601 Definitions.
These definitions are specific to this subpart. General groundfish definitions are found at § 660.11, subpart C, and
trawl fishery definitions are found at § 660.111, subpart D.
Active sampling unit means the portion of the groundfish fleet in which an observer coverage plan is being
applied.
Discard control point means the location on the vessel designated by a vessel operator where allowable
discarding may occur.
Discard event means a single occurrence of discarding of fish or other species.
Electronic Monitoring or EM consists of the use of an electronic monitoring system (EMS) to passively monitor
fishing operations through observing or tracking.
Electronic Monitoring Authorization means the official document provided by NMFS that allows a vessel with a
limited entry trawl permit to use electronic monitoring under the provisions of this subpart.
Electronic Monitoring System or EMS means a data collection tool that uses a software operating system
connected to an assortment of electronic components, including video recorders, to create a collection of
data on vessel activities.
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50 CFR 660.601 “Electronic Monitoring System Certification
Form”

Electronic Monitoring System Certification Form means the official document provided by NMFS, signed by a
representative of a NMFS-permitted electronic monitoring service provider that attest that an EM system
and associated equipment meets the performance standards defined at § 660.604(j) of this subpart, as
required by § 660.604(e)(3)(i).
EM data means the information output of the Electronic Monitoring System (e.g., imagery, sensor data, and
other associated data files).
EM data processing means the review, interpretation, and analysis of EM data and associated meta data.
EM dataset means a collection of EM data from a single EM trip or group of EM trips.
EM Program means the Electronic Monitoring Program of the West Coast Region, National Marine Fisheries
Service.
EM Service Plan means the document required under § 660.603 that describes in detail how the EM service
provider will provide EM services.
EM service provider means any person, including their employees or agents, that is granted a permit by NMFS to
provide EM services for vessels as required under § 660.603 and § 660.604.
EM technician means an employee of the EM service provider that provides support for EM systems and
technical assistance.
EM trip means any fishing trip for which electronic monitoring is the declared monitoring type.
Initial Administrative Determination (IAD) means a formal, written determination made by NMFS on an
application or permit request that is subject to an appeal within NMFS.
Non-trawl shorebased IFQ vessel means a vessel on a declared limited entry groundfish non-trawl, shorebased
IFQ trip.
Pacific whiting fishery refers to the Pacific whiting primary season fisheries described at § 660.131. The Pacific
whiting fishery is composed of vessels participating in the C/P Co-op Program, the MS Co-op Program, or
the Pacific whiting IFQ fishery.
Pacific whiting IFQ fishery is composed of vessels on Pacific whiting IFQ trips.
Pacific whiting IFQ trip means a trip in which a vessel uses midwater groundfish trawl gear during the dates of
the Pacific whiting primary season to target Pacific whiting, and Pacific whiting constitutes 50 percent or
more of the catch by weight at landing as reported on the state landing receipt. Vessels on Pacific whiting
IFQ trips must have a valid declaration for limited entry midwater trawl, Pacific whiting shorebased IFQ.
Prohibited species means those species and species groups defined at § 660.11; Dungeness crab caught south
of Point Reyes, California; fish in excess of state or Federal limits; fish below a state or Federal minimum
size; and species for which the vessel or vessel representative does not have a state or Federal permit.
Shorebased IFQ Program or Shorebased IFQ sector, refers to the fishery described at § 660.140, subpart D, and
includes all vessels on IFQ trips.
Vessel Monitoring Plan (VMP) means the document that describes how fishing operations on the vessel will be
conducted and how the EM system and associated equipment will be configured to meet the
performance standards and purpose of the EM Program.
[84 FR 31160, June 28, 2019, as amended at 87 FR 59713, Oct. 3, 2022]
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50 CFR 660.602

§ 660.602 Prohibitions.
In addition to the general prohibitions specified in § 600.725 of this chapter, it is unlawful for any person to:
(a) Electronic monitoring program.
(1) Make a false or inaccurate/incorrect statement on an application for issuance, renewal, or changes
to an EM Authorization or NMFS-accepted VMP.
(2) Fish for or land fish from a trip without electronic monitoring or observer coverage when a vessel is
required to carry electronic monitoring or an observer under §§ 660.140(h) or 660.150(j).
(3) Fish for or land fish from a trip taken under electronic monitoring without a valid EM Authorization
and NMFS-accepted vessel monitoring plan onboard, and a valid gear and monitoring declaration
with NMFS OLE as required by § 660.604(c)(1) and § 660.604(m).
(4) Fail to comply with the terms of a NMFS-accepted VMP.
(5) Fail to notify the NMFS West Coast Groundfish Observer Program at least 48-hours prior to departing
port of the vessel operator's intent to take a trip under EM, as required by § 660.604(n).
(6) Fail to conduct a pre-departure test of the EM system prior to departing port as required by §
660.604(l)(2).
(7) Fish on an EM trip without a fully functional EM system, unless authorized by a NMFS-accepted VMP
as required by § 660.604(l)(3).
(8) Fail to make the EM system, associated equipment, logbooks, EM data, and other records available
for inspection immediately upon request by NMFS, its agent, or authorized officers, as required by §§
660.604(o) and 660.604(t).
(9) Discard species other than those allowed to be discarded as specified at § 660.604(p).
(10) Fail to handle fish and other marine organisms in a manner that enables the EM system to record it
as required by § 660.604(r).
(11) Fail to submit complete and accurate logbook(s) and EM data for each EM trip as specified at §
660.604(s),
(12) Tamper with, disconnect, damage, destroy, alter, or in any way distort, render useless, inoperative,
ineffective, or inaccurate any component of the EM system or associated equipment.
(13) Assault, resist, oppose, impede, intimidate, harass, sexually harass, bribe, or interfere with an EM
service provider, EM field services staff, or EM data processing staff.
(14) Interfere with or bias the sampling procedure employed by EM data processing staff including either
mechanically or manually sorting or discarding catch outside of camera view or inconsistent with
the NMFS-accepted VMP.
(15) Fail to meet the vessel owner or operator responsibilities specified in § 660.604.
(16) Fail to meet the first receiver responsibilities specified at § 660.604(u).
(17) Fail to meet the EM service provider responsibilities specified in § 660.603.
(18) Fish without an observer when a vessel is required to carry an observer under subpart J of this part
if:
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(i)

50 CFR 660.602(a)(18)(i)

The vessel is inadequate for observer deployment as specified at § 600.746 of this chapter;

(ii) The vessel does not maintain safe conditions for an observer as specified at § 660.604(n);
(iii) NMFS, the observer provider, or the observer determines the vessel is inadequate or unsafe
pursuant to vessel responsibilities to maintain safe conditions as specified at § 660.604(n);
(19) Fail to meet the vessel responsibilities and observer coverage requirements specified at §
660.604(n).
(b) [Reserved]

§ 660.603 Electronic monitoring provider permits and responsibilities.
(a) General. This section contains requirements for EM service providers providing EM services, pursuant to
contracts with vessel owners whose vessels operate in the Shorebased IFQ Program (§ 660.140) or the
MS Co-op Program (§ 660.150) and use EM under this subpart. A person must obtain a permit and
endorsement as provided under § 660.603(b) in order to be an EM service provider. An EM service
provider must:
(1) Operate under a NMFS-accepted EM Service Plan (see paragraph (b)(1)(vii) of this section).
(2) Provide and manage EM systems, field services, and technical assistance as required under §
660.603(k);
(3) Provide technical and litigation information to NMFS or its agent (see § 660.603(l)).
(4) Provide technical support to contracted fishing vessels 24-hours per day, seven days per week, and
year-round as provided under § 660.603(k)(4);
(5) Provide EM data processing, reporting, and record retention services to contracted vessels using EM
(see § 660.603(m)).
(6) Comply with data integrity and security requirements, including requirements pertaining to hard
drives and data files containing EM data, (see § 660.603(n)).
(b) Provider permits. To be an EM service provider, a person must obtain an EM service provider permit and
endorsement by submitting an application to the NMFS West Coast Region Fisheries Permit Office. NMFS
will issue a public notice at least 90 calendar days prior to when it will begin accepting applications for
EM service provider permits for the first year of the Program. A person may meet some requirements of
this section through a partnership or subcontract with another entity, in which case the application for an
EM service provider permit must include information about the partnership. Once NMFS begins accepting
applications, if a new EM service provider, or an existing EM service provider seeking to deploy a new EMS
or software version, submits an application by June 1, NMFS will issue a new permit by January 1 of the
following calendar year. Applications submitted after June 1 will be processed as soon as practicable.
NMFS will only process complete applications. Additional endorsements to provide observer or catch
monitor services may be obtained under § 660.18.
(1) Contents of provider application. To be considered for an EM service provider permit and
endorsement, the service provider must submit a complete application that includes the following
information. The same information must be included for any partners or subcontractors if the
applicant intends to satisfy any of the EM service provider requirements through a partnership or
contractual relationship with another entity.
(i)

Certify that the applicant meets the following eligibility criteria:

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50 CFR 660.603(b)(1)(i)(A)

(A) The EM service provider and its employees do not have a conflict of interest as defined at
§ 660.603(h), and,
(B) The EM service provider is willing and able to comply with all applicable requirements of
this section and to operate under a NMFS-accepted EM Service Plan.
(ii) Applicant's contact information.
(iii) Legal name of applicant organization. If the applicant organization is a United States business
entity, include the state registration number.
(iv) Description of the management, organizational structure, and ownership structure of the
applicant's business, including identification by name and general function of all controlling
management interests in the company, including but not limited to owners, board members,
officers, authorized agents, and employees. List all office locations and their business mailing
address, business phone, fax number, and email addresses. If the applicant is a corporation, the
articles of incorporation must be provided. If the applicant is a partnership, the partnership
agreement must be provided.
(v) A narrative statement describing prior relevant experience in providing EM services, technical
support, or fishery data analysis services, including recruiting, hiring, training, deploying, and
managing of individuals in marine work environments and of individuals working with fishery
data, in the groundfish fishery or other fisheries of similar scale.
(vi) A statement signed under penalty of perjury by an authorized agent of the applicant about each
owner, or owners, board members, and officers if a corporation, authorized agents, and
employees, regarding:
(A) Conflict of interest as described in § 660.603(h),
(B) Criminal convictions,
(C) Federal contracts they have had and the performance rating they received on each
contract, and
(D) Any previous history of decertification or permit sanction action while working as an
observer, catch monitor, observer provider, catch monitor provider, or electronic monitoring
provider.
(vii) EM Service Plan. An EM Service Plan that describes in detail how the applicant will provide EM
services for vessels. To ensure that the EM Program achieves its purpose, NMFS will develop
EM Program Guidelines (see § 660.600(b)) and use them to evaluate proposed EM Service
Plans. NMFS may consider alternative, but equivalent, methods proposed by EM service
providers and vessel owners in their plans to meet the requirements of this subpart, if they
achieve the purpose of the EM program. An EM Service Plan must include descriptions of the
following (using pictures and diagrams where appropriate):
(A) Contact information for a primary point of contact for program operations inseason;
(B) A plan for provision of services including communications, service locations, response
timelines, and procedures for services, repairs, technical support, and other program
services;

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50 CFR 660.603(b)(1)(vii)(C)

(C) Procedures for hiring and training of competent program staff to carry out EM field
services and data services, including procedures to maintain the skills of EM data
processing staff in:
(1) Use of data processing software;
(2) Species identification;
(3) Fate determination and metadata reporting requirements;
(4) Data processing procedures;
(5) Data tracking; and,
(6) Reporting and data upload procedures.
(D) Procedures for tracking hard drives and/or data files throughout their use cycle, including
procedures to ensure the integrity and security of hard drives or data files in transit, and
for removing EM data from hard drives or other medium before returning them to the field;
(E) Procedures for data processing, including tracking of EM datasets throughout their
processing cycle and documenting any access and modifications;
(F) Procedures for correction and resubmission of EM summary data reports and other
reports that NMFS has determined are not of sufficient quality to meet the purpose of the
EM program, as described at § 660.603(m)(5), and to ensure that future reports are
sufficient for use by NMFS.
(G) Policies on data access, handling, and release to prevent unauthorized disclosure of EM
data and other records specified in this section by the EM provider as required under §
660.603(n);
(H) Procedures for retention of records as required under § 660.603(m)(6);
(I)

Identifying characteristics of the EMS to be deployed and the video review software to be
used in the fishery, including but not limited to: Manufacturer, brand name, model name,
model number, software version and date, firmware version number and date, hardware
version number and date, monitor/terminal number and date, pressure sensor model
number and date, drum rotation sensor model number and date, and GPS model number
and date.

(J) EM system and software specifications, including a narrative statement describing how
the EM system and associated equipment meets the performance standards at §
660.604(j).
(K) EM video review software specifications, including a narrative statement describing how
the software meets the EM Program Guidelines and will provide NMFS with data to
achieve the purpose of the EM Program as defined at § 660.600(b).
(viii) Provide NMFS the following, if requested:
(A) Two EM system units loaded with software for a minimum of 90 calendar days for testing
and evaluation.

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50 CFR 660.603(b)(1)(viii)(B)

(B) Thorough documentation for the EM system, including: User manuals, any necessary
interfacing software, performance specifications, technical support information, and
tamperproof or tamper evident features.
(C) The results of at-sea trials of the EM system.
(D) Two copies of video review and analysis software for a minimum of 90 calendar days for
testing and evaluation.
(E) Thorough documentation for the video review and analysis software, including: User
manuals, performance specifications, and technical support information.
(F) Descriptions of database models and analysis procedures for EM data and associated
meta data to produce required reports.
(2) Application evaluation. NMFS may request additional information or revisions from the applicant until
NMFS is satisfied that the application is complete. Complete applications will be forwarded to the
EM Program for review and evaluation by the EM provider permit review board. If the applicant is an
entity, the review board also will evaluate the application criteria for each owner, board member,
officer, authorized agent, and employee. NMFS will evaluate the application based on the EM
Program Guidelines (see § 660.600(b)) and the following criteria:
(i)

The applicant's relevant experience and qualifications;

(ii) Review of any conflict of interest as described in § 660.603(h);
(iii) Review of any criminal convictions;
(iv) Review of the proposed EM Service Plan, including evaluation of EM equipment and software;
(v) Satisfactory performance ratings on any federal contracts held by the applicant;
(vi) Review of any history of decertification or permit sanction as an observer, catch monitor,
observer provider, catch monitor provider, or EM service provider; and,
(vii) Review of any performance history as an EM service provider.
(3) Agency determination on an application. Based on a complete application, if NMFS determines that
the applicant has met the requirements of this section, NMFS will issue an initial administrative
determination (IAD). If the application is approved, the IAD will serve as the EM service provider's
permit and endorsement. If the application is denied, the IAD will provide an explanation of the denial
in writing. The applicant may appeal NMFS' determination following the process at § 660.19.
(4) Effective dates. The provider permit is valid from the effective date identified on the permit until the
permit expiration date of December 31 of the following year. Provider permit holders must renew
biennially by following the renewal process specified in paragraph (f) of this section.
(5) Expiration of the provider permit —
(i)

Expiration due to inactivity. After a period of 24 continuous months during which no EM services
are provided by the provider in the Pacific coast groundfish fishery, NMFS will issue an IAD
describing the intent to expire the provider permit or to remove the appropriate endorsement(s)
and the timeline to do so. A provider that receives an IAD may appeal under § 660.19. The
provider permit and endorsements will remain valid until a final agency decision is made or
until the permit expiration date, whichever is earlier.

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50 CFR 660.603(b)(5)(ii)

(ii) Expiration due to failure to renew. Failure to renew biennially will result in expiration of the
provider permit and endorsements on the permit expiration date.
(iii) Invalidation due to lapse in eligibility. NMFS may invalidate an EM service provider permit if
NMFS determines that the EM service provider no longer meets the eligibility criteria defined at
paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section. NMFS will first notify the EM service provider of the
deficiencies in writing and the EM service provider must correct the deficiencies following the
instructions provided. If the deficiencies are not resolved upon review of the first trip following
the notification, NMFS will notify the EM service provider in writing that the provider permit is
invalid and that the EM service provider is no longer eligible to provide EM services for vessels
for the remainder of that calendar year. The EM service provider may reapply for an EM service
provider permit and endorsement for the following calendar year.
(iv) Obtaining a new permit or endorsement following an expiration or invalidated permit. A person
holding an expired or invalidated permit or endorsement may reapply for a new provider permit
or endorsement at any time consistent with paragraph (b) of this section.
(c) Changes to a NMFS-accepted EM Service Plan. An EM service provider may make changes to a NMFSaccepted EM Service Plan by submitting a revised plan or plan addendum to NMFS in writing. NMFS will
review and accept the change if it meets all the requirements of this section. A plan addendum must
contain:
(1) The date and the name and signature of an authorized agent of the EM service provider;
(2) Address, telephone number, fax number and email address of the person submitting the addendum;
(3) A complete description of the proposed EM Service Plan change.
(d) Change of provider permit ownership and transfer restrictions. If an EM service provider changes
ownership during the term of an EM service provider permit, the new owner must apply for a new provider
permit.
(e) Provider permit sanctions. Procedures governing sanctions of permits are found at subpart D of 15 CFR
part 904.
(f) Renewing a provider permit. To maintain a valid provider permit, provider permit holders must reapply
biennially prior to the permit expiration date. NMFS will mail a provider permit application form to existing
permit holders on or about July 15 of the year that the permit is due to expire. Providers who want to have
their permits effective for January 1 of the following calendar year must submit their complete
application form to NMFS by September 1. If a provider fails to renew the provider permit, the provider
permit and endorsements will expire on the permit expiration date.
(g) Fees. NMFS may charge a fee to cover administrative expenses related to issuance of permits including
initial issuance, renewal, replacement, and appeals.
(h) Limitations on conflict of interest for providers and employees.
(1) EM service providers and their employees must not have a direct financial interest, other than the
provision of observer, catch monitor, EM, other biological sampling services, VMS, AIS transponders,
telemetry (such as product temperature monitoring for seafood safety), buoy and gear monitoring,
sonar systems, mandatory safety services (i.e. GMDSS), or other technical or equipment services, in
any Federal or state managed fisheries, including but not limited to:

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(i)

50 CFR 660.603(h)(1)(i)

Any ownership, mortgage holder, or other secured interest in a vessel, first receiver, shorebased
or floating stationary processor facility involved in the catching, taking, harvesting or
processing of fish;

(ii) Any business involved with selling supplies or services to any vessel, first receiver, shorebased
or floating stationary processing facility; or
(iii) Any business involved with purchasing raw or processed products from any vessel, first
receiver, shorebased or floating stationary processing facilities.
(2) EM service providers and their employees must not solicit or accept, directly or indirectly, any
gratuity, gift, favor, entertainment, loan, employment, or anything of monetary value from any person
who conducts fishing or fish processing activities that are regulated by NMFS, or who has interests
that may be substantially affected by the performance or nonperformance of the provider's
contractual duties.
(3) The EM service provider may not employ any person to handle hard drives or EM data from a vessel
by which the person was previously employed in the last two years.
(4) Provisions of contracts or agreements for remuneration of EM services under this section do not
constitute a conflict of interest.
(i)

Insurance. The EM service provider must maintain sufficient commercial liability insurance to cover bodily
injury and property damage caused by their employees while on a contracted vessel and State Worker's
Compensation insurance. The EM service provider shall provide copies of these insurance policies to the
vessel owner, operator, or vessel manager, when requested.

(j)

Warranties. None of the provisions of this section are intended to preclude any state or federal statutes or
regulations governing warranties.

(k) Field and technical support services. The EM service provider must provide and manage EM systems,
installation, maintenance and technical support, as described below and according to a NMFS-accepted
EM Service Plan, which is required under § 660.603(b)(1)(vii), and as described in the EM Program
Manual or other written and oral instructions provided by the EM Program, such that the EM program
achieves its purpose as defined at § 660.600(b).
(1) At the time of installation, the EM service provider must:
(i)

Install an EM system that meets the performance standards under § 660.604(j);

(ii) Ensure that the EM system is set up, wires run, system powered, and tested with the vessel in
operation;
(iii) Brief the vessel operator on system operation, maintenance, and procedures to follow for
technical support or field service;
(iv) Provide necessary information for the vessel operator to complete the VMP, such as images
and diagrams of camera views and vessel layout, specific information about system settings,
and designated discard control points; and,
(v) Complete an EM System Certification Form for the vessel owner.
(2) The EM service provider must communicate with vessel operators and NMFS to coordinate service
needs, resolve specific program issues, and provide feedback on program operations.
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50 CFR 660.603(k)(3)

(3) The EM service provider must provide maintenance and support services, including maintaining an
EM equipment inventory, such that all deployed EM systems perform according to the performance
standards at § 660.604(j) and that field service events are scheduled and carried out with minimal
delays or disruptions to fishing activities.
(4) The EM service provider must provide technical assistance to vessels, upon request, in EM system
operation, the diagnosis of the cause of malfunctions, and assistance in resolving any malfunctions.
Technical support must be available 24-hours per day, seven days per week, and year-round.
(5) The EM service provider must submit to NMFS reports of requests for technical assistance from
vessels, including when the call or visit was made, the nature of the issue, and how it was resolved.
Reports must be submitted to NMFS within 24 hours of the EM service provider being notified of the
request for technical assistance.
(l)

Technical assistance and litigation information. As a requirement of its permit, the EM service provider
must provide the following to NMFS or authorized officers, upon request.
(1) Assistance in EM system operation, diagnosing and resolving technical issues, and recovering
corrupted or lost data.
(2) Responses to inquiries related to data summaries, analyses, reports, and operational issues with
vessel representatives.
(3) Technical and expert information, if the EM system/data are being admitted as evidence in a court of
law. All technical aspects of a NMFS-approved EM system may be analyzed in court for, inter alia,
testing procedures, error rates, peer review, technical processes and general industry acceptance. To
substantiate the EM system data and address issues raised in litigation, an EM service provider
must provide information, including but not limited to:
(i)

If the technologies have previously been subject to such scrutiny in a court of law, a brief
summary of the litigation and any court findings on the reliability of the technology.

(ii) [Reserved]
(4) All software necessary for accessing, viewing, and interpreting the data generated by the EM system,
including maintenance releases to correct errors in the software or enhance the functionality of the
software.
(5) Notification NMFS within 24 hours after the EM service provider becomes aware of the following:
(i)

Any information, allegations, or reports regarding possible harassment of EM provider staff;

(ii) Any information, allegations, or reports regarding possible EM system tampering;
(iii) Any information, allegations, or reports regarding any action prohibited under §§ 660.12(f) or
660.602(a)(13); or,
(iv) Any information, allegations or reports regarding EM service provider staff conflicts of interest.
(6) Notification to NMFS of any change of management or contact information or a change to insurance
coverage.
(7) A copy of any contract between the service provider and entities requiring EM services;
(8) Proof of sufficient insurance as defined in paragraph (i);
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50 CFR 660.603(l)(9)

(9) Copies of any information developed and used by the EM service provider and distributed to vessels,
including, but not limited to, informational pamphlets, payment notifications, and description of EM
service provider duties; and,
(10) EM data and associated meta data, and other records specified in this section.
(m) Data services. For vessels with which it has a contract (see § 660.604(k)), the EM service provider must
provide and manage EM data and logbook processing, reporting, and record retention services, as
described below and according to a NMFS-approved EM Service Plan, which is required under paragraph
(b)(1)(vii) of this section, and as described in the EM Program Manual or other written and oral
instructions provided by the EM program, and such that the EM program achieves its purpose as defined
at § 660.600(b).
(1) [Reserved]
(2) The EM service provider must ensure that its data processing staff are fully trained in:
(i)

Use of data processing software;

(ii) Species identification;
(iii) Fate determination and metadata reporting requirements;
(iv) Data processing procedures;
(v) Data tracking; and,
(vi) Reporting and data upload procedures.
(3) The EM service provider must track hard drives and EM datasets throughout their cycles, including
documenting any access and modifications. If end-to-end encryption is not used to protect EM data,
EM data must be removed from hard drives or other mediums before returning them to the field.
(4) The EM service provider must communicate with vessel operators and NMFS to coordinate data
service needs, resolve specific program issues, and provide feedback on program operations. No
later than 60 days from the date of receipt of EM data for processing from the vessel operator, the
EM service provider must provide feedback to vessel representatives, field services staff, and NMFS
regarding:
(i)

Adjustments to system settings;

(ii) Changes to camera positions;
(iii) Advice to vessel personnel on duty of care responsibilities;
(iv) Advice to vessel personnel on catch handling practices; and,
(v) Any other information that would improve the quality and effectiveness of data collection on the
vessel.
(5) Submission of data and reports. On behalf of vessels with which it has a contract (see § 660.604(k)),
the EM service provider must submit to NMFS logbook data, EM summary reports, including discard
estimates, fishing activity information, and meta data (e.g., image quality, reviewer name), and
incident reports of compliance issues according to a NMFS-accepted EM Service Plan, which is
required under paragraph (b)(1)(vii) of this section, and as described in the EM Program Manual or
other written and oral instructions provided by the EM program, such that the EM program achieves
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50 CFR 660.603(m)(6)

its purpose as defined at § 660.600(b). Logbook data must be submitted to NMFS within 7 business
days of receipt from the vessel operator. EM summary reports must be submitted within 60 days of
the date the EM data was received by the EM service provider from the vessel operator. If NMFS
determines that the information does not meet these standards, NMFS may require the EM service
provider to correct and resubmit the datasets and reports.
(6) Retention of records. Following an EM trip, the EM service provider must maintain all of a vessel's EM
data and other records specified in this section, or used in the preparation of records or reports
specified in this section or corrections to these reports. The EM service provider must maintain EM
data for a period of not less than 12 months after NMFS has completed its determination of the total
base year IFQ catch for all vessels for end-of-year account reconciliation (i.e., base year is the year in
which the EM trip was taken). NMFS will issue a public notice when end-of-the-year account
reconciliation has been completed, on or about March 1 of each year. The EM service provider must
maintain summary EM data and other records for a period of not less than three years after the date
of landing for that trip. EM data and other records must be stored such that the integrity and security
of the records is maintained for the duration of the retention period. The EM service provider must
produce EM data and other records immediately upon request by NMFS or an authorized officer.
(n) Data integrity and security. The EM service provider must ensure the integrity and security of vessels' EM
data and other records specified in this section. The EM service provider and its employees:
(1) Must not handle or transport hard drives or other medium containing EM data except to carry out EM
services required by this section in accordance with a NMFS-accepted EM Service Plan.
(2) Must not write to or modify any EM hard drive or other medium that contains EM data before it has
been copied and catalogued.
(3) Must not release a vessel's EM data and other records specified in this section (including documents
containing such data and observations or summaries thereof) except to NMFS and authorized
officers as provided in paragraph (m)(6) of this section, or as authorized by an authorized
representative of the vessel.
[84 FR 31160, June 28, 2019, as amended at 85 FR 74614, Nov. 23, 2020; 86 FR 55527, Oct. 6, 2021; 87 FR 59713, Oct. 3, 2022; 88
FR 81359, Nov. 22, 2023]

§ 660.604 Vessel and first receiver responsibilities.
(a) General. This section lays out the requirements for catcher vessels to obtain an exemption to use EM in
place of 100-percent observer coverage required by the Shorebased IFQ Program (§ 660.140(h)(1)(i)) and
MS Co-op Program (§ 660.150(j)(1)(i)(B)). Requirements are also described for first receivers receiving
landings from EM trips.
(b) Vessel owner responsibilities. To use EM under this section, vessel owners must:
(1) Obtain an EM Authorization from the NMFS West Coast Region Fisheries Permit Office (see §
660.604(e));
(2) Install an EM system using a NMFS-permitted EM service provider that meets performance
standards under § 660.604(j);
(3) Have a signed EM system certification form (see § 660.604(e)(3)(i));
(4) Have a NMFS-accepted vessel monitoring plan (see § 660.604(e)(3)(iii));
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50 CFR 660.604(b)(5)

(5) Ensure that the vessel operator attends a mandatory EM orientation session provided by the NMFS
West Coast Region EM Program (NMFS may waive this requirement on a case-by-case basis, such
as when the vessel operator has prior EM experience);
(6) Maintain logbooks and other records for three years and provide them to NMFS or authorized
officers for inspection (see § 660.604(t)).
(7) Obtain EM data processing, reporting, and recordkeeping services from a NMFS-permitted EM
service provider (see § 660.604(k)).
(c) Vessel operator responsibilities. To use EM under this section, vessel operators must:
(1) Maintain a valid EM Authorization and NMFS-accepted vessel monitoring plan onboard the vessel at
all times that the vessel is fishing on an EM trip or when fish harvested during an EM trip are onboard
the vessel;
(2) Ensure that the EM system is installed, operated, and maintained consistent with performance
standards (see § 660.604(l));
(3) Comply with a NMFS-accepted vessel monitoring plan (see § 660.604(e)(3)(iii);
(4) Make declaration reports to OLE prior to leaving port (see § 660.604(m));
(5) Provide advance notice to the NMFS WCGOP at least 48 hours prior to departing port (see §
660.604(n));
(6) Comply with observer requirements, if NMFS notifies the vessel owner, operator, or manager that the
vessel is required to carry an observer (see § 660.604(n));
(7) Ensure retention and handling of all catch as provided under §§ 660.604(p) and 660.604(r); and
(8) Comply with recordkeeping, reporting, and inspection requirements (see §§ 660.604(o), (s) and (t)).
(d) First receiver responsibilities. First receivers receiving catch from trips taken under EM must follow special
disposition and sorting requirements for prohibited and protected species (see § 660.604(u)).
(e) Electronic Monitoring (EM) Authorization. To obtain an EM Authorization, a vessel owner must submit an
initial application to the NMFS West Coast Region Fisheries Permit Office, and then a final application that
includes an EM system certification and a vessel monitoring plan (VMP). NMFS will only review complete
applications. NMFS will issue a public notice at least 90 calendar days prior to when it will begin
accepting applications for EM Authorizations for the first year of the Program. Once NMFS begins
accepting applications, vessel owners that want to have their EM Authorizations effective for January 1 of
the following calendar year must submit their complete application to NMFS by October 1. Vessel owners
that want to have their EM Authorizations effective for the primary whiting season start date must submit
their complete application to NMFS by February 1 of the same year.
(1) Initial application. To be considered for an EM Authorization, the vessel owner must:
(i)

Submit a completed application form provided by NMFS, signed and dated by an authorized
representative of the vessel;

(ii) Meet the following eligibility criteria:
(A) The applicant owns the vessel proposed to be used;

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50 CFR 660.604(e)(1)(ii)(B)

(B) The vessel has a valid Pacific Coast Groundfish limited entry, trawl-endorsed permit
registered to it;
(C) The vessel is participating in the Pacific whiting IFQ fishery, mothership sector, or the
Shorebased IFQ sector;
(D) The vessel is able to accommodate the EM system, including providing sufficient
uninterrupted electrical power, suitable camera mounts, adequate lighting, and fittings for
hydraulic lines to enable connection of a pressure transducer;
(E) The vessel owner and operator are willing and able to comply with all applicable
requirements of this section and to operate under a NMFS-accepted VMP; and
(F) The vessel owner and operator are willing and able to comply with the terms and
conditions of a self-enforcing agreement that was submitted as part of a group
authorization application, if applicable.
(iii) If applying for a group EM Authorization, submit a complete proposed self-enforcing agreement
that describes how the group's operations will be conducted to meet the requirements of this
section. NMFS will develop EM Program Guidelines containing best practices and templates
and make them available on NMFS's website to assist vessel owners in developing a selfenforcing agreement. The self-enforcing agreement must include descriptions of the following:
(A) A list of all participating vessels, owners, operators, and other parties;
(B) The name and contact information of a designated representative who will be responsible
for ensuring that each vessel is complying with the terms and conditions of the agreement
and the requirements of this section, and who will promptly inform the appropriate parties
and NMFS if any vessel fails to comply;
(C) Eligibility criteria for participating vessels, owners, and operators;
(D) The roles and responsibilities of participating vessels, owners, operators, the designated
representative, and any other parties to the agreement;
(E) Procedures for communication between participating vessels, owners, operators, the
designated representative, and any other parties to the agreement, NMFS or its
designated agent, and EM service providers, for the execution of the agreement and the
requirements of this section;
(F) Performance standards or requirements for equipment, if applicable;
(G) Reporting requirements, if applicable;
(H) Time and area restrictions, if applicable;
(I)

Provisions for the use and protection of confidential data necessary for execution of the
agreement;

(J) Provisions to encourage or enforce the compliance of members with the agreement and
the requirements of this section;
(K) Procedures for addressing the non-compliance of members with the agreement and the
requirements of this section, including procedures for restricting or terminating vessel's
participation in the agreement;
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50 CFR 660.604(e)(1)(iii)(L)

(L) Procedures for notifying NMFS when a participating vessel or its owner(s) or operator(s)
are not complying with the terms of the agreement or the requirements of this section;
(M) Procedures for participating vessels, owners, operators, the designated representative, or
other parties to the agreement, to exit the agreement;
(N) Any other provisions that the applicants deem necessary for the execution of the
agreement; and
(O) Procedures for the designated representative to submit an annual report to the Council
prior to applying to renew a group EM authorization containing information about the
group's performance from the previous year, including a description of any actions taken
by the self-enforcing group in response to the non-compliance of members with the
agreement.
(2) Review of initial application. Based on a complete initial application, if NMFS determines that the
applicant meets the eligibility criteria in paragraph (e)(1) of this section, NMFS will notify the
applicant in writing that the initial application has been accepted for further consideration. An
applicant who receives such notice may install an EM system on his or her vessel and proceed with
submission of a final application as provided under paragraph (e)(3) of this section. If an initial
application has not been accepted, NMFS will provide the applicant an explanation of the denial in
writing. The applicant may appeal NMFS' determination following the process at § 660.25(g).
(3) Final application. A final application must be complete and must include:
(i)

EM system certification. A certification form, provided by NMFS, signed by a representative of a
NMFS-permitted EM service provider that attests that an EM system and associated equipment
that meets the performance standards at paragraph (k) of this section was installed on the
vessel, that the system was tested while the vessel was underway, and that the vessel operator
was briefed on the EM system operation and maintenance. NMFS will maintain a list of
permitted EM service providers on its website.

(ii) Tentative fishing plan. A description of the vessel owner's fishing plans for the year, including
which fishery the vessel owner plans to participate in, from what ports, and when the vessel
owner intends to use EM and observers. This information is for purposes of planning observer
deployments and is not binding.
(iii) Vessel monitoring plan. A complete vessel monitoring plan for the vessel that accurately
describes how fishing operations on the vessel will be conducted and how the EM system and
associated equipment will be configured to meet the performance standards at paragraph (k)
of this section. NMFS will develop EM Program Guidelines containing best practices and
templates and make them available on NMFS' website to assist vessel owners in developing
VMPs (see § 660.600(b)). NMFS may consider alternative, but equivalent, methods proposed
by EM service providers and vessel owners in their plans to meet the requirements of this
subpart, if they achieve the purpose of the EM program. An EM service provider may prepare
and submit a VMP on behalf of the applicant. The VMP must include descriptions of the
following (using pictures and diagrams where appropriate):
(A) General vessel information including the vessel name, hull number, gear type(s), home
port, captain name, and target fishery or sector;

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50 CFR 660.604(e)(3)(iii)(B)

(B) The coordinates of the home port box, if a geo-referenced port box will be used to trigger
data collection;
(C) A diagram of the vessel layout with measurements of the deck and denoting the location
of any designated discard control points;
(D) The number and location of cameras and with images of corresponding views;
(E) The location of lighting, control center, GPS, sensors, monitor, and other EM equipment;
(F) Frame rates, image resolution, frequency of data logging, sensor trigger threshold values,
and other EM system specifications;
(G) The location and procedures for any catch handling, including designated discard control
points within camera view, procedures for sorting and measuring discards, the number of
crew sorting catch, and what steps will be taken to ensure that all catch remains in
camera view;
(H) The measurements of all bins, baskets, compartments, and other tools that will be used to
calculate estimates of weight;
(I)

The detailed steps that will be taken to minimize the potential for EM system malfunctions
and the steps that will be taken, when malfunctions occur, to ensure the adequate
monitoring of catch;

(J) The name, address, phone number, and email address of a primary point of contact for
vessel operations;
(K) The name, address, and phone number of the vessel's EM service provider, and contact
information for a primary point of contact at the EM service provider;
(L) The name, address, phone number, and signature of the applicant, and the date of the
application; and,
(M) Any other information required by NMFS.
(iv) Any updates to information submitted in the initial application, including updates to proposed,
self-enforcing agreements, if applicable (see paragraph (e)(5) of this section).
(4) Review of final application. NMFS may request additional information or revisions from the applicant
until NMFS is satisfied that the application is complete. Based on a complete application, if NMFS
determines that the applicant has met the requirements of this section, NMFS will issue an IAD and
an EM Authorization. If the application is denied, the IAD will provide an explanation of the denial in
writing. The applicant may appeal NMFS' determination following the process at § 660.25(g). NMFS
will evaluate an application based on the EM Program Guidelines (see § 660.600(b)) and the
following criteria, at a minimum:
(i)

Review of the vessel owner's and operator's eligibility based on the eligibility criteria at
paragraph (e)(1);

(ii) Review of the proposed VMP; and,
(iii) Review of the proposed self-enforcing agreement, if applicable.

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50 CFR 660.604(f)

(f) Changes to a NMFS-accepted VMP or NMFS-approved self-enforcing agreement. A vessel owner may make
changes to a NMFS-accepted VMP by submitting a revised plan or plan addendum to NMFS in writing. A
group may make changes to an approved self-enforcing agreement by submitting a revised agreement or
agreement addendum to NMFS in writing. NMFS will review and accept the change if it meets all the
requirements of this section. A VMP or self-enforcing agreement addendum must contain:
(1) The date and the name and signature of the vessel owner, or designated representative for a selfenforcing agreement;
(2) Address, telephone number, fax number and email address of the person submitting the revised plan
or addendum; and
(3) A complete description of the proposed change.
(g) Change in ownership of a vessel. If a vessel changed ownership, the new owner must apply for a new EM
Authorization.
(h) Effective dates.
(1) The EM Authorization is valid from the effective date identified on the Authorization until the
expiration date of December 31. EM Authorization holders must renew annually by following the
renewal process specified in paragraph (e) of this section. Failure to renew annually will result in
expiration of the EM Authorization and endorsements on the Authorization expiration date.
(2) NMFS may invalidate an EM Authorization if NMFS determines that the vessel, vessel owner, and/or
operator no longer meets the eligibility criteria specified at paragraph (e)(1) of this section. NMFS
would first notify the vessel owner of the deficiencies in writing and the vessel owner must correct
the deficiencies following the instructions provided. If the deficiencies are not resolved upon review
of the first trip following the notification, NMFS will notify the vessel owner in writing that the EM
Authorization is invalid and that the vessel is no longer exempt from observer coverage at §§
660.140(h)(1)(i) and 660.150(j)(1)(i)(B) for that authorization period. The holder may reapply for an
EM Authorization for the following authorization period.
(3) A vessel owner holding an expired or invalidated authorization may reapply for a new EM
Authorization at any time consistent with paragraph (e) of this section.
(i)

Renewing an EM Authorization. To maintain a valid EM Authorization, vessel owners must renew annually
prior to the permit expiration date. NMFS will mail EM Authorization renewal forms to existing EM
Authorization holders each year on or about: September 1 for non-trawl shorebased IFQ vessels and
January 1 for Pacific whiting IFQ and MS/CV vessels. Vessel owners who want to have their EM
Authorizations effective for January 1 of the following calendar year must submit their complete renewal
form to NMFS by October 15. Vessel owners who want to have their EM Authorizations effective for the
primary whiting season start date of the following calendar year must submit their complete renewal form
to NMFS by February 1.

(j)

EM System Performance Standards. The specifications (e.g., image resolution, frame rate, user interface)
and configuration of an EM system and associated equipment (e.g., number and placement of cameras,
lighting) used to meet the requirements of this section must be sufficient to:
(1) Allow easy and complete viewing, identification, and quantification, of catch items discarded at sea,
including during low light conditions;

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(2) Continuously record vessel location (latitude/longitude coordinates), velocity, course, and sensor
data (i.e, hydraulic and winch activity);
(3) Allow the identification of the time, date, and location of a haul/set or discard event;
(4) Record and store image data from all hauls/sets and the duration that fish are onboard the vessel
until offloading begins;
(5) Continuously record and store raw sensor data (i.e., GPS and gear sensors) for the entire fishing trip;
(6) Prevent radio frequency interference (RFI) with vessel monitoring systems (VMS) and other
equipment;
(7) Allow the vessel operator to test and monitor the functionality of the EM system prior to and during
the fishing trip to ensure it is fully functional;
(8) Prevent tampering or, if tampering does occur, show evidence of tampering; and,
(9) Provide image and sensor data in a format that enables their integration for analysis.
(k) EM data services. A vessel owner with a valid EM Authorization must obtain EM data processing,
reporting, and record retention services from a NMFS-permitted EM service provider, as described at §
660.603(m). If the vessel owner changes EM service providers, the vessel owner must ensure the
continuity of EM data retention for the entire duration of the required retention period as specified §
660.603(m)(6). NMFS will maintain a list of permitted EM service providers on its website.
(l)

EM system operation and maintenance. The EM system must be recording imagery and sensor data at all
times that fish harvested during an EM trip are onboard the vessel until offloading begins. For the
purposes of this section, a fully functional EM system is defined as an EM system and associated
equipment that meets the performance standards listed in paragraph (j) of this section.
(1) Duties of care. The operator of a vessel with a valid EM Authorization must maintain the EM system
in good working order, including:
(i)

Ensuring the EM system is powered continuously during the fishing trip;

(ii) Ensuring the system is functioning for the entire fishing trip and that camera views are
unobstructed and clear in quality, such that the performance standards listed in paragraph (j) of
this section are met; and,
(iii) Ensuring EM system components are not tampered with, disabled, destroyed, operated or
maintained improperly.
(2) Pre-departure test. Prior to departing port, the operator of a vessel with a valid EM Authorization
must turn the EM system on and conduct a system function test following the instructions from the
EM service provider. The vessel operator must verify that the EM system has adequate memory to
record the entire trip and that the vessel is carrying one or more spare hard drives with sufficient
capacity to record the entire trip.
(3) EM system malfunctions. The operator of a vessel with a valid EM Authorization is prohibited from
fishing on an EM trip without a fully functional EM system, unless an alternate arrangement has been
specified in the NMFS-accepted VMP. In the event of an EM system malfunction, the vessel operator
may voluntarily obtain observer coverage and revise the vessel's declaration following the process at
§ 660.13(d)(4), in which case the vessel operator is no longer exempt from the observer
requirements at §§ 660.140(h) and 660.150(j).
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50 CFR 660.604(m)

(m) Declaration reports. The operator of a vessel with a valid EM Authorization must make a declaration report
to NMFS OLE prior to leaving port following the process described at § 660.13(d)(4). A declaration report
will be valid until another declaration report revising the existing gear or monitoring declaration is received
by NMFS OLE.
(n) Observer requirements. The operator of a vessel with a valid EM Authorization must provide advanced
notice to NMFS, at least 48 hours prior to departing port, of the vessel operator's intent to take a trip under
EM, including: vessel name, permit number; contact name and telephone number for coordination of
observer deployment; date, time, and port of departure; and the vessel's trip plan, including area to be
fished, gear type to be used, and whether the vessel will use maximized or optimized retention rules for
the trip as defined at paragraphs (p)(3) and (4) of this section. NMFS may waive this requirement for
vessels declared into the Pacific whiting IFQ fishery or mothership sector with prior notice. If NMFS
notifies the vessel owner, operator, or manager of any requirement to carry an observer, the vessel may
not be used to fish for groundfish without carrying an observer. The vessel operator must comply with the
following requirements on a trip that the vessel owner, operator, or manager has been notified is required
to carry an observer.
(o) Inspection. The operator of a vessel with a valid EM Authorization must make the EM system and
associated equipment available for inspection immediately upon request by NMFS or any authorized
officer.
(p) Retention requirements —
(1) Pacific whiting IFQ and MS/CV vessels. The operator of a vessel on a declared limited entry midwater
trawl, Pacific whiting shorebased IFQ trip or limited entry midwater trawl, Pacific whiting mothership
sector (catcher vessel or mothership) trip, EM trip must retain all fish until landing, with exceptions
listed in paragraphs (p)(1)(i) through (v) of this section.
(i)

Minor operational discards are permitted. Minor operational discards include mutilated fish; fish
vented from an overfull codend, fish spilled from the codend during preparation for transfer to
the mothership; and fish removed from the deck and fishing gear during cleaning. Minor
operational discards do not include discards that result when more catch is taken than is
necessary to fill the hold or catch from a tow that is not delivered.

(ii) Large individual marine organisms (i.e., all marine mammals, sea turtles, and non-ESA-listed
seabirds, and fish species longer than 6 ft (1.8 m) in length) may be discarded. For any ESAlisted seabirds that are brought on board, vessel operators must follow any relevant
instructions for handling and disposition under § 660.21(c)(1)(v).
(iii) Crabs, starfish, coral, sponges, and other invertebrates may be discarded.
(iv) Trash, mud, rocks, and other inorganic debris may be discarded.
(v) A discard that is the result of an event that is beyond the control of the vessel operator or crew,
such as a safety issue or mechanical failure, is permitted.
(2) Non-trawl shorebased IFQ. A vessel operator on a declared limited entry groundfish non-trawl,
shorebased IFQ trip must retain all salmon and must discard Dungeness crab caught seaward of
Washington or Oregon, Pacific halibut, green sturgeon, eulachon, sea turtles, and marine mammals.
All other catch may be discarded following instructions in the VMP, except as required by the Seabird
Avoidance Program at § 660.21(c)(1)(v).

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50 CFR 660.604(p)(3)

(3) Maximized retention bottom trawl and non-whiting midwater trawl trips. A vessel operator on a
declared maximized retention trip using bottom trawl gear, or midwater trawl gear in which Pacific
whiting constitutes less than 50 percent of the catch by weight at landing, the vessel must not sort
catch at sea and must retain all catch until landing, with exceptions listed below in paragraphs
(p)(3)(i) through (v) of this section. All discards must be discarded following instructions in the VMP
per paragraph (e)(3)(iii) of this section. All discards, regardless of the source, must be reported in a
discard logbook, as defined at § 660.604(s)(1), including the species (where possible), estimated
weight, and reason for discard. The vessel operator is responsible for ensuring that all catch is
handled in a manner that enables the EM system to record it.
(i)

Minor operational discards are permitted. Minor operational discards include mutilated fish; fish
vented from an overfull codend; and fish removed from the deck and fishing gear during
cleaning. Minor operational discards do not include discards that result when more catch is
taken than is necessary to fill the hold or catch from a tow that is not delivered.

(ii) Large individual marine organisms (i.e., all marine mammals, sea turtles, and non-ESA-listed
seabirds, and fish species longer than 6 ft (1.8 m) in length) may be discarded. For any ESAlisted seabirds that are brought on board, vessel operators must follow any relevant
instructions for handling and disposition under § 660.21(c)(1)(v).
(iii) Crabs, starfish, coral, sponges, and other invertebrates may be discarded.
(iv) Trash, mud, rocks, and other inorganic debris may be discarded.
(v) A discard that is the result of an event that is beyond the control of the vessel operator or crew,
such as a safety issue or mechanical failure, is permitted.
(4) Optimized retention bottom trawl and non-whiting midwater trawl trips. On a declared optimized
retention trip using bottom trawl gear, or midwater trawl gear in which Pacific whiting constitutes
less than 50 percent of the catch by weight at landing, the vessel owner and operator are responsible
for the following:
(i)

The vessel must retain IFQ species (as defined at § 660.140(c)), except for Arrowtooth flounder,
English sole, Dover sole, deep sea sole, Pacific sanddab, Pacific whiting, lingcod, sablefish,
starry flounder, and rex sole; must retain salmon and eulachon; and must retain the following
non-IFQ species: Greenland turbot, slender sole, hybrid sole, c-o sole, bigmouth sole, fantail
sole, hornyhead turbot, spotted turbot, northern rockfish, black rockfish, blue rockfish, shortbelly
rockfish, olive rockfish, Puget Sound rockfish, semaphore rockfish, walleye pollock, slender
codling, and Pacific tom cod, with exceptions listed in paragraphs (p)(4)(i)(A) and (B) of this
section.
(B) A discard that is the result of an event that is beyond the control of the vessel operator or
crew, such as a safety issue or mechanical failure, is permitted.

(ii) The vessel must discard Pacific halibut, green sturgeon, California halibut (except as allowed by
state regulations), and nearshore groundfish species below state commercial minimum size
limits, following instructions in the NMFS-accepted VMP.
(iii) Incidentally caught marine mammals, non-ESA-listed seabirds, sea turtles, other ESA-listed fish,
and Dungeness crab caught seaward of Washington or Oregon or south of Point Reyes,
California, as described at § 660.11 Prohibited species, must be discarded following

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50 CFR 660.604(p)(4)(iv)

instructions in the NMFS-accepted VMP per paragraph (e)(3)(iii) of this section. For any ESAlisted seabirds that are brought on board, vessel operators must follow any relevant
instructions for handling and disposition under § 660.21(c)(1)(v).
(iv) Crabs, starfish, coral, sponges, and other invertebrates may be discarded.
(v) Trash, mud, rocks, and other inorganic debris may be discarded.
(vi) All discards must be discarded following instructions in the VMP per paragraph (e)(3)(iii) of this
section. All discards, regardless of the source, must be reported in a discard logbook, as
defined at § 660.604(s)(1), including the species (where possible), estimated weight, and
reason for discard. The vessel operator is responsible for ensuring that all catch is handled in a
manner that enables the EM system to record it.
(q) Changes to retention requirements. NMFS may specify alternate retention requirements in a NMFSaccepted VMP through the process described in paragraph (f) of this section, after consultation with the
Council and issuance of a public notice notifying the public of the changes. Alternate retention
requirements must be sufficient to provide NMFS with the best available information to determine
individual accountability for catch, including discards, of IFQ species and compliance with requirements
of the Shorebased IFQ Program (§ 660.140) and MS Co-op Program (§ 660.150).
(r) Catch handling. The vessel operator of a vessel on an EM trip must ensure that all catch is handled in a
manner that enables the EM system to record it and that is consistent with the specific catch handling
instructions in the NMFS-accepted VMP.
(s) Reporting requirements —
(1) Discard logbook. The operator of a vessel with a valid EM Authorization must complete, submit, and
maintain onboard the vessel an accurate federal discard logbook for each EM trip on forms supplied
by or approved by NMFS. If authorized in writing by NMFS, a vessel owner or operator may submit
reports electronically, for example by using a VMS or other media. A state logbook that contains all
the required information may be submitted in place of a federal discard logbook. If operating an MS/
CV vessel, the vessel operator must provide logbook information to the mothership observer by
transmitting the logbook information via radio or email to the mothership at the completion of each
haul.
(2) Submission of logbooks. Vessel operators must submit copies of the discard logbooks as described
at § 660.604(s)(1) and if applicable, the trawl logbook as described at § 660.13 (a)(1), to the vessel
owner's contracted EM service provider and to NMFS or its agent within 24 hours of the end of each
EM trip.
(3) Submission of EM data. Vessel operators must submit EM data to the vessel owner's contracted EM
service provider using a method that documents time, date, and location of transmission and
receipt. Deadlines for submission are as follows:
(i)

Shorebased IFQ vessels. EM data from an EM trip must be submitted within 72 hours after the
beginning of the offload (and no more than 10 days after the end of the first trip on the hard
drive).

(ii) Mothership catcher vessels. EM data from an EM trip must be submitted within 72 hours of the
catcher vessel's return to port.

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50 CFR 660.604(t)

(t) Retention of records. The operator of a vessel with a valid EM Authorization must maintain federal discard
logbooks onboard the vessel until the end of the fishing year during which the EM trips were conducted,
and make the report forms available to observers, NMFS staff, or authorized officers, immediately upon
request. The vessel owner must maintain the federal discard logbooks and other records specified in this
section, or used in the preparation of records or reports specified in this section or corrections to these
reports, for a period of not less than three years after the date of landing from an EM trip. The vessel
owner must make such records available for inspection by NMFS staff or authorized officers, immediately
upon request.
(u) First receiver requirements —
(1) Prohibited species handling and disposition. To ensure compliance with fishery regulations at 50 CFR
part 300, subparts E and F, and part 600, subpart H; with the Pacific Salmon Fishery Management
Plan; and with the Pacific Halibut Catch Share Plan; the handling and disposition of all prohibited
species in EM trip landings are the responsibility of the first receiver and must be consistent with the
following requirements:
(i)

Any prohibited species landed at first receivers must not be transferred, processed, or mixed
with another landing until the catch monitor has: Recorded the number and weight of salmon
by species; inspected all prohibited species for tags or marks; and, collected biological data,
specimens, and genetic samples.

(ii) No part of any prohibited species may be retained for personal use by a vessel owner or crew
member, or by a first receiver or processing crew member. No part of any prohibited species
may be allowed to reach commercial markets.
(iii) Prohibited species suitable for human consumption at landing must be handled and stored to
preserve the quality. Priority in disposition must be given to the donation to surplus food
collection and distribution system operated and established to assist in bringing donated food
to nonprofit charitable organizations and individuals for the purpose of reducing hunger and
meeting nutritional needs.
(iv) The first receiver must report all prohibited species landings on the electronic fish ticket and is
responsible for maintaining records verifying the disposition of prohibited species. Records on
catch disposition may include, but are not limited to: Receipts from charitable organizations
that include the organization's name and amount of catch donated; cargo manifests setting
forth the origin, weight, and destination of all prohibited species; or disposal receipts identifying
the recipient organization and amount disposed. Any such records must be maintained for a
period not less than three years after the date of disposal and such records must be provided
to NMFS or authorized officers immediately upon request.
(2) Protected Species handling and disposition. All protected species must be abandoned to NMFS or the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or disposed of consistent with paragraphs (u)(2)(i) and (ii) of this
section. No part of any protected species may be retained for personal use by a vessel owner or
crew member, or by a first receiver or processing crew member. No part of any protected species
may be allowed to reach commercial markets.
(i)

Eulachon and green sturgeon. Must be sorted and reported by species on electronic fish tickets
and state landing receipts and may not be reported in unspecified categories. Whole body
specimens of green sturgeon must be retained, frozen, stored separately by delivery, and

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50 CFR 660.604(u)(2)(ii)

labeled with the vessel name, electronic fish ticket number, and date of landing. Arrangements
for transferring the specimens must be made by contacting NMFS Southwest Fisheries Science
Center at 831-420-3903 within 72 hours after the completion of the offload.
(ii) Seabirds, marine mammals, and sea turtles. Albatross must reported to the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (541-867-4558 extension 237 or 503-231-6179 as soon as possible and
directions for surrendering must be followed. Marine mammals and sea turtles must be
reported to NMFS as soon as possible (206-526-6550) and directions for surrendering or
disposal must be followed. Whole body specimens must be labeled with the vessel name,
electronic fish ticket number, and date of landing. Whole body specimens must be kept frozen
or on ice until arrangements for surrendering or disposing are completed. Unless directed
otherwise, after reporting is completed, seabirds, marine mammals, and sea turtles may be
disposed by incinerating, rendering, composting, or returning the carcasses to sea.
[84 FR 31160, June 28, 2019; 84 FR 36035, July 26, 2019, as amended at 84 FR 67680, Dec. 11, 2019; 85 FR 74614, Nov. 23, 2020;
86 FR 55527, Oct. 6, 2021; 87 FR 59714, Oct. 3, 2022; 87 FR 77007, Dec. 16, 2022; 88 FR 81358, Nov. 22, 2023; 89 FR 101544, Dec.
16, 2024]

Subpart K—Highly Migratory Fisheries
Source: 69 FR 18453, Apr. 7, 2004, unless otherwise noted.

§ 660.701 Purpose and scope.
This subpart implements the Fishery Management Plan for U.S. West Coast Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species
(FMP). These regulations govern commercial and recreational fishing for HMS in the U.S. EEZ off the coasts of
Washington, Oregon, and California and in adjacent high seas waters.

§ 660.702 Definitions.
Basket-style longline gear means a type of longline gear that is divided into units called baskets, each consisting
of a segment of main line to which 10 or more branch lines with hooks are spliced. The mainline and all
branch lines are made of multiple braided strands of cotton, nylon, or other synthetic fibers impregnated
with tar or other heavy coatings that cause the lines to sink rapidly in seawater.
Change in ownership means the addition of a new shareholder or partner to the membership of the corporation,
partnership, or other entity. A change in ownership is not considered to have occurred if a member dies or
becomes legally incapacitated and a trustee is appointed to act on their behalf, nor if the ownership of
shares among existing members changes, nor if a member leaves the corporation or partnership or other
entity and is not replaced. A change in ownership is not considered to have occurred if only the name of
the entity changes.
Closure, when referring to closure of a fishery, means that taking and retaining, possessing, or landing the
particular species or species group is prohibited.
Commercial fishing means:
(1) Fishing by a person who possesses a commercial fishing license or is required by law to possess
such license issued by one of the states or the Federal Government as a prerequisite to taking,
retaining, possessing, landing and/or selling of fish; or
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50 CFR 660.702 “Commercial fishing” (2)

(2) Fishing that results in or can be reasonably expected to result in sale, barter, trade, or other
disposition of fish for other than personal consumption.
Commercial fishing gear includes the following types of gear and equipment used in the highly migratory
species fisheries:
(1) Deep-set buoy gear. Line fishing gear which consists of vertical mainlines suspended from a buoy
array, with gangions with hooks attached to either a vertical line or a horizontal line connected to the
terminal ends of two vertical lines. All configurations must be set at or below a minimum depth and
actively tended;
(2) Drift gillnet. A panel of netting, 14 inch (35.5 cm) stretched mesh or greater, suspended vertically in
the water by floats along the top and weights along the bottom. A drift gillnet is not stationary or
anchored to the bottom;
(3) Harpoon. Gear consisting of a pointed dart or iron attached to the end of a pole or stick that is
propelled only by hand and not by mechanical means;
(4) Pelagic longline. A main line that is suspended horizontally in the water column and not stationary or
anchored, and from which dropper lines with hooks (gangions) are attached. Legal longline gear also
includes basket-style longline gear;
(5) Purse seine. An encircling net that may be closed by a purse line threaded through the bottom of the
net. Purse seine gear includes ring net, drum purse seine, and lampara nets; and
(6) Surface hook-and-line. Fishing gear, other than longline gear, with one or more hooks attached to one
or more lines (includes troll, rod and reel, handline, albacore jig, live bait, and bait boat). Surface hook
and line is always attached to the vessel.
Council means the Pacific Fishery Management Council, including its Highly Migratory Species Management
Team (HMSMT), Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC), Highly Migratory Species Advisory Subpanel
(HMSAS), and any other committee established by the Council.
Family member for the purposes of change in ownership of limited entry deep-set buoy gear permits means
spouse, domestic partner, cohabitant, child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, mother-in-law,
father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandparent, great-grandparent, brother, sister, half-brother, halfsister, stepsibling, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, or first cousin.
Fishing trip is a period of time between landings when fishing is conducted.
Fishing year is the year beginning at 0801 GMT (0001 local time) on April 1 and ending at 0800 GMT on March
31 (2400 local time) of the following year.
Force majeure means an event of extraordinary circumstances including the death of a vessel owner or operator,
or when a designated vessel at sea (except while transiting between ports on a trip during which no
fishing operations occur) is disabled by mechanical or structure failure, fire, or explosion, or the
designated vessel is totally lost.
Harvest guideline means a specified numerical harvest objective that is not a quota. Attainment of a harvest
guideline does not require closure of a fishery.
Highly Migratory Species (HMS) means species managed by the FMP, specifically:
Billfish/Swordfish:
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50 CFR 660.702 “Sharks”

striped marlin (Tetrapturus audax)
swordfish (Xiphias gladius)
Sharks:
common thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus)
shortfin mako or bonito shark (Isurus oxyrinchus)
blue shark (Prionace glauca)
Tunas:
north Pacific albacore (Thunnus alalunga)
yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares)
bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus)
skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis)
Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis)
Other:
dorado or dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus)
Highly Migratory Species Advisory Subpanel (HMSAS) means the individuals comprised of members of the
fishing industry and public appointed by the Council to review proposed actions for managing highly
migratory species fisheries.
Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan (FMP) means the Fishery Management Plan for the U.S.
West Coast Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species developed by the Pacific Fishery Management Council
and approved by the Secretary of Commerce and amendments to the FMP.
Highly Migratory Species Management Team (HMSMT) means the individuals appointed by the Council to review,
analyze, and develop management measures for highly migratory species fisheries.
Incidental catch or incidental species means HMS caught while fishing for the primary purpose of catching other
species with gear not authorized by the FMP.
Initial administrative determination (IAD) means a formal, written determination made by National Marine
Fisheries Service (NMFS) on an application or permit request that is subject to an appeal within NMFS.
Injury, when referring to marine mammals and sea turtles, means the animal has been released with obvious
physical injury or with attached fishing gear.
Land or landing means offloading fish from a fishing vessel or arriving in port to begin offloading fish or causing
fish to be offloaded from a fishing vessel.

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50 CFR 660.702 “Mesh size”

Mesh size means the opening between opposing knots in a net. Minimum mesh size means the smallest
distance allowed between the inside of one knot to the inside of the opposing knot when the mesh is
stretched, regardless of twine size.
Offloading means removing HMS from a vessel.
Ownership interest means participation in ownership of a corporation, partnership, or other entity that owns a
limited entry deep-set buoy gear permit.
Permit holder means a permit owner.
Permit owner means a person who owns an HMS permit for a specific vessel fishing with specific authorized
fishing gear.
Person, as it applies to fishing conducted under this subpart, means any individual, corporation, partnership,
association or other entity (whether or not organized or existing under the laws of any state), and any
Federal, state, or local government, or any entity of any such government that is eligible to own a
documented vessel under the terms of 46 U.S.C. 12102(a).
Processing or to process means the preparation or packaging of HMS to render it suitable for human
consumption, industrial uses or long-term storage, including, but not limited to, cooking, canning,
smoking, salting, drying, filleting, freezing, or rendering into meal or oil, but does not mean heading and
gutting or freezing at sea unless additional preparation is done.
Prohibited species means any highly migratory species for which quotas or catch limits under the FMP have
been achieved and the fishery closed; salmon; great white shark; basking shark; megamouth shark; and
Pacific halibut.
Quota means a specified numerical harvest objective, the attainment (or expected attainment) of which causes
closure of the fishery for that species or species group.
Recreational charter vessel means a vessel that carries fee-paying passengers for the purpose of recreational
fishing.
Recreational fishing means fishing with authorized recreational fishing gear for personal use only and not for
sale or barter.
Regional Administrator means the Regional Administrator for the West Coast Region, National Marine Fisheries
Service, or a designee.
Special Agent-In-Charge (SAC) means the Special Agent-In-Charge, NMFS, Office of Enforcement, West Coast
Division, or a designee of the Special Agent-In-Charge.
Sustainable Fisheries Division (SFD) means the Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, West
Coast Region, NMFS, or his or her designee.
Totally lost means the vessel being replaced no longer exists in specie, or is absolutely and irretrievably sunk, or
the costs of repair (including recovery) will exceed the value of the vessel after repairs.
Tranship means offloading or otherwise transferring HMS or products thereof to a receiving vessel.
Vessel monitoring system unit (VMS unit) means an automated, remote system and mobile transceiver unit that
is approved by NMFS and provides information about a vessel's identity, location, and activity for the
purposes of routine monitoring, control, surveillance and enforcement of area and time restrictions and
other fishery management measures.
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50 CFR 660.703

[69 FR 18453, Apr. 7, 2004, as amended at 76 FR 56328, Sept. 13, 2011; 80 FR 10394, Feb. 26, 2015; 80 FR 46520, Aug. 5, 2015; 83
FR 11150, Mar. 14, 2018; 85 FR 7250, Feb. 7, 2020; 88 FR 29548, May 8, 2023]

§ 660.703 Management area.
The fishery management area for the regulation of fishing for HMS has the following designations and boundaries:
(a) Southern boundary—the United States-Mexico International Boundary, which is a line connecting the
following coordinates:
32°35′22″ N. lat. 117°27′49″ W. long.
32°37′37″ N. lat. 117°49′31″ W. long.
31°07′58″ N. lat. 118°36′18″ W. long.
30°32′31″ N. lat. 121°51′58″ W. long.
(b) Northern boundary—the United States-Canada Provisional International Boundary, which is a line
connecting the following coordinates:
48°29′37.19″ N. lat. 124°43′33.19″ W. long.
48°30′11″ N. lat. 124°47′13″ W. long.
48°30′22″ N. lat. 124°50′21″ W. long.
48°30′14″ N. lat. 124°54′52″ W. long.
48°29′57″ N. lat. 124°59′14″ W. long.
48°29′44″ N. lat. 125°00′06″ W. long.
48°28′09″ N. lat. 125°05′47″ W. long.
48°27′10″ N. lat. 125°08′25″ W. long.
48°26′47″ N. lat 125°09′12″ W. long.
48°20′16″ N. lat. 125°22′48″ W. long.
48°18′22″ N. lat. 125°29′58″ W. long.
48°11′05″ N. lat. 125°53′48″ W. long.
47°49′15″ N. lat. 126°40′57″ W. long.
47°36′47″ N. lat. 127°11′58″ W. long.
47°22′00″ N. lat. 127°41′23″ W. long.
46°42′05″ N. lat. 128°51′56″ W. long.
46°31′47″ N. lat. 129°07′39″ W. long.
(c) Adjacent waters on the high seas in which persons subject to this subpart may fish.

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50 CFR 660.704

§ 660.704 Vessel identification.
(a) Applicability. This section only applies to commercial fishing vessels that fish for HMS off, or land HMS in
the States of California, Oregon, and Washington. This section does not apply to recreational charter
vessels that fish for HMS off or land HMS in the States of California, Oregon, and Washington. Each
fishing vessel must be marked for identification purposes, as follows:
(1) A vessel used to fish on the high seas within the Convention Area as defined in § 300.211 of this title
must be marked in accordance with the requirements at §§ 300.14 and 300.217 of this title.
(2) A vessel not used to fish on the high seas within the Convention Area as defined in § 300.211 of this
title must be marked in accordance with either:
(i)

Sections 300.14 and 300.217 of this title, or

(ii) The vessel's official number must be affixed to the port and starboard sides of the deckhouse or
hull, and on an appropriate weather deck so as to be visible from enforcement vessels and
aircraft. The official number must be affixed to each vessel subject to this section in block
Arabic numerals at least 10 inches (25.40 cm) in height for vessels more than 25 ft (7.62 m)
but equal to or less than 65 ft (19.81 m) in length; and 18 inches (45.72 cm) in height for
vessels longer than 65 ft (19.81 m) in length. Markings must be legible and of a color that
contrasts with the background.
(b) [Reserved]
[76 FR 73520, Nov. 29, 2011]

§ 660.705 Prohibitions.
In addition to the general prohibitions specified in § 600.725 of this chapter, it is unlawful for any person to do any
of the following:
(a) Fish for HMS in the U.S. EEZ off the Pacific coast without a permit issued under § 660.707 for the use of
authorized fishing gear.
(b) Fish with gear in any closed area specified in this subpart that prohibits the use of such gear.
(c) Land HMS at Pacific coast ports without a permit issued under § 600.707 for the use of authorized fishing
gear.
(d) Sell HMS without an applicable commercial state fishery license.
(e) When fishing for HMS, fail to return a prohibited species to the sea immediately with a minimum of injury,
except under the following circumstances:
(1) Any prohibited species may be retained for examination by an authorized observer or to return
tagged fish as specified by the tagging agency.
(2) Salmon may be retained if harvested in accordance with subpart H of this part, and other applicable
law.
(3) Great white sharks, basking sharks, and megamouth sharks may be retained if incidentally caught
and subsequently sold or donated to a recognized scientific or educational organization for research
or display purposes.
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50 CFR 660.705(e)(4)

(4) Pacific halibut may be retained if harvested in accordance with part 300, subpart E of this Title, and
other applicable law.
(f) Falsify or fail to affix and maintain vessel markings as required by § 660.704.
(g) Fish for HMS in violation of any terms or conditions attached to an exempted fishing permit issued under
§ 600.745 of this chapter.
(h) When a directed fishery has been closed for a specific species, take and retain, possess, or land that
species after the closure date.
(i)

Refuse to submit fishing gear or fish subject to such person's control to inspection by an authorized
officer, or to interfere with or prevent, by any means, such an inspection.

(j)

Falsify or fail to make and/or file any and all reports of fishing, landing, or any other activity involving HMS,
containing all data, and in the exact manner, required by the applicable state law, as specified in §
660.708(b).

(k) Fail to carry aboard a vessel that vessel's permit issued under § 660.707 or exempted fishing permit
issued under § 660.718, except if the permit was issued while the vessel was at sea.
(l)

Fail to install, activate, repair, replace, carry, operate or maintain a VMS unit as required under § 660.712
and § 660.713.

(m) Interfere with, tamper with, alter, damage, disable, or impede the operation of a VMS unit or to attempt any
of the same; or to move or remove a VMS unit without the prior permission of the SAC.
(n) Make a false statement, oral or written, to an authorized officer, regarding the use, operation, or
maintenance of a VMS unit.
(o) Fish for, catch, or harvest HMS with longline or drift gillnet gear without an operating VMS unit on board
the vessel after installation of the VMS unit.
(p) Possess on board a vessel without an operating VMS unit HMS harvested with longline or drift gillnet gear
after installation of the VMS unit.
(q) Direct fishing effort toward the harvest of swordfish (Xiphias gladius) using longline gear deployed west of
150° W. long. and north of the equator (0° lat.) on a vessel registered for use of longline gear in violation
of § 660.712(a)(1).
(r) Possess a light stick on board a longline vessel when fishing west of 150° W. long. and north of the
equator (0° lat.) in violation of § 660.712(a)(6)
(s) If no observer is on the vessel and J-type fishing hooks are used, possess more than 10 swordfish; if no
observer on the vessel and only circle-type fishing hooks are used, possess more than 25 swordfish on
board a longline vessel from a fishing trip where any part of the trip included fishing west of 150° W. long.
and north of the equator (0° lat.) in violation of § 660.712(a)(9).
(t) Interfere with, impede, delay, or prevent the installation, maintenance, repair, inspection, or removal of a
VMS unit.
(u) Interfere with, impede, delay, or prevent access to a VMS unit by a NMFS observer.
(v) Connect or leave connected additional equipment to a VMS unit without the prior approval of the SAC.

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50 CFR 660.705(w)

(w) Fish for HMS with a vessel registered for use of longline gear within closed areas or by use of unapproved
gear configurations in violation of § 660.712(a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(7), (a)(8), or (a)(9).
(x) Fail to use a line setting machine or line shooter, with weighted branch lines, to set the main longline when
operating a vessel that is registered for use of longline gear and equipped with monofilament main
longline, when making deep sets north of 23° N. lat. in violation of § 660.712(c)(1)(i) and (c)(1)(ii).
(y) Fail to employ basket-style longline gear such that the mainline is deployed slack when operating a vessel
registered for use of longline gear north of 23° N. lat. in violation of § 660.712 (c)(1)(iii).
(z) Fail to maintain and use blue dye to prepare thawed bait when operating a vessel registered for use of
longline gear that is fishing north of 23° N. lat., in violation of § 660.712(c)(2) and (c)(3).
(aa) Fail to retain, handle, and discharge fish, fish parts, and spent bait strategically when operating a vessel
registered for use of longline gear that is fishing north of 23° N. lat. in violation of § 660.712 (c)(4)
through (c)(7).
(bb) Fail to handle short-tailed albatrosses that are caught by pelagic longline gear in a manner that maximizes
the probability of their long-term survival, in violation of § 660.712(c)(8).
(cc) Fail to handle seabirds other than short-tailed albatross that are caught by pelagic longline gear in a
manner that maximizes the probability of their long-term survival in violation of § 660.712(c)(17).
(dd) Own a longline vessel registered for use of longline gear that is engaged in longline fishing for HMS
without a valid protected species workshop certificate issued by NMFS or a legible copy thereof in
violation of § 660.712(e)(3).
(ee) Fish for HMS on a vessel registered for use of longline gear without having on board a valid protected
species workshop certificate issued by NMFS or a legible copy thereof in violation of § 660.712(e).
(ff) Fail to carry line clippers, dip nets, and wire or bolt cutters on a vessel registered for use as a longline
vessel in violation of § 660.712(b).
(gg) Fail to comply with sea turtle handling, resuscitation, and release requirements specified in §
660.712(b)(4) through (7) when operating a vessel.
(hh) Fail to comply with seabird take mitigation or handling techniques required under § 660.712(c)
(ii) Fish for HMS with a vessel registered for use as a longline vessel without being certified by NMFS for
completion of an annual protected species workshop as required under § 660.712(e).
(jj) Fail to notify the Regional Administrator at least 24 hours prior to departure on a fishing trip using longline
gear as required under § 660.712(f).
(kk) Except when fishing under a western Pacific longline limited entry permit issued under § 660.21, direct
fishing effort toward the harvest of swordfish or fail to have and use gear in waters west of 150° W. long.
in violation of § 660.720.
(ll) Except when fishing under a western Pacific longline limited entry permit issued under § 660.21, possess
a light stick on board a longline vessel on the high seas of the Pacific Ocean west of 150° W. long. north
of the equator in violation of § 660.720 (a)(ii).

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50 CFR 660.705(mm)

(mm) Except when fishing under a western Pacific longline limited entry permit issued under § 660.21, possess
more than 10 swordfish on board a longline vessel from a fishing trip where any part of the trip included
fishing on the high seas of the Pacific Ocean west of 150° W. long. north of the equator in violation of §
660.720(a)(3).
(nn) Except when fishing under a western Pacific longline limited entry permit issued under § 660.21, fail to
employ basket-style longline gear such that the mainline is deployed slack when fishing on the high seas
of the Pacific Ocean west of 150° W. long. north of the equator, in violation of § 660.720 (a)(iv).
(oo) Except when fishing under a western Pacific longline limited entry permit issued under § 660.21, when a
conventional monofilament longline is deployed by a vessel subject to this section, deploy fewer than 15
branch lines between any two floats, in violation of § 660.720 (a)(v). Vessel operators using basket-style
longline gear may not set less than 10 branch lines between any 2 floats when fishing in waters west of
150° W. long. north of the equator.
(pp) Except when fishing under a western Pacific longline limited entry permit issued under § 660.21, fail to
deploy longline gear such that the deepest point of the main longline between any two floats, i.e., the
deepest point in each sag of the main line, is at a depth greater than 100 m (328.1 ft or 54.6 fm) below the
sea surface, in violation of § 660.720 (a)(vi).
(qq) Take and retain, possess on board, or land, fish in excess of any bag limit specified in § 660.721.
(rr) Fail to notify NMFS or the NMFS-designated observer provider at least 48 hours prior to departure on a
fishing trip using drift gillnet gear as required under § 660.713.
(ss) Fail to submit a declaration report to the NMFS Office of Law Enforcement prior to departure on a fishing
trip using drift gillnet gear as required under § 660.713.
(tt) Fish with a large-mesh drift gillnet (mesh size ≥ 14 inches) in the U.S. West Coast Exclusive Economic
Zone during the time the fishery is closed pursuant to § 660.713(h)(2)(ii).
(uu) Retain on board, transship, or land any fish caught with a large-mesh drift gillnet (mesh size ≥ 14 inches)
later than 4 days after the effective date of a drift gillnet fishery closure and before the drift gillnet fishery
re-opens pursuant to § 660.713(h)(2)(ii).
(vv) Deploy or have onboard a vessel, deep-set buoy gear (DSBG) in contravention of gear configuration
specifications described at § 660.715(a) and (b).
(ww) Own or operate a vessel used to fish with DSBG in contravention of operational requirements specified at
§ 660.715(c)(1) and (2).
(xx) When required under § 660.715(c)(3), fail to notify NMFS or the NMFS-designated observer provider at
least 48 hours prior to departure on a fishing trip during which DSBG is deployed.
(yy) Own or operate a vessel that is engaged in DSBG fishing without record of the operator's participation in a
protected species workshop as required under § 660.715(c)(4).
(zz) Own or operate a vessel used to fish with DSBG in Federal waters north of a line extending seaward of the
Oregon/Washington border at 46°16′ N latitude.
(aaa) Own or operate a vessel used to fish with DSBG in the Southern California Bight (as defined at §
660.715(d)(2)) while not in possession of a valid DSBG limited entry permit.

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50 CFR 660.705(bbb)

(bbb) Own or operate a vessel used to fish a linked configuration of DSBG shoreward of a line approximating the
400 meter depth contour (according to coordinates specified at § 660.715(d)(3)) in waters between a line
extending seaward at 34°16′8.331″ N latitude and a line extending seaward from the Oregon/Washington
border at 46°16′ N latitude.
[69 FR 18453, Apr. 7, 2004, as amended at 72 FR 58259, Oct. 15, 2007; 77 FR 15975, Mar. 19, 2012; 80 FR 10395, Feb. 26, 2015; 80
FR 46520, Aug. 5, 2015; 85 FR 7250, Feb. 7, 2020; 88 FR 29548, May 8, 2023]

§ 660.706 Pacific Coast Treaty Indian rights.
(a) Pacific Coast treaty Indian tribes have treaty rights to harvest HMS in their usual and accustomed (U&A)
fishing areas in the EEZ.
(b) Pacific Coast treaty Indian tribes means the Hoh, Makah, and Quileute Indian Tribes and the Quinault
Indian Nation.
(c) The Pacific Coast treaty Indian tribes' U&A fishing areas within the EEZ are set forth in § 660.4 of this
chapter.
(d) Procedures. The rights referred to in paragraph (a) of this section will be implemented by the Secretary of
Commerce, after consideration of the tribal request, the recommendation of the Council, and the
comments of the public. The rights will be implemented either through an allocation of fish that will be
managed by the tribes, or through regulations that will apply specifically to the tribal fisheries. An
allocation or a regulation specific to the tribes shall be initiated by a written request from a Pacific Coast
treaty Indian tribe to the NMFS West Coast Regional Administrator, at least 120 days prior to the time the
allocation is desired to be effective, and will be subject to public review through the Council process. The
Secretary of Commerce recognizes the sovereign status and co-manager role of Indian tribes over shared
Federal and tribal fishery resources. Accordingly, the Secretary of Commerce will develop tribal
allocations and regulations in consultation with the affected tribe(s) and, insofar as possible, with tribal
consensus.
(e) Identification. A valid treaty Indian identification card issued pursuant to 25 CFR part 249, subpart A, is
prima facie evidence that the holder is a member of the Pacific Coast treaty Indian tribe named on the
card.
(f) Fishing (on a tribal allocation or under a Federal regulation applicable to tribal fisheries) by a member of a
Pacific Coast treaty Indian tribe within that tribe's U&A fishing area is not subject to provisions of the HMS
regulations applicable to non-treaty fisheries.
(g) Any member of a Pacific Coast treaty Indian tribe must comply with any applicable Federal and tribal laws
and regulations, when participating in a tribal HMS fishery implemented under paragraph (d) of this
section.
(h) Fishing by a member of a Pacific Coast treaty Indian tribe outside that tribe's U&A fishing area, or for a
species of HMS not covered by a treaty allocation or applicable Federal regulation, is subject to the HMS
regulations applicable to non-treaty fisheries.
[69 FR 18453, Apr. 7, 2004, as amended at 81 FR 36808, June 8, 2016]

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50 CFR 660.707

§ 660.707 Permits.
(a) General. This section applies to vessels that fish for HMS off or land HMS in the States of California,
Oregon, and Washington.
(1) A commercial fishing vessel of the United States must be registered for use under a general HMS
permit that authorizes the use of specific gear, and a recreational charter vessel must be registered
for use under a HMS permit if that vessel is used:
(i)

To fish for HMS in the U.S. EEZ off the States of California, Oregon, and Washington; or

(ii) To land or transship HMS shoreward of the outer boundary of the U.S. EEZ off the States of
California, Oregon, and Washington.
(2) The permit must be on board the vessel and available for inspection by an authorized officer, except
that if the permit was issued while the vessel was at sea, this requirement applies only to any
subsequent trip.
(3) A permit is valid only for the vessel for which it is registered. A permit not registered for use with a
particular vessel may not be used.
(4) Only a person eligible to own a documented vessel under the terms of 46 U.S.C. 12102(a) may be
issued or may hold (by ownership or otherwise) a general HMS permit.
(b) Application.
(1) Following publication of the final rule implementing the FMP, NMFS will issue general HMS permits
to the owners of those vessels on a list of vessels obtained from owners previously applying for a
permit under the authority of the High Seas Fishing Compliance Act, the Tuna Conventions Act of
1950, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and the Fishery Management Plan for Pelagic Fisheries of
the Western Pacific Region, or whose vessels are listed on the vessel register of the Inter-American
Tropical Tuna Commission.
(2) All permits issued by NMFS in accordance with paragraph (b)(1) of this section will authorize the use
of specific fishing gear by the identified commercial fishing vessels.
(3) An owner of a vessel subject to these requirements who has not received a permit under this section
from NMFS and who wants to engage in the fisheries must apply to the SFD for the required permit
in accordance with the following:
(i)

A West Coast Region Federal Fisheries application form may be obtained from the West Coast
Region Fisheries Permits Office or downloaded from the West Coast Region website to apply
for a permit under this section. A completed application is one that contains all the necessary
information, and required fees, documentation, and signatures.

(ii) A minimum of 15 days should be allowed for processing a permit application. If an incomplete
or improperly completed application is filed, the applicant will be sent a notice of deficiency. If
the applicant fails to correct the deficiency within 30 days following the date of notification, the
application will be considered abandoned.
(iii) A permit will be issued by the SFD. If an application is denied, the SFD will indicate the reasons
for denial.
(iv)
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50 CFR 660.707(b)(3)(iv)(A)

(A) Any applicant for an initial permit may appeal the initial issuance decision to the Regional
Administrator. To be considered by the Regional Administrator, such appeal must be in
writing and state the reasons for the appeal, and must be submitted within 30 days of the
action by the Regional Administrator. The appellant may request an informal hearing on
the appeal.
(B) Upon receipt of an appeal authorized by this section, the Regional Administrator will notify
the permit applicant, or permit holder as appropriate, and will request such additional
information and in such form as will allow action upon the appeal.
(C) Upon receipt of sufficient information, the Regional Administrator will decide the appeal in
accordance with the permit provisions set forth in this section at the time of the
application, based upon information relative to the application on file at NMFS and the
Council and any additional information submitted to or obtained by the Regional
Administrator, the summary record kept of any hearing and the hearing officer's
recommended decision, if any, and such other considerations as the Regional
Administrator deems appropriate. The Regional Administrator will notify all interested
persons of the decision, and the reasons for the decision, in writing, normally within 30
days of the receipt of sufficient information, unless additional time is needed for a
hearing.
(D) If a hearing is requested, or if the Regional Administrator determines that one is
appropriate, the Regional Administrator may grant an informal hearing before a hearing
officer designated for that purpose after first giving notice of the time, place, and subject
matter of the hearing to the applicant. The appellant, and, at the discretion of the hearing
officer, other interested persons, may appear personally or be represented by counsel at
the hearing and submit information and present arguments as determined appropriate by
the hearing officer. Within 30 days of the last day of the hearing, the hearing officer shall
recommend in writing a decision to the Regional Administrator.
(E) The Regional Administrator may adopt the hearing officer's recommended decision, in
whole or in part, or may reject or modify it. In any event, the Regional Administrator will
notify interested persons of the decision, and the reason(s) therefore, in writing, within 30
days of receipt of the hearing officer's recommended decision. The Regional
Administrator's decision will constitute the final administrative action by NMFS on the
matter.
(F) Any time limit prescribed in this section may be extended for a period not to exceed 30
days by the Regional Administrator for good cause, either upon his or her own motion or
upon written request from the appellant stating the reason(s) therefore.
(4) General HMS permits issued under this subpart will remain valid until the first date of renewal, and
permits may be subsequently renewed for 2-year terms. The first date of renewal will be the last day
of the vessel owner's birth month in the second calendar year after the permit is issued (e.g., if the
birth month is March and the permit is issued on October 3, 2007, the permit will remain valid
through March 31, 2009).
(5) Replacement permits may be issued without charge to replace lost or mutilated permits.
Replacement permits may be obtained by submitting to the SFD c/o the Regional Administrator a
complete, signed vessel permit application. An application for a replacement permit is not
considered a new application.
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50 CFR 660.707(b)(6)

(6) Any permit that has been altered, erased, or mutilated is invalid.
(c) Display. Any permit issued under this subpart, or a facsimile of the permit, must be on board the vessel at
all times while the vessel is fishing for, taking, retaining, possessing, or landing HMS shoreward of the
outer boundary of the fishery management area unless the vessel was at sea at the time the permit was
issued. Any permit issued under this section must be displayed for inspection upon request of an
authorized officer.
(d) Sanctions. Procedures governing sanctions and denials are found at subpart D of 15 CFR part 904.
(e) Fees. An application for a permit, or renewal of an existing permit under this section will include a fee for
each vessel. The fee amount required will be calculated in accordance with the NOAA Finance Handbook
and specified on the application form.
(f) Federal limited entry drift gillnet permit —
(1) General. This section applies to individuals fishing with large-mesh (14 inch or greater stretched
mesh) drift gillnet (DGN) gear. Individuals who target, retain, transship, or land fish captured with a
large-mesh DGN must possess a valid Federal limited entry DGN permit. Federal limited entry DGN
permits are issued to an individual, and a vessel must be specified on the permit.
(2) Initial qualification. Upon publication of NMFS' final rule to establish the Federal limited entry DGN
permit, all State of California limited entry DGN permit holders are eligible to obtain a Federal limited
entry DGN permit. If a 2017-2018 California state DGN permit renewal application is not received by
the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or postmarked by March 31, 2018, the permit holder is
not eligible to receive a 2018-2019 Federal limited entry DGN permit.
(3) Documentation and burden of proof. An individual applying for issuance, renewal, transfer, or
assignment of a Federal limited entry DGN permit must prove that they meet the qualification
requirements by submitting the following documentation, as applicable: A certified copy of the
assigned vessel's documentation as a fishing vessel of the United States (U.S. Coast Guard or state)
is the best evidence of vessel identification; a copy of a current State of California limited entry DGN
permit is the best evidence of initial qualification for a Federal limited entry DGN permit; a copy of a
written contract reserving or conveying limited entry rights is the best evidence of reserved or
acquired rights; and other relevant, credible evidence that the applicant may wish to submit or that
the SFD may request or require.
(4) Fees. Any processing fee will be determined by the service costs needed to process a permit
request. If a fee is required, it would cover administrative expenses related to issuing limited entry
permits, as well as renewing, transferring, assigning, and replacing permits. The amount of any fee
will be calculated in accordance with the procedures of the NOAA Finance Handbook for
determining the administrative costs of each special product or service. A fee may not exceed such
costs and is specified with each application form. The appropriate fee must accompany each
application.
(5) Initial decisions.
(i)

The SFD will make initial decisions regarding issuing, renewing, transferring, and assigning
limited entry permits.

(ii) Adverse decisions shall be in writing and shall state the reasons for the adverse decision.

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50 CFR 660.707(f)(5)(iii)

(iii) The SFD may decline to act on an application for issuing, renewing, transferring, or assigning a
limited entry permit and will notify the applicant, if the permit sanction provisions of the
Magnuson-Stevens Act at 16 U.S.C. 1858(a) and implementing regulations at 15 CFR part 904,
subpart D, apply.
(6) Issuance. Federal limited entry DGN permits will be issued by the SFD. If an application is denied, the
SFD will indicate the reasons for denial. A DGN permit will be issued to an individual and assigned to
a specific vessel. A permit holder may assign the permit to another vessel once per permit year
(April 1 to March 31).
(7) Appeals. Any applicant for an initial permit may appeal the initial issuance decision to the Regional
Administrator. Appeals will be made and processed following procedures as described at paragraph
(b)(3)(iv) of this section.
(8) Transfers. Federal limited entry DGN permits may be transferred to another individual only if the
current permit holder has held the Federal DGN permit for a minimum of three consecutive years
(counted April 1 to March 31 of the following year). At the time of the establishment of the Federal
limited entry DGN permit system, the length of time an individual has held a State of California
limited entry DGN permit carries over (e.g., if an individual has held a California DGN permit for two
years, they are eligible to transfer the Federal DGN permit after holding the Federal DGN permit for
one year). Exceptions to this limitation on permit transfer may be made under the following
circumstances:
(i)

The permit holder suffers from a serious illness or permanent disability that prevents the permit
holder from earning a livelihood from commercial fishing.

(ii) If a deceased permit holder's estate or heirs submit a transfer request within six months of the
permit holder's death.
(iii) Upon dissolution of marriage if the permit is held as community property.
(9) Renewals.
(i)

The SFD will send notices to renew limited entry permits to the most recent address of the
permit holder on file.

(ii) The permit owner is responsible for renewing a limited entry permit.
(iii) The deadline for receipt or postmark of a Federal DGN permit renewal application is April 30 of
the permit year (i.e., April 30, 2019 for 2019-2020 fishing season). Federal DGN permits must be
renewed yearly.
(iv) A DGN permit that is allowed to expire will not be renewed unless the permit owner requests
reissuance by July 31 (three months after the renewal application deadline) and NMFS
determines that failure to renew was proximately caused by illness, injury, or death of the
permit owner. If the permit expires, it will be forfeited and NMFS will not reissue the permit to
anyone.
(10) Owner on-board requirement.
(i)

Except as provided in paragraphs (f)(10)(ii) through (v) of this section, the DGN permit holder
must be on-board the vessel and in possession of a valid Federal limited entry DGN permit
when engaged in DGN fishing activity.

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50 CFR 660.707(f)(10)(ii)

(ii) A permit holder may designate another individual to fish under their permit for up to 15 days per
fishing year (April 1 to March 31 of the following year); the substitute must comply with all
other Federal permitting requirements. A permit holder shall notify NMFS of a substitution at
least 24 hours prior to the commencement of the trip.
(iii) If the person who owns a Federal DGN permit is prevented from being on-board a fishing vessel
because the person died, is ill, or is injured, NMFS may allow an exemption to the owner onboard requirement for more than 15 days. The person requesting the exemption must send a
letter to NMFS requesting an exemption from the owner on-board requirements, with
appropriate evidence as described at paragraph (f)(10)(iv) or (v) of this section. All exemptions
for death, injury, or illness will be evaluated by NMFS and a decision will be made in writing to
the permit owner (or, in the case of the death of the permit owner, to the estate or heirs of the
permit owner) within 60 calendar days of receipt of the original exemption request.
(iv) Evidence of death of the permit owner shall be provided to NMFS in the form of a copy of a
death certificate. In the interim before the estate is settled, if the deceased permit owner was
subject to the owner on-board requirements, the estate of the deceased permit owner may
send a letter to NMFS with a copy of the death certificate, requesting an exemption from the
owner-on-board requirements. An exemption due to death of the permit owner will be effective
only until such time that the estate of the deceased permit owner has registered the deceased
permit owner's permit to a beneficiary, transferred the permit to another owner, or three years
after the date of death as proven by a death certificate, whichever is earliest. An exemption
from the owner-on-board requirement will be conveyed in a letter from NMFS to the estate of
the permit owner and is required to be on the vessel during DGN fishing operations.
(v) Evidence of illness or injury that prevents the permit owner from participating in the fishery shall
be provided to NMFS in the form of a letter from a certified medical practitioner. This letter
must detail the relevant medical conditions of the permit owner and how those conditions
prevent the permit owner from being on-board a fishing vessel during DGN fishing. An
exemption due to injury or illness will be effective only for the fishing year of the request for
exemption. In order to extend a medical exemption for a succeeding year, the permit owner
must submit a new request and provide documentation from a certified medical practitioner
detailing why the permit owner is still unable to be on-board a fishing vessel. An exemption
from the owner-on-board requirement will be conveyed in a letter from NMFS to the permit
owner and is required to be on the vessel during DGN fishing operations.
(g) Limited entry deep-set buoy gear (DSBG) permit —
(1) General. This paragraph (g) applies to persons (as defined at § 660.702) owning a limited entry
permit to fish with DSBG (as defined at § 660.702) inside the Southern California Bight (as defined at
§ 660.715(d)(2)) and to vessels registered to such permits. For a vessel to be used to fish with DSBG
in the Southern California Bight, that vessel must be registered for use with a limited entry DSBG
permit.
(2) Basic requirements. Limited entry DSBG permits are issued to a person, and a vessel must be
specified on the permit.
(i)

Persons. Any “person” as defined at § 660.702 may own a limited entry DSBG permit, subject to
the ownership requirements and limitations at paragraph (g)(3) of this section.

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50 CFR 660.707(g)(2)(ii)

(ii) Vessels. A vessel registered to a limited entry DSBG permit must also be registered to a valid
general HMS permit with a DSBG endorsement issued pursuant to paragraphs (a) and (b) of
this section. The designated vessel need not be owned by the limited entry DSBG permit owner.
The same vessel may be registered to multiple limited entry DSBG permits, but only one permit
may be fished at a time.
(3) Ownership requirements and limitations —
(i)

Limitation on permit ownership. No person may own more than one limited entry DSBG permit,
in whole or in part, including through ownership interest in a partnership, corporation, or other
entity.

(ii) DSBG identification of ownership interest form. Any person that owns a limited entry DSBG
permit and that is applying for or renewing a limited entry DSBG permit shall document those
persons that have an ownership interest in the limited entry DSBG permit. This ownership
interest must be documented with NMFS via the DSBG Identification of Ownership Interest
Form.
(iii) Transferability. Limited entry DSBG permits are not transferable, except for a one-time transfer
to a family member, as defined at § 660.702, upon the death or legal incapacitation of the
individual or a member of the corporation, partnership, or other entity that owns the permit,
following the procedures at paragraph (g)(7) of this section. The limited entry DSBG permit
owner cannot change or add additional individuals or entities as owners of the permit, or
otherwise change ownership of the permit as defined at § 660.702. A transfer may not occur if
such a transfer will result in a person holding more than one limited entry DSBG permit as
described in paragraph (g)(3)(i) of this section.
(iv) Divestiture, surrender, and revocation. If NMFS discovers that a person owns or has an
ownership interest in more than one limited entry DSBG permit (including any person who has
ownership interest in the entities listed as owners on the permit), NMFS will notify the permit
owner that they have 90 days to divest of the excess ownership interest. During this 90-day
period, the person may surrender permit(s) in excess of the permit ownership limit to NMFS by
submitting a request in writing. After the 90-day divestiture period, NMFS will revoke all limited
entry DSBG permits held by that person in excess of the permit ownership limit. Surrendered
and revoked permits, with vessel status as “unidentified,” will be issued to the next eligible
applicant following the procedures at paragraphs (g)(11) and (12) of this section.
(4) Renewal. Limited entry DSBG permits are valid for 1 year (May 1-April 30). Permits expire April 30 of
each year and must be renewed between February 1 and March 31 of each year to remain in force
the following permit year.
(i)

Renewal notices. NMFS will send notices to renew limited entry DSBG permits to the permit
owner's most recent email address on record with NMFS. The permit owner is responsible for
notifying the Fisheries Permits Office of any email address change.

(ii) Renewal packages. A complete limited entry DSBG permit renewal package must be received by
NMFS by March 31 of each year. If a complete renewal package is not received by March 31,
NMFS will not renew the limited entry DSBG permit, except under the circumstances described
in paragraph (g)(4)(iii) of this section. A complete renewal package consists of a completed
renewal application form, a completed DSBG Identification of Ownership Interest Form as
required under paragraph (g)(3)(ii) of this section, and payment of required fees. NMFS may
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require additional documentation as it deems necessary to make a determination on the
application. The renewal package will be considered incomplete until the required information
is submitted. NMFS will decline to act on an incomplete application.
(iii) Forfeited permits. A limited entry DSBG permit for which renewal is not requested will be
considered expired unless the permit owner requests reissuance of the permit by June 30 (3
months after the renewal application deadline) and NMFS determines that failure to renew was
proximately caused by illness, injury, or death of the permit owner. If a permit is allowed to
expire, it will be forfeited and NMFS may reissue the permit to another qualified applicant
following the procedures at paragraphs (g)(11) and (12) of this section.
(iv) Renewal determinations. Based on a complete application for renewal of a limited entry DSBG
permit, if NMFS determines that the applicant has met the requirements of this section and is
in compliance with any other applicable regulations, NMFS will approve the renewal and issue
the permit. If the application is not approved, NMFS will issue an initial administrative decision
(IAD) that will explain the denial in writing. The applicant may appeal NMFS' determination
following the process at paragraph (b)(3)(iv) of this section.
(5) Permit replacement. Replacement permits may be issued without charge to replace lost or mutilated
permits. Replacement permits may be obtained by submitting a complete permit replacement
application to NMFS. An application for a replacement permit is not considered a new application.
Any permit that has been altered, erased, or mutilated is invalid.
(6) Change in vessel registration. Limited entry DSBG permits will normally be registered for use with a
particular vessel at the time the permit is issued, renewed, or replaced. A permit may not be used
with any vessel other than the vessel registered for use with that permit. If the permit will be used
with a vessel other than the one registered for use with the permit, the permit owner must request a
change in vessel registration in accordance with paragraphs (g)(6)(ii) through (iv) of this section.
(i)

Limits on changes in vessel registration. The registered vessel may be changed no more than
once per calendar year, except in cases of a force majeure event as defined at § 660.702. A
permit owner may also designate the vessel registration for a permit as “unidentified,” meaning
that no vessel has been identified as registered for use with that permit. Changing a permit's
designated vessel to “unidentified” is not considered a change in vessel registration for
purposes of this section, but the permit is not authorized for use until a subsequent change of
registration out of “unidentified” status occurs. Any subsequent change in registration out of
“unidentified” status to a vessel will be considered a change in vessel registration and subject
to a once-per-calendar-year limit.

(ii) Request for change in vessel registration. To request a change in vessel registration, a permit
owner must fill out a vessel transfer application online through the NOAA Fisheries Permits
website with appropriate fields completed and must submit the application to the West Coast
Region Fisheries Permits Office. A complete change in vessel registration package consists of
a transfer application form with appropriate fields completed, a current copy of the United
States Coast Guard Documentation Form or state registration form, and payment of required
fees. NMFS may require additional documentation as it deems necessary to make a
determination on the application. The change in vessel registration package will be considered
incomplete until the required information is submitted. NMFS will decline to act on an
incomplete application. A permit owner may designate the vessel registration for a permit as
“unidentified,” meaning that no vessel has been identified as registered for use with that permit.
No vessel is authorized to use a permit with the vessel registration designated as “unidentified.”
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(iii) Agency determination on an application. Based on a complete application for a change in vessel
registration, if NMFS determines that the applicant has met the requirements of this section,
NMFS will approve the change in vessel registration and issue the permit. Changes in vessel
registration will take effect on the date that the change is approved by NMFS. If the application
for a change in vessel registration is not approved, NMFS will issue an initial administrative
determination that will explain the denial in writing. The applicant may appeal NMFS'
determination following the process at paragraph (b)(3)(iv) of this section.
(7) Permit ownership transfer —
(i)

Request for change in permit ownership. A permit owner may request change in ownership of a
permit, in compliance with the limits at paragraph (g)(3) of this section, by submitting a
complete transfer application package with appropriate fields completed to NMFS. A complete
transfer application package consists of all of the following:
(A) A transfer application form with appropriate fields completed;
(B) For a request to change a permit's ownership where the current permit owner is a
corporation, partnership or other business entity, a corporate resolution that authorizes
the conveyance of the permit to a new owner and authorizes the individual applicant to
request the conveyance on behalf of the corporation, partnership, or other business entity;
(C) For a request to change a permit's ownership that is necessitated by the death of the
permit owner(s), a death certificate of the permit owner(s) and appropriate legal
documentation that either: Specifically registers the permit to a designated individual(s);
or provides legal authority to the transferor to convey the permit ownership; and
(D) Payment of required fees.

(ii) Incomplete application. NMFS may require additional documentation as it deems necessary to
make a determination on the application for change in ownership. The renewal package will be
considered incomplete until the required information is submitted. NMFS will decline to act on
an incomplete application.
(iii) Agency determination on an application. Based on a complete application for change in
ownership, if NMFS determines that the applicant has met the requirements of this section,
NMFS will approve the change in ownership and issue the permit. Changes in permit ownership
will take effect on the date that the change is approved by NMFS. If the application is not
approved, NMFS will issue an initial administrative decision (IAD) that will explain the denial in
writing. The applicant may appeal NMFS' determination following the process at paragraph
(b)(3)(iv) of this section.
(8) Fees. The Regional Administrator may charge fees to cover administrative expenses related to
processing initial issuance, renewal, change in ownership, change in vessel registration, divestiture,
and appeals of permits. The amount of the fee is determined in accordance with the procedures of
the NOAA Finance Handbook for determining administrative costs. A fee may not exceed
administrative costs and is specified with each application form. The appropriate fee must
accompany each application.

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(9) Sanctions. NMFS may decline to act on an application for initial issuance, renewal, replacement,
change in ownership, divestiture, or change in vessel registration, and will notify the applicant if the
permit sanction provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Act at 16 U.S.C. 1858(a) and implementing
regulations at 15 CFR part 904, subpart D, apply.
(10) Appeals. In cases where the applicant disagrees with NMFS' decision on a permit application for
initial issuance, renewal, replacement, change in ownership, divestiture, or change in vessel
registration, the applicant may file an appeal following the procedures described at paragraph
(b)(3)(iv) of this section.
(11) Initial issuance for Tiers 1 through 8. This section describes the process for initial issuance of limited
entry DSBG permits to applicants that qualify under Tiers 1 through 8 as defined at paragraphs
(g)(11)(iii)(C)(1) through (8) of this section.
(i)

Exempted fishing permit (EFP) holder. For purposes of paragraph (g)(11) of this section only,
exempted fishing permit (EFP) holder means any individual with NMFS approval to captain a
commercial vessel and use DSBG under the authority of a DSBG EFP or any individual who is
identified by NMFS as having managed a DSBG EFP, including vessel owners whose vessel
fished under the authority of a DSBG EFP.

(ii) Initial applications. Persons may apply for a limited entry DSBG permit by completing and
submitting an initial issuance application package to NMFS, beginning on June 7, 2023. The
completed application package must be submitted on the National Permit System website, or
by another method approved by NMFS, no later than 11:59 p.m. on August 7, 2023. If an
applicant fails to submit a completed application by the deadline date, they forgo the
opportunity to receive a limited entry DSBG permit under Tiers 1 through 8 and their permit will
be issued to the next eligible applicant following the procedures at paragraphs (g)(11) and (12)
of this section. A complete initial issuance application package consists of the following: a
completed initial issuance application form; a completed DSBG Identification of Ownership
Interest Form, as required under paragraph (g)(3)(ii) of this section; a current copy of the United
States Coast Guard Documentation Form or state registration form for the vessel that will be
registered to the permit; and payment of required fees. NMFS may require additional
documentation as it deems necessary to make a determination on the application. The initial
issuance application package will be considered incomplete until the required information is
submitted. NMFS will decline to act on an incomplete application.
(iii) Eligibility criteria for Tiers 1 through 8. To qualify for a permit under Tiers 1 through 8, as defined
at paragraphs (g)(11)(iii)(C)(1) through (8) of this section, an applicant must meet all of the
following criteria:
(A) The applicant is eligible to own a limited entry DSBG permit in accordance with paragraph
(g)(2)(i) of this section;
(B) The applicant is in compliance with the ownership requirements and limitations of
paragraph (g)(3) of this section. Applicants found to have qualified for more than one
permit will be notified by NMFS in writing and will have 30 days to divest of the excess
permit ownership interest and resubmit their application package; and
(C) The applicant meets the criteria of one of the qualification tiers in paragraphs
(g)(11)(iii)(C)(1) through (8) of this section based on data as of August 7, 2023. Permits
will be issued by ranking applicants according to the tiered criteria in paragraphs
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(g)(11)(iii)(C)(1) through (8) of this section, beginning with Tier 1 and ending with Tier 8.
NMFS will qualify applicants that meet the criteria of multiple tiers based on their highest
tier, with Tier 1 being the highest, Tier 2 the second highest, and so on.
(1) Tier 1 consists of EFP holders with at least 10 documented calendar days of DSBG
fishing effort by December 31, 2018, based on NMFS West Coast Region Observer
Program records indicating either that the EFP holder was the vessel captain for that
fishing day or that fishing effort for that day was conducted on a vessel owned by or
under the EFP managed by that individual.
(2) Tier 2 consists of California Limited Entry Drift Gill Net (DGN) Shark and Swordfish
permit holders who made at least one large-mesh DGN swordfish landing between
the 2013-2014 and 2017-2018 fishing seasons and surrendered their state or Federal
limited entry DGN permit as part of a DGN permit trade-in or buy-back program,
based on California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) marine landing receipt
and buyback records and NMFS and CDFW permit information.
(3) Tier 3 consists of EFP holders approved by the Pacific Fishery Management Council
prior to April 1, 2021, who conducted at least 10 calendar days of DSBG fishing effort
or with 10 days of DSBG effort on their vessel or by vessels they manage under the
EFP by June 7, 2023, based on a NMFS West Coast Regional Observer Program
record or a properly submitted NMFS DSBG EFP logbook indicating either that the
EFP holder was vessel captain for that fishing day or that the fishing effort for that
day was conducted on a vessel owned by or under the EFP managed by that
individual.
(4) Tier 4 consists of California Swordfish permit holders who possessed a permit during
the 2018-2019 fishing season and made at least one swordfish landing using
harpoon gear between the 2013-2014 or 2017-2018 fishing seasons, based on
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) permit and marine landing receipt
records.
(5) Tier 5 consists of California Limited Entry Drift Gill Net (DGN) Shark and Swordfish
permit holders who have made at least one large-mesh DGN swordfish landing
between the 2013-2014 and 2017-2018 fishing seasons and who did not surrender
their state or Federal limited entry DGN permit as part of a trade-in or buy-back
program, based on California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) marine landing
receipts and buyback records and NMFS and CDFW permit information.
(6) Tier 6 consists of California Limited Entry Drift Gill Net (DGN) Shark and Swordfish
permit holders who have not made a swordfish landing with large-mesh DGN gear
since March 31, 2013, and who surrendered their state or Federal limited entry DGN
permit as part of a permit trade-in or buy-back program, based on California
Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) marine landing receipts and buyback
records and NMFS and CDFW permit information.
(7) Tier 7 consists of state or Federal limited entry drift gillnet (DGN) permit holders who
have not made a swordfish landing with DGN gear since March 31, 2013, and did not
surrender their limited entry DGN permit as part of a state or Federal limited entry

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DGN permit trade-in or buy-back program, based on California Department of Fish
and Wildlife (CDFW) marine landing receipts and buyback records and NMFS and
CDFW permit information.
(8) Tier 8 consists of any individual with documented commercial swordfish fishing
experience between January 1, 1986, and June 7, 2023, on a first come, first served
basis, based on California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) permit records
showing possession of a valid commercial fishing license on that date and one of the
following:
(i)

A valid CDFW marine landing receipt identifying the individual as the fisherman
of record;

(ii) A valid state or Federal logbook where swordfish were taken and identifying the
individual as captain or crew on that day; and
(iii) A signed affidavit from a vessel owner or captain identifying the individual as
vessel captain or crew on the day that swordfish were taken.
(iv) Agency determination on an application. Based on a complete application for an initial permit
under Tiers 1 through 8, as defined at paragraphs (g)(11)(iii)(C)(1) through (8) of this section, if
NMFS determines that the applicant has met the requirements of this section, NMFS will issue
an initial administrative determination (IAD). If the application is approved, the applicant will
receive a permit according to the permit issuance procedures in paragraph (g)(11)(v) of this
section. If the application is denied, the IAD will provide an explanation of the denial in writing.
The applicant may appeal NMFS' determination following the process at paragraph (b)(3)(iv) of
this section.
(v) Permit issuance. NMFS will issue permits to approved applicants in priority order according to
the qualification tiers in paragraphs (g)(11)(iii)(C)(1) through (8) of this section, with qualified
applicants in Tier 1 receiving permits first, then qualified applicants in Tier 2, and so on.
Qualified applicants will be further ranked within a tier based on their total swordfish landings
for the time period and gear type specified for that tier for Tiers 1 through 5, according to
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) marine landing receipts as of August 7,
2023, or by the date and time their application is received for Tiers 6 through 8. NMFS will issue
up to 50 permits in 2023, and up to 25 permits each year after, up to a total of 300 valid permits.
Permits issued to the next eligible applicant as a result of surrender, revocation, or expiration
will not count toward the annual permit issuance limits. Permits will be mailed on or about April
1 for the upcoming May 1 permit year to the address of record. Permit holders are responsible
for keeping their contact information current with NMFS to receive their permit. If a permit is
returned to NMFS as undeliverable, NMFS will make further attempts to contact the permit
holder using the contact information on file. If NMFS is not able to contact the permit holder
within 30 days, the permit will be revoked and issued to the next eligible applicant following the
procedures at paragraphs (g)(11) and (12) of this section.
(12) Initial issuance for Tier 9. When the list of permit qualifiers from the initial issuance for Tiers 1
through 8, as defined at paragraphs (g)(11)(iii)(C)(1) through (8) of this section, is exhausted, NMFS
will begin accepting applications for additional limited entry DSBG permits on a first come, first
served basis. In January of the year NMFS anticipates accepting Tier 9 applications, NMFS will

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publish a notice in the FEDERAL REGISTER to notify the public of the application opportunity. NMFS will
accept applications for initial issuance of limited entry DSBG permits under Tier 9 on an annual basis
until a total of 300 limited entry DSBG permits are issued.
(i)

Initial applications. Persons may apply for a limited entry DSBG permit under Tier 9 by
completing and submitting an initial issuance application package to NMFS via the National
Permit System website during the annual application period February 1-March 31. The
completed application package must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. Pacific Daylight
Time on March 31st of the relevant year. A complete initial issuance application package
consists of the following: a completed initial issuance application form; a completed DSBG
Identification of Ownership Interest Form, as required under paragraph (g)(3)(ii) of this section;
a current copy of the United States Coast Guard Documentation Form or state registration form
for the vessel that will be registered to the permit; and payment of required fees. NMFS may
require additional documentation as it deems necessary to make a determination on the
application. The initial issuance application package will be considered incomplete until the
required information is submitted. NMFS will decline to act on an incomplete application.

(ii) Eligibility criteria for Tier 9. To qualify for a permit under Tier 9, an applicant must meet all of the
following criteria:
(A) The applicant is eligible to own a limited entry DSBG permit in accordance with paragraph
(g)(2)(i) of this section; and
(B) The applicant is in compliance with the ownership requirements and limitations of
paragraph (g)(3) of this section.
(iii) Agency determination on an application. Based on a complete application, if NMFS determines
that the applicant for an initial permit under Tier 9 has met the requirements of this section,
NMFS will issue an initial administrative determination (IAD). If the application is approved, the
IAD will say so and the applicant will receive a permit according to the permit issuance
procedures in paragraph (g)(11)(iv) of this section. If the application is denied, the IAD will
provide an explanation of the denial in writing. The applicant may appeal NMFS' determination
following the process at paragraph (b)(3)(iv) of this section.
(iv) Permit issuance. NMFS will issue permits to approved applicants under Tier 9 on a first come,
first served basis, according to the date and time that their application was submitted through
the National Permit System. NMFS will issue up to 25 permits each year, up to a total of 300
valid permits. If NMFS approves more than 25 applications in a single year, the approved
applicants above 25 will receive priority for permit issuance the following year according to the
date and time that their complete applications were received. Permits issued to the next eligible
applicant as a result of surrender, revocation, or expiration will not count toward the annual
permit issuance limits.
[69 FR 18453, Apr. 7, 2004, as amended at 72 FR 10937, Mar. 12, 2007; 74 FR 37178, July 28, 2009; 83 FR 11150, Mar. 14, 2018; 88
FR 29549, May 8, 2023]

§ 660.708 Reporting and recordkeeping.
(a) Logbooks. The operator of any commercial fishing vessel and any recreational charter vessel fishing for
HMS in the management area must maintain on board the vessel an accurate and complete record of
catch, effort, and other data on report forms provided by the Regional Administrator or a state agency. All
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information specified on the forms must be recorded on the forms within 24 hours after the completion of
each fishing day. The original logbook form for each day of the fishing trip must be submitted to either the
Regional Administrator or the appropriate state management agency within 30 days of each landing or
transhipment of HMS. Each form must be signed and dated by the fishing vessel operator.
(1) Logbooks that meet the logbook reporting requirement may be found at http://swr.nmfs.noaa.gov/
logbooks.htm and include:
(i)

The logbook required under 50 CFR 300.21 implementing the Tuna Conventions Act of 1950;

(ii) The logbook required under § 660.14 implementing the Fishery Management Plan for Pelagic
Fisheries of the Western Pacific Region;
(iii) Any logbook required by the fishery management agency of the States of California, Oregon, or
Washington.
(2) Any holder of a permit who does not submit logbooks under any of the above authorities must
submit a written request to the SFD for the appropriate logbook. The applicant must provide his or
her name and address, the name of the vessel, and the type of fishing gear used.
(3) The Regional Administrator may, after consultation with the Council, act to modify the information to
be provided on the fishing record forms.
(b) Any person who is required to do so by the applicable state law must make and/or file, retain, or make
available any and all reports of HMS containing all data, and in the exact manner, required by the
applicable state law.
[69 FR 18453, Apr. 7, 2004, as amended at 80 FR 62501, Oct. 16, 2015]

§ 660.709 Annual specifications.
(a) Procedure.
(1) Each year, the HMSMT will deliver a stock assessment and fishery evaluation report to the Council
for all HMS with any necessary recommendations for harvest guidelines, quotas or other
management measures to protect HMS, including updated maximum sustainable yield (MSY) and
optimum yield (OY) estimates based on the best available science. The Council's Scientific and
Statistical Committee may review the estimates and make a recommendation on their suitability for
management. As described in the fishery management plan, the Council will periodically review
these recommendations and decide whether to adopt updated numerical estimates of MSY and OY,
which are then submitted as recommendations for NMFS to review as part of the management
measures review process.
(2) Based on recommendations of the Council, the Regional Administrator will approve or disapprove
any harvest guideline, quota, or other management measure including updated MSY and OY
estimates after reviewing such recommendations to determine compliance with the FMP, the
Magnuson Act, and other applicable law. The Regional Administrator will implement through
rulemaking any approved harvest guideline, quota, or other management measure adopted under
this section.
(b) Fishing seasons for all species will begin on April 1 of each year at 0001 hours local time and terminate
on March 31 of each year at 2400 hours local time.
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(c) Harvest guidelines, quotas, and other management measures announced for a particular year will be in
effect the following year unless changed through the public review process described in paragraph (a) of
this section.
(d) Irrespective of the normal review process, the Council may propose management action to protect HMS
at any time. The Council may adopt a management cycle different from the one described in the fishery
management plan provided that such change is made by a majority vote of the Council and a 6-month
notice of the change is given.
[69 FR 18453, Apr. 7, 2004, as amended at 76 FR 56328, Sept. 13, 2011; 83 FR 19982, May 7, 2018]

§ 660.710 Closure of directed fishery.
(a) When a quota has been taken, the Regional Administrator will announce in the FEDERAL REGISTER the date
of closure of the fishery for the species of concern.
(b) When a harvest guideline has been taken, the Regional Administrator will initiate review of the species of
concern according to section 8.4.8 of the FMP and publish in the FEDERAL REGISTER any necessary and
appropriate regulations following Council recommendations.

§ 660.711 General catch restrictions.
(a) Incidental landings. HMS caught by gear not authorized by this subpart may be landed in incidental
amounts as follows:
(1) Drift gillnet vessels with stretched mesh less than 14 inches may land up to 10 HMS per trip, except
that no swordfish may be landed.
(2) Bottom longline vessels may land up to 20 percent by weight of management unit sharks in landings
of all species, or 3 individual sharks of the species in the management unit, whichever is greater.
(3) Trawl and pot gear vessels may land up to 1 percent by weight of management unit sharks in a
landing of all species or 2 individual sharks of the species in the management unit, whichever is
greater.
(b) Marlin prohibition. The sale of striped marlin by a vessel with a permit under this subpart is prohibited.
(c) Sea turtle handling and resuscitation. All sea turtles taken incidentally in fishing operations by any HMS
vessel other than vessels subject to § 660.712 must be handled in accordance with 50 CFR
223.206(d)(1).
[69 FR 18453, Apr. 7, 2004, as amended at 80 FR 46520, Aug. 5, 2015]

§ 660.712 Longline fishery.
(a) Gear and fishing restrictions.
(1) Owners and operators of vessels registered for use of longline gear may not use longline gear to fish
for or target HMS within the U.S. EEZ.
(2) Owners and operators of vessels registered for use of longline gear may not make shallow sets with
longline gear to fish for or target swordfish (Xiphias gladius) west of 150° W. long. and north of the
equator (0° N. lat.).
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(3) A person aboard a vessel registered for use of longline gear fishing for HMS west of 150° W. long.
and north of the equator (0° N. lat.) may not possess or deploy any float line that is shorter than or
equal to 20 m (65.6 ft or 10.9 fm). As used in this paragraph, float line means a line used to suspend
the main longline beneath a float.
(4) From April 1 through May 31, owners and operators of vessels registered for use of longline gear
may not use longline gear in waters bounded on the south by 0° lat., on the north by 15° N. lat., on
the east by 145° W. long., and on the west by 180° long.
(5) From April 1 through May 31, owners and operators of vessels registered for use of longline gear
may not receive from another vessel HMS that were harvested by longline gear in waters bounded
on the south by 0° lat., on the north by 15° N. lat., on the east by 145° W. long., and on the west by
180° long.
(6) From April 1 through May 31, owners and operators of vessels registered for use of longline gear
may not land or transship HMS that were harvested by longline gear in waters bounded on the south
by 0° lat., on the north by 15° N. lat., on the east by 145° W. long., and on the west by 180° long.
(7) No light stick may be possessed on board a vessel registered for use of longline gear during fishing
trips that include any fishing west of 150° W. long. and north of the equator (0° N. lat.). A light stick
as used in this paragraph is any type of light emitting device, including any flourescent glow bead,
chemical, or electrically powered light that is affixed underwater to the longline gear.
(8) When a conventional monofilament longline is deployed in waters west of 150° W. long. and north of
the equator (0° N. lat.) by a vessel registered for use of longline gear, no fewer than 15 branch lines
may be set between any two floats. Vessel operators using basket-style longline gear must set a
minimum of 10 branch lines between any 2 floats when fishing in waters north of the equator.
(9) Longline gear deployed west of 150° W. long. and north of the equator (0° N. lat.) by a vessel
registered for use of longline gear must be deployed such that the deepest point of the main longline
between any two floats, i.e., the deepest point in each sag of the main line, is at a depth greater than
100 m (328.1 ft or 54.6 fm) below the sea surface.
(10) If no observer is on board the vessel, owners and operators of longline vessels registered for use of
longline gear may land or possess no more than 10 swordfish from a fishing trip when using any Jtype fishing hooks, and no more than 25 swordfish from a fishing trip when using only circle hooktype fishing hooks. If a NMFS-approved observer is on board the vessel for the duration of the fishing
trip, there is no limit on the amount of swordfish retained.
(11) Owners and operators of longline vessels registered for use of longline gear are subject to the
provisions at 50 CFR part 223 prohibiting shallow sets to target swordfish in waters beyond the U.S.
EEZ and east of 150° W. long.
(b) Sea turtle take mitigation measures.
(1) Owners and operators of vessels registered for use of longline gear must carry aboard their vessels
line clippers meeting the minimum design standards specified in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, dip
nets meeting minimum standards specified in paragraph (b)(3) of this section, and wire or bolt
cutters capable of cutting through the vessel's hooks. These items must be used to disengage any
hooked or entangled sea turtles with the least harm possible to the sea turtles and as close to the
hook as possible in accordance with the requirements specified in paragraphs (b)(4) through (b)(7)
of this section.
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(2) Line clippers are intended to cut fishing line as close as possible to hooked or entangled sea turtles.
NMFS has established minimum design standards for line clippers. The Arceneaux line clipper (ALC)
is a model line clipper that meets these minimum design standards and may be fabricated from
readily available and low-cost materials (see figure 1 to § 660.32). The minimum design standards
are as follows:
(i)

The cutting blade must be curved, recessed, contained in a holder, or otherwise afforded some
protection to minimize direct contact of the cutting surface with sea turtles or users of the
cutting blade.

(ii) The blade must be capable of cutting 2.0-2.1 mm monofilament line and nylon or polypropylene
multistrand material commonly known as braided mainline or tarred mainline.
(iii) The line clipper must have an extended reach handle or pole of at least 6 ft (1.82 m).
(iv) The cutting blade must be securely fastened to the extended reach handle or pole to ensure
effective deployment and use.
(3) Dip nets are intended to facilitate safe handling of sea turtles and access to sea turtles for purposes
of cutting lines in a manner that minimizes injury and trauma to sea turtles. The minimum design
standards for dip nets that meet the requirements of this section are:
(i)

The dip net must have an extended reach handle of at least 6 ft (1.82 m) of wood or other rigid
material able to support a minimum of 100 lbs (34.1 kg) without breaking or significant bending
or distortion.

(ii) The dip net must have a net hoop of at least 31 inches (78.74 cm) inside diameter and a bag
depth of at least 38 inches (96.52 cm). The bag mesh openings may be no more than 3 inches
× 3 inches (7.62 cm × 7.62 cm).
(4) All incidentally taken sea turtles brought aboard for dehooking and/or disentanglement must be
handled in a manner to minimize injury and promote post-hooking survival.
(i)

When practicable, comatose sea turtles must be brought on board immediately, with a
minimum of injury, and handled in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraphs
(b)(5) and (b)(6) of this section.

(ii) If a sea turtle is too large or hooked in such a manner as to preclude safe boarding without
causing further damage/injury to the turtle, line clippers described in paragraph (b)(2) of this
section must be used to clip the line and remove as much line as possible prior to releasing the
turtle.
(iii) If a sea turtle is observed to be hooked or entangled by longline gear during hauling operations,
the vessel operator must immediately cease hauling operations until the turtle has been
removed from the longline gear or brought on board the vessel.
(iv) Hooks must be removed from sea turtles as quickly and carefully as possible. If a hook cannot
be removed from a turtle, the line must be cut as close to the hook as possible.
(5) If the sea turtle brought aboard appears dead or comatose, the sea turtle must be placed on its belly
(on the bottom shell or plastron) so that the turtle is right side up and its hindquarters elevated at
least 6 inches (15.24 cm) for a period of no less than 4 hours and no more than 24 hours. The
amount of the elevation depends on the size of the turtle; greater elevations are needed for larger
turtles. A reflex test, performed by gently touching the eye and pinching the tail of a sea turtle, must
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50 CFR 660.712(b)(6)

be administered by a vessel operator, at least every 3 hours, to determine if the sea turtle is
responsive. Sea turtles being resuscitated must be shaded and kept damp or moist but under no
circumstance may be placed into a container holding water. A water-soaked towel placed over the
eyes, carapace, and flippers is the most effective method to keep a turtle moist. Those that revive
and become active must be returned to the sea in the manner described in paragraph (b)(6) of this
section. Sea turtles that fail to revive within the 24-hour period must also be returned to the sea in
the manner described in paragraph (b)(6)(i) of this section.
(6) Live turtles must be returned to the sea after handling in accordance with the requirements of
paragraphs (b)(4) and (b)(5) of this section:
(i)

By putting the vessel engine in neutral gear so that the propeller is disengaged and the vessel is
stopped, and releasing the turtle away from deployed gear; and

(ii) Observing that the turtle is safely away from the vessel before engaging the propeller and
continuing operations.
(7) In addition to the requirements in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, a vessel operator shall
perform sea turtle handling and resuscitation techniques consistent with 50 CFR 223.206(d)(1), as
appropriate.
(c) Longline Seabird mitigation measures.
(1) Seabird mitigation techniques. Owners and operators of vessels registered for use of longline gear
must ensure that the following actions are taken when fishing north of 23° N. lat.:
(i)

Employ a line setting machine or line shooter to set the main longline when making deep sets
west of 150° W. long. using monofilament main longline;

(ii) Attach a weight of at least 45 g to each branch line within 1 m of the hook when making deep
sets using monofilament main longline;
(iii) When using basket-style longline gear, ensure that the main longline is deployed slack to
maximize its sink rate;
(2) Use completely thawed bait that has been dyed blue to an intensity level specified by a color quality
control card issued by NMFS;
(3) Maintain a minimum of two cans (each sold as 0.45 kg or 1 lb size) containing blue dye on board the
vessel;
(4) Discharge fish, fish parts (offal), or spent bait while setting or hauling longline gear, on the opposite
side of the vessel from where the longline gear is being set or hauled;
(5) Retain sufficient quantities of fish, fish parts, or spent bait, between the setting of longline gear for
the purpose of strategically discharging it in accordance with paragraph (a)(6) of this section;
(6) Remove all hooks from fish, fish parts, or spent bait prior to its discharge in accordance with
paragraph (c)(4) of this section; and
(7) Remove the bill and liver of any swordfish that is caught, sever its head from the trunk and cut it in
half vertically, and periodically discharge the butchered heads and livers in accordance with
paragraph (a)(6) of this section.

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50 CFR 660.712(c)(8)

(8) If a short-tailed albatross is hooked or entangled by a vessel registered for use of longline gear,
owners and operators must ensure that the following actions are taken:
(i)

Stop the vessel to reduce the tension on the line and bring the bird on board the vessel using a
dip net;

(ii) Cover the bird with a towel to protect its feathers from oils or damage while being handled;
(iii) Remove any entangled lines from the bird;
(iv) Determine if the bird is alive or dead.
(A) If dead, freeze the bird immediately with an identification tag attached directly to the
specimen listing the species, location and date of mortality, and band number if the bird
has a leg band. Attach a duplicate identification tag to the bag or container holding the
bird. Any leg bands present must remain on the bird. Contact NMFS, the Coast Guard, or
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the numbers listed on the Short-tailed Albatross
Handling Placard distributed at the NMFS protected species workshop, inform them that
you have a dead short-tailed albatross on board, and submit the bird to NMFS within 72
hours following completion of the fishing trip.
(B) If alive, handle the bird in accordance with paragraphs (c)(9) through (c)(14) of this
section.
(9) Place the bird in a safe enclosed place;
(10) Immediately contact NMFS, the Coast Guard, or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the numbers
listed on the Short-tailed Albatross Handling Placard distributed at the NMFS protected species
workshop and request veterinary guidance;
(11) Follow the veterinary guidance regarding the handling and release of the bird.
(12) Complete the short-tailed albatross recovery data form issued by NMFS.
(13) If the bird is externally hooked and no veterinary guidance is received within 24-48 hours, handle the
bird in accordance with paragraphs (c)(17)(iv) and (v) of this section, and release the bird only if it
meets the following criteria:
(i)

Able to hold its head erect and respond to noise and motion stimuli;

(ii) Able to breathe without noise;
(iii) Capable of flapping and retracting both wings to normal folded position on its back;
(iv) Able to stand on both feet with toes pointed forward; and
(v) Feathers are dry.
(14) If released under paragraph (c)(13) of this section or under the guidance of a veterinarian, all
released birds must be placed on the sea surface.
(15) If the hook has been ingested or is inaccessible, keep the bird in a safe, enclosed place and submit it
to NMFS immediately upon the vessel's return to port. Do not give the bird food or water.
(16) Complete the short-tailed albatross recovery data form issued by NMFS.

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50 CFR 660.712(c)(17)

(17) If a seabird other than a short-tailed albatross is hooked or entangled by a vessel registered for use
of longline gear, owners and operators must ensure that the following actions are taken:
(i)

Stop the vessel to reduce the tension on the line and bring the seabird on board the vessel
using a dip net;

(ii) Cover the seabird with a towel to protect its feathers from oils or damage while being handled;
(iii) Remove any entangled lines from the seabird;
(iv) Remove any external hooks by cutting the line as close as possible to the hook, pushing the
hook barb out point first, cutting off the hook barb using bolt cutters, and then removing the
hook shank;
(v) Cut the fishing line as close as possible to ingested or inaccessible hooks;
(vi) Leave the bird in a safe enclosed space to recover until its feathers are dry; and
(vii) After recovered, release seabirds by placing them on the sea surface.
(d) Vessel monitoring system.
(1) Only a VMS unit owned by NMFS and installed by NMFS complies with the requirement of this
subpart.
(2) After the holder of a permit to use longline gear has been notified by the SAC of a specific date for
installation of a VMS unit on the permit holder's vessel, the vessel must carry the VMS unit after the
date scheduled for installation.
(3) A longline permit holder will not be assessed any fee or other charges to obtain and use a VMS unit,
including the communication charges related directly to requirements under this section.
Communication charges related to any additional equipment attached to the VMS unit by the owner
or operator shall be the responsibility of the owner or operator and not NMFS.
(4) The holder of a longline permit and the master of the vessel operating under the permit must:
(i)

Provide opportunity for the SAC to install and make operational a VMS unit after notification.

(ii) Carry the VMS unit on board whenever the vessel is at sea.
(iii) Not remove or relocate the VMS unit without prior approval from the SAC.
(5) The SAC has authority over the installation and operation of the VMS unit. The SAC may authorize
the connection or order the disconnection of additional equipment, including a computer, to any VMS
unit when deemed appropriate by the SAC.
(e) Protected species workshop.
(1) Each year both the owner and the operator of a vessel registered for use of longline gear must attend
and be certified for completion of a workshop conducted by NMFS on mitigation, handling, and
release techniques for turtles and seabirds and other protected species.
(2) A protected species workshop certificate will be issued by NMFS annually to any person who has
completed the workshop.
(3) An owner of a vessel registered for use of longline gear must have on file a valid protected species
workshop certificate or copy issued by NMFS in order to maintain or renew their vessel registration.
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50 CFR 660.712(e)(4)

(4) An operator of a vessel registered for use of longline gear must have on board the vessel a valid
protected species workshop certificate issued by NMFS or a legible copy thereof.
(f) An operator of a vessel registered for use of longline gear must notify the Regional Administrator at least
24 hours prior to embarking on a fishing trip regardless of the intended area of fishing.
(g) An operator of a vessel registered for use of longline gear in waters east of 150° W. long. and beyond the
EEZ is subject to the requirements at 50 CFR part 223.
[69 FR 18453, Apr. 7, 2004, as amended at 77 FR 15975, Mar. 19, 2012]

§ 660.713 Drift gillnet fishery.
(a) Take Reduction Plan gear restrictions. Gear restrictions resulting from the Pacific Offshore Cetacean Take
Reduction Plan established under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 can be
found at 50 CFR 229.31.
(b) Other gear restrictions.
(1) The maximum length of a drift gillnet on board a vessel shall not exceed 6,000 ft (1828 m).
(2) Up to 1,500 ft (457 m) of drift gillnet in separate panels of 600 ft (182.88 m) may be on board the
vessel in a storage area.
(c) Protected Resource Area closures.
(1) Pacific leatherback conservation area. No person may fish with, set, or haul back drift gillnet gear in
U.S. waters of the Pacific Ocean from August 15 through November 15 in the area bounded by
straight lines connecting the following coordinates in the order listed:
(i)

Pt. Sur at 36°18.5′ N. lat., to

(ii) 34°27′ N. lat. 123°35′ W. long., to
(iii) 34°27′ N. lat. 129° W. long., to
(iv) 45° N. lat. 129° W. long., thence to
(v) the point where 45° N. lat. intersects the Oregon coast.
(2) Pacific loggerhead conservation area. No person may fish with, set, or haul back drift gillnet gear in
U.S. waters of the Pacific Ocean east of the 120° W. meridian from June 1 through August 31 during
a forecasted, or occurring, El Nino event off the coast of southern California.
(i)

Notification of an El Nino event. The Assistant Administrator will publish in the FEDERAL REGISTER
a notification that an El Nino event is occurring, or is forecast to occur, off the coast of southern
California and the requirement of a closure under this paragraph (c)(2). Furthermore, the
Assistant Administrator will announce the requirement of such a closure by other methods as
are necessary and appropriate to provide actual notice to the participants in the California/
Oregon drift gillnet fishery.

(ii) Determination of El Nino conditions. The Assistant Administrator will rely on information
developed by NOAA offices which monitor El Nino events, such as NOAA's Climate Prediction
Center and the West Coast Office of NOAA's Coast Watch program, in order to determine
whether an El Nino is forecasted or occurring for the coast of southern California. The
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50 CFR 660.713(c)(2)(iii)

Assistant Administrator will use the monthly sea surface temperature anomaly charts to
determine whether there are warmer than normal sea surface temperatures present off of
southern California during the months prior to the closure month for years in which an El Nino
event has been declared by the NOAA Climate Prediction Center. Specifically, the Assistant
Administrator, will use sea surface temperature data from the third and second months prior to
the month of the closure for determining whether El Nino conditions are present off of southern
California.
(iii) Reopening. If, during a closure as described within this paragraph (c)(2), sea surface
temperatures return to normal or below normal, the Assistant Administrator may publish a
FEDERAL REGISTER notice announcing that El Nino conditions are no longer present off the coast
of southern California and may terminate the closure prior to August 31.
(d) Mainland area closures. The following areas off the Pacific coast are closed to driftnet gear:
(1) Within the U.S. EEZ from the United States-Mexico International Boundary to the California-Oregon
border from February 1 through April 30.
(2) In the portion of the U.S. EEZ within 75 nautical miles from the mainland shore from the United
States-Mexico International Boundary to the California-Oregon border from May 1 through August
14.
(3) In the portion of the U.S. EEZ within 25 nautical miles of the coastline from December 15 through
January 31 of the following year from the United States-Mexico International Boundary to the
California-Oregon border.
(4) In the portion of the U.S. EEZ from August 15 through September 30 within the area bounded by line
extending from Dana Point to Church Rock on Santa Catalina Island, to Point La Jolla, CA.
(5) In the portion of the U.S. EEZ within 12 nautical miles from the mainland shore north of a line
extending west of Point Arguello, CA, to the California-Oregon border.
(6) In the portion of the U.S. EEZ within the area bounded by a line from the lighthouse at Point Reyes to
Noonday Rock, to Southeast Farallon Island to Pillar Point, CA.
(7) In the portion of the U.S. EEZ off the Oregon coast east of a line approximating 1000 fathoms as
defined by the following coordinates:
42°00′00″ N. lat. 125°10′30″ W. long.
42°25′39″ N. lat. 124°59′09″ W. long.
42°30′42″ N. lat. 125°00′46″ W. long.
42°30′23″ N. lat. 125°04′14″ W. long.
43°02′56″ N. lat. 125°06′57″ W. long.
43°01′29″ N. lat. 125°10′55″ W. long.
43°50′11″ N. lat. 125°19′14″ W. long.
44°03′23″ N. lat. 125°12′22″ W. long.
45°00′06″ N. lat. 125°16′42″ W. long.
45°25′27″ N. lat. 125°16′29″ W. long.
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50 CFR 660.713(d)(8)

45°45′37″ N. lat. 125°15′19″ W. long.
46°04′45″ N. lat. 125°24′41″ W. long.
46°16′00″ N. lat. 125°20′32″ W. long.
(8) In the portion of the U.S. EEZ north of 46°16′ N. latitude (Washington coast).
(e) Channel Islands area closures. The following areas off the Channel Islands are closed to driftnet gear:
(1) San Miguel Island closures.
(i)

Within the portion of the U.S. EEZ north of San Miguel Island between a line extending 6
nautical miles west of Point Bennett, CA, and a line extending 6 nautical miles east of Cardwell
Point, CA.

(ii) Within the portion of the U.S. EEZ south of San Miguel Island between a line extending 10
nautical miles west of Point Bennett, CA, and a line extending 10 nautical miles east of
Cardwell Point, CA.
(2) Santa Rosa Island closure. Within the portion of the U.S. EEZ north of San Miguel Island between a
line extending 6 nautical miles west from Sandy Point, CA, and a line extending 6 nautical miles east
of Skunk Point, CA, from May 1 through July 31.
(3) San Nicolas Island closure. In the portion of the U.S. EEZ within a radius of 10 nautical miles of
33°16′41″ N. lat., 119°34′39″ W. long. (west end) from May 1 through July 31.
(4) San Clemente Island closure. In the portion of the U.S. EEZ within 6 nautical miles of the coastline on
the easterly side of San Clemente Island within a line extending 6 nautical miles west from 33°02′16″
N. lat., 118°35′27″ W. long. and a line extending 6 nautical miles east from the light at Pyramid Head,
CA.
(f) Pre-trip notification requirements.
(1) Drift gillnet vessel owners or operators are required to notify NMFS or the NMFS-designated observer
provider at least 48 hours prior to departing on each fishing trip. The vessel owners or operators
must communicate to the observer provider: the owner's or operator's name, contact information,
vessel name, port of departure, estimated date and time of departure, and a telephone number at
which the owner or operator may be contacted during the business day (Monday through Friday
between 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Pacific Time) to indicate whether an observer will be required on the
subject fishing trip. Contact information for the current observer provider can be obtained by calling
the NMFS West Coast Region Sustainable Fisheries Division at 562-980-4025.
(2) Drift gillnet vessel owners or operators must provide the NMFS Office of Law Enforcement for the
West Coast Region (OLE) with a declaration report before the vessel leaves port to fish for thresher
shark/swordfish with large-mesh drift gillnet gear in state and federal waters between 0 and 200
nautical miles offshore of California, Oregon, or Washington. Declaration reports will include: The
vessel name and/or identification number, and gear type.
(i)

Upon receipt of a declaration report, OLE will provide a confirmation code or receipt to confirm
that a valid declaration report was received for the vessel. Retention of the confirmation code
or receipt to verify that a valid declaration report was filed and the declaration requirement was
met is the responsibility of the vessel owner or operator.

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50 CFR 660.713(f)(2)(ii)

(ii) The vessel operator must send a new declaration report before leaving port on a trip during
which the fishing gear that will be used is different from the gear type most recently declared
for the vessel. A declaration report will be valid until another declaration report revising the
existing gear declaration is received by OLE.
(iii) OLE's declaration hotline is 1-888-585-5518. The business hours for the OLE are Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Pacific Time; voice messages left
on the hotline will be retrieved at the start of the next business day.
(g) Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) requirements. Drift gillnet vessel owners are required to install an OLE
type-approved VMS mobile transceiver unit (VMS unit) and to arrange for a OLE type-approved
communications service provider to receive and relay transmissions to the OLE prior to fishing for
thresher shark/swordfish with large-mesh drift gillnet gear.
(1) What is a VMS? A VMS consists of an OLE type-approved VMS unit that automatically determines the
vessel's position and transmits it to an OLE type-approved communications service provider. The
communications service provider receives the transmission and relays it to the OLE.
(2) What vessels are required to have a VMS? Any vessel registered for use with both a limited-entry
California state large-mesh thresher shark/swordfish drift gillnet permit and a federal highly
migratory species permit that fishes in state or federal waters off the coasts of California, Oregon, or
Washington (0-200 nm offshore).
(3) How are VMS units and communications dervice providers approved by OLE?
(i)

VMS unit manufacturers or communication service providers will submit products or services
to the OLE for evaluation based on the published specifications.

(ii) The OLE will publish a list of OLE type-approved VMS units and communication service
providers for the DGN fishery in the FEDERAL REGISTER or notify the public through other
appropriate media; and the OLE may publish amendments to the list as necessary.
(4) What are the vessel owner's responsibilities? If you are a vessel owner that must participate in the
VMS program, you or the vessel operator on your behalf must:
(i)

Obtain an OLE type-approved VMS unit and have it installed on board your vessel in accordance
with the instructions provided by the OLE. You may obtain a copy of the VMS installation and
operation instructions from the Special-Agent-In-Charge (SAC).

(ii) Activate the VMS unit, submit an activation report and an initial declaration report, and receive
confirmation from the OLE that the VMS transmissions are being received at least 72 hours
prior to leaving port on a fishing trip for which VMS is required. Instructions for submitting an
activation report may be obtained from the SAC. An activation report must again be submitted
to the OLE following reinstallation of a VMS unit or change in service provider before the vessel
may be used to fish in a fishery requiring the VMS.
(A) Activation reports. If you are a vessel owner who must use VMS and you are activating a
VMS unit for the first time, or reactivating a VMS unit following a reinstallation or change
in service provider, you or the vessel operator on your behalf must fax to the OLE an
activation report that includes: vessel name, vessel owner's name, address and telephone
number, vessel operator's name, address and telephone number, USCG vessel
documentation number/state registration number; and, if applicable, the relevant state
and federal permit numbers for which vessel or owner is registered, VMS unit
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50 CFR 660.713(g)(4)(ii)(B)

manufacturer, VMS communications service provider, VMS unit identification, and a
statement signed and dated by the vessel owner confirming compliance with the
installation procedures provided by the SAC and identifying whether the VMS unit is
primary or backup. Immediately following submission of an activation report, submit an
initial declaration report as described in paragraph (f)(2) of this section using the OLE's
declaration hotline included in paragraph (f)(2)(iii) of this section.
(B) Transferring ownership of the VMS unit. Ownership of the VMS unit may be transferred
from one vessel owner to another vessel owner if all of the following documents are
provided to the OLE: a new activation report, which identifies that the VMS unit was
previously registered to another vessel, a notarized bill of sale showing proof of ownership
of the VMS unit, and documentation from the communications service provider showing
proof that the service agreement for the previous vessel was terminated and that a service
agreement was established for the new vessel.
(iii) Continuously operate and maintain the VMS unit in good working order 24 hours a day
throughout the fishing year. The VMS unit must accurately transmit a signal indicating the
vessel's position at least once every hour, 24 hours a day throughout the year, unless a valid
exemption report, as described in paragraph (g)(4)(iv)(F) of this section, has been confirmed by
the OLE. A reduced signal transmission rate, at least once every 4 hours, may be authorized by
the OLE when a vessel remains in port for an extended period of time.
(iv) Submit an exemption report to be confirmed by the OLE as valid, as described at paragraph
(g)(4)(iv)(F) of this section, and comply with all conditions and requirements of the VMS
exemption identified in this section and specified in the exemption report for a vessel to be
exempted from the requirement of continuously operating and maintaining the VMS unit 24
hours a day throughout the fishing year.
(A) Haul out exemption. When it is anticipated that a vessel will be continuously out of the
water for more than 7 consecutive days and the OLE has confirmed a valid exemption
report has been received for the vessel, electrical power to the VMS unit may be removed
and transmissions may be discontinued. Under this exemption, VMS transmissions can be
discontinued from the time the vessel is removed from the water until the time that the
vessel is placed back in the water.
(B) Outside areas exemption. When the vessel will be continuously operating seaward of the
U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ; beyond 200 nm) off the coasts of California, Oregon,
or Washington for more than 7 consecutive days and the OLE has confirmed a valid
exemption report has been received for the vessel, the VMS unit transmissions may be
reduced or discontinued from the time the vessel leaves the EEZ off the coasts of
California, Oregon, or Washington until the time that the vessel re-enters the EEZ off the
coasts of California, Oregon, or Washington. If the vessel is equipped with a VMS unit that
OLE has approved for this exemption and after the OLE has received an exemption report
for the vessel, the vessel owner or operator can request that the OLE reduce or
discontinue the VMS transmissions.
(C) Long-term departure exemption. A vessel participating in the DGN fishery that is required
to have VMS under paragraph (g) of this section may be exempted from VMS provisions
after the end of the fishing season in which it fished, provided that a completed exemption
report including a statement signed by the vessel owner indicating that the vessel will not
50 CFR 660.713(g)(4)(iv)(C) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
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50 CFR 660.713(g)(4)(iv)(D)

be used to take and retain or possess or land swordfish taken in state or federal waters off
the coasts of California, Oregon, or Washington during the upcoming fishing year is
submitted to the OLE.
(D) Emergency exemption. Vessels required to have VMS under paragraph (g) of this section
may be exempted from VMS provisions in emergency situations that are beyond the
vessel owner's control, including but not limited to: fire, flooding, or extensive physical
damage to critical areas of the vessel. A vessel owner may request an emergency
exemption from the VMS requirements specified in paragraph (g) of this section for his/
her vessel by contacting the OLE and submitting the following information in writing: the
reasons for seeking an exemption including any supporting documents (e.g., repair
invoices, photographs showing damage to the vessel, insurance claim forms, etc.), the
time period for which the exemption is requested, and the location of the vessel while the
exemption is in effect. The OLE will issue a written determination granting or denying the
emergency exemption request. A vessel will not be covered by the emergency exemption
until the OLE issues a determination granting the exemption. If an exemption is granted,
the duration of the exemption will be specified in the OLE determination.
(E) Submission of exemption reports. Long-term departure exemption reports must be signed
by the vessel owner and submitted by fax or by emailing an electronic copy of the actual
report to the OLE. If an emergency exemption request will be submitted, initial contact
with the OLE must be made by telephone, fax or email within 24 hours from when the
emergency incident occurred. All emergency exemption requests must be submitted in
writing within 72 hours from when the incident occurred. Submission methods for
exemption reports, except long-term departures and emergency exemption requests, may
include email, facsimile, or telephone. The OLE will provide, through appropriate media,
instructions to the public on submitting exemption reports. Instructions and other
information needed to make exemption reports may be mailed to the vessel owner's
address of record. Owners of vessels required to use the VMS who do not receive
instructions by mail are responsible for contacting OLE during business hours at least 3
days before the exemption is needed to obtain information necessary for exemption
reports. The OLE must be contacted during business hours (Monday through Friday,
except federal holidays, between 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Pacific Time). Any other categories
of exemptions that have not been specified in paragraph (g) of this section may be
submitted to the OLE through the VMS unit or another method deemed appropriate by the
OLE. Before a request for a new category of exemption can be approved by OLE, it must
be announced in the FEDERAL REGISTER.
(F) Valid exemption reports. For an exemption report to be valid, the OLE must receive and
confirm it at least 2 hours and not more than 24 hours before the exempted activities
defined at paragraphs (g)(4)(iv)(A) through (D) of this section. An exemption report is valid
until NMFS receives a report canceling the exemption. An exemption cancellation must be
received at least 2 hours before the vessel re-enters the EEZ following an outside areas
exemption; at least 2 hours before the vessel is placed back in the water following a haulout exemption; or at least 2 hours before a vessel resumes fishing with a large-mesh drift
gillnet after a long-term departure exemption. If a vessel is required to submit an
activation report under paragraph (g)(4)(ii) of this section before returning to fish, that
report may substitute for the exemption cancellation. After an emergency situation occurs
that disrupts the VMS transmission, initial contact must be made with the OLE within 24
50 CFR 660.713(g)(4)(iv)(F) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
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50 CFR 660.713(g)(4)(v)

hours and a written emergency exemption request submitted within 72 hours from when
the incident occurred. If the emergency situation, upon which an emergency exemption is
based, is resolved before the exemption expires, an exemption cancellation must be
received by OLE at least 2 hours before the vessel resumes fishing.
(v) When aware that transmission of automatic position reports has been interrupted, or when
notified by OLE that automatic position reports are not being received, contact OLE and follow
the instructions provided to you. Such instructions may include, but are not limited to, manually
communicating the vessel's position to a location designated by the OLE or returning to port
until the VMS unit is operable.
(vi) After a fishing trip during which interruption of automatic position reports has occurred, the
vessel's owner or operator must replace or repair the VMS unit prior to the vessel's next fishing
trip. Repair or reinstallation of a VMS unit or installation of a replacement unit, including any
changes in communications service providers shall be in accordance with the instructions
provided by the OLE.
(vii) Make the VMS units available for inspection by OLE personnel, USCG personnel, state
enforcement personnel or any authorized officer.
(viii) Ensure that the VMS unit is not tampered with, disabled, destroyed, operated, or maintained
improperly.
(ix) Pay all charges levied by the communication service provider as necessary to ensure
continuous operation of the VMS units.
(5) What is the contact information for the OLE SAC? For issues related to day-to-day operation of VMS
units, including declaration reports, activation reports and exemption reports, the SAC's designee is
the OLE VMS Program Manager's office located at 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Seattle, WA
98115-6349; phone: (888) 585-5518; fax: (206) 526-6528); and email: [email protected].
(h) Limits on protected species mortalities and injuries.
(1) Maximum 2-year hard caps are established on the number of sea turtle and marine mammal
mortalities and injuries that occur as a result of observed interactions with large-mesh drift gillnets
(mesh size ≥ 14 inches) deployed by vessels registered for use under HMS permits. Mortalities and
injuries during the current fishing season (May 1 through January 31) and the previous fishing
season are counted towards the hard caps. The mortality and injury hard caps are as follows:

TABLE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (h)

Species

Rolling
2-year
hard cap

Fin Whale

2

Humpback Whale

2

Sperm Whale

2

50 CFR 660.713(h)(1) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
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50 CFR 660.713(h)(2)

Species

Rolling
2-year
hard cap

Leatherback Sea Turtle

2

Loggerhead Sea Turtle

2

Olive Ridley Sea Turtle

2

Green Sea Turtle

2

Short-fin Pilot Whale (CA/OR/WA stock)

4

Bottlenose Dolphin (CA/OR/WA stock)

4

(2) Upon determination by the Regional Administrator that, based on data from NMFS observers or a
NMFS Electronic Monitoring program, the fishery has reached any of the protected species hard
caps during a given 2-year period:
(i)

As soon as practicable, the Regional Administrator will file for publication at the Office of the
Federal Register a notification that the fishery has reached a protected species hard cap. The
notification will include an advisement that the large-mesh drift gillnet (mesh size ≥ 14 inches)
fishery shall be closed, and that drift gillnet fishing in the U.S. West Coast Exclusive Economic
Zone by vessels registered for use under HMS permits will be prohibited beginning at a
specified date and ending at a specified date. Drift gillnet fishing will then be allowed beginning
May 1 of the year when observed mortality and injury of each species during the previous two
May 1 through January 31 fishing seasons is below its hard cap value. Coincidental with the
filing of the notification, the Regional Administrator will also provide actual notice that the largemesh drift gillnet (mesh size ≥ 14 inches) fishery shall be closed, and that drift gillnet fishing in
the U.S. West Coast Exclusive Economic Zone by vessels registered for use under HMS permits
will be prohibited beginning at a specified date, to all holders of HMS permits with a drift gillnet
endorsement via VMS communication, postal mail, and a posting on the NMFS regional
website.

(ii) Beginning on the fishery closure date published in the FEDERAL REGISTER and indicated by the
Regional Administrator in the notification provided to vessel operators and permit holders
under paragraph (h)(2)(i) of this section, and until the specified ending date, the large-mesh
drift gillnet (mesh size ≥ 14 inches) fishery shall be closed. During the closure period
commercial fishing vessels registered for use under HMS permits may not be used to target,
retain on board, transship, or land fish captured with a large-mesh drift gillnet (mesh size ≥ 14
inches), with the exception that any fish already on board a fishing vessel on the effective date
of the document may be retained on board, transshipped, and/or landed, to the extent
authorized by applicable laws and regulations, provided such fish are landed within 4 days after
the effective date published in the fishing closure document.
[69 FR 18453, Apr. 7, 2004, as amended at 72 FR 31757, June 8, 2007; 78 FR 54551, Sept. 4, 2013; 80 FR 10395, Feb. 26, 2015; 85
FR 7250, Feb. 7, 2020]

§ 660.714 Purse seine fishery. [Reserved]
50 CFR 660.714 (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
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50 CFR 660.715

§ 660.715 Deep-set buoy gear fishery.
(a) Gear configurations. Deep-set buoy gear (DSBG) configurations must conform to the following
specifications:
(1) Standard buoy gear (SBG). An individual piece of SBG must consist of a vertical monofilament
mainline suspended from a buoy-array with a terminal weight. No more than three gangions with
hooks may be attached to the mainline. No gangions with hooks may be attached at a depth
shallower than 90 meters.
(2) Linked buoy gear (LBG). An individual piece (section) of LBG must consist of a monofilament
mainline that extends vertically from a buoy-array (either directly or from a minimum 50-foot
(15.24-meter) extender) to a weight; then horizontally to a second weight; then vertically to a
minimum 50-foot (15.24-meter) extender attached to a second buoy-array. No more than three
gangions with hooks may be connected to each horizontal section of the mainline. No gangions with
hooks may be attached at a depth shallower than 90 meters. Individual pieces may be linked
together by the mainline. The links between each piece of LBG must be serviceable.
(b) Additional gear configuration specifications. Use of SBG and LBG must conform with the following
requirements:
(1) Surface buoy flotation and strike detection array requirements. The surface buoy flotation and strike
detection array must include a minimum of three buoys (a minimum 45-pound (20.41 kilogram)
buoyancy non-compressible hard ball, a minimum 6-pound (2.72 kilogram) buoyancy buoy, and a
strike detection buoy), with no more than 6 feet (1.83 meters) of line between adjacent buoys, all
connected in-line by a minimum of 3⁄8 inch (9.53 millimeter) diameter line.
(i)

Buoys must be free of tether attachments (e.g., non-streamlined gear with loops and/or
dangling components).

(ii) SBG and terminal LBG buoy-arrays must include a locator flag, a radar reflector, and the buoy
must be marked with a number clearly identifying the owner or operator of the vessel. The
number may be either:
(A) If required by applicable state law, the vessel's number, the commercial fishing license
number, or buoy brand number; or
(B) The vessel documentation number issued by the United States Coast Guard (USCG), or, for
an undocumented vessel, the vessel registration number issued by the state.
(2) Weight requirements. Weights must be a minimum of 3.6 kilograms.
(3) Circle hook requirements. Circle hooks must be used that are a minimum size 16/0 with not more
than 10 degrees offset.
(4) Gear pieces and hook limitations. No more than 10 pieces of SBG or LBG, in total, may be deployed at
one time, with no more than three hooks per piece.
(c) Operational requirements. SBG and LBG must be fished in accordance with the following operational
requirements.
(1) Active tending. All pieces of gear must remain within 5 nautical miles (9.26 kilometers) of the vessel
at all times, and the vessel may be no more than 3 nautical miles (5.56 kilometers) from the nearest
piece of gear.
50 CFR 660.715(c)(1) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
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50 CFR 660.715(c)(2)

(2) Fishing multiple gear types. Gear types other than DSBG may be used on the same trip when DSBG is
used, as long as the requirement to actively tend DSBG (as described at paragraph (c)(1) of this
section) is met. If multiple gear types, including gear other than DSBG, are used on the same trip as
DSBG, catch must be tagged or marked to identify the gear used, including differentiating whether
caught with SBG or LBG.
(3) Timing of gear deployment and retrieval. Gear may not be deployed until local sunrise and must be
onboard the vessel no later than 3 hours after local sunset.
(4) Pre-trip notification. When requested by NMFS, DSBG vessel owners or operators are required to
notify NMFS or the NMFS-designated observer provider at least 48 hours prior to departing on each
fishing trip during which DSBG will be fished. The vessel owner or operator must communicate to the
observer provider: the owner's or operator's name, contact information, vessel name, port of
departure, estimated date and time of departure, and a telephone number at which the owner or
operator may be contacted during the business day (Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. to 4:30
p.m., Pacific Time) to indicate whether an observer will be required on the subject fishing trip.
Contact information for the current observer provider can be obtained by calling the NMFS West
Coast Region Sustainable Fisheries Division at (562) 980-4238.
(5) Protected species workshops. When requested by NMFS, the operator of a vessel either registered to
a limited entry DSBG permit or planning to fish under a DSBG endorsement must attend a workshop
conducted by NMFS on mitigation, handling, and release techniques for protected species.
(d) Geographic area restrictions. DSBG fishing is permitted throughout the management area defined in §
660.703 with the following area restrictions:
(1) Federal waters offshore of California and Oregon only. Fishing with DSBG may not occur in Federal
waters north of a line extending seaward from the Oregon/Washington border at north of 46°16′ N
latitude.
(2) Limited entry-only area. Except for vessels registered to a valid DSBG limited entry permit, fishing
with DSBG may not occur in Federal waters within the Southern California Bight, which for this
purpose is defined with a northern boundary of 34°26′54.96″ N latitude (i.e., Point Conception), a
southern boundary of the U.S.-Mexico maritime border, and a western boundary of 120°28′18″ W
longitude.
(3) Linked buoy gear area restriction. Fishing with DSBG in a LBG configuration in waters north of the
Northern Channel Islands to a line extending seaward from the Oregon/Washington border at 46°16′
N latitude may not occur shoreward of a line approximating the 400 meter depth contour, which is
defined by straight lines connecting all of the following points in the order stated in the following
table.

TABLE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (d)(3)
Point ID

Latitude

Longitude

1

46.274388

−124.410349

2

46.075505

−124.813587

50 CFR 660.715(d)(3) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

Point ID

50 CFR 660.715(d)(3)

Latitude

Longitude

3

45.968227

−124.739233

4

45.785378

−124.721611

5

45.731988

−124.755707

6

45.676058

−124.662448

7

45.635778

−124.733532

8

45.627501

−124.621223

9

45.421342

−124.428881

10

45.368012

−124.524815

11

45.219954

−124.426593

12

45.169315

−124.502340

13

45.192831

−124.640233

14

45.073777

−124.601143

15

45.122584

−124.728187

16

45.063305

−124.719824

17

45.012240

−124.512643

18

44.827950

−124.645508

19

44.789368

−124.722827

20

44.703649

−124.815421

21

44.529842

−124.804136

22

44.507522

−124.883072

23

44.415352

−124.858176

24

44.208665

−124.994868

25

43.942293

−124.974502

26

43.795680

−124.685260

27

43.579894

−124.645446

28

43.232513

−124.799284

29

43.226291

−124.883682

30

42.905163

−124.913752

31

42.753934

−124.866742

32

42.748993

−124.751655

33

42.520896

−124.747080

34

42.463017

−124.822607

35

41.824611

−124.517470

36

41.428980

−124.513482

37

41.156773

−124.396132

38

40.801184

−124.492790

39

40.681958

−124.550870

40

40.602740

−124.480125

41

40.622580

−124.645995

50 CFR 660.715(d)(3) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

Point ID

50 CFR 660.715(d)(3)

Latitude

Longitude

42

40.546989

−124.700835

43

40.400783

−124.585363

44

40.370014

−124.431174

45

40.344876

−124.507828

46

40.269847

−124.446270

47

40.279429

−124.657027

48

40.117493

−124.304705

49

40.041456

−124.285170

50

40.042494

−124.155198

51

39.965786

−124.231615

52

39.808303

−124.097017

53

39.540607

−123.943484

54

39.528835

−123.992885

55

38.911050

−123.982148

56

38.491136

−123.647679

57

38.256021

−123.526302

58

38.228410

−123.438852

59

38.073446

−123.533062

60

37.844809

−123.404954

61

37.740079

−123.192427

62

37.623812

−123.050253

63

37.394689

−122.920853

64

37.323790

−122.940568

65

37.189284

−122.863927

66

36.968232

−122.527184

67

37.005852

−122.408848

68

36.945123

−122.425076

69

36.781748

−122.055455

70

36.806676

−121.905280

71

36.680249

−122.025454

72

36.531101

−121.993385

73

36.371824

−122.014963

74

36.315554

−122.101240

75

36.166525

−121.760807

76

36.033982

−121.623149

77

35.584240

−121.366349

78

35.165706

−121.033163

79

34.865218

−120.993335

80

34.929599

−121.074138

50 CFR 660.715(d)(3) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

Point ID

50 CFR 660.716

Latitude

Longitude

81

34.693224

−120.962686

82

34.541665

−120.838291

83

34.315659

−120.541578

84

34.268981

−120.379230

[88 FR 29552, May 8, 2023]

§ 660.716 [Reserved]
§ 660.717 Framework for revising regulations.
(a) General. NMFS will establish and adjust specifications and management measures in accordance with
procedures and standards in the FMP.
(b) Annual actions. Annual specifications are developed and implemented according to § 660.709.
(c) Routine management measures. Consistent with section 3.4 of the FMP, management measures
designated as routine may be adjusted during the year after recommendation from the Council, approval
by NMFS, and publication in the FEDERAL REGISTER.
(d) Changes to the regulations. Regulations under this subpart may be promulgated, removed, or revised. Any
such action will be made according to the framework measures in section 8.3.4 of the FMP and will be
published in the FEDERAL REGISTER.

§ 660.718 Exempted fishing.
(a) In the interest of developing an efficient and productive fishery for HMS, the Regional Administrator may
issue exempted fishing permits (EFP) for the harvest of HMS that otherwise would be prohibited.
(b) No exempted fishing for HMS may be conducted unless authorized by an EFP issued for the participating
vessel in accordance with the criteria and procedures specified in 50 CFR 600.745.

§ 660.719 Scientific observers.
(a) All fishing vessels with permits issued under this subpart and operating in HMS fisheries, including
catcher/processors, at-sea processors, and vessels that embark from a port in Washington, Oregon, or
California and land catch in another area, may be required to accommodate an NMFS certified observer
on board to collect scientific data.
(b) All vessels with observers on board must comply with the safety regulations at 50 CFR 600.746.
(c) NMFS shall advise the permit holder or the designated agent of any observer requirement in response to
any pre-trip notification in this subpart.
(d) When NMFS notifies the permit holder or designated agent of the obligation to carry an observer in
response to a notification under this subpart or as a condition of an EFP issued under 50 CFR 660.718,
the vessel may not engage in the fishery without taking the observer.

50 CFR 660.719(d) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.719(e)

(e) A permit holder must accommodate a NMFS observer assigned under this section. The Regional
Administrator's office, and not the observer, will address any concerns raised over accommodations.
(f) The permit holder, vessel operator, and crew must cooperate with the observer in the performance of the
observer's duties, including:
(1) Allowing for the embarking and debarking of the observer.
(2) Allowing the observer access to all areas of the vessel necessary to conduct observer duties.
(3) Allowing the observer access to communications equipment and navigation equipment as
necessary to perform observer duties.
(4) Allowing the observer access to VMS units to verify operation, obtain data, and use the
communication capabilities of the units for official purposes.
(5) Providing accurate vessel locations by latitude and longitude or loran coordinates, upon request by
the observer.
(6) Providing sea turtle, marine mammal, or sea bird specimens as requested.
(7) Notifying the observer in a timely fashion when commercial fishing operations are to begin and end.
(g) The permit holder, operator, and crew must comply with other terms and conditions to ensure the effective
deployment and use of observers that the Regional Administrator imposes by written notice.
(h) The permit holder must ensure that assigned observers are provided living quarters comparable to crew
members and are provided the same meals, snacks, and amenities as are normally provided to other
vessel personnel.

§ 660.720 Interim protection for sea turtles.
(a) Until the effective date of §§ 660.707 and 660.712 (d) and (e), it is unlawful for any person who is not
operating under a Hawaii longline limited access permit under § 660.21(b) to do any of the following:
(1) Direct fishing effort toward the harvest of swordfish (Xiphias gladius) using longline gear deployed on
the high seas of the Pacific Ocean west of 150° W. long. and north of the equator (0° lat.).
(2) Possess a light stick on board a longline vessel on the high seas of the Pacific Ocean west of 150°
W. long. north of the equator. A light stick as used in this paragraph is any type of light emitting
device, including any fluorescent glow bead, chemical, or electrically powered light that is affixed
underwater to the longline gear.
(3) An operator of a longline vessel subject to this section may land or possess no more than 10
swordfish from a fishing trip where any part of the trip included fishing west of 150° W. long. and
north of the equator (0° N. lat.).
(4) Fail to employ basket-style longline gear such that the mainline is deployed slack when fishing on the
high seas of the Pacific Ocean west of 150° W. long. north of the equator.
(5) When a conventional monofilament longline is deployed by a vessel subject to this section, no fewer
than 15 branch lines may be set between any two floats. Vessel operators using basket-style
longline gear must set a minimum of 10 branch lines between any 2 floats when fishing in waters
west of 150° W. long. north of the equator.

50 CFR 660.720(a)(5) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
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50 CFR 660.720(a)(6)

(6) Longline gear deployed by a vessel subject to this section must be deployed such that the deepest
point of the main longline between any two floats, i.e., the deepest point in each sag of the main line,
is at a depth greater than 100 m (328.1 ft or 54.6 fm) below the sea surface.
(b) [Reserved]

§ 660.721 Recreational fishing bag limits and filleting requirements.
This section applies to recreational fishing for albacore tuna in the U.S. EEZ off the coast of California, Oregon, and
Washington and for bluefin tuna in the U.S. EEZ off the coast of California. In addition to individual fishermen, the
operator of a U.S. sportsfishing vessel that fishes for albacore or bluefin tuna is responsible for ensuring that the
bag and possession limits of this section are not exceeded. The bag limits of this section apply on the basis of each
24-hour period at sea, regardless of the number of trips per day. The provisions of this section do not authorize any
person to take and retain more than one daily bag limit of fish during 1 calendar day. Federal recreational HMS
regulations are not intended to supersede any more restrictive state recreational HMS regulations relating to
federally-managed HMS.
(a) Albacore Tuna Daily Bag Limit. Except pursuant to a multi-day possession permit referenced in paragraph
(c) of this section, a recreational fisherman may take and retain, or possess onboard no more than:
(1) Ten albacore tuna if any part of the fishing trip occurs in the U.S. EEZ south of a line running due
west true from 34°27′ N. latitude (at Point Conception, Santa Barbara County) to the U.S.-Mexico
border.
(2) Twenty-five albacore tuna if any part of the fishing trip occurs in the U.S. EEZ north of a line running
due west true from 34°27′ N. latitude (at Point Conception, Santa Barbara County) to the CaliforniaOregon border.
(b) Bluefin Tuna Daily Bag Limit. A recreational fisherman may take and retain, or possess on board no more
than two bluefin tuna during any part of a fishing trip that occurs in the U.S. EEZ off California south of a
line running due west true from the California—Oregon border [42°00′ N. latitude].
(c) Possession Limits. If the State of California requires a multi-day possession permit for albacore or bluefin
tuna harvested by a recreational fishing vessel and landed in California, aggregating daily trip limits for
multi-day trips would be deemed consistent with Federal law.
(d) Boat Limits Off the coast of California, boat limits apply, whereby each fisherman aboard a vessel may
continue to use recreational angling gear until the combined daily limits of HMS for all licensed and
juvenile anglers aboard has been attained (additional state restrictions on boat limits may apply). Unless
otherwise prohibited, when two or more persons are angling for HMS species aboard a vessel in the EEZ,
fishing may continue until boat limits are reached.
(e) Restrictions on Filleting of Tuna South of Point Conception. South of a line running due west true from
Point Conception, Santa Barbara County (34°27′ N. latitude) to the U.S.-Mexico border, any tuna that has
been filleted must be individually bagged as follows:
(1) The bag must be marked with the species' common name; and
(2) The fish must be cut into the following six pieces with all skin attached: the four loins, the collar
removed as one piece with both pectoral fins attached and intact, and the belly cut to include the
vent and with both pelvic fins attached and intact.

50 CFR 660.721(e)(2) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 (up to date as of 1/08/2026)
Fisheries off West Coast States

50 CFR 660.721(e)(2)

[72 FR 58259, Oct. 15, 2007, as amended at 80 FR 44891, July 28, 2015]

50 CFR 660.721(e)(2) (enhanced display)

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