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DOC/NOAA RIN: 0648-AW00 Publication ID: Fall 2008 
Title: Modification to the Geographic Boundaries of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Bottomfish Management Subarea 
Abstract: This regulatory amendment would redefine the outer boundary of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Bottomfish Management Subarea from the entire 200-nm exclusive economic zone to an area within approximately 50 nm from shore. This action would make the boundary conform to that of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, and would provide pelagic fishermen the opportunity to harvest bottomfish outside the bottomfish management area and monument. While bottomfish permit holders rarely fish more than 50 nm from shore, commercial and recreational pelagic fishermen sometimes use troll and handline gear beyond 50 nm, and they sometimes catch bottomfish management unit species. Currently, existing regulations require these fish to be discarded because the catch of these bottomfish species is limited to holders of bottomfish limited entry permits. A reduction in the outer boundary of the bottomfish management area will allow the retention of a few bottomfish species by pelagic fishermen who fish beyond the bottomfish zone. 
Agency: Department of Commerce(DOC)  Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage 
Major: Undetermined  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 50 CFR 665   
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  11/00/2008    
NPRM Comment Period End  01/00/2009    
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: No  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Alvin Katekaru
Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries
Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
1601 Kapiolani Boulevard,
Honolulu, HI 96814
Phone:808 944-2207
Fax:808 973-2941
Email: alvin.katekaru@noaa.gov