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DOC/NOAA RIN: 0648-AW28 Publication ID: Fall 2008 
Title: Revise Regulations To Exempt Certain Groundfish Catcher-Processors and Motherships From Check-In/Check-Out Requirements With Active Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) 
Abstract: This regulatory amendment would exempt groundfish catcher-processors (CPs) and motherships carrying a transmitting vessel monitoring system (VMS) unit from check-in and check-out requirements in Alaska Region groundfish fishing regulations. The current check-in/out regulation requires CPs and motherships to submit check-in/out reports before they deploy gear in, or begin to process fish from, Federal management areas off Alaska. Additional reports are required for the use of additional gears, or for changes in the status (e.g., community development quota, exempted permit) of the fish being targeted. For many years the Alaska Region has required groundfish CPs and mothership vessels to file check-in check-out reports. This information was used for in-season management. However, in recent years new sources of information have become available, such as VMS, which make check in/out reports unnecessary. This action is expected to reduce industry costs by about $60,000 per year and to reduce public administrative costs by about $40,000 per year. This rule is not anticipating additional costs. 
Agency: Department of Commerce(DOC)  Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Completed Actions 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 50 CFR 679.5   
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  05/29/2008  73 FR 30876   
NPRM Comment Period End  06/30/2008    
Final Action  09/16/2008  73 FR 53390   
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: Yes 
Agency Contact:
James Balisger
Regional Administrator
Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS, P.O. Box 21668,
Juneau, AK 99802
Phone:907 586-7221
Fax:907 586-7249
Email: james.balsiger@noaa.gov