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DOC/NOAA RIN: 0648-AW53 Publication ID: Fall 2008 
Title: Approval of Eliminator Trawl Gear for Special Management Programs; Northeast Multispecies Fishery 
Abstract: This action would authorize the use of the 'eliminator trawl' gear for use in two special management programs of the Northeast Multispecies Fishery. The Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP) specifies a procedure for approval of additional gear for two of the Special Management Programs (Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock Special Access Program and Regular B Days-at-Sea Program). At the request of the New England Fishery Management Council (Council), the Regional Administrator may authorize additional gear if, based upon an experiment, the gear satisfies existing standards. On February 13, 2008, the Council sent a letter to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) requesting that it authorize the proposed trawl gear. Based upon a preliminary review of the experimental data, the proposed eliminator trawl net meets one of the current gear standards. The implementation of new gear requirement would provide another option for vessels fishing in these Special Management Programs, which could provide additional flexibility for the industry. Further, authorization of the net would enhance industry and NMFS efforts to reduce bycatch in the FMP. 
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 648   
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  05/20/2008  73 FR 29098   
NPRM Comment Period End  06/04/2008    
Final Action  07/14/2008  73 FR 40186   
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: Businesses  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: Yes 
Agency Contact:
Patricia A. Kurkul
Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS
Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
55 Great Republic Way,
Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone:978 281-9200
Fax:978 281-9117
Email: pat.kurkul@noaa.gov