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DOC/NOAA RIN: 0648-BB42 Publication ID: Spring 2013 
Title: Alaska Groundfish Observer Program Restructuring 
Abstract: This action adds a new funding and deployment system to the existing North Pacific Groundfish Observer Program. It addresses longstanding concerns about statistical bias of observer-collected data and cost inequality among fishery participants with the Observer Programs current funding and deployment structure. Under the current structure, vessel and processing plant operators enter into direct contracts with observer providers to meet coverage requirements. Existing coverage requirements, based on vessel length and processing volume, are set at 30 percent or 100 percent, and some vessels and processors are exempt from observer coverage. Under this rule, vessels and processors required to have 100 percent observer coverage will continue to enter into contracts with observer providers for their coverage. Vessels and processors required to have less than 100 percent coverage would pay an ex-vessel value-based fee to NOAA Fisheries, and NOAA Fisheries will enter into direct contracts with observer providers. Groundfish and halibut vessels less than 60 feet in length are also added to the Observer Program for the first time. 
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   
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
Notice of Availability  03/14/2012  77 FR 15019   
Notice  04/17/2012  77 FR 22753   
NPRM  04/18/2012  77 FR 23326   
NPRM Comment Period End  05/14/2012  77 FR 15019   
Hearing  05/21/2012  77 FR 29961   
Second NPRM Comment Period End  06/18/2012  77 FR 23326   
Final Action  11/21/2012  77 FR 70061   
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: Federal 
Small Entities Affected: Businesses  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
James Balsiger
Regional Administrator, Alaska Region
Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
709 West Ninth Street,
Juneau, AK 99801
Phone:907 586-7221
Email: jim.balsiger@noaa.gov