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DOC/NOAA RIN: 0648-BG10 Publication ID: Fall 2016 
Title: ●Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Removal of Vessel Upgrade Restrictions for Swordfish Directed and Atlantic Tunas Longline Category Limited Access Permits 
Abstract: This action would remove the vessel upgrade restrictions for swordfish directed and Atlantic tunas Longline category limited access permits. Currently, swordfish directed and Atlantic tunas Longline category limited access permits include vessel upgrading restrictions equivalent to 35-percent length overall, gross registered tonnage, and net tonnage, as measured relative to the baseline vessel specifications. Initially implemented to limit capacity in the swordfish fishery in the late 1990s, when swordfish permits were open access, recent trends indicate the fleet is no longer overcapitalized and vessel upgrading restrictions may no longer be necessary. Furthermore, other requirements, such as those designed to reduce bycatch (e.g., closed areas, bait requirements, individual bluefin tuna quotas, and gear restrictions), currently limit the capacity in the fishery. 
Agency: Department of Commerce(DOC)  Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 
RIN Status: First time published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635   
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.    16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  07/26/2016  81 FR 48731   
NPRM Comment Period End  09/26/2016 
Final Action  11/00/2016 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: Businesses  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Alan Risenhoover
Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries
Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362,
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone:301 713-2334
Fax:301 713-0596
Email: alan.risenhoover@noaa.gov