Notices. Notice of scoping meetings
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BILLING CODE 3510-CN-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 031405A] Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Tilefish Fishery; Meetings AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of scoping meetings. SUMMARY: The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council announces its intention to hold scoping meetings to seek public comment on issues to be addressed when developing Amendment 1 to the Tilefish Fishery Management Plan pursuant to the Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976, as amended.
The purpose of these scoping meetings is to solicit input on management issues to be included in Amendment 1. It is anticipated that the following issues will be discussed at these meetings: the possible implementation of an individual fishing quota system; consideration of possible new methods to collect landings information for the commercial fishery; recreational management measures; a required minimum hook size and/or hook configuration in the commercial tilefish fishery; and, methods to allow new entrants into the commercial fishery as the stock recovers.
DATES: Public scoping meetings will be held on Monday, March 21, 2005, at 7 p.m. and Tuesday, March 22, 2005, at 7 p.m. ADDRESSES: The dates, times, and locations of the scoping meetings are listed as follows: 1. Monday, March 21, 2005, at 7 p.m.—The Southampton Inn, 91 Hill Street, Southampton, NY 11968 (telephone 631-283-6500). 2. Tuesday, March 22, 2005, at 7 p.m.—Clarion Hotel and Convention Center-Atlantic City West, 6821 Black Horse Pike, Atlantic City, EHT, NJ 08234 (telephone 800-782-9237 or 609-272-0200).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Daniel T. Furlong, Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 300 S. New Street Suite 2115, Dover, Delaware 19904 (telephone 302-674-2331). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Special Accommodations These meetings are physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Debbie Donnangelo at the Mid-Atlantic Council, telephone
(302)674-2331, at least five days prior to the meeting date. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 *et seq.* Dated: March 15, 2005. Emily Menashes, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E5-1181 Filed 3-17-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 031505A] National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Fishery Management Council; April 3-8, 2005, Council Meeting AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of public meetings. SUMMARY: The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) and its advisory entities will hold public meetings. There will also be a Tuesday evening meeting between NMFS, states, and industry on the 2005 whiting exempted fishing permit and a Monday evening meeting sponsored by NMFS and the states to provide an update on the Pacific Groundfish Essential Fish Habitat EIS. DATES: The Council and its advisory entities will meet April 3-8, 2005. The Council meeting will begin on Monday, April 4, at 3:30 p.m., reconvening each day through Friday. All meetings are open to the public, except a closed session will be held from 3:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Monday, April 4 to address litigation and personnel matters. The Council will meet as late as necessary each day to complete its scheduled business. ADDRESSES: The meetings will be held at the Sheraton Tacoma Hotel, 1320 Broadway Plaza, Tacoma, Washington 98402; telephone: 253-572-3200. *Council address* : Pacific Fishery Management Council, 7700 NE Ambassador Place, Suite 200, Portland, OR 97220. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Donald O. McIsaac, Executive Director; telephone: 503-820-2280. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The following items are on the Council agenda, but not necessarily in this order: A. Call to Order 1. Opening Remarks and Introductions 2. Roll Call 3. Executive Director's Report 4. Approve Agenda C. Salmon Management 1. Identify Stocks Not Meeting Conservation Objectives 2. Methodology Review Process for 2005 3. Update on Essential Fish Habitat Review Process 4. Final Action on 2005 Salmon Management Measures D. Pacific Halibut Management 1. Adopt Final 2005 Incidental Halibut Catch Regulations for Salmon Troll and Fixed Gear Sablefish Fisheries E. Habitat 1. Current Habitat Issues B. Groundfish Management 1. Vermillion Rockfish Assessment 2. Inseason Management Response Policy Final Adoption 3. NMFS Report 4. Terms of Reference for Groundfish Rebuilding Plan Review 5. Implementation of an Expanded Vessel Monitoring System 6. Status of 2005 Groundfish Fisheries and Inseason Adjustments 7. Longline Dogfish Fishery Control Date F. Coastal Pelagic Species Management 1. NMFS Report 2. Fishery Management Plan Amendment 11-Sardine Allocation G. Marine Protected Areas 1. Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (NMS), Cordell Bank NMS, Gulf of Farallones NMS, and Monterey Bay NMS Designation Document Comments and Proposed NMS Regulations H. Enforcement Issues 1. U.S. Coast Guard Fishery Enforcement Report I. Highly Migratory Species Management 1. NMFS Report 2. Fishery Management Plan Implementation J. Administrative Matters 1. Report on “Managing Our Fisheries II” Conference 2. Legislative Matters 3. Appointments to Advisory Bodies, Standing Committees, and Other Forums 4. Work Load Priorities and Draft June 2005 Council Meeting Agenda SCHEDULE OF ANCILLARY MEETINGS *SUNDAY, April 3, 2005* Klamath Fishery Management Council 3 p.m. *MONDAY, April 4, 2005* Council Secretariat 8 a.m. Groundfish Advisory Subpanel 8 a.m. Groundfish Management Team 8 a.m. Salmon Advisory Subpanel 8 a.m. Salmon Technical Team 8 a.m. Scientific and Statistical Committee 8 a.m. Habitat Committee 10 a.m. Legislative Committee 10:30 a.m. Special Session: Salmon Ocean Ecology 1 p.m. Enforcement Consultants 4:30 p.m. Special Session: Essential Fish Habitat Environmental Impact Statement Review 7 p.m. Klamath Fishery Management Council As necessary Tribal Policy Group As necessary Tribal and Washington Technical Group As necessary *TUESDAY, April 5, 2005* Council Secretariat 7 a.m. California State Delegation 7 a.m. Oregon State Delegation 7 a.m. Washington State Delegation 7 a.m. Groundfish Advisory Subpanel 8 a.m. Groundfish Management Team 8 a.m. Salmon Advisory Subpanel 8 a.m. Salmon Technical Team 8 a.m. Scientific and Statistical Committee 8 a.m. Coastal Pelagic Species Management Team 1 p.m. Coastal Pelagic Species Advisory Subpanel 1 p.m. Special Sessions: Whiting EFP and Video Monitoring Briefing 7 p.m. Enforcement Consultants As necessary Klamath Fishery Management Council As necessary Tribal Policy GroupAs necessary Tribal and Washington Technical Group As necessary *WEDNESDAY, April 6, 2005* Council Secretariat 7 a.m. California State Delegation 7 a.m. Oregon State Delegation 7 a.m. Washington State Delegation 7 a.m. Coastal Pelagic Species Management Team 8 a.m. Coastal Pelagic Species Advisory Subpanel 8 a.m. Groundfish Advisory Subpanel 8 a.m. Groundfish Management Team 8 a.m. Salmon Advisory Subpanel 8 a.m. Salmon Technical Team 8 a.m. Enforcement Consultants As necessary Klamath Fishery Management Council As necessary Tribal Policy Group As necessary Tribal and Washington Technical Group As necessary *THURSDAY, April 7, 2005* Council Secretariat 7 a.m. California State Delegation 7 a.m. Oregon State Delegation 7 a.m. Washington State Delegation 7 a.m. Groundfish Advisory Subpanel 8 a.m. Groundfish Management Team 8 a.m. Salmon Advisory Subpanel 8 a.m. Salmon Technical Team 8 a.m. Enforcement Consultants As necessary Tribal Policy Group As necessary Tribal and Washington Technical Group As necessary *FRIDAY, April 8, 2005* Council Secretariat 7 a.m. California State Delegation 7 a.m. Oregon State Delegation 7 a.m. Washington State Delegation 7 a.m. Enforcement Consultants As necessary Salmon Advisory Subpanel As necessary Salmon Technical Team As necessary Tribal Policy Group As necessary Tribal and Washington Technical Group As necessary Although nonemergency issues not contained in this agenda may come before this Council for discussion, those issues may not be the subject of formal Council action during this meeting. Council action will be restricted to those issues specifically listed in this notice and any issues arising after publication of this notice that require emergency action under Section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, provided the public has been notified of the Council's intent to take final action to address the emergency. Special Accommodations These meetings are physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Ms. Carolyn Porter at 503-820-2280 at least five days prior to the meeting date. Dated: March 15, 2005. Emily Menashes, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E5-1182 Filed 3-17-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 031505D] Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Application for an Exempted Fishing Permit AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; receipt of exempted fishing permit application. SUMMARY: This notice announces receipt of an application for an exempted fishing permit
(EFP)from John Gauvin and John Gruver. If granted, this permit would be used to continue the development and testing of a salmon excluder device in the Bering Sea pollock trawl fishery. It is intended to promote the objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
(FMP)by developing a method for reducing salmon bycatch in the Bering Sea pollock trawl fishery. ADDRESSES: Copies of the EFP application are available by writing to Sue Salveson, Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Alaska Region, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802, Attn: Lori Durall. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Melanie Brown, 907-586-7228 or *melanie.brown@noaa.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the domestic groundfish fisheries in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
(BSAI)under the FMP. The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) prepared the FMP under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Regulations governing the groundfish fisheries of the BSAI appear at 50 CFR parts 600 and 679. The FMP and the implementing regulations at §§ 679.6 and 600.745(b) authorize issuance of EFPs to allow fishing that would otherwise be prohibited. Procedures for issuing EFPs are contained in the implementing regulations. NMFS received an application for an EFP from John Gauvin, Principal Investigator and John Gruver of the United Catcher Boats Association. The purpose of the project is to improve the performance of the salmon excluder device developed under an EFP in 2004 and 2005, and to validate the performance of this device for pollock trawls. The goal is to develop a device for pollock trawls that reduces salmon bycatch without significantly lowering catch rates of pollock. The EFP would allow for two types of testing of the salmon excluder device in fall 2005 and spring 2006. In the first experiment, a catcher vessel would be used to test minor adjustments to the current excluder device design to improve performance. The second experiment would be conducted using a catcher/processor for the paired-tow experiment to validate the performance of the excluder device. Depending on the results from the work in 2005 and 2006, the EFP may need to be modified to allow for an additional year of testing. Exemptions from regulations for salmon bycatch limits, observer requirements, salmon savings area closure, the Catcher Vessel Operating Area (CVOA), and total allowable catch amounts
(TACs)for groundfish would be necessary to conduct the work. The taking of salmon during the experiment is crucial for determining the effectiveness of the device. Salmon taken during the experiment would not be counted toward the chinook and chum salmon bycatch limits under §§ 679.21(e)(1)(vii) and (e)(1)(viii). Potentially, the amount of salmon bycatch by the pollock trawl industry during the EFP period could approach or exceed the salmon bycatch limits. The additional salmon taken during the experiment would create an additional burden on the pollock trawl industry and may lead to closures of the salmon savings areas, if the EFP salmon were counted toward the salmon bycatch limits. Approximately 2,500 chum salmon and 1,500 chinook salmon would be required to support the project. The applicants also have requested an exemption from closures of the Chinook Salmon Savings Areas and the Chum Salmon Savings Area (§§ 679.21(e)(7)(vii) and (e)(7)(viii)). The experiment must be conducted in areas of salmon concentration to ensure a sufficient sample size. The salmon savings areas are areas of known concentration of salmon and provide an ideal location for conducting the experiment and ensuring that the vessels encounter concentrations of salmon. Groundfish taken under the EFP would be exempt from the TACs specified in the annual harvest specifications (§ 679.20). A total of 2,500 metric tons
(mt)of groundfish (primarily pollock) would be taken during the EFP work and would not be included in the harvest applied against the Bering Sea groundfish TACs, including the pollock TAC of approximately 1.5 million mt. The 2005 Bering Sea pollock acceptable biological catch is 1.960 million mt, well above the combined TAC and the additional harvest anticipated from the project. Because of the nature of groundfish bycatch in the pollock fishery, the harvest of other groundfish species during the project is expected to be very minor. The experiment using the catcher/processor would require exemption from the CVOA restriction (§ 679.22(a)(5)) because of the location of the Chinook Salmon Savings Area in the CVOA. Catcher/processors are prohibited from operating in the CVOA during the B season. It would be necessary for the catcher/processor to conduct tows in this area to ensure encountering sufficient pollock and salmon. The EFP would include an exemption from the observer requirements at § 679.50. The applicants would use “sea samplers” who are NMFS-trained observers. They would not be deployed as NMFS observers, however, at the time of the experiment. The “sea samplers” would conduct the data collection and perform other observer duties that would normally be required for vessels directed fishing for pollock. The activities under the EFP are not expected to have a significant impact on the marine environment, but the potential effects on the marine environment will be further analyzed during review of the application. In accordance with § 679.6, NMFS has determined that the proposal warrants further consideration and has initiated consultation with the Council by forwarding the application to the Council. The Council will consider the EFP application during its April 4-11, 2005, meeting which will be held at the Hilton Hotel in Anchorage, AK. The applicants have been invited to appear in support of the application, if the applicants desire. Interested persons may comment on the application at the Council meeting during public testimony. A notice announcing the upcoming meeting will be published in the **Federal Register** . A copy of the application is available for review from NMFS (see ADDRESSES ). Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 *et seq.* Dated: March 15, 2005. Alan D. Risenhoover, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E5-1186 Filed 3-17-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 031505F] Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Application for an Exempted Fishing Permit AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; receipt of amended application for an exempted fishing permit. SUMMARY: NMFS has received an amended application for an exempted fishing permit
(EFP)from William Thornton Smith of the North Pacific Longline Association (NPLA). If granted, this EFP would authorize the applicant to conduct an experiment to evaluate the integrated weight groundline as a potential seabird avoidance measure in the 2005 Pacific cod hook-and-line fishery in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI). The project is intended to promote the objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
(FMP)by reducing fishery interactions with the endangered short-tailed albatross ( *Phoebastria albatrus* ) and other seabird species. ADDRESSES: Copies of the EFP application may be requested from Sue Salveson, Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Alaska Region, NMFS, Attn: Lori Durall by: mail to P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802; fax to 907-586-7557; or email to *Lori.Durall@noaa.gov* . FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kim Rivera, 907-586-7424 or *Kim.Rivera@noaa.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the domestic groundfish fisheries in the BSAI under the FMP. The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) prepared the FMP under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). Regulations governing the groundfish fisheries of the BSAI appear at 50 CFR parts 600 and 679. The FMP and the implementing regulations at §§ 679.6 and 600.745(b) authorize the issuance of EFPs to allow fishing that would otherwise be prohibited. Procedures for issuing EFPs are contained in the implementing regulations. In June 2004, the Council approved the application for an EFP for this experiment which was submitted by the Washington Sea Grant Program (WSGP). The WSGP was unable to secure vessels for the work, and an EFP was not issued in 2004. In February 2005, NMFS received an amended application for this EFP from the NPLA. The purpose of this EFP is to authorize experimental fishing using integrated weight groundline to evaluate its effectiveness as a potential new seabird avoidance measure. The application calls for testing integrated weight groundlines against unweighted groundlines, with and without paired streamer lines. This proposed experiment builds on work that was completed in Alaska in 2002, and compliments efforts taking place in other fisheries. Information from this experiment could ultimately result in better and more effective seabird avoidance measures. The hook-and-line fishing industry appears especially interested in this experiment, because it may provide a better tool with which to avoid the incidental catch of the endangered short-tailed albatross and other seabird species. In addition, the integrated weight groundline may improve fishing efficiency with better gear handling characteristics and increased target catch rates resulting from getting baited hooks down more quickly. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service issued a Biological Opinion (September 2003) that includes a conservation recommendation for NMFS to support research efforts to develop new and novel deterrent technologies such as integrated weight groundlines. This experiment would fulfill such a recommendation. The goal of the experiment is to reduce the incidental catch of the endangered short-tailed albatross and other seabird species in ways that are consistent with Magnuson-Stevens Act National Standard 9 which requires conservation and management measures to minimize bycatch and bycatch mortality and that the effects on birds should be considered when selecting these measures. A preliminary WSGP investigation in 2002 evaluated four weightings of integrated weight groundline (25g/m, 50g/m, 75g/m and 100 g/m). The four weighting treatments were compared to a control of unweighted groundline in the sablefish fishery in the Aleutian Islands and the Pacific cod fishery in the Gulf of Alaska. Preliminary results strongly suggest that 50g/m line was the optimal weighting. It was the most practical gear in terms of operational performance in mechanical baiting (auto-bait) hook-and-line systems, and it sank quickly beyond the range of seabirds. Based on these initial results, NPLA proposes to continue this work by comparing the catch rates of all species, the abundance and behavior of seabirds, and the sink rate of groundlines under three scenarios: 50g/m integrated weight groundline, and un-weighted groundlines with and without paired streamer lines. Regulations at § 679.24(e)(4)(ii)(c) require the use of paired streamer lines by vessels greater than 55 ft (16.8 m) length overall (LOA). Because vessels used in the experiment would be greater than 55 ft (16.8 m) LOA, an EFP is necessary to conduct the experimental control treatments that call for the experimental gear to be deployed in the absence of paired streamer lines. Work will take place on two freezer-longliner vessels using auto-bait systems in the Pacific cod fishery in the BSAI during 2005 and 2006, if unforeseen circumstances prohibit completion of the work in 2005. Amendments to the application approved in June 2004, include:
(1)starting the experimental fishing a month earlier (July 15, 2005 instead of August 15, 2005),
(2)allocating specified amounts of Pacific cod and bycatch species to participating vessels,
(3)harvesting Pacific cod beyond the total allowable catch and acceptable biological catch amounts specified for 2005, and
(4)exemption from improved retention/improved utilization regulations at § 679.27. These levels of harvest and manner of harvest are not expected to have a significant impact on the marine environment, but the potential effects on the marine environment will be further analyzed during review of the application. In accordance with § 679.6, NMFS has determined that the application warrants further consideration and has initiated consultation with the Council by forwarding the amended application to the Council for consultation. The Council will consider the application during its April 4-11, 2005 meeting which will be held at the Hilton Hotel in Anchorage, AK. While the applicant has been invited to appear in support of the application, all interested parties may comment on the application at the meeting during public testimony. A notice announcing the upcoming meeting will be published in the **Federal Register** . The vessels that would conduct the experimental fishing were not identified on the application, but would be identified on the EFP, once they have been selected for the project. The NMFS Regional Administrator may consider and attach additional terms and conditions to the EFP that are consistent with the purpose of the experiment. Public comment may help determine such conditions. A copy of the amended application is available for review from NMFS (see ADDRESSES ). Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 *et seq.* Dated: March 15, 2005. Alan D. Risenhoover, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E5-1193 Filed 3-17-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 122104A] Vessel Monitoring Systems; Approved Mobile Transmitting Units for use in the South Atlantic Rock Shrimp Fishery AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of vessel monitoring systems; approval. SUMMARY: This document provides notice of vessel monitoring systems
(VMS)approved by NOAA for use by vessels participating in the Rock Shrimp Fishery of the South Atlantic Region and sets forth relevant features of the VMS, and supersedes all previous type approval notices for the South Atlantic Rock Shrimp Fishery. ADDRESSES: To obtain copies of the list of NOAA-approved VMS mobile transmitting units and NOAA-approved VMS communications service providers, or to obtain information regarding the status of VMS systems being evaluated by NOAA for approval, write to NOAA Fisheries Office for Law Enforcement (OLE), 8484 Georgia Avenue, Suite 415, Silver Spring, MD 20910. To submit a completed and signed checklist, mail or fax it to NOAA Enforcement, 9721 Executive Center Drive North, Koger Building, St. Petersburg, FL 33702, fax 727-570-5355. For more addresses regarding approved VMS, see the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section, under the heading VMS Provider Addresses. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For current listing information contact Mark Oswell, Outreach Specialist, phone 301-427-2300, fax 301-427-2055. For questions regarding VMS installation, activation checklists, and status of evaluations, contact Jonathan Pinkerton, National VMS Program Manager, phone 301-427-2300, fax 301-427-2055. For questions regarding the installation checklist, contact Beverly Lambert, Southeast Division VMS Program Manager, NMFS Office for Law Enforcement, phone 727-570-5344. The public may acquire this notice, installation checklist, and relevant updates via the OLE website *http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/ole/vms.html* . Telephone requests can be made by calling 301-427-2300. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. VMS Mobile Transceiver Units A. Inmarsat-C Transceivers The Inmarsat-C satellite communications VMS transmitting units that meet the minimum technical requirements for the Rock Shrimp Fishery are the Thrane & Thrane Fishery “Capsat” (part number TT-3022D-NMFS) and the Thrane & Thrane Fishery “Mini-C” (part number TT-3026-NMFS). The address for the Thrane & Thrane distributor (Thrane & Thrane) dealer contact is provided in this notice under the heading VMS Provider Addresses. *Thrane & Thrane TT-3022D-NMFS features:* The transceiver consists of an integrated GPS/Inmarsat-C unit in the wheelhouse and an antenna mounted atop the vessel. The unit is factory pre-configured for NMFS VMS operations (non-Global Maritime Distress & Safety System (non-GMDSS)). Satellite commissioning services are provided by Thrane & Thrane personnel. Automatic GPS position reporting starts after transceiver installation and power activation onboard the vessel. The unit is a car-radio-sized transceiver using a floating 10 to 32 VDC power supply. The unit is configured for automatic reduced position transmissions when the vessel is stationary (i.e., in port). It allows for port stays without power drain or power shut down. The unit restarts normal position transmission automatically when the vessel goes to sea. The outside antenna, model TT-3005M, is a compact omni-directional Inmarsat-C/GPS antenna, providing operation down to +/-15 deg. angles. A configuration option is available to automatically send position reports to a private address, such as a fleet management company. Another available option is the ability to send and receive private e-mail and other messages with the purchase and installation of an input device such as a laptop, personal computer, or message display terminal. *Thrane & Thrane TT-3026-NMFS features:* The transceiver consists of an integrated GPS/Inmarsat-C unit mounted atop the vessel. The unit is factory pre-configured for NMFS VMS operations (non-Global Maritime Distress & Safety System (non-GMDSS)). Satellite commissioning services are provided by Thrane & Thrane personnel. Automatic GPS position reporting starts after transceiver installation and power activation onboard the vessel. The unit is an integrated transceiver/antenna/GPS design using a floating 10 to 32 VDC power supply. The unit is configured for automatic reduced position transmissions when the vessel is stationary (i.e., in port). It allows for port stays without power drain or power shut down. The unit restarts normal position transmission automatically when the vessel goes to sea. The TT-3026-NMFS provides operation down to +/-15 degree angles. Although the unit has the capability of two-way communication to send and receive private e-mail and other messages, it can only use this capability when additional equipment - not required by NMFS - is utilized (i.e., a laptop, personal computer, or message display terminal). A configuration option is available to automatically send position reports to a private address, such as a fleet management company. A vessel owner may purchase either of these systems by contacting the entity identified under the heading VMS Provider Addresses. The owner should identify himself or herself as a vessel owner in the “U.S. South Atlantic Rock Shrimp Fishery” so the transceiver set can be configured for the Rock Shrimp Fishery. To use the TT-3022D-NMFS or the TT-3026-NMFS, the vessel owner will need to establish an Inmarsat-C system use contract with an approved Inmarsat-C communications service provider. The owner will be required to complete the Inmarsat-C “Registration for Service Activation for Maritime Mobile Earth Station.” The owner should consult with Thrane & Thrane when completing this form. Thrane & Thrane personnel will perform the following services before shipment:
(1)configure the transceiver according to NOAA Fisheries Office for Law Enforcement specifications for the Rock Shrimp Fishery;
(2)download the predetermined NMFS position reporting and broadcast command identification numbers into the unit;
(3)test the unit to ensure operation when installation has been completed on the vessel; and
(4)forward the Inmarsat service provider and the transceiver identifying information to the NOAA Fisheries Office for Law Enforcement. B. ORBCOMM Transceivers The ORBCOMM satellite communications VMS transmitting unit that meets the minimum technical requirements for U.S. South Atlantic Rock Shrimp Fishery requiring VMS is the Stellar ST2500G (part number ST2500G-NMFS). The address for ORBCOMM Value Added Resellers
(VAR)and their regional sales outlets around the country are provided in this notice under the heading VMS Provider Addresses. The Stellar ST2500G-NMFS transceiver consists of an integrated GPS/ORBCOMM satellite communicator mounted in the wheelhouse and antennas mounted atop the vessel. The unit is pre-configured and tested for NMFS VMS operations. Satellite commissioning services are available from several VMS providers. Automatic GPS position reporting starts after transceiver installation and power activation onboard the vessel. The unit is a car radio-sized transceiver powered by any 12 to 32 VDC power supply. It is factory configured for automatic reduced position transmissions when the vessel is stationary (i.e., in port) which allows for port stays without power drain or unit shut down. The unit restarts normal position transmission automatically when the vessel goes to sea. The ST2500G has an omni-directional VHF antenna, providing operation from +/-5 degrees above the horizon. A configuration option is available to automatically send position reports to a private e-mail address or to a secure web site where the data is displayed on a map and in tabular form. Another available option is the ability to send and receive private e-mail from a laptop, personal computer or specific handheld devices. A complete list of devices, supported operating systems and available software solutions can be obtained from any ORBCOMM VAR. Please note that any “assistance” or “emergency” functions integrated into a VMS unit are not supported by NOAA, although they may be supported by other parties. A vessel owner wishing to purchase the Stellar ST2500G transceiver will be required to complete an ORBCOMM “Provisioning” form via the Internet at *www.orbcomm.com* . The owner should identify him or herself as a vessel owner in the “U.S. South Atlantic Rock Shrimp Fishery.” If assistance is required, the owner may consult with the VAR or one of the entities identified in this notice under the heading VMS Provider Addresses. The unit will be configured specifically for the U.S. South Atlantic Rock Shrimp Fishery. The ORBCOMM VMS VAR will perform the following services before shipment:
(1)configure the transceiver according to OLE specifications for the U.S. South Atlantic Rock Shrimp Fishery,
(2)download the predetermined NMFS position reporting applications into the unit,
(3)test the unit to ensure proper operation prior to shipping, and
(4)forward the service provider and the transceiver identifying information to OLE and test the unit when the installation has been completed on the vessel. II. Communications Service Providers OLE has approved the below-listed communications service providers: ORBCOMM, Stratos, Telenor, and Xantic satellite communications services. A. ORBCOMM NMFS recommends, for vendor warranty and customer service purposes, that the vessel owner and the VAR have on record the following identifying information:
(1)signed and dated receipts and contracts,
(2)satellite communicator identification number,
(3)VAR customer number, (identification number/unit surname name combination),
(4)e-mail address of satellite communicator ( *surname@ORBCOMM.net* ),
(5)owner name,
(6)vessel name, and
(7)vessel documentation or registration number. VMS units must be installed in accordance with vendor instructions and specifications. Installation can be performed by experienced crew, a VAR, or an electronics specialist. All installation costs are paid by the owner. The vessel owner is required to fax or mail the Rock Shrimp Fishery Activation Fax directly to NOAA Enforcement, 9721 Executive Center Drive North, Koger Building, St. Petersburg, FL 33702, fax 727-570-5355. The owner must confirm the Stellar ST2500G-NMFS operation and communications service to ensure that position reports are automatically sent to and received by OLE before leaving on their first fishing trip requiring VMS. OLE does not regard the fishing vessel as meeting the requirements until position reports are automatically received. For confirmation purposes, owners must contact the NOAA Enforcement, 9721 Executive Center Drive North, Koger Building, St. Petersburg, FL 33702, phone 727-570-5344, fax 727-570-5355. ORBCOMM is a store-and-forward data messaging service allowing users to send and receive information virtually anywhere in the world. ORBCOMM supports a wide variety of applications including plain text Internet-based e-mail, position and weather reporting, and remote equipment monitoring and control. Mariners can use ORBCOMM free of charge to send critical safety at-sea messages as part of the U.S. Coast Guard's Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue System. VMS services are being sold through specific ORBCOMM VARs. ORBCOMM customer service supports the security and privacy of vessel accounts and messages by requiring password authentication of vessel owners or agents and OLE personnel to prevent unauthorized changes or inquiries, and by separating private messages from OLE messages. (OLE presently requires VMS-related position reports, only.) Billing is separated between accounts for the vessel owner and OLE. VMS position reports and vessel-initiated messaging are paid by the vessel owner. Messaging initiated from OLE operations center is paid by OLE. ORBCOMM provides customer service through its VARs to establish and support two-way transmission of transceiver unit configuration commands between the transceiver and land-based control centers. This supports OLE's message needs and, optionally, fishermen's private e-mail needs. The owner should refer to and follow the configuration, installation, and service activation procedures for the Stellar ST2500G-NMFS satellite communicator. B. INMARSAT-C Communications Providers NMFS recommends, for vendor warranty and customer service purposes, that the vessel owner, Stratos, Telenor and Xantic have on record the following identifying information:
(1)signed and dated receipts and contracts,
(2)transceiver serial number,
(3)Stratos, Telenor or Xantic customer number, user name and password,
(4)e-mail address of transceiver,
(5)Inmarsat identification number,
(6)owner name,
(7)vessel name,
(8)vessel documentation or registration number, and
(9)mobile earth station license (FCC license). VMS units must be installed in accordance with vendor instructions and specifications and can be performed by experienced crew or by an electronics specialist; costs are paid by the owner. The vessel owner is required to fax or mail the VMS Activation Fax directly to NOAA Enforcement, 9721 Executive Center Drive North, Koger Building, St. Petersburg, FL 33702, phone 727-570-5344, fax 727-570-5355. The owner must confirm the TT-3022D-NMFS or TT-3026-NMFS operation and communications service to ensure that position reports are automatically sent to and received by OLE before leaving on their first fishing trip under VMS. OLE does not regard the fishing vessel as meeting the requirements until position reports are automatically received. For confirmation purposes, contact NOAA Enforcement, 9721 Executive Center Drive North, Koger Building, St. Petersburg, FL 33702, phone 727-570-5344, fax 727-570-5355. B1. Telenor Satellite Services Inmarsat-C is a store-and-forward data messaging service. It allows users to send and receive information virtually anywhere in the world, on land, at sea, and in the air. Inmarsat-C supports a wide-variety of applications including Internet-based e-mail, position and weather reporting, a free daily news service, and remote equipment monitoring and control. Mariners can use Inmarsat-C free of charge to send critical safety at-sea messages as part of the U.S. Coast Guard's Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue System and NOAA's Shipboard Environmental Acquisition System programs. Telenor Vessel Monitoring System Services is being sold through Thrane & Thrane Inc. For the Thrane & Thrane and Telenor addresses, look in this notice under the heading VMS Provider Addresses. B2. Xantic Xantic is a provider of vessel monitoring services to the fishing industry. By installing an OLE-approved Inmarsat-C transceiver on the vessel, fishermen can send and receive e-mail, to and from land. The transceiver automatically sends vessel position reports to OLE, and is fully compliant with Coast Guard search and rescue centers. Xantic vessel monitoring system services are being sold through Thrane & Thrane Inc. For the Thrane & Thrane and Xantic addresses, look in this notice under the heading VMS Provider Addresses. Telenor and Xantic products and services are offered through Thrane & Thrane who supports the security and privacy of vessel accounts and messages by requiring password authentication for vessel owners or agents, and OLE personnel to prevent unauthorized changes or inquiries, and separating of private messages from OLE messages. (OLE currently requires VMS-related position reports, only.) Billing is separated between accounts for the vessel owner and the OLE. VMS position reports and vessel-initiated messaging are paid by the vessel owner. Messaging initiated from OLE operations center is paid by NOAA. Thrane & Thrane provides customer service for Telenor and Xantic users to support and establish two-way transmission of transceiver unit configuration commands between the transceiver and land-based control centers. This supports OLE's message needs and, optionally, fishermen's private message needs. A configuration option is available to automatically send position reports to a private e-mail address, such as a fleet management company. B3. Stratos Stratos provides all Inmarsat services globally and has extensive experience in the provision of Inmarsat-C messaging and tracking services. Stratos has distributors situated throughout the United States that can provide equipment, installation, commissioning and all other necessary services in compliance with NMFS requirements. By installing an OLE approved Inmarsat-C transceiver on the vessel in accordance with vendor instructions and specifications and OLE requirements, fishermen can also easily send and receive e-mail to and from land and can also setup individual crew member accounts onboard for e-mail to family and friends without billing to the vessel, but direct billing to crew member. Vessel owners wishing to use Stratos, Telenor or Xantic services must purchase an Inmarsat-C transceiver approved for the fishery. The owner must complete an Inmarsat-C system use contract with Stratos, Telenor or Xantic; obtain a mobile earth station license (FCC requirement). The transceiver must be commissioned with Inmarsat according to Stratos, Telenor or Xantic's instructions. The owner should refer to and follow the configuration, installation, and service activation procedures for the specific transceiver purchased. III. VMS Provider Addresses For ORBCOMM and Stellar ST2500G-NMFS information, contact: ORBCOMM, LLC, 21700 Atlantic Boulevard, Dulles, VA 20166 USA; voice: 800-ORBCOMM
(USA)or 703-433-6300; fax: 703-433-6400; or website: *www.ORBCOMM.com* . For Stratos service or to locate the nearest Stratos distributor, contact *sales@stratosglobal.com* , 1-888-766-1313 or in Florida contact Roberto Darias, 1-954-217-2277, or e-mail: *roberto.darias@stratosglobal.com* . For Thrane & Thrane TT-3022D-NMFS or TT-3026-NMFS information, contact Ronald Lockerby, Marine Products, Thrane & Thrane, Inc., 509 Viking Drive, Suite K, L & M, Virginia Beach, VA 23452; voice: 757-463-9557; fax: 757-463-9581, e-mail: *rdl@tt.dk.com* ; website: *http://www.LandSeaSystems.com* . For Telenor or Xantic information, contact Thrane & Thrane Inc., Donna Sherman, 509 Viking Drive, Suite K, L, M, Virginia Beach, VA 23452; voice: 757 463-9557; fax: 757 463-9581 e-mail: *airtime@landsea.com* . Telenor and Xantic Customer Service, contact the address above or e-mail: *rdl@tt.dk.com* . Alternate Telenor contacts include Courtney Coleman, Manager COMSAT-C Services Marketing, 6560 Rock Spring Dr., Bethesda, MD 20817; phone: 301-838-7720; e-mail: *courtney.coleman@telenor-usa.com* . Alternate Xantic contacts include Folef Hooft Graafland, 6100 Hollywood Boulevard, Suite 410, Hollywood, FL 33024; voice:
(954)962-9908 ext. 11; fax:
(954)962-1164; cellular:(954) 214-2609; e-mail: *folef.hooftgraafland@Xantic.net* ; and Andre Cortese, 1211 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 504, Washington, DC 20036; voice: 202-785-5615; e-mail: *andre.cortese@Xantic.net* . Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801, *et seq.* Dated: March 14, 2005. William T. Hogarth, Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 05-5428 Filed 3-17-05; 8:45 am]
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