[Federal Register: September 16, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 178)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 47545-47549]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr16se09-20]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Part 660
[Docket No. 0907281183-91184-01]
RIN 0648-AX98
Fisheries off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish
Fishery; Data Collection for the Trawl Rationalization Program
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: NMFS proposes to collect data to support implementation of a
future trawl rationalization program under the Pacific Coast Groundfish
Fishery Management Plan (FMP). NMFS proposes to collect ownership
information from all potential participants in the trawl
rationalization program. In addition, NMFS is notifying potential
participants that the agency intends to use the Pacific States Marine
Fisheries Commission's Pacific Fisheries Information Network (PacFIN)
database and NMFS' Northwest Fisheries Science Center's Pacific whiting
observer data from NORPAC (a database of North Pacific fisheries and
Pacific whiting information) to determine initial allocation of quota
share (QS) for the trawl rationalization program, if it is approved and
implemented.
DATES: Comments on this proposed rule must be received no later than 5
p.m., local time on October 16, 2009.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by RIN 0648-AX98 by any
one of the following methods:
Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public comments via
the Federal eRulemaking Portal http://www.regulations.gov.
Fax: 206-526-6736, Attn: Jamie Goen.
Mail: Barry Thom, Acting Administrator, Northwest Region, NMFS,
7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115-0070, Attn: Jamie Goen.
Instructions: All comments received are a part of the public record
and will generally be posted to http://www.regulations.gov without
change. All Personal Identifying Information (for example, name,
address, etc.) voluntarily submitted by the commenter may be publicly
accessible. Do not submit Confidential Business Information or
otherwise sensitive or protected information.
NMFS will accept anonymous comments (enter N/A in the required
fields if you wish to remain anonymous). Attachments to electronic
comments will be accepted in Microsoft Word, Excel, WordPerfect, or
Adobe PDF file formats only. Written comments regarding the burden-hour
estimates or other aspects of the collection-of-information
requirements contained in this proposed rule may be submitted to NMFS,
Northwest Region and by e-mail to David_Rostker@omb.eop.gov or fax to
(202) 395-7285.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jamie Goen, phone: 206-526-4656, fax:
206-526-6736, and e-mail jamie.goen@noaa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Electronic Access
This proposed rule is accessible via the Internet at the Office of
the Federal Register's Web site at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/
index.html. Background information and documents are available at the
Pacific Fishery Management Council's website at http://
www.pcouncil.org/.
Background
Since 2003, the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) has
been developing a trawl rationalization program, which would affect the
limited entry trawl fishery of the Pacific Coast groundfish fishery.
The trawl rationalization program is intended to increase net economic
benefits, create individual economic stability, provide full
utilization of the trawl sector allocation, consider environmental
impacts, and achieve individual accountability of catch and bycatch.
The Council has developed the trawl rationalization program through
two amendments to the Groundfish FMP: (1) Amendment 20, the trawl
[[Page 47546]]
rationalization program; and (2) Amendment 21, intersector allocation.
Amendment 20 would create the structure and management details of the
trawl rationalization program, while Amendment 21 would allocate the
groundfish stocks between trawl and non-trawl fisheries. The Council
took final action on Amendment 20 at their November 2008 meeting, with
trailing actions at its March 2009, April 2009, and June 2009 meetings.
The Council took final action on Amendment 21 at its April 2009
meeting. When the Council formally transmits those amendments to NMFS,
the agency will publish a notice of availability (NOA) of an FMP
amendment and a proposed rule in the Federal Register to announce a
public comment period. Following the public comment period on the NOA
and proposed rule, NMFS will announce its decision on whether or not to
approve the amendments in a final rule published in the Federal
Register. The FMP approval process and implementation, if appropriate,
are expected to occur in 2010.
The trawl rationalization program would be a limited access
privilege program (LAPP) under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act (MSA), 16 U.S.C.1851-1891d, as
reauthorized in 2007. A LAPP is considered a grant of permission to the
holder of the limited access privilege or QS to participate in the
program and may be revoked, limited, or modified at any time. In other
words, it is a conditional privilege, conveyed through QS or catch
shares, to harvest a specified amount of fish. The MSA requires the
Council or the Secretary of Commerce to ensure that limited access
privilege holders do not acquire an excessive share of the total
limited access privileges in the program and to establish a maximum
share, expressed as a percentage that each limited access privilege
holder may hold, acquire, or use. For the trawl rationalization
program, the Council has adopted limits on the amount of pounds a
vessel can hold, acquire, or use (i.e., vessel limits) and limits on
the amount of QS that can be held, acquired, or used (i.e., control
limits).
Trawl Rationalization Program Structure
The trawl rationalization program would consist of: (1) An
individual fishing quota (IFQ) program for the shore-based trawl fleet;
and (2) cooperative (co-op) programs for the at-sea trawl fleet. Under
trawl rationalization, the shore-based trawl fleet would consist of IFQ
participants who land groundfish to shore-based processors or first
receivers. The at-sea trawl fleet would consist of fishery participants
harvesting whiting with midwater trawl gear (i.e., whiting catcher/
processor vessels, whiting motherships, and whiting catcher vessels
associated with motherships). The co-op programs for the at-sea trawl
fleet would be further divided as follows: (1) The whiting catcher/
processor co-op; and (2) the whiting mothership co-ops. The mothership
co-ops may consist of a single co-op or multiple co-ops where vessels
pool their harvest together, or it may consist of vessels not
associated with a particular mothership (i.e., ``non-co-op'' segment of
the mothership fishery).
The IFQ program for the shore-based fleet would require an initial
allocation of harvest QS to individual participants based on historic
participation in the fishery, specifically to limited entry trawl
permit owners and shore-based whiting processors who meet the
eligibility requirements. In order to comply with the MSA, NMFS would
be required to determine and track ownership interest in QS to
determine if individuals are within set limits, both at the initial
allocation stage and during the operation of the program. In Amendment
20, the Council has adopted limits (by species group and area) on the
amount of QS an individual can control (control limits).
The Council has adopted different program structures for the
whiting catcher/processor co-ops and whiting mothership co-ops, based
on how these co-ops have operated in the past. The structure of the co-
ops will be described in more detail in the proposed rule to implement
Amendment 20, which is expected in 2010. The catcher/processor co-op
would not require an initial allocation of QS to individual vessels,
provided a co-op is established.
QS for the at-sea mothership fleet (called ``catch history
assignments'' in Council documents) would initially be allocated to the
individual whiting catcher vessels associated with the mothership
fishery, and would be non-transferable amounts associated with the
vessel. The QS allocated to individual vessels would reflect that
individual vessel's contribution to the total amount of fish its
mothership co-op can harvest. However, an individual vessel in the co-
op could harvest more than its at-sea quota, within the restrictions on
individual vessel harvest and mothership co-op limits. Similar to the
shore-based IFQ program, NMFS would be required to track ownership
interest in QSs to determine if individuals are within set limits. In
addition, ownership interest in the co-op programs (both the catcher/
processor and mothership) and IFQ program would be tracked at the
individual level to monitor crossover of participants and ownership
interest among the programs.
Collection of Ownership Information
Pursuant to section 402(a)(2) of the MSA, if the Secretary of
Commerce determines that additional information is necessary for
developing or implementing an FMP, the Secretary may, by regulation,
implement an information collection program requiring submission of
additional information for the fishery. In this proposed rule,
ownership information would be collected from the potential
participants in the trawl rationalization program, including the at-sea
fleet (whiting motherships, whiting mothership catcher vessels, and
whiting catcher/processors), the shore-based fleet (whiting and non-
whiting permit owners and holders) and the shore-based whiting
processors. Ownership information would be collected to support and
facilitate the timely implementation of the potential future trawl
rationalization program under the Groundfish FMP.
Similar to current NMFS requirements to collect ownership
information from the limited entry fixed gear sablefish fleet, the
primary purpose of collecting ownership interest information from the
trawl fleet is to allow NMFS to monitor control of the groundfish
resource in the trawl fishery to ensure participants remain within the
accumulation limits, or control limits on QS, recommended by the
Council in Amendment 20 to the FMP. Initially, NMFS would use the
ownership information collected under this rule as the first step in
the application process to determine which potential QS holders might
be over their accumulation limits as individuals or as members of a
business entity. By collecting ownership information from potential
participants in advance of the FMP amendment approval process, NMFS
would expedite the QS initial issuance process, which is expected to
take place in the fall of 2010. After ownership interest forms from
this rulemaking are completed early in 2010, NMFS intends to provide
pre-filled ownership interest forms with the initial issuance
application package in the fall of 2010, thereby reducing the burden on
potential participants and shortening the application process. If the
collection of the ownership information requested as part of this
rulemaking is not completed at the time NMFS provides these forms, NMFS
may delay implementation of the trawl
[[Page 47547]]
rationalization program or the issuance of an eligible participant's QS
due to the additional time needed to gather the ownership information
and determine if an eligible participant is within the accumulation
limits.
In addition, the ownership information collected would create a
baseline of ownership information to evaluate the trawl rationalization
program during periodic reviews of the program, as required by the MSA.
It would allow NMFS to better understand the relationship between
processors, permit owners, and the entities owning the vessel
registered to the permit (i.e., permit holders). In other words, it
would allow NMFS to better understand who will control QS and which
individuals will potentially use quota pounds (QP). Moreover, the
ownership information would allow NMFS to better understand potential
vessel accounts for QP and to better understand the ownership of
vessels that crossover between different sectors in the trawl fishery.
For example, it would allow NMFS to better understand the ownership of
vessels that participate in both the whiting shore-based and the
mothership fisheries.
NMFS would send a Trawl Identification of Ownership Interest Form
to potential participants in the trawl rationalization program
requiring the following information to be filled out: Type of entity;
qualifying permit number; name of company or name of individuals owning
the limited entry permit, vessel or processing plant; tax
identification number (TIN) for each entity; date of birth (DOB) for
each individual; state in which each business entity is registered;
business mailing address; physical address for processing plants;
business phone number, fax number and email; authorized
representative's name; name of each individual having ownership
interest in the limited entry permit, vessel or processing plant; the
individual's business addresses; percentage of ownership by each entity
(if there are multiple entities given as an owner of the permit,
vessel, or processing plant) and each individual shareholder in each
entity; printed name of authorized representative, their signature, and
the date. The percentage of ownership of all shareholders must equal
100 percent. The form would also allow owners to certify whether or not
they are a small business according to Small Business Administration
(SBA) and the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) standards.
For permits, the legal owner of the permit or authorized
representative would be required to complete the form and provide all
necessary information on the individual or entity owning each
groundfish limited entry trawl permit. For vessels, the vessel owner
would be required to complete the form and provide all necessary
information on the individual or entity owning each vessel that is
registered to a groundfish limited entry trawl permit (i.e., permit
holder). For shore-based whiting processors or first receivers, the
legal owner or authorized representative would be required to complete
the form and provide all necessary information on the individual or
entity owning each shore-based whiting processing or first receiver
company. The individual signing the form would certify under penalty of
perjury that the information provided is true and correct and the form
would be required to be notarized by a notary public.
The form would be required even if the owner of the permit or
potential participant in the trawl rationalization program is a person
and not an entity. This form does NOT prequalify these persons for QS
nor guarantee that they will qualify for QS under the future trawl
rationalization program.
In addition to filling out the mandatory ownership interest form,
potential trawl rationalization program participants may be required to
submit additional documentation to NMFS. If the ownership interest in
the permit, vessel, or potential QS includes a business entity, then
additional documentation will be required. If there is an authorized
representative for a business entity, then a corporate resolution would
be required authorizing the person signing to do so on behalf of the
entity. Business entities established under the laws of the United
States or of any State would be required to provide proof of the
establishment of their business and to verify that they are an active
corporation. If an entity was not established under the laws of the
United States or of any other State, this rule would not require the
entity to become so established. However, an entity must be established
under the laws of the United States or of any State in order to qualify
for an initial allocation of QS, pursuant to section 303A(c)(1)(D) of
the MSA. Providing the information at this stage will expedite the
initial issuance process.
Additional documentation that NMFS may request after review of the
completed Trawl Identification of Ownership Interest Form includes
articles of incorporation, a contract, or any other credible
documentation that substantiates those with ownership interests in the
entity and their percent ownership. NMFS may require a certified copy
of the current vessel document (United States Coast Guard or state) as
evidence of vessel ownership. NMFS may also request or consider any
other relevant, credible evidence.
NMFS would send out the Trawl Identification of Ownership Interest
Form with instructions to the current address in NMFS records for
potential participants in the trawl rationalization program. Completion
of this form would be required only once in preparation for
implementation of the trawl rationalization program. This form would be
sent to the at-sea fleet (whiting motherships, whiting mothership
catcher vessels, and whiting catcher/processors), the shore-based fleet
(whiting and non-whiting permit owners and holders) and the shore-based
whiting processors. Potential participants would have at least 60 days
from the effective date of the Federal Register final rule for this
action to return the completed form. The completed form must be
returned to NMFS no later than May 1, 2010. In the future and if the
trawl program is implemented under Amendment 20, the ownership interest
form would likely be required during the permit or QS renewal process
and during any permit or QS transfers.
Databases to be Used for Initial Allocation of Quota Share
Potential participants of the trawl rationalization program should
be aware that the agency intends to use landings data from the Pacific
States Marine Fisheries Commission's PacFIN database and NMFS'
Northwest Fisheries Science Center's Pacific whiting observer data from
NORPAC to determine initial allocations of QS for the trawl
rationalization program. Landings data from state fish tickets, as
provided by the states to the PacFIN database, would be used to
determine initial allocation of IFQ QS for the shore-based whiting and
nonwhiting harvesters and for the shore-based whiting processors.
Landings data from the NORPAC database would be used to determine
initial allocation of at-sea QS for the whiting mothership catcher
vessels.
NMFS intends to ``freeze'' the databases for the purposes of
initial allocation on the date the proposed rule proposing to implement
Amendment 20 to the FMP is published in the Federal Register. This
should allow time for NMFS to compile the dataset and cross check the
data for any errors. ``Freezing'' the databases means that NMFS will
extract a snapshot of the databases as of the proposed rule publication
date and will use those for initial allocation of
[[Page 47548]]
QS. ``Freezing'' the databases is necessary to hold them constant for
use during qualification and initial issuance of the trawl
rationalization program and to form an administrative record of the
database at a given point in time. Following the ``freezing'' of the
databases, any corrections to the ``frozen'' database would be made
with NMFS through the processes set forth in future trawl
rationalization rules. After NMFS extracts a copy of the databases, the
PacFIN and NORPAC databases will continue to exist and be updated
through their normal processes, but such updates may not be used for
initial allocations of QS.
If potential participants in the trawl rationalization program have
concerns over the accuracy of their data in the PacFIN database, they
should contact the state in which they landed those fish to correct any
errors. Any revisions to an entity's fish tickets would have to be
approved by the state in order to be accepted. State contacts are as
follows: (1) Washington - Carol Turcotte (360-902-2253,
Carol.Turcotte@dfw.wa.gov); (2) Oregon - Michelle Grooms (503-947-6247,
Michelle.L.Grooms@state.or.us); and (3) California - Gerry Kobylinski
(916-323-1456, Gkobylin@dfg.ca.gov). For concerns over the accuracy of
NORPAC data, contact Janell Majewski (206-860-3293,
janell.majewski@noaa.gov). NMFS urges potential QS owners to go
directly to the source where fisheries data is entered in the database
to get it corrected before NMFS extracts the data for initial issuance
of QS.
Classification
Pursuant to section 402(a)(2) of the MSA, the NMFS Assistant
Administrator, acting on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce, has
determined that information collected under this proposed rule is
necessary for developing and implementing the trawl rationalization
program. The NMFS Assistant Administrator has also determined that this
proposed rule is consistent with other applicable law, subject to
further consideration after public comment.
This proposed rule has been determined to be not significant for
purposes of Executive Order 12866.
An initial regulatory flexibility analysis (IRFA) was prepared, as
required by section 603 of the RFA. The IRFA describes the economic
impact this proposed rule, if adopted, would have on small entities. A
description of the action, why it is being considered, and the legal
basis for this action are contained at the beginning of this section in
the preamble and in the SUMMARY section of the preamble. A copy of the
IRFA is available from the NMFS (see ADDRESSES). A summary of the
analysis follows:
The proposed rule would allow NMFS to collect data to support
implementation of a future trawl rationalization program, Amendment 20,
to the Groundfish FMP. A separate Regulatory Impact Review/IRFA will be
prepared for the full trawl rationalization program as part of the
rulemaking for Amendment 20. This proposed rule would also announce
that NMFS intends to use landings data from the PacFIN and NORPAC
databases to determine initial allocations of QS for the trawl
rationalization program. Section 402(a)(2) of the MSA gives the legal
authority for the action. If the Secretary determines that additional
information is necessary for developing or implementing an FMP, the
Secretary may, by regulation, implement an information collection
requiring submission of such additional information for the fishery.
The Council has recommended accumulation limits to comply with the
MSA requirement to ensure that participants do not acquire an excessive
share of the total limited access privileges in the trawl
rationalization program. Initially, NMFS would use the ownership
information collected as the first step in the application process to
determine which potential QS holders might be over their accumulation
limits as individuals or as members of a business entity. By collecting
ownership information from potential participants in advance of the FMP
amendment approval process, NMFS would expedite the initial issuance of
QS, which is expected to take place in the fall of 2010. Also, NMFS
could use the completed forms to troubleshoot any unforeseen data
collection issues and to provide pre-filled ownership interest forms
with the initial issuance package in the fall of 2010. Pre-filled forms
would reduce the burden on potential participants and shorten the
initial issuance and appeals process.
The IRFA considers three alternatives: (1) No action; (2) a blank
form to collect ownership interest information; and (3) a partially
pre-filled form to collect ownership information. The no action
alternative would delay collecting any ownership interest information
until the initial issuance and appeals process for the trawl
rationalization program, which is expected to take place in the fall of
2010. Under the second alternative, NMFS would mail a blank Trawl
Identification of Ownership Interest Form to potential participants in
the trawl rationalization program. Under the third and selected
alternative, NMFS would mail out a partially pre-filled Trawl
Identification of Ownership Interest Form to potential participants in
the trawl rationalization program. NMFS would use its Permit Office's
database to pre-fill the permit and/or vessel owner's name of record
and address. NMFS would also use this information to begin to fill out
the names of participants with ownership interest.
Compared to the no action alternative, both alternatives would
facilitate a timelier implementation of the trawl rationalization
program. Additionally, the preferred alternative, partially pre-filled
forms, would further expedite the trawl rationalization program
implementation process and would be the most helpful to the person
completing the form. This should aid the person completing the form by
providing details on what information is needed and how NMFS database
currently views the permit and/or vessel owner or owner of the whiting
processor. While timely implementation of the trawl rationalization
program benefits its participants, NMFS must also be aware that doing
so is not too burdensome and costly to the potential trawl
rationalization program participants. This proposed rule would
establish a onetime mailing requesting ownership information. Filling
out a Trawl Ownership Interest Form is expected to take approximately
30 minutes per response and cost approximately $19.15 per response
(which includes the respondent's time ($8.51), mailing, photocopying,
and notary fee). There is no fee for this form. There is an incentive
to respond because this is the initial step by any business to gain
ownership rights in the fishery that can, at a future time, be
harvested, sold, leased, or combined with other businesses in fishing
operations. The financial benefits of participating in the trawl
rationalization program should far outweigh the minimal cost of time
and effort to fill out a form. (Very preliminary Pacific Council
estimates indicate that for the harvesting vessels, after taking into
account the costs of having observer coverage, over time the fishery
may increase annual profits (revenue minus costs) by $10 to $20
million.)
This proposed rule would collect ownership information from
approximately 250 potential participants who may receive initial
allocation of QS, including the at-sea fleet (whiting motherships,
whiting mothership catcher vessels, and whiting catcher/processors),
the shore-based fleet (whiting and non-whiting permit
[[Page 47549]]
owners and holders) and the shore-based whiting processors. Using SBA
standards, most of the estimated 250 entities are considered small
businesses, except for some catcher vessels that also fish off Alaska,
some shoreside processors and all catcher-processors and motherships
(fewer than 30) that are affiliated with larger processing companies or
large international seafood companies. One of the purposes of this data
collection is to have these entities certify that they are ``small'' or
``large'' entities based on SBA size and affiliation criteria.
This information collection would be requested of all potential
participants in the trawl rationalization program, regardless of size,
and would not have a disproportionate effect on small versus large
entities. Nor would this information collection have any effect on
profitability for small entities.
These changes will not duplicate, overlap or conflict with other
laws or regulations. This proposed action is not expected to meet any
of the RFA tests of having a ``significant'' economic impact on a
``substantial number'' of small entities. Nonetheless, NMFS has
prepared an IRFA for this action. NMFS is requesting comments on this
conclusion.
This proposed rule contains a collection-of-information requirement
subject to review and approval by OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act
(PRA). This requirement has been submitted to OMB for approval. The
public reporting burden for the Trawl Identification of Ownership
Interest Form is estimated to average 30 minutes per response,
including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data
sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and
reviewing the collection information. This form is estimated to cost
approximately $19.15 per response (which includes the respondent's time
($8.51), mailing, photocopying, and notary fee). There is no fee for
this form.
Public comment is sought regarding: Whether this proposed
collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of
the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall
have practical utility; the accuracy of the burden estimate; ways to
enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be
collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the collection of
information, including through the use of automated collection
techniques or other forms of information technology. Send comments on
these or any other aspects of the collection of information to NMFS,
Northwest Region (see ADDRESSES section), and by e-mail to David_
Rostker@omb.eop.gov or fax to (202) 395-7285.
Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is
required to respond to, and no person shall be subject to penalty for
failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the PRA, unless that collection of information displays
a currently valid OMB control number.
List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 660
Fishing, Fisheries, and Indian Fisheries.
Dated: September 11, 2009.
Samuel D. Rauch III,
Deputy Assistant Administrator For Regulatory Programs, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
For the reasons set out in the preamble, 50 CFR Part 660 is
proposed to be amended as follows:
PART 660--FISHERIES OFF WEST COAST STATES
1. The authority citation for part 660 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
2. A new Sec. 660.337 is added to read as follows:
Sec. 660.337 Trawl rationalization program - data collection
requirements.
(a) Ownership reporting requirements - (1) In 2010, NMFS will send
a Trawl Identification of Ownership Interest Form to the current
address on record requesting information from participants in the trawl
fishery. Receipt of this form does NOT prequalify these persons for
quota share nor does it guarantee that they will qualify for quota
share under a future trawl rationalization program. The following
participants in the trawl fishery must complete and return the form to
NMFS:
(i) Owners of each limited entry permit endorsed for trawl gear;
(ii) Owners of each vessel registered to a limited entry permit
endorsed for trawl gear (i.e., permit holder) if not identical to the
permit owner covered by paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section;
(iii) Owners of each vessel registered to a Pacific whiting vessel
license that are not covered by paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (ii) above;
and
(iv) First receivers issued current Pacific whiting first receiver
exempted fishing permits.
(2) Supporting documentation.
(i) Business entities completing the Trawl Identification of
Ownership Interest Form are required to submit the following:
(A) A corporate resolution or any other credible documentation as
proof of the authorized representative selected to act on behalf of the
entity; and
(B) Proof that the business entity was established and is currently
recognized as active under the laws of the United States or any State,
if indeed they were.
(ii) After review of the Trawl Identification of Ownership Interest
Form, NMFS may require the following additional documentation:
(A) Articles of incorporation, a notarized contract, or any other
credible documentation that identifies each person who owns an interest
in the entity and their percentage of ownership;
(B) A certified copy of the current vessel document (United States
Coast Guard or state) as evidence of vessel ownership; or
(C) Such other relevant, credible evidence as the applicant may
submit, or as the SFD or the Regional Administrator request or acquire.
(3) Deadline. Persons listed in paragraph (a)(1) will be provided
at least 60 calendar days to submit completed forms. All forms must be
completed and returned to NMFS with a postmark no later than the
deadline date of May 1, 2010.
(b) [Reserved]
[FR Doc. E9-22325 Filed 9-15-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S