[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 50, Volume 4]
[Revised as of October 1, 2002]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 50CFR648.14]

[Page 312-334]
 
                    TITLE 50--WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES
 
                         DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
 
PART 648--FISHERIES OF THE NORTHEASTERN UNITED STATES--Table of Contents
 
                      Subpart A--General Provisions
 
Sec. 648.14  Prohibitions.

    (a) In addition to the general prohibitions specified in 
Sec. 600.725 of this chapter, it is unlawful for any person to do any of 
the following:
    (1) Fail to report to the Regional Administrator within 15 days any 
change in the information contained in an applicable vessel, operator, 
or dealer/processor permit application.
    (2) Falsify or fail to affix and maintain vessel markings as 
required by Sec. 648.8.
    (3) Make any false statement in connection with an application, 
declaration, or report under this part.
    (4) Fail to comply in an accurate and timely fashion with the log 
report, reporting, record retention, inspection, and other requirements 
of Sec. 648.7, or submit or maintain false information in records and 
reports required to be kept or filed under Sec. 648.7.
    (5) Alter, erase, or mutilate any permit issued under this part.
    (6) Alter, erase, mutilate, duplicate or cause to be duplicated, or 
steal any cage tag issued under this part.
    (7) Tamper with, damage, destroy, alter, or in any way distort, 
render useless, inoperative, ineffective, or inaccurate the VMS, VMS 
unit, or VMS signal required to be installed on or transmitted by vessel 
owners or operators required to use a VMS by this part.
    (8) Assault, resist, oppose, impede, harass, intimidate, or 
interfere with or bar by command, impediment, threat, or coercion any 
NMFS-approved observer or sea sampler aboard a vessel conducting his or 
her duties aboard a vessel, or any authorized officer conducting any 
search, inspection, investigation, or seizure in connection with

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enforcement of this part, or any official designee of the Regional 
Administrator conducting his or her duties, including those duties 
authorized in Sec. 648.7(g).
    (9) Refuse to carry an observer or sea sampler if requested to do so 
by the Regional Administrator.
    (10) To refuse reasonable assistance to either a NMFS-approved 
observer or sea sampler conducting his or her duties aboard a vessel.
    (11) Fish for surf clams or ocean quahogs in any area closed to surf 
clam or ocean quahog fishing.
    (12) Fish for, take, catch, harvest or land any species of fish 
regulated by this part in or from the EEZ, unless the vessel has a valid 
and appropriate permit issued under this part and the permit is on board 
the vessel and has not been surrendered, revoked, or suspended.
    (13) Purchase, possess or receive for a commercial purpose, or 
attempt to purchase possess or receive for a commercial purpose, any 
species regulated under this part unless in possession of a valid dealer 
permit issued under this part, except that this prohibition does not 
apply to species that are purchased or received from a vessel not issued 
a permit under this part that fished exclusively in state waters, or 
unless otherwise specified in Sec. 648.17.
    (14) Produce, or cause to be produced, cage tags required under this 
part without written authorization from the Regional Administrator.
    (15) Tag a cage with a tag that has been rendered null and void or 
with a tag that has been previously used.
    (16) Tag a cage of surf clams with an ocean quahog cage tag or tag a 
cage of ocean quahogs with a surf clam cage tag.
    (17) Possess, import, export, transfer, land, have custody or 
control of any species of fish regulated pursuant to this part that do 
not meet the minimum size provisions in this part, unless such species 
were harvested exclusively within state waters by a vessel not issued a 
permit under this part or whose permit has been surrendered in 
accordance with applicable regulations.
    (18) Possess an empty cage to which a cage tag required by 
Sec. 648.75 is affixed or possess any cage that does not contain surf 
clams or ocean quahogs and to which a cage tag required by Sec. 648.75 
is affixed.
    (19) Land or possess, after offloading, any cage holding surf clams 
or ocean quahogs without a cage tag or tags required by Sec. 648.75, 
unless the person can demonstrate the inapplicability of the 
presumptions set forth in Sec. 648.75(h).
    (20) Sell null and void tags.
    (21) Shuck surf clams or ocean quahogs harvested in or from the EEZ 
at sea, unless permitted by the Regional Administrator under the terms 
of Sec. 648.74.
    (22) Receive for a commercial purpose other than transport, surf 
clams or ocean quahogs harvested in or from the EEZ, whether or not they 
are landed under an allocation under Sec. 648.70, unless issued a 
dealer/processor permit under this part.
    (23) Land unshucked surf clams or ocean quahogs harvested in or from 
the EEZ outside the Maine mahogany quahog zone in containers other than 
cages from vessels capable of carrying cages.
    (24) Land unshucked surf clams and ocean quahogs harvested in or 
from the EEZ within the Maine mahogany quahog zone in containers other 
than cages from vessels capable of carrying cages unless, with respect 
to ocean quahogs, the vessel has been issued a Maine mahogany quahog 
permit under this part and is not fishing for an individual allocation 
of quahogs under Sec. 648.70.
    (25) Fail to comply with any of the notification requirements 
specified in Sec. 648.15(b).
    (26) Fish for, retain, or land both surf clams and ocean quahogs in 
or from the EEZ on the same trip.
    (27) Fish for, retain, or land ocean quahogs in or from the EEZ on a 
trip designated as a surf clam fishing trip under Sec. 648.15(b), or 
fish for, retain, or land surf clams in or from the EEZ on a trip 
designated as an ocean quahog fishing trip under Sec. 648.15(b).
    (28) Fail to offload any surf clams or ocean quahogs harvested in 
the EEZ from a trip discontinued pursuant to Sec. 648.15(b) prior to 
commencing fishing operations in waters under the jurisdiction of any 
state.

[[Page 314]]

    (29) Land or possess any surf clams or ocean quahogs harvested in or 
from the EEZ in excess of, or without, an individual allocation.
    (30) Transfer any surf clams or ocean quahogs harvested in or from 
the EEZ to any person for a commercial purpose, other than transport, 
without a surf clam or ocean quahog processor or dealer permit.
    (31) Fish for, possess, or land NE multispecies, unless:
    (i) The NE multispecies are being fished for or were harvested in or 
from the EEZ by a vessel holding a valid multispecies permit under this 
part, or a letter under Sec. 648.4(a)(1), and the operator on board such 
vessel has been issued an operator's permit and has a valid permit on 
board the vessel;
    (ii) The NE multispecies were harvested by a vessel not issued a 
multispecies permit that fishes for NE multispecies exclusively in state 
waters;
    (iii) The NE multispecies were harvested in or from the EEZ by a 
recreational fishing vessel; or
    (iv) Unless otherwise specified in Sec. 648.17.
    (32) Land, offload, remove, or otherwise transfer, or attempt to 
land, offload, remove or otherwise transfer multispecies from one vessel 
to another vessel, unless both vessels have not been issued multispecies 
permits and both fish exclusively in state waters, or unless authorized 
in writing by the Regional Administrator.
    (33) Sell, barter, trade, or otherwise transfer; or attempt to sell, 
barter, trade, or otherwise transfer for a commercial purpose any NE 
multispecies from a trip, unless the vessel is holding a multispecies 
permit, or a letter under Sec. 648.4(a)(1), and is not fishing under the 
charter/party vessel restrictions specified in Sec. 648.89, or unless 
the NE multispecies were harvested by a vessel without a multispecies 
permit that fishes for NE multispecies exclusively in state waters, or 
unless otherwise specified in Sec. 648.17.
    (34) Operate or act as an operator of a vessel fishing for or 
possessing NE multispecies in or from the EEZ, or holding a multispecies 
permit without having been issued and possessing a valid operator's 
permit.
    (35) Fish with, use, or have on board, within the areas described in 
Sec. 648.80(a)(1) and (2), nets with mesh size smaller than the minimum 
mesh size specified in Sec. 648.80(a)(3) and (4), except as provided in 
Sec. 648.80(a)(5) through (8), (a)(9), (a)(10), (a)(15), (d), (e), and 
(i), unless the vessel has not been issued a NE multispecies permit and 
fishes for NE multispecies exclusively in state waters, or unless 
otherwise specified in Sec. 648.17.
    (36) Fish with, use, or have available for immediate use within the 
area described in Sec. 648.80(b)(1), nets of mesh size smaller than the 
minimum size specified in Sec. 648.80(b)(2), except as provided in 
Sec. 648.80(b)(3), (b)(9), (d), (e), and (i), or unless the vessel has 
not been issued a multispecies permit and fishes for multispecies 
exclusively in state waters, or unless otherwise specified in 
Sec. 648.17.
    (37) Fish with, use, or have available for immediate use within the 
area described in Sec. 648.80(c)(1), nets of mesh size smaller that the 
minimum mesh size specified in Sec. 648.80(c)(2), except as provided in 
Sec. 648.80(c)(3), (d), (e), and (i), or unless the vessel has not been 
issued a multispecies permit and fishes for NE multispecies exclusively 
in state waters, or unless otherwise specified in Sec. 648.17.
    (38) Enter or be in the area described in Sec. 648.81(a)(1) on a 
fishing vessel, except as provided in Sec. 648.81(a)(2) and (d).
    (39) Enter or be in the area described in Sec. 648.81(b)(1) on a 
fishing vessel, except as provided in Sec. 648.81(b)(2).
    (40) Enter or be in the area described in Sec. 648.81(c)(1) on a 
fishing vessel, except as allowed under Sec. 648.81(c)(2) and (d).
    (41) Fail to comply with the gear-marking requirements of 
Sec. 648.84.
    (42) Fish within the areas described in Sec. 648.80(a)(6) with nets 
of mesh smaller than the minimum size specified in Sec. 648.80(a)(3) or 
(4).
    (43) Violate any of the provisions of Sec. 648.80, including 
paragraphs (a)(5), the small-mesh northern shrimp fishery exemption 
area; (a)(6), the Cultivator Shoal whiting fishery exemption area; 
(a)(9), Small-mesh Area 1/Small-mesh Area 2; (a)(10), the Nantucket 
Shoals dogfish fishery exemption area; (a)(12), the Nantucket Shoals 
mussel and sea

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urchin dredge exemption area; (a)(13), the GOM/GB monkfish gillnet 
exemption area; (a)(14), the GOM/GB dogfish gillnet exemption area; 
(a)(15), the Raised Footrope Trawl Exempted Whiting Fishery; (b)(3), 
exemptions (small mesh); (b)(5), the SNE monkfish and skate trawl 
exemption area; (b)(6), the SNE monkfish and skate gillnet exemption 
area; (b)(7), the SNE dogfish gillnet exemption area; (b)(8), the SNE 
mussel and sea urchin dredge exemption area; or (b)(9), the SNE little 
tunny gillnet exemption area. Each violation of any provision in 
Sec. 648.80 constitutes a separate violation.
    (44) Fish for, land, or possess NE multispecies harvested by means 
of pair trawling or with pair trawl gear, except under the provisions of 
Sec. 648.80(d), or unless the vessels that engaged in pair trawling have 
not been issued multispecies permits and fish for NE multispecies 
exclusively in state waters.
    (45) Fish for, harvest, possess, or land in or from the EEZ northern 
shrimp, unless such shrimp were fished for or harvested by a vessel 
meeting the requirements specified in Sec. 648.80(a)(5).
    (46) Violate any terms of a letter authorizing experimental fishing 
pursuant to Sec. 648.12 or fail to keep such letter on board the vessel 
during the period of the experiment.
    (47) Fish for the species specified in Sec. 648.80(d) or (e) with a 
net of mesh size smaller than the applicable mesh size specified in 
Sec. 648.80(a)(2) or (3), (b)(2), or (c)(2), or possess or land such 
species, unless the vessel is in compliance with the requirements 
specified in Sec. 648.80(d) or (e), or unless the vessel has not been 
issued a multispecies permit and fishes for NE multispecies exclusively 
in state waters, or unless otherwise specified in Sec. 648.17.
    (48) Violate any provision of the open access permit restrictions as 
provided in Sec. 648.88.
    (49) Violate any of the possession or landing restrictions on 
fishing with scallop dredge gear specified in Secs. 648.80(h) and 
648.94.
    (50) Violate any provision of the state waters winter flounder 
exemption program as provided in Sec. 648.80(i).
    (51) Obstruct or constrict a net as described in Sec. 648.80(g) (1) 
or (2).
    (52) Enter, be on a fishing vessel in, or fail to remove gear from, 
the EEZ portion of the areas described in Sec. 648.81(g)(1) through 
(i)(1), and (n)(1), except as provided in Sec. 648.81(d), (g)(2), 
(h)(2), (i)(2), and (n)(2).
    (53) Possess, land, or fish for regulated species, except winter 
flounder as provided for in accordance with Sec. 648.80(i) and from or 
within the areas described in Sec. 648.80(i), while in possession of 
scallop dredge gear on a vessel not fishing under the scallop DAS 
program as described in Sec. 648.53, or fishing under a general scallop 
permit, unless the vessel and the dredge gear conform with the stowage 
requirements of Sec. 648.51 (a)(2)(ii) and (e)(2), or unless the vessel 
has not been issued a multispecies permit and fishes for NE multispecies 
exclusively in state waters.
    (54) Possess or land fish caught with nets of mesh smaller than the 
minimum size specified in Sec. 648.51, or with scallop dredge gear on a 
vessel not fishing under the scallop DAS program described in 
Sec. 648.54 of this chapter, or fishing under a general scallop permit, 
unless said fish are caught, possessed or landed in accordance with 
Secs. 648.80 and 648.86, or unless the vessel has not been issued a 
multispecies permit and fishes for NE multispecies exclusively in state 
waters.
    (55) Purchase, possess, or receive as a dealer, or in the capacity 
of a dealer, regulated species in excess of the possession limit 
specified in Sec. 648.86 applicable to a vessel issued a multispecies 
permit, unless otherwise specified in Sec. 648.17.
    (56) Possess, or land per trip, scallops in excess of 40 lb (18.14 
kg) of shucked, or 5 bu (176.2 L) of in-shell scallops, unless:
    (i) The scallops were harvested by a vessel that has been issued and 
carries on board a general or limited access scallop permit; or
    (ii) The scallops were harvested by a vessel that has not been 
issued a scallop permit and fishes for scallops exclusively in state 
waters.
    (57) Fish for, possess or land per trip, scallops in excess of 400 
lb (181.44 kg) or 50 bu (17.62 hl) of in-shell scallops, unless:
    (i) The scallops were harvested by a vessel that has been issued and 
carries

[[Page 316]]

on board a limited access scallop permit, or
    (ii) The scallops were harvested by a vessel that has not been 
issued a scallop permit and fishes for scallops exclusively in state 
waters.
    (58) Fish for, possess, or land per trip, scallops in excess of 40 
lb (18.14 kg) of shucked, or 5 bu (176.2 L) of in-shell scallops, 
unless:
    (i) The scallops were harvested by a vessel with an operator on 
board who has been issued an operator's permit and the permit is on 
board the vessel and is valid; or
    (ii) The scallops were harvested by a vessel that has not been 
issued a scallop permit and fishes for scallops exclusively in state 
waters.
    (59) Have a shucking or sorting machine on board a vessel that 
shucks scallops at sea, while in possession of more than 400 lb (181.44 
kg) of shucked scallops, unless that vessel has not been issued a 
scallop permit and fishes exclusively in state waters.
    (60) Land, offload, remove, or otherwise transfer, or attempt to 
land, offload, remove or otherwise transfer, scallops from one vessel to 
another, unless that vessel has not been issued a scallop permit and 
fishes exclusively in state waters.
    (61) Sell, barter or trade, or otherwise transfer, or attempt to 
sell, barter or trade, or otherwise transfer, for a commercial purpose, 
any scallops from a trip whose catch is 40 lb (18.14 kg) of shucked 
scallops or less, or 5 bu (176.1 L) of in-shell scallops, unless the 
vessel has been issued a valid general or limited access scallop permit, 
or the scallops were harvested by a vessel that has not been issued a 
scallop permit and fishes for scallops exclusively in state waters.
    (62) Purchase, possess, or receive for a commercial purpose, or 
attempt to purchase, possess, or receive for a commercial purpose, in 
the capacity of a dealer, scallops taken from a fishing vessel that were 
harvested in or from the EEZ, unless issued, and in possession of, a 
valid scallop dealer's permit.
    (63) Purchase, possess, or receive for commercial purposes, or 
attempt to purchase or receive for commercial purposes, scallops caught 
by a vessel other than one issued a valid limited access or general 
scallop permit unless the scallops were harvested by a vessel that has 
not been issued a scallop permit and fishes for scallops exclusively in 
state waters.
    (64) Operate or act as an operator of a vessel fishing for or 
possessing any species of fish regulated by this part in or from the 
EEZ, or issued a permit pursuant to this part, without having been 
issued and possessing a valid operator's permit.
    (65) Possess in or harvest from the EEZ summer flounder, either in 
excess of the possession limit specified in Sec. 648.105, or before or 
after the time period specified in Sec. 648.102, unless the vessel was 
issued a summer flounder moratorium permit and the moratorium permit is 
on board the vessel and has not been surrendered, revoked, or suspended.
    (66) Possess nets or netting with mesh not meeting the minimum mesh 
requirement of Sec. 648.104 if the person possesses summer flounder 
harvested in or from the EEZ in excess of the threshold limit of 
Sec. 648.105(a).
    (67) Purchase or otherwise receive, except for transport, summer 
flounder from the owner or operator of a vessel issued a summer flounder 
moratorium permit, unless in possession of a valid summer flounder 
dealer permit.
    (68) Purchase or otherwise receive for commercial purposes summer 
flounder caught by other than a vessel with a summer flounder moratorium 
permit not subject to the possession limit of Sec. 648.105.
    (69) Purchase or otherwise receive for a commercial purpose summer 
flounder landed in a state after the effective date published in the 
Federal Register notifying permit holders that commercial quota is no 
longer available in that state.
    (70) Fail to comply with any sea turtle conservation measure 
specified in Sec. 648.106, including any sea turtle conservation measure 
implemented by notification in the Federal Register in accordance with 
Sec. 648.106(d).
    (71) Use any vessel of the United States for taking, catching, 
harvesting, fishing for, or landing any Atlantic salmon taken from or in 
the EEZ.
    (72) Transfer, directly or indirectly, or attempt to transfer to any 
vessel

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any Atlantic salmon taken in or from the EEZ.
    (73) Take, retain, possess, or land more mackerel, squid or 
butterfish than specified under a notification issued under Sec.  
648.22.
    (74) Possess nets or netting with mesh not meeting the minimum size 
requirement of Sec. 648.23 and not stowed in accordance with the 
requirements of Sec. 648.23, if in possession of Loligo harvested in or 
from the EEZ.
    (75) Transfer Loligo, Illex, or butterfish within the EEZ, unless 
the vessels participating in the transfer have been issued a valid 
Loligo and butterfish or Illex moratorium permit and are transferring 
the species for which the vessels are permitted or have a valid squid/
butterfish incidental catch permit and a letter of authorization from 
the Regional Administrator.
    (76) Purchase, possess or receive for a commercial purpose, or 
attempt to purchase, possess, or receive for a commercial purpose, in 
the capacity of a dealer, except for transport on land, mackerel, squid, 
and butterfish taken from a fishing vessel unless issued, and in 
possession of a valid mackerel, squid, and butterfish fishery dealer 
permit.
    (77) Purchase or otherwise receive for a commercial purpose, 
mackerel, squid, and butterfish caught by other than a vessel issued a 
mackerel, squid, and butterfish permit, unless the vessel has not been 
issued a permit under this part and fishes exclusively within the waters 
under the jurisdiction of any state.
    (78) [Reserved]
    (79) Violate any other provision of this part, the Magnuson Act, or 
any regulation, notice, or permit issued under the Magnuson Act.
    (80) Possess scup in or harvested from the EEZ north of 
35 deg.15.3[min] N. lat. in an area closed, or before or after a season 
established pursuant to Sec. 648.122, or in excess of the possession 
limit established pursuant to Sec. 648.125.
    (81) To purchase or otherwise receive for a commercial purpose scup 
harvested from the EEZ north of 35 deg.15.3[min] N. lat., or from a 
vessel issued a scup moratorium permit after the effective date of the 
notification published in the Federal Register stating that the 
commercial quota has been harvested.
    (82) Land scup harvested in or from the EEZ north of 
35 deg.15.3[min] N. lat. after the effective date of the notification 
published in the Federal Register stating that the commercial quota has 
been harvested.
    (83) Possess scup harvested in or from the EEZ north of 
35 deg.15.3[min] N. lat. that do not meet the minimum fish size 
specified in Sec. 648.124.
    (84) Fish for, catch, possess, or retain scup in or from the EEZ 
north of 35 deg.15.3' N. lat. in excess of the amount specified in Sec.  
648.123 (500 lb (226.8 kg) or more from November 1- April 30, or 100 lb 
(45.4 kg) or more from May 1-October 31), unless the vessel meets the 
gear restrictions in Sec.  648.123.
    (85) Fish for, catch, or retain scup in or from the EEZ north of 
35 deg.15.3[min] N. lat. for sale, barter, or trade, after January 1, 
1997, unless the vessel has been issued a valid moratorium permit 
pursuant to Sec. 648.4(a)(6).
    (86) Sell or transfer scup harvested in or from the EEZ north of 
35 deg.15.3[min] N. lat. after January 1, 1997, unless the vessel has 
been issued a valid moratorium permit pursuant to Sec. 648.4(a)(6).
    (87) Fish for, catch, or retain scup in or from the EEZ north of 
35 deg.15.3[min] N. lat. on board a party or charter boat after January 
1, 1997, unless the vessel has been issued a valid party or charter boat 
permit pursuant to Sec. 648.4(a)(6)(ii).
    (88) Fish with or possess scup pots or traps in the EEZ north of 
35 deg.15.3[min] N. lat. that have a rectangular escape vent, any side 
of which is less than 2.25 inches (5.7 cm) in length.
    (89) Fail to remove, use, set, haul back, fish with, or possess on 
board a vessel, unless stowed in accordance with Sec. 648.81(e)(4), sink 
gillnet gear and other gillnet gear capable of catching multispecies, 
with the exception of single pelagic gillnets (as described in 
Sec. 648.81(f)(2)(ii)), in the areas and for the times specified in 
Sec. 648.87 (a) and (b), except as provided in Secs. 648.81(f)(2)(ii) 
and 648.87 (a) and (b), or unless otherwise authorized in writing by the 
Regional Administrator.
    (90) Use, set, haul back, fish with, possess on board a vessel, 
unless stowed in accordance with Sec. 648.23(b), or fail to remove, sink 
gillnet gear and

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other gillnet gear capable of catching multispecies, with the exception 
of single pelagic gillnets (as described in Sec. 648.81(g)(2)(ii)), in 
the areas and for the times specified in Sec. 648.87(a) and (b), except 
as provided in Secs. 648.81(g)(2)(ii) and 648.87(a) and (b), or unless 
otherwise authorized in writing by the Regional Administrator.
    (91) Possess in or harvest from the EEZ from 35 deg.15.3[min] N. 
lat., the latitude of Cape Hatteras Light, NC, northward to the U.S.-
Canada border, black sea bass either in excess of the possession limit 
established pursuant to Sec. 648.145 or before or after the time period 
established pursuant to Sec. 648.142, unless the person is operating a 
vessel issued a moratorium permit under Sec. 648.4 and the moratorium 
permit is on board the vessel and has not been surrendered, revoked, or 
suspended;
    (92) Fish for, catch, possess, land, or retain black sea bass in or 
from the EEZ north of 35 deg.15.3 N. lat. (the latitude of Cape Hatteras 
Light, NC, to the U.S.-Canadian border) in excess of the amount 
specified in Sec. 648.144(a)(1)(i) (i.e., 500 lb (226.8 kg) from January 
1 through March 31, or 100 lb (45.4 kg) from April 1 through December 
31), unless the vessel meets the gear restrictions of Sec. 648.144(a).
    (93) Purchase or otherwise receive for commercial purposes black sea 
bass caught in the EEZ from 35 deg.15.3[min] N. lat., the latitude of 
Cape Hatteras Light, North Carolina, northward to the U.S.-Canada 
border, by other than a vessel with a moratorium permit not subject to 
the possession limit established pursuant to Sec. 648.145 unless the 
vessel has not been issued a permit under this part and is fishing 
exclusively within the waters under the jurisdiction of any state.
    (94) Possess or use rollers used in roller rig or rock hopper trawl 
gear that do not meet the minimum size requirement of Sec. 648.144 if 
the person possesses black sea bass harvested in or from the EEZ from 
35 deg.15.3[min] N. lat., the latitude of Cape Hatteras Light, NC, 
northward to the U.S.-Canada border.
    (95) Possess or use pot and trap gear not meeting the requirements 
of Sec. 648.144 if the person possesses black sea bass harvested in or 
from the EEZ from 35 deg.15.3[min] N. lat., the latitude of Cape 
Hatteras Light, NC, northward to the U.S.-Canada border.
    (96) Purchase or otherwise receive for commercial purposes black sea 
bass landed for sale by a moratorium vessel in any state, or part 
thereof, north of 35 deg.15.3[min] N. lat., after the effective date of 
the notification published in the Federal Register stating that the 
commercial quarterly quota has been harvested and the EEZ is closed to 
the harvest of black sea bass.
    (97) [Reserved]
    (98) Fish, or be in the areas described in Sec. 648.81(j)(1), 
(k)(1), (l)(1), and (m)(1) on a fishing vessel with mobile gear during 
the time periods specified in Sec. 648.81(j)(2), (k)(2), (l)(2), and 
(m)(2), except as provided in Sec. 648.81(j)(2), (k)(2), (l)(2), and 
(m)(2).
    (99) Fish, or be in the areas described in Sec. 648.81(j)(1), 
(k)(1), and (l)(1) on a fishing vessel with lobster pot gear during the 
time periods specified in Sec. 648.81(j)(2), (k)(2), and (l)(2).
    (100) Deploy in or fail to remove lobster pot gear from the areas 
described in Sec. 648.81(j)(1), (k)(1), and (l)(1), during the time 
periods specified in Sec. 648.81(j)(2), (k)(2), and (l)(2).
    (101) Enter, fail to remove gear from, or be in the areas described 
in Sec. 648.81(g)(1) through (i)(1) during the time period specified, 
except as provided in Sec. 648.81(d), (g)(2), (h)(2), and (i)(2).
    (102) Enter or fish in the Gulf of Maine, Georges Bank, and Southern 
New England Regulated Mesh Areas, except as provided in 
Secs. 648.80(a)(3)(vi) and (b)(2)(vi), and for purposes of transiting, 
provided that all gear (other than exempted gear) is stowed in 
accordance with Sec. 648.23(b).
    (103) Sell, barter, trade, or transfer, or attempt to sell, barter, 
trade, or transfer, other than solely for transport, any Atlantic 
herring, multispecies, or monkfish, unless the dealer or transferee has 
a valid dealer permit issued under Sec. 648.6. A person who purchases 
and/or receives Atlantic herring at sea for his own personal use as 
bait, and does not have purse seine, mid-water trawl, pelagic gillnet, 
sink gillnet, or bottom trawl gear on board, is exempt from the 
requirement to possess an Atlantic herring dealer permit.

[[Page 319]]

    (104) Fish for, harvest, possess, or land regulated species in or 
from the closed areas specified in Sec. 648.81(a), (b), (c), (g), (h), 
and (i), unless otherwise specified in Sec. 648.81(c)(2)(iii), 
(g)(2)(i), and (g)(2)(iii).
    (105) Offload unshucked surf clams or ocean quahogs harvested in or 
from the EEZ outside the Maine mahogany quahog zone from vessels not 
capable of carrying cages, other than directly into cages.
    (106) Offload unshucked surf clams harvested in or from the EEZ 
within the Maine mahogany quahog zone from vessels not capable of 
carrying cages, other than directly into cages.
    (107) Offload unshucked ocean quahogs harvested in or from the EEZ 
within the Maine mahogany quahog zone from vessels not capable of 
carrying cages, other than directly into cages, unless the vessel has 
been issued a Maine mahogany quahog permit under this part and is not 
fishing for an individual allocation of quahogs under Sec. 648.70.
    (108) Purchase, receive for a commercial purpose other than 
transport to a testing facility, or process, or attempt to purchase, 
receive for commercial purpose other than transport to a testing 
facility, or process, outside Maine, ocean quahogs harvested in or from 
the EEZ within the Maine mahogany quahog zone, except at a facility 
participating in an overall food safety program, operated by the 
official state agency having jurisdiction, that utilizes food safety-
based procedures including sampling and analyzing for PSP toxin 
consistent with procedures used by the State of Maine for such purpose.
    (109) Land or possess ocean quahogs harvested in or from the EEZ 
within the Maine mahogany quahog zone after the effective date published 
in the Federal Register notifying participants that Maine mahogany 
quahog quota is no longer available, unless the vessel is fishing for an 
individual allocation of ocean quahogs under Sec. 648.70.
    (110) Fish for, possess, or land sea scallops in or from the areas 
described in Sec. 648.57, except as allowed under Secs. 648.52(e) and 
648.58.
    (111) Transit or be in the areas described in Sec. 648.57 when 
fishing under a scallop DAS, except: As allowed under Sec. 648.58; or 
when all scallop gear is unavailable for immediate use as defined in 
Sec. 648.23(b), unless there is a compelling safety reason to be in such 
areas without all such gear being unavailable for immediate use.
    (112) Fish for, harvest, possess, or land in or from the EEZ, when 
fishing with trawl gear, any of the exempted species specified in 
Sec. 648.80(a)(9)(i), unless such species were fished for or harvested 
by a vessel meeting the requirements specified in Sec. 648.80(a)(5)(ii) 
or (a)(9)(ii).
    (113) Land ocean quahogs outside Maine that are harvested in or from 
the EEZ within the Maine mahogany quahog zone, except at a facility 
participating in an overall food safety program, operated by the 
official state agency having jurisdiction, that utilizes food safety-
based procedures including sampling and analyzing for PSP toxin 
consistent with procedures used by the State of Maine for such purpose.
    (114) Fish for, possess, or land species regulated under this part 
with or from a vessel that is issued a limited access permit under 
Secs. 648.4(a)(1)(i), 648.4(a)(2)(i), 648.4(a)(3)(i), 648.4(a)(4)(i), 
648.4(a)(5)(i), 648.4(a)(6)(i), or Sec. 648.4(a)(7)(i), and that has had 
the horsepower of such vessel or its replacement upgraded or increased 
in excess of the limitations specified in Sec. 648.4(a)(1)(i)(E) and 
(F).
    (115) Fish for, possess, or land species regulated under this part 
with or from a vessel issued a limited access permit under 
Secs. 648.4(a)(1)(i), 648.4(a)(2)(i), 648.4(a)(3)(i), 648.4(a)(4)(i), 
648.4(a)(5)(i), 648.4(a)(6)(i), or Sec. 648.4(a)(7)(i), that has had the 
length, GRT, or NT of such vessel or its replacement upgraded or 
increased in excess of the limitations specified in 
Sec. 648.4(a)(1)(i)(E) and (F).
    (116) Fish for, harvest, possess, or land any species of fish in or 
from the GOM/GB Inshore Restricted Roller Gear Area described in 
Sec. 648.80(a)(3)(v) with trawl gear where the diameter of any part of 
the trawl footrope, including discs, rollers or rockhoppers, is greater 
than 12 inches (30.48 cm).
    (117) Fish for, land, or possess NE multispecies harvested with 
brush-sweep trawl gear unless the vessel has

[[Page 320]]

not been issued a multispecies permit and fishes for NE multispecies 
exclusively in state waters.
    (118) Possess brush-sweep trawl gear while in possession of NE 
multispecies, unless the vessel has not been issued a multispecies 
permit and fishes for NE multispecies exclusively in state waters.
    (119) Purchase or otherwise receive, except for transport, spiny 
dogfish from any person on board a vessel issued a spiny dogfish permit, 
unless the purchaser/receiver is in possession of a valid spiny dogfish 
dealer permit.
    (120) Purchase or otherwise receive for a commercial purpose spiny 
dogfish landed by a federally permitted vessel in any state, from Maine 
to Florida, after the effective date of notification published in the 
Federal Register stating that the semi-annual quota has been harvested 
and the EEZ is closed to the harvest of spiny dogfish.
    (121) Enter, be on a fishing vessel in, or fail to remove gear from, 
the EEZ portion of the areas described in Sec. 648.81(n) during the time 
periods specified, except as provided in Sec. 648.81(d) and (n)(2).
    (122) Fish for, catch, possess, retain or land Loligo squid, silver 
hake or black sea bass in or from the areas and during the time periods 
described in Sec.  648.122(a) or (b) while in possession of any trawl 
nets or netting that do not meet the minimum mesh restrictions or that 
are modified, obstructed, or constricted, as specified in Sec.  648.122 
and Sec.  648.123(a), unless the nets or netting are stowed in 
accordance with Sec.  648.23(b).
    (123) Fish for, land, or possess NE multispecies harvested with the 
use of de-hookers (``crucifiers'') with less than 6-inch (15.2-cm) 
spacing between the fairlead rollers unless the vessel has not been 
issued a multispecies permit and fishes for NE multispecies exclusively 
in state waters.
    (124) Possess or use de-hookers (``crucifiers'') with less than 6-
inch (15.2-cm) spacing between the fairlead rollers while in possession 
of NE multispecies, unless the vessel has not been issued a multispecies 
permit and fishes for NE multispecies exclusively in state waters.
    (125) For vessels issued a limited access NE multispecies permit, or 
those issued a limited access NE multispecies permit and a limited 
access monkfish Category C or D permit but not fishing under the limited 
access monkfish Category A or B provisions as allowed under 
Sec. 648.92(b)(2), call into the DAS program prior to 1 hour before 
leaving port.
    (126) Call in DAS in excess of that allocated under the methods 
described in Sec. 648.82(l).
    (b) In addition to the general prohibitions specified in 
Sec. 600.725 of this chapter and in paragraph (a) of this section, it is 
unlawful for any owner or operator of a vessel holding a valid 
multispecies permit, or any person issued an operator's permit or issued 
a letter under Sec. 648.4(a)(1)(i)(M)(3), to do any of the following:
    (1) Land, or possess on board a vessel, more than the possession or 
landing limits specified in Sec. 648.86(a), (b), (c), (d), (e), and (h) 
or to violate any of the other provisions of Sec. 648.86, unless 
otherwise specified in Sec. 648.17.
    (2) If the vessel has been issued a charter/party permit or is 
fishing under charter/party regulations, fail to comply with the 
requirements specified in Sec. 648.81(g)(2)(iii) when fishing in the 
areas described in Sec. 648.81(g)(1) through (i)(1), during the time 
periods specified in those sections.
    (3) Possess in, or harvest from the EEZ southward of 40 deg.00' N. 
lat., any yellowtail flounder unless fishing under recreational or 
charter/party regulations, or transiting in accordance with 
Sec. 648.23(b).
    (4) Fish for, land, or possess yellowtail flounder unless in 
compliance with the provisions of the trip landings and/or maximum 
possession limits specified in Sec. 648.86(h).
    (c) In addition to the general prohibitions specified in 
Sec. 600.725 of this chapter and in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this 
section, it is unlawful for any owner or operator of a vessel issued a 
valid limited access multispecies permit or a letter under 
Sec. 648.4(a)(1)(i)(M)(3), unless otherwise specified in Sec. 648.17, to 
do any of the following:
    (1) Fish for, possess at any time during a trip, or land per trip 
more than the possession limit of NE multispecies

[[Page 321]]

specified in Sec. 648.86(d) after using up the vessel's annual DAS 
allocation or when not participating in the DAS program pursuant to 
Sec. 648.82, unless otherwise exempted under Sec. 648.82(b)(3) or 
Sec. 648.89.
    (2) For purposes of DAS notification, if required or electing to 
have a VMS unit under Sec. 648.10:
    (i) Fail to have a certified, operational, and functioning VMS unit 
that meets the specifications of Sec. 648.9 on board the vessel at all 
times.
    (ii) Fail to comply with the notification, replacement, or any other 
requirements regarding VMS usage as specified in Sec. 648.10(b).
    (3) Combine, transfer, or consolidate DAS allocations.
    (4) Fish for, possess, or land NE multispecies with or from a vessel 
that has had the horsepower of such vessel or its replacement upgraded 
or increased in excess of the limitations specified in 
Sec. 648.4(a)(1)(i) (E) and (F).
    (5) Fish for, possess, or land NE multispecies with or from a vessel 
that has had the length, GRT, or NT of such vessel or its replacement 
increased or upgraded in excess of limitations specified in 
Sec. 648.4(a)(1)(i) (E) and (F).
    (6) Fail to comply with any provision of the DAS notification 
program as specified in Sec. 648.10.
    (7) Possess or land per trip more than the possession or landing 
limits specified under Sec. 648.86(a), (b), (c), (d), (e), and (h), and 
under Sec. 648.82(b)(3), if the vessel has been issued a limited access 
multispecies permit.
    (8) Fail to comply with the restrictions on fishing and gear 
specified in Sec. 648.80(a)(3)(v), (a)(4)(v), (b)(2)(v), and (c)(2)(iv) 
if the vessel has been issued a limited access multispecies permit and 
fishes with hook-gear in areas specified under Sec. 648.80(a), (b), and 
(c).
    (9) Fail to declare, and be, out of the NE multispecies DAS program 
as required by Sec. 648.82(g), using the procedure described under 
Sec. 648.82(h), as applicable.
    (10) Enter, fail to remove sink gillnet gear or gillnet gear capable 
of catching multispecies from, or be in the areas, and for the times, 
described in Sec. 648.87(a) and (b), except as provided in 
Sec. 648.81(d) and (g)(2), and in Sec. 648.87(a)(1)(ii).
    (11) If the vessel has been issued a limited access multispecies 
permit and fishes under a multispecies DAS, fail to comply with gillnet 
requirements and restrictions specified in Sec. 648.82(k).
    (12) If the vessel has been issued a limited access Day gillnet 
category designation, fail to comply with the restriction and 
requirements specified in Sec. 648.82(k)(1).
    (13) If the vessel has been issued a Day gillnet category 
designation, fail to remove gillnet gear from the water as described in 
Sec. 648.82(g) and Sec. 648.82(k)(1)(iv) and (5).
    (14) Fail to comply with the tagging requirements for a day gillnet 
vessel as described in Sec. 648.82(k)(1)(ii), or fail to produce or, 
cause to be produced, gillnet tags when requested by an authorized 
officer.
    (15) Produce, or cause to be produced, gillnet tags under 
Sec. 648.82(k)(1) or (2), without the written confirmation from the 
Regional Administrator described in Sec. 648.82(k)(1)(ii) or (2)(ii).
    (16) Tag a gillnet or use a gillnet tag that has been reported lost, 
missing, destroyed, or issued to another vessel.
    (17) Sell, transfer, or give away gillnet tags that have been 
reported lost, missing, destroyed, or issued to another vessel.
    (18) If the vessel has been issued a Trip gillnet category 
designation, fail to comply with the restrictions and requirements 
specified in Sec. 648.82(k)(2).
    (19) Fail to comply with the exemption specifications as described 
in Sec. 648.86(b)(4).
    (20) [Reserved]
    (21) Fail to declare, and be, out of the non-exempt gillnet fishery 
as required by Sec. 648.82(k)(1)(iv), using the procedure described 
under Sec. 648.82(h), as applicable.
    (22) Fail to comply with the exemption specifications as described 
in Sec. 648.17.
    (23) Fail to enter port and call-out of the DAS program no later 
than 14 DAS after starting a multispecies DAS trip (i.e., the time a 
vessel leaves port or when the vessel received a DAS authorization 
number, whichever comes first), as specified in Sec. 648.10(f)(3), 
unless otherwise specified in Sec. 648.86(b)(1)(ii) or (2)(ii).

[[Page 322]]

    (24) Enter port, while on a multispecies DAS trip, in possession of 
more that the allowable limit of cod specified in Sec. 648.86(b)(1)(i), 
unless the vessel is fishing under the cod exemption specified in 
Sec. 648.86(b)(4). Under no circumstances may such trip exceed 14 days 
in length.
    (25) Fail to remain in port for the appropriate time specified in 
Sec. 648.86(b)(1)(ii)(A), except for transiting purposes, provided the 
vessel complies with Sec. 648.86(b)(3).
    (26) Enter port, while on a multispecies DAS trip, in possession of 
more than the allowable limit of cod specified in Sec. 648.86(b)(2)(ii). 
Under no circumstances may such trip exceed 14 days in length.
    (27) Possess or land per trip more than the possession or landing 
limit specified under Sec. 648.86(c).
    (28) Participate in the DAS program pursuant to Sec. 648.82 when 
carrying passengers for hire on board the vessel during any portion of a 
fishing trip.
    (29) Enter, be on a fishing vessel in, or fail to remove gear from, 
the areas described in Sec. 648.81(g)(1) through (i)(1), during the time 
periods specified, except as provided in Sec. 648.81(d), (g)(2), (h)(2) 
and (i)(2).
    (30) Enter, be on a fishing vessel in, or fail to remove gear from, 
the areas described in Sec. 648.81(n) during the time periods specified, 
except as provided in Sec. 648.81(d) and (n)(2).
    (31) If the vessel has been issued a Charter/Party permit or is 
fishing under charter/party regulations, fail to comply with the 
requirements specified in Sec. 648.81(g)(2)(iii) when fishing in the 
areas described in Sec. 648.81(g)(1) through (i)(1) during the time 
periods specified in those sections.
    (32) If the vessel has been issued a limited access Trip gillnet 
category designation, fail to comply with the restrictions and 
requirements specified in Sec. 648.82(k)(2).
    (33) Fail to remain in port for the appropriate time specified in 
Sec. 648.86(b)(2)(ii)(A), except for transiting purposes, provided the 
vessel complies with Sec. 648.86(b)(3).
    (d) In addition to the general prohibitions specified in 
Sec. 600.725 of this chapter and in paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this 
section, it is unlawful for any person owning or operating a vessel 
issued a multispecies handgear permit to do any of the following, unless 
otherwise specified in Sec. 648.17:
    (1) Possess, at any time during a trip, or land per trip, more than 
the possession limit of NE multispecies specified in Sec. 648.88(a), 
unless the vessel is a charter or party vessel fishing under the 
charter/party restrictions specified in Sec. 648.89.
    (2) Use, or possess on board, gear capable of harvesting NE 
multispecies, other than rod and reel or handline, while in possession 
of, or fishing for, NE multispecies.
    (3) Possess or land NE multispecies during the time period specified 
in Sec. 648.88(a)(2).
    (4) Violate any provision of the open access handgear permit 
restrictions as provided in Sec. 648.88(a).
    (e) In addition to the general prohibitions specified in 
Sec. 600.725 of this chapter and in paragraphs (a) through (d) of this 
section, it is unlawful for any person owning or operating a vessel 
issued a scallop multispecies possession limit permit to possess or land 
more than the possession limit of NE multispecies specified in 
Sec. 648.88(c), or to possess or land regulated species when not fishing 
under a scallop DAS, unless otherwise specified in Sec. 648.17.
    (f) In addition to the general prohibitions specified in 
Sec. 600.725 of this chapter and in paragraph (a) of this section, it is 
unlawful for any person owning or operating a vessel issued a limited 
access scallop permit or a general scallop permit under Sec. 648.4(a)(2) 
to land, or possess at or after landing, in-shell scallops smaller than 
the minimum shell height specified in Sec. 648.50(a).
    (g) In addition to the general prohibitions specified in 
Sec. 600.725 of this chapter and the prohibitions specified in 
paragraphs (a) through (f) of this section, it is unlawful for the owner 
or operator of a charter or party boat issued a multispecies permit, or 
of a recreational vessel, as applicable, unless otherwise specified in 
Sec. 648.17, to:
    (1) Fish with gear in violation of the restrictions specified in 
Sec. 648.89(a).
    (2) Possess cod, haddock, and Atlantic halibut in excess of the 
possession limits specified in Sec. 648.89(c).

[[Page 323]]

    (3) Sell, trade, barter, or otherwise transfer, or attempt to sell, 
trade, barter or otherwise transfer, NE multispecies for a commercial 
purpose as specified in Sec. 648.89(d).
    (h) In addition to the general prohibitions specified in 
Sec. 600.725 of this chapter and in paragraphs (a) and (g) of this 
section, it is unlawful for any person owning or operating a vessel 
issued a limited access scallop permit under Sec. 648.4(a)(2) to do any 
of the following:
    (1) Possess, or land per trip, more than 400 lb (181.44 kg) of 
shucked, or 50 bu (17.62 hl) of in-shell scallops after using up the 
vessel's annual DAS allocation or when not participating under the DAS 
program pursuant to Sec. 648.10, unless exempted from DAS allocations as 
provided in Sec. 648.54.
    (2) Land scallops on more than one trip per calendar day after using 
up the vessel's annual DAS allocation or when not participating under 
the DAS program pursuant to Sec. 648.10, unless exempted from DAS 
allocations as provided in Sec. 648.55.
    (3) Fail to have an approved, operational, and functioning VMS unit 
that meets the specifications of Sec. 648.9 on board the vessel at all 
times, unless the vessel is not subject to the VMS requirements 
specified in Sec. 648.10.
    (4) If the vessel is not subject to VMS requirements specified in 
Sec. 648.10(a), fail to comply with the requirements of the call-in 
system specified in Sec. 648.10(b).
    (5) Combine, transfer, or consolidate DAS allocations.
    (6) Have an ownership interest in more than 5 percent of the total 
number of vessels issued limited access scallop permits, except as 
provided in Sec. 648.4(a)(2)(i)(H).
    (7) Fish for, possess, or land scallops with or from a vessel that 
has had the horsepower of such vessel or its replacement upgraded or 
increased in excess of the limitations specified in Sec. 648.4(a)(2)(i) 
(E) or (F).
    (8) Fish for, possess, or land scallops with or from a vessel that 
has had the length, GRT, or NT of such vessel or its replacement 
increased or upgraded in excess of limitations specified in 
Sec. 648.4(a)(2)(i) (E) or (F).
    (9) Possess more than 40 lb (18.14 kg) of shucked, or 5 bu (176.2 l) 
of in shell scallops or participate in the DAS allocation program, while 
in the possession of trawl nets that have a maximum sweep exceeding 144 
ft (43.9 m), as measured by the total length of the footrope that is 
directly attached to the webbing of the net, except as specified in 
Sec. 648.51(a)(2)(ii).
    (10) Fish under the DAS allocation program with, or have available 
for immediate use, trawl nets of mesh smaller than the minimum size 
specified in Sec. 648.51(a)(2).
    (11) Fish under the DAS allocation program with trawl nets that use 
chafing gear or other means or devices that do not meet the requirements 
of Sec. 648.51(a)(3).
    (12) Possess more than 40 lb (18.14 kg) of shucked, or 5 bu (176.2 
L) of in-shell scallops or participate in the DAS allocation program, 
while in possession of dredge gear that has a maximum combined dredge 
width exceeding 31 ft (9.4 m), measured at the widest point in the bail 
of each dredge, except as specified in Sec. 648.51(b)(1).
    (13) Possess more than 40 lb (18.14 kg) of shucked, or 5 bu (176.1 
L) of in-shell scallops, or fish under the DAS allocation program, while 
in possession of dredge gear that uses net or net material, or any other 
material, on the top half of the dredge with a mesh size smaller than 
that specified in Sec. 648.51(b)(2), unless otherwise prohibited under 
paragraph (h)(27) of this section.
    (14) Possess more than 40 lb (18.14 kg) of shucked, or 5 bu (176.1 
L) of in-shell scallops, or fish under the DAS allocation program, while 
in possession of dredge gear containing rings that have minimum sizes 
smaller than those specified in Sec. 648.51(b)(3).
    (15) Possess more than 40 lb (18.14 kg) of shucked, or 5 bu (176.2 
L) of in-shell scallops, or participate in the DAS allocation program, 
while in possession of dredge gear that uses links between rings of the 
gear or ring configurations that do not conform to the specifications 
described in Sec. 648.51(b)(4)(ii).
    (16) Possess more than 40 lb (18.14 kg) of shucked, or 5 bu (176.2 
L) of in-shell scallops, or participate in the DAS allocation program, 
while in possession of dredge gear that uses cookies or chafing gear, or 
other gear, means, or

[[Page 324]]

devices on the top half of a dredge that obstruct the openings in or 
between the rings, except as specified in Sec. 648.51(b)(4).
    (17) Participate in the DAS allocation program with more than the 
number of persons specified in Sec. 648.51(c), including the operator, 
on board when the vessel is not docked or moored in port, unless 
otherwise authorized by the Regional Administrator.
    (18) Fish under the small dredge program specified in 
Sec. 648.51(e), with, or while in possession of, a dredge that exceeds 
10.5 ft (3.2 m) in overall width, as measured at the widest point in the 
bail of the dredge.
    (19) Fish under the small dredge program as specified in 
Sec. 648.51(e) with more than five persons, including the operator, 
aboard the vessel, unless otherwise authorized by the Regional 
Administrator.
    (20) Have a shucking or sorting machine on board a vessel that 
shucks scallops at sea while fishing under the DAS allocation program, 
unless otherwise authorized by the Regional Administrator.
    (21) Refuse or fail to carry an observer if requested to do so by 
the Regional Administrator.
    (22) Fail to provide an observer with required food, accommodations, 
access, and assistance, as specified in Sec. 648.11.
    (23) Fail to comply with any requirement for declaring in and out of 
the DAS allocation program as specified in Sec. 648.10.
    (24) Fail to comply with any requirement for participating in the 
DAS Exemption Program as specified in Sec. 648.54.
    (25) Fish with, possess on board, or land scallops while in 
possession of trawl nets, when fishing for scallops under the DAS 
allocation program, unless exempted as provided for in Sec. 648.51(f).
    (26) Fail to comply with the restriction on twine top described in 
Sec. 648.51(b)(4)(iv).
    (27) Enter or be in the areas described in Sec. 648.57 when fishing 
with scallop dredge gear under the Sea Scallop Area Access Program 
specified in Sec. 648.58, with a net, net material, or any other 
material on the top half of the dredge with mesh size smaller than that 
specified in Sec. 648.58(c)(7).
    (28) Fail to comply with any of the provisions and specifications of 
Sec. 648.58.
    (29) Possess or land per trip more than 50 bu (17.62 hectoliters 
(hl)) of in-shell scallops, as specified in Sec. 648.52(d), once inside 
the VMS Demarcation Line by a vessel that, at any time during the trip, 
fished in or transited any area south of 42 deg.20[min] N. Latitude, 
except as provided in Sec. 648.54.
    (30) Land per trip more than 100 lb (45.36 kg) of scallop meats as 
specified in Sec. 648.52(e) in or from the areas described in 
Sec. 648.57 when fishing under a scallop DAS but not declared into the 
Sea Scallop Area Access Program or when fishing outside of the scallop 
DAS program.
    (31) Possess more than 100 lb. (45.36 kg) of scallop meats in the 
areas described in Sec.  648.57 when fishing under a scallop DAS but not 
declared into the Sea Scallop Area Access Program or when fishing 
outside of the scallop DAS program, unless the vessel's fishing gear is 
unavailable for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.23(b), or, there is 
a compelling safety reason to be in such areas without all such gear 
being unavailable for immediate use.
    (32) Except as allowed in Sec. 648.52(e), land in-shell scallops in 
or from the areas described in Sec. 648.57 when fishing under a scallop 
DAS but not declared into the Sea Scallop Area Access Program or when 
fishing outside of the scallop DAS program.
    (33) Except as allowed in Sec. 648.52(e), possess in-shell scallops 
in the areas described in Sec. 648.57 when fishing under a scallop DAS 
but not declared into the Sea Scallop Area Access Program or when 
fishing outside of the scallop DAS program, unless the vessel's fishing 
gear is unavailable for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.23(b), or, 
there is a compelling safety reason to be in such areas without all such 
gear being unavailable for immediate use.
    (i) In addition to the general prohibitions specified in 
Sec. 600.725 of this chapter and in paragraphs (a), (f), and (g) of this 
section, it is unlawful for any person owning or operating a vessel 
issued a general scallop permit to do any of the following:

[[Page 325]]

    (1) Possess, or land per trip, more than 400 lb (181.44 kg) of 
shucked or 50 bu (17.62 hl) of in-shell scallops.
    (2) Possess more than 40 lb (18.14 kg) of shucked, or 5 bu (176.2 L) 
of in-shell scallops while in possession of, or fish for scallops with, 
dredge gear that has a maximum combined dredge width exceeding 31 ft 
(9.4 m), measured at the widest point in the bail of each dredge, except 
as specified in Sec. 648.51(b)(1).
    (3) Possess more than 40 lb (18.14 kg) of shucked, or 5 bu (176.1 L) 
of in-shell scallops while in possession of, or fish for scallops with, 
dredge gear that uses net or net material on the top half of the dredge 
of a minimum mesh size smaller than that specified in Sec. 648.51(b)(2).
    (4) Possess more than 40 lb (18.14 kg) of shucked, or 5 bu (176.1 L) 
of in-shell scallops while in possession of, or fish for scallops with, 
dredge gear containing rings that have minimum sizes smaller than those 
specified in Sec. 648.51(b)(3).
    (5) Possess more than 40 lb (18.14 kg) of shucked, or 5 bu (176.2 L) 
of in-shell scallops while in possession of, or fish for scallops with, 
dredge gear that uses links between rings of the gear or ring 
configurations that do not conform to the specifications described in 
Sec. 648.51(b)(4)(ii).
    (6) Possess more than 40 lb (18.14 kg) of shucked, or 5 bu (176.2 L) 
of in-shell scallops while in possession of, or fish for scallops with, 
dredge gear that uses cookies or chafing gear, or other gear, means, or 
devices on the top half of a dredge that obstruct the openings in or 
between the rings, except as specified in Sec. 648.51(b)(4).
    (7) Fish for, or land, more than 40 lb (18.14 kg) of scallops on 
more than one trip per calendar day.
    (8) Possess, retain, or land per trip no more than 100 lb (45.36 kg) 
of shucked scallops in or from the areas described in Sec. 648.57.
    (9) Except as allowed in Sec. 648.52(e), possess or land in-shell 
scallops in or from the areas described in Sec. 648.57.
    (j) In addition to the general prohibitions specified in Sec.  
600.725 of this chapter and in paragraph (a) of this section, unless 
participating in a research activity as described in Sec.  648.100(f), 
it is unlawful for any person owning or operating a vessel issued a 
summer flounder permit (including a moratorium permit) to do any of the 
following:
    (1) Possess 100 lb or more (45.4 kg or more) of summer flounder 
between May 1 and October 31, or 200 lb or more (90.7 kg or more) of 
summer flounder between November 1 and April 30, unless the vessel meets 
the minimum mesh size requirement specified in Sec. 648.104(a), or is 
fishing in the exempted area with an exemption permit as specified in 
Sec. 648.104(b)(1), or holds an exemption permit and is in transit from 
the exemption area with nets properly stowed as specified in 
Sec. 648.104(f), or is fishing with exempted gear specified in 
Sec. 648.104(b)(2).
    (2) Possess summer flounder in other than a box specified in 
Sec. 648.105(d) if fishing with nets having mesh that does not meet the 
minimum mesh-size requirement specified in Sec. 648.104(a), unless the 
vessel is fishing pursuant to the exemptions specified in 
Sec. 648.104(b).
    (3) Land summer flounder for sale in a state after the effective 
date of the notification in the Federal Register notifying permit 
holders that commercial quota is no longer available in that state.
    (4) Fish with or possess nets or netting that do not meet the 
minimum mesh requirement, or that are modified, obstructed or 
constricted, if subject to the minimum mesh requirement specified in 
Sec. 648.104, unless the nets or netting are stowed in accordance with 
Sec. 648.104(f).
    (5) Fish with or possess nets or netting that do not meet the 
minimum mesh requirement, or that are modified, obstructed or 
constricted, if fishing with an exempted net described in Sec. 648.104, 
unless the nets or netting are stowed in accordance with 
Sec. 648.104(f).
    (6) Fish west or south, as appropriate, of the line specified in 
Sec. 648.104(b)(1) if exempted from the minimum mesh requirement 
specified in Sec. 648.104 by a summer flounder exemption permit.
    (7) Sell or transfer to another person for a commercial purpose, 
other than transport, any summer flounder, unless the transferee has a 
valid summer flounder dealer permit.
    (8) Carry passengers for hire, or carry more than three crew members 
for a charter boat or five crew members for

[[Page 326]]

a party boat, while fishing commercially pursuant to a summer flounder 
moratorium permit.
    (9) Offload, remove, or otherwise transfer, or attempt to offload, 
remove or otherwise transfer summer flounder from one vessel to another, 
unless that vessel has not been issued a summer flounder permit and 
fishes exclusively in state waters.
    (k) In addition to the general prohibitions specified in Sec.  
600.725 of this chapter and in paragraph (a) of this section, unless 
participating in a research activity as described in Sec.  648.120(e), 
it is unlawful for any person owning or operating a vessel issued a scup 
permit (including a moratorium permit) to do any of the following:
    (1) Possess scup in excess of the threshold amount specified in 
Sec. 648.123, unless the vessel meets the minimum mesh-size restrictions 
specified in Sec. 648.123.
    (2) Fail to keep scup separate from other species if fishing with 
nets having mesh that does not meet the minimum mesh-size restrictions 
specified in Sec. 648.123(a).
    (3) Land scup for sale after the effective date of the notification 
published in the Federal Register stating that the commercial quota has 
been harvested.
    (4) Possess nets or netting that do not meet the minimum mesh 
restrictions or that are modified, obstructed or constricted, if subject 
to the minimum mesh requirements specified in Sec. 648.123(a), unless 
the nets or netting are stowed in accordance with Sec. 648.23(b).
    (5) Fish with nets or netting that do not meet the minimum mesh 
restriction or that are modified, obstructed or constricted while in 
possession of scup in excess of the threshold amount specified in 
Sec. 648.123.
    (6) As of January 1, 1997, sell or transfer to another person for a 
commercial purpose, other than transport on land, any scup, unless the 
transferee has a dealer permit issued under Sec. 648.6.
    (7) Carry passengers for hire, or carry more than three crew members 
for a charter boat or five crew members for a party boat, while fishing 
for scup under the terms of a moratorium permit issued pursuant to 
Sec. 648.4(a)(6).
    (8) Use a scup pot or trap that does not have the hinges and 
fasteners made of degradable materials as specified in Sec. 648.123.
    (9) Use a scup trap or pot that does not have a minimum escape vent 
of the size specified in Sec. 648.123.
    (10) Use roller rig trawl gear equipped with rollers greater than 
the size specified in Sec. 648.123.
    (11) Possess scup in, or harvested from, the EEZ in an area closed, 
or before or after a season established pursuant to Sec. 648.122.
    (12) Use a scup trap or pot that is not marked in accordance with 
Sec. 648.123(b)(3).
    (l) In addition to the general prohibitions specified in Sec.  
600.725 of this chapter and in paragraph (a) of this section, unless 
participating in a research activity as described in Sec.  648.120(e), 
it is unlawful for the owner or operator of a party or charter boat 
issued a scup permit (including a moratorium permit), when the boat is 
carrying passengers for hire or carrying more than three crew members if 
a charter boat or more than five members if a party boat to:
    (1) Possess scup in excess of the possession limit established 
pursuant to Sec. 648.125.
    (2) Fish for scup other than during a season established pursuant to 
Sec. 648.122.
    (3) Sell scup or transfer scup to another person for a commercial 
purpose.
    (4) Possess scup that do not meet the minimum fish size specified in 
Sec. 648.124(b).
    (m) In addition to the general prohibitions specified in Sec.  
600.725 of this chapter and in paragraph (a) of this section, unless 
participating in a research activity as described in Sec.  648.100(f), 
it is unlawful for the owner and operator of a party or charter boat 
issued a summer flounder permit (including a moratorium permit), when 
the boat is carrying passengers for hire or carrying more than three 
crew members if a charter boat or more than five members if a party 
boat, to:
    (1) Possess summer flounder in excess of the possession limit 
established pursuant to Sec. 648.105.
    (2) Fish for summer flounder other than during a season specified 
pursuant to Sec. 648.102.

[[Page 327]]

    (3) Sell or transfer summer flounder to another person for a 
commercial purpose.
    (n) It is unlawful to violate any terms of a letter authorizing 
experimental fishing pursuant to Sec. 648.12 or to fail to keep such 
letter aboard the vessel during the time period of the experimental 
fishing.
    (o) In addition to the general prohibitions specified in 
Sec. 600.725 of this chapter and in paragraph (a) of this section, it is 
unlawful for any person owning or operating a vessel issued a surf clam 
and ocean quahog permit or issued a surf clam and ocean quahog 
allocation permit under Sec. 648.70, to land or possess any surf clams 
or ocean quahogs in excess of, or without, an individual allocation, or 
to transfer any surf clams or ocean quahogs to any person for a 
commercial purpose other than transport, unless that person has a surf 
clam and ocean quahog processor/dealer permit.
    (p) In addition to the general prohibitions specified in Sec.  
600.725 of this chapter and in paragraph (a) of this section, unless 
participating in a research activity as described in Sec.  648.21(g), it 
is unlawful for any person owning or operating a vessel issued a valid 
mackerel, squid, and butterfish fishery permit, or issued an operator's 
permit, to do any of the following:
    (1) Possess more than the incidental catch allowance of Loligo or 
butterfish, unless issued a Loligo squid and butterfish fishery 
moratorium permit.
    (2) Possess more than the incidental catch allowance of Illex squid 
unless issued an Illex squid moratorium permit.
    (3) Take, retain, possess, or land mackerel, squid or butterfish in 
excess of a possession allowance specified under Sec. 648.22.
    (4) Take, retain, possess, or land mackerel, squid or butterfish 
after a total closure specified under Sec. 648.22.
    (5) Fish with or possess nets or netting that do not meet the 
minimum mesh requirement for Loligo specified in Sec. 648.23(a), or that 
are modified, obstructed, or constricted, if subject to the minimum mesh 
requirement, unless the nets or netting are stowed in accordance with 
Sec. 648.23(b) or the vessel is fishing under an exemption specified in 
Sec. 648.23(a).
    (6) Transfer squid or butterfish at sea to another vessel unless 
that other vessel has been issued a valid Loligo and butterfish or Illex 
moratorium permit and are transferring the species for which the vessel 
is permitted or a valid squid/butterfish incidental catch permit and a 
letter of authorization by the Regional Administrator.
    (7) Fail to comply with any measures implemented pursuant to 
Sec. 648.21.
    (8) Carry passengers for hire while fishing commercially under a 
mackerel, squid, and butterfish fishery permit.
    (9) Fail to carry on board a letter of authorization, if fishing in 
an experimental fishery pursuant to Sec. 648.12.
    (10) Fish for, retain, or possess Atlantic mackerel in or from the 
EEZ with a vessel that exceeds either 165 ft (50.3 m) in length overall 
and 750 GRT, or a shaft horsepower of 3000 shp, except for the retention 
and possession of Atlantic mackerel for processing by a vessel holding a 
valid at-sea processor permit pursuant to Sec. 648.6(a)(2).
    (q) In addition to the general prohibitions specified in Sec.  
600.725 of this chapter and in paragraph (a) of this section, unless 
participating in a research activity as described in Sec.  648.21(g), it 
is unlawful for the owner and operator of a party or charter boat issued 
a mackerel, squid, and butterfish fishery permit (including a moratorium 
permit), when the boat is carrying passengers for hire, to do any of the 
following:
    (1) Violate any recreational fishing measures established pursuant 
to Sec. 648.21(d).
    (2) Sell or transfer mackerel, squid, or butterfish to another 
person for a commercial purpose.
    (r) [Reserved]
    (s) Any person possessing or landing per trip, scallops in excess of 
40 lb (18.14 kg) of shucked, or 5 bu (176.1 L) of in-shell scallops, at 
or prior to the time when those scallops are received or possessed by a 
dealer, is subject to all of the scallop prohibitions specified in this 
section, unless the scallops were harvested by a vessel without a 
scallop permit that fishes for scallops exclusively in state waters. Any 
person, regardless of the quantity of scallops possessed or landed, is 
subject to the prohibitions of paragraphs (a)(4) through

[[Page 328]]

(7), (10), (11), (68), (69), (71), (72), (73), and (87) of this section.
    (t) In addition to the general prohibitions specified in 
Sec. 600.725 of this chapter and in paragraphs (a) through (h) of this 
section, it is unlawful for any owner or operator of a vessel issued a 
valid open access multispecies permit to possess or land any regulated 
species as defined in Sec. 648.2, or to violate any applicable 
provisions of Sec. 648.88, unless otherwise specified in Sec. 648.17.
    (u) In addition to the general prohibitions specified in Sec.  
600.725 of this chapter and in paragraph (a) of this section, unless 
participating in a research activity as described in Sec.  648.140(e), 
it is unlawful for any person owning or operating a vessel issued a 
black sea bass permit (including a moratorium permit) to do any of the 
following:
    (1) Fish for, catch, possess, land, or retain black sea bass in 
excess of the amount specified in Sec. 648.144(a)(1)(i)(i.e. 500 lb 
(226.8 kg) from January 1 through March 31, or 100 lb (45.4 kg) from 
April 1 through December 31), unless the vessel meets the minimum mesh 
requirement specified in Sec. 648.144 (a).
    (2) Possess black sea bass in other than a box specified in 
Sec. 648.145(d) if fishing with nets having mesh that does not meet the 
minimum mesh-size requirement specified in Sec. 648.144 (a).
    (3) Land black sea bass for sale in any state, or part thereof, 
north or south of 35 deg.15.3[min] N. lat., after the effective date of 
the notification published in the Federal Register stating that the 
commercial quarterly quota has been harvested and the EEZ is closed to 
the harvest of black sea bass.
    (4) Fish with or possess nets or netting that do not meet the 
minimum mesh requirement, or that are modified, obstructed or 
constricted, if subject to the minimum mesh requirement specified in 
Sec. 648.144, unless the nets or netting are stowed in accordance with 
Sec. 648.23(b).
    (5) Fish with or possess rollers used in roller rig or rock hopper 
trawl gear that do not meet the requirements specified in 
Sec. 648.144(a)(5).
    (6) Fish with or possess pots or traps that do not meet the 
requirements specified in Sec. 648.144(b).
    (7) Sell or transfer to another person for a commercial purpose, 
other than transport on land, any black sea bass, unless the transferee 
has a valid black sea bass dealer permit.
    (8) Carry passengers for hire, or carry more than three crew members 
for a charter boat or five crew members for a party boat, while fishing 
commercially pursuant to a black sea bass moratorium permit.
    (9) Possess, retain, or land black sea bass harvested in or from the 
EEZ in excess of the commercial possession limit established at Sec.  
648.140.
    (10) Land black sea bass for sale in any state south of North 
Carolina.
    (11) Possess black sea bass harvested in or from the EEZ north or 
south of 35 deg.15.3[min] N. lat. after the effective date of the 
notification published in the Federal Register stating that the 
commercial quarterly quota has been harvested and the EEZ is closed to 
the harvest of black sea bass.
    (v) In addition to the general prohibitions specified in Sec.  
600.725 of this chapter and in paragraph (a) of this section, unless 
participating in a research activity as described in Sec.  648.140(e), 
it is unlawful for the owner and operator of a party or charter boat 
issued a black sea bass permit (including a moratorium permit), when the 
boat is carrying passengers for hire or carrying more than three crew 
members if a charter boat or more than five members if a party boat, to:
    (1) Possess black sea bass in excess of the possession limit 
established pursuant to Sec. 648.145.
    (2) Fish for black sea bass other than during a season specified 
pursuant to Sec. 648.142.
    (3) Sell black sea bass or transfer black sea bass to another person 
for a commercial purpose.
    (w) In addition to the general prohibitions specified in Sec.  
600.725 of this chapter and in paragraph (a) of this section, unless 
participating in a research activity as described in Sec.  648.160(h), 
it is unlawful for any person to do any of the following:
    (1) Possess in or harvest from the EEZ, Atlantic bluefish, in excess 
of the daily possession limit found at Sec. 648.164, unless the vessel 
is issued a valid Atlantic bluefish vessel permit under 
Sec. 648.4(a)(8)(i) and the permit is on

[[Page 329]]

board the vessel and has not been surrendered, revoked, or suspended.
    (2) Purchase, possess or receive for a commercial purpose, or 
attempt to purchase, possess, or receive for a commercial purpose, in 
the capacity of a dealer, except solely for transport on land, Atlantic 
bluefish taken from a fishing vessel that were harvested in or from the 
EEZ unless issued, and in possession of, a valid Atlantic bluefish 
fishery dealer permit issued under Sec. 648.6(a).
    (3) Sell, barter, trade or transfer, or attempt to sell, barter, 
trade or otherwise transfer, other than for transport, Atlantic bluefish 
that were harvested in or from the EEZ, unless the vessel has been 
issued a valid bluefish permit under Sec. 648.4(a)(8)(i).
    (4) Land Atlantic bluefish for sale in a state after the effective 
date of the notification in the Federal Register , pursuant to 
Sec. 648.161(b), which notifies permit holders that the commercial quota 
is no longer available in that state.
    (5) Carry passengers for hire, or carry more than three crew members 
for a charter boat or five crew members for a party boat, while fishing 
commercially pursuant to an Atlantic bluefish permit issued under 
Sec. 648.4(a)(8).
    (6) Land Atlantic bluefish for sale after the effective date of the 
notification in the Federal Register pursuant to Sec. 648.161(a), which 
notifies permit holders that the Atlantic bluefish fishery is closed.
    (7) To purchase or otherwise receive for a commercial purpose 
bluefish harvested from the EEZ after the effective date of the 
notification published in the Federal Register stating that the 
commercial quota has been harvested.
    (8) To purchase or otherwise receive for a commercial purpose 
bluefish harvested by a federally permitted vessel after the effective 
date of the notification published in the Federal Register stating that 
the commercial quota has been harvested.
    (x) For purposes of this section, the following presumptions apply:
    (1) Surf clams and ocean quahogs. (i) Possession of surf clams or 
ocean quahogs on the deck of any fishing vessel in closed areas, or the 
presence of any part of a vessel's gear in the water in closed areas, or 
the presence of any part of a vessel's gear in the water more than 12 
hours after an announcement closing the entire fishery becomes 
effective, is prima facie evidence that such vessel was fishing in 
violation of the provisions of the Magnuson Act and these regulations.
    (ii) Surf clams or ocean quahogs landed from a trip for which 
notification was provided under Sec. 648.15(b) or Sec. 648.70(b) are 
deemed to have been harvested in the EEZ and count against the 
individual's annual allocation unless the vessel has a valid Maine 
mahogany quahog permit issued pursuant to Sec. 648.4(a)(4)(i) and is not 
fishing for an individual allocation under Sec. 648.70.
    (iii) Surf clams or ocean quahogs found in cages without a valid 
state tag are deemed to have been harvested in the EEZ and are deemed to 
be part of an individual's allocation, unless the vessel has a valid 
Maine mahogany quahog permit issued pursuant to Sec. 648.4(a)(4)(i) and 
is not fishing for an individual allocation under Sec. 648.70; or, 
unless the preponderance of available evidence demonstrates that he/she 
has surrendered his/her surf clam and ocean quahog permit issued under 
Sec. 648.4 and he/she conducted fishing operations exclusively within 
waters under the jurisdiction of any state. Surf clams and ocean quahogs 
in cages with a Federal tag or tags, issued and still valid pursuant to 
this section, affixed thereto are deemed to have been harvested by the 
individual allocation holder to whom the tags were issued or transferred 
under Sec. 648.(70) or Sec. 648.75(b).
    (2) Scallops. Scallops that are possessed or landed at or prior to 
the time when the scallops are received by a dealer, or scallops that 
are possessed by a dealer, are deemed to be harvested from the EEZ, 
unless the preponderance of all submitted evidence demonstrates that 
such scallops were harvested by a vessel without a scallop permit and 
fishing exclusively for scallops in state waters.
    (3) Summer flounder. All summer flounder possessed aboard a party or 
charter boat issued a summer flounder permit are deemed to have been 
harvested from the EEZ.
    (4) NE multispecies. (i) Regulated species possessed for sale that 
do not meet

[[Page 330]]

the minimum sizes specified in Sec. 648.83 for sale are deemed to have 
been taken or imported in violation of these regulations, unless the 
preponderance of all submitted evidence demonstrates that such fish were 
harvested by a vessel not issued a permit under this part and fishing 
exclusively within state waters, or by a vessel that fished exclusively 
in the NAFO Regulatory Area. This presumption does not apply to fish 
being sorted on deck.
    (ii) Regulated species possessed for sale that do not meet the 
minimum sizes specified in Sec. 648.83 for sale are deemed taken from 
the EEZ or imported in violation of these regulations, unless the 
preponderance of all submitted evidence demonstrates that such fish were 
harvested by a vessel not issued a permit under this part and fishing 
exclusively within state waters, or by a vessel that fished exclusively 
in the NAFO Regulatory Area. This presumption does not apply to fish 
being sorted on deck.
    (iii) All small-mesh multispecies retained or possessed on a vessel 
issued any permit under Sec. 648.4 are deemed to have been harvested 
from the EEZ.
    (5) Mackerel, squid, and butterfish. All mackerel and butterfish 
possessed on board a party or charter boat issued a mackerel, squid, and 
butterfish fishery permit are deemed to have been harvested from the 
EEZ.
    (6) Scup. All scup possessed on board a party or charter boat issued 
a permit under Sec. 648.4 are deemed to have been harvested from the 
EEZ.
    (7) Black sea bass. All black sea bass possessed on board a party or 
charter boat issued a permit under Sec. 648.4(a)(7)(ii) are deemed to 
have been harvested from U.S. waters of the western Atlantic Ocean from 
35 deg.15.3[min] N. lat., the latitude of Cape Hatteras Light, NC, 
northward to the U.S.-Canada border.
    (8) Monkfish. All monkfish retained or possessed on a vessel issued 
any permit under Sec. 648.4 are deemed to have been harvested from the 
EEZ.
    (9) All bluefish possessed on board a party or charter vessel issued 
a permit under Sec. 648.4(a)(8)(ii) are deemed to have been harvested 
from the EEZ.
    (10) Atlantic herring. All Atlantic herring retained or possessed on 
a vessel issued any permit under Sec.  648.4 are deemed to have been 
harvested from the EEZ, unless the preponderance of all submitted 
evidence demonstrates that such Atlantic herring were harvested by a 
vessel fishing exclusively in state waters.
    (11) Tilefish. All tilefish retained or possessed on a vessel issued 
any permit under Sec. 648.4 are deemed to have been harvested in or from 
the tilefish management unit, unless the preponderance of all submitted 
evidence demonstrates that such tilefish were harvested by a vessel 
fishing exclusively in state waters.
    (y) In addition to the general prohibitions specified in 
Sec. 600.725 of this chapter and in paragraph (a) of this section, it is 
unlawful for any person owning or operating a vessel issued a limited 
access monkfish permit to do any of the following:
    (1) Fish for, possess, retain or land monkfish, unless:
    (i) The monkfish are being fished for or were harvested in or from 
the EEZ by a vessel issued a valid monkfish permit under this part and 
the operator on board such vessel has been issued an operator permit 
that is on board the vessel; or
    (ii) The monkfish were harvested by a vessel not issued a monkfish 
permit that fishes for monkfish exclusively in state waters; or
    (iii) The monkfish were harvested in or from the EEZ by a vessel 
engaged in recreational fishing.
    (2) Land, offload, or otherwise transfer, or attempt to land, 
offload, or otherwise transfer, monkfish from one vessel to another 
vessel, unless each vessel has not been issued a monkfish permit and 
fishes exclusively in state waters.
    (3) Sell, barter, trade, or otherwise transfer, or attempt to sell, 
barter, trade, or otherwise transfer for a commercial purpose, any 
monkfish, unless the vessel has been issued a monkfish permit, or unless 
the monkfish were harvested by a vessel with no monkfish permit that 
fishes for monkfish exclusively in state waters.
    (4) Fish for, possess, retain, or land monkfish, or operate or act 
as an operator of a vessel fishing for or possessing monkfish in or from 
the EEZ

[[Page 331]]

without having been issued and possessing a valid operator permit.
    (5) Fish with, use, or have on board, while fishing under a monkfish 
DAS within the Northern Fishery Management Area or Southern Fishery 
Management Area as described in Sec. 648.91(a) and (b), nets with mesh 
size smaller than the minimum mesh size specified in Sec. 648.91(c).
    (6) Violate any provision of the incidental catch permit 
restrictions as provided in Secs. 648.4(a)(9)(ii) and 648.94(c).
    (7) Possess, land, or fish for monkfish while in possession of 
dredge gear on a vessel not fishing under the scallop DAS program as 
described in Sec. 648.53, or fishing under a general scallop permit, 
except for vessels with no monkfish permit that fish for monkfish 
exclusively in state waters.
    (8) Purchase, possess, or receive as a dealer, or in the capacity of 
a dealer, monkfish in excess of the possession or trip limits specified 
in Sec. 648.94 as is applicable to a vessel issued a monkfish limited 
access or incidental catch permit.
    (9) Fail to comply with the monkfish size limit restrictions of 
Sec. 648.93.
    (10) Fail to comply with the monkfish liver landing restrictions of 
Sec. 648.94(d).
    (11) Fish for, possess or land monkfish as specified in Sec. 648.94 
or when not participating in the monkfish DAS program pursuant to 
Sec. 648.92.
    (12) If carrying a VMS unit under Sec. 648.10:
    (i) Fail to have a certified, operational, and functioning VMS unit 
that meets the specifications of Sec. 648.9 on board the vessel at all 
times.
    (ii) Fail to comply with the notification, replacement, or any other 
requirements regarding VMS usage as specified in Sec. 648.10.
    (13) Combine, transfer, or consolidate DAS allocations.
    (14) Fish for, possess, or land monkfish with or from a vessel that 
has had the horsepower of such vessel or its replacement upgraded or 
increased in excess of the limitations specified in 
Sec. 648.4(a)(9)(i)(E) and (F).
    (15) Fish for, possess, or land monkfish with or from a vessel that 
has had the length, GRT, or NT of such vessel or its replacement 
upgraded or increased in excess of the limitations specified in 
Sec. 648.4(a)(9)(i)(E) and (F).
    (16) Fail to comply with any provision of the DAS notification 
program as specified in Sec. 648.10.
    (17) If the vessel has been issued a limited access monkfish permit 
and fishes under a monkfish DAS, fail to comply with gillnet 
requirements and restrictions specified in Sec. 648.92(b)(8).
    (18) If the vessel is fishing under the gillnet category, fail to 
comply with the applicable restrictions and requirements specified in 
Sec. 648.92(b)(8).
    (19) Fail to produce, or cause to be produced, gillnet tags when 
requested by an authorized officer.
    (20) Tag a gillnet or use a gillnet tag that has been reported lost, 
missing, destroyed, or issued to another vessel, or use a false gillnet 
tag.
    (21) Sell, transfer, or give away gillnet tags that have been 
reported lost, missing, destroyed, or issued to another vessel.
    (z) Small-mesh multispecies. (1) In addition to the general 
prohibitions specified in Sec. 600.725 of this chapter and in paragraph 
(a) of this section, and subject to paragraph (a)(32) of this section, 
it is unlawful for any person owning or operating a vessel issued a 
valid Federal multispecies permit to land, offload, or otherwise 
transfer, or attempt to land, offload, or otherwise transfer, small-mesh 
multispecies from one vessel to another in excess of the limits 
specified in Sec. 648.13.
    (2) In addition to the general prohibitions specified in 
Sec. 600.725 of this chapter and in paragraph (a) of this section, 
beginning May 1, 2003, it is unlawful for an owner or operator of a 
vessel issued a valid Federal multispecies permit to do any of the 
following:
    (i) Fish with, use or have available for immediate use within the 
areas described in Secs. 648.80(a), (b), and (c), nets of mesh size 
smaller than 3-in (7.62-cm), unless otherwise exempted pursuant to 
Sec. 648.80(a)(8).
    (ii) If issued a Federal multispecies permit, land or possess on 
board a vessel, more than 10,000 lb (4,536 kg) of combined whiting and 
offshore hake.
    (aa) In addition to the general prohibitions specified in 
Sec. 600.725 of this chapter, it is unlawful for any person owning or 
operating a vessel issued a

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valid spiny dogfish permit or issued an operator's permit to do any of 
the following:
    (1) Sell, barter, trade or transfer, or attempt to sell, barter, 
trade or otherwise transfer, other than for transport, spiny dogfish, 
unless the dealer or transferee has a dealer permit issued under 
Sec. 648.6(a).
    (2) Fish for or possess spiny dogfish harvested in or from the EEZ 
after the effective date of the notification published in the Federal 
Register stating that the semi-annual quota has been harvested and that 
the EEZ is closed to the harvest of spiny dogfish.
    (3) Land spiny dogfish for a commercial purpose after the effective 
date of the notification published in the Federal Register stating that 
the semi-annual quota has been harvested and that the EEZ is closed to 
the harvest of spiny dogfish.
    (4) Violate any of the provisions prohibiting finning in 
Sec. Sec. 600.1022 and 600.1023 that are applicable to the dogfish 
fishery.
    (5)-(6)  [Reserved]
    (7) Possess more than the possession limit of spiny dogfish 
specified under Sec. 648.235. The possession limit is the maximum amount 
that may be landed in any 1 calendar day.
    (bb) In addition to the general prohibitions specified in 
Sec. 600.725 of this chapter and in paragraph (a) of this section, it is 
unlawful for any person to do any of the following:
    (1) Fish for, possess, retain or land Atlantic herring, unless:
    (i) The Atlantic herring are being fished for or were harvested in 
or from the EEZ by a vessel holding a valid Atlantic herring permit 
under this part, and the operator on board such vessel has been issued 
an operator permit that is on board the vessel; or
    (ii) The Atlantic herring were harvested by a vessel not issued an 
Atlantic herring permit that was fishing exclusively in state waters; or
    (iii) The Atlantic herring were harvested in or from the EEZ by a 
vessel engaged in recreational fishing; or
    (iv) Unless otherwise specified in accordance with Sec. 648.17.
    (2) Operate, or act as an operator of, a vessel with an Atlantic 
herring permit, or a vessel fishing for or possessing Atlantic herring 
in or from the EEZ, unless the operator has been issued, and is in 
possession of, a valid operator permit.
    (3) Purchase, possess, receive, or attempt to purchase, possess, or 
receive, as a dealer, or in the capacity of a dealer, Atlantic herring 
that were harvested in or from the EEZ, without having been issued, and 
in possession of, a valid Atlantic herring dealer permit.
    (4) Purchase, possess, receive, or attempt to purchase, possess, or 
receive, as a processor, or in the capacity of a processor, Atlantic 
herring from a fishing vessel with an Atlantic herring permit or from a 
dealer with an Atlantic herring dealer permit, without having been 
issued, and in possession of, a valid Atlantic herring processor permit.
    (5) Sell, barter, trade, or otherwise transfer, or attempt to sell, 
barter, trade, or otherwise transfer, for a commercial purpose, any 
Atlantic herring, unless the vessel has been issued an Atlantic herring 
permit, or unless the Atlantic herring were harvested by a vessel 
without an Atlantic herring permit that fished exclusively in state 
waters.
    (6) Purchase, possess, or receive, for a commercial purpose, or 
attempt to purchase, possess or receive, for a commercial purpose, 
Atlantic herring caught by a vessel without an Atlantic herring permit, 
unless the Atlantic herring were harvested by a vessel without an 
Atlantic herring permit that fished exclusively in state waters.
    (7) Possess, transfer, receive, or sell, or attempt to transfer, 
receive, or sell > 2,000 lb (907.2 kg) of Atlantic herring per trip, or 
land, or attempt to land > 2,000 lb (907.2 kg) of Atlantic herring per 
day in or from an area of the EEZ subject to restrictions pursuant to 
Sec. 648.202(a).
    (8) Possess, transfer, receive, or sell, or attempt to transfer, 
receive, or sell > 2,000 lb (907.2 kg) of Atlantic herring per trip, or 
land, or attempt to land > 2,000 lb (907.2 kg) of Atlantic herring per 
day in or from state waters subject to restrictions pursuant to 
Sec. 648.202(a), if the vessel has been issued a valid Atlantic herring 
permit.

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    (9) Transfer or attempt to transfer Atlantic herring to a Canadian 
transshipment vessel that is permitted in accordance with Pub. L. 104-
297 after the amount of herring transshipped equals the amount of the BT 
specified pursuant to Sec. 648.200.
    (10) Transit an area of the EEZ that is subject to a closure to 
directed fishing for Atlantic herring or restrictions pursuant to Sec.  
648.202(a) with > 2,000 lb (907.2 kg) of herring on board, unless all 
fishing gear is stowed as specified by Sec. 648.23(b).
    (11) Catch, take, or harvest Atlantic herring in or from the EEZ 
with a U.S. vessel that exceeds the size limits specified in 
Sec. 648.203.
    (12) Process Atlantic herring caught in or from the EEZ in excess of 
the specification of USAP with a U.S. vessel that exceeds the size 
limits specified in Sec. 648.203(b).
    (13) Discard herring carcasses in the EEZ, or at sea if a federally-
permitted vessel, after removing the roe.
    (14) Catch, take, or harvest Atlantic herring in or from the EEZ for 
roe in excess of any allowed limit that may be established pursuant to 
Sec. 648.204(b).
    (15) Catch, take, or harvest Atlantic herring in or from the EEZ, 
unless equipped with an operable VMS unit if a vessel caught > 500 mt of 
Atlantic herring in the previous fishing year, or intends to catch > 500 
mt of Atlantic herring in the current fishing year, as required by 
Sec. 648.205(a).
    (16) Catch, take, or harvest > 500 mt of Atlantic herring in or from 
the EEZ during the fishing year, unless equipped with an operable VMS 
unit as required by Sec. 648.205(a).
    (17) Receive Atlantic herring in or from the EEZ solely for 
transport, unless issued a letter of authorization from the Regional 
Administrator.
    (18) Fail to comply with any of the requirements of a letter of 
authorization from the Regional Administrator.
    (cc) In addition to the general prohibitions specified in 
Sec. 600.725 of this chapter, unless participating in a research 
activity as described in Sec. 648.290(e), it is unlawful for any person 
owning or operating a vessel to do any of the following:
    (1) Fish for, possess, retain or land tilefish, unless:
    (i) The tilefish are being fished for or were harvested in or from 
the tilefish management unit by a vessel holding a valid tilefish permit 
under this part, and the operator on board such vessel has been issued 
an operator permit that is on board the vessel; or
    (ii) The tilefish were harvested by a vessel not issued a tilefish 
permit that was fishing exclusively in state waters; or
    (iii) The tilefish were harvested in or from the tilefish management 
unit by a vessel engaged in recreational fishing.
    (2) Operate, or act as an operator of, a vessel with a tilefish 
permit, or a vessel fishing for or possessing tilefish in or from the 
tilefish management unit, unless the operator has been issued, and is in 
possession of, a valid operator permit.
    (3) Purchase, possess, receive, or attempt to purchase, possess, or 
receive, as a dealer, or in the capacity of a dealer, tilefish that were 
harvested in or from the tilefish management unit, without having been 
issued, and in possession of, a valid tilefish dealer permit.
    (4) Sell, barter, trade, or otherwise transfer, or attempt to sell, 
barter, trade, or otherwise transfer, for a commercial purpose, any 
tilefish, unless the vessel has been issued a tilefish permit, or unless 
the tilefish were harvested by a vessel without a tilefish permit that 
fished exclusively in state waters.
    (5) Purchase, possess, or receive, for a commercial purpose, or 
attempt to purchase, possess, or receive, for a commercial purpose, 
tilefish caught by a vessel without a tilefish permit, unless the 
tilefish were harvested by a vessel without a tilefish permit that 
fished exclusively in state waters.
    (6) Fish for tilefish, with any other than longline gear, while in 
possession of a limited access permit, as specified in Sec. 648.294.
    (7) Possess tilefish harvested in or from the tilefish management 
unit in excess of the trip limit, pursuant to Sec. 648.292, unless 
issued a limited access tilefish permit.
    (8) Land tilefish harvested in or from the tilefish management unit 
for sale

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after the effective date of the notification in the Federal Register, 
pursuant to Sec. 648.291, which notifies permit holders in a limited 
access category that the quota for that category is no longer available.
    (9) Land tilefish in or from the tilefish management unit, in excess 
of the trip limit pursuant to Sec. 648.292, unless the vessel holds a 
valid limited access tilefish permit.

[61 FR 34968, July 3, 1996]

    Editorial Note: For Federal Register citations affection 
Sec. 648.14, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the 
Finding Aids section of the printed volume and on GPO Access.