[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: 50CFR697.12]

[Page 841-842]
 
                    TITLE 50--WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES
 
                         DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
 
PART 697--ATLANTIC COASTAL FISHERIES COOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT--Table of Contents
 
                      Subpart A--General Provisions
 
Sec. 697.12  At-sea sea sampler/observer coverage.

    (a) The Regional Administrator may request any vessel issued a 
Federal limited access American lobster permit to carry a NMFS-approved 
sea sampler/observer. If requested by the Regional Administrator to 
carry a sea sampler/observer, a vessel may not engage in any fishing 
operations in the respective fishery unless a sea sampler/observer is on 
board, or unless the requirement is waived, as specified in paragraph 
(c) of this section.
    (b) If requested in writing by the Regional Administrator to carry 
an sea sampler/observer, it is the responsibility of the vessel owner to 
arrange for and facilitate sea sampler/observer placement. Owners of 
vessels selected for sea sampler/observer coverage must notify the 
appropriate Regional or Science and Research Administrator, as specified 
by the Regional Administrator, before commencing any fishing trip that 
may result in the harvest of resources of the respective fishery. 
Notification procedures will be specified in election letters to vessel 
owners.
    (c) The Regional Administrator may waive in writing the requirement 
to carry a sea sampler/observer if the facilities on a vessel for 
housing the sea sampler/observer, or for carrying out sea sampler/
observer functions, are so inadequate or unsafe that the health or 
safety of the sea sampler/observer, or the safe operation of the vessel, 
would be jeopardized.
    (d) An owner or operator of a vessel on which a NMFS-approved sea 
sampler/observer is embarked must:
    (1) Provide accommodations and food that are equivalent to those 
provided to the crew.
    (2) Allow the sea sampler/observer access to and use of the vessel's 
communications equipment and personnel upon request for the transmission 
and receipt of messages related to the sea sampler's/observer's duties.
    (3) Provide true vessel locations, by latitude and longitude or 
loran coordinates, as requested by the sea sampler/observer, and allow 
the sea sampler/observer access to and use of the vessel's navigation 
equipment and personnel upon request to determine the vessel's position.

[[Page 842]]

    (4) Notify the sea sampler/observer in a timely fashion of when 
fishing operations are to begin and end.
    (5) Allow for the embarking and debarking of the sea sampler/
observer, as specified by the Regional Administrator, ensuring that 
transfers of sea samplers/observers at sea are accomplished in a safe 
manner, via small boat or raft, during daylight hours as weather and sea 
conditions allow, and with the agreement of the sea samplers/observers 
involved.
    (6) Allow the sea sampler/observer free and unobstructed access to 
the vessel's bridge, working decks, holding bins, weight scales, holds, 
and any other space used to hold, process, weigh, or store fish.
    (7) Allow the sea sampler/observer to inspect and copy the vessel's 
log, communications log, and records associated with the catch and 
distribution of fish for that trip.
    (e) The owner or operator of a vessel issued a Federal limited 
access American lobster permit, if requested by the sea sampler/observer 
also must:
    (1) Notify the sea sampler/observer of any sea turtles, marine 
mammals, or other specimens taken by the vessel.
    (2) Provide the sea sampler/observer with sea turtles, marine 
mammals, or other specimens taken by the vessel.
    (f) NMFS may accept sea sampler/observer coverage funded by outside 
sources if:
    (1) All coverage conducted by such sea samplers/observers is 
determined by NMFS to be in compliance with NMFS' sea sampler/observer 
guidelines and procedures.
    (2) The owner or operator of the vessel complies with all other 
provisions of this part.
    (3) The sea sampler/observer is approved by the Regional 
Administrator.