(a) Closed Area I. (1) No fishing vessel or person on a fishing vessel may enter, fish, or be in the area known as Closed Area I (copies of a chart depicting this area are available from the Regional Administrator upon request), as defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the order stated, except as specified in paragraphs (a)(2) and (i) of this section:
Closed Area I------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point N. lat. W. long.------------------------------------------------------------------------CI1.............................. 4130 6923CI2.............................. 4045 6845CI3.............................. 4045 6830CI4.............................. 4130 6830CI1.............................. 4130 6923------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Unless otherwise restricted under the EFH Closure(s) specified in paragraph (h) of this section, paragraph (a)(1) of this section does not apply to persons on fishing vessels or fishing vessels:
(i) Fishing with or using pot gear designed and used to take lobsters, or pot gear designed and used to take hagfish, provided that there is no retention of regulated species and no other gear on board capable of catching NE multispecies;
(ii) Fishing with or using pelagic longline gear or pelagic hook-and-line gear, or harpoon gear, provided that there is no retention of regulated species, and provided that there is no other gear on board capable of catching NE multispecies;
(iii) Fishing with pelagic midwater trawl gear, consistent with Sec. 648.80(d), provided that the Regional Administrator shall review information pertaining to the bycatch of regulated NE multispecies and, if the Regional Administrator determines, on the basis of sea sampling data or other credible information for this fishery, that the bycatch of regulated multispecies exceeds, or is likely to exceed, 1 percent of herring and mackerel harvested, by weight, in the fishery or by any individual fishing operation, the Regional Administrator may place restrictions and conditions in the letter of authorization for any or all individual fishing operations or, after consulting with the Council, suspend or prohibit any or all midwater trawl activities in the closed areas;
(iv) Fishing with tuna purse seine gear, provided that there is no retention of NE multispecies, and provided there is no other gear on board gear capable of catching NE multispecies. If the Regional Administrator determines through credible information, that tuna purse seine vessels are adversely affecting habitat or NE multispecies stocks, the Regional Administrator may, through notice action, consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act, prohibit individual purse seine vessels or all purse seine vessels from the area; or
(v) Fishing in a SAP, in accordance with the provisions of Sec. 648.85(b).
(vi) Fishing for scallops within the Closed Area I Access Area defined in Sec. 648.59(b)(3) during the season specified in Sec. 648.59(b)(4), and pursuant to the provisions specified in Sec. 648.60.
(b) Closed Area II. (1) No fishing vessel or person on a fishing vessel may enter, fish, or be in the area known as Closed Area II (copies of a chart depicting this area are available from the Regional Administrator upon request), as defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the order stated, except as specified in paragraph (b)(2) of this section:
Closed Area II------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point N. lat. W. long.------------------------------------------------------------------------C1I1............................. 4100 6720C1I2............................. 4100 6635.8G5............................... 4118.6 6624.8 \1\C1I3............................. 4222 6720 \1\C1I1............................. 4100 6720 \1\------------------------------------------------------------------------\1\ The U.S.-Canada Maritime Boundary.
(2) Unless otherwise restricted under the EFH Closure(s) specified in paragraph (h) of this section, paragraph (b)(1) of this section does not apply to persons on fishing vessels or fishing vessels--
(i) Fishing with gears as described in paragraphs (a)(2)(i) through (iii), and (a)(2)(v) of this section;
(ii) Fishing with tuna purse seine gear outside of the portion of CA II known as the Habitat Area of Particular Concern, as described in paragraph (h)(1)(v) of this section;
(iii) Fishing in the CA II Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock SAP or the Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock SAP Program as specified in Sec. 648.85(b)(3)(ii) or (b)(8)(ii), respectively; or
(iv) Transiting the area, provided the vessel's fishing gear is stowed and not available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2; and
(A) The operator has determined, and a preponderance of available evidence indicates, that there is a compelling safety reason; or
(B) The vessel has declared into the Eastern U.S./Canada Area as specified in Sec. 648.85(a)(3)(ii) and is transiting CA II in accordance with the provisions of Sec. 648.85(a)(3)(vii).
(v) Fishing for scallops within the Closed Area II Access Area defined in Sec. 648.59(c)(3), during the season specified in Sec. 648.59(c)(4), and pursuant to the provisions specified in Sec. 648.60.
(c) Nantucket Lightship Closed Area. (1) No fishing vessel or person on a fishing vessel may enter, fish, or be in the area known as the Nantucket Lightship Closed Area (copies of a chart depicting this area are available from the Regional Administrator upon request), as defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the order stated, except as specified in paragraphs (c)(2) and (i) of this section:
Nantucket Lightship Closed Area------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point N. lat. W. long.------------------------------------------------------------------------G10.............................. 4050 6900CN1.............................. 4020 6900CN2.............................. 4020 7020CN3.............................. 405O 7020G10.............................. 4050 6900------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Unless otherwise restricted under the EFH Closure(s) specified in paragraph (h) of this section, paragraph (c)(1) of this section does not apply to persons on fishing vessels or fishing vessels:
(i) Fishing with gears as described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section; or
(ii) Classified as charter, party or recreational vessel, provided that:
(A) If the vessel is a party or charter vessel, it has a letter of authorization issued by the Regional Administrator on board, which is valid from the date of issuance through a minimum duration of 7 days;
(B) Fish species managed by the NEFMC or MAFMC that are harvested or possessed by the vessel, are not sold or intended for trade, barter or sale, regardless of where the fish are caught; and
(C) The vessel has no gear other than rod and reel or handline gear on board.
(D) The vessel does not fish outside the Nantucket Lightship Closed Area during the period specified by the letter of authorization; or
(iii) Fishing with or using dredge gear designed and used to take surfclams or ocean quahogs, provided that there is no retention of regulated species and no other gear on board capable of catching NE multispecies.
(iv) Fishing for scallops within the Nantucket Lightship Access Area defined in Sec. 648.59(d)(3), during the season specified in Sec. 648.59(d)(4), and pursuant to the provisions specified in Sec. 648.60.
(d) Cashes Ledge Closure Area. (1) No fishing vessel or person on a fishing vessel may enter, fish in, or be in, and no fishing gear capable of catching NE multispecies, unless otherwise allowed in this part, may be in, or on board a vessel in the area known as the Cashes Ledge Closure Area, as defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the order stated, except as specified in paragraphs (d)(2) and (i) of this section (a chart depicting this area is available from the Regional Administrator upon request):
Cashes Ledge Closure Area------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point N. lat. W. long.------------------------------------------------------------------------CL1.............................. 4307 6902CL2.............................. 4249.5 6846CL3.............................. 4246.5 6850.5CL4.............................. 4243.5 6858.5CL5.............................. 4242.5 6917.5CL6.............................. 4249.5 6926CL1.............................. 4307 6902------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Unless otherwise restricted under the EFH Closure(s) specified in paragraph (h) of this section, paragraph (d)(1) of this section does not apply to persons on fishing vessels or fishing vessels that meet the criteria in paragraphs (f)(5)(ii) through (v) of this section.
(e) Western GOM Closure Area. (1) No fishing vessel or person on a fishing vessel may enter, fish in, or be in, and no fishing gear capable of catching NE multispecies, unless otherwise allowed in this part, may be in, or on board a vessel in, the area known as the Western GOM Closure Area, as defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the order stated, except as specified in paragraphs (e)(2) and (i) of this section:
Western GOM Closure Area \1\------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point N. lat. W. long.------------------------------------------------------------------------WGM1............................. 4215 7015WGM2............................. 4215 6955WGM3............................. 4315 6955WGM4............................. 4315 7015WGM1............................. 4215 7015------------------------------------------------------------------------\1\ A chart depicting this area is available from the Regional
Administrator upon request.
(2) Unless otherwise restricted under paragraph (h) of this section, paragraph (e)(1) of this section does not apply to persons on fishing vessels or fishing vessels that meet the criteria in paragraphs (f)(5)(ii) through (v) of this section consistent with the requirements specified under Sec. 648.80(a)(5).
(f) GOM Cod Protection Closures. (1) Unless otherwise allowed in this part, no fishing vessel or person on a fishing vessel may enter, fish in, or be in; and no fishing gear capable of catching NE multispecies may be in, or on board a vessel in GOM Cod Protection Closures I through V as described, and during the times specified, in paragraphs (f)(4)(i) through (v) of this section.
(1) Unless otherwise allowed in this part, no fishing vessel or person on a fishing vessel may enter, fish in, or be in; and no fishing gear capable of catching NE multispecies may be in, or on board a vessel in GOM Cod Protection Closures I through V as described, and during the times specified, in paragraphs (f)(4)(i) through (v) of this section.
(2) Any vessel subject to a GOM cod protection closure may transit the area, provided it complies with the requirements specified in paragraph (i) of this section.
(3) The New England Fishery Management Council shall review the GOM Cod Protection Closures Areas specified in this section when the spawning stock biomass for GOM cod reaches the minimum biomass threshold specified for the stock (50 percent of SSBMSY).
(4) GOM Cod Protection Closure Areas. Charts depicting these areas are available from the Regional Administrator upon request.
(i) GOM Cod Protection Closure I. From May 1 through May 31, the restrictions specified in paragraphs (f)(1) and (2) of this section apply to GOM Cod Protection Closure I, which is the area bounded by the following coordinates connected in the order stated by straight lines:
GOM Cod Protection Closure I
[May 1-May 31]------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point N. latitude W. longitude------------------------------------------------------------------------CPCI 1......................... 4330 N \(1)\CPCI 2......................... 4330 N 6930 WCPCI 3......................... 4300 N 6930 WCPCI 4......................... 4300 N 7000 W
CPCI 5......................... 4230 N 7000 WCPCI 6......................... 4230 N 7030 WCPCI 7......................... 4220 N 7030 WCPCI 8......................... 4220 N \(2) (3)\CPCI 1......................... 4330 N \(1) (3)\------------------------------------------------------------------------\1\ The intersection of 4330 N latitude and the coastline of Maine.\2\ The intersection of 4220 N latitude and the coastline of
Massachusetts.\3\ From Point 8 back to Point 1 following the coastline of the United
States.
(ii) GOM Cod Protection Closure II. From June 1 through June 30, the restrictions specified in paragraphs (f)(1) and (2) of this section apply to GOM Cod Protection Closure II, which is the area bounded by the following coordinates connected in the order stated by straight lines:
GOM Cod Protection Closure II
[June 1-June 30]------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point N. latitude W. longitude------------------------------------------------------------------------CPCII 1........................ \(1)\ 6930 WCPCII 2........................ 4330 N 6930 WCPCII 3........................ 4330 N 7000 WCPCII 4........................ 4230 N 7000 WCPCII 5........................ 4230 N 7030 WCPCII 6........................ 4220 N 7030 WCPCII 7........................ 4220 N \(2) (3)\CPCII 8........................ 4230 N \(4) (3)\CPCII 9........................ 4230 N 7030 WCPCII 10....................... 4300 N 7030 WCPCII 11....................... 4300 N \(5) (6)\CPCII 1........................ \(1)\ 6930 W \6\------------------------------------------------------------------------\1\ The intersection of 6930 W longitude and the coastline of Maine.\2\ The intersection of 4220 N latitude and the coastline of
Massachusetts.\3\ From Point 7 to Point 8 following the coastline of Massachusetts.\4\ The intersection of 4230 N latitude and the coastline of
Massachusetts.\5\ The intersection of 4300 N latitude and the coastline of New
Hampshire.\6\ From Point 11 back to Point 1 following the coastlines of New
Hampshire and Maine.
(iii) GOM Cod Protection Closure III. From November 1 through January 31, the restrictions specified in paragraphs (f)(1) and (2) of this section apply to GOM Cod Protection Closure III, which is the area bounded by the following coordinates connected in the order stated by straight lines:
GOM Cod Protection Closure III
[November 1-January 31]------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point N. latitude W. longitude------------------------------------------------------------------------CPCIII 1....................... 4230 N \(1)\CPCIII 2....................... 4230 N 7030 WCPCIII 3....................... 4215 N 7030 WCPCIII 4....................... 4215 N 7024 WCPCIII 5....................... 4200 N 7024 WCPCIII 6....................... 4200 N \(2) (3)\CPCIII 1....................... 4230 N \(1) (3)\------------------------------------------------------------------------\1\ The intersection of 4230 N latitude and the Massachusetts coastline.\2\ The intersection of 4200 N latitude and the mainland Massachusetts
coastline at Kingston, MA.\3\ From Point 6 back to Point 1 following the coastline of
Massachusetts.
(iv) GOM Cod Protection Closure IV. From October 1 through October 31, the restrictions specified in paragraphs (f)(1) and (2) of this section apply to GOM Cod Protection Closure IV, which is the area bounded by the following coordinates connected in the order stated by straight lines:
GOM Cod Protection Closure IV
[October 1-October 31]------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point N. latitude W. longitude------------------------------------------------------------------------CPCIV 1........................ 4230 N \(1)\CPCIV 2........................ 4230 N 7000 WCPCIV 3........................ 4200 N 7000 WCPCIV 4........................ 4200 N \(2) (3)\CPCIV 1........................ 4230 N \(1) (3)\------------------------------------------------------------------------\1\ The intersection of 4230 N latitude and the Massachusetts coastline\2\ The intersection of 4200 N latitude and the mainland Massachusetts
coastline at Kingston, MA\3\ From Point 4 back to Point 1 following the coastline of
Massachusetts
(v) GOM Cod Protection Closure V. From March 1 through March 31, the restrictions specified in paragraphs (f)(1) and (2) of this section GOM Cod Protection Closure V, which is the area bounded by the following coordinates connected in the order stated by straight lines:
GOM Cod Protection Closure V
[March 1-March 31]------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point N. latitude W. longitude------------------------------------------------------------------------CPCV 1......................... 4230 N 7000 WCPCV 2......................... 4230 N 6830 WCPCV 3......................... 4200 N 6830 WCPCV 4......................... 4200 N 7000 WCPCV 1......................... 4230 N 7000 W------------------------------------------------------------------------
(5) The GOM cod protection closures specified in this section do not apply to persons aboard fishing vessels or fishing vessels that meet any of the following criteria:
(i) That have not been issued a multispecies permit and that are fishing exclusively in state waters;
(ii) That are fishing with or using exempted gear as defined under this part, except for pelagic gillnet gear capable of catching NE multispecies, unless fishing with a single pelagic gillnet not longer than 300 ft (91.4 m) and not greater than 6 ft (1.83 m) deep, with a maximum mesh size of 3 inches (7.6 cm), provided that:
(A) The net is attached to the boat and fished in the upper two-thirds of the water column;
(B) The net is marked with the owner's name and vessel identification number;
(C) There is no retention of regulated species; and
(D) There is no other gear on board capable of catching NE multispecies;
(iii) That are fishing in the Midwater Trawl Gear Exempted Fishery as specified in Sec. 648.80(d);
(iv) That are fishing in the Purse Seine Gear Exempted Fishery as specified in Sec. 648.80(e);
(v) That are fishing under charter/party or recreational regulations specified in Sec. 648.89, provided that:
(A) For vessels fishing under charter/party regulations in a GOM cod protection closure described under paragraph (f)(4) of this section, it has on board a letter of authorization issued by the Regional Administrator, which is valid from the date of enrollment through the duration of the closure or 3 months duration, whichever is greater; for vessels fishing under charter/party regulations in the Cashes Ledge Closure Area or Western GOM Area Closure, as described under paragraphs (d) and (e) of this section, respectively, it has on board a letter of authorization issued by the Regional Administrator, which is valid from the date of enrollment until the end of the fishing year;
(B) Fish species managed by the NEFMC or MAFMC that are harvested or possessed by the vessel, are not sold or intended for trade, barter or sale, regardless of where the fish are caught;
(C) The vessel has no gear other than rod and reel or handline on board; and
(D) The vessel does not use any NE multispecies DAS during the entire period for which the letter of authorization is valid;
(vi) That are fishing with or using scallop dredge gear when fishing under a scallop DAS or when lawfully fishing in the Scallop Dredge Fishery Exemption Area as described in Sec. 648.80(a)(11), provided the vessel does not retain any regulated NE multispecies during a trip, or on any part of a trip; or
(vii) That are fishing in the Raised Footrope Trawl Exempted Whiting Fishery, as specified in Sec. 648.80(a)(15), or in the Small Mesh Area II Exemption Area, as specified in Sec. 648.80(a)(9);
(viii) That are fishing on a sector trip, as defined in this part, and in the GOM Cod Protection Closures IV or V, as specified in paragraphs (f)(4)(iv) and (v) of this section; or
(ix) That are fishing under the provisions of a Northeast multispecies Handgear A permit, as specified at Sec. 648.82(b)(6), and in the GOM Cod Protection Closures IV or V, as specified in paragraphs (f)(4)(iv) and (v) of this section .
(g) GB Seasonal Closure Area. (1) From May 1 through May 31, no fishing vessel or person on a fishing vessel may enter, fish in, or be in, and no fishing gear capable of catching NE multispecies, unless otherwise allowed in this part, may be in the area known as the GB Seasonal Closure Area, as defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the order stated, except as specified in paragraphs (g)(2) and (i) of this section:
Georges Bank Seasonal Closure Area
[May 1-May 31]------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point N. lat. W. long.------------------------------------------------------------------------GB1.............................. 4200 (\1\)GB2.............................. 4200 6830GB3.............................. 4220 6830GB4.............................. 4220 6720GB5.............................. 4130 6720CI1.............................. 4130 6923CI2.............................. 4045 6845CI3.............................. 4045 6830GB6.............................. 4030 6830GB7.............................. 4030 6900G10.............................. 4050 6900GB8.............................. 4050 6930GB9.............................. 4100 6930GB10............................. 4100 7000G12.............................. (\1\) 70 00------------------------------------------------------------------------\1\ Northward to its intersection with the shoreline of mainland MA.
(2) Paragraph (g)(1) of this section does not apply to persons on fishing vessels or to fishing vessels that meet any of the following criteria:
(i) That meet the criteria in paragraphs (f)(5)(i), (ii), or (iii) of this section;
(ii) That are fishing as charter/party or recreational vessels;
(iii) That are fishing with or using scallop dredge gear when fishing under a scallop DAS, and provided that the vessel complies with the NE multispecies possession restrictions for scallop vessels specified at Sec. 648.80(h); or when lawfully fishing in the Scallop Dredge Fishery Exemption Areas, as described in paragraphs (a)(11) and (18) of this section.
(iv) That are fishing in the CA I Hook Gear Haddock Access Area pursuant to Sec. 648.85(b)(7).
(v) That are fishing under the restrictions and conditions of an approved sector operations plan, as specified in Sec. 648.87(c).
(vi) That are fishing under the provisions of a Northeast multispecies Handgear A permit, as specified at Sec. 648.82(b)(6), or the provisions of a Northeast multispecies Handgear B permit, as specified at Sec. 648.88(a).
(h) Essential Fish Habitat Closure Areas. (1) In addition to the restrictions under paragraphs (a) through (e) of this section, no fishing vessel or person on a fishing vessel with bottom tending mobile gear on board the vessel may enter, fish in, or be in the EFH Closure Areas described in paragraphs (h)(1)(i) through (vi) of this section, unless otherwise specified. A chart depicting these areas is available from the Regional Administrator upon request.
(1) In addition to the restrictions under paragraphs (a) through (e) of this section, no fishing vessel or person on a fishing vessel with bottom tending mobile gear on board the vessel may enter, fish in, or be in the EFH Closure Areas described in paragraphs (h)(1)(i) through (vi) of this section, unless otherwise specified. A chart depicting these areas is available from the Regional Administrator upon request.
(i) Western GOM Habitat Closure Area. The restrictions specified in paragraph (h)(1) of this section apply to the Western GOM Habitat Closure Area, which is the area bound by straight lines connecting the following points in the order stated:
Western GOM Habitat Closure Area------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point N. lat. W. long.------------------------------------------------------------------------WGM4............................. 4315 7015WGM1............................. 4215 7015WGM5............................. 4215 7000WGM6............................. 4315 7000WGM4............................. 4315 7015------------------------------------------------------------------------
(ii) Cashes Ledge Habitat Closure Area. The restrictions specified in paragraph (h)(1) of this section apply to the Cashes Ledge Habitat Closure Area, which is the area defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the order stated:
Cashes Ledge Habitat Closure Area------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point N. lat. W. long.------------------------------------------------------------------------CLH1............................. 4301 6903CLH2............................. 4301 6852CLH3............................. 4245 6852CLH4............................. 4245 6903CLH1............................. 4301 6903------------------------------------------------------------------------
(iii) Jeffrey's Bank Habitat Closure Area. The restrictions specified in paragraph (h)(1) of this section apply to the Jeffrey's Bank Habitat Closure Area, which is the area bound by straight lines connecting the following points in the order stated:
Jeffrey's Bank Habitat Closure Area------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point N. lat. W. long.------------------------------------------------------------------------JB1.............................. 4340 6850JB2.............................. 4340 6840JB3.............................. 4320 6840JB4.............................. 4320 6850JB1.............................. 4340 6850------------------------------------------------------------------------
(iv) Closed Area I Habitat Closure Areas. The restrictions specified in paragraph (h)(1) of this section apply to the Closed Area I Habitat Closure Areas, Closed Area I-North and Closed Area I-South, which are the areas bound by straight lines connecting the following points in the order stated:
Closed Area I--North Habitat Closure Area------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point N. lat. W. long.------------------------------------------------------------------------CI1.............................. 4130 6923CI4.............................. 4130 6830CIH1............................. 4126 6830CIH2............................. 4104 6901CI1.............................. 4130 6923------------------------------------------------------------------------
Closed Area I--South Habitat Closure Area------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point N. lat. W. long.------------------------------------------------------------------------CIH3............................. 4055 6853CIH4............................. 4058 6830CI3.............................. 4045 6830CI2.............................. 4045 6845CIH3............................. 4055 6853------------------------------------------------------------------------
(v) Closed Area II Habitat Closure Area. The restrictions specified in this paragraph (h)(1) apply to the Closed Area II Habitat Closure Area (also referred to as the Habitat Area of Particular Concern), which is the area bound by straight lines connecting the following points in the order stated:
Closed Area II Habitat Closure Area------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point N. Lat. W. Long.------------------------------------------------------------------------CIIH1 4210 6720CIIH2 4210 679.3CIIH3 4200 670.5CIIH4 4200 6710CIIH5 4150 6710CIIH6 4150 6720CIIH1 4210 6720------------------------------------------------------------------------
(vi) Nantucket Lightship Habitat Closure Area. The restrictions specified in paragraph (h)(1) of this section apply to the Nantucket Lightship Habitat Closure Area, which is the area bound by straight lines connecting the following points in the order stated:
Nantucket Lightship Habitat Closed Area------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point N. lat. W. long.------------------------------------------------------------------------NLH1............................. 4110 7000NLH2............................. 4110 6950NLH3............................. 4050 6930NLH4............................. 4020 6930NLH5............................. 4020 7000NLH1............................. 4110 7000------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) [Reserved]
(i) Transiting. Unless otherwise restricted or specified in this paragraph (i), a vessel may transit CA I, the Nantucket Lightship Closed Area, the Cashes Ledge Closed Area, the Western GOM Closure Area, the GOM Cod Protection Closures, the GB Seasonal Closure Area, the EFH Closure Areas, and the GOM Cod Spawning Protection Area, as defined in paragraphs (a)(1), (c)(1), (d)(1), (e)(1), (f)(4), (g)(1), (h)(1), and (n)(1), of this section, respectively, provided that its gear is stowed and not available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2. A vessel may transit CA II, as defined in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, in accordance with paragraph (b)(2)(iv) of this section. Private recreational or charter/party vessels fishing under the Northeast multispecies provisions specified at Sec. 648.89 may transit the GOM Cod Spawning Protection Area, as defined in paragraph (n)(1) of this section, provided all bait and hooks are removed from fishing rods, and any regulated species on board have been caught outside the GOM Cod Spawning Protection Area and has been gutted and stored.
(j) Restricted Gear Area I. (1) Restricted Gear Area I is defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the order stated: ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point N. latitude W. longitude------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inshore Boundary------------------------------------------------------------------------to 120 ...................
69........................... 4007.9 6836.0
70........................... 4007.2 6838.4
71........................... 4006.9 6846.5
72........................... 4008.7 6849.6
73........................... 4008.1 6851.0
74........................... 4005.7 6852.4
75........................... 4003.6 6857.2
76........................... 4003.65 6900.0
77........................... 4004.35 6900.5
78........................... 4005.2 6900.5
79........................... 4005.3 6901.1
80........................... 4008.9 6901.75
81........................... 4011.0 6903.8
82........................... 4011.6 6905.4
83........................... 4010.25 6904.4
84........................... 4009.75 6904.15
85........................... 4008.45 6903.6
86........................... 4005.65 6903.55
87........................... 4004.1 6903.9
88........................... 4002.65 6905.6
89........................... 4002.00 6908.35
90........................... 4002.65 6911.15
91........................... 4000.05 6914.6
92........................... 3957.8 6920.35
93........................... 3956.65 6924.4
94........................... 3956.1 6926.35
95........................... 3956.55 6934.1
96........................... 3957.85 6935.5
97........................... 4000.65 6936.5
98........................... 4000.9 6937.3
99........................... 3959.15 6937.3
100.......................... 3958.8 6938.45
102.......................... 3956.2 6940.2
103.......................... 3955.75 6941.4
104.......................... 3956.7 6953.6
105.......................... 3957.55 6954.05
106.......................... 3957.4 6955.9
107.......................... 3956.9 6957.45
108.......................... 3958.25 7003.0
110.......................... 3959.2 7004.9
111.......................... 4000.7 7008.7
112.......................... 4003.75 7010.15
115.......................... 4005.2 7010.9
116.......................... 4002.45 7014.1
119.......................... 4002.75 7016.1to 181 ...................------------------------------------------------------------------------
Offshore Boundary------------------------------------------------------------------------to 69 ...................
120.......................... 4006.4 6835.8
121.......................... 4005.25 6839.3
122.......................... 4005.4 6844.5
123.......................... 4006.0 6846.5
124.......................... 4007.4 6849.6
125.......................... 4005.55 6849.8
126.......................... 4003.9 6851.7
127.......................... 4002.25 6855.4
128.......................... 4002.6 6900.0
129.......................... 4002.75 6900.75
130.......................... 4004.2 6901.75
131.......................... 4006.15 6901.95
132.......................... 4007.25 6902.0
133.......................... 4008.5 6902.25
134.......................... 4009.2 6902.95
135.......................... 4009.75 6903.3
136.......................... 4009.55 6903.85
137.......................... 4008.4 6903.4
138.......................... 4007.2 6903.3
139.......................... 4006.0 6903.1
140.......................... 4005.4 6903.05
141.......................... 4004.8 6903.05
142.......................... 4003.55 6903.55
143.......................... 4001.9 6903.95
144.......................... 4001.0 6904.4
146.......................... 3959.9 6906.25
147.......................... 4000.6 6910.05
148.......................... 3959.25 6911.15
149.......................... 3957.45 6916.05
150.......................... 3956.1 6920.1
151.......................... 3954.6 6925.65
152.......................... 3954.65 6926.9
153.......................... 3954.8 6930.95
154.......................... 3954.35 6933.4
155.......................... 3955.0 6934.9
156.......................... 3956.55 6936.0
157.......................... 3957.95 6936.45
158.......................... 3958.75 6936.3
159.......................... 3958.8 6936.95
160.......................... 3957.95 6938.1
161.......................... 3954.5 6938.25
162.......................... 3953.6 6946.5
163.......................... 3954.7 6950.0
164.......................... 3955.25 6951.4
165.......................... 3955.2 6953.1
166.......................... 3954.85 6953.9
167.......................... 3955.7 6954.9
168.......................... 3956.15 6955.35
169.......................... 3956.05 6956.25
170.......................... 3955.3 6957.1
171.......................... 3954.8 6958.6
172.......................... 3956.05 7000.65
173.......................... 3955.3 7002.95
174.......................... 3956.9 7011.3
175.......................... 3958.9 7011.5
176.......................... 3959.6 7011.1
177.......................... 4001.35 7011.2
178.......................... 4002.6 7012.0
179.......................... 4000.4 7012.3
180.......................... 3959.75 7013.05
181.......................... 3959.3 7014.0to 119 ................... ..................------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Restricted Period--(i) Mobile gear. From October 1 through June 15, no fishing vessel with mobile gear or person on a fishing vessel with mobile gear may fish or be in Restricted Gear Area I, unless transiting. Vessels may transit this area provided that mobile gear is on board the vessel while inside the area, provided that its gear is stowed and not available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2.
(i) Mobile gear. From October 1 through June 15, no fishing vessel with mobile gear or person on a fishing vessel with mobile gear may fish or be in Restricted Gear Area I, unless transiting. Vessels may transit this area provided that mobile gear is on board the vessel while inside the area, provided that its gear is stowed and not available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2.
(ii) Lobster pot gear. From June 16 through September 30, no fishing vessel with lobster pot gear aboard, or person on a fishing vessel with lobster pot gear aboard may fish in, and no lobster pot gear may be deployed or remain in, Restricted Gear Area I.
(k) Restricted Gear Area II. (1) Restricted Gear Area II is defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the order stated: ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inshore Boundary------------------------------------------------------------------------to 1
49.......................... 4002.75 N. 7016.1 W.
50.......................... 4000.7 N. 7018.6 W.
51.......................... 3959.8 N. 7021.75 W.
52.......................... 3959.75 N. 7025.5 W.
53.......................... 4003.85 N. 7028.75 W.
54.......................... 4000.55 N. 7032.1 W.
55.......................... 3959.15 N. 7034.45 W.
56.......................... 3958.9 N. 7038.65 W.
57.......................... 4000.1 N. 7045.1 W.
58.......................... 4000.5 N. 7057.6 W.
59.......................... 4002.0 N. 7101.3 W.
60.......................... 3959.3 N. 7118.4 W.
61.......................... 4000.7 N. 7119.8 W.
62.......................... 3957.5 N. 7120.6 W.
63.......................... 3953.1 N. 7136.1 W.
64.......................... 3952.6 N. 7140.35 W.
65.......................... 3953.1 N. 7142.7 W.
66.......................... 3946.95 N. 7149.0 W.
67.......................... 3941.15 N. 7157.1 W.
68.......................... 3935.45 N. 7202.0 W.
69.......................... 3932.65 N. 7206.1 W.
70.......................... 3929.75 N. 7209.8 W.to 48------------------------------------------------------------------------
Offshore Boundary------------------------------------------------------------------------to 49
1........................... 3959.3 N. 7014.0 W.
2........................... 3958.85 N. 7015.2 W.
3........................... 3959.3 N. 7018.4 W.
4........................... 3958.1 N. 7019.4 W.
5........................... 3957.0 N. 7019.85 W.
6........................... 3957.55 N. 7021.25 W.
7........................... 3957.5 N. 7022.8 W.
8........................... 3957.1 N. 7025.4 W.
9........................... 3957.65 N. 7027.05 W.
10.......................... 3958.58 N. 7027.7 W.
11.......................... 4000.65 N. 7028.8 W.
12.......................... 4002.2 N. 7029.15 W.
13.......................... 4001.0 N. 7030.2 W.
14.......................... 3958.58 N. 7031.85 W.
15.......................... 3957.05 N. 7034.35 W.
16.......................... 3956.42 N. 7036.8 W.
21.......................... 3958.15 N. 7048.0 W.
24.......................... 3958.3 N. 7051.1 W.
25.......................... 3958.1 N. 7052.25 W.
26.......................... 3958.05 N. 7053.55 W.
27.......................... 3958.4 N. 7059.6 W.
28.......................... 3959.8 N. 7101.05 W.
29.......................... 3958.2 N. 7105.85 W.
30.......................... 3957.45 N. 7112.15 W.
31.......................... 3957.2 N. 7115.0 W.
32.......................... 3956.3 N. 7118.95 W.
33.......................... 3951.4 N. 7136.1 W.
34.......................... 3951.75 N. 7141.5 W.
35.......................... 3950.05 N. 7142.5 W.
36.......................... 3950.0 N. 7145.0 W.
37.......................... 3948.95 N. 7146.05 W.
38.......................... 3946.6 N. 7146.1 W.
39.......................... 3943.5 N. 7149.4 W.
40.......................... 3941.3 N. 7155.0 W.
41.......................... 3939.0 N. 7155.6 W.
42.......................... 3936.72 N. 7158.25 W.
43.......................... 3935.15 N. 7158.55 W.
44.......................... 3934.5 N. 7200.75 W.
45.......................... 3932.2 N. 7202.25 W.
46.......................... 3932.15 N. 7204.1 W.
47.......................... 3928.5 N. 7206.5 W.
48.......................... 3929.0 N. 7209.25 W.to 70------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Restricted period--(i) Mobile gear. From November 27 through June 15, no fishing vessel with mobile gear aboard, or person on a fishing vessel with mobile gear aboard, may fish or be in Restricted Gear Area II, unless transiting. Vessels may transit this area, provided that all mobile gear is on board the vessel while inside the area, and stowed and not available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2.
(i) Mobile gear. From November 27 through June 15, no fishing vessel with mobile gear aboard, or person on a fishing vessel with mobile gear aboard, may fish or be in Restricted Gear Area II, unless transiting. Vessels may transit this area, provided that all mobile gear is on board the vessel while inside the area, and stowed and not available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2.
(ii) Lobster pot gear. From June 16 through November 26, no fishing vessel with lobster pot gear aboard, or person on a fishing vessel with lobster pot gear aboard, may fish in, and no lobster pot gear may be deployed or remain in, Restricted Gear Area II.
(l) Restricted Gear Area III. (1) Restricted Gear Area III is defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the order stated: ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inshore Boundary------------------------------------------------------------------------to 49
182......................... 4005.6 N. 7017.7 W.
183......................... 4006.5 N. 7040.05 W.
184......................... 4011.05 N. 7045.8 W.
185......................... 4012.75 N. 7055.05 W.
186......................... 4010.7 N. 7110.25 W.
187......................... 3957.9 N. 7128.7 W.
188......................... 3955.6 N. 7141.2 W.
189......................... 3955.85 N. 7145.0 W.
190......................... 3953.75 N. 7152.25 W.
191......................... 3947.2 N. 7201.6 W.
192......................... 3933.65 N. 7215.0 W.to 70------------------------------------------------------------------------
Offshore Boundary------------------------------------------------------------------------to 182
49.......................... 4002.75 N. 7016.1 W.
50.......................... 4000.7 N. 7018.6 W.
51.......................... 3959.8 N. 7021.75 W.
52.......................... 3959.75 N. 7025.5 W.
53.......................... 4003.85 N. 7028.75 W.
54.......................... 4000.55 N. 7032.1 W.
55.......................... 3959.15 N. 7034.45 W.
56.......................... 3958.9 N. 7038.65 W.
57.......................... 4000.1 N. 7045.1 W.
58.......................... 4000.5 N. 7057.6 W.
59.......................... 4002.0 N. 7101.3 W.
60.......................... 3959.3 N. 7118.4 W.
61.......................... 4000.7 N. 7119.8 W.
62.......................... 3957.5 N. 7120.6 W.
63.......................... 3953.1 N. 7136.1 W.
64.......................... 3952.6 N. 7140.35 W.
65.......................... 3953.1 N. 7142.7 W.
66.......................... 3946.95 N. 7149.0 W.
67.......................... 3941.15 N. 7157.1 W.
68.......................... 3935.45 N. 7202.0 W.
69.......................... 3932.65 N. 7206.1 W.
70.......................... 3929.75 N. 7209.8 W.to 192------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Restricted period--(i) Mobile gear. From June 16 through November 26, no fishing vessel with mobile gear aboard, or person on a fishing vessel with mobile gear aboard, may fish or be in Restricted Gear Area III, unless transiting. Vessels may transit this area provided that all mobile gear is on board the vessel while inside the area, and is stowed and not available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2.
(i) Mobile gear. From June 16 through November 26, no fishing vessel with mobile gear aboard, or person on a fishing vessel with mobile gear aboard, may fish or be in Restricted Gear Area III, unless transiting. Vessels may transit this area provided that all mobile gear is on board the vessel while inside the area, and is stowed and not available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2.
(ii) Lobster pot gear. From January 1 through April 30, no fishing vessel with lobster pot gear aboard, or person on a fishing vessel with lobster pot gear aboard, may fish in, and no lobster pot gear may be deployed or remain in, Restricted Gear Area III.
(m) Restricted Gear Area IV. (1) Restricted Gear Area IV is defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the order stated: ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inshore Boundary------------------------------------------------------------------------193............................ 4013.60 N. 6840.60 W.
194.......................... 4011.60 N. 6853.00 W.
195.......................... 4014.00 N. 6904.70 W.
196.......................... 4014.30 N. 6905.80 W.
197.......................... 4005.50 N. 6909.00 W.
198.......................... 3957.30 N. 6925.10 W.
199.......................... 4000.40 N. 6935.20 W.
200.......................... 4001.70 N. 6935.40 W.
201.......................... 4001.70 N. 6937.40 W.
202.......................... 4000.50 N. 6938.80 W.
203.......................... 4001.30 N. 6945.00 W.
204.......................... 4002.10 N. 6945.00 W.
205.......................... 4007.60 N. 7004.50 W.
206.......................... 4007.80 N. 7009.20 W.to 119------------------------------------------------------------------------
Offshore Boundary------------------------------------------------------------------------
69........................... 4007.90 N. 6836.00 W.
70........................... 4007.20 N. 6838.40 W.
71........................... 4006.90 N. 6846.50 W.
72........................... 4008.70 N. 6849.60 W.
73........................... 4008.10 N. 6851.00 W.
74........................... 4005.70 N. 6852.40 W.
75........................... 4003.60 N. 6857.20 W.
76........................... 4003.65 N. 6900.00 W.
77........................... 4004.35 N. 6900.50 W.
78........................... 4005.20 N. 6900.50 W.
79........................... 4005.30 N. 6901.10 W.
80........................... 4008.90 N. 6901.75 W.
81........................... 4011.00 N. 6903.80 W.
82........................... 4011.60 N. 6905.40 W.
83........................... 4010.25 N. 6904.40 W.
84........................... 4009.75 N. 6904.15 W.
85........................... 4008.45 N. 6903.60 W.
86........................... 4005.65 N. 6903.55 W.
87........................... 4004.10 N. 6903.90 W.
88........................... 4002.65 N. 6905.60 W.
89........................... 4002.00 N. 6908.35 W.
90........................... 4002.65 N. 6911.15 W.
91........................... 4000.05 N. 6914.60 W.
92........................... 3957.8 N. 6920.35 W.
93........................... 3956.75 N. 6924.40 W.
94........................... 3956.50 N. 6926.35 W.
95........................... 3956.80 N. 6934.10 W.
96........................... 3957.85 N. 6935.05 W.
97........................... 4000.65 N. 6936.50 W.
98........................... 4000.90 N. 6937.30 W.
99........................... 3959.15 N. 6937.30 W.
100.......................... 3958.80 N. 6938.45 W.
102.......................... 3956.20 N. 6940.20 W.
103.......................... 3955.75 N. 6941.40 W.
104.......................... 3956.70 N. 6953.60 W.
105.......................... 3957.55 N. 6954.05 W.
106.......................... 3957.40 N. 6955.90 W.
107.......................... 3956.90 N. 6957.45 W.
108.......................... 3958.25 N. 7003.00 W.
110.......................... 3959.20 N. 7004.90 W.
111.......................... 4000.70 N. 7008.70 W.
112.......................... 4003.75 N. 7010.15 W.
115.......................... 4005.20 N. 7010.90 W.
116.......................... 4002.45 N. 7014.1 W.
119.......................... 4002.75 N. 7016.1 W.to 206------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Restricted period--(i) Mobile gear. From June 16 through September 30, no fishing vessel with mobile gear aboard, or person on a fishing vessel with mobile gear aboard may fish or be in Restricted Gear Area IV, unless transiting. Vessels may transit this area, provided that all mobile gear is on board the vessel while inside the area, and is stowed and not available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2.
(i) Mobile gear. From June 16 through September 30, no fishing vessel with mobile gear aboard, or person on a fishing vessel with mobile gear aboard may fish or be in Restricted Gear Area IV, unless transiting. Vessels may transit this area, provided that all mobile gear is on board the vessel while inside the area, and is stowed and not available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2.
(ii) [Reserved]
(n) GOM Cod Spawning Protection Area. (1) Except as specified in paragraph (n)(2) of this section, from April through June of each year, no fishing vessel or person on a fishing vessel may enter, fish in, or be in; and no fishing gear capable of catching NE multispecies may be used on, or be on board, a vessel in the GOM Cod Spawning Protection Area, as defined by straight lines connecting the following points in the order stated (a chart depicting this area is available from the RA upon request):
GOM Cod Spawning Protection Area------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point N. latitude W. longitude------------------------------------------------------------------------CSPA1.......................... 4250.95 7032.22CSPA2.......................... 4247.65 7035.64CSPA3.......................... 4254.91 7041.88CSPA4.......................... 4258.27 7038.64CSPA1.......................... 4250.95 7032.22------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Paragraph (n)(1) of this section does not apply to persons on a fishing vessel or fishing vessels:
(i) That have not been issued a NE multispecies permit and that are fishing exclusively in state waters;
(ii) That are fishing with or using exempted gear as defined under this part, excluding pelagic gillnet gear capable of catching NE multispecies, except for vessels fishing with a single pelagic gillnet not longer than 300 ft (91.4 m) and not greater than 6 ft (1.83 m) deep, with a maximum mesh size of 3 inches (7.6 cm), provided:
(A) The net is attached to the vessel and fished in the upper two-thirds of the water column;
(B) The net is marked with the vessel owner's name and vessel identification number;
(C) There is no retention of regulated species or ocean pout; and
(D) There is no other gear on board capable of catching NE multispecies;
(iii) That are fishing as a charter/party or recreational fishing vessel, provided that:
(A) With the exception of tuna, fish harvested or possessed by the vessel are not sold or intended for trade, barter, or sale, regardless where the species are caught;
(B) The vessel has no gear other than pelagic hook and line gear, as defined in this part, on board unless that gear is properly stowed and not available for immediate use as defined in Sec. 648.2; and
(C) There is no retention of regulated species, or ocean pout; and
(iv) That are transiting pursuant to paragraph (i) of this section. [69 FR 22964, Apr. 27, 2004]
Editorial Notes: 1. For Federal Register citations affecting Sec. 648.81, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.fdsys.gov.