Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan; Trawl Rationalization Program; Catch Monitor Program; Observer Program

This action revises the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery regulations pertaining to certified catch monitors and observers required in the Shorebased Individual Fishery Quota Program, the Mothership Coop Program, the Catcher/Processor Coop Program, and for processing vessels in the fixed gear or open access fisheries. This action establishes permitting requirements for persons interested in providing certified catch monitors and observers; updates observer provider and vessels responsibilities relative to observer safety; and makes administrative changes to the observer and catch monitor programs. This action is needed to allow for the entry of new providers, to ensure observer safety provisions are clearly stated and consistent with national observer regulations, and to improve program administration.