Pelagic Fisheries of the Western Pacific Region

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NMFS adopts as final, with one change, the interim final rule authorizing the Southwest Regional Director (RD), NMFS, to require the owner or agent of a vessel with a permit for the longline fishery to make accommodations for a NMFS observer. This final rule requires permit holders or their designated agents (which may include the vessel operator) to provide NMFS with at least 72 hours notice (not including weekends and Federal holidays) prior to each departure from port so the RD can determine if an observer placement will be made. This action is necessary to ensure adequate collection-of-data on the frequency and nature of interactions between longline fishing gear and sea turtles around Hawaii to ensure the fishery operates in compliance with the Endangered Species Act (ESA).