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Catch Weighing and Catch Monitoring for the Groundfish and Crab Fisheries of the GOA and BSAI (At-Sea Scales)
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At-Sea Scale Inspections
Before a scale can be used to officially weigh catch at-sea it has to be inspected by a NMFS-authorized inspector. The inspector will check to make sure the scale is properly installed, all components of the scale are functioning (printer, display, software) and it can pass a performance test. The performance test consists of weighing a known quantity of test material (sand in bags) and making sure the scale being tested weighs the material accurately. In order to perform this test on a flow scale or hopper scale, the inspector we will be passing the test material across the scale in the same manner fish/crab would pass across the scale. Therefore, infeed belts must be operational before the test can be done. We will perform scale inspections in Dutch Harbor, Kodiak or the Puget Sound area. We need to receive a request for a scale inspection at least 10 working days in advance of the requested inspection.
Observer Sample Station and Bin Monitoring Inspection Catcher processors participating in the GOA Rockfish Pilot program as part of a cooperative or in the limited access fishery must complete the entire form, including the observer sampling station and bin monitoring portions of the inspection request. Vessels participating in the Opt-out fishery of the Rockfish Pilot Program must only complete the header and the bin monitoring inspection request. Regulations regarding Bin Monitoring requirements can be found at 50 CFR 679.84 (c) and (d). Vessels participating in other groundfish fisheries requiring a sample station must complete the header and that portion of the request form. An inspection request should be submitted at least 10 work days before the requested inspection date.
Crab Monitoring Plans A Register Crab Receiver (RCR) must submit a Crab Monitoring Plan (CMP) for approval by NMFS. The CMP must be approved before receiving any Crab Rationalization crab deliveries. An inspection of the processing facility must be requested 10 working days before the requested inspection date. CMPs will be approved for one year. An owner or manager must notify NMFS in writing if changes are made in plant operations or layout. Regulations regarding the CMP performance standards can be found at 50 CFR 680.23(g).
Catch Monitoring and Control Plans A processor taking deliveries from vessels engaged in directed fishing for Pollock in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management area and the GOA Rockfish Pilot Program must operate under an approved Catch Monitoring and Control Plan (CMCP). A CMCP must be submitted to NMFS for approval prior to receiving any BSAI Pollock deliveries. An inspection of the processing facility must be requested 10 working days before the requested inspection date. CMCPs will be approved for one year. Regulations regarding the CMCP performance standards can be found in 50 CFR 679.28(g).
Scales Approved for Use At-Sea Before a Scale Inspection can take place, the model of scale must be included on a list of scales approved for weighing catch at sea. The following types and models of scale have been approved by NMFS.
APPROVED OBSERVER SAMPLING STATION SCALES
APPROVED TOTAL CATCH WEIGHING SCALES
Program Coordinators
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