North Pacific Fisheries Research Plan

NMFS issues a final rule to clarify and make minor changes to the regulations implementing the North Pacific Fisheries Research Plan (Research Plan). This action clarifies 1995 observer coverage requirements, revises the definition of the term ``processor,'' specifies who is and is not included in the definition of processor, and exempts certain processors included in the definition from the requirement to have a Federal Processor Permit. These clarifications are incorporated as minor revisions to the instructions accompanying the Federal Processor Permit Application. In addition, the definition of ``round weight'' is revised to conform it to recent regulatory changes. This final rule is consistent with the intent of the regulations implementing the Research Plan and is intended to reduce confusion during the first year of the fee-collection program authorized under the Research Plan.