Antarctic Marine Living Resources; Harvesting and Dealer Permits, and Catch Documentation

NMFS issues this final rule to revise permit requirements for U.S. vessels harvesting, or transshipping catch of, Dissostichus eleginoides (Patagonian toothfish) and Dissostichus mawsoni (Antarctic toothfish) harvested in all waters, including those under the jurisdiction of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). These regulations govern U.S. harvesters, receivers, importers and exporters of toothfish wherever caught, as well as other Antarctic marine living resources. NMFS will no longer use "import" permits as part of its regulatory requirements, instead it will use "dealer" permits. Persons receiving, importing, or re- exporting toothfish are required to validate and submit Dissostichus Catch Documents (DCD) to NMFS. This rule implements U.S. obligations as a Contracting Party of CCAMLR to conserve Antarctic and Patagonian toothfish by preventing or otherwise discouraging unlawful harvest and trade in these species.