Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Deep-Sea Red Crab Fishery

NMFS informs the public that the emergency interim rule published on May 8, 2001, as amended on July 23, 2001, to govern fishing in the Atlantic deep-sea red crab (Chaceon quinquedens) (red crab) fishery from May 18, 2001, through November 14, 2001, is extended for an additional 180 days to continue protection of red crab while permanent measures are being developed by the New England Fishery Management Council (Council). The extension adjusts the total allowable catch (TAC) for its 180-day duration to 2.16 million lb (979.8 mt); maintains a possession limit of 65,000 lb (29.5 mt) of whole red crab or its equivalent, a trap/pot limit of 600 pots, and an incidental catch of 100 lb (45.4 kg) of whole red crab per fishing trip. The extension also continues the requirements for a letter of authorization, for vessel reporting via an interactive voice response system, and for submission of vessel trip reports for the red crab fishery. The intended effect of extending this rule is to continue to prevent or eliminate overfishing and provide immediate protection of the red crab stock in the previously unregulated Atlantic deep-sea red crab fishery in the Northeast region while a Federal fishery management plan (FMP) is being developed.