Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Pelagic Longline Fishery Vessel Monitoring Systems

As ordered by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on September 25, 2000, NMFS is undertaking further consideration of the scope of vessel monitoring system (VMS) requirements in the Atlantic pelagic longline fishery in light of any relevant conservation requirements. NMFS previously provided notice of the Court's ruling by distribution on the Highly Migratory Species Fax Network and in a mailing to permit holders. NMFS requests comments on options for implementing VMS requirements in the Atlantic pelagic longline fishery. As a result of the Court's order, NMFS delays the effective date of regulations regarding application of VMS requirements to the Atlantic pelagic longline fishery adopted as part of the Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Tunas, Swordfish, and Sharks (HMS FMP), pending further ruling of the Court on the agency's reconsideration of this matter.