# 50 C.F.R. § 600.10 (2026): Definitions

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T50_P600_S600_10

## Section

- **Citation:** 50 C.F.R. § 600.10 (2026)
- **Heading:** Definitions
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Title 50 CFR: Wildlife and Fisheries / Chapter VI: FISHERY CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT, NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE / Part 600: MAGNUSON-STEVENS ACT PROVISIONS / Subpart A: General / § 600.10: § 600.10   Definitions.

## Text

Unless defined otherwise in other parts of Chapter VI, the terms in this chapter have the following meanings:
Administrator
means the Administrator of NOAA (Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere) or a designee.
Advisory group
means a Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC), Fishing Industry Advisory Committee (FIAC), or Advisory Panel (AP) established by a Council under the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
Advisory panel (AP)
means a committee formed, selected, and formally designated as a Magnuson-Stevens Act Section 302(g)(2) advisory panel by the Council's Statement of organization, practices, and procedures (SOPP), or by a formal charge to the committee made by the chair and recorded in the Council's minutes, to assist it in carrying out its functions. An AP may include individuals who are not members of the Council.
Agent,
for the purpose of foreign fishing (subpart F), means a person appointed and maintained within the United States who is authorized to receive and respond to any legal process issued in the United States to an owner and/or operator of a vessel operating under a permit and of any other vessel of that Nation fishing subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Any diplomatic official accepting such an appointment as designated agent waives diplomatic or other immunity in connection with such process.
Aggregate or summary form
means information structured in such a way that the identity or business of any person (defined at 16 U.S.C. 1802(36)) who submitted the information cannot be directly or indirectly determined either from the present release of the information or in combination with other releases.
Albacore
means the species
Thunnus alalunga,
or a part thereof.
Allocated species
means any species or species group allocated to a foreign nation under § 600.517 for catching by vessels of that Nation.
Allocation
means direct and deliberate distribution of the opportunity to participate in a fishery among identifiable, discrete user groups or individuals
ion or in combination with other releases.
Albacore
means the species
Thunnus alalunga,
or a part thereof.
Allocated species
means any species or species group allocated to a foreign nation under § 600.517 for catching by vessels of that Nation.
Allocation
means direct and deliberate distribution of the opportunity to participate in a fishery among identifiable, discrete user groups or individuals.
Allowable chemical
means a substance, generally used to immobilize marine life so it can be captured alive, that, when introduced into the water, does not take Gulf and South Atlantic prohibited coral (as defined at 50 CFR 622.2) and is allowed by Florida or Hawaii or the U.S. Pacific Insular Area for the harvest of tropical fish.
Anadromous species
means species of fish that spawn in fresh or estuarine waters of the United States and that migrate to ocean waters.
Angling
means fishing for, attempting to fish for, catching or attempting to catch fish by any person (angler) with a hook attached to a line that is hand-held or by rod and reel made for this purpose.
Area of custody
means any vessel, building, vehicle, live car, pound, pier or dock facility where fish might be found.
Assistant Administrator
means the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NOAA, or a designee.
Atlantic tunas
means bluefin, albacore, bigeye, skipjack, and yellowfin tunas found in the Atlantic Ocean.
Atlantic Tunas Convention Act
means the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act of 1975, 16 U.S.C. 971-971h.
Authorized officer
means:
(1) Any commissioned, warrant, or petty officer of the USCG;
(2) Any special agent or fishery enforcement officer of NMFS;
(3) Any officer designated by the head of any Federal or state agency that has entered into an agreement with the Secretary and the Commandant of the USCG to enforce the provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Act or any other statute administered by NOAA; or
horized officer
means:
(1) Any commissioned, warrant, or petty officer of the USCG;
(2) Any special agent or fishery enforcement officer of NMFS;
(3) Any officer designated by the head of any Federal or state agency that has entered into an agreement with the Secretary and the Commandant of the USCG to enforce the provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Act or any other statute administered by NOAA; or
(4) Any USCG personnel accompanying and acting under the direction of any person described in paragraph (1) of this definition.
Authorized species
means any species or species group that a foreign vessel is authorized to retain in a joint venture by a permit issued under Activity Code 4 as described by § 600.501(c).
Automatic reel
means a reel that remains attached to a vessel when in use from which a line and attached hook(s) are deployed. The line is payed out from and retrieved on the reel electrically or hydraulically.
Bandit gear
means vertical hook and line gear with rods that are attached to the vessel when in use. Lines are retrieved by manual, electric, or hydraulic reels.
Barrier net
means a small-mesh net used to capture coral reef or coastal pelagic fishes.
Bigeye tuna
means the species
Thunnus obesus,
or a part thereof.
Billfish
means Atlantic billfish (blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, longbill spearfish, or roundscale spearfish).
Bluefin tuna
means the species
Thunnus thynnus,
or a part thereof.
Blue marlin
means the species
Makaira nigricans,
or a part thereof.
Bully net
means a circular frame attached at right angles to a pole and supporting a conical bag of webbing.
Buoy gear
means fishing gear consisting of a float and one or more lines suspended therefrom. A hook or hooks are on the lines at or near the end. The float and line(s) drift freely and are retrieved periodically to remove catch and rebait hooks.
Business of any person
means:
part thereof.
Bully net
means a circular frame attached at right angles to a pole and supporting a conical bag of webbing.
Buoy gear
means fishing gear consisting of a float and one or more lines suspended therefrom. A hook or hooks are on the lines at or near the end. The float and line(s) drift freely and are retrieved periodically to remove catch and rebait hooks.
Business of any person
means:
(1) Financial information such as ownership information, cash flow documents, income statements, or information that contributes to the preparation of balance sheets; or
(2) Operational information such as fishing locations, time of fishing, specific gear configuration, catch by species in numbers or weight thereof, number of hauls, number of employees and estimated processing capacity of and the actual processing capacity utilized by U.S. fish processors.
Carcass
means a fish in whole condition or that portion of a fish that has been gilled and/or gutted and the head and some or all fins have been removed, but that is otherwise in whole condition.
Cast net
means a circular net with weights attached to the perimeter.
Catch limit
means the total allowable harvest or take from a single fishing trip or day, as defined in this section.
Catch, take,
or
harvest
includes, but is not limited to, any activity that results in killing any fish or bringing any live fish on board a vessel.
Center
means one of the five NMFS Fisheries Science Centers.
Charter boat
means a vessel less than 100 gross tons (90.8 mt) that meets the requirements of the U.S. Coast Guard to carry six or fewer passengers for hire.
Coast Guard Commander
means one of the commanding officers of the Coast Guard units specified in Table 1 of § 600.502, or a designee.
Codend
means the terminal, closed end of a trawl net.
Compensation fishing
means fishing conducted for the purpose of recovering costs associated with resource surveys and scientific studies that support the management of a fishery, or to provide incentive for participation in such studies
ans one of the commanding officers of the Coast Guard units specified in Table 1 of § 600.502, or a designee.
Codend
means the terminal, closed end of a trawl net.
Compensation fishing
means fishing conducted for the purpose of recovering costs associated with resource surveys and scientific studies that support the management of a fishery, or to provide incentive for participation in such studies. Compensation fishing may include fishing during or subsequent to such surveys or studies.
Confidential information
includes any observer information as defined under 16 U.S.C. 1802(32) or any information submitted to the Secretary, a State fishery management agency, or a marine fisheries commission by any person in compliance with any requirement or regulation under the Magnuson-Stevens Act. Confidential information does not include observer information related to interactions with species protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act: the date, time, and location of interactions, the type of species, and the fishing practices and gear involved provided that information regarding fishing practices and gear would not constitute a trade secret under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552(b)(4).
Conservation engineering
means the development and assessment of fishing technologies and fishing techniques designed to conserve target and non-target species, and may include the study of fish behavior and the development and testing of new gear technologies and fishing techniques to minimize bycatch and any adverse effects on essential fish habitat and promote efficient harvest of target species. Conservation engineering may include the assessment of existing fishing technologies applied in novel ways. An example would be assessing the ability of a bycatch reduction device (BRD), designed and proven in one fishery, to reduce bycatch in another fishery. Conservation engineering meeting the definition of scientific research activity is not fishing
promote efficient harvest of target species. Conservation engineering may include the assessment of existing fishing technologies applied in novel ways. An example would be assessing the ability of a bycatch reduction device (BRD), designed and proven in one fishery, to reduce bycatch in another fishery. Conservation engineering meeting the definition of scientific research activity is not fishing.
Continental shelf fishery resources
means the species listed under section 3(7) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
Council
means one of the eight Regional Fishery Management Councils established by the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
Dealer
means the person who first receives fish by way of purchase, barter, or trade.
Designated representative
means the person appointed by a foreign nation and maintained within the United States who is responsible for transmitting information to and submitting reports from vessels of that Nation and establishing observer transfer arrangements for vessels in both directed and joint venture activities.
Dip net
means a small mesh bag, sometimes attached to a handle, shaped and framed in various ways. It is operated by hand or partially by mechanical power to capture the fish.
Directed fishing,
for the purpose of foreign fishing (subpart F), means any fishing by the vessels of a foreign nation for allocations of fish granted that Nation under § 600.517.
Director
means the Director of the Office of Sustainable Fisheries, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
Discard
means to release or return fish to the sea, whether or not such fish are brought fully on board a fishing vessel.
Dredge
means a gear consisting of a mouth frame attached to a holding bag constructed of metal rings or mesh.
Drop net
means a small, usually circular net with weight around the perimeter and a float in the center
able Fisheries, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
Discard
means to release or return fish to the sea, whether or not such fish are brought fully on board a fishing vessel.
Dredge
means a gear consisting of a mouth frame attached to a holding bag constructed of metal rings or mesh.
Drop net
means a small, usually circular net with weight around the perimeter and a float in the center.
Electronic monitoring service provider
means any person who manages observer information collected by an electronic monitoring system required under an MSA regulation or as part of a cooperative research initiative.
Essential fish habitat (EFH)
means those waters and substrate necessary to fish for spawning, breeding, feeding, or growth to maturity. For the purpose of interpreting the definition of essential fish habitat: “Waters” include aquatic areas and their associated physical, chemical, and biological properties that are used by fish and may include aquatic areas historically used by fish where appropriate; “substrate” includes sediment, hard bottom, structures underlying the waters, and associated biological communities; “necessary” means the habitat required to support a sustainable fishery and the managed species' contribution to a healthy ecosystem; and “spawning, breeding, feeding, or growth to maturity” covers a species' full life cycle.
Exclusive economic zone (EEZ)
means the zone established by Presidential Proclamation 5030, 3 CFR part 22, dated March 10, 1983, and is that area adjacent to the United States which, except where modified to accommodate international boundaries, encompasses all waters from the seaward boundary of each of the coastal states to a line on which each point is 200 nautical miles (370.40 km) from the baseline from which the territorial sea of the United States is measured
al Proclamation 5030, 3 CFR part 22, dated March 10, 1983, and is that area adjacent to the United States which, except where modified to accommodate international boundaries, encompasses all waters from the seaward boundary of each of the coastal states to a line on which each point is 200 nautical miles (370.40 km) from the baseline from which the territorial sea of the United States is measured.
Exempted educational activity
means an activity that would otherwise be considered fishing, conducted by an educational institution accredited by a recognized national or international accreditation body, of limited scope and duration, that is otherwise prohibited by this chapter VI, but that is authorized by the appropriate Regional Administrator or Director for educational purposes, i.e., the instruction of an individual or group, and authorized capture of only the amount of fish necessary to demonstrate the lesson.
Exempted or experimental fishing
means fishing from a vessel of the United States that involves activities otherwise prohibited by this chapter VI, but that are authorized under an exempted fishing permit (EFP). The regulations in § 600.745 refer exclusively to exempted fishing. References elsewhere in this chapter to experimental fishing mean exempted fishing under this part.
Fillet
means to remove slices of fish flesh from the carcass by cuts made parallel to the backbone.
Fish
means:
(1) When used as a noun, means any finfish, mollusk, crustacean, or parts thereof, and all other forms of marine animal and plant life other than marine mammals and birds.
(2) When used as a verb, means to engage in “fishing,” as defined below.
Fishery
means:
(1) One or more stocks of fish that can be treated as a unit for purposes of conservation and management and that are identified on the basis of geographic, scientific, technical, recreational, or economic characteristics, or method of catch; or
marine animal and plant life other than marine mammals and birds.
(2) When used as a verb, means to engage in “fishing,” as defined below.
Fishery
means:
(1) One or more stocks of fish that can be treated as a unit for purposes of conservation and management and that are identified on the basis of geographic, scientific, technical, recreational, or economic characteristics, or method of catch; or
(2) Any fishing for such stocks.
Fishery management unit (FMU)
means a fishery or that portion of a fishery identified in an FMP relevant to the FMP's management objectives. The choice of an FMU depends on the focus of the FMP's objectives, and may be organized around biological, geographic, economic, technical, social, or ecological perspectives.
Fishery resource
means any fish, any stock of fish, any species of fish, and any habitat of fish.
Fishing,
or
to fish
means any activity, other than scientific research conducted by a scientific research vessel, that involves:
(1) The catching, taking, or harvesting of fish;
(2) The attempted catching, taking, or harvesting of fish;
(3) Any other activity that can reasonably be expected to result in the catching, taking, or harvesting of fish; or
(4) Any operations at sea in support of, or in preparation for, any activity described in paragraphs (1), (2), or (3) of this definition.
Fishing industry advisory committee (FIAC)
means an advisory group formed and selected by a regional fishery management council under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Act section 302(g)(3)(A) and formally designated in the Council's SOPP or by a formal charge to the FIAC made by the chair and recorded in the Council's minutes. A FIAC is not an “advisory panel” as defined under this section.
Fishing vessel
means any vessel, boat, ship, or other craft that is used for, equipped to be used for, or of a type that is normally used for:
(1) Fishing; or
gnuson-Stevens Act section 302(g)(3)(A) and formally designated in the Council's SOPP or by a formal charge to the FIAC made by the chair and recorded in the Council's minutes. A FIAC is not an “advisory panel” as defined under this section.
Fishing vessel
means any vessel, boat, ship, or other craft that is used for, equipped to be used for, or of a type that is normally used for:
(1) Fishing; or
(2) Aiding or assisting one or more vessels at sea in the performance of any activity relating to fishing, including, but not limited to, preparation, supply, storage, refrigeration, transportation, or processing.
Fish weir
means a large catching arrangement with a collecting chamber that is made of non-textile material (wood, wicker) instead of netting as in a pound net.
Foreign fishing
means fishing by a foreign fishing vessel.
Foreign fishing vessel (FFV)
means any fishing vessel other than a vessel of the United States, except those foreign vessels engaged in recreational fishing, as defined in this section.
Gear conflict
means any incident at sea involving one or more fishing vessels:
(1) In which one fishing vessel or its gear comes into contact with another vessel or the gear of another vessel; and
(2) That results in the loss of, or damage to, a fishing vessel, fishing gear, or catch.
Gillnet
means a panel of netting, suspended vertically in the water by floats along the top and weights along the bottom, to entangle fish that attempt to pass through it.
Governing International Fishery Agreement (GIFA)
means an agreement between the United States and a foreign nation or Nations under section 201(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
Grants Officer
means the NOAA official authorized to sign, on behalf of the Government, the cooperative agreement providing funds to support the Council's operations and functions.
Greenwich mean time (GMT)
means the local mean time at Greenwich, England. All times in this part are GMT unless otherwise specified
ates and a foreign nation or Nations under section 201(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
Grants Officer
means the NOAA official authorized to sign, on behalf of the Government, the cooperative agreement providing funds to support the Council's operations and functions.
Greenwich mean time (GMT)
means the local mean time at Greenwich, England. All times in this part are GMT unless otherwise specified.
Gulf of America
means the same geographic area as the Gulf of Mexico, as that term is used in the text of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. This name change in the Chapter VI regulations does not result in any changes to, and has no effect on the applicability or enforceability of, the regulations.
Handgear
means handline, harpoon, or rod and reel.
Hand harvest
means harvesting by hand.
Handline
means fishing gear that is set and pulled by hand and consists of one vertical line to which may be attached leader lines with hooks.
Harass
means to unreasonably interfere with an individual's work performance, or to engage in conduct that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.
Harpoon
or
harpoon gear
means fishing gear consisting of a pointed dart or iron attached to the end of a line several hundred feet in length, the other end of which is attached to a floatation device. Harpoon gear is attached to a pole or stick that is propelled only by hand, and not by mechanical means.
Headboat
means a vessel that holds a valid Certificate of Inspection issued by the U.S. Coast Guard to carry passengers for hire.
Hook and line
means one or more hooks attached to one or more lines (can include a troll).
Hoop net
means a cone-shaped or flat net which may or may not have throats and flues stretched over a series of rings or hoops for support.
Industry
means both recreational and commercial fishing, and includes the harvesting, processing, and marketing sectors
he U.S. Coast Guard to carry passengers for hire.
Hook and line
means one or more hooks attached to one or more lines (can include a troll).
Hoop net
means a cone-shaped or flat net which may or may not have throats and flues stretched over a series of rings or hoops for support.
Industry
means both recreational and commercial fishing, and includes the harvesting, processing, and marketing sectors.
Information sharing obligation of a Regional Fishery Management Organization (RFMO)
means a measure or part thereof that creates a binding requirement on the United States to report certain information by virtue of its membership in the respective RFMO.
International radio call sign (IRCS)
means the unique radio identifier assigned a vessel by the appropriate authority of the flag state.
Joint venture
means any operation by a foreign vessel assisting fishing by U.S. fishing vessels, including catching, scouting, processing and/or support. (A joint venture generally entails a foreign vessel processing fish received from U.S. fishing vessels and conducting associated support activities.)
Lampara net
means a surround net with the sections of netting made and joined to create bagging. It is hauled with purse rings and is generally much smaller in size than a purse seine net.
Land
means to begin offloading fish, to offload fish, or to arrive in port or at a dock, berth, beach, seawall, or ramp.
Limited access system
means a system that limits participation in a fishery to those satisfying certain eligibility criteria or requirements contained in a fishery management plan or associated regulation.
Longbill spearfish
means the species
Tetrapturus pfluegeri,
or a part thereof.
Longline
means a line that is deployed horizontally and to which gangions and hooks or pots are attached. Longlines can be stationary, anchored, or buoyed lines that may be hauled manually, electrically, or hydraulically.
Magnuson-Stevens Act
means the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1801
et seq
s the species
Tetrapturus pfluegeri,
or a part thereof.
Longline
means a line that is deployed horizontally and to which gangions and hooks or pots are attached. Longlines can be stationary, anchored, or buoyed lines that may be hauled manually, electrically, or hydraulically.
Magnuson-Stevens Act
means the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1801
et seq.
), formerly known as the Magnuson Act.
Metric ton (mt)
means 1,000 kg (2,204.6 lb).
nm
means nautical mile (6,076 ft (1,852 m)).
Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument
means the area designated by Presidential Proclamation 9496, consisting of:
(1)
Canyons Unit.
The Canyons Unit is defined by the area bounded by straight lines connecting the following points, in the order stated:
Point
N Latitude
W Longitude
1
40°31.62′
68°16.08′
2
40°36.00′
67°37.68′
3
40°12.42′
67°34.68′
4
40°7.32′
68°12.72′
1
40°31.62′
68°16.08′
(2)
Seamounts Unit.
The Seamounts Unit is defined by the area bounded by straight lines connecting the following points, except between points 1 and 2, where the boundary follows the outer limits of the U.S. EEZ:
Point
N Latitude
W Longitude
1
40°2.64′
67°43.32′
2
39°56.34′
(
a
)
3
38°51.90′
(
b
)
1
40°2.64′
67°43.32′
a
U.S. EEZ longitude, approximately 65°56.58′.
b
U.S. EEZ longitude, approximately 66°55.86′.
Observer provider
means any person that collects observer information by placement of observers on or in fishing vessels, shoreside processors, or stationary floating processors under a requirement of the MSA or as part of a cooperative research initiative.
Official number
means the documentation number issued by the USCG or the certificate number issued by a state or by the USCG for an undocumented vessel.
Operator,
with respect to any vessel, means the master or other individual aboard and in charge of that vessel.
Optimum yield (OY)
means the amount of fish that:
ssors under a requirement of the MSA or as part of a cooperative research initiative.
Official number
means the documentation number issued by the USCG or the certificate number issued by a state or by the USCG for an undocumented vessel.
Operator,
with respect to any vessel, means the master or other individual aboard and in charge of that vessel.
Optimum yield (OY)
means the amount of fish that:
(1) Will provide the greatest overall benefit to the Nation, particularly with respect to food production and recreational opportunities, and taking into account the protection of marine ecosystems;
(2) Is prescribed as such on the basis of the maximum sustainable yield from the fishery, as reduced by any relevant economic, social, or ecological factor; and
(3) In the case of an overfished fishery, provides for rebuilding to a level consistent with producing the maximum sustainable yield in such fishery.
Owner,
with respect to any vessel, means:
(1) Any person who owns that vessel in whole or in part;
(2) Any charterer of the vessel, whether bareboat, time, or voyage;
(3) Any person who acts in the capacity of a charterer, including, but not limited to, parties to a management agreement, operating agreement, or any similar agreement that bestows control over the destination, function, or operation of the vessel; or
(4) Any agent designated as such by a person described in paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of this definition.
Pelagic longline
means a longline that is suspended by floats in the water column and that is not fixed to or in contact with the ocean bottom.
Plan Team
means a Council working group selected from agencies, institutions, and organizations having a role in the research and/or management of fisheries, whose primary purpose is to assist the Council in the preparation and/or review of FMPs, amendments, and supporting documents for the Council, and/or SSC and AP.
Postmark
means independently verifiable evidence of the date of mailing, such as a U.S
eam
means a Council working group selected from agencies, institutions, and organizations having a role in the research and/or management of fisheries, whose primary purpose is to assist the Council in the preparation and/or review of FMPs, amendments, and supporting documents for the Council, and/or SSC and AP.
Postmark
means independently verifiable evidence of the date of mailing, such as a U.S. Postal Service postmark, or other private carrier postmark, certified mail receipt, overnight mail receipt, or a receipt issued upon hand delivery to a representative of NMFS authorized to collect fishery statistics.
Pot
means trap.
Powerhead
means any device with an explosive charge, usually attached to a spear gun, spear, pole, or stick, that may or may not fire a projectile upon contact.
Predominately
means, with respect to fishing in a fishery, that more fishing on a stock or stocks of fish covered by the FMP occurs, or would occur in the absence of regulations, within or beyond the EEZ than occurs in the aggregate within the boundaries of all states off the coasts of which the fishery is conducted.
Processing,
for the purpose of foreign fishing (subpart F), means any operation by an FFV to receive fish from foreign or U.S. fishing vessels and/or the preparation of fish, including, but not limited to, cleaning, cooking, canning, smoking, salting, drying, or freezing, either on the FFV's behalf or to assist other foreign or U.S. fishing vessels.
Product recovery rate (PRR)
means a ratio expressed as a percentage of the weight of processed product divided by the round weight of fish used to produce that amount of product.
Prohibited species,
with respect to a foreign vessel, means any species of fish that that vessel is not specifically allocated or authorized to retain, including fish caught or received in excess of any allocation or authorization.
Purchase
means the act or activity of buying, trading, or bartering, or attempting to buy, trade, or barter
round weight of fish used to produce that amount of product.
Prohibited species,
with respect to a foreign vessel, means any species of fish that that vessel is not specifically allocated or authorized to retain, including fish caught or received in excess of any allocation or authorization.
Purchase
means the act or activity of buying, trading, or bartering, or attempting to buy, trade, or barter.
Purse seine
means a floated and weighted encircling net that is closed by means of a drawstring threaded through rings attached to the bottom of the net.
Recreational fishing,
with respect to a foreign vessel, means any fishing from a foreign vessel not operated for profit and not operated for the purpose of scientific research. It may not involve the sale, barter, or trade of part or all of the catch (see § 600.513).
Region
means one of six NMFS Regional Offices responsible for administering the management and development of marine resources of the United States in their respective geographical regions.
Regional Administrator
means the Administrator of one of the six NMFS Regions described in Table 1 to § 600.502, or a designee.
Regional Fishery Management Organization (RFMO)
means an intergovernmental fisheries organization or arrangement, as appropriate, that has the competence to establish conservation and management measures.
Regional Program Officer
means the NMFS official designated in the terms and conditions of the grant award responsible for monitoring, recommending, and reviewing any technical aspects of the application for Federal assistance and the award.
Retain on board
means to fail to return fish to the sea after a reasonable opportunity to sort the catch.
Rod and reel
means a hand-held (including rod holder) fishing rod with a manually or electrically operated reel attached.
Round
means a whole fish—one that has not been gilled, gutted, beheaded, or definned.
Roundscale spearfish
means the species
Tetrapturus georgii
, or a part thereof
award.
Retain on board
means to fail to return fish to the sea after a reasonable opportunity to sort the catch.
Rod and reel
means a hand-held (including rod holder) fishing rod with a manually or electrically operated reel attached.
Round
means a whole fish—one that has not been gilled, gutted, beheaded, or definned.
Roundscale spearfish
means the species
Tetrapturus georgii
, or a part thereof.
Round weight
means the weight of the whole fish before processing or removal of any part.
Sailfish
means the species
Istiophorus platypterus,
or a part thereof.
Sale
or
sell
means the act or activity of transferring property for money or credit, trading, or bartering, or attempting to so transfer, trade, or barter.
Science and Research Director (also referred to as “Center Director”
) means the Director of one of the six NMFS Fisheries Science Centers described in Table 1 to § 600.502, or a designee.
Scientific cruise
means the period of time during which a scientific research vessel is operated in furtherance of a scientific research project, beginning when the vessel leaves port to undertake the project and ending when the vessel completes the project as provided for in the applicable scientific research plan.
Scientific research activity
is, for the purposes of this part, an activity in furtherance of a scientific fishery investigation or study that would meet the definition of fishing under the Magnuson-Stevens Act, but for the exemption applicable to scientific research activity conducted from a scientific research vessel. Scientific research activity includes, but is not limited to, sampling, collecting, observing, or surveying the fish or fishery resources within the EEZ, at sea, on board scientific research vessels, to increase scientific knowledge of the fishery resources or their environment, and to test a hypothesis as part of a planned, directed investigation or study conducted according to methodologies generally accepted as appropriate for scientific research
ited to, sampling, collecting, observing, or surveying the fish or fishery resources within the EEZ, at sea, on board scientific research vessels, to increase scientific knowledge of the fishery resources or their environment, and to test a hypothesis as part of a planned, directed investigation or study conducted according to methodologies generally accepted as appropriate for scientific research. At-sea scientific fishery investigations address one or more topics involving taxonomy, biology, physiology, behavior, disease, aging, growth, mortality, migration, recruitment, distribution, abundance, ecology, stock structure, bycatch or other collateral effects of fishing, conservation engineering, and catch estimation of fish species considered to be a component of the fishery resources within the EEZ. Scientific research activity does not include the collection and retention of fish outside the scope of the applicable research plan, or the testing of fishing gear. Data collection designed to capture and land quantities of fish for product development, market research, and/or public display are not scientific research activities. For foreign vessels, such data collection activities are considered scientific research if they are carried out in full cooperation with the United States.
Scientific research plan
means a detailed, written formulation, prepared in advance of the research, for the accomplishment of a scientific research project. At a minimum, a sound scientific research plan should include:
(1) A description of the nature and objectives of the project, including the hypothesis or hypotheses to be tested.
(2) The experimental design of the project, including a description of the methods to be used, the type and class of any vessel(s) to be used, and a description of sampling equipment.
(3) The geographical area(s) in which the project is to be conducted.
research plan should include:
(1) A description of the nature and objectives of the project, including the hypothesis or hypotheses to be tested.
(2) The experimental design of the project, including a description of the methods to be used, the type and class of any vessel(s) to be used, and a description of sampling equipment.
(3) The geographical area(s) in which the project is to be conducted.
(4) The expected date of first appearance and final departure of the research vessel(s) to be employed, and deployment and removal of equipment, as appropriate.
(5) The expected quantity and species of fish to be taken and their intended disposition, and, if significant amounts of a managed species or species otherwise restricted by size or sex are needed, an explanation of such need.
(6) The name, address, and telephone/telex/fax number of the sponsoring organization and its director.
(7) The name, address, and telephone/telex/fax number, and curriculum vitae of the person in charge of the project and, where different, the person in charge of the research project on board the vessel.
(8) The identity of any vessel(s) to be used including, but not limited to, the vessel's name, official documentation number and IRCS, home port, and name, address, and telephone number of the owner and master.
Scientific research vessel
means a vessel owned or chartered by, and controlled by, a foreign government agency, U.S. Government agency (including NOAA or institutions designated as federally funded research and development centers), U.S. state or territorial agency, university (or other educational institution accredited by a recognized national or international accreditation body), international treaty organization, or scientific institution. In order for a domestic commercial fishing vessel to meet this definition, it must be under the control of a qualifying agency or institution, and operate in accordance with a scientific research plan, for the duration of the scientific research activity
stitution accredited by a recognized national or international accreditation body), international treaty organization, or scientific institution. In order for a domestic commercial fishing vessel to meet this definition, it must be under the control of a qualifying agency or institution, and operate in accordance with a scientific research plan, for the duration of the scientific research activity. In order for a vessel that is owned or chartered and controlled by a foreign government to meet this definition, the vessel must have scientific research as its exclusive mission during the scientific activity in question, and the vessel operations must be conducted in accordance with a scientific research plan.
Scouting
means any operation by a vessel exploring (on the behalf of an FFV or U.S. fishing vessel) for the presence of fish by visual, acoustic, or other means that do not involve the catching of fish.
Secretary
means the Secretary of Commerce or a designee.
Seine
means a net with long narrow wings, that is rigged with floats and weights.
Skipjack tuna
means the species
Katsuwonus pelamis,
or a part thereof.
Slurp gun
means a tube-shaped suction device that operates somewhat like a syringe by sucking up the fish.
Snare
means a device consisting of a pole to which is attached a line forming at its end a loop with a running knot that tightens around the fish when the line is pulled.
Spear
means a sharp, pointed, or barbed instrument on a shaft. Spears can be operated manually or shot from a gun or sling.
State
means each of the several states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and any other Commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States.
State employee
means any employee of the state agency responsible for developing and monitoring the state's program for marine and/or anadromous fisheries
State
means each of the several states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and any other Commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States.
State employee
means any employee of the state agency responsible for developing and monitoring the state's program for marine and/or anadromous fisheries.
Statement of Organization, Practices, and Procedures (SOPP)
means a statement by each Council describing its organization, practices, and procedures as required under section 302(f)(6) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
Stock assessment
means the process of collecting and analyzing biological and statistical information to determine the changes in the abundance of fishery stocks in response to fishing, and, to the extent possible, to predict future trends of stock abundance. Stock assessments are based on resource surveys; knowledge of the habitat requirements, life history, and behavior of the species; the use of environmental indices to determine impacts on stocks; and catch statistics. Stock assessments are used as a basis to “assess and specify the present and probable future condition of a fishery” (as is required by the Magnuson-Stevens Act), and are summarized in the Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation or similar document.
Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE)
means a document or set of documents that provides Councils with a summary of the most recent biological condition of species in an FMU, and the social and economic condition of the recreational and commercial fishing industries and the fish processing industries. It summarizes, on a periodic basis, the best available scientific information concerning the past, present, and possible future condition of the stocks and fisheries being managed under Federal regulation.
Submersible
means a manned or unmanned device that functions or operates primarily underwater and is used to harvest fish, i.e., precious corals, with mechanical arms
fish processing industries. It summarizes, on a periodic basis, the best available scientific information concerning the past, present, and possible future condition of the stocks and fisheries being managed under Federal regulation.
Submersible
means a manned or unmanned device that functions or operates primarily underwater and is used to harvest fish, i.e., precious corals, with mechanical arms.
Substantially (affects)
means, for the purpose of subpart G, with respect to whether a state's action or omission will substantially affect the carrying out of an FMP for a fishery, that those effects are important or material, or considerable in degree. The effects of a state's action or omission for purposes of this definition include effects upon:
(1) The achievement of the FMP's goals or objectives for the fishery;
(2) The achievement of OY from the fishery on a continuing basis;
(3) The attainment of the national standards for fishery conservation and management (as set forth in section 301(a) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act) and compliance with other applicable law; or
(4) The enforcement of regulations implementing the FMP.
Support
means any operation by a vessel assisting fishing by foreign or U.S. vessels, including supplying water, fuel, provisions, fish processing equipment, or other supplies to a fishing vessel.
Swordfish
means the species
Xiphias gladius,
or a part thereof.
Tangle net dredge
means dredge gear consisting of weights and flimsy netting that hangs loosely in order to immediately entangle fish.
Total length (TL)
means the straight-line distance from the tip of the snout to the tip of the tail (caudal fin) while the fish is lying on its side, normally extended.
Trammel net
means a net consisting of two or more panels of netting, suspended vertically in the water column by a common float line and a common weight line. One panel of netting has a larger mesh size than the other(s) in order to entrap fish in a pocket
he straight-line distance from the tip of the snout to the tip of the tail (caudal fin) while the fish is lying on its side, normally extended.
Trammel net
means a net consisting of two or more panels of netting, suspended vertically in the water column by a common float line and a common weight line. One panel of netting has a larger mesh size than the other(s) in order to entrap fish in a pocket.
Transship
means offloading and onloading or otherwise transferring fish or fish products and/or transporting fish or products made from fish.
Trap
means a portable, enclosed device with one or more gates or entrances and one or more lines attached to surface floats. Also called a pot.
Trawl
means a cone or funnel-shaped net that is towed through the water, and can include a pair trawl that is towed simultaneously by two boats.
Trip
means the time period that begins when a fishing vessel departs from a dock, berth, beach, seawall, ramp, or port to carry out fishing operations and that terminates with a return to a dock, berth, beach, seawall, ramp, or port.
U.S. observer
or
observer
means any person serving in the capacity of an observer employed by NMFS, either directly or under contract, or certified as a supplementary observer by NMFS.
Vessel of the United States or U.S. vessel
means:
(1) Any vessel documented under chapter 121 of title 46, United States Code;
(2) Any vessel numbered under chapter 123 of title 46, United States Code, and measuring less than 5 net tons;
(3) Any vessel numbered under chapter 123 of title 46, United States Code, and used exclusively for pleasure; or
or certified as a supplementary observer by NMFS.
Vessel of the United States or U.S. vessel
means:
(1) Any vessel documented under chapter 121 of title 46, United States Code;
(2) Any vessel numbered under chapter 123 of title 46, United States Code, and measuring less than 5 net tons;
(3) Any vessel numbered under chapter 123 of title 46, United States Code, and used exclusively for pleasure; or
(4) Any vessel not equipped with propulsion machinery of any kind and used exclusively for pleasure.
White Marlin
means the species
Kajikia albidus
, or a part thereof.
Yellowfin tuna
means the species
Thunnus albacares,
or a part thereof.
[61 FR 32540, June 24, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 14646, Mar. 27, 1997; 62 FR 66551, Dec. 19, 1997; 63 FR 7073, 7075, Feb. 12, 1998; 64 FR 4036, Jan. 27, 1999; 64 FR 29133, May 28, 1999; 64 FR 67516, Dec. 2, 1999; 67 FR 2375, Jan. 17, 2002; 67 FR 64312, Oct. 18, 2002; 69 FR 30240, May 27, 2004; 73 FR 67810, Nov. 17, 2008; 74 FR 42792, Aug. 25, 2009; 75 FR 59149, Sept. 27, 2010; 75 FR 57701, Sept. 22, 2010; 89 FR 12286, Feb. 16, 2024; 89 FR 102013, Dec. 17, 2024]

## Nearby sections

- [50 C.F.R. § 600.5 (2026) § 600.5   Purpose and scope.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T50_P600_S600_5.md)
- [50 C.F.R. § 600.10 (2026) § 600.10   Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T50_P600_S600_10.md)
- [50 C.F.R. § 600.15 (2026) § 600.15   Other acronyms.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T50_P600_S600_15.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T50_P600_S600_10. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.