660.319—Open access fishery gear identification and marking.
(a) Gear identification.
(1)
Open access fixed gear (longline, trap or pot, set net and stationary hook-and-line gear, including commercial vertical hook-and-line gear) must be marked at the surface and at each terminal end, with a pole, flag, light, radar reflector, and a buoy.
(2)
Open access commercial vertical hook-and-line gear that is closely tended as defined at § 660.311 of this subpart, may be marked only with a single buoy of sufficient size to float the gear.
(3)
A buoy used to mark fixed gear under paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this section must be marked with a number clearly identifying the owner or operator of the vessel. The number may be either:
(i)
If required by applicable state law, the vessel's number, the commercial fishing license number, or buoy brand number; or
(ii)
The vessel documentation number issued by the USCG, or, for an undocumented vessel, the vessel registration number issued by the state.