# [No title available] > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/fr%3AE9-28588 ## Record - **Collection:** Federal Register - **Document type:** Uncategorized Document - **Published:** December 7, 2009 - **Citation:** 74 FR 64395 ## Text Part IV Department of Commerce ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Semiannual Regulatory Agenda [[Page 64396]] DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC) _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Office of the Secretary 13 CFR Ch. III 15 CFR Subtitle A; Subtitle B, Chs. I, II, III, VII, VIII, IX, and XI 19 CFR Ch. III 37 CFR Chs. I, IV, and V 48 CFR Ch. 13 50 CFR Chs. II, III, IV, and VI Fall 2009 Semiannual Agenda of Regulations AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Commerce. ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda. _______________________________________________________________________ SUMMARY: In compliance with Executive Order 12866, entitled ``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' and the Regulatory Flexibility Act, as amended, the Department of Commerce (Department), in the spring and fall of each year, publishes in the Federal Register an agenda of regulations under development or review over the next 12 months. Rulemaking actions are grouped according to prerulemaking, proposed rules, final rules, long-term actions, and rulemaking actions completed since the spring 2009 agenda. The purpose of the agenda is to provide information to the public on regulations currently under review, being proposed, or issued by the Department. The agenda is intended to facilitate comments and views by interested members of the public. The Department's fall 2009 regulatory agenda includes regulatory activities that are expected to be conducted during the period October 1, 2009, through September 30, 2010. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Specific: For additional information about specific regulatory actions listed in the agenda, contact the individual identified as the contact person. General: Comments or inquiries of a general nature about the agenda should be directed to Jennifer K. Nist, Chief Counsel for Regulations, Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Legislation and Regulation, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230; telephone: 202-482-3151. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Executive Order 12866 requires agencies to publish an agenda of those regulations that are under consideration pursuant to this order. By memorandum of August 6, 2009, the Office of Management and Budget issued guidelines and procedures for the preparation and publication of the fall 2009 Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions. The Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., requires agencies to publish, in the spring and fall of each year, a regulatory flexibility agenda that contains a brief description of the subject of any rule likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The agenda also identifies those entries that have been selected for periodic review under section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. For this edition of the Department of Commerce's regulatory agenda, the most important significant regulatory actions and a Statement of Regulatory Priorities are included in The Regulatory Plan, which appears in both the online Unified Agenda and in part II of the Federal Register that includes the Unified Agenda. In addition, beginning with the fall 2007 edition, the Internet became the basic means for disseminating the Unified Agenda. The complete Unified Agenda will be available online at www.reginfo.gov, in a format that offers users a greatly enhanced ability to obtain information from the Agenda database. Because publication in the Federal Register is mandated for the regulatory flexibility agendas required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5U.S.C. 602), the Department of Commerce's printed agenda entries include only: (1) Rules that are in the Agency's regulatory flexibility agenda, in accordance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act, because they are likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities; and (2) Rules that the Agency has identified for periodic review under section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Printing of these entries is limited to fields that contain information required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act's Agenda requirements. Additional information on these entries is available in the Unified Agenda published on the Internet. In addition, for fall editions of the Agenda, the entire Regulatory Plan will continue to be printed in the Federal Register, as in past years, including the Department of Commerce's Regulatory Plan. Within the Department, the Office of the Secretary and various operating units may issue regulations. Operating units, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Bureau of Industry and Security, and the Patent and Trademark Office issue the greatest share of the Department's regulations. A large number of regulatory actions reported in the agenda deal with fishery management programs of NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). To avoid repetition of programs and definitions, as well as to provide some understanding of the technical and institutional elements of the NMFS programs, an ``Explanation of Information Contained in NMFS Regulatory Entries'' is provided below. Explanation of Information Contained in NMFS Regulatory Entries The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.) (Act) governs the management of fisheries within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The EEZ refers to those waters from the outer edge of the State boundaries, generally 3 nautical miles, to a distance of 200 nautical miles. Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) are to be prepared for fisheries that require conservation and management measures. Regulations implementing these FMPs regulate domestic fishing and foreign fishing where permitted. Foreign fishing may be conducted in a fishery in which there is no FMP only if a preliminary fishery management plan has been issued to govern that foreign fishing. Under the Act, eight Regional Fishery Management Councils (Councils) prepare FMPs or amendments to FMPs for fisheries within their respective areas. In the development of such plans or amendments and their implementing regulations, the Councils are required by law to conduct public hearings on the draft plans and to consider the use of alternative means of regulating. The Council process for developing FMPs and amendments makes it difficult for NMFS to determine the [[Page 64397]] significance and timing of some regulatory actions under consideration by the Councils at the time the semiannual regulatory agenda is published. The Department's fall 2009 regulatory agenda follows. Cameron F. Kerry, General Counsel. International Trade Administration--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 233 Commercial Availability of Fabric and Yarn............................................ 0625-AA59 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 234 Maximize Retention and Monitoring Program in the Shore-Based Pacific Whiting Fishery.. 0648-AR63 235 American Lobster Fishery; Effort Control Measures..................................... 0648-AT31 236 South Atlantic Fishery Ecosystem Plan Comprehensive Amendment......................... 0648-AV31 237 Collection and Use of Tax Identification Numbers From Holders of and Applicants for 0648-AV76 National Marine Fisheries Service Permits............................................. 238 Amendment 17 to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council Snapper Grouper Fishery 0648-AW11 Management Plan....................................................................... 239 Amendment 2 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Queen Conch Fishery of Puerto Rico 0648-AW15 and the U.S. Virgin Islands........................................................... 240 Marine Mammal Protection Act Stranding Regulation Revisions........................... 0648-AW22 241 Amendment 3 to the Northeast Skate Complex Fishery Management Plan.................... 0648-AW30 242 Amendment 4 to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan........................... 0648-AW75 243 Allowable Modifications to the Turtle Excluder Device (TED) Requirements.............. 0648-AW93 244 Regulatory Amendment (3) To Correct and Clarify Amendment 13 and Subsequent 0648-AW95 Frameworks of the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan...................... 245 Amendment 11 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, Butterfish Fishery Management Plan...... 0648-AX05 246 Amendment 30 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands King 0648-AX47 and Tanner Crabs Arbitration Regulations.............................................. 247 Amendment 31 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of 0648-AX67 Mexico................................................................................ 248 Salmon Bycatch Reduction Management Measures for the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) 91 0648-AX89 in the Bering Sea Aleutian Islands.................................................... 249 2010 Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Recreational Management Measures....... 0648-AY04 250 Maximized Retention Monitoring Program for Catcher Vessels in the Pacific Whiting 0648-AY17 Mothership Fishery in the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery............................ 251 Generic Amendment for Annual Catch Limits............................................. 0648-AY22 252 Protective Regulations for Killer Whales in the Northwest Region Under the Endangered 0648-AV15 Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act.......................................... 253 Marine Mammal Protection Act Permit Regulation Revisions.............................. 0648-AV82 254 Rulemaking To Establish Take Prohibitions for the Threatened Southern Distinct 0648-AV94 Population Segment of North American Green Sturgeon................................... 255 Rule to Revise Leatherback Critical Habitat........................................... 0648-AX06 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 256 Fisheries in the Western Pacific; Pelagic Fisheries; Squid Jig Fisheries.............. 0648-AS71 257 Modifying Maximum Retainable Amounts (MRAs) for Selected Groundfish Species Caught by 0648-AV32 the Non-American Fishing Act Trawl Catcher Processor Sector........................... 258 Certification of Nations Whose Fishing Vessels Are Engaged in Illegal, Unreported or 0648-AV51 Unregulated Fishing or Bycatch of Protected Living Marine Resources (Reg Plan Seq No. 34)................................................................................... 259 Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act (MSRA) 0648-AV53 Environmental Review Procedure........................................................ 260 Initial Implementation of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention 0648-AV63 Implementation Act.................................................................... [[Page 64398]] 261 Amendment 15B to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council Snapper Grouper Fishery 0648-AW12 Management Plan....................................................................... 262 Revise Regulations Governing the North Pacific Groundfish Observer Program............ 0648-AW24 263 Fisheries in the Western Pacific; Western Pacific Pelagic Fisheries; Amendment 18 to 0648-AW49 the Pelagics Fishery Management Plan; Shallow-set Longline Swordfish Fishery.......... 264 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Shark Management Measures................. 0648-AW65 265 Halibut Charter Vessel Moratorium..................................................... 0648-AW92 266 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; 2009 North and South Atlantic Commercial Quotas.... 0648-AX07 267 Amendment 29 to the Fishery Management Plan for Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of 0648-AX39 Mexico................................................................................ 268 Western and Central Pacific Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species; Implementation of 0648-AX59 the Longline Catch Limits Adopted at the Fifth Session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission.......................................................... 269 Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan of the South Atlantic......................... 0648-AX75 270 Amendment 10 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan.. 0648-AY00 271 Provide Regulations for Permits for Capture, Transport, Import, and Export of 0648-AH26 Protected Species for Public Display, and for Maintaining a Captive Marine Mammal Inventory............................................................................. 272 Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals 0648-AX86 Incidental to Training Operations Conducted Within the Gulf of Mexico Range Complex... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 273 Fishery Management Plan for Regulating Offshore Marine Aquaculture in the Gulf of 0648-AS65 Mexico................................................................................ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 274 Amendment 1 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Tilefish Fishery................... 0648-AS25 275 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); Reducing Sea Turtle Takes.................... 0648-AS49 276 Amendment 10 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan.. 0648-AT58 277 American Lobster Data Collection and Broodstock Protection Measures................... 0648-AV77 278 Amendment 7 to the South Atlantic Shrimp Fishery Management Plan...................... 0648-AW19 279 Fisheries Off West Coast States; Highly Migratory Species Fisheries................... 0648-AW50 280 Fisheries in the Western Pacific; Compensation to Northwestern Hawaiian Islands 0648-AW52 Bottomfish and Lobster Fishermen Due to Fishery Closure in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument.............................................................. 281 Amendment 16 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper Grouper Fishery of the 0648-AW64 South Atlantic Region................................................................. 282 Amendment 27 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and 0648-AW73 Tanner Crabs.......................................................................... 283 Amendment 28 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands King 0648-AW97 and Tanner Crab....................................................................... 284 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); 2009 Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Quota 0648-AX12 Specifications and Management Measures................................................ 285 Amendment 92 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands Groundfish 0648-AX14 and Amendment 82 to the Fishery Management Plan for Gulf of Alaska Groundfish......... 286 One-Fish Daily Bag Limit for the Guided Sport Charter Vessel Fishery for Halibut in 0648-AX17 Regulatory Area 2C.................................................................... 287 Amendment 90 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands Groundfish 0648-AX25 and Amendment 78 to the Fishery Management Plan for Gulf of Alaska Groundfish......... 288 Amendment 85 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska...... 0648-AX42 289 2009 Atlantic Bluefish Specifications................................................. 0648-AX49 290 Definition of U.S. Citizen............................................................ 0648-AX52 291 2009 Specifications and Management Measures for the Spiny Dogfish Fishery Management 0648-AX57 Plan.................................................................................. 292 Western and Central Pacific Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species; Implementation of 0648-AX60 Decisions of the Fifth Session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission for Purse Seine Fisheries............................................................. 293 2009 Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Recreational Management Measures....... 0648-AX69 294 Reef Fish Amendment 30B to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of 0648-AX73 the Gulf of Mexico: Measure To Establish the Edges Seasonal-Area Closure.............. [[Page 64399]] 295 Establish 2009 Fishery Specifications for Pacific Whiting; Pacific Groundfish Fishery; 0648-AX77 Biennial Specifications and Management Measures....................................... 296 Pacific Coast Groundfish Inseason Action for May 1, 2009.............................. 0648-AX84 297 Establish a Control Date for the Reef Fish, Queen Conch, and Spiny Lobster Fisheries 0648-AX92 of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands............................................ 298 Atlantic Pelagic Longline Take Reduction Plan......................................... 0648-AV65 299 Designation of Critical Habitat for the Endangered U.S. Distinct Population Segment 0648-AV74 (DPS) of Guided Smalltooth Sawfish.................................................... 300 Harbor Porpoise Take Reduction Plan Regulations....................................... 0648-AW51 301 Rulemaking to Designate Critical Habitat for the Gulf of Maine Distinct Population 0648-AW77 Segment of Atlantic Salmon............................................................ 302 Rulemaking To Designate Critical Habitat for the Threatened Southern Distinct 0648-AX04 Population Segment of North American Green Sturgeon................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Patent and Trademark Office--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 303 Examination of Patent Applications That Include Claims Containing Alternative Language 0651-AC00 304 Fiscal Year 2009 Revision of Request for Continued Examination, 18-Month Publication, 0651-AC29 and Other Miscellaneous Cost-Recovery Patent Fees..................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Long-Term Actions International Trade Administration (ITA) _______________________________________________________________________ 233. COMMERCIAL AVAILABILITY OF FABRIC AND YARN Legal Authority: PL 106-200, sec 112(b)(5)(B); PL 106-200, sec 211; EO 13191; PL 107-210, sec 3103 Abstract: This rule implements certain provisions of the Trade and Development Act of 2000 (the Act). Title I of the Act (the African Growth and Opportunity Act or AGOA), title II of the Act (the United States-Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act or CBTPA), and title XXXI of the Trade Act of 2002 (the Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act or ATPDEA) provide for quota- and duty-free treatment for qualifying apparel products from designated beneficiary countries. AGOA and CBTPA authorize quota- and duty-free treatment for apparel articles that are both cut (or knit-to-shape) and sewn or otherwise assembled in one or more designated beneficiary countries from yarn or fabric that is not formed in the United States or a beneficiary country, provided it has been determined that such yarn or fabric cannot be supplied by the domestic industry in commercial quantities in a timely manner. The President has delegated to the Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (the Committee), which is chaired by Commerce, the authority to determine whether yarn or fabric cannot be supplied by the domestic industry in commercial quantities in a timely manner under the AGOA, the ATPDEA, and the CBTPA, and has authorized the Committee to extend quota- and duty-free treatment to apparel of such yarn or fabric. The rule provides the procedure for interested parties to submit a request alleging that a yarn or fabric cannot be supplied by the domestic industry in commercial quantities in a timely manner, the procedure for public comments, and relevant factors that will be considered in the Committee's determination. The rule also outlines the factors to be considered by the Committee in extending quota- and duty-free treatment. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Janet Heinzen Phone: 202 482-4006 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0625-AA59 [[Page 64400]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Proposed Rule Stage National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) _______________________________________________________________________ NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE ________________________________ 234. MAXIMIZE RETENTION AND MONITORING PROGRAM IN THE SHORE-BASED PACIFIC WHITING FISHERY Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq Abstract: The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council) at their October 21-25, 1996, meeting in San Francisco, California addressed the treatment and disposition of salmon in the groundfish trawl fisheries, specifically the shore-based whiting fishery. At that meeting, the Pacific Council discussed the retention of salmon in the shore-based whiting fishery and took action to maintain a viable shore- based whiting fishery by using exempted fishing permits (EFPs). These EFPs allowed the shore-based whiting fleet to temporarily deliver unsorted catch to processing plants and provided for the monitoring of incidentally taken salmon until a permanent monitoring program could be implemented. In keeping with the Pacific Council's recommendation, NMFS is proceeding with implementing a monitoring program for the shore- based whiting fishery. This action will aid in the sustainable management of Pacific Coast salmon and groundfish fisheries while providing an important economic opportunity to those associated with the harvest, processing, and selling of whiting taken by the shore- based whiting fleet. The need for implementing a permanent monitoring program in the shore-based Pacific whiting fishery is to provide for a full retention fishery by enabling the shore-based whiting fleet, comprised exclusively of catcher vessels, to deliver unsorted catch to processing plants. This practice is necessary to ensure that whiting landings are of market quality, while abiding by Federal groundfish regulations and those implementing the Pacific Coast salmon and groundfish fishery management plans (FMPs). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/10 NPRM Comment Period End 07/00/10 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Barry Thom, Regional Administrator, Northwest Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Building 1, Seattle, WA 48115- 0070 Phone: 206 526-6150 Fax: 206 526-6426 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AR63 _______________________________________________________________________ 235. AMERICAN LOBSTER FISHERY; EFFORT CONTROL MEASURES Legal Authority: 16 USC 5101 et seq Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service announces that it is considering, and seeking public comment on, revisions to Federal American lobster regulations for the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) associated with effort control measures as recommended for Federal implementation by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASFMC) as outlined in the Interstate Fishery Management Plan (ISFMP) for American Lobster. This action will evaluate effort control measures in certain Lobster Conservation Management Areas including: Limits on future access based on historic participation criteria; procedures to allow trap transfers among qualifiers and impose a trap reduction or conservation tax on any trap transfers; and a trap reduction schedule to meet the goals of the ISFMP. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 05/10/05 70 FR 24495 ANPRM Comment Period End 06/09/05 NPRM 12/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 55 Great Republic Way, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 Fax: 978 281-9117 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AT31 _______________________________________________________________________ 236. SOUTH ATLANTIC FISHERY ECOSYSTEM PLAN COMPREHENSIVE AMENDMENT Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq Abstract: The purpose of this action is to develop an ecosystem-based approach to resource management. The South Atlantic Council plans to develop a Fishery Ecosystem Plan (FEP) Comprehensive Amendment, which would modify all its Fishery Management Plans (FMPs). The initial amendment would include the following actions: (1) Various actions to comply with new essential fish habitat requirements; (2) establishment of deep water coral Habitat Areas of Particular Concern, with possible gear limitations, such as the establishment of allowable trawl areas; and (3) other possible actions necessary to implement ecosystem-based fishery management. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/10 NPRM Comment Period End 06/00/10 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AV31 _______________________________________________________________________ 237. COLLECTION AND USE OF TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS FROM HOLDERS OF AND APPLICANTS FOR NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE PERMITS Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq; 16 USC 1531 et seq; 31 USC 7701; 31 USC 1801 et seq Abstract: In conformance with the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 (Debt Collection Act), the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) will issue a rule to require that each existing holder of and future applicant for a permit, license, endorsement, authorization, transfer or like instrument issued by the agency provide a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) (business' employer identification number or individual's [[Page 64401]] social security number) and Date of Incorporation or Date of Birth, as appropriate. Under the Debt Collection Act, NMFS is required to collect the TIN to report on and collect any delinquent non-tax debt owed to the Federal Government. NMFS plans to use Date of Incorporation or Date of Birth information for administrative aspects of permitting procedures with appropriate confidentiality safeguards pursuant to the Privacy Act. The rule will specify (a) the particular uses that may be made of the reported TIN, (b) the effects, if any, of not providing the required information, (c) how the information will be used to ascertain if the permit holder or applicant owes delinquent non-tax debt to the Government pursuant to the Debt Collection Act, (d) the effects on the permit holder or applicant when such delinquent debts are owed, and (e) the agency's intended communications with the permit holder or applicant regarding the relationship of such delinquent debts to its permitting process and the need to resolve such debts as a basis for completing permit issuance or renewal. The rule will amend existing agency permit regulations and contain all appropriate modified and new collections-of-information pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Alan Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2334 Fax: 301 713-0596 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AV76 _______________________________________________________________________ 238. AMENDMENT 17 TO THE SOUTH ATLANTIC FISHERY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL SNAPPER GROUPER FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 Abstract: Amendment 17 is intended to: establish management reference points (MSY, OY) for red snapper; establish a rebuilding plan (rebuilding timeframe and rebuilding strategy) for red snapper; specify Annual Catch Limits (ACL), Annual Catch Targets (ACT), and Accountability Measures (AM) for 10 species undergoing overfishing; and modify management measures to ensure future catch is equal to or below the ACL. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/09 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/10 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AW11 _______________________________________________________________________ 239. AMENDMENT 2 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE QUEEN CONCH FISHERY OF PUERTO RICO AND THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 Abstract: St. Croix queen conch landings by commercial fishermen alone have exceeded sustainable harvest levels since the 2000-2001 fishing season. In 2005-2006 the commercial harvest was over four times sustainable levels. Additionally, there is an unknown but significant recreational harvest. Overfishing of queen conch has led to resource collapse in other regions and in some cases, long-term resource loss. According to the NMFS Report on the Status of the U.S. Fisheries for 2006, queen conch is overfished and undergoing overfishing. Under current fishing practices, reductions in mortality are not expected to be sufficient in the queen conch fishery. Without a reduction in mortality, queen conch are not expected to achieve the rebuilding goals established in the Sustainable Fisheries Amendment of 2005. Therefore, a change in fishing practices is needed to help achieve the necessary reductions in queen conch fishing mortality. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice of Intent 10/11/07 72 FR 58057 NPRM 12/00/09 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/10 Final Action 01/00/10 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AW15 _______________________________________________________________________ 240. MARINE MAMMAL PROTECTION ACT STRANDING REGULATION REVISIONS Legal Authority: 16 USC 1379; 16 USC 1382; 16 USC 1421 Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is considering proposing changes to its implementing regulations (50 CFR 216) governing the taking of stranded marine mammals under section 109(h), section 112(c), and title IV of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and is soliciting public comment to better inform the process. NMFS intends clarify the requirements and procedures for responding to stranded marine mammals and for determining the disposition of rehabilitated marine mammals, which includes the procedures for the placement of non- releasable animals and for authorizing the retention of releasable rehabilitated marine mammals for scientific research, enhancement, or public display. This action will be analyzed under the National Environmental Policy Act with an Environmental Assessment. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 01/31/08 73 FR 5786 ANPRM Comment Period End 03/31/08 NPRM 12/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: David Cottingham, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric [[Page 64402]] Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2322 Fax: 301 713-2521 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AW22 _______________________________________________________________________ 241. AMENDMENT 3 TO THE NORTHEAST SKATE COMPLEX FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 Abstract: NMFS proposes regulations to implement measures in Amendment 3 to the Northeast Skate Complex Fishery Management Plan (Skate FMP). Amendment 3 was developed by the New England Fishery Management Council (Council) to rebuild overfished skate stocks (thorny and smooth skates) and implement annual catch limits (ACLs) and accountability measures (AMs) consistent with the requirements of the reauthorized Magnuson- Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Amendment 3 would establish an ACL and annual catch target (ACT) for the skate complex, total allowable landings (TAL) for the skate wing and bait fisheries, seasonal quotas for the bait fishery, reduced possession limits, in- season possession limit triggers, and other measures to improve management of the skate fisheries. This rule also includes skate fishery specifications for fishing years (FY) 2010 through 2011. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/09 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/10 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 55 Great Republic Way, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 Fax: 978 281-9117 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AW30 _______________________________________________________________________ 242. AMENDMENT 4 TO THE ATLANTIC HERRING FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq Abstract: The goal of Amendment 4 is to improve catch monitoring and ensure compliance with the Reauthorized Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSRA). The management measures developed in this amendment may address one or more of the following objectives: (1) To implement measures to improve the long-term monitoring of catch (landings and bycatch) in the herring fishery; (2) to implement annual catch limits and accountability measures consistent with the MSRA; (3) to implement other management measures as necessary to ensure compliance with the new provisions of the MSRA; (4) to develop a sector allocation process or other limited access privilege program for the herring fishery; and (5) in the context of objectives 1-4 (above), to consider the health of the herring resource and the important role of herring as a forage fish and a predator fish throughout its range. The New England Fishery Management Council will develop conservation and management measures to address the issues identified above and meet the goals/objectives of the amendment. Any conservation and management measures developed in this amendment also must comply with all applicable laws. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NOI To Prepare An EIS 05/08/08 73 FR 26082 NPRM 12/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 55 Great Republic Way, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 Fax: 978 281-9117 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AW75 _______________________________________________________________________ 243. ALLOWABLE MODIFICATIONS TO THE TURTLE EXCLUDER DEVICE (TED) REQUIREMENTS Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 et seq Abstract: NMFS proposes to revise the TED requirements to allow new materials and modifications to existing approved TED designs. Specifically, proposed allowable modifications include the use of flat bar, box pipe, and oval pipe for use in currently-approved TED grids; an increase in mesh size on escape flaps from 1-5/8 inches to 2 inches; the use of the Boone single straight cut and triangular escape openings; specifications on the use of TED grid brace bars; and the use of the Chauvin Shrimp Kicker to improve shrimp retention. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Michael Barnette, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 551-5794 RIN: 0648-AW93 _______________________________________________________________________ 244. REGULATORY AMENDMENT (#3) TO CORRECT AND CLARIFY AMENDMENT 13 AND SUBSEQUENT FRAMEWORKS OF THE NORTHEAST MULTISPECIES FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq Abstract: This action would make corrections and clarifications to the final rule implementing Amendment 13 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan, as well as subsequent groundfish actions. These corrections are administrative in nature and are intended to correct inaccurate references and other inadvertent errors and to clarify specific regulations to maintain consistency with the intent of Amendment 13 and subsequent actions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 55 Great Republic Way, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 Fax: 978 281-9117 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AW95 [[Page 64403]] _______________________________________________________________________ 245. AMENDMENT 11 TO THE ATLANTIC MACKEREL, SQUID, BUTTERFISH FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq Abstract: Amendment 11 may consider: (1) Limited access in the Atlantic mackerel (mackerel) fishery; (2) implementation of annual catch limits (ACLs) and accountability measures (AMs) for mackerel and butterfish required under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act of 2006 (MSRA); (3) updating of the description and identification of essential fish habitat (EFH) for all life stages of mackerel, Loligo squid, Illex squid, and butterfish (including gear impacts on Loligo squid egg EFH); and (4) possible limitations on at- sea processing of mackerel. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice of Intent 08/11/08 73 FR 46590 NPRM 12/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 55 Great Republic Way, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 Fax: 978 281-9117 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AX05 _______________________________________________________________________ 246. AMENDMENT 30 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR BERING SEA AND ALEUTIAN ISLANDS KING AND TANNER CRABS ARBITRATION REGULATIONS Legal Authority: 16 USC 1862; PL 109-241; PL 109-479 Abstract: The proposed action would implement Amendment 30 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs to make minor modifications to the arbitration system used to settle price and other disputes among harvesters and processors in the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands crab rationalization program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Robert D. Mecum, Acting Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AX47 _______________________________________________________________________ 247. AMENDMENT 31 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE REEF FISH RESOURCES OF THE GULF OF MEXICO Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 Abstract: In September 2008, NOAA's National Marine Fisheries (NMFS) released a report based on observer data that indicated the total number of loggerhead sea turtle takes by the eastern Gulf of Mexico reef fish bottom longline fishery was much greater than that authorized in the most recent biological opinion. In response, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) requested NMFS take emergency action to reduce the number of takes by the fishery during the short term while the Council develops long-term measures in Amendment 31. Measures being considered include: (1) Modifying baits; (2) area, season, and depth restrictions; (3) reducing effort through a longline endorsement program; and (4) using observers or electronic monitoring to close the fishery once a sea turtle take threshold has been met. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AX67 _______________________________________________________________________ 248. SALMON BYCATCH REDUCTION MANAGEMENT MEASURES FOR THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN (FMP) 91 IN THE BERING SEA ALEUTIAN ISLANDS Legal Authority: 16 USC 773 et seq; 16 USC 1801 et seq; 16 USC 3631 et seq; PL 108-447 Abstract: This fishery management plan amendment and rulemaking will implement the North Pacific Fishery Management Council's recommendations for management measures to minimize to the extent practicable Chinook salmon bycatch in the Bering Sea pollock fishery. These management measures provide two options for the pollock sectors (e.g., inshore catcher vessels, offshore catcher-processors, catcher vessels delivering to motherships, or CDQ entities): fish under a lower Chinook salmon cap or participate in an incentive program and fish under a higher cap. Under the first option, the fleet as a whole may choose to fish under a transferable cap of 47,591 Chinook salmon, which would be allocated by season and sector. Once each sector reaches its specific cap, it would be prohibited from continuing to fish for pollock for the remainder of the season. Alternatively, vessels or CDQ entities may choose to participate in private contracts called incentive plan agreements (IPA) which would describe how participants would maintain low bycatch even when their bycatch levels are well below the hard cap approved. Those vessels or CDQ entities participating in an IPA would be allocated a transferable share of up to 60,000 Chinook salmon. This cap would be reduced for any vessels or CDQ entities not participating in an IPA and those vessels and CDQ entities would fish under a lower, non-transferable cap. In addition to the annual cap levels, if any sector operating under an IPA exceeds its proportion of 47,591 Chinook salmon three times in any seven-year period, the sector's maximum bycatch limit will be permanently reduced to its proportional share of the 47,591 cap. If the FMP amendments and proposed rule are approved, fishing under the new Chinook salmon bycatch management measures would start in 2011. [[Page 64404]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ FMP 12/00/09 Final Rule FMP 08/00/10 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Robert D. Mecum, Acting Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AX89 _______________________________________________________________________ 249. 2010 SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP, AND BLACK SEA BASS RECREATIONAL MANAGEMENT MEASURES Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 Abstract: This action will propose and implement the 2010 recreational management measures (minimum fish size, fishing seasons, and possession limits) for the summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass fisheries. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/00/10 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 55 Great Republic Way, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 Fax: 978 281-9117 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AY04 _______________________________________________________________________ 250. MAXIMIZED RETENTION MONITORING PROGRAM FOR CATCHER VESSELS IN THE PACIFIC WHITING MOTHERSHIP FISHERY IN THE PACIFIC COAST GROUNDFISH FISHERY Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 Abstract: The action would implement a monitoring program for catcher vessels in the mothership sector of the Pacific whiting fishery off the coast of Washington, Oregon, and California. The monitoring program would consist of a camera and other sensors to monitor fishing activity in order to maintain the integrity of the maximized retention requirements found at 50 CFR 660.306 (f)(7). Maximized retention encourages full retention of all catch while allowing minor discard events to occur. This ensures that unsorted catch is available for observers to monitor on board the mothership processors and thereby maintain the integrity of data collected under the observer program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/09 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/10 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Frank Lockhart, Program Analyst, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Seattle, WA 98115 Phone: 206 526-6142 Fax: 206 526-6736 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AY17 _______________________________________________________________________ 251. GENERIC AMENDMENT FOR ANNUAL CATCH LIMITS Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 Abstract: The generic amendment is intended to modify five of the Council's FMPs. These include FMPs for: Reef Fish Resources, Shrimp, Stone Crab, Coral and Coral Reef Resources, and Red Drum. NMFS and the Council will develop these ACLs in co-operation with the Scientific and Statistical Committee and the Southeast Fisheries Science Center. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/10 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/10 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AY22 _______________________________________________________________________ 252. PROTECTIVE REGULATIONS FOR KILLER WHALES IN THE NORTHWEST REGION UNDER THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT AND MARINE MAMMAL PROTECTION ACT Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq; 16 USC 1531 to 1543 Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is considering whether to propose regulations to protect killer whales (Orcinus orca) in the Pacific Northwest. The Southern Resident killer whale distinct population segment (DPS) was listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) on November 18, 2005 (70 FR 69903). In the final rule announcing the listing, NMFS identified vessel effects, including direct interference and sound, as a potential contributing factor in the recent decline of this population. Both the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and the ESA prohibit take, including harassment, of killer whales, but these statutes do not prohibit specified acts. NMFS is now considering whether to propose regulations that would prohibit certain acts, under our general authorities under the ESA and MMPA and their implementing regulations. The Proposed Recovery Plan for Southern Resident killer whales (71 FR 69101; November 29, 2006) includes as a management action the evaluation of current guidelines and the need for regulations and/or protected areas. The scope of this ANPR encompasses the activities of any person or conveyance that may result in the unauthorized taking of killer whales and/or that may cause detrimental individual-level and population-level impacts. NMFS requests comments on whether--and if so, what type of--conservation measures, regulations, and, if necessary, other measures would be appropriate to protect killer whales from the effects of these activities. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 03/22/07 72 FR 13464 ANPRM Comment Period End 04/23/07 NPRM 07/29/09 74 FR 37674 NPRM Comment Period Extended 10/19/09 74 FR 53454 [[Page 64405]] NPRM Comment Period End 10/27/09 NPRM Extended Comment Period End12/01/09 Final Action 05/00/10 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: James H. Lecky, Director, Office of Protected Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2332 Fax: 301 427-2520 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AV15 _______________________________________________________________________ 253. MARINE MAMMAL PROTECTION ACT PERMIT REGULATION REVISIONS Legal Authority: 16 USC 1374 Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is considering changes to its implementing regulations (50 CFR 216) governing the issuance of permits for scientific research and enhancement activities under Section 104 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and is soliciting public comment to better inform the process. NMFS intends to streamline and clarify general permitting requirements and requirements for scientific research and enhancement permits, simplify procedures for transferring marine mammal parts, possibly apply the General Authorization (GA) to research activities involving Level A harassment of non-endangered marine mammals, and implement a ``permit application cycle'' for application submission and processing of all marine mammal permits. NMFS intends to write regulations for marine mammal photography permits and is considering whether this activity should be covered by the GA. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 09/13/07 72 FR 52339 ANPRM Comment Period Extended 10/15/07 72 FR 58279 ANPRM Comment Period End 11/13/07 ANPRM Comment Period Extended 12/13/07 72 FR 58279 NPRM 12/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Dr. Michael Payne, Fishery Biologist, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7235 Fax: 301 713-2521 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AV82 _______________________________________________________________________ 254. RULEMAKING TO ESTABLISH TAKE PROHIBITIONS FOR THE THREATENED SOUTHERN DISTINCT POPULATION SEGMENT OF NORTH AMERICAN GREEN STURGEON Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 to 1543 Abstract: Under section 4(d) of the Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Secretary of Commerce is required to adopt such regulations as he deems necessary and advisable for the conservation of species listed as threatened. This rulemaking would establish an ESA section 4(d) rule representing regulations that NMFS believes necessary and advisable to conserve the threatened Southern Distinct Population Segment of North American green sturgeon (Southern DPS of green sturgeon). The 4(d) rule would apply the prohibitions listed under ESA section 9(a)(1)(A) and 9(a)(1)(D) through 9(a)(1)(G) for the Southern DPS and apply ESA section 9(a)(1)(B) and (a)(1)(C) prohibitions (called the ``take prohibitions'') to specific activities that take Southern DPS fish or alter its habitat in a manner detrimental to the continued existence of the species. The 4(d) rule would include exceptions to the take prohibitions for activities conducted in a way that NMFS deems adequate to protect or conserve the Southern DPS. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/09 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/10 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Marta Nammack, Office of Protected Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-1401 Fax: 301 427-2523 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AV94 _______________________________________________________________________ 255. RULE TO REVISE LEATHERBACK CRITICAL HABITAT Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 et seq Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service, announces a rule to revise leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. The leatherback is currently listed as endangered throughout its range, and critical habitat consists of Sandy Point Beach and adjacent waters, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. This rule would revise critical habitat to include waters along the U.S. West Coast. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Therese Conant, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-1431 Fax: 301 713-0376 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AX06 [[Page 64406]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Final Rule Stage National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) _______________________________________________________________________ NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE ________________________________ 256. FISHERIES IN THE WESTERN PACIFIC; PELAGIC FISHERIES; SQUID JIG FISHERIES Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq Abstract: This action would designate pelagic squid as a management unit species under the Western Pacific Pelagics Fishery Management Plan, and establish permitting and reporting requirements. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice of Availability 08/11/08 73 FR 46581 NPRM 08/28/08 73 FR 50751 Notice Comment Period End 10/10/08 NPRM Comment Period End 10/14/08 Final Action 11/21/08 73 FR 70600 Collection of Information Approval 12/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96814 Phone: 808 944-2207 Fax: 808 973-2941 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AS71 _______________________________________________________________________ 257. MODIFYING MAXIMUM RETAINABLE AMOUNTS (MRAS) FOR SELECTED GROUNDFISH SPECIES CAUGHT BY THE NON-AMERICAN FISHING ACT TRAWL CATCHER PROCESSOR SECTOR Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service issues this action to amend regulations specifying the current interval of time allowed for determining the maximum retainable amount (MRA) of selected groundfish species that can be retained by non-American Fishery Act trawl catcher processors. This action would change MRA regulations located at 50 CFR 679.20(e) that establish the calculation of MRAs for groundfish species that are closed to directed fishing by increasing the interval of time each vessel in this sector would have to retain the MRA specified in regulation for several species in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/13/09 74 FR 7209 NPRM Comment Period End 03/16/09 Final Rule 12/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Robert D. Mecum, Acting Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AV32 _______________________________________________________________________ 258. CERTIFICATION OF NATIONS WHOSE FISHING VESSELS ARE ENGAGED IN ILLEGAL, UNREPORTED OR UNREGULATED FISHING OR BYCATCH OF PROTECTED LIVING MARINE RESOURCES Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 34 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0648-AV51 _______________________________________________________________________ 259. MAGNUSON-STEVENS FISHERY CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT REAUTHORIZATION ACT (MSRA) ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PROCEDURE Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 Abstract: Section 107 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act (MSRA) (P.L. 109-479) requires NOAA Fisheries to revise and update agency procedures for complying with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in context of fishery management actions. It further requires that NOAA Fisheries consult with the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) and the Regional Fishery Management Councils (Councils), and involve the public in the development of the revised procedures. The MSRA provides that the resulting procedures will be the sole environmental impact assessment procedure for fishery management actions, and that they must conform to the time lines for review and approval of fishery management plans and plan amendments. They must also integrate applicable environmental analytical procedures, including the time frames for public input, with the procedure for the preparation and dissemination of fishery management plans, plan amendments and other actions taken or approved pursuant to this Act in order to provide for timely, clear and concise analysis that is useful to decision makers and the public, reduce extraneous paperwork, and effectively involve the public. NOAA Fisheries is currently consulting with the councils, the public and CEQ to develop a proposed procedure. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/14/08 73 FR 27998 NPRM Comment Period End 06/13/08 Final Action 12/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Steve Leathery, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2239 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AV53 _______________________________________________________________________ 260. INITIAL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WESTERN AND CENTRAL PACIFIC FISHERIES CONVENTION IMPLEMENTATION ACT Legal Authority: 44 USC 3501 et seq; PL 109-479 Abstract: This action will implement, in part, the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention (WCPFC) Implementation Act, which authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to promulgate regulations needed to carry out the obligations of the United States under the WCPFC. The action will include regulations applicable to owners and operators of U.S. vessels used to fish for highly migratory fish stocks in the western and central Pacific ocean, possibly including requirements to, among others, obtain authorization to fish, carry position-fixing transmitters as part of a vessel [[Page 64407]] monitoring system, accommodate observers from a regional observer program, report fishing activity, accept boarding and inspection by authorized inspectors of other members of the Commission, and to prohibit transshipping at sea from purse seine vessels. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/22/09 74 FR 23965 NPRM Comment Period End 06/22/09 Final Rule 12/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Dr. Charles Karnella, Pacific Islands Area Office, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Suite 1110, Honolulu, HI 96814-4700 Phone: 808 973-2985 Fax: 808 973-2941 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AV63 _______________________________________________________________________ 261. AMENDMENT 15B TO THE SOUTH ATLANTIC FISHERY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL SNAPPER GROUPER FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 Abstract: Amendment 15B would assess the practicability of prohibiting the sale of recreationally caught fish; assess the practicability of changes to the renewal period on commercial snapper grouper permits; assess the practicability of allowing one-to-one transfers of commercial permits from an individual to a family-held corporation; implement a plan to monitor and assess bycatch; implement measures to minimize the impacts of incidental take on sea turtles and smalltooth sawfish; update management reference points for golden tilefish; and define allocation for snowy grouper and black sea bass. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice of Availability 06/04/09 74 FR 26827 NPRM 06/30/09 74 FR 31225 Notice of Availabilty Comment Period End 08/03/09 NPRM Comment Period End 08/04/09 Final Action 12/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AW12 _______________________________________________________________________ 262. REVISE REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE NORTH PACIFIC GROUNDFISH OBSERVER PROGRAM Legal Authority: 118 Stat 110; 16 USC 773 et seq; 16 USC 1801 et seq; 16 USC 3631 et seq; PL 108-199 Abstract: This rulemaking would revise Federal regulations relevant to numerous administrative and procedural requirements applicable to observer providers, observers, and industry participating in the North Pacific Groundfish Observer Program. Specifically, this action would: Modify the current permit issuance process so that observer and observer provider permit issuance is a discretionary National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) decision; amend current Federal regulations addressing observer behavior involving drugs, alcohol, and physical sexual conduct to remove NMFS oversight of observer behavior that does not affect job performance; require that observer providers submit policies related to these activities and continue to notify NMFS upon learning of an incident; revise Federal regulations so that observer providers are allowed to provide observers or technical staff for purposes of exempted fishing permits, scientific research permits, or other scientific research activities; revise the definition of ``fishing day'' in Federal regulations; require observer providers to annually submit detailed economic information to NMFS; specify a date by which observers who have collected data in the previous fishing year would be required to be available for debriefing; and implement housekeeping issues related to errors or clarifications in existing regulations at 50 CFR 679.50. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/30/09 74 FR 50155 NPRM Comment Period End 10/30/09 Final Action 12/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Robert D. Mecum, Acting Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AW24 _______________________________________________________________________ 263. FISHERIES IN THE WESTERN PACIFIC; WESTERN PACIFIC PELAGIC FISHERIES; AMENDMENT 18 TO THE PELAGICS FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN; SHALLOW-SET LONGLINE SWORDFISH FISHERY Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 Abstract: Amendment 18 would remove the annual limit on the number of fishing gear deployments (sets) for the Hawaii-based pelagic longline fishery. The amendment would also revise the current maximum limit on the number of physical interactions that occur annually between loggerhead sea turtles and vessels registered for use under Hawaii longline limited access permits while shallow-setting. Other measures currently applicable to the fishery would remain unchanged. Amendment 18 is intended to increase opportunities for the shallow-set fishery to sustainably harvest swordfish and other fish species, without jeopardizing the continued existence of sea turtles and other protected resources. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice of Availability 03/18/09 74 FR 11518 Notice of Availability Comment Period End 05/18/09 NPRM 06/19/09 74 FR 29158 NPRM Comment Period End 08/03/09 Final Rule 12/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1601 [[Page 64408]] Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96814 Phone: 808 944-2207 Fax: 808 973-2941 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AW49 _______________________________________________________________________ 264. ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES; ATLANTIC SHARK MANAGEMENT MEASURES Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq Abstract: This rule would evaluate the management measures for small coastal sharks (SCS) based on the results of the 2007 SCS stock assessment. This rulemaking could consider, among other things, commercial quotas and trip limits, recreational minimum size and bag limits, time/area closures, and the public display quota. In addition, this rule would implement a rebuilding plan for blacknose sharks. To the extent that blacknose sharks are caught in fisheries that are not targeted highly migratory species fisheries, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) will work with the appropriate Regional Fishery Management Council, Interstate Commission, and States to implement regulations through their processes to rebuild blacknose sharks. This action is necessary in light of recent stock assessments, which have determined that blacknose sharks are overfished with overfishing occurring. As needed, this rule may include others items to clarify existing regulations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice of Intent 05/07/08 73 FR 25665 Notice of Scoping Meetings and Extension of Comment Period 07/02/08 73 FR 37932 Notice of Intent Comment Period End 08/05/08 Notice of Intent Comment Period Extended--Second Extension 10/29/08 73 FR 64307 Notice of Intent Comment Period Extension End 10/31/08 Second Extension Comment Period End 11/14/08 NPRM 07/24/09 74 FR 36892 NPRM Comment Period End 09/22/09 NPRM Comment Period Extended 08/10/09 74 FR 39914 NPRM Comment Period Extended End09/25/09 Final Action 12/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Margo Schulze-Haugen, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-0234 Fax: 301 713-1917 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AW65 _______________________________________________________________________ 265. HALIBUT CHARTER VESSEL MORATORIUM Legal Authority: 16 USC 773 to 773k Abstract: This action would implement a moratorium on the entry of additional charter vessels into the guided sport fishery for Pacific halibut in waters of International Pacific Halibut Commission regulatory areas 2C (Southeast Alaska) and 3A (Central Gulf of Alaska). If approved, this moratorium would limit the number of charter vessels that may participate in the guided sport fishery for halibut in these areas. NMFS would issue a moratorium permit to a licensed charter vessel fishing business owner based on his or her past participation in the charter vessel fishery for halibut and to a Community Quota Entity representing specific rural communities. All moratorium permit holders would be subject to limits on the number of permits they could hold and on the number of charter vessel anglers who could catch and retain halibut on the permitted charter vessel. This action is proposed to achieve the halibut fishery management goals of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council. The intended effect is to curtail growth of fishing capacity in the guided sport fishery for halibut. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/21/09 74 FR 18178 NPRM Comment Period End 06/05/09 Final Rule 12/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Robert D. Mecum, Acting Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AW92 _______________________________________________________________________ 266. ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES; 2009 NORTH AND SOUTH ATLANTIC COMMERCIAL QUOTAS Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq Abstract: This rule would establish the 2009 fishing season quotas for North and South Atlantic swordfish based on recent updated landings information and recommendations from the 2008 annual meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). This rule is necessary to ensure that current swordfish quotas account for underharvests and reserve transfer from the 2008 fishing year, consistent with regulations at 50 CFR part 635 and ICCAT recommendations that establish the U.S. North and South Atlantic swordfish allocations. This proposed rule may also include other minor regulatory clarifications. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/05/09 74 FR 39032 NPRM Comment Period End 09/04/09 Final Rule 12/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Margo Schulze-Haugen, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-0234 Fax: 301 713-1917 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AX07 _______________________________________________________________________ 267. AMENDMENT 29 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR REEF FISH RESOURCES OF THE GULF OF MEXICO Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 Abstract: Grouper and tilefish species in the Gulf of Mexico are managed [[Page 64409]] under the reef fish fishery management plan. Past management practices under the plan have contributed to overcapitalization in these fisheries, which the Council now seeks to address. The amendment creates an individual fishing quota (IFQ) program to further control effort in the commercial grouper and tilefish fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico. The IFQ program was supported by over 80% of all eligible fishermen voting in a referendum for the IFQ program. The proposed rule would implement the IFQ program, establish design elements for the program, and allow consolidation of commercial permit landings history through permit stacking. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/30/09 74 FR 20134 NPRM Comment Period End 06/15/09 Final Action 08/31/09 74 FR 44732 Final Action Effective 09/30/09 Final Action--Correction 12/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AX39 _______________________________________________________________________ 268. WESTERN AND CENTRAL PACIFIC FISHERIES FOR HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES; IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LONGLINE CATCH LIMITS ADOPTED AT THE FIFTH SESSION OF THE WESTERN AND CENTRAL PACIFIC FISHERIES COMMISSION Legal Authority: 16 USC 6901 et seq Abstract: This rule would implement the decisions adopted at the Fifth Session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (Commission) to reduce or otherwise control the fishing mortality rate from longline fishing of bigeye tuna and potentially other highly migratory fish species in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean. Pursuant to the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention Implementation Act, the Secretary of Commerce is authorized to implement regulations to carry out the obligations of the United States under the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention (Convention), including the implementation of Commission decisions. At its Fifth Regular Session, in December 2008, the Commission adopted specific catch limits in longline fisheries for certain highly migratory fish species in the Convention's area of application for 2009, 2010, and 2011. This rule would fulfill the international obligations of the United States regarding these catch limits. Moreover, this rule could establish a framework for implementing future Commission decisions of a similar nature. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/08/09 74 FR 32521 NPRM Comment Period End 08/07/09 Final Action 12/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Dr. Charles Karnella, Pacific Islands Area Office, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Suite 1110, Honolulu, HI 96814-4700 Phone: 808 973-2985 Fax: 808 973-2941 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AX59 _______________________________________________________________________ 269. SNAPPER-GROUPER FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 Abstract: On March 23, 2009, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council requested NOAA Fisheries Service to implement a prohibition on the harvest of red snapper for 180 days to address overfishing of red snapper, through interim measures. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 07/06/09 74 FR 31906 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 08/05/09 Final Action 12/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AX75 _______________________________________________________________________ 270. AMENDMENT 10 TO THE ATLANTIC MACKEREL, SQUID, AND BUTTERFISH FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq Abstract: The purpose of Amendment 10 is to: (1) Develop a rebuilding program that allows the butterfish stock to rebuild in the shortest amount of time possible (but not to exceed ten years) and permanently protects the long-term health and stability of the rebuilt stock; (2) minimize bycatch and the fishing mortality of unavoidable bycatch, to the extent practicable, in MSB fisheries; and (3) minimize the race to fish and promote efficient use of fishing capital in Loligo and Illex fisheries while providing a means for the industry to proactively engage in resource governance and to provide greater flexibility in developing management measures that fit localized needs through the development of sectors in the Loligo and Illex fisheries. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice of Availability 07/13/09 74 FR 40812 NPRM 09/03/09 74 FR 45597 NPRM Comment Period End 10/19/09 Final Action 12/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 55 Great Republic Way, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 Fax: 978 281-9117 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AY00 [[Page 64410]] _______________________________________________________________________ 271. PROVIDE REGULATIONS FOR PERMITS FOR CAPTURE, TRANSPORT, IMPORT, AND EXPORT OF PROTECTED SPECIES FOR PUBLIC DISPLAY, AND FOR MAINTAINING A CAPTIVE MARINE MAMMAL INVENTORY Legal Authority: 16 USC 1372(c) Abstract: This rule will revise and simplify criteria and procedures specific to permits for taking, transporting, importing, and exporting protected species for public display and provide convenient formats for reporting marine mammal captive holdings and transports as required by amendments made in 1994 to the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/03/01 66 FR 35209 NPRM Comment Period Extended 08/22/01 66 FR 44109 NPRM Comment Period End 09/04/01 Comment Period Extended 11/02/01 Final Action 12/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Dr. Michael Payne, Fishery Biologist, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7235 Fax: 301 713-2521 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AH26 _______________________________________________________________________ 272. TAKING OF MARINE MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO SPECIFIED ACTIVITIES; TAKING MARINE MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO TRAINING OPERATIONS CONDUCTED WITHIN THE GULF OF MEXICO RANGE COMPLEX Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq Abstract: NMFS has received requests from the U.S. Navy (Navy) for authorizations for the take of marine mammals incidental to training and operational activities conducted by the Navy's Atlantic Fleet within Gulf of Mexico (GOMEX) Range Complex for the period beginning December 3, 2009 and ending December 2, 2014. Pursuant to the implementing regulations of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is proposing regulations to govern that take and requesting information, suggestions, and comments on these proposed regulations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/14/09 74 FR 33960 NPRM Comment Period End 08/13/09 Final Action 01/00/10 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: James H. Lecky, Director, Office of Protected Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2332 Fax: 301 427-2520 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AX86 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Long-Term Actions National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) _______________________________________________________________________ NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE ________________________________ 273. FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR REGULATING OFFSHORE MARINE AQUACULTURE IN THE GULF OF MEXICO Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq Abstract: The purpose of the amendment is to develop a regulatory permitting process for regulating and promoting environmentally sound and economically sustainable aquaculture in the Gulf Exclusive Economic Zone. Management actions include: (1) Types of aquaculture permits required; (2) duration aquaculture permits are effective; (3) conditions for permit issuance; (4) species allowed for aquaculture; (5) allowable aquaculture systems; (6) siting requirements and conditions; (7) restricted access zones for aquaculture facilities; (8) recordkeeping and reporting requirements; and (9) biological reference points and status determination criteria; and (10) framework procedures for modifying status determination criteria and regulatory measures. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice of Availability 06/04/09 74 FR 26829 Notice of Availability Comment Period End 08/03/09 NPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AS65 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Commerce (DOC) Completed Actions National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) _______________________________________________________________________ 274. AMENDMENT 1 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE TILEFISH FISHERY Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq Abstract: Amendment 1 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Tilefish Fishery would implement Individual Fishing Quotas in the tilefish fishery. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice of Availability 05/04/09 74 FR 20448 NPRM 05/18/09 74 FR 23147 NPRM Comment Period End 07/02/09 Notice of Availability Comment Period End 07/06/09 Final Action 08/24/09 74 FR 42580 [[Page 64411]] Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 55 Great Republic Way, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 Fax: 978 281-9117 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AS25 _______________________________________________________________________ 275. ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES (HMS); REDUCING SEA TURTLE TAKES Legal Authority: 16 USC 971; 16 USC 1801 et seq Abstract: This action would amend the regulations governing the Atlantic pelagic longline fishery based upon a June 1, 2004, Biological Opinion regarding Atlantic sea turtles. This amendment could include framework mechanisms that would allow the Agency to take action, such as partial or rolling closures or gear or effort restrictions, if the number of sea turtle interactions or mortalities exceed anticipated levels during a certain period of time. This action would not change established quotas for target species. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 08/12/04 69 FR 49858 ANPRM Comment Period End 10/12/04 Withdrawn 07/29/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Alan Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2334 Fax: 301 713-0596 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AS49 _______________________________________________________________________ 276. AMENDMENT 10 TO THE ATLANTIC MACKEREL, SQUID, AND BUTTERFISH FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Duplicate of 0648-AY00 08/13/09 RIN: 0648-AT58 _______________________________________________________________________ 277. AMERICAN LOBSTER DATA COLLECTION AND BROODSTOCK PROTECTION MEASURES Legal Authority: 16 USC 5101 et seq Abstract: NMFS is considering the implementation of management measures in the Federal lobster fishery, consistent with recommendations for Federal action as specified in the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's Interstate Fishery Management Plan for American Lobster. These proposed management measures include: 100 percent mandatory dealer reporting requirements for Federal lobster dealers; implementation of a maximum size limit (maximum carapace length restriction) in several Lobster Management Areas (LMA); and, revision to the definition of a V-notch for protection of egg-bearing female lobsters in several LMAs in the Federal American lobster fishery. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 09/19/07 72 FR 53978 ANPRM Comment Period End 10/22/07 NPRM 10/06/08 73 FR 58099 NPRM Comment Period End 11/20/08 Final Rule 07/29/09 74 FR 37530 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 55 Great Republic Way, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 Fax: 978 281-9117 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AV77 _______________________________________________________________________ 278. AMENDMENT 7 TO THE SOUTH ATLANTIC SHRIMP FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq Abstract: The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is proposing to take action to maintain a viable rock shrimp fishery in the South Atlantic region. Actions in the amendment would: (1) Remove the 15,000- pound landing requirement; (2) reinstate all endorsements lost due to not meeting the landing requirement in one of four consecutive calendar years; (3) reinstate limited access endorsements for vessel owners who renewed their open access permit in the year in which they failed to renew their limited access endorsement; (4) rename the limited access endorsement and the open access permit of the existing permit system to reduce confusion; and (5) require all South Atlantic shrimp permit holders to provide economic data if selected. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice of Availability 06/01/09 74 FR 26170 NPRM 06/24/09 74 FR 30034 NPRM Comment Period End 07/24/09 Notice of Availability Comment Period End 07/31/09 Final Action 10/01/09 74 FR 50699 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AW19 _______________________________________________________________________ 279. FISHERIES OFF WEST COAST STATES; HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES FISHERIES Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 Abstract: This action will establish the authority to collect permit fees under the Fishery Management Plan for U.S. West Coast Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species. This rule will amend the FMP regulations under 50 CFR 660.707 to establish a permit fee collection framework for HMS [[Page 64412]] commercial and recreational charter vessels operating off the West Coast. The action is consistent with and implements elements of the NMFS Permit Fee National Policy Directive 30-120. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/19/08 73 FR 77589 NPRM Comment Period End 01/20/09 Final Action 07/28/09 74 FR 37177 Final Action Effective 08/27/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Mark Helvey, Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 501 West Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90802 Phone: 562 980-4040 Fax: 562 980-4047 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AW50 _______________________________________________________________________ 280. FISHERIES IN THE WESTERN PACIFIC; COMPENSATION TO NORTHWESTERN HAWAIIAN ISLANDS BOTTOMFISH AND LOBSTER FISHERMEN DUE TO FISHERY CLOSURE IN THE PAPAHANAUMOKUAKEA MARINE NATIONAL MONUMENT Legal Authority: PL 110-161 Abstract: The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2008 authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to provide compensation to bottomfish and lobster fishery participants who will be displaced by the 2011 fishery closure resulting from the establishment by Presidential Proclamation of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) (designee of the Secretary) is required to promulgate regulations to implement a voluntary capacity reduction program that: (1) Identifies eligible participants as those individuals holding Federal fishing permits for lobster or bottomfish in the designated waters within the monument; (2) provides a mechanism to compensate eligible participants for no more than the economic value of their permits; and (3) at the option of each eligible permit holder, provides an optional mechanism for additional compensation based on the value of the fishing vessel and gear of eligible participants who decide to receive these additional funds, provided that the vessels of such participants will not be used for fishing. For this purpose, $6,697,500 is authorized to be appropriated to the NMFS. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/07/09 74 FR 15685 NPRM Comment Period End 05/04/09 Final Action 09/15/09 74 FR 47119 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96814 Phone: 808 944-2207 Fax: 808 973-2941 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AW52 _______________________________________________________________________ 281. AMENDMENT 16 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SNAPPER GROUPER FISHERY OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 Abstract: The need for action through Amendment 16 is to end overfishing of gag and vermilion snapper. Species in the fishery management unit are assessed on a routine basis and stock status may change as new information becomes available. In addition, changes in management regulations, fishing techniques, and social/economic structure can result in shifts in the percentage of harvest between user groups over time. These amendments to the regulations for gag and vermilion snapper would: implement measures to end overfishing of gag and vermilion snapper; allow the Regional Administrator to make adjustments to commercial and recreational management measures based on the reduction in harvest needed to achieve yield at Foy pending the outcome of a new benchmark assessment for vermillion snapper; specify the total allowable catch and define interim allocations for gag and vermilion snapper; update management reference points for gag and vermilion snapper; and reduce bycatch of snapper grouper species. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice of Availability 12/24/08 73 FR 79037 NPRM 02/06/09 74 FR 6257 Notice of Availability Comment Period End 02/23/09 NPRM Comment Period End 03/09/09 Final Action 06/29/09 74 FR 30964 Final Action Effective 07/29/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AW64 _______________________________________________________________________ 282. AMENDMENT 27 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR BERING SEA/ALEUTIAN ISLANDS KING AND TANNER CRABS Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq Abstract: Amendment 27 to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) would amend the FMP to allow processors to modify use caps that limit the amount of individual processor quota (IPQ) shares that may be used by persons processing crab. Specifically, Amendment 27 would allow persons holding IPQ shares to process their crab at processing facilities they do not own through contractual arrangements with the facility owners to have their crab custom processed at that facility. Any crab processed under such a custom processing arrangement would not be applied against the IPQ use cap of the facility owners. This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the FMP, and other applicable law. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/19/08 73 FR 54346 NPRM Comment Period End 11/03/08 Final Rule 05/28/09 74 FR 25449 Final Action Effective 06/29/09 [[Page 64413]] Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Robert D. Mecum, Acting Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AW73 _______________________________________________________________________ 283. AMENDMENT 28 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR BERING SEA AND ALEUTIAN ISLANDS KING AND TANNER CRAB Legal Authority: 16 USC 1862; PL 109-241; PL 109-479 Abstract: This action would implement Amendment 28 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs to allow unlimited post-delivery transfers of shares to cover overages within the crab fishing year ending June 30. Under the crab rationalization program, harvesters receive annual allocations of individual fishing quota that provide an exclusive privilege to harvest a specific number of pounds of crab from a fishery. Any harvest in excess of an individual fishing quota allocation is a regulatory violation punishable by confiscation of crab or other penalties. Precisely estimating of catch at sea during the fishery is difficult and costly due to variation in size of crab, and sorting and measurement requirements. Overages can result from inadvertent mistakes by participants attempting to accurately estimate catch. A provision allowing for post-delivery transfer of individual fishing quota to cover overages could reduce the number of inadvertent violations, allowing for more complete harvest of allocations, and reduce enforcement costs without increasing the risk of overharvest of allocations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice of Availability 11/25/08 73 FR 71598 NPRM 12/12/08 73 FR 75661 Notice of Availability Comment Period End 12/25/08 NPRM Comment Period End 01/26/09 Final Action 08/14/09 74 FR 41092 Final Action Effective 09/14/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Robert D. Mecum, Acting Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AW97 _______________________________________________________________________ 284. ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES (HMS); 2009 ATLANTIC BLUEFIN TUNA QUOTA SPECIFICATIONS AND MANAGEMENT MEASURES Legal Authority: 16 USC 971 et seq; 16 USC 1801 et seq Abstract: This rule would set Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) quota specifications and seasonal management measures for the 2009 fishing year (January 1, 2009-December 31, 2009), and amend the BFT regulations. This action would implement the U.S. annual BFT quota as recommended by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) and allocate that quota among the domestic fishing categories. The seasonal management measures would set daily retention limits and their duration for both the General and Angling categories. The annual specification process is set forth in current regulations implemented under the Consolidated Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan. Other BFT regulatory amendments would be made within the framework procedures of the FMP. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/18/09 74 FR 7577 NPRM Comment Period End 03/20/09 Final Rule 06/01/09 74 FR 26110 Correction 06/17/09 74 FR 28635 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Alan Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301 713-2334 Fax: 301 713-0596 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AX12 _______________________________________________________________________ 285. AMENDMENT 92 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR BERING SEA/ALEUTIAN ISLANDS GROUNDFISH AND AMENDMENT 82 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR GULF OF ALASKA GROUNDFISH Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq Abstract: Amendments 92/82 would remove trawl gear endorsements on licenses issued under the license limitation program in specific management areas if those licenses have not been used on vessels that meet minimum recent landing requirements using trawl gear. This action would provide exemptions to this requirement for licenses that are used in trawl fisheries subject to quota-based management. This action would issue new area endorsements for trawl catcher vessels in the Aleutian Islands if minimum recent landing requirements in the Aleutian Islands were met. This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the FMPs, and other applicable law. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice of Availability of Fishery Management Plan 12/12/08 73 FR 75659 NPRM 12/30/08 73 FR 79773 Notice of Availability Comment Period End 02/10/09 NPRM Comment Period End 02/13/09 Final Action 08/14/09 74 FR 41080 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Robert D. Mecum, Acting Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AX14 [[Page 64414]] _______________________________________________________________________ 286. ONE-FISH DAILY BAG LIMIT FOR THE GUIDED SPORT CHARTER VESSEL FISHERY FOR HALIBUT IN REGULATORY AREA 2C Legal Authority: 16 USC 773 to 773K Abstract: The regulatory action would implement a one-fish daily bag limit to reduce the charter halibut fishery harvest in Area 2C to the guideline harvest limit. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/22/08 73 FR 78276 NPRM Comment Period End 01/21/09 Final Rule 05/06/09 74 FR 21194 Final Rule Effective 06/05/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Robert D. Mecum, Acting Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AX17 _______________________________________________________________________ 287. AMENDMENT 90 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR BERING SEA/ALEUTIAN ISLANDS GROUNDFISH AND AMENDMENT 78 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR GULF OF ALASKA GROUNDFISH Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq Abstract: Amendments 90/78 would allow post-delivery transfers of cooperative quota to cover overages in the Amendment 80 Program and the Central Gulf of Alaska Rockfish Program. This action is necessary to mitigate potential overages, reduce enforcement costs, and provide for more precise total allowable catch management. This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the FMPs, and other applicable law. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/05/09 74 FR 254 NPRM Comment Period End 02/19/09 Final Action 08/21/09 74 FR 42178 Final Action Effective 09/21/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: James Balsiger, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 709 West Ninth Street, Juneau, AK 99801 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7465 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AX25 _______________________________________________________________________ 288. AMENDMENT 85 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR GROUNDFISH OF THE GULF OF ALASKA Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801; 16 USC 3631; 16 USC 773; PL 108-199; PL 109-479 Abstract: Amendment 85 to the FMP would remove a provision that restricts participation of Central Gulf of Alaska Rockfish Program catcher processors (CPs) in Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) groundfish fisheries. The participation restriction was developed to prevent rockfish program CPs from unfairly benefiting from their rockfish harvesting privileges by increasing effort in BSAI fisheries that remained subject to a race for fish. Since the implementation of the rockfish program, most BSAI groundfish target species have been allocated among participating sectors, and most CPs in the rockfish program received exclusive privileges for harvesting these BSAI species. Consequently, the July stand down may no longer be required as a protection measure for other BSAI participants and its removal would enable the rockfish program CPs to more efficiently manage their harvesting activities. This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the FMP, and other applicable law. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice of Availabilty 03/24/09 74 FR 12300 NPRM 04/06/09 74 FR 15420 Comment Period Extension 05/13/09 74 FR 22507 NPRM Comment Period End 05/21/09 Notice of Availability Comment Period End 05/26/09 Final Action 11/03/09 74 FR 56728 Final Rule Effective 12/04/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Robert D. Mecum, Acting Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AX42 _______________________________________________________________________ 289. 2009 ATLANTIC BLUEFISH SPECIFICATIONS Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 Abstract: The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission manage the Atlantic bluefish fishery jointly through the Atlantic Bluefish Fishery Management Plan (FMP). The FMP includes a specification process that requires the Council to recommend, on an annual basis, a total allowable catch (TAC) and total allowable landings (TAL) that are consistent with the stock rebuilding program. The TAL is composed of a commercial quota (allocated to the states from Maine to Florida in specified shares) and a coastwide recreational harvest limit. The Council may also specify a research set-aside (RSA) quota. The FMP also requires the Council to recommend annual fishing measures, such as possession limits, to assure that the recommended quotas will not be exceeded. The Council has submitted proposed specifications for the 2009 Atlantic bluefish fishery. In summary, the specifications propose: (1) A TAC for bluefish of 34.081 million lb (an increase from 31.887 million lb in 2008); (2) an overall TAL of 29.356 million lb (an increase from 28.156 million lb in 2008); (3) zero transfer from the recreational sector to the commercial sector, to achieve a commercial quota of 4.991 million lb (a reduction from 7.692 million lb in 2008) and a recreational harvest limit of 24.366 million lb (an increase from 20.415 million lb in 2008); (4) an RSA quota of 97,750 lb (would further reduce quota and limit above); and (5) a recreational possession limit of 15 fish. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/02/09 74 FR 9072 [[Page 64415]] NPRM Comment Period End 03/17/09 Final Action 05/04/09 74 FR 20423 Final Action Effective 06/03/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 55 Great Republic Way, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 Fax: 978 281-9117 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AX49 _______________________________________________________________________ 290. DEFINITION OF U.S. CITIZEN Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq Abstract: The current definition of ``U.S. Citizen'' at 50 CFR 679.2 is critical for permits and licenses, some of which are intended to be issued only to, and held only by, persons who are U.S. citizens. The current definition for general applicability refers only to individual persons and lacks reference to non-individuals, such as corporations, partnerships, or associations. For consistency and to avoid confusion among permit applicants, NMFS proposes to revise the definition of U.S. Citizen. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM- 6-15-09 Withdraw AKR 06/15/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Robert D. Mecum, Acting Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 Phone: 907 586-7221 Fax: 907 586-7249 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AX52 _______________________________________________________________________ 291. 2009 SPECIFICATIONS AND MANAGEMENT MEASURES FOR THE SPINY DOGFISH FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 Abstract: This action would set the 2009 fishing year annual quota and possession limit for the spiny dogfish fishery on the Atlantic coast of the U.S. consistent with the rebuilding program in the Spiny Dogfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP). The quota is divided semi-annually, with quota period 1 (May 1 through October 31) being allocated 57.9% of the annual quota, and quota period 2 (November 1 through April 30) being allocated 42.1%. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/19/09 74 FR 11706 NPRM Comment Period End 04/03/09 Final Action 05/01/09 74 FR 20230 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Jamie Goen, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115 Phone: 206 526-4646 Fax: 978 281-9117 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AX57 _______________________________________________________________________ 292. WESTERN AND CENTRAL PACIFIC FISHERIES FOR HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES; IMPLEMENTATION OF DECISIONS OF THE FIFTH SESSION OF THE WESTERN AND CENTRAL PACIFIC FISHERIES COMMISSION FOR PURSE SEINE FISHERIES Legal Authority: 16 USC 6901 et seq Abstract: This rule would implement the decisions adopted at the Fifth Session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (Commission) to reduce or otherwise control the fishing mortality rate of bigeye tuna and potentially other highly migratory fish species in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean from purse seine and other commercial fishing and to mitigate the impacts of fishing on non-target species such as turtles. Pursuant to the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention Implementation Act, the Secretary of Commerce is authorized to implement regulations to carry out the obligations of the United States under the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention (Convention), including the implementation of Commission decisions. At its Fifth Regular Session, in December 2008, the Commission adopted specific provisions for purse seine and other commercial fisheries that target highly migratory fish species in the Convention's area of application for 2009, 2010, and 2011. The U.S. implementation of these provisions could include (but is not limited to) the following: (1) time-area closures for fishing on fish aggregating devices; (2) requirements regarding observers on vessels; (3) closure of specific areas of high seas; (4) limits on fishing effort and/or catches; and (5) requirements aimed at reducing the capture, injury, and mortality of sea turtles. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/01/09 74 FR 26160 NPRM Comment Period End 06/22/09 Final Action Effective 08/03/09 Final Rule 08/04/09 74 FR 38544 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Dr. Charles Karnella, Pacific Islands Area Office, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Suite 1110, Honolulu, HI 96814-4700 Phone: 808 973-2985 Fax: 808 973-2941 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AX60 _______________________________________________________________________ 293. 2009 SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP, AND BLACK SEA BASS RECREATIONAL MANAGEMENT MEASURES Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq Abstract: This rulemaking will propose and implement recreational management measures for the summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass 2009 recreational fisheries. The final rule will contain implementing regulations that specify the minimum fish size, possession limit, and fishing season for the three species. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/01/09 74 FR 14760 NPRM Comment Period End 05/01/09 Final Action 06/24/09 74 FR 30002 Final Action Effective 07/24/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes [[Page 64416]] Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 55 Great Republic Way, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978 281-9200 Fax: 978 281-9117 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AX69 _______________________________________________________________________ 294. REEF FISH AMENDMENT 30B TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE REEF FISH RESOURCES OF THE GULF OF MEXICO: MEASURE TO ESTABLISH THE EDGES SEASONAL-AREA CLOSURE Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 Abstract: The proposed rule for Amendment 30B published on November 18, 2008 (73 FR 68390) and Amendment 30B was approved on January 23, 2009. Unfortunately, the proposed rule contained an error relative to the ``The Edges'' seasonal-area closure. Rather than just a 4-month closure to all Council managed fishing activity, as supported by Amendment 30B, the codified text would have also established a year-round prohibition on the position of reef fish species in the area. Therefore, this measure was removed from the final rule (RIN 0648-AV80) and a placed in this second rulemaking (RIN 0648-AX73) that would establish ``The Edges'' seasonal-area closure from January 1 through April 30 consistent with the contents of Amendment 30B. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/17/09 74 FR 17812 NPRM Comment Period End 05/04/09 Final Action 06/24/09 74 FR 30001 Final Action Effective 07/24/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727 570-5305 Fax: 727 570-5583 Email: [email protected] RIN: 0648-AX73 _______________________________________________________________________ 295. ESTABLISH 2009 FISHERY SPECIFICATIONS FOR PACIFIC WHITING; PACIFIC GROUNDFISH FISHERY; BIENNIAL SPECIFICATIONS AND MANAGEMENT MEASURES Legal Authori [Text truncated at 120,000 characters. The full text is on the page linked above.] --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/fr%3AE9-28588. Public record. Not legal advice.