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[May 5, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 87)]
[Unified Agenda]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID: f:ua080504.wais]
[Page 24652-24676]
Department of Commerce
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Part IV
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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda
[[Page 24652]]
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
Spring 2008 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 fall 2007 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 spring 2008 regulatory agenda includes
regulatory activities that are expected to be conducted during the
period April 1, 2008, through March 31, 2009.
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
Regulation, 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 January 31, 2008, the Office
of Management and Budget issued guidelines and procedures for the
preparation and publication of the spring 2008 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.
As of the fall 2007 edition, the Internet will be 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 (5 U.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) any 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.
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 significance and timing of
some regulatory actions under consideration by the Councils at the
time the semiannual regulatory agenda is published.
The Department's spring 2008 regulatory agenda follows.
John J. Sullivan,
General Counsel.
[[Page 24653]]
International Trade Administration--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
40 Commercial Availability of Fabric and Yarn............................................ 0625-AA59
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
41 Amendment 9 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan... 0648-AP60
42 Maximize Retention and Monitoring Program in the Shore-Based Pacific Whiting Fishery.. 0648-AR63
43 Amendment 72 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska.. 0648-AR72
44 Amendment 1 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Tilefish Fishery................... 0648-AS25
45 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); Reducing Sea Turtle Takes.................... 0648-AS49
46 Amendment to Coastal Migratory Pelagics FMP, Red Drum FMP, Reef Fish FMP, Spiny 0648-AS65
Lobster FMP, and Stone Crab FMP To Provide for Regulation of Marine Aquaculture.......
47 Western Pacific Squid Fishery......................................................... 0648-AS71
48 American Lobster Fishery; Fishing Effort Control Measures To Complement Interstate 0648-AT31
Lobster Management Recommendations by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.
49 Amendment 10 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan.. 0648-AT58
50 Subsistence Halibut Program Amendments................................................ 0648-AU14
51 BSAI Amendment 73 and GOA Amendment 77 FMP To Revise Management Authority of Dark 0648-AU20
Rockfish..............................................................................
52 Amendment 14 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the 0648-AU28
South Atlantic Region.................................................................
53 Amendment 15 to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan. 0648-AU36
54 Restrictions for 2007 Purse Seine and Longline Fisheries in the Eastern Tropical 0648-AU79
Pacific Ocean.........................................................................
55 Fisheries in the Western Pacific; Precious Corals Fisheries; Fishery Management Plan 0648-AV30
for Amendment 7--Gold and Black Coral Management......................................
56 South Atlantic Fishery Ecosystem Plan Comprehensive Amendment......................... 0648-AV31
57 Modifying Maximum Retainable Amounts (MRAs) for Selected Groundfish Species Caught by 0648-AV32
the Non-American Fishing Act Trawl Catcher Processor Sector...........................
58 Reef Fish Amendment 30A for Greater Amberjack and Gray Triggerfish: Total Allowable 0648-AV34
Catch (TAC) Adjustments, Measures To End Overfishing and Establish Sustainable
Fisheries Act (SFA) Parameters........................................................
59 Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act (MSRA) 0648-AV53
Environmental Review Procedure........................................................
60 Guidance for Annual Catch Limits and Accountability Measures To End Overfishing....... 0648-AV60
61 Rule To Implement a Minimum Possession Size Limit on Spiny Lobster (Panulirus argus).. 0648-AV61
62 Collection and Use of Tax Identification Numbers From Holders of and Applicants for 0648-AV76
National Marine Fisheries Service Permits.............................................
63 American Lobster Data Collection and Broodstock Protection Measures................... 0648-AV77
64 Gulf Reef Fish Amendment 30B.......................................................... 0648-AV80
65 Amendment 3 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Spiny Lobster Fishery of Puerto 0648-AV98
Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and Amendment 4 to the Reef Fish Fishery Management
Plan of Puerto Rico and the U.S.......................................................
66 National Saltwater Angler Registry and State Exemption Program........................ 0648-AW10
67 Amendment 17 to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council Snapper Grouper Fishery 0648-AW11
Management Plan.......................................................................
68 Amendment 15B to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council Snapper Grouper Fishery 0648-AW12
Management Plan.......................................................................
69 Amendment 2 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Queen Conch Fishery of Puerto Rico 0648-AW15
and the U.S. Virgin Islands...........................................................
70 Amendment 7 to the South Atlantic Shrimp Fishery Management Plan...................... 0648-AW19
71 Marine Mammal Protection Act Stranding Regulation Revisions........................... 0648-AW22
72 Revise Regulations Governing the North Pacific Groundfish Observer Program............ 0648-AW24
73 Revise Regulations To Exempt Certain Groundfish Catcher-Processors and Motherships 0648-AW28
From Check-In Check-Out Requirements With Active Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS)......
74 Amendment 3 to the Northeast Skate Complex Fishery Management Plan.................... 0648-AW30
75 Amendment 26 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and 0648-AW45
Tanner Crabs..........................................................................
76 Fisheries in the Western Pacific; Western Pacific Pelagic Fisheries; Amendment 18 to 0648-AW49
the Pelagics Fishery Management Plan; Shallow-Set Longline Swordfish Fishery..........
77 Establish a Permit Fee Collection Framework Under the Fishery Management Plan for U.S. 0648-AW50
West Coast Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species (HMS FMP)...........................
78 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..............................................................
[[Page 24654]]
79 Protective Regulations for Killer Whales in the Northwest Region Under the Endangered 0648-AV15
Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act..........................................
80 Designation of Critical Habitat for the Endangered U.S. Distinct Population Segment 0648-AV74
(DPS) of Smalltooth Sawfish...........................................................
81 Marine Mammal Protection Act Permit Regulation Revisions.............................. 0648-AV82
82 Rulemaking To Establish Take Prohibitions for the Threatened Southern Distinct 0648-AV94
Population Segment of North American Green Sturgeon...................................
83 Amendment to Discharge Regulations in Gulf of the Farallones, Monterey Bay, and 0648-AW29
Cordell Banks National Marine Sanctuaries.............................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
84 Require Mandatory Observer Coverage in the At-Sea Processing Sector of the Whiting 0648-AK26
Fishery...............................................................................
85 Revisions to the Scientific Research Activity, Exempted Fishing, and Exempted 0648-AR78
Educational Activity Regulations......................................................
86 Framework 4 to the Fishery Management Plan for Monkfish............................... 0648-AU34
87 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Shark Management Measures................. 0648-AU89
88 2008 Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Recreational Fishery Management 0648-AV41
Measures..............................................................................
89 Individual Fishing Quota Omnibus V Action 2 and 4: Allow Longline Pot Gear in Bering 0648-AV64
Sea During June; Allow Mobilized Military Personnel To Make Temporary Individual
Fishing Quota Transfers...............................................................
90 General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Specifications for Boarding Ladders........ 0648-AV78
91 Framework Adjustment 19 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan........... 0648-AV90
92 Amendment 89 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Bering Sea; Bering Sea Habitat 0648-AW06
Conservation Measures.................................................................
93 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.............................................................................
94 Right Whale Ship Strike Reduction..................................................... 0648-AS36
95 Virginia Modified Pound Net Leader Inspection Program................................. 0648-AU98
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
96 Joint Amendment to the Fishery Management Plans for the Shrimp (Amendment 14) and Reef 0648-AT87
Fish Fisheries (Amendment 27) of the Gulf of Mexico...................................
97 American Lobster Fishery: Broodstock Protection and Trap Effort Control Regulations 0648-AU07
for Offshore Area 3...................................................................
98 Expansion of the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Vessel Monitoring System to the Open 0648-AU08
Access Fishery........................................................................
99 Amendment 14 to the Bottomfish and Seamount Groundfish FMP: Measures To End Bottomfish 0648-AU22
Overfishing in the Hawaiian Archipelago...............................................
100 Amendment 15A to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the 0648-AU29
South Atlantic Region.................................................................
101 Amendment 11 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan...................... 0648-AU32
102 Amendment 85 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish of the Bering Sea and 0648-AU48
Aleutian Islands (BSAI) Management Area; Pacific Cod Allocations......................
103 Framework Adjustment to the Bycatch Reduction Criterion for the Fishery Management 0648-AU59
Plan for the Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico.....................................
104 Amendment 15 to the Pacific Coast Salmon Fishery Management Plan...................... 0648-AU69
105 Bag Limits for Tuna Species Taken in the Recreational Charter Fishery for the United 0648-AU77
States West Coast Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species..............................
106 Individual Fishing Quota Processing Restriction Amendments: Processing of IFQ; Non-IFQ 0648-AU85
Species by Vessels Categories B, C, or D in the GOA, BSAI.............................
107 Vessel Monitoring System Revision for Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands and Gulf of 0648-AU93
Alaska Fisheries......................................................................
108 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; North and South Atlantic Swordfish Commercial 0648-AV10
Management Measures...................................................................
109 Framework Adjustment to the Fishery Management Plan for the Coastal Migratory Pelagic 0648-AV17
Resources in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Region.............................
110 Alaska Groundfish Fisheries Seabird Avoidance Measures................................ 0648-AV38
111 Specifications for the 2008 Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries........ 0648-AV40
[[Page 24655]]
112 Specifications for the 2008 to 2010 Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fisheries............... 0648-AV42
113 Reef Fish Regulatory Amendment for Vermilion Snapper To Revise Management Measures.... 0648-AV45
114 Rule To Revise the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) Reef Fish Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) 0648-AV59
Reporting Requirements, Power-Down Exemption, and Red Snapper Individual Fishing Quota
(IFQ) 3-Hour Notification.............................................................
115 FMP Amendments BSAI 88, KTC 23, Scallop 12, and Salmon 9 for the Aleutian Islands 0648-AV62
Habitat Conservation Area Revision....................................................
116 Framework Adjustment 20 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan To Extend 0648-AV91
Fishing Year 2007 Management Measures for the Elephant Trunk Access Area Through
February 2008.........................................................................
117 2008 Summer Flounder Coastwide Recreational Interim Management Measures............... 0648-AV99
118 Specification of Total Allowable Catch Levels for Georges Bank (GB) Yellowtail 0648-AW13
Flounder, Eastern GB Cod, and Eastern GB Haddock, for Fishing Year 2008...............
119 Georges Bank Cod Hook Sector Operations Plan Approval and Allocation of Georges Bank 0648-AW16
Cod Total Allowable Catch for Fishing Year 2008.......................................
120 Georges Bank Cod Fixed Gear Sector Operations Plan Approval and Allocation of Georges 0648-AW17
Bank Cod Total Allowable Catch for Fishing Year 2008..................................
121 Pacific Halibut Fisheries; Catch Sharing Plan......................................... 0648-AW26
122 Oregon Coho Salmon Critical Habitat Designation....................................... 0648-AW39
123 Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Commercial Fishing Operations; Atlantic Large 0648-AS01
Whale Take Reduction Plan Regulations.................................................
124 Sea Turtle Conservation; Gear Requirements in the Atlantic Sea Scallop Dredge Fishery. 0648-AV84
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Commerce (DOC) Long-Term Actions
International Trade Administration (ITA)
_______________________________________________________________________
40. 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: janet--heinzen@ita.doc.gov
RIN: 0625-AA59
[[Page 24656]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Commerce (DOC) Proposed Rule Stage
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
_______________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE
____________________________________________________
41. AMENDMENT 9 TO THE ATLANTIC MACKEREL, SQUID, AND BUTTERFISH FISHERY
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq
Abstract: Amendment 9 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish
(MSB) Fishery Management Plan (FMP) was developed by the Mid-Atlantic
Fishery Management Council to remedy deficiencies in the FMP and to
address other issues that have arisen since Amendment 8 to the MSB FMP
became effective in 1998. Amendment 9 to the MSB FMP considers:
allowing multi-year specifications and management measures; extending
or eliminating the moratorium on entry into the directed Illex fishery;
revising current biological reference points for Loligo; designating
essential fish habitat (EFH) for Loligo eggs; implementing closures of
EFH areas to reduce gear impacts from MSB fisheries; increasing the
Loligo possession limit for Illex vessels during a closure of the
Loligo fishery; and requiring real-time electronic reporting via a
vessel monitoring system in the Illex fishery.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 04/04/08 73 FR 18483
NPRM Comment Period End 05/19/08
Final Action 07/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200
RIN: 0648-AP60
_______________________________________________________________________
42. 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 to 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,
composed 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 11/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, 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
RIN: 0648-AR63
_______________________________________________________________________
43. AMENDMENT 72 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GROUNDFISH OF
THE GULF OF ALASKA
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq
Abstract: This amendment would revise the Gulf of Alaska (GOA)
Groundfish Fishery Management Plan to state that the Council will
annually review the discards of shallow-water flatfish in Gulf of
Alaska groundfish fisheries. After review of this annual report, the
Council may recommend revisions to the retention and utilization
requirements if the discard rate for shallow-water flatfish falls above
or below a specified threshold. This fishery management plan has no
implementing regulations.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 07/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/08
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
RIN: 0648-AR72
_______________________________________________________________________
44. 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
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 05/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End 06/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200
RIN: 0648-AS25
[[Page 24657]]
_______________________________________________________________________
45. 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
NPRM 11/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/08
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
RIN: 0648-AS49
_______________________________________________________________________
46. AMENDMENT TO COASTAL MIGRATORY PELAGICS FMP, RED DRUM FMP, REEF FISH
FMP, SPINY LOBSTER FMP, AND STONE CRAB FMP TO PROVIDE FOR REGULATION OF
MARINE AQUACULTURE
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. Possible management actions include: (1) Types of aquaculture
permits required; (2) duration of aquaculture permits; (3) conditions
for permit issuance; (4) species allowed for aquaculture; (5) allowable
aquaculture systems; (6) designation of sites or areas for conducting
aquaculture; (7) buffer zones for aquaculture facilities; (8)
recordkeeping and reporting requirements; and (9) regulations to aid in
the enforcement of marine aquaculture facilities.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 05/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End 06/00/08
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: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov
RIN: 0648-AS65
_______________________________________________________________________
47. WESTERN PACIFIC SQUID FISHERY
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq
Abstract: Pelagic squid would be designated as a management unit
species under the Western Pacific Pelagics Fishery Management Plan, and
permitting and reporting requirements would be established.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 05/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End 06/00/08
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
RIN: 0648-AS71
_______________________________________________________________________
48. AMERICAN LOBSTER FISHERY; FISHING EFFORT CONTROL MEASURES TO
COMPLEMENT INTERSTATE LOBSTER MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE ATLANTIC
STATES MARINE FISHERIES COMMISSION
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 12/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200
RIN: 0648-AT31
_______________________________________________________________________
49. AMENDMENT 10 TO THE ATLANTIC MACKEREL, SQUID, AND BUTTERFISH FISHERY
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq
Abstract: This action would implement a rebuilding program for
butterfish.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 06/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End 07/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast
Region, NMFS, Department of
[[Page 24658]]
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One
Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200
RIN: 0648-AT58
_______________________________________________________________________
50. SUBSISTENCE HALIBUT PROGRAM AMENDMENTS
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq; 16 USC 773 et seq
Abstract: The action would amend regulations for the Subsistence
Halibut Program by: (1) Revising the subsistence gear restrictions in
Kodiak and adding seasonal gear and vessel limits in the Sitka Sound
Local Area Management Plan (LAMP) area; (2) adding the village of
Naukati to the list of eligible subsistence halibut communities; (3)
implementing a possession limit equal to two daily bag limits to
enhance enforcement; (4) revising the definition of charter vessel; (5)
revising regulations allowing customary trade; and (6) allowing the use
of special permits within non-subsistence use areas by tribes eligible
for the permits.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 04/14/08 73 FR 20008
NPRM Comment Period End 05/14/08
Final Action 07/00/08
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
RIN: 0648-AU14
_______________________________________________________________________
51. BSAI AMENDMENT 73 AND GOA AMENDMENT 77 FMP TO REVISE MANAGEMENT
AUTHORITY OF DARK ROCKFISH
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq
Abstract: This amendment would remove dark rockfish (/Sebastes
ciliatus/) from the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) and Gulf of
Alaska (GOA) groundfish fishery management plans (FMP). The State of
Alaska would then assume management of dark rockfish in the BSAI and
GOA. Regulatory amendments are needed to implement these FMP amendments
to remove dark rockfish from Table 2a of 50 CFR part 679 (FMP species)
to add dark rockfish to Table 2d of 50 CFR part 679 (non-FMP species).
The regulations implementing Amendment 73/77 also would revise the
scientific name and species code for dusky rockfish on Table 2a to 50
CFR part 679.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 06/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End 07/00/08
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
RIN: 0648-AU20
_______________________________________________________________________
52. AMENDMENT 14 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SNAPPER-GROUPER
FISHERY OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq
Abstract: Amendment 14 would establish a series of 8 Type II Marine
Protected Areas (MPAs) in federal waters in the South Atlantic. The
MPAs range in size from 8 square nautical miles to 150 square nautical
miles, and would be distributed from North Carolina south to the
Florida Keys. Within the MPAs, fishing for or retention of species in
the snapper grouper management complex would be prohibited, as would
the use of shark bottom longline fishing gear. Trolling for pelagic
species such as tuna, dolphin, and mackerel would be allowed within the
MPAs.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Notice 07/20/06 71 FR 41207
NPRM 05/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End 06/00/08
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: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov
RIN: 0648-AU28
_______________________________________________________________________
53. AMENDMENT 15 TO THE SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP, AND BLACK SEA BASS
FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq
Abstract: Amendment 15 would address allocation and other issues in the
summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass fisheries.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 10/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200
RIN: 0648-AU36
_______________________________________________________________________
54. RESTRICTIONS FOR 2007 PURSE SEINE AND LONGLINE FISHERIES IN THE
EASTERN TROPICAL PACIFIC OCEAN
Legal Authority: 16 USC 951 to 961; 16 USC 971
Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service announces the 2007
conservation and management measures for international tuna fisheries
in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. The purse seine fishery will be
closed for six weeks and any national longline fishery which reaches a
catch level for bigeye tuna equal to the 2001 catch levels will also be
closed. The intended effect of this rule is to establish prohibition of
U.S. vessels purse seine fishing for tuna in the Inter-American
Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) Convention Area from November 20 to
December 31 period, and to announce the closure of the U.S. longline
fishery. This will conform to the IATTC recommendation that was
approved by the State Department.
[[Page 24659]]
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 12/00/08
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
RIN: 0648-AU79
_______________________________________________________________________
55. FISHERIES IN THE WESTERN PACIFIC; PRECIOUS CORALS FISHERIES; FISHERY
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR AMENDMENT 7--GOLD AND BLACK CORAL MANAGEMENT
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq
Abstract: Amendment 7 to the Fishery Management Plan for Precious Coral
Fisheries in the Western Pacific would establish the Auau Channel,
Hawaii, black coral bed as an established bed with an annual harvest
quota of 5,000 kg every 2 years, and would place a 5-year moratorium on
the harvest of gold coral in the Western Pacific.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 05/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End 07/00/08
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
RIN: 0648-AV30
_______________________________________________________________________
56. 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 Plan's (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 06/00/08
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: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov
RIN: 0648-AV31
_______________________________________________________________________
57. 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 10/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/08
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
RIN: 0648-AV32
_______________________________________________________________________
58. REEF FISH AMENDMENT 30A FOR GREATER AMBERJACK AND GRAY TRIGGERFISH:
TOTAL ALLOWABLE CATCH (TAC) ADJUSTMENTS, MEASURES TO END OVERFISHING AND
ESTABLISH SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES ACT (SFA) PARAMETERS
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq
Abstract: Greater amberjack are under a rebuilding plan. A 2006 stock
assessment (SEDAR 9) concluded the stock is not recovering as
projected. It continues to be overfished and is undergoing overfishing.
Adjustments to TAC and management measures are needed to end
overfishing and bring the recovery of the greater amberjack stock back
into compliance with its ten-year rebuilding time frame. Gray
triggerfish were determined to be undergoing overfishing based on a
2006 stock assessment (SEDAR 9). Management measures are necessary to
end overfishing of gray triggerfish. Additionally, the Council has not
yet approved post-Sustainable Fisheries Act benchmarks and reference
points for gray triggerfish.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 11/09/07 72 FR 63537
NPRM Comment Period End 12/10/07
NPRM 04/08/08 73 FR 19040
NPRM Comment Period End 05/23/08
Final Action 07/00/08
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
[[Page 24660]]
Phone: 727 570-5305
Fax: 727 570-5583
Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov
RIN: 0648-AV34
_______________________________________________________________________
59. MAGNUSON-STEVENS FISHERY CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT REAUTHORIZATION
ACT (MSRA) ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PROCEDURE
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801
Abstract: NOAA fisheries amends its regulations to develop procedures
pursuant to section 107 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation
and Management Reauthorization Act (MSRA) (Pub. L. 109-479), which
requires NOAA Fisheries to revise and update agency procedures for
complying with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in context
of fishery management actions. 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; and 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.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 05/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/08
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: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov
RIN: 0648-AV53
_______________________________________________________________________
60. GUIDANCE FOR ANNUAL CATCH LIMITS AND ACCOUNTABILITY MEASURES TO END
OVERFISHING
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1853
Abstract: Section 104(b) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation
and Management Reauthorization Act of 2006 (MSRA), requires that in
fishing year 2010, for fisheries determined by the Secretary to be
subject to overfishing, and in fishing year 2011, for all other
fisheries, that fishery management plans establish annual catch limits
(ACLs), including regulations and annual specifications, at a level
such that overfishing does not occur in a fishery, including measures
to ensure accountability.
The National Marine Fisheries Service intends to prepare guidance on
how to establish adequate ACLs and AMs by revising its National
Standard 1 (NS1) guidelines at 50 CFR 600.310.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 05/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End 06/00/08
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
RIN: 0648-AV60
_______________________________________________________________________
61. RULE TO IMPLEMENT A MINIMUM POSSESSION SIZE LIMIT ON SPINY LOBSTER
(PANULIRUS ARGUS)
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801
Abstract: The United States is a major importer of spiny lobster from
the Caribbean, importing over 88,000 tons (over 194 million lbs.) over
the past 10 years, worth an estimated $2.27 billion dollars. The United
States imports over 90 percent of the spiny lobster harvested in
Brazil, Colombia, Central America, and the Caribbean countries. The
major exporters to the United States are the Bahamas, Brazil, Honduras,
and Nicaragua. All of these exporting countries have some form of
minimum size requirement, but they are not standardized and enforcement
is severely lacking. Therefore, NOAA Fisheries Service in coordination
with the Caribbean, South Atlantic, and Gulf of Mexico Fishery
Management Councils is proposing to place a minimum size limit
restriction on imports to curtail the flow of undersized lobster
harvested in foreign countries.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Notice 07/26/07 72 FR 41063
NPRM 10/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/08
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: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov
RIN: 0648-AV61
_______________________________________________________________________
62. COLLECTION AND USE OF TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS FROM HOLDERS OF AND
APPLICANTS FOR NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE PERMITS
Legal Authority: 31 USC 7701; 16 USC 1801 et seq; 16 USC 1361 et seq;
16 USC 1531 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 to provide a Taxpayer
Identification Number (TIN) (business' employer identification number
or individual's 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)
[[Page 24661]]
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 10/00/08
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
RIN: 0648-AV76
_______________________________________________________________________
63. 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 05/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200
RIN: 0648-AV77
_______________________________________________________________________
64. GULF REEF FISH AMENDMENT 30B
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801
Abstract: Amendment 30B addresses the findings of Gulf of Mexico red
grouper and gag stock assessments. Red grouper is not undergoing
overfishing and is not overfished. Gag is undergoing overfishing and
whether gag are overfished is still being determined. This action
incorporates both red grouper and gag management measures together as
the measures affecting one species invariably affect the other. The
amendment would implement management measures to increase red grouper
total allowable catch and to end overfishing of gag. The amendment also
proposes definitions for gag status criteria and reference points. The
amendment also examines grouper accountability measures, closed fishing
areas, and ways to reduce discard mortality.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Notice 03/07/08 73 FR 12393
NPRM 05/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End 06/00/08
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: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov
RIN: 0648-AV80
_______________________________________________________________________
65. AMENDMENT 3 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SPINY LOBSTER
FISHERY OF PUERTO RICO AND THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS AND AMENDMENT 4 TO
THE REEF FISH FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN OF PUERTO RICO AND THE U.S.
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801
Abstract: Many species of fish in the reef fish fishery in Puerto Rico
and the USVI are believed to be overexploited, largely due to trap
fishing and bycatch associated with this fishery. Landings from the
trap fishery have continuously decreased since 1990 in Puerto Rico;
species composition has changed; and size frequency of some fish has
decreased over the last 10 years. These effects have been attributed to
excessive trap fishing effort, lack of compliance with trap
construction requirements (i.e., fishers often do not use the required
biodegradable fasteners on trap doors), use of other gears by
commercial fishers (e.g., gill nets), and the lack of escape panels in
traps which would allow smaller fishes to escape, resulting in high
mortality of juveniles and a loss of long-term potential yield. Under
current fishing practices, bycatch and the associated mortality of
bycatch is not expected to be reduced sufficiently in the reef fish or
spiny lobster trap fisheries. Without a reduction in bycatch, those
stocks experiencing overfishing may become overfished, and those stocks
overfished may not meet the goals of the rebuilding plan set forth in
the Sustainable Fisheries Act Amendment of 2005. Therefore, the use of
escape panels as a management tool is proposed in this amendment to
help achieve the necessary reductions in fishing mortality among the
species harvested by traps.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 01/00/09
NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/09
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
[[Page 24662]]
Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov
RIN: 0648-AV98
_______________________________________________________________________
66. [bull] NATIONAL SALTWATER ANGLER REGISTRY AND STATE EXEMPTION
PROGRAM
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1881
Abstract: This action would implement Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act requirements for a recreational fishing
registration program, which includes procedures for exempting
recreational fishermen and charter fishing vessels from the
registration requirements if they are licensed, permitted, or
registered by qualifying states.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 12/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Gordon Colvin, Fishery Biologist, Department of
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA
Fisheries, 1315 East-West Highway, SSMC3, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2367
Fax: 301-713-1875
Email: gordon.colvin@noaa.gov
RIN: 0648-AW10
_______________________________________________________________________
67. [bull] 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 a means to address
overages in commercial quotas and recreational allocations; adjust
golden tilefish management measures; specify the annual number of black
sea bass tags and pots; reduce bycatch of deep water species; and
address additional management measures identified by the Council.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 12/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/09
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: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov
RIN: 0648-AW11
_______________________________________________________________________
68. [bull] 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 transfer 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
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 05/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End 06/00/08
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: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov
RIN: 0648-AW12
_______________________________________________________________________
69. [bull] 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: NMFS amends its regulations to implement a change in fishing
practices needed to help achieve the necessary reductions in queen
conch fishing mortality. St. Croix queen conch landings by commercial
fishermen alone have exceeded sustainable harvest levels since the 2000
to 2001 fishing season. In 2005 to 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.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Notice of Intent 10/11/07 72 FR 58057
NPRM 05/00/08
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: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov
RIN: 0648-AW15
_______________________________________________________________________
70. [bull] AMENDMENT 7 TO THE SOUTH ATLANTIC SHRIMP FISHERY MANAGEMENT
PLAN
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq
Abstract: The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) in
conjunction with NMFS intends to prepare a DEIS to assess the impacts
on the natural and human environment of the management measures
proposed in its draft Amendment 7 to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP)
for the Shrimp Fishery of the South Atlantic Region. Options will
address the 15,000-pound landings requirement for permits, permits that
may have been lost due to not meeting the 15,000-pound requirement or
failure to renew the limited entry permit, and requirements
[[Page 24663]]
for all shrimp permit holders to provide economic data if selected.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 10/00/08
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: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov
RIN: 0648-AW19
_______________________________________________________________________
71. [bull] 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 to
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.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
ANPRM 01/31/08 73 FR 5786
ANPRM Comment Period End 03/31/08
Second ANPRM 03/28/08 73 FR 16617
Second ANPRM Comment Period End 04/30/08
NPRM 07/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: David Cottingham, Department of Commerce, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East West Highway, Silver
Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2322
Email: david.cottingham@noaa.gov
RIN: 0648-AW22
_______________________________________________________________________
72. [bull] 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, the proposed actions
would: Modify the current permit issuance process so that observer and
observer provider permit issuance is a discretionary 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 08/00/08
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
RIN: 0648-AW24
_______________________________________________________________________
73. [bull] REVISE REGULATIONS TO EXEMPT CERTAIN GROUNDFISH CATCHER-
PROCESSORS AND MOTHERSHIPS FROM CHECK-IN CHECK-OUT REQUIREMENTS WITH
ACTIVE VESSEL MONITORING SYSTEMS (VMS)
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq
Abstract: This regulatory amendment would exempt groundfish catcher-
processors (CPs) and motherships carrying a transmitting vessel
monitoring system (VMS) unit from check-in and check-out requirements
in Alaska Region groundfish fishing regulations. The current check-in/
out regulation requires CPs and motherships to submit check-in/out
reports before they deploy gear in, or begin to process fish from,
Federal management areas off Alaska. Additional reports are required
for the use of additional gears, or for changes in the status (e.g.,
community development quota, exempted permit) of the fish being
targeted. For many years the Alaska Region has required groundfish CPs
and mothership vessels to file check-in check-out reports. This
information was used for in-season management. However, in recent years
new sources of information have become available, such as VMS, which
make check in/out reports unnecessary.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 05/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End 06/00/08
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
RIN: 0648-AW28
_______________________________________________________________________
74. [bull] AMENDMENT 3 TO THE NORTHEAST SKATE COMPLEX FISHERY MANAGEMENT
PLAN
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801
Abstract: Amendment 3 is intended to address the overfished status of
winter
[[Page 24664]]
and thorny skates, and prevent other skate species in the complex from
becoming overfished. It will establish a rebuilding program for winter
skate, and modify the Skate FMP to reduce fishing mortality on the
entire skate complex.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 10/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200
RIN: 0648-AW30
_______________________________________________________________________
75. [bull] AMENDMENT 26 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR BERING SEA/
ALEUTIAN ISLANDS KING AND TANNER CRABS
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq
Abstract: Amendment 26 to the FMP would amend the FMP to exempt quota
share issued to crew members, and the annual harvest privileges derived
from that quota share, from requirements for: Delivery to specific
processors; delivery within specific geographic regions; and
participation in an arbitration system to resolve price disputes. 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. This FMP has no implementing regulations.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 05/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End 06/00/08
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
Email: jim.balisger@noaa.gov
RIN: 0648-AW45
_______________________________________________________________________
76. [bull] 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: The Hawaii-based shallow-set longline fishery currently
operates under regulations that limit fishing effort and interactions
with sea turtles. This action would increase fishing opportunities,
while continuing to protect turtles and other protected resources.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 08/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End 10/00/08
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
RIN: 0648-AW49
_______________________________________________________________________
77. [bull] ESTABLISH A PERMIT FEE COLLECTION FRAMEWORK UNDER THE FISHERY
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR U.S. WEST COAST FISHERIES FOR HIGHLY MIGRATORY
SPECIES (HMS FMP)
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801
Abstract: Development of a proposed rule to establish the authority to
collect permit fees under the Fishery Management Plan for U.S. West
Coast Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species. This rule would amend the
FMP regulations under 50 CFR 660.707 to establish a permit fee
collection framework for HMS 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 08/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End 09/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Craig Heberer, Fisheries Biologist, Department of
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 501 West
Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90802
Phone: 760 431-9440
Fax: 562 980-4047
Email: craig.heberer@noaa.gov
RIN: 0648-AW50
_______________________________________________________________________
78. [bull] 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. 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 for FY-2008.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 06/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator,
[[Page 24665]]
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI
96814
Phone: 808 944-2207
RIN: 0648-AW52
_______________________________________________________________________
79. 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: 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 action 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 12/00/08
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
RIN: 0648-AV15
_______________________________________________________________________
80. DESIGNATION OF CRITICAL HABITAT FOR THE ENDANGERED U.S. DISTINCT
POPULATION SEGMENT (DPS) OF SMALLTOOTH SAWFISH
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 et seq
Abstract: This action would designate critical habitat for the U.S. DPS
of smalltooth sawfish, which was listed as endangered on April 1, 2003.
The designation would be located in Florida, within the current
geographic range of the species. Comments from the public on the
proposal, including information on the economic impacts, national
security, and other relevant documents, as well as the benefits to the
species from the designation will be solicited during a 60-day comment
period. A draft economic analysis and section 4(b)(2) report will be
conducted in support of this proposed rule.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 06/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End 07/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Shelley L. Norton, Smalltooth Sawfish and Johnson's
Seagrass Coordinator, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, 253 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL
33701
Phone: 727 551-5781
Fax: 727 524-5309
Email: shelley.norton@noaa.gov
RIN: 0648-AV74
_______________________________________________________________________
81. 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 part 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 End 11/13/07
NPRM 07/00/08
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
RIN: 0648-AV82
_______________________________________________________________________
82. 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 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
[[Page 24666]]
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 10/00/08
NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Lisa Manning, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring,
MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-1401
Email: lisa.manning@noaa.gov
RIN: 0648-AV94
_______________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICE
____________________________________________________
83. [bull] AMENDMENT TO DISCHARGE REGULATIONS IN GULF OF THE FARALLONES,
MONTEREY BAY, AND CORDELL BANKS NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARIES
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1434 et seq
Abstract: This rule, part of the Joint Management Plan Review for the
three northern California sanctuaries, addresses the need to revise
NOAA's discharge regulations for large vessels to be consistent with
California law. The rule would prohibit discharge of treated waste from
vessels 300 gross registered tons or more (that are not cruise ships)
while within the sanctuaries. If the vessel does not have the capacity
to hold the waste while in the sanctuaries, it can discharge sewage
like any other vessel in the sanctuary other than cruise ships. The
rule also prohibits discharge of graywater from vessels 300 gross
registered tons or more (that are not cruise ships while within the
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS). (The Gulf of the
Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries already
prohibit discharge of graywater.) If the vessel does not have the
capacity to hold the waste while in the MBNMS, it can discharge
graywater like any other vessel in the MBNMS other than cruise ships.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 05/00/08
Final Action 01/00/09
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Sean Morton, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-7264
Email: sean.morton@noaa.gov
RIN: 0648-AW29
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Commerce (DOC) Final Rule Stage
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
_______________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE
____________________________________________________
84. REQUIRE MANDATORY OBSERVER COVERAGE IN THE AT-SEA PROCESSING SECTOR
OF THE WHITING FISHERY
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq
Abstract: This action amends the regulations implementing the Pacific
Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan to provide for a mandatory,
vessel-financed observer program on at-sea processing vessels.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 09/10/03 68 FR 53334
NPRM Comment Period End 10/10/03
Interim Final Rule 06/07/04 69 FR 31751
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End 07/07/04
Final Action 10/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, 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
RIN: 0648-AK26
_______________________________________________________________________
85. REVISIONS TO THE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ACTIVITY, EXEMPTED FISHING, AND
EXEMPTED EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY REGULATIONS
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq
Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service amends the regulations
at 50 CFR 600.745. The action is intended to provide clearer guidance
to the public for obtaining appropriate acknowledgments and permits and
to facilitate the timely conduct of research to address bycatch and
habitat issues in the fisheries.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 03/18/08 73 FR 14428
NPRM Comment Period End 04/04/08
Final Action 06/00/08
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
RIN: 0648-AR78
_______________________________________________________________________
86. FRAMEWORK 4 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR MONKFISH
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq
[[Page 24667]]
Abstract: This framework adjustment would establish target TACs of
5,000 mt and 5,100 mt for the Northern Fishery Management Area (NFMA)
and Southern Fishery Management Area (SFMA), respectively, for the
final 3 years of the rebuilding plan (FY 2007 to FY 2009), unless
otherwise modified by the Monkfish Monitoring Committee (MFMC) during
their annual review process. Essentially, this framework adjustment
would remove the Framework 2 control rule and replace it with target
TACs that were developed based upon an analysis conducted by the
Monkfish Plan Development Team (PDT). This framework would also
implement monkfish Days-at-Sea requirements for vessels fishing in the
NFMA, and addresses other minor issues raised by industry.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM and Proposed Interim Rule 03/20/07 72 FR 13069
NPRM Comment Period End 04/19/07
Interim Final Rule 04/27/07 72 FR 20952
Interim Final Rule 09/21/07 72 FR 53942
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End 10/22/07
Final Action 05/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200
RIN: 0648-AU34
_______________________________________________________________________
87. ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES; ATLANTIC SHARK MANAGEMENT
MEASURES
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq
Abstract: This rule would reevaluate the management measures for large
coastal sharks (LCS) and pelagic sharks based on the 2005/2006 LCS
stock assessment, the 2006 dusky shark stock assessment, and the
Canadian 2005 porbeagle shark stock assessment. This rulemaking could
consider, among other things, changes to existing rebuilding plans for
overfished species, commercial quotas and trip limits, recreational
minimum size and bag limits, and the public display quota. In addition,
this rule would likely reevaluate the Mid-Atlantic shark closure and
its role in the rebuilding plan for LCS. This action is necessary in
light of recent stock assessments, which have determined that dusky and
sandbar sharks are overfished with overfishing occurring, the status is
unknown for the Atlantic blacktip shark population, and porbeagle
sharks are likely overfished. In addition, the 2005/2006 LCS stock
assessment determined it is inappropriate to assess the LCS complex as
a whole, which has been the basis of managing these species since 1993.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 07/27/07 72 FR 41392
NPRM Comment Period Extended 10/03/07 72 FR 56330
NPRM Comment Period End 10/10/07
Comment Period End 11/02/07
Final Action 08/00/08
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
RIN: 0648-AU89
_______________________________________________________________________
88. 2008 SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP, AND BLACK SEA BASS RECREATIONAL FISHERY
MANAGEMENT MEASURES
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801
Abstract: This action would establish the recreational management
measures (minimum fish size, possession limits, and fishing seasons)
for the 2008 summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass recreational
fisheries. The annual recreational management measures are considered
to be annual specifications. This action was initially assigned to the
2008 fluke, scup, and BSB specifications; that action published under
0648-XC84 because the action contained no implementing regulations.
This acion was reassigned to the recreational management measures on
January 23, 2008.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 03/21/08 73 FR 15111
NPRM Comment Period End 04/21/08
Final Action 07/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200
RIN: 0648-AV41
_______________________________________________________________________
89. INDIVIDUAL FISHING QUOTA OMNIBUS V ACTION 2 AND 4: ALLOW LONGLINE
POT GEAR IN BERING SEA DURING JUNE; ALLOW MOBILIZED MILITARY PERSONNEL
TO MAKE TEMPORARY INDIVIDUAL FISHING QUOTA TRANSFERS
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801
Abstract: The regulatory action amends existing commercial fishing
regulations at 50 CFR part 679. The amendment would enhance the
management of the halibut and sablefish Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ)
fisheries, as well as the sablefish Community Development Quota (CDQ)
fishery. In June 2006, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council
recommended a suite of four amendments to the halibut and sablefish IFQ
fishery regulations, otherwise known as OMNI V. This proposed action
addresses Action 2 and Action 4 of the Council's proposed regulatory
amendments. The action would amend regulations to (1) Allow the use of
longline pot gear in the Bering Sea sablefish IFQ and CDQ fisheries
during the month of June; and (2) allow the temporary transfer of IFQ
held by mobilized reservists and guardsmen.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 03/05/08 73 FR 11851
NPRM Comment Period End 04/04/08
Final Action 06/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Robert D. Mecum, Acting Administrator, Alaska Region,
Department of Commerce, National
[[Page 24668]]
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK
99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249
RIN: 0648-AV64
_______________________________________________________________________
90. GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR DOMESTIC FISHERIES; SPECIFICATIONS FOR
BOARDING LADDERS
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq; 16 USC 2431 et seq; 16 USC
3636(b); 16 USC 5501 et seq; 16 USC 773 et seq; 16 USC 951 to 961; 16
USC 973 to 973r; 16 USC 971 et seq
Abstract: This regulation would require domestic fishing vessels to
have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved pilot ladder on board as a safer means
for authorized personnel to board the vessels in carrying out their
duties under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management
Act, the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act, and other applicable laws. This
action is necessary to provide for the safety of personnel boarding
domestic fishing vessels, as current standards have proven to be
inadequate. This action would establish a safer and more enforceable
national standard for ladders used by authorized officers for boarding
domestic fishing vessels subject to Federal regulation.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 12/11/07 72 FR 70286
NPRM Comment Period End 01/10/08
Second NPRM 01/25/08 73 FR 4514
Second NPRM Comment Period End 02/25/08
Final Action 05/00/08
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
RIN: 0648-AV78
_______________________________________________________________________
91. FRAMEWORK ADJUSTMENT 19 TO THE ATLANTIC SEA SCALLOP FISHERY
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801
Abstract: Framework 19 would establish management measures for the
scallop fishery for the 2008 and 2009 fishing years. It will include
measures to implement new management measures developed and implemented
under Amendment 11 to the Scallop FMP, if approved. Management measures
in Framework 19 would include scallop days-at-sea and trip allocations,
new area closures and/or access areas, and allocations for scallop
fishing in the groundfish closed areas. It would also include
improvements to some current management measures to make management of
the scallop fishery more efficient and effective.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 03/19/08 73 FR 14748
NPRM Comment Period End 04/08/08
Final Action 07/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200
RIN: 0648-AV90
_______________________________________________________________________
92. AMENDMENT 89 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE BERING SEA;
BERING SEA HABITAT CONSERVATION MEASURES
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq
Abstract: This regulatory amendment would implement Amendment 89 to the
Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian
Islands Management Area. The regulations would prohibit nonpelagic
trawling in certain areas of the Bering Sea subarea to protect bottom
habitat and certain nearshore bottom habitat areas that provide
subsistence resources. The amendment also would provide for a Northern
Bering Sea research area where the effects of nonpelagic trawling may
be studied.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 03/07/08 73 FR 12357
NPRM Comment Period End 04/21/08
Final Action 06/00/08
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
RIN: 0648-AW06
_______________________________________________________________________
93. 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
NPRM Comment Period Extended 11/02/01
Final Action 12/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Tanya Dobrzynski, Marine Resource Manager, Office of
Protected Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD
20910
Phone: 301 713-2289
RIN: 0648-AH26
[[Page 24669]]
_______________________________________________________________________
94. RIGHT WHALE SHIP STRIKE REDUCTION
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361
Abstract: These regulations would establish speed restrictions to
reduce the number of deaths to North Atlantic right whales as a result
of collisions with vessels, which account for more confirmed right
whale deaths than any other anthropogenic cause. Speed restrictions
would be limited to areas and times when North Atlantic right whales
and ships overlap to reduce the likelihood of ship strikes to the
extent practicable.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
ANPRM 06/01/04 69 FR 30857
ANPRM Comment Period Extended 07/09/04 69 FR 41446
ANPRM Comment Period Extended 09/13/04 69 FR 55135
NPRM 06/26/06 71 FR 36299
NPRM Comment Period Extended 08/14/06 71 FR 46440
NPRM Comment Period End 08/25/06
NPRM Comment Period End 10/05/06
Final Action 11/00/08
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
RIN: 0648-AS36
_______________________________________________________________________
95. VIRGINIA MODIFIED POUND NET LEADER INSPECTION PROGRAM
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 et seq
Abstract: With this action, NMFS issues a rule to implement an
inspection program for modified pound net leaders in the Virginia
waters of the mainstem Chesapeake Bay. Previous regulations (71 FR
36024, June 23, 2006) required modified pound net leaders in a portion
of the Virginia Chesapeake Bay from May 6 to July 15 each year, and
this action would ensure that leaders used in that area do in fact meet
the definition of a modified pound net leader. To comply with the
inspection program, a pound net fisherman intending to set a modified
leader must call NMFS to arrange for an inspection meeting. Then, the
fisherman must meet NMFS and allow for the inspection of his or her
gear to ensure the modified leader meets the definition of a modified
pound net leader, as described in the regulations. The purpose of this
action is to help protect threatened and endangered sea turtles, while
enabling fishermen to use leaders, an important component of pound net
gear, during the regulated period.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 03/01/07 72 FR 9297
NPRM Comment Period End 04/02/07
Final Action 06/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Carrie Upite, Fishery Biologist, Department of
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, One
Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9300
Email: carrie.upite@noaa.gov
RIN: 0648-AU98
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Commerce (DOC) Completed Actions
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
_______________________________________________________________________
96. JOINT AMENDMENT TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR THE SHRIMP
(AMENDMENT 14) AND REEF FISH FISHERIES (AMENDMENT 27) OF THE GULF OF
MEXICO
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq
Abstract: Shrimp and reef fish in the Gulf of Mexico are managed under
their respective FMPs. Both fisheries contribute to fishing mortality
on reef fish, especially juvenile and undersized red snapper. Age-0 and
Age-1 red snapper are taken by shrimp trawls, and Age-2 and older red
snapper are caught in the directed commercial and recreational red
snapper fishery. Red snapper is overfished and undergoing overfishing,
and reducing fishing mortality on these younger age classes is needed
to help rebuild the stock. Actions to reduce bycatch of red snapper are
anticipated to reduce bycatch fishing mortality for other reef fish
species as well. The Gulf Council began work on the joint amendment,
which will consider a variety of harvesting and gear restrictions to
further reduce fishing mortality and fishing effort in the shrimp and
red snapper fisheries. In August 2006, the Gulf Council deferred
working on this amendment until new information was available in
January 2007. However, by postponing the development of a plan
amendment, measures to address overfishing during the 2007 fishing
season would not occur, further delaying progress in stock recovery.
Thus, to address overfishing on the red snapper stock for 2007, NMFS is
developing an interim rule.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 12/14/06 71 FR 75220
NPRM Comment Period End 01/26/07
Interim Final Rule 04/02/07 72 FR 15617
Interim Final Rule Effective 05/02/07
Second NPRM 10/23/07 72 FR 59989
Second NPRM Comment Period End 12/07/07
Interim Final Rule 09/24/07 72 FR 54233
Correction 02/29/08 73 FR 11051
Final Action 01/29/08 73 FR 5117
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: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov
RIN: 0648-AT87
[[Page 24670]]
_______________________________________________________________________
97. AMERICAN LOBSTER FISHERY: BROODSTOCK PROTECTION AND TRAP EFFORT
CONTROL REGULATIONS FOR OFFSHORE AREA 3
Legal Authority: 16 USC 5101 et seq
Abstract: This rule would modify Federal American lobster regulations
based on recommendations to the National Marine Fisheries Service
(NMFS) by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission)
as part of the Commission's Interstate Fishery Management Plan for
American Lobster (ISFMP). The modifications to enhance protection to
American lobster broodstock and control trap fishing effort would:
Increase the minimum legal lobster size limit from 3 3/8 inches to 3 1/
2 inches in Lobster Conservation Management Area (Area) 3; increase the
size of rectangular and circular lobster trap escape vents by 1/16 inch
effective July 1, 2010, in Area 3; and implement a 4 stage schedule of
annual trap reductions that would reduce the amount of traps allocated
in Area 3 by up to 15 percent.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
ANPRM 12/13/05 70 FR 73717
ANPRM Comment Period End 01/12/06
NPRM 06/20/07 72 FR 33955
NPRM Comment Period End 08/06/07
Final Action 10/05/07 72 FR 56935
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200
RIN: 0648-AU07
_______________________________________________________________________
98. EXPANSION OF THE PACIFIC COAST GROUNDFISH FISHERY VESSEL MONITORING
SYSTEM TO THE OPEN ACCESS FISHERY
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1851, sec 301
Abstract: This action expands the current vessel monitoring system
(VMS) program by requiring all vessels fishing pursuant to the harvest
guidelines, quotas, and other management measures governing the open
access groundfish fishery to provide declaration reports and to
activate and use a VMS transceiver while fishing off the coasts of
Washington, Oregon, and California. Any commercial fishing vessel that
is not registered to a limited entry groundfish permit and that is used
to take and retain groundfish in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) (3-
200 nm from shore) that possesses groundfish while transiting the EEZ,
or that lands groundfish taken in the EEZ is considered to be
participating in the open access groundfish fishery. Vessel using non-
groundfish trawl gear to fish in the EEZ will be included, whether or
not groundfish is retained, for the purpose of monitoring vessel
activity in relation to essential fish habitat.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 08/08/07 72 FR 44469
NPRM Comment Period End 09/07/07
Final Action 12/07/07 72 FR 69162
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: D. Robert Lohn, 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
RIN: 0648-AU08
_______________________________________________________________________
99. AMENDMENT 14 TO THE BOTTOMFISH AND SEAMOUNT GROUNDFISH FMP: MEASURES
TO END BOTTOMFISH OVERFISHING IN THE HAWAIIAN ARCHIPELAGO
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq
Abstract: The Pacific Islands Regional Administrator notified the
Western Pacific Council in May 2005 that the bottomfish species complex
in the Hawaiian Archipelago is in a state of overfishing. This action
would amend the fishery management plan to implement measures to end
overfishing in the bottomfish complex.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NOA 12/27/07 72 FR 73308
NPRM 02/01/08 73 FR 6101
NOA Comment Period End 02/25/08
NPRM Comment Period End 03/07/08
Final Action 04/04/08 73 FR 18450
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
RIN: 0648-AU22
_______________________________________________________________________
100. AMENDMENT 15A TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SNAPPER-
GROUPER FISHERY OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq
Abstract: Amendment 15A would: Establish biological reference points
and status determination criteria for snowy grouper, black sea bass,
and red porgy; and establish rebuilding schedules and strategies, where
needed, for snowy grouper, black sea bass, and red porgy.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NOA 12/28/07 72 FR 73747
Final Action 03/20/08 73 FR 14942
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: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov
RIN: 0648-AU29
_______________________________________________________________________
101. AMENDMENT 11 TO THE ATLANTIC SEA SCALLOP FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq
Abstract: Amendment 11 would limit access and control effort in the
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