[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 243 (Monday, December 20, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 79725-79750]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-30450]


[[Page 79725]]

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Part IV





Department of Commerce





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###Semiannual Regulatory Agenda###

[[Page 79726]]



DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)






_______________________________________________________________________

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Office of the Secretary

13 CFR Ch. III

15 CFR Subtitle A; Subtitle B, Chs. I, II, III, VII, VIII, IX, and XI

19 CFR Ch. III

37 CFR Chs. I, IV, and V

48 CFR Ch. 13

50 CFR Chs. II, III, IV, and VI


Fall 2010 Semiannual Agenda of Regulations

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Commerce.

ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.

_______________________________________________________________________

SUMMARY: In compliance with Executive Order 12866 entitled ``Regulatory 
Planning and Review'' and the Regulatory Flexibility Act, as amended, 
the Department of Commerce (Department), in the spring and fall of each 
year, publishes in the Federal Register an agenda of regulations under 
development or review over the next 12 months. Rulemaking actions are 
grouped according to prerulemaking, proposed rules, final rules, long-
term actions, and rulemaking actions completed since the spring 2010 
agenda. The purpose of the agenda is to provide information to the 
public on regulations currently under review, being proposed, or issued 
by the Department. The agenda is intended to facilitate comments and 
views by interested members of the public.

    The Department's fall 2010 regulatory agenda includes 
regulatory activities that are expected to be conducted during the 
period October 1, 2010, through September 30, 2011.

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 Asha Mathew, 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: The Department hereby publishes its fall 
2010 Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions 
pursuant to Executive Order 12866 and the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 
U.S.C. 601 et seq. Executive Order 12866 requires agencies to publish 
an agenda of those regulations that are under consideration pursuant to 
this order. By memorandum of July 23, 2010, the Office of Management 
and Budget issued guidelines and procedures for the preparation and 
publication of the fall 2010 Unified Agenda. The Regulatory Flexibility 
Act 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, and a list that identifies 
those entries that have been selected for periodic review under section 
610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

    In this edition of the Department's regulatory agenda, a list 
of the most important significant regulatory actions and a 
Statement of Regulatory Priorities are included in the Regulatory 
Plan, which appears in both the online Unified Agenda and in part 
II of the issue of the Federal Register that includes the Unified 
Agenda.

    In addition, beginning with the fall 2007 edition, the Internet 
became the basic means for disseminating the Unified Agenda. The 
complete Unified Agenda is 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, the Department's printed agenda entries include 
only:

    (1) Rules that are in the Agency's regulatory flexibility 
agenda, in accordance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act, because 
they are likely to have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities; and

    (2) Rules that the Agency has identified for periodic review 
under section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

    Printing of these entries is limited to fields that contain 
information required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act's Agenda 
requirements. Additional information on these entries is available 
in the Unified Agenda published on the Internet. In addition, for 
fall editions of the Agenda, the Department's entire Regulatory 
Plan will continue to be printed in the Federal Register.

    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 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.) (the Act) governs the management of 
fisheries within the Exclusive Economic Zone of the United States 
(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.

[[Page 79727]]

    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 fall 2010 regulatory agenda follows.

 Cameron F. Kerry,

General Counsel.

                              International Trade Administration--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
218         Commercial Availability of Fabric and Yarn............................................    0625-AA59
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                      National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
219         Maximize Retention and Monitoring Program in the Shore-Based Pacific Whiting Fishery..    0648-AR63
220         American Lobster Fishery; Fishing Effort Control Measures To Complement Interstate        0648-AT31
            Lobster Management Recommendations by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.
221         Collection and Use of Tax Identification Numbers From Holders of and Applicants for       0648-AV76
            National Marine Fisheries Service Permits.............................................
222         Marine Mammal Protection Act Stranding Regulation Revisions...........................    0648-AW22
223         Amendment 4 to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan...........................    0648-AW75
224         Allowable Modifications to the Turtle Excluder Device Requirements....................    0648-AW93
225         Regulatory Amendment To Correct and Clarify Amendment 13 and Subsequent Frameworks of     0648-AW95
            the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan....................................
226         Amendment 11 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, Butterfish Fishery Management Plan......    0648-AX05
227         Amendment 30 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands King      0648-AX47
            and Tanner Crabs Arbitration Regulations..............................................
228         Amendment 3 to the Fishery Management Plan for Queen Conch Resources of Puerto Rico       0648-AY03
            and the U.S. Virgin Islands Establishing Compatible Regulations With U.S. Virgin
            Islands Territorial Waters............................................................
229         Fisheries Off West Coast States and in the Western Pacific; Klamath River Fall Chinook    0648-AY06
            Salmon Rebuilding Plan................................................................
230         Amendment 3 to the Spiny Dogfish Fishery Management Plan..............................    0648-AY12
231         Maximized Retention Monitoring Program for Catcher Vessels in the Pacific Whiting         0648-AY17
            Mothership Fishery in the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery............................
232         Generic Amendment for Annual Catch Limits.............................................    0648-AY22
233         Amendment 14 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan..    0648-AY26
234         Fisheries in the Western Pacific; Pelagic Fisheries; Purse Seine Fishing With Fish        0648-AY36
            Aggregation Devices...................................................................
235         Amendment 5 to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan...........................    0648-AY47
236         Amendment 2 to the FMP for the Queen Conch Fishery of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin     0648-AY55
            Islands and Amendment 5 to the Reef Fish FMP of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin
            Islands...............................................................................
237         Amendment 10 to the Fishery Management Plan for Spiny Lobster in the Gulf of Mexico       0648-AY72
            and South Atlantic....................................................................
238         Comprehensive Annual Catch Limits Amendment to the Fishery Management Plan for the        0648-AY73
            Snapper Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region..................................
239         Amendment 20 to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan of the South Atlantic         0648-AY74
            Region................................................................................
240         Regulatory Amendment To Recover the Administrative Costs of Processing Permit             0648-AY81
            Applications..........................................................................
241         Regulatory Amendment To Correct and Clarify Amendment 16 and Subsequent Frameworks of     0648-AY95
            the Northeast Multispecies Fisheries Management Plan..................................
242         Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; 2011-2012 Biennial     0648-BA01
            Specifications and Management Measures................................................
243         2011 Specifications for the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery..........    0648-BA03
244         Fishing Capacity Reduction Program for the Southeast Alaska Purse Seine Salmon Fishery    0648-BA13
245         Potential Revisions to the Turtle Excluder Device Requirements........................    0648-AV04
246         Marine Mammal Protection Act Permit Regulation Revisions..............................    0648-AV82
247         Take and Import Marine Mammals: Take of Marine Mammals Incidental to Routine              0648-AW59
            Operations of 13 Power Generating Stations in Central and Southern California.........
248         Reduce Sea Turtle Bycatch in Atlantic Trawl Fisheries.................................    0648-AY61
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 79728]]


                        National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
249         Amending Regulations for the Pacific Halibut, Sablefish, and Pollock Fisheries            0648-AV33
            Conducted Under the Western Alaska Community Development Quota Program................
250         Certification of Nations Whose Fishing Vessels Are Engaged in Illegal, Unreported, and    0648-AV51
            Unregulated Fishing or Bycatch of Protected Living Marine Resources (Reg Plan Seq No.
            28)...................................................................................
251         Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act Environmental    0648-AV53
            Review Procedure......................................................................
252         Revise Regulations Governing the North Pacific Groundfish Observer Program............    0648-AW24
253         Revoke Inactive Quota Share and Annual Individual Fishing Quota From a Holder of Quota    0648-AX91
            Share Under the Pacific Halibut and Sablefish Fixed Gear Individual Fishing Quota
            Program...............................................................................
254         Regulatory Amendment to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Fishery of          0648-AY05
            Puerto Rico Modifying the Bajo de Sico Seasonal Closure...............................
255         Amendment 17A to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper Grouper Fishery of the       0648-AY10
            South Atlantic Region.................................................................
256         Amendment 17B to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper Grouper Fishery of the       0648-AY11
            South Atlantic Region.................................................................
257         Amendment 94 for Bering Sea Modified Nonpelagic Trawl Gear Requirements, St. Matthew      0648-AY34
            Island Habitat Conservation Area Revision, and Modified Gear Trawl Zone...............
258         Regulatory Amendment to Revise Charter Halibut Logbook Submission Requirements at 50      0648-AY38
            CFR part 300..........................................................................
259         Addendum IV to the Weakfish Interstate Management Plan--Bycatch Trip Limit............    0648-AY41
260         Vessel Capacity Limits in the Purse Seine Fishery in the Eastern Pacific Ocean........    0648-AY75
261         Emergency Rule To Re-Open the Recreational Red Snapper Season in the Gulf of Mexico...    0648-BA06
262         Protective Regulations for Killer Whales in the Northwest Region Under the Endangered     0648-AV15
            Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act..........................................
263         Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; U.S. Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City        0648-AW80
            Division Mission Activities...........................................................
264         Rule To Revise the Critical Habitat Designation for the Endangered Leatherback Sea        0648-AX06
            Turtle................................................................................
265         Critical Habitat Designation for Cook Inlet Beluga Whale Under the Endangered Species     0648-AX50
            Act (Reg Plan Seq No. 29).............................................................
266         Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals        0648-AX86
            Incidental to Training Operations Conducted Within the Gulf of Mexico Range Complex...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                       National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
267         Fishery Management Plan for Regulating Offshore Marine Aquaculture in the Gulf of         0648-AS65
            Mexico................................................................................
268         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.............................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                       National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
269         South Atlantic Fishery Ecosystem Plan Comprehensive Amendment.........................    0648-AV31
270         Amendment 17 to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council Snapper Grouper Fishery     0648-AW11
            Management Plan.......................................................................
271         Amendment 2 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Queen Conch Fishery of Puerto Rico     0648-AW15
            and the U.S. Virgin Islands...........................................................
272         Amendment 3 to the Northeast Skate Complex Fishery Management Plan....................    0648-AW30
273         Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Shark Management Measures.................    0648-AW65
274         Amendment 31 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of    0648-AX67
            Mexico................................................................................
275         Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan of the South Atlantic.........................    0648-AX75
276         Salmon Bycatch Reduction Management Measures for the Fishery Management Plan 91 in the    0648-AX89
            Bering Sea Aleutian Islands...........................................................
277         2010 Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Recreational Management Measures.......    0648-AY04
278         2010 to 2012 Atlantic Herring Fishery Specifications and Management Measures..........    0648-AY14
279         Remove Certain Reporting Requirements Under the Crab Rationalization Program..........    0648-AY28
280         Framework Adjustment 44 and Specifications for the Northeast Multispecies Fishery         0648-AY29
            Management Plan.......................................................................

[[Page 79729]]

 
281         Framework 21 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan......................    0648-AY43
282         Amendments 95/96/87 for the BSAI and GOA Groundfish FMPs for BSAI Skates and              0648-AY48
            Groundfish Annual Catch Limits and Accountability Measures............................
283         2010 Specifications and Management Measures for the Spiny Dogfish Fishery Management      0648-AY50
            Plan..................................................................................
284         Fishing Year 2010 Atlantic Deep-Sea Red Crab Specifications...........................    0648-AY51
285         Regulatory Amendment to the Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan To Set       0648-AY57
            2010 Management Measures for Red Snapper..............................................
286         Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Interim 2010 Tribal    0648-AY59
            Whiting Regulations...................................................................
287         Fisheries Off West Coast States; West Coast Salmon Fisheries; 2010 Management Measures    0648-AY60
288         2010 Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Quota Specifications.......................................    0648-AY77
289         Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Biennial Specifications and Management Measures;        0648-AY82
            Inseason Adjustments..................................................................
290         Inseason Adjustment to the FY 2010 Atlantic Deep Sea Red Crab Specifications..........    0648-AY88
291         Rulemaking To Establish Take Prohibitions for the Threatened Southern Distinct            0648-AV94
            Population Segment of North American Green Sturgeon...................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Patent and Trademark Office--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
292         Revision of USPTO Fees for Fiscal Year 2011...........................................    0651-AC43
293         Revision of USPTO Fees for Fiscal Year 2012...........................................    0651-AC44
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                  Patent and Trademark Office--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
294         Interim Increase on Patent Fees for Fiscal Year 2011..................................    0651-AC42
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                          Long-Term Actions


International Trade Administration (ITA)



_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

218. 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 the Department of 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

[[Page 79730]]

Agency Contact: Janet Heinzen
Phone: 202 482-4006
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0625-AA59
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                        Proposed Rule Stage


National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)



_______________________________________________________________________



NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE


                    ________________________________

<###DOC>

219. MAXIMIZE RETENTION AND MONITORING PROGRAM IN THE SHORE-BASED 
PACIFIC WHITING FISHERY

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council) at 
their October 21-25, 1996, meeting in San Francisco, California 
addressed the treatment and disposition of salmon in the groundfish 
trawl fisheries, specifically the shore-based whiting fishery. At that 
meeting, the Pacific Council discussed the retention of salmon in the 
shore-based whiting fishery and took action to maintain a viable shore-
based whiting fishery by using exempted fishing permits (EFPs). These 
EFPs allowed the shore-based whiting fleet to temporarily deliver 
unsorted catch to processing plants and provided for the monitoring of 
incidentally taken salmon until a permanent monitoring program could be 
implemented. In keeping with the Pacific Council's recommendation, NMFS 
is proceeding with implementing a monitoring program for the shore-
based whiting fishery. This action will aid in the sustainable 
management of Pacific Coast salmon and groundfish fisheries while 
providing an important economic opportunity to those associated with 
the harvest, processing, and selling of whiting taken by the shore-
based whiting fleet. The need for implementing a permanent monitoring 
program in the shore-based Pacific whiting fishery is to provide for a 
full retention fishery by enabling the shore-based whiting fleet, 
comprised exclusively of catcher vessels, to deliver unsorted catch to 
processing plants. This practice is necessary to ensure that whiting 
landings are of market quality, while abiding by Federal groundfish 
regulations and those implementing the Pacific Coast salmon and 
groundfish fishery management plans (FMPs).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/00/11
NPRM Comment Period End         03/00/11

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Barry Thom, Regional Administrator, Northwest Region, 
NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, Building 1, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Seattle, WA 48115-
0070
Phone: 206 526-6150
Fax: 206 526-6426
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AR63
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

220. 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) and 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
Notice of Public Meeting        05/03/10                    75 FR 23245
NPRM                            12/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 55 Great Republic Way, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200
Fax: 978 281-9117
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AT31
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

221. 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: Pursuant to the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 (Debt 
Collection Act), the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) will 
issue a rule to require that each existing holder of and future 
applicant for a permit, license, endorsement, authorization, transfer 
or like instrument issued by the agency provide a Taxpayer 
Identification Number (TIN) (business, employer identification number 
or individual's 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

[[Page 79731]]

will specify: (a) the particular uses that may be made of the reported 
TIN; (b) the effects, if any, of not providing the required 
information; (c) how the information will be used to ascertain if the 
permit holder or applicant owes delinquent non-tax debt to the 
Government pursuant to the Debt Collection Act; (d) the effects on the 
permit holder or applicant when such delinquent debts are owed; and (e) 
the agency's intended communications with the permit holder or 
applicant regarding the relationship of such delinquent debts to its 
permitting process and the need to resolve such debts as a basis for 
completing permit issuance or renewal. The rule will amend existing 
agency permit regulations and contain all appropriate modified and new 
collections-of-information pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Alan Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, Room 13362, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 
20910
Phone: 301 713-2334
Fax: 301 713-0596
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AV76
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

222. 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 
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. This action will be analyzed under the National 
Environmental Policy Act with an Environmental Assessment.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           01/31/08                     73 FR 5786
ANPRM Comment Period End        03/31/08
NPRM                            12/00/10

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
Fax: 301 713-2521
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AW22
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

223. AMENDMENT 4 TO THE ATLANTIC HERRING FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: The goal of Amendment 4 is to improve catch monitoring and 
ensure compliance with the Reauthorized Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act (MSRA). The management measures 
developed in this amendment may address one or more of the following 
objectives: (1) To implement measures to improve the long-term 
monitoring of catch (landings and bycatch) in the herring fishery; (2) 
to implement annual catch limits and accountability measures consistent 
with the MSRA; (3) to implement other management measures as necessary 
to ensure compliance with the new provisions of the MSRA; (4) to 
develop a sector allocation process or other limited access privilege 
program for the herring fishery; and (5) in the context of objectives 
1-4 (above), to consider the health of the herring resource and the 
important role of herring as a forage fish and a predator fish 
throughout its range.
The New England Fishery Management Council will develop conservation 
and management measures to address the issues identified above and meet 
the goals/objectives of the amendment. Any conservation and management 
measures developed in this amendment also must comply with all 
applicable laws.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice of Intent                05/08/08                    73 FR 26082
NPRM                            12/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 55 Great Republic Way, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200
Fax: 978 281-9117
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AW75
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

224. ALLOWABLE MODIFICATIONS TO THE TURTLE EXCLUDER DEVICE REQUIREMENTS

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 et seq

Abstract: NMFS proposes to revise the Turtle Excluder Device (TED) 
requirements to allow new materials and modifications to existing 
approved TED designs. Specifically, proposed allowable modifications 
include the use of flat bar, box pipe, and oval pipe for use in 
currently-approved TED grids; an increase in mesh size on escape flaps 
from 1-5/8 inches to 2 inches; the use of the Boone single straight cut 
and triangular escape openings; specifications on the use of TED grid 
brace bars; and the use of the Chauvin Shrimp Kicker to improve shrimp 
retention.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/11

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Michael Barnette, Department of Commerce, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South, 
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 551-5794
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AW93

[[Page 79732]]

_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

225. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO CORRECT AND CLARIFY AMENDMENT 13 AND 
SUBSEQUENT FRAMEWORKS OF THE NORTHEAST MULTISPECIES FISHERY MANAGEMENT 
PLAN

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: This action would make corrections and clarifications to the 
final rule implementing Amendment 13 to the Northeast Multispecies 
Fishery Management Plan, as well as subsequent groundfish actions. 
These corrections are administrative in nature and are intended to 
correct inaccurate references and other inadvertent errors and to 
clarify specific regulations to maintain consistency with the intent of 
Amendment 13 and subsequent actions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 55 Great Republic Way, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200
Fax: 978 281-9117
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AW95
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

226. AMENDMENT 11 TO THE ATLANTIC MACKEREL, SQUID, BUTTERFISH FISHERY 
MANAGEMENT PLAN

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: Amendment 11 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, Butterfish 
Fishery Management Plan may consider: (1) limited access in the 
Atlantic mackerel (mackerel) fishery; (2) implementation of annual 
catch limits (ACLs) and accountability measures (AMs) for mackerel and 
butterfish required under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Reauthorization Act of 2006 (MSRA); (3) updating of the 
description and identification of essential fish habitat (EFH) for all 
life stages of mackerel, Loligo squid, Illex squid, and butterfish 
(including gear impacts on Loligo squid egg EFH); and (4) possible 
limitations on at-sea processing of mackerel.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice of Intent                08/11/08                    73 FR 46590
NPRM                            02/00/11

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 55 Great Republic Way, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200
Fax: 978 281-9117
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AX05
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

227. AMENDMENT 30 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR BERING SEA AND 
ALEUTIAN ISLANDS KING AND TANNER CRABS ARBITRATION REGULATIONS

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1862; PL 109-241; PL 109-479

Abstract: This action would implement Amendment 30 to the Fishery 
Management Plan for Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands King and Tanner 
Crabs to make minor modifications to the arbitration system used to 
settle price and other disputes among harvesters and processors in the 
Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands crab rationalization program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: James Balisger, Regional Administrator, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, P.O. Box 
21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AX47
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

228. AMENDMENT 3 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR QUEEN CONCH 
RESOURCES OF PUERTO RICO AND THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS ESTABLISHING 
COMPATIBLE REGULATIONS WITH U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS TERRITORIAL WATERS

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: At the June 2009 Council meeting, the Caribbean Fishery 
Management Council decided to amend the Fishery Management Plan for 
Queen Conch Resources of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands 
(U.S.V.I.) to establish compatible regulations with U.S.V.I. 
territorial regulations. Currently, fishing for and possession of Queen 
Conch is prohibited in the Exclusive Economic Zone, with the exception 
of an area known as Lang Bank east of St. Croix, which is open to 
harvest of Queen Conch from October 1 through June 30. In U.S.V.I. 
territorial waters, Queen Conch is managed under a 50,000 pound quota. 
This action would implement compatible regulations which will close the 
harvest of Queen Conch in federal waters, including Lang Bank, once the 
quota has been reached in the U.S.V.I. and the fishery is closed in 
territorial waters.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/00/11

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy E Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Ave South, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 824-5305
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AY03
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

229. FISHERIES OFF WEST COAST STATES AND IN THE WESTERN PACIFIC; KLAMATH 
RIVER FALL CHINOOK SALMON REBUILDING PLAN

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1854

Abstract: This action would adopt a rebuilding plan for the Klamath 
River Fall Chinook salmon (KRFC) stock, which failed to meet 
conservation objectives specified in the Fishery Management Plan for 
the three year period 2004-2006.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/11

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Alan Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable

[[Page 79733]]

Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, Room 13362, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 
20910
Phone: 301 713-2334
Fax: 301 713-0596
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AY06
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

230. AMENDMENT 3 TO THE SPINY DOGFISH FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: The New England and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Councils 
(Councils) announce their intention to prepare, in cooperation with 
NMFS, an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in accordance with the 
National Environmental Policy Act to assess potential effects on the 
human environment of alternative measures to address several issues 
regarding the Spiny Dogfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP). Issues that 
may be addressed include: initiating a Research Set-Aside provision; 
specifying the spiny dogfish quota and/or possession limits by sex; 
adding a recreational fishery to the FMP; identifying commercial quota 
allocation alternatives; and establishing a limited access fishery.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice of Intent to Begin 
Scoping                         08/05/09                    74 FR 39063
Notice of Intent Comment Period 
End                             09/04/09
Notice of Intent to Prepare an 
EIS                             05/13/10                    75 FR 26920
NOI Comment Period End          06/01/10
NPRM                            05/00/11

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 55 Great Republic Way, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200
Fax: 978 281-9117
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AY12
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

231. MAXIMIZED RETENTION MONITORING PROGRAM FOR CATCHER VESSELS IN THE 
PACIFIC WHITING MOTHERSHIP FISHERY IN THE PACIFIC COAST GROUNDFISH 
FISHERY

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: The action would implement a monitoring program for catcher 
vessels in the mothership sector of the Pacific whiting fishery off the 
coast of Washington, Oregon, and California. The monitoring program 
would consist of a camera and other sensors to monitor fishing activity 
in order to maintain the integrity of the maximized retention 
requirements found at 50 CFR 660.306 (f)(7). Maximized retention 
encourages full retention of all catch while allowing minor discard 
events to occur. This ensures that unsorted catch is available for 
observers to monitor on board the mothership processors and thereby 
maintains the integrity of data collected under the observer program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Frank Lockhart, Program Analyst, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand 
Point Way NE., Seattle, WA 98115
Phone: 206 526-6142
Fax: 206 526-6736
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AY17
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

232. GENERIC AMENDMENT FOR ANNUAL CATCH LIMITS

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: The generic amendment is intended to modify five of the Gulf 
of Mexico Fishery Management Council's Fishery Management Plans (FMPs). 
These include FMPs for: Reef Fish Resources, Shrimp, Stone Crab, Coral 
and Coral Reef Resources, and Red Drum. NMFS and the Council will 
develop these Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) in co-operation with the 
Scientific and Statistical Committee and the Southeast Fisheries 
Science Center. NMFS, in collaboration with the Council, will develop a 
Draft Environmental Impact Statement to evaluate alternatives and 
actions for the ACLs. Some examples of these actions include: 
establishing sector specific ACLs, selecting levels of risk associated 
with species yields, considering removal or withdrawal of species from 
FMPs, and delegating species or species assemblages to state 
regulators.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice of Intent                08/04/09                    74 FR 47206
NPRM                            05/00/11

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy E Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Ave South, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 824-5305
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AY22
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

233. AMENDMENT 14 TO THE ATLANTIC MACKEREL, SQUID, AND BUTTERFISH 
FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: The purpose of Amendment 14 is to consider catch shares in 
the Loligo and Illex fisheries and monitoring/mitigation for river 
herring bycatch in mackerel, squid and butterfish (MSB) fisheries.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/00/11

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 55 Great Republic Way, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200
Fax: 978 281-9117
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AY26
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

234. FISHERIES IN THE WESTERN PACIFIC; PELAGIC FISHERIES; PURSE SEINE 
FISHING WITH FISH AGGREGATION DEVICES

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: The Western Pacific Council is amending the Pelagics Fishery

[[Page 79734]]

Ecosystem Plan (FEP) to (1) define fish aggregating devices (FADs) as 
purposefully-deployed or instrumented floating objects, (2) require 
FADs to be registered, and (3) prohibit purse seine fishing using FADs 
in the US EEZ of the western Pacific. The objective of this action is 
to appropriately balance the needs and concerns of the western Pacific 
pelagic fishing fleets and associated fishing communities with the 
conservation of tuna stocks in the western Pacific.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/00/11

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Alvin Katekaru, Assistant Regional Administrator, 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 
96814
Phone: 808 944-2207
Fax: 808 973-2941
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AY36
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

235. AMENDMENT 5 TO THE ATLANTIC HERRING FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: Amendment 5 to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan 
will consider: catch monitoring program; interactions with river 
herring; access by herring midwater trawl vessels in groundfish closed 
areas; and interactions with the mackerel fishery.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/11

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 55 Great Republic Way, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200
Fax: 978 281-9117
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AY47
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

236. AMENDMENT 2 TO THE FMP FOR THE QUEEN CONCH FISHERY OF PUERTO RICO 
AND THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS AND AMENDMENT 5 TO THE REEF FISH FMP OF 
PUERTO RICO AND THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act 
(MSRA: Public Law 94-265), as amended through January 12, 2007, 
requires the establishment of annual catch limits (ACLs) and 
accountability measures (AMs) during 2010 for all species that are 
considered to be overfished or undergoing overfishing. The present 
amendment is being promulgated to meet those MSRA mandates as well as 
to establish framework procedures with which to effect future changes 
to the management plan and to restructure the fisheries management 
units for grouper and snapper. Various alternatives are included in the 
draft amendment, including maintenance of the status quo for each 
action as well as various alternatives regarding the year-sequences 
used to establish ACLs and the strategies to be employed to account for 
overages and to respond to needed changes in management methods.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/11

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy E Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Ave South, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 824-5305
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AY55
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

237.  AMENDMENT 10 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR 
SPINY LOBSTER IN THE GULF OF MEXICO AND SOUTH ATLANTIC

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: In 2006 the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act (MSFCMA) was re-authorized and included a number of 
changes to improve conservation of managed fishery resources. Included 
in these changes are requirements that the Regional Councils must 
establish both a mechanism for specifying annual catch limits (ACLs) at 
a level such that overfishing does not occur in the fishery and 
accountability measures (AMs) to correct if overages occur. 
Accountability measures are management controls to prevent the ACLs 
from being exceeded and to correct by either in-season or post-season 
measures if they do occur. The Spiny Lobster fishery is jointly managed 
by the Gulf and South Atlantic Councils. Amendment 10 to the FMP will 
set ACLs and AMs, review current regulations, and implement reasonable 
and prudent measures from the Biological Opinion.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice of Intent                11/00/11

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy E Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Ave South, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 824-5305
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AY72
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

238.  COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL CATCH LIMITS AMENDMENT TO 
THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SNAPPER GROUPER FISHERY OF THE SOUTH 
ATLANTIC REGION

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: The purpose of this amendment is to establish Annual Catch 
Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) for species not 
undergoing overfishing, including management measures to reduce the 
probability that catches will exceed the stocks' ACLs pursuant to 
reauthorized Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act 
(Magnuson-Stevens Act) requirements.
Proposed actions include removal of species from the South Atlantic 
Snapper Grouper fishery management unit (FMU), designating some Snapper 
Grouper species as ecosystem component species, considering multi-
species groupings for specifying ACLs, ACTs, and AMs, specifying 
allocations among the commercial, recreational, and for-hire sectors 
for species not undergoing overfishing, and modifying

[[Page 79735]]

management measures to limit total mortality to the ACL.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/11

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy E Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Ave South, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 824-5305
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AY73
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

239.  AMENDMENT 20 TO THE SNAPPER GROUPER FISHERY 
MANAGEMENT PLAN OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: Amendment 20 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper 
Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region consists of regulatory 
actions that focus on modifications to the wreckfish individual 
transferable quota (ITQ) program, bringing the program into compliance 
with the Reauthorized Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), and make other administrative, 
monitoring, and enforcement changes.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/11

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy E Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Ave South, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 824-5305
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AY74
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

240.  REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO RECOVER THE 
ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS OF PROCESSING PERMIT APPLICATIONS

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq; 16 USC 1853; 16 USC 1854; 16 USC 
3631 et seq; 16 USC 773 et seq; PL 108-447

Abstract: This action amends the fishery management plans of the North 
Pacific Fishery Management Council and revises federal regulations at 
50 CFR 679 to recover the administrative costs of processing 
applications for permits required under those plans.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/11

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: James Balisger, Regional Administrator, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, P.O. Box 
21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AY81
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

241.  REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO CORRECT AND CLARIFY 
AMENDMENT 16 AND SUBSEQUENT FRAMEWORKS OF THE NORTHEAST MULTISPECIES 
FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PLAN

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: This action makes corrections and clarifications to the final 
rule implementing Amendment 16 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery 
Management Plan, as well as subsequent groundfish actions. These 
corrections are administrative in nature and are intended to correct 
inaccurate references and other inadvertent errors and to clarify 
specific regulations to maintain consistency with the intent of 
Amendment 16 and subsequent actions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 55 Great Republic Way, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200
Fax: 978 281-9117
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AY95
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

242.  FISHERIES OFF WEST COAST STATES; PACIFIC COAST 
GROUNDFISH FISHERY; 2011-2012 BIENNIAL SPECIFICATIONS AND MANAGEMENT 
MEASURES

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: This rule sets the 2011-2012 harvest specifications and 
management measures for groundfish taken in the U.S. exclusive economic 
zone off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California. This rule 
also implements Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan 
Amendments 16-5 and 23.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice of Availability          10/01/10                    75 FR 60709
Notice of Availability Comment 
Period End                      11/30/10
NPRM                            12/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Frank Lockhart, Program Analyst, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand 
Point Way NE., Seattle, WA 98115
Phone: 206 526-6142
Fax: 206 526-6736
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-BA01
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

243.  2011 SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE ATLANTIC MACKEREL, 
SQUID, AND BUTTERFISH FISHERY

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: NMFS proposes specifications for the 2011 fishing year for 
Atlantic mackerel, squid, and butterfish (MSB). Regulations governing 
these fisheries require NMFS to publish proposed specifications for the 
upcoming fishing year and to provide an opportunity for public comment. 
The intent of this action is to fulfill this requirement and to promote 
the development and conservation of the MSB resources.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast

[[Page 79736]]

Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 55 Great Republic Way, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200
Fax: 978 281-9117
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-BA03
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

244.  FISHING CAPACITY REDUCTION PROGRAM FOR THE 
SOUTHEAST ALASKA PURSE SEINE SALMON FISHERY

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq; 46 USC 53701 et seq; PL 108-447; 
PL 109-447; PL 110-161

Abstract: This rule would implement a Capacity Reduction Program for 
the Southeast Alaska Purse Seine Salmon Fishery which is a state 
controlled fishery. This program is voluntary and holders of valid 
limited entry permits issued by the Alaska Commercial Fisheries Entry 
Commission to operate in the Southeast Alaska Purse Seine Salmon 
Fishery are eligible to participate. Permit holders in the program will 
receive up to $23.5 million, in the aggregate, in exchange for 
relinquishing permits. NMFS would issue a 30-year loan to finance the 
buyback and the loan would be repaid by those harvesters remaining in 
the fishery. The intent of this rule is to permanently reduce the most 
harvesting capacity in the fishery at the least cost, which should 
result in increased harvesting productivity for post-reduction permit 
holders participating in the fishery and should improve flexibility in 
the conservation and management of the fishery. The rule would also 
establish a fee collection system to ensure repayment of the loan.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/11

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Emily Menashes, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2234
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-BA13
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

245. POTENTIAL REVISIONS TO THE TURTLE EXCLUDER DEVICE REQUIREMENTS

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1533

Abstract: With this action, the National Marine Fisheries Service 
(NMFS) announces that it is considering technical changes to the 
requirements for turtle excluder devices (TEDs), and to solicit public 
comment. Specifically, NMFS would modify the size of the TED escape 
opening currently required in the summer flounder fishery; require the 
use of TEDs in the whelk, calico scallop, and Mid-Atlantic scallop 
trawl fisheries; require the use of TEDs in flynets; and move the 
current northern boundary of the Summer Flounder Fishery-Sea Turtle 
Protection Area off Cape Charles, Virginia, to a point farther north.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           02/15/07                     72 FR 7382
ANPRM Comment Period End        03/19/07
ANPRM Comment Period Extended   03/19/07                    72 FR 12749
NPRM                            12/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy E Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Ave South, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 824-5305
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AV04
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

246. MARINE MAMMAL PROTECTION ACT PERMIT REGULATION REVISIONS

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1374

Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is considering 
changes to its implementing regulations (50 CFR 216) governing the 
issuance of permits for scientific research and enhancement activities 
under Section 104 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and is soliciting 
public comment to better inform the process. NMFS intends to streamline 
and clarify general permitting requirements and requirements for 
scientific research and enhancement permits, simplify procedures for 
transferring marine mammal parts, possibly apply the General 
Authorization (GA) to research activities involving Level A harassment 
of non-endangered marine mammals, and implement a ``permit application 
cycle'' for application submission and processing of all marine mammal 
permits. NMFS intends to write regulations for marine mammal 
photography permits and is considering whether this activity should be 
covered by the GA.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           09/13/07                    72 FR 52339
ANPRM Comment Period Extended   10/15/07                    72 FR 58279
ANPRM Comment Period End        11/13/07                    72 FR 52339
ANPRM Comment Period End        12/13/07                    72 FR 58279
NPRM                            05/00/11

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Dr. Michael Payne, Fishery Biologist, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, P.O. Box 
21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7235
Fax: 301 713-2521
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AV82
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

247. TAKE AND IMPORT MARINE MAMMALS: TAKE OF MARINE MAMMALS INCIDENTAL 
TO ROUTINE OPERATIONS OF 13 POWER GENERATING STATIONS IN CENTRAL AND 
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq

Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) proposes to 
govern the take of marine mammals by Level A harassment (injury) and 
mortality from 13 power generating stations located on the coast of 
central and southern California incidental to routine power plant 
operations for a period of five years, under the authority of section 
101(a)(5)(A) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Under that authority 
NMFS also must prescribe mitigation, monitoring, and reporting 
requirements in connection with take authorizations.
Incidental takings of marine mammals, including California sea lions, 
harbor seals, and northern elephant seals can and do occur as a result 
of the operation of circulating water systems (CWS) by the electrical 
power

[[Page 79737]]

generation plants located on the coast of central and southern 
California described in the incidental take authorization applications. 
These CWS are an integral part of these power stations that provide 
continuous cooling water necessary for power generation and safety of 
the facility. The typical location of entrainment occurs as water is 
taken into the plant via submerged structures or canals. Intake 
velocities may be strong enough to pull live animals into the plant, 
particularly if they are actively seeking prey in the vicinity of 
intake structures. Confinement within intake plumbing could lead to 
confusion and panic, especially for young, immature animals. If the 
animal is unable to escape, it could (1) drown or become fatally 
injured in transit between intake and large sedimentation basins within 
the plants known as forebays; (2) survive the transit and succumb in 
the forebay due to exhaustion, illness, or disease; or (3) survive the 
transit and be rescued by plant personnel using cages specially 
designed for such an activity. It is also likely that previously dead 
animals may end up entrained as well.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/11

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Dr. Michael Payne, Fishery Biologist, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, P.O. Box 
21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7235
Fax: 301 713-2521
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AW59
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

248. REDUCE SEA TURTLE BYCATCH IN ATLANTIC TRAWL FISHERIES

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 et seq

Abstract: NMFS is initiating a rulemaking action to reduce injury and 
mortality to endangered and threatened sea turtles resulting from 
incidental take, or bycatch, in trawl fisheries in the Atlantic waters. 
NMFS will likely address the size of the turtle excluder device (TED) 
escape opening currently required in the summer flounder trawl fishery, 
the definition of a summer flounder trawler, and the use of TEDs in 
this fishery; the use of TEDs in the croaker and weakfish flynet, 
whelk, Atlantic sea scallop, and calico scallop trawl fisheries of the 
Atlantic Ocean; and new seasonal and temporal boundaries for TED 
requirements. In addition, this rule will address the definition of the 
Gulf Area applicable to the shrimp trawl fishery in the southeast 
Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. The purpose of the rule is to aid in the 
protection and recovery of listed sea turtle populations by reducing 
mortality in trawl fisheries through the use of TEDs.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Alexis Gutierrez, Department of Commerce, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2322
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AY61
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                           Final Rule Stage


National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)



_______________________________________________________________________



NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE


                    ________________________________

<###DOC>

249. AMENDING REGULATIONS FOR THE PACIFIC HALIBUT, SABLEFISH, AND 
POLLOCK FISHERIES CONDUCTED UNDER THE WESTERN ALASKA COMMUNITY 
DEVELOPMENT QUOTA PROGRAM

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq; 16 USC 773 et seq; 3631 et seq; PL 
108-447

Abstract: NMFS proposes to amend regulations that govern fisheries 
managed under the Western Alaska Community Development Quota (CDQ) 
Program. These revisions are needed to comply with certain changes made 
to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act 
(Magnuson-Stevens Act) in 2006. Proposed changes include revising 
regulations associated with recordkeeping, vessel licensing, catch 
retention requirements, and fisheries observer requirements to ensure 
that they are no more restrictive than the regulations in effect for 
comparable non-CDQ fisheries managed under individual fishing quotas or 
cooperative allocations. In addition, NMFS proposes to remove CDQ 
Program regulations that now are inconsistent with the Magnuson-Stevens 
Act, including regulations associated with the CDQ allocation process, 
transfer of groundfish CDQ and halibut prohibited species quota, and 
the oversight of CDQ groups expenditures.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/13/10                    75 FR 39892
NPRM Comment Period End         08/12/10
Final Rule                      12/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: James Balisger, Regional Administrator, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, P.O. Box 
21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AV33
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

250. CERTIFICATION OF NATIONS WHOSE FISHING VESSELS ARE ENGAGED IN 
ILLEGAL, UNREPORTED, AND UNREGULATED FISHING OR BYCATCH OF PROTECTED 
LIVING MARINE RESOURCES

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 28 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0648-AV51

[[Page 79738]]

_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

251. MAGNUSON-STEVENS FISHERY CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT 
REAUTHORIZATION ACT ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PROCEDURE

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq.

Abstract: Section 107 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Reauthorization Act (MSRA) (P.L. 109-479) requires NOAA 
Fisheries to revise and update agency procedures for complying with the 
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in context of fishery 
management actions. It further requires that NOAA Fisheries consult 
with the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) and the Regional 
Fishery Management Councils (Councils), and involve the public in the 
development of the revised procedures. The MSRA provides that the 
resulting procedures will be the sole environmental impact assessment 
procedure for fishery management actions, and that they must conform to 
the time lines for review and approval of fishery management plans and 
plan amendments. They must also integrate applicable environmental 
analytical procedures, including the time frames for public input, with 
the procedure for the preparation and dissemination of fishery 
management plans, plan amendments and other actions taken or approved 
pursuant to this Act in order to provide for timely, clear and concise 
analysis that is useful to decision makers and the public, reduce 
extraneous paperwork, and effectively involve the public.
This rule would revise and update the NMFS procedures for complying 
with NEPA in the context of fishery management actions developed 
pursuant to MSRA.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/14/08                    73 FR 27998
NPRM Comment Period End         06/13/08
Final Action                    12/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Steve Leathery, Department of Commerce, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2239
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AV53
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

252. 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 revises Federal regulations relevant to 
numerous administrative and procedural requirements applicable to 
observer providers, observers, and industry participating in the North 
Pacific Groundfish Observer Program. Specifically, this action would: 
modify the current permit issuance process so that observer and 
observer provider permit issuance is a discretionary National Marine 
Fisheries Service (NMFS) decision; amend current Federal regulations 
addressing observer behavior involving drugs, alcohol, and physical 
sexual conduct to remove NMFS oversight of observer behavior that does 
not affect job performance; require that observer providers submit 
policies related to these activities and continue to notify NMFS upon 
learning of an incident; revise Federal regulations so that observer 
providers are allowed to provide observers or technical staff for 
purposes of exempted fishing permits, scientific research permits, or 
other scientific research activities; revise the definition of fishing 
day in Federal regulations; require observer providers to annually 
submit detailed economic information to NMFS; specify a date by which 
observers who have collected data in the previous fishing year would be 
required to be available for debriefing; and implement housekeeping 
issues related to errors or clarifications in existing regulations at 
50 CFR 679.50.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/30/09                    74 FR 50155
NPRM Comment Period End         10/31/09
Final Action                    12/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: James Balisger, Regional Administrator, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, P.O. Box 
21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AW24
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

253. REVOKE INACTIVE QUOTA SHARE AND ANNUAL INDIVIDUAL FISHING QUOTA 
FROM A HOLDER OF QUOTA SHARE UNDER THE PACIFIC HALIBUT AND SABLEFISH 
FIXED GEAR INDIVIDUAL FISHING QUOTA PROGRAM

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq; 16 USC 773

Abstract: This action would amend existing commercial fishing 
regulations for the fixed-gear Pacific Halibut and sablefish individual 
fishing quota program at 50 CFR 679. The amendment would revoke 
inactive quota share unless the quota share permit holder affirmatively 
notices NMFS in writing within 60 days of the agency's preliminary 
determination of inactivity that they choose to (a) retain the inactive 
IFQ quota share, (b) activate the quota share through transfer or by 
fishing, or (c) appeal the preliminary determination. Quota share that 
is not activated through this process and is revoked would be 
proportionally distributed to the quota share pool. This regulatory 
revision is based on the recommendations of the North Pacific Fishery 
Management Council in June 2006 and again in February 2009. Amending 
the regulations would improve the efficiency of the Pacific Halibut and 
Sablefish IFQ program and augment operational flexibility of 
participating fisherman.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/23/10                    75 FR 51741
NPRM Comment Period End         09/22/10
Final Rule                      12/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: James Balisger, Regional Administrator, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, P.O. Box 
21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AX91
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

254. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE REEF 
FISH FISHERY OF PUERTO RICO MODIFYING THE BAJO DE SICO SEASONAL CLOSURE

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

[[Page 79739]]

Abstract: The rule would modify the seasonal closure of Bajo de Sico, 
an area off the west coast of Puerto Rico that has been identified as 
critically important habitat for commercially exploited snappers and 
groupers. Current regulations prohibit all fishing activities, 
including Highly Migratory Species (HMS) from December 1 through the 
end of February each year as well as a year-round prohibition of bottom 
tending gear (i.e., traps, pots, gillnets, trammel nets, and bottom 
longlines). The rule would prohibit fishing for and possession of 
council managed species, including reef fish and spiny lobster, from 
October 1 through March 31. Queen Conch and coral reef resources are 
already prohibited year-round and will not be affected by this rule. 
Restrictions on bottom-tending gear will also not be affected by this 
rule. A year-round prohibition of anchoring within Bajo de Sico will 
also be implemented through this rule to provide further protection of 
established essential fish habitat.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/28/10                    75 FR 44209
NPRM Comment Period End         08/27/10
Final Action                    12/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy E Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Ave South, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 824-5305
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AY05
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

255. AMENDMENT 17A TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SNAPPER 
GROUPER FISHERY OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: The most recent red snapper stock assessment, completed 
February 2008, determined the species was undergoing overfishing and 
was overfished. Biomass shows a sharp decline during the 1950's and 
1960's, continued decline during the 1970's, and stable but low levels 
since 1980. The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) is 
required by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management 
Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) to implement rebuilding plans for overfished 
species. Therefore, Amendment 17A is being developed to establish a 
rebuilding plan and updated management reference points for red snapper 
in the South Atlantic. Additionally, revisions to the Magnuson-Stevens 
Act in 2006 require that by 2010, Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) for 
fisheries determined by the Secretary to be subject to overfishing 
establish a mechanism for specifying Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) at a 
level that prevents overfishing and does not exceed the recommendations 
of the respective Councils Scientific and Statistical Committee or 
other established peer review processes. These FMPs are also required 
to establish within this timeframe measures to ensure accountability. 
To comply with this Magnuson-Stevens Act requirement, Amendment 17A 
would establish an ACL and accountability measures for red snapper, and 
implement management measures to ensure harvest does not exceed the 
ACL.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice of Availability          07/29/10                    75 FR 44753
NPRM                            08/13/10                    75 FR 49447
Notice of Availability Comment 
Period End                      09/27/10
NPRM Comment Period End         09/27/10
Final Action                    12/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy E Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Ave South, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 824-5305
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AY10
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

256. AMENDMENT 17B TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SNAPPER 
GROUPER FISHERY OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: Revisions to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) in 2006 require that by 2010, 
Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) for fisheries determined by the 
Secretary to be subject to overfishing establish a mechanism for 
specifying Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) at a level that prevents 
overfishing and does not exceed the recommendations of the respective 
Council's Scientific and Statistical Committee or other established 
peer review processes. These FMPs are also required to establish within 
this timeframe measures to ensure accountability. To comply with this 
Magnuson-Stevens Act requirement Amendment 17B would: (1) Establish 
ACLs and accountability measures for snowy grouper, speckled hind, 
Warsaw grouper, black grouper, red grouper, golden tilefish, black sea 
bass, gag, and vermilion snapper; (2) implement management measures to 
ensure harvest of these snapper-grouper species does not exceed the 
ACLs; (3) specify allocations for golden tilefish; and (4) modify the 
current snapper-grouper framework procedure to include ACLs, AMs, and 
annual catch targets.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice of Availability          09/22/10                    75 FR 57734
NPRM                            10/12/10                    75 FR 62488
Notice of Availability Comment 
Period End                      11/22/10
NPRM Comment Period End         11/26/10
Final Rule                      12/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy E Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Ave South, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 824-5305
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AY11
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

257. AMENDMENT 94 FOR BERING SEA MODIFIED NONPELAGIC TRAWL GEAR 
REQUIREMENTS, ST. MATTHEW ISLAND HABITAT CONSERVATION AREA REVISION, AND 
MODIFIED GEAR TRAWL ZONE

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq; 16 USC 3631 et seq; 16 USC 773 et 
seq; PL 108-447

Abstract: This regulation implements Amendment 94 to the Fishery

[[Page 79740]]

Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands 
Management Area (FMP). The regulation would require gear modification 
for nonpelagic trawl vessels targeting flatfish in the Bering Sea 
subarea. The modified gear would have elevating devices on trawl sweeps 
to raise the sweeps off the seafloor and reduce the potential impact on 
bottom habitat. This action also would change the Southern boundary of 
the Northern Bering Sea Research Area to create the Modified Gear Trawl 
Zone where anyone fishing with nonpelagic trawl gear must use modified 
trawl sweeps. The regulation also would change the eastern boundary of 
the Saint Matthew Island Habitat Conservation Area to further protect 
blue king crab habitat.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice of Availability          06/29/10                    75 FR 37371
NPRM                            07/15/10                    75 FR 41123
Notice of Availability Comment 
Period End                      08/30/10
NPRM Comment Period End         08/30/10
Final Rule                      10/06/10                    75 FR 61642
Final Action Effective          01/20/11

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: James Balisger, Regional Administrator, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, P.O. Box 
21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AY34
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

258. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO REVISE CHARTER HALIBUT LOGBOOK SUBMISSION 
REQUIREMENTS AT 50 CFR PART 300

Legal Authority: 16 USC 2431 et seq; 31 USC 9701 et seq

Abstract: Clarifies and revises the charter halibut logbook submission 
requirements at 50 CFR part 300 to better match the submission schedule 
and reporting format of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game 
saltwater charter logbook.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/27/10                    75 FR 22070
NPRM Comment Period End         05/12/10
Final Rule                      12/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: James Balisger, Regional Administrator, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, P.O. Box 
21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AY38
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

259. ADDENDUM IV TO THE WEAKFISH INTERSTATE MANAGEMENT PLAN--BYCATCH 
TRIP LIMIT

Legal Authority: 16 USC 5101

Abstract: NMFS proposes regulations that would modify management 
restrictions in the Federal weakfish fishery in a manner consistent 
with the Commission's Weakfish Management Board's (Board) approved 
Addendum IV to Amendment 4 to the ISFMP for Weakfish. In short, the 
proposed Federal regulatory change would decrease the incidental catch 
allowance for weakfish in the EEZ in non-directed fisheries using 
smaller mesh sizes, from 150 pounds to no more than 100 pounds per day 
or trip, whichever is longer in duration. In addition it would impose a 
one fish possession limit on recreational fishers.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/12/10                    75 FR 26703
NPRM Comment Period End         06/11/10
NPRM Comment Period Re-opened   06/16/10                    75 FR 34092
NPRM Comment Period End         06/30/10
Final Action                    12/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Alan Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, Room 13362, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 
20910
Phone: 301 713-2334
Fax: 301 713-0596
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AY41
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

260.  VESSEL CAPACITY LIMITS IN THE PURSE SEINE 
FISHERY IN THE EASTERN PACIFIC OCEAN

Legal Authority: 16 USC 971 et seq; 16 USC 951 to 961

Abstract: NMFS is proposing regulations under authority of the Tuna 
Conventions Act of 1950 that would revise the vessel capacity limit in 
the purse seine fishery operating in the eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO) so 
it is consistent with the amount authorized by the Inter-American 
Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) under IATTC Resolution C-02-03. For 
the United States, a vessel capacity limit of 31,775 cubic meters, or 
27,147 metric tons (mt) would be established per Resolution C-02-03. 
Currently, the U.S. fleet capacity limit is 8,969 mt, or 10,498 cubic 
meters. This revision would ensure that the United States is satisfying 
its obligations as a member of the IATTC and not exceeding its allotted 
capacity in the fishery, and the U.S. industry is not being 
unreasonably burdened if U.S. participation in the fishery in the EPO 
increased in the future. While an increase in U.S. participation in 
this fishery would not be anticipated since currently only two purse 
seine vessels are on the IATTC Vessel Register and when excess U.S. 
capacity has been available in the past there has not been a surge to 
use this capacity by outside vessels, there is a potential for an 
increase in fishing effort and resultant fishing mortality to target 
(i.e., yellowfin, skipjack, and bigeye tunas) and non-target species in 
the purse seine fishery operating in the EPO. In addition, there is 
also the potential for insignificant, positive socioeconomic impacts if 
the proposed action led to an increase in catch and revenue for 
fishermen participating in the fishery.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/03/10                    75 FR 54078
NPRM Comment Period End         10/04/10
Final Action                    12/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Mark Helvey, Assistant Regional Administrator for 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and

[[Page 79741]]

Atmospheric Administration, 501 West Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 
90802
Phone: 562 980-4040
Fax: 562 980-4047
Email: [email protected]

Heidi Hermsmeyer, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 501 West Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 
90802
Phone: 562 980-4036
Fax: 562 980-4047
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AY75
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

261.  EMERGENCY RULE TO RE-OPEN THE RECREATIONAL RED 
SNAPPER SEASON IN THE GULF OF MEXICO

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) has 
requested that NOAA Fisheries Service publish an emergency rule that 
will provide authority to the Regional Administrator to re-open the 
recreational red snapper season after the September 30, 2010, end of 
the fishing season, if it is determined that landings during the June 
1-July 23 open season did not meet the quota.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/16/10                    75 FR 49883
NPRM Comment Period End         08/31/10
Final Action-- Emergency Rule   09/24/10                    75 FR 58335
Final Action--Emergency Rule 
Extension                       03/00/11

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy E Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Ave South, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 824-5305
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-BA06
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

262. PROTECTIVE REGULATIONS FOR KILLER WHALES IN THE NORTHWEST REGION 
UNDER THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT AND MARINE MAMMAL PROTECTION ACT

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq; 16 USC 1531 to 1543

Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is considering 
whether to propose regulations to protect killer whales (Orcinus orca) 
in the Pacific Northwest. The Southern Resident killer whale distinct 
population segment (DPS) was listed as endangered under the Endangered 
Species Act (ESA) on November 18, 2005 (70 FR 69903). In the final rule 
announcing the listing, NMFS identified vessel effects, including 
direct interference and sound, as a potential contributing factor in 
the recent decline of this population. Both the Marine Mammal 
Protection Act (MMPA) and the ESA prohibit take, including harassment, 
of killer whales, but these statutes do not prohibit specified acts. 
NMFS is now considering whether to propose regulations that would 
prohibit certain acts, under our general authorities under the ESA and 
MMPA and their implementing regulations. The Proposed Recovery Plan for 
Southern Resident killer whales (71 FR 69101; November 29, 2006) 
includes as a management action the evaluation of current guidelines 
and the need for regulations and/or protected areas. The scope of this 
ANPR encompasses the activities of any person or conveyance that may 
result in the unauthorized taking of killer whales and/or that may 
cause detrimental individual-level and population-level impacts. NMFS 
requests comments on whether --and if so, what type of-- conservation 
measures, regulations, and, if necessary, other measures would be 
appropriate to protect killer whales from the effects of these 
activities.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           03/22/07                    72 FR 13464
ANPRM Comment Period End        04/23/07
NPRM                            07/29/09                    74 FR 37674
NPRM Comment Period Extended    10/19/09                    74 FR 53454
NPRM Comment Period End         10/27/09
NPRM Extended Comment Period End01/15/10
Final Rule                      01/00/11

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: James H. Lecky, Director, Office of Protected 
Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2332
Fax: 301 427-2520
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AV15
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

263. TAKING AND IMPORTING MARINE MAMMALS; U.S. NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE 
CENTER PANAMA CITY DIVISION MISSION ACTIVITIES

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq

Abstract: On April 3, 2008, the National Marine Fisheries Service 
(NMFS) received an application from the Navy requesting an 
authorization for the take of 15 species/stocks of cetacean incidental 
to the proposed mission activities in the Naval Surface Warfare Center 
Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) study area over the course of five 
years. These mission activities are classified as military readiness 
activities. The purpose of the proposed mission activities is to 
enhance NSWC PCD's capability and capacity to meet littoral and 
expeditionary warfare requirements by providing Research, Development, 
Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) and in service engineering for 
expeditionary maneuver warfare, operations in extreme environments, 
mine warfare, maritime operations, and coastal operations. The Navy 
states that these training activities may cause various impacts to 
marine mammal species in the NSWC PCD study area. The Navy requests an 
authorization to take individuals of these cetacean species by Level B 
Harassment. Further, the Navy requests an authorization to take 1 
individual each of bottlenose, Atlantic spotted, and pantropical 
spotted dolphins per year by injury, as a result of the proposed 
mission activities.
NMFS is issuing a proposed rule to govern the take of these marine 
mammals by Level B harassment (behavior) and Level A harassment

[[Page 79742]]

(injury) incidental to the aforementioned mission activities in the 
Naval NSWC PCD study area for a period of five years, under the 
authority of section 101(a)(5)(A) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. 
Under that authority NMFS also must prescribe mitigation, monitoring, 
and reporting requirements in connection with take authorizations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/30/09                    74 FR 20156
NPRM Comment Period End         06/01/09
Final Action                    12/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Dr. Michael Payne, Fishery Biologist, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, P.O. Box 
21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7235
Fax: 301 713-2521
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AW80
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

264. RULE TO REVISE THE CRITICAL HABITAT DESIGNATION FOR THE ENDANGERED 
LEATHERBACK SEA TURTLE

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 et seq

Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service, announces a rule to 
revise leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) critical habitat under 
the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. The leatherback is 
currently listed as endangered throughout its range, and critical 
habitat consists of Sandy Point Beach and adjacent waters, St. Croix, 
U.S. Virgin Islands. This rule would revise critical habitat to include 
waters along the U.S. West Coast.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/05/10                      75 FR 319
Notice of Public Hearings       02/01/10                     75 FR 5015
NPRM Comment Period Extension   02/19/10                     75 FR 7434
NPRM Comment Period End         03/08/10
NPRM Comment Period Extension 
End                             04/19/10
Final Action                    12/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Sara McNulty, Ecologist, Department of Commerce, 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West 
Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2322

RIN: 0648-AX06
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

265. CRITICAL HABITAT DESIGNATION FOR COOK INLET BELUGA WHALE UNDER THE 
ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 29 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0648-AX50
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

266. TAKING OF MARINE MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO SPECIFIED ACTIVITIES; TAKING 
MARINE MAMMALS INCIDENTAL TO TRAINING OPERATIONS CONDUCTED WITHIN THE 
GULF OF MEXICO RANGE COMPLEX

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1361 et seq

Abstract: NMFS has received requests from the U.S. Navy (Navy) for 
authorizations for the take of marine mammals incidental to training 
and operational activities conducted by the Navy's Atlantic Fleet 
within Gulf of Mexico (GOMEX) Range Complex for the period beginning 
December 3, 2009, and ending December 2, 2014. Pursuant to the 
implementing regulations of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), 
NMFS is proposing regulations to govern that take and requesting 
information, suggestions, and comments on these proposed regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/14/09                    74 FR 33960
NPRM Comment Period End         08/13/09
Final Action                    12/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: James H. Lecky, Director, Office of Protected 
Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-2332
Fax: 301 427-2520
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AX86
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                          Long-Term Actions


National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)



_______________________________________________________________________



NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE


                    ________________________________

<###DOC>

267. FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR REGULATING OFFSHORE MARINE AQUACULTURE 
IN THE GULF OF MEXICO

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq.

Abstract: The purpose of this fishery management plan (FMP) is to 
develop a regional permitting process for regulating and promoting 
environmentally sound and economically sustainable aquaculture in the 
Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) exclusive economic zone. This FMP consists of ten 
actions, each with an associated range of management alternatives, 
which would facilitate the permitting of an estimated 5 to 20 offshore 
aquaculture operations in the Gulf over the next 10 years, with an 
estimated annual production of up to 64 million pounds. By establishing 
a regional permitting process for aquaculture, the Gulf of Mexico 
Fishery Management Council will be positioned to achieve their primary 
goal of increasing maximum sustainable yield and optimum yield of 
federal fisheries in the Gulf by supplementing harvest of wild caught 
species with cultured product.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice of Availability          06/04/09                    74 FR 26829

[[Page 79743]]

NOA Comment Period End          08/03/09
NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy E Crabtree
Phone: 727 824-5305
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AS65
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

268. 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 To 11/02/01
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Michael Payne
Phone: 907 586-7235
Fax: 301 713-2521
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AH26
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                          Completed Actions


National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)



_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

269. SOUTH ATLANTIC FISHERY ECOSYSTEM PLAN COMPREHENSIVE AMENDMENT

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: The purpose of this action is to develop an ecosystem-based 
approach to resource management. The South Atlantic Council plans to 
develop a Fishery Ecosystem Plan (FEP) Comprehensive Amendment, which 
would modify all its Fishery Management Plans (FMPs). The initial 
amendment would include the following: (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 actions necessary to implement ecosystem-based fishery 
management.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       08/05/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy E Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Ave South, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 824-5305
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AV31
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

270. AMENDMENT 17 TO THE SOUTH ATLANTIC FISHERY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL 
SNAPPER GROUPER FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: Amendment 17 is intended to: establish management reference 
points (MSY, OY) for red snapper; establish a rebuilding plan 
(rebuilding timeframe and rebuilding strategy) for red snapper; specify 
Annual Catch Limits (ACL), Annual Catch Targets (ACT), and 
Accountability Measures (AM) for 10 species undergoing overfishing; and 
modify management measures to ensure future catch is equal to or below 
the ACL.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       08/17/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy E Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Ave South, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 824-5305
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AW11
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

271. AMENDMENT 2 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE QUEEN CONCH 
FISHERY OF PUERTO RICO AND THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: St. Croix queen conch landings by commercial fishermen alone 
have exceeded sustainable harvest levels since the 2000-2001 fishing 
season. In 2005-2006 the commercial harvest was over four times 
sustainable levels. Additionally, there is an unknown but significant 
recreational harvest. Overfishing of queen conch has led to resource 
collapse in other regions and in some cases, long-term resource loss. 
According to the NMFS Report on the Status of the U.S. Fisheries for 
2006, queen conch is overfished and undergoing overfishing. Under 
current fishing practices, reductions in mortality are not expected to 
be sufficient in the queen conch fishery. Without a reduction in 
mortality, queen conch are not expected to achieve the rebuilding goals 
established in the Sustainable Fisheries Amendment of 2005. Therefore, 
a change in fishing practices is needed to help achieve the necessary 
reductions in queen conch fishing mortality.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice of Intent                10/11/07                    72 FR 58057

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

[[Page 79744]]

Agency Contact: Roy E Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Ave South, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 824-5305
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AW15
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

272. AMENDMENT 3 TO THE NORTHEAST SKATE COMPLEX FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: NMFS proposes regulations to implement measures in Amendment 
3 to the Northeast Skate Complex Fishery Management Plan (Skate FMP). 
Amendment 3 was developed by the New England Fishery Management Council 
(Council) to rebuild overfished skate stocks (thorny and smooth skates) 
and implement annual catch limits (ACLs) and accountability measures 
(AMs) consistent with the requirements of the reauthorized Magnuson-
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Amendment 3 would 
establish an ACL and annual catch target (ACT) for the skate complex, 
total allowable landings (TAL) for the skate wing and bait fisheries, 
seasonal quotas for the bait fishery, reduced possession limits, in-
season possession limit triggers, and other measures to improve 
management of the skate fisheries. This rule also includes skate 
fishery specifications for fishing years (FY) 2010 through 2011.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/21/10                     75 FR 3434
NPRM Comment Period End         02/22/10
Final Action                    06/16/10                    75 FR 34049
Final Action Effective          06/16/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 55 Great Republic Way, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200
Fax: 978 281-9117
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AW30
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

273. ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES; ATLANTIC SHARK MANAGEMENT 
MEASURES

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: This rule evaluates the management measures for small coastal 
sharks (SCS), based on the results of the 2007 SCS stock assessment. 
This rulemaking could consider, among other things, commercial quotas 
and trip limits, recreational minimum size and bag limits, time/area 
closures, and the public display quota. In addition, this rule 
implements a rebuilding plan for blacknose sharks. To the extent that 
blacknose sharks are caught in fisheries that are not targeted highly 
migratory species fisheries, the National Marine Fisheries Service 
(NMFS) will work with the appropriate Regional Fishery Management 
Council, Interstate Commission, and States to implement regulations 
through their processes to rebuild blacknose sharks. This action is 
necessary in light of recent stock assessments, which have determined 
that blacknose sharks are overfished with overfishing occurring. As 
needed, this rule may include others items to clarify existing 
regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice of Intent                05/07/08                    73 FR 25665
Notice of Scoping Meetings and 
Extension of Comment Period     07/02/08                    73 FR 37932
Notice of Intent Comment Period 
End                             08/05/08
Notice of Intent Comment Period 
Extended--Second Extension      10/29/08                    73 FR 64307
Notice of Intent Comment Period 
Extension End                   10/31/08
Second Extension Comment Period 
End                             11/14/08
NPRM                            07/24/09                    74 FR 36892
NPRM Comment Period Extended    08/10/09                    74 FR 39914
NPRM Comment Period End         09/22/09
NPRM Comment Period Extended End09/25/09
Final Action                    06/01/10                    75 FR 30483

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Margo Schulze-Haugen, Department of Commerce, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-0234
Fax: 301 713-1917
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AW65
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

274. AMENDMENT 31 TO THE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE REEF FISH 
RESOURCES OF THE GULF OF MEXICO

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: In September 2008, NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service 
(NMFS) released a report based on observer data that indicated the 
total number of loggerhead sea turtle takes by the eastern Gulf of 
Mexico reef fish bottom longline fishery was much greater than that 
authorized in the most recent biological opinion. In response, the Gulf 
of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) requested NMFS take 
emergency action to reduce the number of takes by the fishery during 
the short term while the Council develops long-term measures in 
Amendment 31. Measures being considered include: (1) modifying baits; 
(2) area, season, and depth restrictions; (3) reducing effort through a 
longline endorsement program; and (4) using observers or electronic 
monitoring to close the fishery once a sea turtle take threshold has 
been met.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/15/10                     75 FR 2469
NPRM Comment Period End         03/01/10
Final Action                    04/26/10                    75 FR 21512
Final Rule -- Correction Notice 05/24/10                    75 FR 28760

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy E Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Ave South, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 824-5305
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AX67

[[Page 79745]]

_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

275. SNAPPER-GROUPER FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: This action would implement an interim measure to prohibit 
the harvest of red snapper for 180 days to address overfishing of red 
snapper, through interim measures.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/06/09                    74 FR 31906
NPRM Comment Period End         08/05/09
Final Action                    12/04/09                    74 FR 63673
Final Action Effective          01/04/10
Extension of Final Action       05/18/10                    75 FR 27658

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy E Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Ave South, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 824-5305
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AX75
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

276. SALMON BYCATCH REDUCTION MANAGEMENT MEASURES FOR THE FISHERY 
MANAGEMENT PLAN 91 IN THE BERING SEA ALEUTIAN ISLANDS

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq; 16 USC 3631 et seq; 16 USC 773 et 
seq; PL 108-447

Abstract: This fishery management plan amendment and rulemaking will 
implement the North Pacific Fishery Management Council's 
recommendations for management measures to minimize to the extent 
practicable Chinook salmon bycatch in the Bering Sea pollock fishery. 
These management measures provide two options for the pollock sectors 
(e.g., inshore catcher vessels, offshore catcher-processors, catcher 
vessels delivering to motherships, or CDQ entities): fish under a lower 
Chinook salmon cap or participate in an incentive program and fish 
under a higher cap. Under the first option, the fleet as a whole may 
choose to fish under a transferable cap of 47,591 Chinook salmon, which 
would be allocated by season and sector. Once each sector reaches its 
specific cap, it would be prohibited from continuing to fish for 
pollock for the remainder of the season. Alternatively, vessels or CDQ 
entities may choose to participate in private contracts called 
incentive plan agreements (IPA) which would describe how participants 
would maintain low bycatch even when their bycatch levels are well 
below the hard cap approved. Those vessels or CDQ entities 
participating in an IPA would be allocated a transferable share of up 
to 60,000 Chinook salmon. This cap would be reduced for any vessels or 
CDQ entities not participating in an IPA and those vessels and CDQ 
entities would fish under a lower, non-transferable cap. In addition to 
the annual cap levels, if any sector operating under an IPA exceeds its 
proportion of 47,591 Chinook salmon three times in any seven-year 
period, the sector's maximum bycatch limit will be permanently reduced 
to its proportional share of the 47,591 cap. If the FMP amendments and 
proposed rule are approved, fishing under the new Chinook salmon 
bycatch management measures would start in 2011.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice of Availability          02/18/10                     75 FR 7228
NPRM                            03/23/10                    75 FR 14016
Notice of Availability Comment 
Period End                      04/19/10
NPRM Comment Period End         05/07/10
Final Rule                      08/30/10                    75 FR 53025
Final Rule Effective            09/29/10
Correction                      09/24/10                    75 FR 58337

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: James Balisger, Regional Administrator, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, P.O. Box 
21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AX89
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

277. 2010 SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP, AND BLACK SEA BASS RECREATIONAL 
MANAGEMENT MEASURES

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: This action implements the 2010 recreational management 
measures (minimum fish size, fishing seasons, and possession limits) 
for the summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass fisheries.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/27/10                    75 FR 22087
NPRM Comment Period End         05/27/10
Final Rule                      07/08/10                    75 FR 39170
Final Action Effective          08/09/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 55 Great Republic Way, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200
Fax: 978 281-9117
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AY04
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

278. 2010 TO 2012 ATLANTIC HERRING FISHERY SPECIFICATIONS AND MANAGEMENT 
MEASURES

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: NMFS takes this action to implement specifications for the 
2010-2012 fishing years for Atlantic herring. Regulations governing 
this fishery require NMFS to publish proposed specifications for the 
upcoming fishing years and to provide an opportunity for public 
comment. The intent of this action is to fulfill this requirement and 
to promote the development and conservation of the Atlantic herring 
resource.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/20/10                    75 FR 20550
NPRM Comment Period End         05/20/10
Final Action                    08/12/10                    75 FR 48874

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 55 Great Republic Way, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200
Fax: 978 281-9117
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AY14

[[Page 79746]]

_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

279. REMOVE CERTAIN REPORTING REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE CRAB 
RATIONALIZATION PROGRAM

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: This rule would remove requirements under the Crab 
Rationalization (CR) Program in 50 CFR part 680. The requirements are 
removed for an operator of a catcher/processor to weigh processed crab 
when it is removed from the vessel and to report that weight to NMFS on 
an offload report. Currently, NMFS requires crab to be weighed onboard 
the catcher/processor before they are processed, and this weight is 
reported to NMFS. In the three years since implementation of the CR 
Program, NMFS has determined that the additional requirements to weigh 
processed crab when they are removed from the vessel and report that 
weight to NMFS are no longer necessary. Advancements in at sea 
reporting (eLandings), and the reliability of the at-sea motion-
compensated hopper scales provide adequate information for NMFS to 
monitor and enforce proper reporting of crab catch.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/10/10                    75 FR 48298
NPRM Comment Period End         08/25/10
Final Rule                      09/16/10                    75 FR 56485

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: James Balisger, Regional Administrator, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, P.O. Box 
21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AY28
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

280. FRAMEWORK ADJUSTMENT 44 AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE NORTHEAST 
MULTISPECIES FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: Framework Adjustment 44 and Specifications will modify 
management measures for the Northeast (NE) Multispecies Fishery 
Management Plan (FMP) to make the FMP more precautionary, and implement 
Annual Catch Limit (ACL) specifications for the fishery for fishing 
years 2010, 2011, and 2012.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/01/10                     75 FR 5016
NPRM Comment Period End         03/01/10
Final Rule                      04/09/10                    75 FR 18356
Final Rule Effective            05/01/10
Temporary Rule                  05/26/10                    75 FR 29459
Temporary Rule Effective        05/26/10
Temporary Rule - Adjustments 
Effective                       09/07/10
Temporary Rule-Adjustments to 
Specifications                  09/10/10                    75 FR 55286

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 55 Great Republic Way, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200
Fax: 978 281-9117
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AY29
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

281. FRAMEWORK 21 TO THE ATLANTIC SEA SCALLOP FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: Framework Adjustment 21 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery 
Management Plan (Framework 21) will set specifications for the 2010 
scallop fishing year, which begins March 1, 2010, including adjustments 
to the total allowable catch, days-at-sea (DAS) allocations, scallop 
access area rotation schedule, and access area trip allocations. This 
framework is for a single year because the Council is working on 
Amendment 15, which will establish a process for implementing annual 
catch limits that are required to be in place in 2011 for the scallop 
fishery. Framework 21 must also comply with the requirements of the 
March 14, 2008, (amended February 5, 2009), Biological Opinion 
completed for the Atlantic Sea Scallop fishery, which requires the 
amount of allocated scallop fishing effort by limited access DAS 
scallop vessels that can be used in the Mid-Atlantic to be limited 
during the time of year when sea turtle distribution overlaps with 
scallop fishing activity. In addition, Framework 21 considers minor 
adjustments to the limited access general category individual fishing 
quota program, scheduled to be implemented March 1, 2010, and the 
observer set-aside program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/27/10                    75 FR 22073
NPRM Comment Period End         05/12/10
Final Rule                      06/28/10                    75 FR 36559
Final Action Effective          06/28/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 55 Great Republic Way, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200
Fax: 978 281-9117
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AY43
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

282. AMENDMENTS 95/96/87 FOR THE BSAI AND GOA GROUNDFISH FMPS FOR BSAI 
SKATES AND GROUNDFISH ANNUAL CATCH LIMITS AND ACCOUNTABILITY MEASURES

Legal Authority: 16 USC 773 et seq; PL 108-447; PL 106-31; PL 106-554; 
PL 109-479; PL 105-277; 16 USC 1801; 16 USC 1540

Abstract: Amendments 96/87 to the fishery management plans (FMPs) for 
groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area 
(BSAI) and Gulf of Alaska would revise the FMPs to conform with the 
national standard 1 guidelines for annual catch limits and 
accountability measures. Revisions to the FMPs also include 
housekeeping measures that provide further explanation in the FMPs of 
current practices for setting annual catch limits and accountability 
measures. These FMP amendments would remove species groups (sharks, 
sculpins, octopus in the BSAI and sharks, sculpins, octopus, and squid 
in the Gulf of Alaska) from the other species complex and manage these 
groups separately in the target species category. The regulatory 
amendment would revise the regulations to be consistent with the 
changes made to the FMPs regarding harvest

[[Page 79747]]

specifications for groups removed from the other species category.
Amendment 95 to the FMP for Groundfish of the BSAI would move skates 
from the other species category into the target species category.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NOA                             05/03/10
Notice of Availability          07/02/10                    75 FR 38454
NOA Comment Period End          07/06/10
Proprosed Rule                  07/16/10                    75 FR 41424
Proposed Rule Comment Period End08/30/10
Notice of Availability Comment 
Period End                      08/31/10
Final Rule                      10/06/10                    75 FR 61639
Final Rule Effective            11/05/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: James Balisger, Regional Administrator, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, P.O. Box 
21668, Juneau, AK 99802
Phone: 907 586-7221
Fax: 907 586-7249
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AY48
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

283. 2010 SPECIFICATIONS AND MANAGEMENT MEASURES FOR THE SPINY DOGFISH 
FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) and the 
New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC) jointly manage the spiny 
dogfish fishery on the Atlantic coast through the Spiny Dogfish Fishery 
Management Plan (FMP), with the MAFMC having the lead. The FMP requires 
the Councils to recommend specifications for the spiny dogfish fishery 
consistent with the rebuilding program in the FMP. This fishery is 
managed through an annual quota and possession limits. The quota is 
divided semi-annually, with quota period 1 (May 1 through October 31) 
being allocated 57.9 percent of the quota, and quota period 2 (November 
1 through April 30) being allocated 42.1 percent. For the 2010 fishing 
year, the MAFMC and NEFMC have adopted separate recommendations 
(ranging from a status quo of 12 million pounds to 29 million pounds) 
to provide a sufficient range of alternatives for the purposes of 
allowing NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service to implement measures 
that are responsive to the best available data at the time of final 
rulemaking (the next assessment is scheduled to occur late January 
2010, with preliminary results likely available at the end of February 
2010). Both Councils adopted the status quo possession limit of 3,000 
lb per trip.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/02/10                    75 FR 16716
NPRM Comment Period End         05/02/10
Final Action                    06/24/10                    75 FR 36012

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 55 Great Republic Way, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200
Fax: 978 281-9117
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AY50
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

284. FISHING YEAR 2010 ATLANTIC DEEP-SEA RED CRAB SPECIFICATIONS

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: NMFS takes this action to establish the target total 
allowable catch and days-at-sea allocation for FY 2010 for the red crab 
fishery.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/19/10                     75 FR 7435
NPRM Comment Period End         03/22/10
Final Action                    05/14/10                    75 FR 27219
Final Action Effective          06/14/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 55 Great Republic Way, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200
Fax: 978 281-9117
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AY51
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

285. REGULATORY AMENDMENT TO THE GULF OF MEXICO REEF FISH FISHERY 
MANAGEMENT PLAN TO SET 2010 MANAGEMENT MEASURES FOR RED SNAPPER

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: The 2009 update stock assessment of the Gulf of Mexico red 
snapper stock indicated that although the stock is still overfished, 
the stock is rebuilding and overfishing was projected to end in 2009. 
Based on their review of the assessment update, the Gulf Council's 
Scientific and Statistical Committee recommended total allowable catch 
(TAC) could be increased. The purpose of this regulatory amendment is 
to adjust TAC and the resulting recreational and commercial quotas 
consistent with the goals and objectives of the Council's red snapper 
rebuilding plan and achieve the mandates of the Magnuson-Stevens 
Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/30/10                    75 FR 15665
NPRM Comment Period End         04/14/10
Final Action                    05/03/10                    75 FR 23186
Final Action Effective          06/02/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Roy E Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Ave South, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727 824-5305
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AY57
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

286. FISHERIES OFF WEST COAST STATES; PACIFIC COAST GROUNDFISH FISHERY; 
INTERIM 2010 TRIBAL WHITING REGULATIONS

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: NMFS takes this action to establish an interim 2010 tribal 
whiting allocation, reporting and closure regulations, and refine 
existing regulations on tribal whiting reapportionment. This action 
also sets the 2010 Pacific whiting acceptable biological catch and 
optimum yield specifications for 2010 based on the most recent Pacific 
whiting stock assessment from March 2010.

[[Page 79748]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/12/10                    75 FR 11829
NPRM Comment Period End         04/02/10
Interim Final Rule for 2010 
Tribal Whiting                  05/04/10                    75 FR 23620
Interim Final Rule Effective    05/19/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Frank Lockhart, Program Analyst, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand 
Point Way NE., Seattle, WA 98115
Phone: 206 526-6142
Fax: 206 526-6736
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AY59
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

287. FISHERIES OFF WEST COAST STATES; WEST COAST SALMON FISHERIES; 2010 
MANAGEMENT MEASURES

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1854

Abstract: This rule implements the 2010 ocean salmon management 
measures.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/05/10                    75 FR 24482
Final Action Effective          05/20/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Frank Lockhart, Program Analyst, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand 
Point Way NE., Seattle, WA 98115
Phone: 206 526-6142
Fax: 206 526-6736
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AY60
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

288.  2010 ATLANTIC BLUEFIN TUNA QUOTA SPECIFICATIONS

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Abstract: This action would establish Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) quota 
specifications by adjusting the U.S. annual BFT quota recommended by 
the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas in 
2008, and allocating that quota among the domestic fishing categories 
for the 2010 fishing year (January 1-December 31, 2010). This action 
would be consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act and the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act. The annual 
specification process is set forth in current regulations implemented 
under the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery 
Management Plan. This action is not expected to be controversial.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/02/09                    74 FR 63095
NPRM Comment Period End         01/04/10
Final Action                    06/02/10                    75 FR 30732
Final Rule Correction           06/15/10                    75 FR 33731
Final Action Effective          07/02/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Alan Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable 
Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, Room 13362, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 
20910
Phone: 301 713-2334
Fax: 301 713-0596
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AY77
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

289.  PACIFIC COAST GROUNDFISH FISHERY; BIENNIAL 
SPECIFICATIONS AND MANAGEMENT MEASURES; INSEASON ADJUSTMENTS

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: On March 6, 2009, NMFS published a final rule to implement 
the 2009-2010 West Coast groundfish harvest specifications and 
management measures (74 FR 9874). This action takes routine and 
frequent management action to modify harvest specifications and 
management measures to meet the mandates outlined by the Magnuson 
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule -- Inseason Effective05/01/10
Final Rule -- Inseason          05/04/10                    75 FR 23615

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Frank Lockhart, Program Analyst, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand 
Point Way NE., Seattle, WA 98115
Phone: 206 526-6142
Fax: 206 526-6736
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AY82
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

290.  INSEASON ADJUSTMENT TO THE FY 2010 ATLANTIC DEEP 
SEA RED CRAB SPECIFICATIONS

Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 et seq

Abstract: This action is an inseason Adjustment to modify the red crab 
specifications to raise the target TAC to the revised recommended 
Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) by the New England Fishery Management 
Council's Scientific and Statistical Committee. In May 2010, NMFS 
published the final rule for the FY 2010 red crab specifications 
implementing the Council's original recommended specifications (target 
TAC equal to 3.56 million lb; 582 DAS). In March 2010, the Council's 
Scientific and Statistical Committee met to review their previous 
recommendation for red crab. NMFS does not have the regulatory 
authority to implement specifications higher than the Councils 
recommendation. The regulations do, however, allow for an in-season 
adjustment to the specifications, after consultation with the Council. 
The Council met on April 28, 2010, and has recommended that NMFS adjust 
the FY 2010 specifications commensurate with the SSCs revised 
recommendation. The adjusted specifications would be 3.91 million lb 
and 657 DAS.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/22/10                    75 FR 35435
NPRM Comment Period End         07/10/10
Final Action                    08/13/10                    75 FR 49420
Final Action Effective          09/13/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, Northeast 
Region, NMFS, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 55 Great Republic Way, Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978 281-9200
Fax: 978 281-9117
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AY88

[[Page 79749]]

_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

291. 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 rule would apply the prohibitions under ESA 
section 9(a)(1)(A) through 9(a)(1)(G) for threatened Southern DPS green 
sturgeon, but would include certain exceptions and exemptions from the 
take prohibitions. Exceptions are included for certain scientific 
research, emergency fish rescue, law enforcement, and habitat 
restoration activities that meet the criteria specified in the 
protective regulations under Section 4(d) of the ESA for Southern DPS 
green sturgeon. Exemptions are included for state scientific research, 
fisheries activities, and tribal activities conducted under NMFS 
approved ESA 4(d) programs. Thus, take of Southern DPS fish may be 
authorized under ESA section 7 or 10, or under an exception or 
exemption to the take prohibitions if the activities are conducted in 
compliance with NMFS criteria or NMFS-approved plans.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/21/09                    74 FR 23822
NPRM Comment Period End         07/20/09
Final Action                    04/02/10                    75 FR 30714
Final Action Effective          07/02/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Marta Nammack, Office of Protected Resources, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301 713-1401
Fax: 301 427-2523
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0648-AV94
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                        Proposed Rule Stage


Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)



_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

292. REVISION OF USPTO FEES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011

Legal Authority: 35 USC 41, 119, 120, 132(b) and 376; PL 109-383; PL 
110-116; PL 110-137; PL 110-149; PL 110-161; PL 110-5; PL 110-92

Abstract: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is 
taking this action to adjust certain patent and trademark fee amounts 
set in the aggregate to recover the estimated cost to the USPTO for 
processing activities and services and materials relating to patents 
and trademarks, respectively, including proportionate shares of the 
administrative costs of the USPTO.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/10
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/11
Final Action                    05/00/11

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Walter Schlueter, Budget Analyst--Fees and Forecasting, 
Department of Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, P.O. Box 1450, 
Alexandria, VA 22313
Phone: 571 272-6299
Fax: 571 273-6299
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0651-AC43
_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

293. REVISION OF USPTO FEES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2012

Legal Authority: 35 USC 41, 119, 120, 132(b) and 376; PL 109-383; PL 
110-116; PL 110-137; PL 110-149; PL 110-161; PL 110-5; PL 110-92

Abstract: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is 
taking this action to adjust certain patent and trademark fee amounts 
set in the aggregate to recover the estimated cost to the USPTO for 
processing activities and services and materials relating to patents 
and trademarks, respectively, including proportionate shares of the 
administrative costs of the USPTO.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/10
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/11
Final Action                    06/00/11
Final Action Effective          07/00/11

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Walter Schlueter, Budget Analyst--Fees and Forecasting, 
Department of Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, P.O. Box 1450, 
Alexandria, VA 22313
Phone: 571 272-6299
Fax: 571 273-6299
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0651-AC44
_______________________________________________________________________


Department of Commerce (DOC)                           Final Rule Stage


Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)



_______________________________________________________________________


<###DOC>

294. INTERIM INCREASE ON PATENT FEES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011

Legal Authority: PL 110-137; PL 110-149; PL 110-161; PL 110-5; PL 110-
92; 35 USC 41, 119, 120,132(b) and 376; PL 109-383; PL 110-116

Abstract: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is 
proposing an interim increase on certain patent fees to fund the 
requirements for putting the USPTO on a sustainable path to fund agency 
operations, reduce patent inventory and pendency, and invest in 
information technology.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/00/10

[[Page 79750]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Walter Schlueter, Budget Analyst--Fees and Forecasting, 
Department of Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, P.O. Box 1450, 
Alexandria, VA 22313
Phone: 571 272-6299
Fax: 571 273-6299
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 0651-AC42
[FR Doc. 2010-30450 Filed 12-17-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-12-S