[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 29 (Monday, February 13, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 7904-7929]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-1641]



[[Page 7903]]

Vol. 77

Monday,

No. 29

February 13, 2012

Part IV





Department of Commerce





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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

  Federal Register / Vol. 77 , No. 29 / Monday, February 13, 2012 / 
Unified Agenda  

[[Page 7904]]


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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 2011 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 2011 agenda. The purpose of the agenda is to provide 
information to the public on regulations that are 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 2011 regulatory agenda includes regulatory 
activities that are expected to be conducted during the period October 
1, 2011 through September 30, 2012.

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 
2011 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 June 30, 2011, the Office of Management 
and Budget issued guidelines and procedures for the preparation and 
publication of the fall 2011 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. These operating units, 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.
    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 2011 regulatory agenda follows.

Cameron F. Kerry,
General Counsel.

[[Page 7905]]



          International Trade Administration--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
204.......................  Commercial Availability of         0625-AA59
                             Fabric and Yarn.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
205.......................  Fishery Management Plan            0648-AS65
                             for Regulating Offshore
                             Marine Aquaculture in the
                             Gulf of Mexico (Reg Plan
                             Seq No. 22).
206.......................  American Lobster Fishery;          0648-AT31
                             Fishing Effort Control
                             Measures To Complement
                             Interstate Lobster
                             Management
                             Recommendations by the
                             Atlantic States Marine
                             Fisheries Commission.
207.......................  Collection and Use of Tax          0648-AV76
                             Identification Numbers
                             From Holders of and
                             Applicants for National
                             Marine Fisheries Service
                             Permits.
208.......................  Marine Mammal Protection           0648-AW22
                             Act Stranding Regulation
                             Revisions.
209.......................  Fisheries Off West Coast           0648-AY06
                             States and in the Western
                             Pacific; Klamath River
                             Fall Chinook Salmon
                             Rebuilding Plan.
210.......................  Amendment 3 to the Spiny           0648-AY12
                             Dogfish Fishery
                             Management Plan.
211.......................  Generic Amendment for              0648-AY22
                             Annual Catch Limits.
212.......................  Amendment 14 to the                0648-AY26
                             Atlantic Mackerel, Squid,
                             and Butterfish Fishery
                             Management Plan.
213.......................  Fisheries in the Western           0648-AY36
                             Pacific; Pelagic
                             Fisheries; Purse Seine
                             Fishing With Fish
                             Aggregation Devices.
214.......................  Amendment 5 to the                 0648-AY47
                             Atlantic Herring Fishery
                             Management Plan.
215.......................  Amendment 2 to the FMP for         0648-AY55
                             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.
216.......................  Amendment 10 to the                0648-AY72
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for Spiny Lobster in the
                             Gulf of Mexico and South
                             Atlantic.
217.......................  Comprehensive Annual Catch         0648-AY73
                             Limits Amendment to the
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for the Snapper-Grouper
                             Fishery of the South
                             Atlantic Region.
218.......................  Amendment 20 to the                0648-AY74
                             Snapper-Grouper Fishery
                             Management Plan of the
                             South Atlantic Region.
219.......................  Amendment To Recover the           0648-AY81
                             Administrative Costs of
                             Processing Permit
                             Applications.
220.......................  Amendment 6 to the                 0648-BA50
                             Monkfish Fishery
                             Management Plan.
221.......................  Amendment 24 to the                0648-BA52
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for the Snapper-Grouper
                             Fishery of the South
                             Atlantic Region.
222.......................  Amendment 22 to the                0648-BA53
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for the Snapper-Grouper
                             Fishery of the South
                             Atlantic Region.
223.......................  Amendment 21 to the                0648-BA59
                             Snapper-Grouper Fishery
                             Management Plan of the
                             South Atlantic Region.
224.......................  Amendment 5 to the Golden          0648-BA60
                             Crab Fishery Management
                             Plan of the South
                             Atlantic.
225.......................  Implement the 2010 Shark           0648-BB02
                             Conservation Act
                             Provisions and Other
                             Regulations in the
                             Atlantic Smoothhound
                             Shark Fishery.
226.......................  To Establish a Voluntary           0648-BB06
                             Fishing Capacity
                             Reduction Program in the
                             Longline Catcher
                             Processor Subsector of
                             the Bering Sea and
                             Aleutian Islands
                             Management Area Non-
                             Pollock Groundfish
                             Fishery.
227.......................  Amendment 11 to the                0648-BB10
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for the Snapper-Grouper
                             Fishery of the South
                             Atlantic Region.
228.......................  Fisheries Off West Coast           0648-BB17
                             States; Pacific Coast
                             Groundfish Fishery; Trawl
                             Rationalization Program;
                             Cost Recovery Program.
229.......................  Regulatory Amendment to            0648-BB22
                             the Gulf of Mexico Reef
                             Fish Fishery Management
                             Plan To Increase the
                             Total Allowable Catch for
                             Red Grouper.
230.......................  Amendment 93 To Implement          0648-BB24
                             Chinook Salmon Prohibited
                             Species Catch Limits in
                             the Gulf of Alaska
                             Pollock Fishery.
231.......................  Implementation of                  0648-BB26
                             Comprehensive Ecosystem
                             Based Amendment 2.
232.......................  Amendment 18 to the                0648-BB33
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for Coastal Migratory
                             Pelagic Resources in the
                             Gulf of Mexico and
                             Atlantic Region.
233.......................  Amendment 11 to the                0648-BB44
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for Spiny Lobster in the
                             Gulf of Mexico and South
                             Atlantic.
234.......................  Framework 23 to the                0648-BB51
                             Atlantic Sea Scallop
                             Fishery Management Plan.
235.......................  Potential Revisions to the         0648-AV04
                             Turtle Excluder Device
                             Requirements.
236.......................  Marine Mammal Protection           0648-AV82
                             Act Permit Regulation
                             Revisions.
237.......................  Reduce Sea Turtle Bycatch          0648-AY61
                             in Atlantic Trawl
                             Fisheries.
238.......................  Amendment to Regulations           0648-BA34
                             Under the Bottlenose
                             Dolphin Take Reduction
                             Plan.
239.......................  North American Right               0648-BB20
                             Whales; Continuation of
                             Vessel Speed Restrictions
                             To Reduce Right Whale
                             Deaths From Ship Strikes.
240.......................  Endangered and Threatened          0648-BB30
                             Species; Designation of
                             Critical Habitat for
                             Lower Columbia River Coho
                             Salmon and Puget Sound
                             Steelhead.
241.......................  Amendment and Updates to           0648-BB37
                             the Bottlenose Dolphin
                             Take Reduction Plan.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of this
  issue of the Federal Register.


[[Page 7906]]


    National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
242.......................  Amending Regulations for           0648-AV33
                             the Pacific Halibut,
                             Sablefish, and Pollock
                             Fisheries Conducted Under
                             the Western Alaska
                             Community Development
                             Quota (CDQ) Program.
243.......................  Magnuson-Stevens Fishery           0648-AV53
                             Conservation and
                             Management
                             Reauthorization Act
                             (MSRA) Environmental
                             Review Procedure.
244.......................  Allowable Modifications to         0648-AW93
                             the Turtle Excluder
                             Device Requirements.
245.......................  Amendment 11 to the                0648-AX05
                             Atlantic Mackerel, Squid,
                             Butterfish Fishery
                             Management Plan.
246.......................  Amendment 30 to the                0648-AX47
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for Bering Sea and
                             Aleutian Islands King and
                             Tanner Crabs Arbitration
                             Regulations.
247.......................  Revoke Inactive Quota              0648-AX91
                             Share and Annual
                             Individual Fishing Quota
                             From a Holder of Quota
                             Share Under the Pacific
                             Halibut and Sablefish
                             Fixed Gear Individual
                             Fishing Quota Program.
248.......................  Addendum IV to the                 0648-AY41
                             Weakfish Interstate
                             Management Plan--Bycatch
                             Trip Limit.
249.......................  Fisheries of the Exclusive         0648-AY53
                             Economic Zone Off Alaska;
                             Pacific Cod Allocations
                             in the Gulf of Alaska;
                             Amendment 83.
250.......................  Amendment To Correct and           0648-AY95
                             Clarify Amendment 16 and
                             Subsequent Frameworks of
                             the Northeast
                             Multispecies Fisheries
                             Management Plan.
251.......................  Fishing Capacity Reduction         0648-BA13
                             Program for the Southeast
                             Alaska Purse Seine Salmon
                             Fishery.
252.......................  Amendment 3 to the                 0648-BA22
                             Atlantic Deep-Sea Red
                             Crab Fishery Management
                             Plan.
253.......................  Framework Adjustment 45 to         0648-BA27
                             the Northeast
                             Multispecies Fishery
                             Management Plan.
254.......................  Modification of                    0648-BA45
                             Regulations Governing the
                             Retention of Incidentally
                             Caught Highly Migratory
                             Species in Atlantic Trawl
                             Fisheries.
255.......................  Framework Adjustment 7 to          0648-BA46
                             the Monkfish Fishery
                             Management Plan.
256.......................  Atlantic Highly Migratory          0648-BA64
                             Species; Vessel
                             Monitoring Systems.
257.......................  Atlantic Highly Migratory          0648-BA69
                             Species; Implementing
                             International Convention
                             for the Conservation of
                             Atlantic Tunas
                             Recommendations on Sharks.
258.......................  Amendment 15 to the                0648-BA71
                             Atlantic Sea Scallop
                             Fishery Management Plan.
259.......................  Framework Adjustment 22 to         0648-BA72
                             the Scallop Fishery
                             Management Plan.
260.......................  Atlantic Highly Migratory          0648-BA75
                             Species Electronic Dealer
                             Reporting Requirements.
261.......................  Bering Sea Chinook Salmon          0648-BA80
                             Economic Data Reporting
                             Program.
262.......................  Central Gulf of Alaska             0648-BA97
                             Rockfish Program Fishery
                             Management Plan GOA 88.
263.......................  Repeal of the Fishery              0648-BB07
                             Management Plan for the
                             Stone Crab Fishery of the
                             Gulf of Mexico.
264.......................  Implement Framework                0648-BB08
                             Adjustment 46 to the
                             Northeast Multispecies
                             Fishery Management Plan.
265.......................  Supplement Amendment 26            0648-BB15
                             and Amendment 29 to the
                             Reef Fish Fishery
                             Management Plan (FMP) of
                             the Gulf of Mexico.
266.......................  Emergency Rule to Increase         0648-BB32
                             the 2011 Catch Limits for
                             the Northeast Skate
                             Complex.
267.......................  Rule To Delay the                  0648-BB43
                             Effective Date of
                             Atlantic Smoothhound
                             Management Measures.
268.......................  Revision of Critical               0648-AX06
                             Habitat Designation for
                             the Endangered
                             Leatherback Sea Turtle.
269.......................  Designating Critical               0648-AY62
                             Habitat for the
                             Endangered Black Abalone.
270.......................  False Killer Whale Take            0648-BA30
                             Reduction Plan (Section
                             610 Review).
271.......................  Endangered and Threatened          0648-BA38
                             Species, Designation of
                             Critical Habitat for
                             Southern Distinct
                             Population Segment of
                             Eulachon.
272.......................  Revision of Hawaiian Monk          0648-BA81
                             Seal Critical Habitat.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


   National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
273.......................  Amendment 4 to the                 0648-AW75
                             Atlantic Herring Fishery
                             Management Plan.
274.......................  Correction and                     0648-AW95
                             Clarification to
                             Amendment 13 and
                             Subsequent Frameworks of
                             the Northeast
                             Multispecies Fishery
                             Management Plan.
275.......................  Implementation of                  0648-AY03
                             Compatible Regulations
                             With U.S. Virgin Islands
                             Territorial Waters.
276.......................  Fisheries Off West Coast           0648-BA01
                             States; Pacific Coast
                             Groundfish Fishery; 2011
                             to 2012 Biennial
                             Specifications and
                             Management Measures; FMP
                             Amendment 16-5 and FMP
                             Amendment 23.
277.......................  Emergency Rule To Reopen           0648-BA06
                             the Recreational Red
                             Snapper Season in the
                             Gulf of Mexico.
278.......................  2011 Atlantic Bluefish             0648-BA26
                             Specifications.
279.......................  Implementation of a                0648-BA48
                             Recreational Seasonal
                             Closure for Greater
                             Amberjack; Regulatory
                             Framework Action to the
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for Reef Fish Resources
                             of the Gulf of Mexico
                             (FMP).
280.......................  Amendment 10 to the                0648-BA51
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for the Snapper-Grouper
                             Fishery of the South
                             Atlantic Region.
281.......................  Amendment to the Fishery           0648-BA54
                             Management Plan for the
                             Reef Fish Resources of
                             the Gulf of Mexico To Set
                             Total Allowable Catch for
                             Red Snapper.
282.......................  Atlantic Highly Migratory          0648-BA65
                             Species; Atlantic Bluefin
                             Tuna Quotas and Atlantic
                             Tuna Fisheries Management
                             Measures.
283.......................  Catch Reporting                    0648-BA79
                             Requirements in the
                             Atlantic Herring Fishery.
284.......................  Framework Adjustment 1 to          0648-BA91
                             the Northeast Skate
                             Complex FMP.
285.......................  2011 Summer Flounder,              0648-BA92
                             Scup, and Black Sea Bass
                             Recreational Management
                             Measures and Scup
                             Specification Increase
                             (Increased 2011 Total
                             Allowable Landings).
286.......................  Fisheries Off West Coast           0648-BA95
                             States; Pacific Coast
                             Groundfish Fishery; 2011
                             Tribal Fishery for
                             Pacific Whiting.
287.......................  Permits for Capture,               0648-AH26
                             Transport, Import, and
                             Export of Protected
                             Species for Public
                             Display, and for
                             Maintaining a Captive
                             Marine Mammal Inventory.

[[Page 7907]]

 
288.......................  Protective Regulations for         0648-AV15
                             Killer Whales in the
                             Northwest Region Under
                             the Endangered Species
                             Act and Marine Mammal
                             Protection Act.
289.......................  Critical Habitat                   0648-AX50
                             Designation for Cook
                             Inlet Beluga Whale Under
                             the Endangered Species
                             Act.
290.......................  Taking of Marine Mammals           0648-AX86
                             Incidental to Specified
                             Activities; Taking Marine
                             Mammals Incidental to
                             Training Operations
                             Conducted Within the Gulf
                             of Mexico Range Complex.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


              Patent and Trademark Office--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
291.......................  Adjustment of USPTO Fees           0651-AC44
                             for Fiscal Year 2012.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


             Patent and Trademark Office--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
292.......................  Revision of USPTO Fees for         0651-AC43
                             Fiscal Year 2011.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

International Trade Administration (ITA)

Long-Term Actions

204. Commercial Availability of Fabric and Yarn

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 106-200, sec 112(b)(5)(B); Pub. L. 106-
200, sec 211; EO 13191; Pub. L. 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.
    Agency Contact: Janet Heinzen, Phone: 202 482-4006, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0625-AA59

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Proposed Rule Stage

National Marine Fisheries Service

205. Fishery Management Plan for Regulating Offshore Marine Aquaculture 
in the Gulf of Mexico

    Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 22 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.
    RIN: 0648-AS65

206. American Lobster Fishery; Fishing Effort Control Measures To 
Complement Interstate Lobster Management Recommendations by the 
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 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 
(ASMFC) 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................................   12/00/11  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

[[Page 7908]]

    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

207. Collection and Use of Tax Identification Numbers From Holders of 
and Applicants for National Marine Fisheries Service Permits

    Legal Authority: 31 U.S.C. 7701; 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 
1361 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.
    Abstract: Pursuant to the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 
(Debt Collection Act), the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) 
proposes 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 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................................   12/00/11  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

208. Marine Mammal Protection Act Stranding Regulation Revisions

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1379; 16 U.S.C. 1382; 16 U.S.C. 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 
nonreleasable 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................................   12/00/11  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

209. Fisheries Off West Coast States and in the Western Pacific; 
Klamath River Fall Chinook Salmon Rebuilding Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 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 3-year period 2004 to 2006.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/11  .......................
NPRM Comment Period End.............   02/00/12  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-AY06

210. Amendment 3 to the Spiny Dogfish Fishery Management Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 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....................   08/05/09  74 FR 39063
Notice of Intent To Prepare an         08/05/09  74 FR 30963
 Environmental Impact Statement.
Comment Period End..................   09/04/09  .......................
Notice of Intent....................   05/13/10  75 FR 26920
NPRM................................   11/00/12  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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].

[[Page 7909]]

    RIN: 0648-AY12

211. Generic Amendment for Annual Catch Limits

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 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 cooperation 
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................................   12/00/11  .......................
Notice of Availability..............   12/00/11  .......................
Final Action........................   02/00/12  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 
727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-AY22

212. Amendment 14 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish 
Fishery Management Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Intent....................   06/09/10  75 FR 32745
NPRM................................   12/00/11  .......................
Final Action........................   01/00/12  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

213. Fisheries in the Western Pacific; Pelagic Fisheries; Purse Seine 
Fishing With Fish Aggregation Devices

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The Western Pacific Council is amending the Pelagics 
Fishery 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 U.S. 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................................   12/00/11  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

214. Amendment 5 to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801
    Abstract: Amendment 5 to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management 
Plan will consider: Catch monitoring programs; 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental Notice of Intent.......   12/28/09  74 FR 68576
NPRM................................   05/00/12  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

215. 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 U.S.C. 1801
    Abstract: The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management 
Act (MSRA: Pub. L. 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................................   12/00/11  .......................
Notice of Availability..............   12/00/11  .......................
Final Action........................   01/00/12  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 
727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-AY55

216. Amendment 10 to the Fishery Management Plan for Spiny Lobster in 
the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801
    Abstract: The 2006 Reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act (MSFCMA) included a number of

[[Page 7910]]

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 postseason 
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....................   03/12/10  75 FR 11843
Notice of Intent Comment Period End.   04/12/10  .......................
NPRM................................   12/00/11  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 
727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-AY72

217. Comprehensive Annual Catch Limits Amendment to the Fishery 
Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic 
Region

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This amendment establishes 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.
    Actions include removal of species from the South Atlantic Snapper-
Grouper Fishery Management Unit; designating some snapper and grouper 
species as ecosystem component species; considering multispecies 
groupings for specifying ACLs, ACTs, and AMs; specifying allocations 
among the commercial, recreational, and for-hire sectors for species 
not undergoing overfishing; and modifying management measures to limit 
total mortality to the ACL.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/11  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 
727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-AY73

218. Amendment 20 to the Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan of the 
South Atlantic Region

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 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................................   12/00/11  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 
727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-AY74

219. Amendment To Recover the Administrative Costs of Processing Permit 
Applications

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 1853; 16 U.S.C. 
1854; 16 U.S.C. 3631 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq.; Pub. L. 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................................   12/00/11  .......................
Final Rule..........................   01/00/12  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Robert D. Mecum, Deputy Acting Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, Room 420, 709 West Ninth Street, Juneau, AK 99802, 
Phone: 907 586-7221, Fax: 907 586-7249, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-AY81

220. Amendment 6 to the Monkfish Fishery Management Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The purpose of Amendment 6 to the Monkfish FMP is to 
consider developing a catch-share management program for this fishery. 
This would very likely also involve the development of a referendum for 
such a program, as required under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Intent To Prepare an EIS..   11/30/10  75 FR 74005
NPRM................................   02/00/12  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BA50

221. Amendment 24 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-
Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The purpose of the amendment is to implement a rebuilding 
plan for red grouper in the South Atlantic that would specify annual 
catch targets and annual catch limits by sector. NMFS notified the 
Council of the stock status on June 9, 2010; the Magnuson-Stevens Act 
specifies that measures must be implemented within 2 years of 
notification.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Intent....................   01/03/11  76 FR 99

[[Page 7911]]

 
Notice of Intent Comment Period End.   02/14/11  .......................
NPRM................................   02/00/12  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 
727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BA52

222. Amendment 22 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-
Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The purpose of the amendment is to establish a long-term 
red snapper fishery management program in the South Atlantic to 
optimize yield and rebuild the stock, while minimizing socioeconomic 
impacts. More specifically, these alternatives will consider the 
elimination of harvest restrictions on red snapper as the stock 
increases in biomass.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Intent....................   01/03/11  76 FR 101
Notice of Intent Comment Period End.   02/14/11  .......................
NPRM................................   12/00/11  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 
727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BA53

223. Amendment 21 to the Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan of the 
South Atlantic Region

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: Amendment 21 examines measures to limit participation in 
the snapper-grouper fishery, including endorsements, trip limits, and 
catch-share programs.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/00/12  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 
727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BA59

224. Amendment 5 to the Golden Crab Fishery Management Plan of the 
South Atlantic

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: Golden Crab Amendment 5 examines alternatives for a 
catch-share program to limit participation in the golden crab fishery.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/00/12  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 
727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: [email protected]
    RIN: 0648-BA60

225.  Implement the 2010 Shark Conservation Act Provisions and 
Other Regulations in the Atlantic Smoothhound Shark Fishery

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801
    Abstract: This rule considers changes in the Atlantic shark fishery 
to comply with the 2010 Shark Conservation Act. Additionally, the rule 
reexamines the overall smoothhound shark quota based upon updated catch 
data and would implement measures, as needed, to comply with the 
Endangered Species Act.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/11  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Margo Schulze-Haugen, Supervisory Fish Management 
Officer, 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-BB02

226.  To Establish a Voluntary Fishing Capacity Reduction 
Program in the Longline Catcher Processor Subsector of the Bering Sea 
and Aleutian Islands Management Area Non-Pollock Groundfish Fishery

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1279; 46 U.S.C. 1279; Pub. L. 108-199; 
Pub. L. 108-447
    Abstract: This action establishes a second fishing capacity 
reduction program in the longline catcher processor subsector of the 
Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands non-pollock groundfish fishery. The maximum 
reduction cost is $2,700,000, funded by a loan to be repaid by landing 
fees for those participants remaining in the fishery. The program makes 
payments for relinquishing all Federal fishing licenses and permits. 
Participating fishing vessels can never again fish anywhere in the 
world and must remain U.S. flagged. Reducing capacity will increase 
post-reduction harvesters' productivity, financially stabilize the 
fishery, and help conserve and manage non-pollock groundfish.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/11  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Gary C. Reisner, Director, Office of Management and 
Budget, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 
301 713-2259, Fax: 301 713-1464, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BB06

227.  Amendment 11 to the Fishery Management Plan for the 
Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801
    Abstract: The purpose of the amendment is to modify regulations 
pertaining to the deepwater species in order to reduce the socio-
economic effects expected from the regulations in Amendment 17B to the 
Snapper-Grouper FMP while maintaining or increasing the biological 
protection to speckled hind and warsaw grouper in the South Atlantic.
    Timetable:

[[Page 7912]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   01/00/12  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 
727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BB10

228.  Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish 
Fishery; Trawl Rationalization Program; Cost Recovery Program

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1853a
    Abstract: This rulemaking would implement a Cost Recovery Program 
for the Pacific Coast Groundfish Trawl Rationalization Program (TRAT). 
In accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act (MSA) 16 U.S.C. 1853a MSA 303A(d)(2), the Secretary of 
Commerce is authorized to collect a fee to recover the actual costs 
directly related to the management, data collection, and enforcement of 
any limited access privilege program (LAPP), up to 3 percent of the ex-
vessel value of the fish harvested under the LAPP. The Pacific Fishery 
Management Council (Council) recommended and NMFS approved Amendment 20 
to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP) in 2010, 
which acknowledged the MSA requirement for a Cost Recovery Program 
(Appendix E to the FMP). NMFS implemented most of the Trawl 
Rationalization Program in January 2011 with notice that the design and 
implementation of a Cost Recovery Program would follow.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/11  .......................
Final Action........................   01/00/12  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BB17

229.  Regulatory Amendment to the Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish 
Fishery Management Plan To Increase the Total Allowable Catch for Red 
Grouper

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The 2009 update stock assessment of the red grouper stock 
indicated that, although the stock continues to be neither overfished 
nor undergoing overfishing, the stock has declined since 2005. This 
decline was attributed to a 2005 episodic mortality event resulting in 
a little over 20 percent of the red grouper stock being killed, in 
addition to normal natural and fishing mortalities. Therefore, there is 
a need to improve the stock condition to a level where, at equilibrium, 
the stock can be harvested at optimum yield. A 2010 framework action 
set the 2011 total allowable catch (TAC) consistent with the findings 
of the assessment. A rerun of the assessment was subsequently conducted 
that included landings data through 2010. Because of lower than 
predicted landings, the rerun of the assessment supported increasing 
the 2011 TAC from 5.68 to 6.88 million pounds. The first action of this 
framework action is to consider increasing the 2011 TAC and setting the 
TAC for at least 2012 consistent with the results of the update 
assessment. This increase would provide more fish for harvest by the 
commercial sector through a quota increase. A second action is to 
consider increasing the red grouper bag limit for the recreational 
sector so it can harvest its allocation of the TAC. Alternatives 
considered in this framework action are consistent with the goals and 
objectives of the Council's reef fish management strategy and achieve 
the mandates of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/11  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 
727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BB22

230.  Amendment 93 To Implement Chinook Salmon Prohibited 
Species Catch Limits in the Gulf of Alaska Pollock Fishery

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 3631 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq.; 16 
U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; Pub. L. 108-199; 118 Stat 110
    Abstract: This action would limit Chinook salmon prohibited species 
catch (PSC) and increase monitoring in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) pollock 
fishery. A 25,000 lb Chinook salmon PSC annual limit would be 
apportioned between the GOA Central and Western Regulatory Areas, with 
a 18,316 lb Chinook salmon PSC limit in the Central Regulatory Area and 
a 6,684 lb Chinook salmon PSC limit in the Western Regulatory Area. If 
the PSC limit is reached in a regulatory area, that pollock fishery 
would be closed. To provide better information on the quantity and 
source of salmon incidentally caught in the pollock fishery, this 
action also would increase observer coverage on vessels less than 60 
feet in length overall and require full retention of salmon.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/11
Final Rule..........................   08/00/12
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: James Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 709 West Ninth Street, Juneau, AK 99801, Phone: 907 
586-7221, Fax: 907 586-7465, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BB24

231.  Implementation of Comprehensive Ecosystem Based Amendment 
2

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This CE-BA 2 proposes to specify the annual catch limit 
(ACL) for octocorals in the South Atlantic region. The South Atlantic 
Council is considering modifying the fishery management unit (FMU) for 
octocorals under the Fishery Management Plan for Coral, Coral Reefs, 
Live/Hardbottom Habitats of the South Atlantic Region (Coral FMP) to 
specify that octocorals are included in the exclusive economic zone off 
of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. As a result of 
potentially reducing the management unit for octocorals, the South 
Atlantic Council is also considering an action to set the ACL at zero.

[[Page 7913]]

    CE-BA 2 would amend the Snapper Grouper FMP and FMP for the Coastal 
Migratory Pelagic Resources in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico to 
require that harvest (with the use of all non-prohibited fishing gear) 
and possession of snapper grouper and coastal migratory pelagic managed 
species in South Carolina SMZs be limited to the recreational bag 
limit.
    An action to modify sea turtle and smalltooth sawfish release gear 
requirements for the snapper grouper fishery is also included in CE-BA 
2.
    This amendment would amend Council FMPs as needed to designate new 
or modify existing EFH and EFH-HAPCs.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/11
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 
727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BB26

232.  Amendment 18 to the Fishery Management Plan for Coastal 
Migratory Pelagic Resources in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    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 coastal migratory pelagics fishery is 
jointly managed by the Gulf and South Atlantic Councils. The Gulf of 
Mexico and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils (Councils) are 
currently considering regulatory action needed to set annual catch 
limits and accountability measures as required by the Magnuson-Stevens 
Fishery Conservation and Management Act. In addition, the Councils are 
addressing actions and alternatives to remove several coastal migratory 
pelagic species from the FMP, update the framework procedure, establish 
migratory groups for cobia, and redefine biological reference points.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/11
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 
727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BB33

233.  Amendment 11 to the Fishery Management Plan for Spiny 
Lobster in The Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The Spiny Lobster fishery is jointly managed by the Gulf 
and South Atlantic Councils. Amendment 11 to the Fishery Management 
Plan (FMP) will implement reasonable and prudent measures from the 2009 
Biological Opinion. The actions include establishment of trap line 
marking requirements and closed areas to protect Acropora coral 
species. These actions were originally included in Amendment 10 to the 
FMP; however, the Councils chose to take no action at that time to 
allow for additional stakeholder input.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/11  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 
727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BB44

234.  Framework 23 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery 
Management Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The purpose of Framework 23 is to address four specific 
issues identified by the public and the Council to improve the overall 
effectiveness of the Scallop Fishery Management Plan. The need is to 
develop measures to minimize impacts on sea turtles through the 
requirement of a turtle deflector dredge; improve the effectiveness of 
the accountability measures adopted under Scallop Amendment 15 for the 
yellowtail flounder sub annual catch limit; consider specific changes 
to the general category Northern Gulf of Maine management program to 
address potential inconsistencies, and to consider modifications to the 
vessel monitoring system to improve fleet operations.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   01/00/12
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BB51

235. Potential Revisions to the Turtle Excluder Device Requirements

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 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................................   12/00/11
NPRM Comment Period End.............   02/00/12
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric

[[Page 7914]]

Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 
727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-AV04

236. Marine Mammal Protection Act Permit Regulation Revisions

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 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 Extended Comment Period End...   12/13/07  72 FR 58279
NPRM................................   12/00/11
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

237. Reduce Sea Turtle Bycatch in Atlantic Trawl Fisheries

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 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................................   12/00/11
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Alexis Gutierrez, Foreign Affairs Specialist, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 
301 713-2322, Fax: 301 713-4060, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-AY61

238. Amendment to Regulations Under the Bottlenose Dolphin Take 
Reduction Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.
    Abstract: Serious injury and mortality of the western North 
Atlantic bottlenose dolphin stocks incidental to Category I and II 
fisheries continue at levels potentially exceeding Potential Biological 
Removal (PBR) levels, requiring additional management measures under 
the Bottlenose Dolphin Take Reduction Plan (BDTRP). Therefore, the this 
action amends the BDTRP to reduce serious injury and mortality of 
bottlenose dolphins in the Virginia pound net fishery (Category II) and 
mid-Atlantic gillnet fishery (Category I) in North Carolina, 
specifically, the spiny dogfish fishery. The need for this action is to 
ensure the BDTRP meets its MMPA mandated short- and long-term goals. 
NMFS will examine a number of management measures, including consensus 
recommendations from the Bottlenose Dolphin Take Reduction Team, 
designed to reduce the incidental mortality or serious injury of 
bottlenose dolphins taken in both the Virginia pound net fishery and 
spiny dogfish fishery in North Carolina to below PBR, as well as other 
updates supporting the objectives of the BDTRP.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/11
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Stacey Leah Carlson, Fishery Biologist, Department 
of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 263 13th 
Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 727 824-5312, Fax: 727 
824-5309, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BA34

239.  North American Right Whales; Continuation of Vessel Speed 
Restrictions to Reduce Right Whale Deaths From Ship Strikes

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.
    Abstract: NMFS proposes to eliminate an expiration requirement 
currently contained in vessel speed restrictions designed to reduce the 
likelihood of vessel collisions with North Atlantic right whales. The 
regulations require speed restrictions of no more than 10 knots 
applying to all vessels 65 ft (19.8 m) or greater in overall length in 
certain locations and at certain times of the year along the east coast 
of the U.S. Atlantic seaboard. The rule is currently set to expire 
December 9, 2013. NMFS seeks public comment on the proposed rule.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/11
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BB20

240.  Endangered and Threatened Species; Designation of 
Critical Habitat for Lower Columbia River Coho Salmon and Puget Sound 
Steelhead

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 to 1544
    Abstract: We, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), propose 
to designate critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) 
for the lower Columbia River coho salmon and the Puget Sound steelhead 
distinct

[[Page 7915]]

population segments (DPS). The proposed areas include freshwater 
streams and estuarine habitats in Puget Sound, the Strait of Juan de 
Fuca, SW Washington, and NW Oregon. This proposed rule will seek 
comments and any additional information on the areas proposed for 
designation and our evaluation of areas that may warrant exclusion from 
the designation.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   01/00/12
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BB30

241.  Amendment and Updates to the Bottlenose Dolphin Take 
Reduction Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.
    Abstract: Serious injury and mortality of the Western North 
Atlantic bottlenose dolphin stocks incidental to Category I and II 
fisheries continue at levels potentially exceeding Potential Biological 
Removal (PBR) levels, requiring additional management measures under 
the Bottlenose Dolphin Take Reduction Plan (BDTRP). Therefore, the 
purpose of the proposed actions is to amend the BDTRP to reduce serious 
injury and mortality of bottlenose dolphins in the Virginia pound net 
fishery (Category II). The need for the proposed action is to ensure 
the BDTRP meets its MMPA mandated short- and long-term goals. NMFS will 
examine a number of management measures, including consensus 
recommendations from the Bottlenose Dolphin Take Reduction Team, 
designed to reduce the incidental mortality or serious injury of 
bottlenose dolphins taken in the Virginia pound net fishery to below 
PBR.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/00/12  .......................
Final Action........................   06/00/12  .......................
Final Rule Effective................   07/00/12  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Melissa Andersen, Fishery Biologist, Management, 
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-BB37

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Final Rule Stage

National Marine Fisheries Service

242. Amending Regulations for the Pacific Halibut, Sablefish, and 
Pollock Fisheries Conducted Under the Western Alaska Community 
Development Quota (CDQ) Program

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq.; 16 
U.S.C. 3631 et seq.; Pub. L. 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..........................   12/00/11  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Robert D. Mecum, Deputy Acting Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, Room 420, 709 West Ninth Street, Juneau, AK 99802, 
Phone: 907 586-7221, Fax: 907 586-7249, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-AV33

243. Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management 
Reauthorization Act (MSRA) Environmental Review Procedure

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801
    Abstract: Section 107 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation 
and Management Reauthorization Act (MSRA) (Pub. 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........................   12/00/11  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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].

[[Page 7916]]

    RIN: 0648-AV53

244. Allowable Modifications to the Turtle Excluder Device Requirements

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 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................................   09/02/10  75 FR 53925
NPRM Comment Period End.............   10/18/10  .......................
Final Action........................   12/00/11  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael Barnette, Fishery Biologist, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 263 13th 
Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 727 551-5794, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-AW93

245. Amendment 11 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, Butterfish Fishery 
Management Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 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
Notice of Availability..............   07/06/11  76 FR 39374
NPRM................................   08/01/11  76 FR 45742
Notice of Availability Comment         09/06/11  .......................
 Period End.
NPRM Comment Period End.............   09/15/11  .......................
Final Action........................   12/00/11  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

246. Amendment 30 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea and 
Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs Arbitration Regulations

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1862; Pub. L. 109-241; Pub. L. 109-479
    Abstract: This action implements 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   07/25/11  76 FR 44297
NPRM................................   08/10/11  76 FR 49423
Notice of Availability Comment         09/23/11  .......................
 Period End.
Final Action........................   12/00/11  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: James Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 709 West Ninth Street, Juneau, AK 99801, Phone: 907 
586-7221, Fax: 907 586-7465, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-AX47

247. 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 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 773
    Abstract: This action amends existing commercial fishing 
regulations for the fixed-gear Pacific Halibut and sablefish individual 
fishing quota program at 50 CFR 679. The amendment revokes 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 will improve the efficiency of the Pacific Halibut and 
Sablefish IFQ program and augment operational flexibility of 
participating fishermen.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/23/10  75 FR 51741
NPRM Comment Period End.............   09/22/10  .......................
Final Rule..........................   12/00/11  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Robert D. Mecum, Deputy Acting Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, Room 420, 709 West Ninth Street, Juneau, AK 99802, 
Phone: 907 586-7221, Fax: 907 586-7249, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-AX91

248. Addendum IV to the Weakfish Interstate Management Plan--Bycatch 
Trip Limit

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 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 change would decrease the incidental catch allowance for 
weakfish in the EEZ in nondirected 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:

[[Page 7917]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/12/10  75 FR 26703
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/11/10  .......................
NPRM Comment Period Reopened........   06/16/10  75 FR 34092
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/30/10  .......................
Final Action........................   05/00/12  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

249. Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod 
Allocations in the Gulf of Alaska; Amendment 83

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This rulemaking establishes Pacific cod allocations in 
the Gulf of Alaska among the jig, trawl, hook-and-line, and pot 
sectors. This action also limits access to the parallel fishery for 
Federal fishery participants. This action is necessary to reduce 
uncertainty and contribute to stability across the sectors, while 
providing consideration of fishing communities and entry-level 
opportunities for the jig sector.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   06/28/11  76 FR 37763
NPRM................................   07/26/11  76 FR 44700
NPRM Comment Period End.............   09/09/11  .......................
Final Action........................   12/00/11  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Robert D. Mecum, Deputy Acting Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, Room 420, 709 West Ninth Street, Juneau, AK 99802, 
Phone: 907 586-7221, Fax: 907 586-7249, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-AY53

250. Amendment to Correct and Clarify Amendment 16 and Subsequent 
Frameworks of the Northeast Multispecies Fisheries Management Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action corrects and clarifies 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................................   05/02/11  76 FR 24444
NPRM Comment Period End.............   05/17/11  .......................
Interim Final Rule..................   07/19/11  76 FR 42577
Interim Final Rule Effective........   07/19/11  .......................
Interim Final Rule Comment Period      08/18/11  .......................
 End.
Final Action........................   12/00/11  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-AY95

251. Fishing Capacity Reduction Program for the Southeast Alaska Purse 
Seine Salmon Fishery

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 46 U.S.C. 53701 et seq.; 
Pub. L. 108-447; Pub. L. 109-447; Pub. L. 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 postreduction permit 
holders participating in the fishery and 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................................   05/23/11  76 FR 29707
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/22/11
Final Action........................   01/00/12
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Gary C. Reisner, Director, Office of Management and 
Budget, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 
301 713-2259, Fax: 301 713-1464, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BA13

252. Amendment 3 to the Atlantic Deep-Sea Red Crab Fishery Management 
Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801
    Abstract: This action is required to bring the Atlantic Deep-Sea 
Red Crab FMP into compliance with the reauthorized Magnuson-Stevens 
Fishery Conservation and Management Act by incorporating an annual 
catch limit (ACL) and accountability measures (AMs). The Red Crab FMP 
may also be modified to implement a ``hard quota'' (or total allowable 
landings (TAL)) in place of the current target total allowable catch 
(TAC) and days-at-sea (DAS) system. Other management measures currently 
in place may be modified or eliminated.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   06/22/11  76 FR 36511
NPRM................................   07/06/11  76 FR 39369
NPRM Comment Period End.............   08/05/11
Notice of Availability Comment         08/22/11
 Period End.
Final Action........................   12/00/11
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BA22

[[Page 7918]]

253. Framework Adjustment 45 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery 
Management Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) 
developed Framework Adjustment 45 to the Northeast Multispecies FMP to 
implement measures to update status determination criteria for pollock; 
revise the rebuilding program for Georges Bank yellowtail flounder; 
revise annual catch limits for several stocks; implement additional 
sectors, including State-sponsored permit banks; modify a scallop 
exemption area; revise monitoring requirements; and implement a 
spawning closure area in the Gulf of Maine. These measures are expected 
to continue efforts to rebuild overfished stocks, minimize costs to 
industry, and increase the economic efficiency of vessel operations.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/03/11  76 FR 11858
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/18/11
Final Rule..........................   04/25/11  76 FR 23042
Temporary Final Rule................   06/15/11  76 FR 34903
Final Action--Adjustments...........   12/00/11
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BA27

254. Modification of Regulations Governing the Retention of 
Incidentally Caught Highly Migratory Species in Atlantic Trawl 
Fisheries

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801
    Abstract: This rule modifies the regulations governing Atlantic 
highly migratory species (HMS) to address the retention of incidentally 
caught North Atlantic swordfish in squid trawl fisheries, and the 
retention of incidentally caught species in the smoothhound shark 
complex (which includes smooth dogfish and Florida smoothhound (genus 
Mustelus)) in all Atlantic trawl fisheries. Trawl gear is not 
authorized in Atlantic HMS fisheries, but an allowance for the 
retention of incidentally caught swordfish in trawl gear has been 
established to reduce regulatory discards. This rule modifies the 
allowance for incidentally caught HMS in trawl gear to reduce 
regulatory dead discards, to the extent practicable, by converting 
discards into landings, improve fishery data collection, provide 
additional opportunities for the U.S. swordfish quota to be caught, and 
accommodate traditional fishing methods (i.e., trawls) that 
incidentally capture North Atlantic swordfish and smoothhound shark 
species.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/18/11  76 FR 14884
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/17/11
Final Rule..........................   08/10/11  76 FR 49368
Final Action........................   12/00/11
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Margo Schulze-Haugen, Supervisory Fish Management 
Officer, 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-BA45

255. Framework Adjustment 7 to the Monkfish Fishery Management Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: Framework Adjustment 7 to the Monkfish FMP adjusts the 
annual catch target (ACT) for the Northern Fishery Management Area 
(NFMA) to be consistent with the most recent scientific advice 
regarding the acceptable biological catch (ABC) for monkfish. The New 
England Fishery Management Council's Scientific and Statistical 
Committee (SSC) has recommended a revision to the ABC, based on the 
recent stock assessment (SARC 50), that is lower than the ACT for the 
NFMA proposed in Amendment 5 to the Monkfish FMP. Specifically, the SSC 
recommended a revised NFMA ABC of 7,592 mt, which is 29 percent lower 
than the NFMA ACT of 10,750 mt proposed in Amendment 5. Conversely, the 
recalculated ABC for the Southern Fishery Management Area (SFMA) is 850 
mt higher than the Council's recommended ACT for that area. Thus, no 
change is proposed for the SFMA. Framework 7 also specifies a new day-
at-sea (DAS) allocation and trip limits for the NFMA commensurate with 
the new ACT (as necessary), and adopts revised biomass reference points 
based on the recommendations of SARC 50 and the SSC.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/05/11  76 FR 47533
NPRM Comment Period End.............   09/06/11
Final Action........................   12/00/11
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BA46

256. Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Vessel Monitoring Systems

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.
    Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) will require 
replacement of currently required Mobile Transmitting Unit (MTU) VMS 
units with Enhanced Mobile Transmitting Unit (E-MTU) VMS units in 
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) fisheries, implement a 
declaration system that requires vessels to declare target fishery and 
gear type(s) possessed on board, and require that a qualified marine 
electrician install all E-MTU VMS units. This rulemaking removes dated 
MTU VMS units from service in Atlantic HMS fisheries, makes Atlantic 
HMS VMS requirements consistent with other VMS monitored Atlantic 
fisheries, provides the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
Office of Law Enforcement (NMFS) with enhanced communication with HMS 
vessels at sea, and could increase the level of safety at sea for HMS 
fishery participants. This rule affects all HMS Pelagic Longline (PLL), 
Bottom Longline (BLL), and shark gillnet fishermen who are currently 
required to have VMS onboard their vessels.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/21/11  76 FR 36071
NPRM Correction.....................   06/29/11  76 FR 38107
Notice of Additional Public Meetings   07/01/11  76 FR 38598
NPRM Comment Period End.............   08/01/11
Final Action........................   12/00/11
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Margo Schulze-Haugen, Supervisory Fish Management 
Officer, Department of Commerce,

[[Page 7919]]

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-BA64

257. Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Implementing International 
Convention for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas Recommendations on 
Sharks

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.
    Abstract: This action implements two recommendations adopted at the 
2010 annual meeting of the International Commission for the 
Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). Recommendation 10-07 prohibits 
the retention, transshipping, landing, storing, or selling of oceanic 
whitetip sharks. Recommendation 10-08 prohibits the retention, 
transshipping, landing, storing, or selling of hammerhead sharks in the 
family Sphyrnidae, except for Sphyrnidae tiburo, taken in the 
Convention area in association with ICCAT fisheries.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/29/11  76 FR 23935
NPRM Comment Period End.............   05/31/11
Final Rule..........................   08/29/11  76 FR 53652
Final Rule Effective................   09/28/11
Final Action........................   12/00/11
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Margo Schulze-Haugen, Supervisory Fish Management 
Officer, 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-BA69

258. Amendment 15 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801
    Abstract: Amendment 15 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery 
Management Plan (Scallop FMP) was developed by the New England Fishery 
Management Council (Council) to implement Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) 
and Accountability Measures (AMs) to come into compliance with new 
requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act (MSA). In addition, Amendment 15 to the Scallop FMP 
includes measures that would make management of the scallop fishery 
more effective including: Modification of the overfishing definition 
for scallops; an increase in the possession limit for Limited Access 
General Category (LAGC) vessels; an allowance for carryover of 
Individual Fishing Quotas (IFQ) for LAGC vessels; a provision to enable 
LAGC vessel owners to permanently transfer IFQ separate from a vessel's 
LAGC permit; revision of the essential fish habitat closures under the 
Scallop FMP; and several changes to the scallop research set-aside 
program.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   03/24/11  76 FR 16595
NPRM................................   04/11/11  76 FR 19929
NPRM Comment Period End.............   05/26/11
Final Rule..........................   07/21/11  76 FR 43746
Final Action--Correction............   12/00/11
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Peter Christopher, Department of Commerce, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, 
Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone: 978 281-9288.
    RIN: 0648-BA71

259. Framework Adjustment 22 to the Scallop Fishery Management Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801
    Abstract: Framework 22 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop FMP (Framework 
22) sets management measures for the scallop fishery for the 2011-2013 
Fishing Years (FYs), including the Annual Catch Limits (ACL) and annual 
catch targets for the limited access and limited access general 
category fleets based on the ACL framework proposed in Amendment 15 to 
the FMP. In addition, Framework 22 revises the scallop access area 
schedules for FYs 2011-2013, sets the scallop Days-At-Sea (DAS) 
allocations and sea scallop access area trip allocations, and sets 
measures to minimize impacts of incidental take of sea turtles in the 
Mid-Atlantic Total Allowable Catches (TACs) for the Northern Gulf of 
Maine management area, observer set-aside, and incidental landings 
(target TAC).
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/29/11  76 FR 23940
NPRM Comment Period End.............   05/31/11
Final Action........................   07/21/11  76 FR 43774
Final Action Effective..............   08/01/11
Correcting Amendment................   12/00/11
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BA72

260. Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Electronic Dealer Reporting 
Requirements

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This rulemaking requires all federally-permitted Atlantic 
Highly Migratory Species (HMS) dealers to report commercially caught 
HMS (i.e., Atlantic sharks, tunas, and swordfish) to the National 
Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) through an electronic reporting system. 
In addition, this rulemaking clarifies that a dealer is only authorized 
to buy commercially caught HMS if the dealer reports have been 
submitted to NMFS in a timely manner. Any delinquent reports need to be 
submitted and accepted before a dealer can buy commercially caught HMS. 
Finally, this rulemaking requires that all commercially harvested HMS 
caught by federally permitted fishermen be offloaded to federally-
permitted and certified HMS dealers, who must report the associated 
catch to NMFS. These measures are necessary to ensure timely and 
accurate reporting, which is critical for quota monitoring and 
management of HMS.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/28/11  76 FR 37750
NPRM Comment Period End.............   08/12/11
Final Action........................   12/00/11
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Margo Schulze-Haugen, Supervisory Fish Management 
Officer, 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-BA75

[[Page 7920]]

261. Bering Sea Chinook Salmon Economic Data Reporting Program

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 1851; 16 U.S.C. 
3631 et seq.
    Abstract: NMFS implements the Chinook Salmon Economic Data Program 
to evaluate the effectiveness of Chinook salmon bycatch management 
measures for the Bering Sea pollock fishery that were implemented under 
Amendment 91 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the 
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (FMP). The rule is 
intended to promote the goals and objectives of the FMP, the Magnuson-
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, and other applicable 
law.
    To collect the data, NMFS requires submission of each of the 
following three reports/surveys. These will be in a fillable electronic 
format available on the NMFS AKR Web site. Representatives of AFA 
catcher/processor and mothership sectors, inshore cooperatives, the 
inshore open access fishery, and CDQ groups will be responsible to 
submit the Chinook EDR. The Reports/Surveys are: Chinook Salmon PSC 
Allocation Compensated Transfer Report (CTR); Vessel Fuel Survey; and 
the Vessel Master Survey.
    In addition to these reports/surveys, NMFS will collect new 
information concerning vessel movements on the fishing grounds and more 
general data on pollock allocations and transfers through revisions of 
requirements to the existing IPA Annual Report.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/18/11  76 FR 42099
NPRM Comment Period End.............   08/17/11  .......................
Final Rule..........................   12/00/11
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: James Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 709 West Ninth Street, Juneau, AK 99801, Phone: 907 
586-7221, Fax: 907 586-7465, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BA80

262.  Central Gulf of Alaska Rockfish Program Fishery 
Management Plan GOA 88

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801
    Abstract: Amendment 88 would implement the Central Gulf of Alaska 
Rockfish Program to replace the existing regulations for the Rockfish 
Pilot Program that are scheduled to expire at the end of 2011. This 
program would allocate exclusive harvest privileges to a select group 
of License Limitation Program (LLP) license holders who used trawl gear 
to target Pacific ocean perch, pelagic shelf rockfish, and northern 
rockfish during a suite of qualifying years. It would retain the 
conservation, management, safety, and economic gains realized under the 
rockfish pilot program and resolve identified issues in the management 
and viability of each sector. This program, if approved, would be 
implemented in 2012.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   07/28/11  76 FR 45217
NPRM................................   08/19/11  76 FR 52148
NPRM Commend Period End.............   09/19/11  .......................
Final Rule..........................   12/00/11
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: James Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 709 West Ninth Street, Juneau, AK 99801, Phone: 907 
586-7221, Fax: 907 586-7465, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BA97

263.  Repeal of the Fishery Management Plan for the Stone Crab 
Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action repeals the Fishery Management Plan for the 
Stone Crab Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP) and removes its 
implementing regulations, as requested by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery 
Management Council (Council). The stone crab fishery takes place 
primarily in State waters (off the coast of Florida) and Florida's Fish 
and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is extending its management 
into Federal waters. Repealing the Federal regulations would eliminate 
duplication of management efforts, reduce costs, and align with the 
President's Executive Order 13563, ``Improving Regulation and 
Regulatory Review,'' to ensure Federal regulations are more effective 
and less burdensome in achieving regulatory objectives. The intended 
effect of this action is to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of 
managing the stone crab fishery in the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf).
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/20/11  76 FR 43250
NPRM Comment Period End.............   08/19/11  .......................
Final Action........................   12/00/11
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 
727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BB07

264.  Implement Framework Adjustment 46 to the Northeast 
Multispecies Fishery Management Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: NMFS proposes regulations to implement measures in 
Framework Adjustment (FW) 46 to the NE Multispecies Fishery Management 
Plan (FMP). FW 46 was developed and submitted to NMFS for approval by 
the New England Fishery Management Council (Council) to address haddock 
catch in the Atlantic herring fishery. The proposed rule would increase 
the haddock incidental catch cap allocated to the Atlantic midwater 
trawl herring fishery to 1 percent of the Georges Bank (GB) haddock 
Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC), and to 1 percent of the Gulf of 
Maine (GOM) haddock ABC. In addition, this action would modify the cap 
accountability measures (AMs) such that, upon attainment of the cap, 
the midwater trawl herring fleet could not catch or land herring in 
excess of the incidental catch limit (2,000 lb (907.2 kg)) in or from 
the appropriate haddock stock area. This action is intended to allow 
the herring fishery to fully utilize available herring quota, while 
providing incentives for the midwater trawl fishery to minimize haddock 
catch.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/19/11  76 FR 42663
NPRM Comment Period End.............   08/03/11  .......................
Final Action........................   12/00/11
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Melissa Vasquez, Fishery Policy Analyst, Department 
of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 55 Great 
Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone: 978 281-9166, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BB08

[[Page 7921]]

265.  Supplement Amendment 26 and Amendment 29 to the Reef Fish 
Fishery Management Plan (FMP) of the Gulf of Mexico

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: Amendment 26 to the Reef Fish fishery management plan 
(FMP) established the Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper Individual Fishing 
Quota (IFQ) program. This amendment contains provisions to allow public 
participation after 5 years of the program. As of January 1, 2012, all 
U.S. citizens and permanent resident aliens are eligible to participate 
in the Gulf Red Snapper IFQ program. Amendment 29 to the Reef Fish FMP 
established the Gulf of Mexico Grouper-Tilefish IFQ program. Under the 
revised Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA) of 2007, regulations require any 
participant in IFQ programs to be U.S. citizens. Currently, information 
verifying U.S. citizenship is not collected on Federal Reef Fish permit 
applications. The intended effect of this action is to establish the 
requirements and procedures for collecting information necessary to 
identify participants in order to monitor, enforce, and review the IFQ 
program as specified in Amendments 26 and Amendment 29 to the Reef Fish 
FMP. This action establishes the requirement that any U.S. citizen, or 
permanent resident alien applying for participation, or person 
previously issued an IFQ online account by NOAA Fisheries Service's 
Southeast Region must provide such information on an IFQ online account 
application to obtain an IFQ online account.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/17/11  76 FR 50979
NPRM Comment Period End.............   09/16/11  .......................
Final Action........................   12/00/11
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 
727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BB15

266.  Emergency Rule to Increase the 2011 Catch Limits for the 
Northeast Skate Complex

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The proposed temporary emergency rule would increase the 
skate complex Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC), Annual Catch Limit 
(ACL), Annual Catch Target (ACT), and annual Total Allowable Landings 
(TALs) consistent with best available scientific information, and the 
procedures contained in the Northeast Skate Complex Fishery Management 
Plan. The Council requested the emergency action after receiving a new 
recommendation for ABC from the Scientific and Statistical Committee in 
June 2011. The action is needed to extend the fishing season for the 
directed skate fisheries, and help avoid the economic impacts of a 
potential fishery closure before the end of the fishing year.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/30/11  76 FR 53872
NPRM Comment Period End.............   09/14/11  .......................
Final Action........................   12/00/11
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BB32

267.  Rule to Delay the Effective Date of Atlantic Smoothhound 
Management Measures

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801
    Abstract: NMFS is delaying the effective date of smoothhound 
management measures implemented in the Final Rule for Amendment 3 to 
the 2006 Consolidated Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Fishery Management 
Plan (FMP) (June 1, 2010). This action is necessary to ensure recent 
legislation, namely the 2010 Shark Conservation Act, is fully 
considered and to allow time for a Section 7 consultation under the 
Endangered Species Act (ESA) to be completed. NMFS expects that the 
smoothhound management measures would become effective upon the 
effective date of the rule implementing the Shark Conservation Act 
smooth dogfish measures or following completion of the Section 7 
Biological Opinion, whichever is later.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Rule..........................   12/00/11  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Margo Schulze-Haugen, Supervisory Fish Management 
Officer, 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-BB43

268. Revision of Critical Habitat Designation for the Endangered 
Leatherback Sea Turtle

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 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 revises 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........................   12/00/11  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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, Fax: 301 713-
4060, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-AX06

269. Designating Critical Habitat for the Endangered Black Abalone

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 to 1543
    Abstract: Under section 4 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the 
Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) shall designate critical habitat for 
species listed as threatened or endangered. This rulemaking designates 
critical habitat for the endangered black abalone. Once critical 
habitat is designated, Federal agencies are required to comply with 
section 7 of the ESA to ensure activities they carry out, authorize, or 
fund do not

[[Page 7922]]

destroy or adversely affect this designated critical habitat. An 
economic analysis report, biological report, and ESA section 4(b)(2) 
analysis report prepared in support of this rulemaking will be 
available for public review and comment.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   09/28/10  75 FR 59900
NPRM Comment Period End.............   11/29/10  .......................
Final Action........................   12/00/11  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Melissa Neuman, Fish Biologist, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Suite 4200, 
501 West Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90802, Phone: 562 980-4115, 
Fax: 562 980-4027, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-AY62

270. False Killer Whale Take Reduction Plan (Section 610 Review)

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.
    Abstract: NMFS is undertaking rulemaking to implement a False 
Killer Whale Take Reduction Plan (FKWTRP). The FKWTRP is based on 
consensus recommendations submitted by the False Killer Whale Take 
Reduction Team (FKWTRT). This action is necessary because current 
serious injury and mortality rates of the Hawaii Pelagic stock of false 
killer whales incidental to the Category I Hawaii-based deep-set (tuna 
target) longline fishery and Category II Hawaii-based shallow-set 
(swordfish target) fishery are above the stock's potential biological 
removal (PBR) level, and therefore inconsistent with the short-term 
goal of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). Additionally, serious 
injury and mortality rates of the Hawaii Insular stock and Palmyra 
Atoll stocks of false killer whales incidental to the Hawaii-based 
deep-set longline fishery are above insignificant levels approaching a 
zero mortality and serious injury rate, and therefore inconsistent with 
the long-term goal of the MMPA. The FKWTRP is intended to meet the 
statutory mandates and requirements of the MMPA through both regulatory 
and nonregulatory measures, and research and data collection 
priorities.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/18/11  76 FR 42082
NPRM Comment Period Ends............   10/17/11  .......................
Final Action........................   01/00/12  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Kristy Long, Fisheries Biologist, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Room 13738, 
1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 713-2322, 
Fax: 301 427-2522, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BA30

271. Endangered and Threatened Species, Designation of Critical Habitat 
for Southern Distinct Population Segment of Eulachon

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1533
    Abstract: We, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), propose 
to designate critical habitat for the southern Distinct Population 
Segment (DPS) of Pacific eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus), which was 
recently listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). 
We have proposed 12 specific areas for designation as critical habitat 
within the states of California, Oregon, and Washington. The proposed 
areas are a combination of freshwater creeks and rivers and their 
associated estuaries which comprise approximately 470 km (292 mi) of 
habitat. Three particular areas are proposed for exclusion after 
evaluating the impacts and benefits associated with tribal land 
ownership and management by Indian tribes, but no areas are proposed 
for exclusion based on economic impacts.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   01/05/11  76 FR 515
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/07/11  .......................
Final Action........................   12/00/11  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BA38

272. Revision of Hawaiian Monk Seal Critical Habitat

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1533.
    Abstract: On July 9, 2008, NMFS received a petition from the Center 
for Biological Diversity, Kahea, and the Ocean Conservancy to revise 
the Hawaiian monk seal critical habitat designation by adding the 
following areas in the main Hawaiian Islands (MHI): Key beach areas, 
sand spits, and islets, including all beach crest vegetation to its 
deepest extent inland; lagoon waters; inner reef waters; and ocean 
waters out to a depth of 200 meters. In addition, the petitioners 
requested that designated critical habitat in the NWHI be extended to 
include Sand Island at Midway, as well as ocean waters out to a depth 
of 500 meters. On October 3, 2008, NMFS announced in the 90-day finding 
that the petition presented substantial scientific information 
indicating that a revision to the current critical habitat designation 
may be warranted. On June 12, 2009, in the 12-month finding, NMFS 
announced that a revision to critical habitat is warranted, on account 
of new information available regarding habitat use by the Hawaiian monk 
seal, and announced our intention to proceed toward a proposed rule. 
This rule describes the critical habitat designation, including 
supporting information on Hawaiian monk seal biology, distribution, and 
habitat use, and the methods used to develop the proposed revision to 
Hawaiian monk seal critical habitat.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/02/11  76 FR 32026
Notice of Public Meetings...........   07/14/11  76 FR 41446
NPRM Comment Period End.............   08/31/11  .......................
Final Action........................   06/00/12  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BA81

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Completed Actions

273. Amendment 4 to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.

[[Page 7923]]

    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
Notice of Availability..............   08/12/10  75 FR 48920
Notice of Availability Comment         10/12/10  .......................
 Period End.
NPRM................................   10/18/10  75 FR 63791
NPRM Comment Period End.............   12/02/10  .......................
Final Action........................   03/02/11  76 FR 11373
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

274. Correction and Clarification to Amendment 13 and Subsequent 
Frameworks of the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
No Further Action...................   08/10/11  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-AW95

275. Implementation of Compatible Regulations With U.S. Virgin Islands 
Territorial Waters

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 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 implements 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................................   01/20/11  76 FR 3596
NPRM Comment Period End.............   02/22/11  .......................
Final Rule..........................   04/29/11  76 FR 23907
Final Action--Correction............   05/26/11  76 FR 30554
Final Action Effective..............   05/31/11  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 3370, Phone: 
727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-AY03

276. Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; 
2011 to 2012 Biennial Specifications and Management Measures; FMP 
Amendment 16-5 and FMP Amendment 23

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This rule sets the 2011 to 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
NPRM................................   11/03/10  75 FR 67810
Notice of Availability Comment         11/30/10  .......................
 Period End.
NPRM Comment Period Extension.......   12/03/10  75 FR 75449
NPRM Comment Period End.............   12/03/10  .......................
NPRM Comment Period Extension Ends..   01/04/11  .......................
Final Rule..........................   05/11/11  76 FR 27508
Interim Final Rule..................   06/15/11  76 FR 34910
Interim Final Rule Comment Period      07/15/11  .......................
 End.
Final Action; Correcting Amendment..   09/02/11  76 FR 54713
Final Rule Effective................   09/02/11  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

277. Emergency Rule to Reopen the Recreational Red Snapper Season in 
the Gulf of Mexico

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) 
has requested that NOAA Fisheries Service publish an emergency rule 
that will

[[Page 7924]]

provide authority to the Regional Administrator to reopen 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 
to 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 Emergency Rule................   09/24/10  75 FR 58335
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 
727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BA06

278. 2011 Atlantic Bluefish Specifications

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801
    Abstract: This action establishes 2011 Atlantic bluefish 
specifications, including State-by-State commercial quotas, a 
recreational harvest limit, and recreational possession limits for 
Atlantic bluefish off the east coast of the United States. The action 
also revises the Atlantic bluefish regulations for the specification of 
overall total allowable landings and the target fishing mortality rate 
to more clearly reflect the intent of the Atlantic Bluefish Fishery 
Management Plan.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   01/14/11  76 FR 2640
NPRM Comment Period End.............   01/31/11  .......................
Final Action........................   03/31/11  76 FR 17789
Final Action Effective..............   05/02/11  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BA26

279. Implementation of a Recreational Seasonal Closure for Greater 
Amberjack; Regulatory Framework Action to the Fishery Management Plan 
for Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP)

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: To reduce the probability of early in-season closures for 
recreational greater amberjack in the Gulf of Mexico, this rule closes 
the greater amberjack recreational fishing season annually from June 1 
through July 31. The intended effect of this rule is to maintain the 
rebuilding plan targets for the overfished greater amberjack, prevent 
the annual catch limit from being exceeded, and maximize the number of 
fishing days available to the recreational sector.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   01/24/11  76 FR 4084
NPRM Comment Period End.............   02/23/11  .......................
NPRM Comment Period Reopened........   03/10/11  76 FR 13122
NPRM Reopened Comment Period End....   03/25/11  .......................
Final Action........................   04/29/11  76 FR 23904
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 
727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BA48

280. Amendment 10 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-
Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The purpose of the amendment is to reduce the spatial and 
temporal coverage of the regulations proposed in Amendment 17A to the 
Snapper-Grouper FMP, based on the most recent scientific information 
concerning the red snapper stock in the South Atlantic.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/18/11  76 FR 9530
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/21/11  .......................
Final Action........................   04/28/11  76 FR 23728
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 
727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BA51

281. Amendment to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish 
Resources of the Gulf of Mexico to Set Total Allowable Catch for Red 
Snapper

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action adjusts the commercial and recreational 
quotas of red snapper to 3.66 and 3.525 MP, respectively, consistent 
with the 51:49 ratio for the commercial and recreational allocation of 
red snapper established in Amendment 1 to the FMP. NOAA Fisheries 
Service will provide an estimated projection for the number of days in 
the 2011 recreational fishing season after the 2010 harvest numbers are 
received.
    In addition, NOAA Fisheries Service makes administrative 
adjustments to the reef fish individual fishing quota program via the 
authority in section 305(d) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. This action 
revises the definition of ``actual ex-vessel value'' in section 622.2 
of the regulations. The intent of this revision is to allow NOAA 
Fisheries Service to more accurately analyze the total value of the 
Gulf red snapper and grouper and tilefish fisheries. Similarly, NOAA 
Fisheries Service revises regulations at section 622.16 and section 
622.20 to extend the existing 12-hour maintenance window with an 
additional 8 hours to allow for more time to conduct end of year 
maintenance. It also clarifies how fishermen can submit an IFQ landing 
notification during the maintenance window.
    Lastly, NOAA Fisheries Service removes an obsolete regulation. 
Regulations implementing Amendment 30B to the FMP, removed the February 
15 to March 15 seasonal closure of the commercial sector of the Gulf 
reef fish fishery for gag, red grouper, and black grouper. However, 
NOAA Fisheries Service inadvertently did not remove section 
622.45(c)(4) in the final rule for Amendment 30B, which includes the 
prohibition on the sale/purchase of gag, black grouper, or red grouper 
harvested from the Gulf by a vessel with a valid Federal commercial 
permit for Gulf reef fish from February 15 until March 15, each year. 
This action removes this obsolete paragraph.
    Timetable:

[[Page 7925]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/22/11  76 FR 9735
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/24/11  .......................
Final Action........................   04/29/11  76 FR 23911
Final Action Effective..............   05/31/11  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Roy E. Crabtree, Southeast Regional Administrator, 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 
727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BA54

282. Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Quotas 
and Atlantic Tuna Fisheries Management Measures

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.
    Abstract: This action modifies Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (BFT) base 
quotas for all domestic fishing categories; establishes BFT quota 
specifications for the 2011 fishing year; reinstates pelagic longline 
target catch requirements for retaining BFT in the Northeast Distant 
Gear Restricted Area (NED); amends the Atlantic tunas possession-at-sea 
and landing regulations to allow removal of tail lobes; and clarifies 
the transfer-at-sea regulations for Atlantic tunas. This action is 
necessary to implement recommendations of the International Commission 
for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), as required by the 
Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (ATCA), and to achieve domestic 
management objectives under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation 
and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). NMFS solicited written 
comments and held public hearings to receive oral comments on these 
actions.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/14/11  76 FR 13583
NPRM--Correction....................   03/21/11  76 FR 15276
Notice of Public Meetings...........   04/04/11  76 FR 18504
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/28/11  .......................
Final Action........................   07/05/11  76 FR 39019
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Margo Schulze-Haugen, Supervisory Fish Management 
Officer, 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-BA65

283. Catch Reporting Requirements in the Atlantic Herring Fishery

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The goal of the catch reporting rulemaking is to improve 
monitoring of the Annual Catch Limit (ACL) and sub-ACLs for each 
management area in the Atlantic herring fishery. Requirements under 
consideration include: Daily reporting via vessel monitoring systems 
for limited access herring vessels; weekly reporting via the 
interactive voice response system for open access vessels; and weekly 
submission of vessel trip reports for limited access and/or open access 
vessels.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/15/11  76 FR 34947
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/30/11  .......................
Final Action........................   09/01/11  76 FR 54385
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BA79

284. Framework Adjustment 1 to the Northeast Skate Complex FMP

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: Framework Adjustment 1 to the Skate FMP adjusts the 
possession limits for the skate wing fishery in order to slow the rate 
of skate wing landings, so that the available Total Allowable Landings 
limit (TAL) is taken by the fishery over a longer duration in the 
fishing year than occurred in 2010. The action also allows vessels that 
process skate wings at sea to land skate carcasses for sale into the 
bait market, without counting the carcass landings against the TAL 
(skate wings are already converted to live weight for monitoring).
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/04/11  76 FR 18505
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/19/11  .......................
Final Action........................   05/17/11  76 FR 28328
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BA91

285. 2011 Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Recreational 
Management Measures and Scup Specification Increase (Increased 2011 
Total Allowable Landings)

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801
    Abstract: This rulemaking conducts two related actions. It 
publishes an increase to the previously established 2011 scup TAC and 
TAL, and it proposes management measures to achieve recreational 
harvest limits for the summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass 
recreational fisheries. Recreational management measures include 
recreational possession limits, minimum fish sizes, and seasonal 
closures.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/21/11  76 FR 22350
NPRM Comment Period End.............   05/23/11  .......................
Final Action........................   06/30/11  76 FR 38307
Final Action Effective..............   08/01/11  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BA92

286. Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; 
2011 Tribal Fishery for Pacific Whiting

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: NMFS proposed this rule for the 2011 Pacific whiting 
tribal fishery under the authority of the Pacific Coast Groundfish 
Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson Act). Through this action, 
NMFS establishes an interim 2011 tribal whiting allocation, reporting

[[Page 7926]]

and closure regulations, and refine existing regulations on tribal 
whiting reapportionment.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/05/11  76 FR 18709
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/19/11  .......................
Final Action........................   05/19/11  76 FR 28897
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BA95

287. Permits for Capture, Transport, Import, and Export of Protected 
Species for Public Display, and for Maintaining a Captive Marine Mammal 
Inventory

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1372(c)
    Abstract: This rule revises and simplifies criteria and procedures 
specific to permits for taking, transporting, importing, and exporting 
protected species for public display, and provides 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  .......................
Withdrawn...........................   08/18/11
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-AH26

288. Protective Regulations for Killer Whales in the Northwest Region 
Under the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 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; Nov. 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 ANPRM 
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 End....   01/15/10  .......................
Final Action........................   04/14/11  76 FR 20870
Final Action Effective..............   05/16/11
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

289. Critical Habitat Designation for Cook Inlet Beluga Whale Under the 
Endangered Species Act

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.
    Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) listed the 
Cook Inlet beluga whale Distinct Population Segment as endangered under 
the Endangered Species Act on October 22, 2008. NMFS is required to 
designate critical habitat no later than one year after the publication 
of a listing. NMFS published a proposed rule on December 2, 2009, and 
now needs to finalize the rule within one year from publication of the 
proposed rule (by December 2, 2010).
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   04/14/09  74 FR 17131
ANPRM Comment Period End............   05/14/09  .......................
NPRM................................   12/02/09  74 FR 63080
NPRM Comment Period Extended........   01/12/10  75 FR 1582
NPRM Comment Period End.............   02/01/10  .......................
Final Action........................   04/11/11  76 FR 20180
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-AX50

290. 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 U.S.C. 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 issues regulations to govern that take.
    Timetable:

[[Page 7927]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/14/09  74 FR 33960
NPRM Comment Period End.............   08/13/09  .......................
Final Action........................   02/17/11  76 FR 9250
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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)

Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)

Final Rule Stage

291. Adjustment of USPTO Fees for Fiscal Year 2012

    Legal Authority: 35 U.S.C. 119; Pub. L. 109-383; Pub. L. 110-116; 
Pub. L. 110-137; Pub. L. 110-149; Pub. L. 110-161; Pub. L. 110-5; Pub. 
L. 110-92; 35 U.S.C. 376; 35 U.S.C. 120; 35 U.S.C. 41; 35 U.S.C. 132(b)
    Abstract: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) 
takes this action to adjust certain patent fee amounts for fiscal year 
2012 to reflect fluctuations in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban 
Consumers (CPI-U). The patent statute provides for the annual CPI-U 
adjustment of patent fees set by statute to recover the higher costs 
associated with doing business.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/27/11  76 FR 37296
NPRM Comment Period End.............   07/27/11  .......................
Final Rule..........................   12/00/11  .......................
Final Rule Effective................   12/00/11
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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)

Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)

Completed Actions

292. Revision of USPTO Fees for Fiscal Year 2011

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 109-383; Pub. L. 110-116; Pub. L. 110-137; 
Pub. L. 110-149; Pub. L. 110-161; Pub. L. 110-5; Pub. L. 110-92; 35 
U.S.C. 132(b); 35 U.S.C. 120; 35 U.S.C. 119; 35 U.S.C. 41; 35 U.S.C. 
376
    Abstract: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) 
takes 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Withdrawn...........................   07/15/11
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

[FR Doc. 2012-1641 Filed 2-10-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-12-P