[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.
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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
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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204....................... Commercial Availability of 0625-AA59
Fabric and Yarn.
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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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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.
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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
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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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.
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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Completed Actions
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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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.
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Patent and Trademark Office--Final Rule Stage
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
291....................... Adjustment of USPTO Fees 0651-AC44
for Fiscal Year 2012.
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Patent and Trademark Office--Completed Actions
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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292....................... Revision of USPTO Fees for 0651-AC43
Fiscal Year 2011.
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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:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ To Be Determined.
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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:
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Action Date FR Cite
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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 .......................
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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:
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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 .......................
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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
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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