[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 5 (Tuesday, January 8, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 1536-1561]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-31489]



[[Page 1535]]

Vol. 78

Tuesday,

No. 5

January 8, 2013

Part IV





Department of Commerce





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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

  Federal Register / Vol. 78 , No. 5 / Tuesday, January 8, 2013 / 
Unified Agenda  

[[Page 1536]]


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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 2012 Semiannual Agenda of Regulations

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Commerce.

ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: In compliance with Executive Order 12866, entitled 
``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' and the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 
as amended, the Department of Commerce (Commerce), 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 2012 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 Commerce. The agenda is intended 
to facilitate comments and views by interested members of the public.
    Commerce's fall 2012 regulatory agenda includes regulatory 
activities that are expected to be conducted during the period October 
1, 2012 through September 30, 2013.

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: Commerce hereby publishes its fall 2012 
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 13, 2012, the Office of Management 
and Budget issued guidelines and procedures for the preparation and 
publication of the fall 2012 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 Commerce'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, Commerce's printed agenda entries include only:
    (1) Rules that are in the Agency's regulatory flexibility agenda, 
in accordance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act, because they are 
likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities; and
    (2) Rules that the Agency has identified for periodic review under 
section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    Printing of these entries is limited to fields that contain 
information required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act's Agenda 
requirements. Additional information on these entries is available in 
the Unified Agenda published on the Internet. In addition, for fall 
editions of the Agenda, Commerce's entire Regulatory Plan will continue 
to be printed in the Federal Register.
    Within Commerce, 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 Commerce'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.
    Commerce's fall 2012 regulatory agenda follows.

 Cameron F. Kerry,
General Counsel.

[[Page 1537]]



          International Trade Administration--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
162.......................  Modification of                    0625-AA91
                             Regulations Regarding the
                             Definition of Factual
                             Information and Time
                             Limits for Submission of
                             Factual Information.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


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


     National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Prerule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
164.......................  Generic Amendment 4 for to         0648-BC47
                             Fishery Management Plans
                             in the Gulf of Mexico:
                             Fixed Petroleum Platforms
                             and Artificial Reefs as
                             Essential Fish Habitat.
165.......................  Amendment 28 to the                0648-BC63
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for the Snapper Grouper
                             Fishery of the South
                             Atlantic Region.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
166.......................  Fishery Management Plan            0648-AS65
                             for Regulating Offshore
                             Marine Aquaculture in the
                             Gulf of Mexico.
167.......................  American Lobster Fishery;          0648-AT31
                             Fishing Effort Control
                             Measures to Complement
                             Interstate Lobster
                             Management
                             Recommendations by the
                             Atlantic States Marine
                             Fisheries Commission.
168.......................  Amendment 3 to the Spiny           0648-AY12
                             Dogfish Fishery
                             Management Plan.
169.......................  Amendment 14 to the                0648-AY26
                             Atlantic Mackerel, Squid,
                             and Butterfish Fishery
                             Management Plan.
170.......................  Fisheries in the Western           0648-AY36
                             Pacific; Pelagic
                             Fisheries; Purse Seine
                             Fishing with Fish
                             Aggregation Devices.
171.......................  Amendment 5 to the                 0648-AY47
                             Atlantic Herring Fishery
                             Management Plan.
172.......................  Amendment to Recover the           0648-AY81
                             Administrative Costs of
                             Processing Permit
                             Applications.
173.......................  Amendment 22 to the                0648-BA53
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for the Snapper Grouper
                             Fishery of the South
                             Atlantic Region.
174.......................  Amendment 21 to the                0648-BA59
                             Snapper-Grouper Fishery
                             Management Plan of the
                             South Atlantic Region.
175.......................  Amendment 6 to the Golden          0648-BA60
                             Crab Fishery Management
                             Plan of the South
                             Atlantic.
176.......................  Implement the 2010 Shark           0648-BB02
                             Conservation Act
                             Provisions and Other
                             Regulations in the
                             Atlantic Smoothhound
                             Shark Fishery.
177.......................  Fisheries off West Coast           0648-BB17
                             States; Pacific Coast
                             Groundfish Fishery; Trawl
                             Rationalization Program;
                             Cost Recovery Program.
178.......................  Amendment 18B to the               0648-BB58
                             Snapper Grouper Fishery
                             Management Plan of the
                             South Atlantic Region.
179.......................  Amendment 89 to the GOA            0648-BB76
                             FMP Area Closures for
                             Chionoecetes Bairdi Crab
                             Protection in Gulf of
                             Alaska Groundfish
                             Fisheries.
180.......................  Amendment to the Vessel            0648-BB78
                             Ownership Requirements of
                             the Individual Fishing
                             Quota (IFQ) Program for
                             Fixed-Gear Pacific
                             halibut and Sablefish
                             Fisheries in and off of
                             Alaska.
181.......................  Pacific Coast Groundfish           0648-BC01
                             Trawl Rationalization
                             Program Reconsideration
                             of Allocation of Whiting
                             (Raw 2).
182.......................  Framework Adjustment 5 to          0648-BC08
                             the Atlantic Mackerel,
                             Squid, and Butterfish
                             Fishery Management Plan.
183.......................  Generic Amendment to               0648-BC12
                             Several Fishery
                             Management Plans in the
                             Gulf of Mexico and South
                             Atlantic Regions to
                             Modify Federally-
                             Permitted Seafood Dealer
                             Reporting Requirements.
184.......................  Amendment 4 to the Fishery         0648-BC20
                             Management Plan for the
                             Reef Fish Fishery of
                             Puerto Rico and the U.S.
                             Virgin Islands:
                             Parrotfish Size Limits.
185.......................  Comprehensive Ecosystem            0648-BC22
                             Based Amendment 3.
186.......................  Amendment 42 to the                0648-BC25
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for Bering Sea/Aleutian
                             Islands King and Tanner
                             Crabs.
187.......................  Framework Adjustment to            0648-BC27
                             the Northeast
                             Multispecies Fishery
                             Management Plan for 2013-
                             2014 Annual Catch Limits
                             (ACLs) and Other
                             Management Measures.
188.......................  Amendment 43 to the FMP            0648-BC34
                             for BSAI King and Tanner
                             Crabs and Amendment 103
                             to the FMP for Groundfish
                             of the BSAI.
189.......................  Amendment 38 to the                0648-BC37
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for Reef Fish Resources
                             in the Gulf of Mexico.
190.......................  Amendment 4 to the U.S.            0648-BC38
                             Caribbean Coral FMP:
                             Seagrass Management.
191.......................  Amendment 95 to the                0648-BC39
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for Groundfish of the
                             Gulf of Alaska.
192.......................  2013 Atlantic Mackerel,            0648-BC40
                             Squid, and Butterfish
                             Fishery Specifications
                             and Management Measures.
193.......................  Management Measures for            0648-BC44
                             Pacific Bluefin Tuna in
                             the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
194.......................  Proposed Rule; Regulatory          0648-BC50
                             Amendment to Implement an
                             Exempted Fishery for the
                             Spiny Dogfish Fishery Off
                             Cape Cod, MA.
195.......................  Framework Action to Set            0648-BC51
                             the Annual Catch Limit
                             and Optionally the Annual
                             Catch Target for the Gulf
                             of Mexico Vermilion
                             Snapper Stock.
196.......................  Amendment 9 to the Fishery         0648-BC58
                             Management Plan for the
                             Shrimp Fishery of the
                             South Atlantic Region.

[[Page 1538]]

 
197.......................  Regulatory Amendment 15 to         0648-BC60
                             the Fishery Management
                             Plan for the Snapper-
                             Grouper Fishery of the
                             South Atlantic Region
                             (Section 610 Review).
198.......................  Framework Action to set            0648-BC64
                             the 2013 Gag Recreational
                             Fishing Season & Bag
                             Limit & Modify the
                             February-March Shallow-
                             Water Grouper Closed
                             Season.
199.......................  Marine Mammal Protection           0648-AV82
                             Act Permit Regulation
                             Revisions.
200.......................  Reduce Sea Turtle Bycatch          0648-AY61
                             in Atlantic Trawl
                             Fisheries.
201.......................  Reduce the Threat of Ship          0648-BB20
                             Collisions with North
                             Atlantic Right Whales.
202.......................  Endangered and Threatened          0648-BB30
                             Species: Designation of
                             Critical Habitat for
                             Threatened Lower Columbia
                             River Coho Salmon and
                             Puget Sound Steelhead.
203.......................  Amendment and Updates to           0648-BB37
                             the Bottlenose Dolphin
                             Take Reduction Plan.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
204.......................  Magnuson-Stevens Fishery           0648-AV53
                             Conservation and
                             Management
                             Reauthorization Act
                             (MSRA) Environmental
                             Review Procedure.
205.......................  Addendum IV to the                 0648-AY41
                             Weakfish Interstate
                             Management Plan--Bycatch
                             Trip Limit.
206.......................  Atlantic Highly Migratory          0648-BA64
                             Species; Vessel
                             Monitoring Systems.
207.......................  Atlantic Highly Migratory          0648-BA75
                             Species Electronic Dealer
                             Reporting Requirements.
208.......................  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.
209.......................  Framework Adjustment 47 to         0648-BB62
                             the Northeast
                             Multispecies Fishery
                             Management Plan.
210.......................  Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish           0648-BB72
                             Amendment 34: Commercial
                             Reef Fish Permit
                             Requirements and Crew
                             Size on Dual-Permitted
                             Vessels.
211.......................  2012 Gulf of Mexico Gray           0648-BB90
                             Triggerfish Annual Catch
                             Limits and Annual Catch
                             Targets for the
                             Commercial and
                             Recreational Sectors; and
                             In-Season Accountability
                             Measures for the
                             Recreational Sector.
212.......................  Amendment 35 to the Reef           0648-BB97
                             Fish Fishery Management
                             Plan Addressing Changes
                             to the Greater Amberjack
                             Rebuilding Plan and
                             Adjustments to the Stock
                             Annual Catch Limit in the
                             Gulf of Mexico.
213.......................  Framework Adjustment 6 to          0648-BB99
                             the Atlantic Mackerel,
                             Squid and Butterfish
                             Fishery Management Plan.
214.......................  Georges Bank Yellowtail            0648-BC33
                             Flounder Emergency Action
                             to Provide a Partial
                             Exemption From
                             Accountability Measures
                             to the Atlantic Scallop
                             Fishery.
215.......................  Interim Final Rule for             0648-BC57
                             2012 Butterfish
                             Specifications.
216.......................  Emergency Rule for a               0648-BC59
                             Temporary Action to
                             Adjust the Commercial ACL
                             for Yellowtail Snapper in
                             the South Atlantic
                             Snapper-Grouper Fishery.
217.......................  Emergency Rule to set the          0648-BC65
                             2012 Annual Catch Limit
                             for the Gulf of Mexico
                             Vermilion Snapper Stock.
218.......................  False Killer Whale Take            0648-BA30
                             Reduction Plan (Section
                             610 Review).
219.......................  Revision of Hawaiian Monk          0648-BA81
                             Seal Critical Habitat.
220.......................  Mandatory Use of Turtle            0648-BC10
                             Excluder Devices (TEDs)
                             in Skimmer Trawls, Pusher-
                             Head Trawls, and Wing
                             Nets (Butterfly Trawls).
------------------------------------------------------------------------


   National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
221.......................  Marine Mammal Protection           0648-AW22
                             Act Stranding Regulation
                             Revisions.
222.......................  Amendment 6 to the                 0648-BA50
                             Monkfish Fishery
                             Management Plan.
223.......................  Development of Island-             0648-BC17
                             Specific Fishery
                             Management Plans (FMPs)
                             in the Caribbean:
                             Transition from Species-
                             Specific FMPs to Island-
                             Specific FMPs.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


   National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
224.......................  Allowable Modifications to         0648-AW93
                             the Turtle Excluder
                             Device Requirements.
225.......................  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.
226.......................  Generic Amendment for              0648-AY22
                             Annual Catch Limits.
227.......................  Comprehensive Annual Catch         0648-AY73
                             Limits Amendment to the
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for the Snapper Grouper
                             Fishery of the South
                             Atlantic Region.
228.......................  Amendment 20A to the               0648-AY74
                             Snapper Grouper Fishery
                             Management Plan of the
                             South Atlantic Region.
229.......................  Amendment 24 to the                0648-BA52
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for the Snapper Grouper
                             Fishery of the South
                             Atlantic Region.
230.......................  Regulatory Amendment 11 to         0648-BB10
                             the Fishery Management
                             Plan for the Snapper
                             Grouper Fishery of the
                             South Atlantic Region.

[[Page 1539]]

 
231.......................  Amendment 93 to Implement          0648-BB24
                             Chinook Salmon Prohibited
                             Species Catch Limits in
                             the Gulf of Alaska
                             Pollock Fishery.
232.......................  Implementation of                  0648-BB26
                             Comprehensive Ecosystem
                             Based Amendment 2.
233.......................  Emergency Rule to Increase         0648-BB32
                             the 2011 Catch Limits for
                             the Northeast Skate
                             Complex.
234.......................  Rule to Delay the                  0648-BB43
                             Effective Date of
                             Atlantic Smoothhound
                             Management Measures.
235.......................  Amendment 11 to the                0648-BB44
                             Fishery Management Plan
                             for Spiny Lobster in the
                             Gulf of Mexico and South
                             Atlantic.
236.......................  Framework Adjustment 23 to         0648-BB51
                             the Atlantic Sea Scallop
                             Fishery Management Plan.
237.......................  2012 Pacific Halibut               0648-BB68
                             Fisheries; Catch Sharing
                             Plan.
238.......................  2012-2013 Specifications           0648-BB83
                             for the Northeast Skate
                             Complex.
239.......................  2012 Tribal Fishery for            0648-BB85
                             Pacific Whiting.
240.......................  Regulatory Amendment to            0648-BB91
                             Revise Fall Recreational
                             Closed Season and Set
                             Annual Catch Limit for
                             Red Snapper.
241.......................  Atlantic Highly Migratory          0648-BB96
                             Species; Silky Shark
                             Management Measures.
242.......................  2012 Summer Flounder,              0648-BC07
                             Scup, and Black Sea Bass
                             Recreational Harvest
                             Measures.
243.......................  Temporary Rule Through             0648-BC32
                             Emergency Action to Allow
                             Harvest of Red Snapper in
                             the South Atlantic Region
                             in 2012.
244.......................  Revisions to the Turtle            0648-AV04
                             Excluder Device
                             Requirements.
245.......................  Amendment to Regulations           0648-BA34
                             Under the Bottlenose
                             Dolphin Take Reduction
                             Plan.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


              Patent and Trademark Office--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
246.......................  Setting and Adjusting              0651-AC54
                             Patent Fees.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


             Patent and Trademark Office--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
247.......................  Changes to Implement the           0651-AC69
                             Supplemental Examination
                             Provisions of the Leahy-
                             Smith America Invents Act
                             and to Revise
                             Reexamination Fees.
248.......................  Rules of Practice for              0651-AC70
                             Trials Before the Patent
                             Trial and Appeal Board
                             and Judicial Review of
                             Patent Trial and Appeal
                             Board Decisions.
249.......................  Changes to Implement Inter         0651-AC71
                             Partes Review Proceedings.
250.......................  Changes to Implement               0651-AC74
                             Derivation Proceedings.
251.......................  Transitional Program for           0651-AC75
                             Covered Business Method
                             Patents--Definition for
                             Technological Invention.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

International Trade Administration (ITA)

Final Rule Stage

162. Modification of Regulations Regarding the Definition of Factual 
Information and Time Limits for Submission of Factual Information

    Legal Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 19 U.S.C. 1202 note; 19 U.S.C. 1303 
note; 19 U.S.C. 1671 et seq.; 19 U.S.C. 3538.
    Abstract: This rule will modify the definition of factual 
information for the purposes of antidumping and countervailing duty 
proceedings, and it will modify the time limits for submission of 
factual information in such proceedings.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/10/12  77 FR 40534
NPRM Comment Period End.............   08/24/12
Final Action........................   12/00/12
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Charles Vannatta, Policy Analyst, Department of 
Commerce, International Trade Administration, 1401 Constitution Ave 
NW., Washington, DC 20230, Phone: 202 482-4036, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0625-AA91

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

International Trade Administration (ITA)

Long-Term Actions

163. Commercial Availability of Fabric and Yarn

    Legal Authority: EO 13191; Pub. L. 106-200, sec 112(b)(5)(B); Pub. 
L. 106-200, sec 211; 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-

[[Page 1540]]

free treatment for apparel articles that are both cut (or knit-to-
shape) and sewn or otherwise assembled in one or more designated 
beneficiary countries from yarn or fabric that is not formed in the 
United States or a beneficiary country, provided it has been determined 
that such yarn or fabric cannot be supplied by the domestic industry in 
commercial quantities in a timely manner. The President has delegated 
to the Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (the 
Committee), which is chaired by the Department of Commerce, the 
authority to determine whether yarn or fabric cannot be supplied by the 
domestic industry in commercial quantities in a timely manner under the 
AGOA, the ATPDEA, and the CBTPA, and has authorized the Committee to 
extend quota- and duty-free treatment to apparel of such yarn or 
fabric. The rule provides the procedure for interested parties to 
submit a request alleging that a yarn or fabric cannot be supplied by 
the domestic industry in commercial quantities in a timely manner, the 
procedure for public comments, and relevant factors that will be 
considered in the Committee's determination. The rule also outlines the 
factors to be considered by the Committee in extending quota- and duty-
free treatment.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................           To Be Determined.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Janet Heinzen, Phone: 202 482-4006, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0625-AA59

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Prerule Stage

National Marine Fisheries Service

164.  Generic Amendment 4 for to Fishery Management Plans in 
the Gulf of Mexico: Fixed Petroleum Platforms and Artificial Reefs as 
Essential Fish Habitat

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Gulf 
Council) is concerned about the effect that the Removal of structures 
serving as artificial reef habitat may have on reef fish fisheries in 
the Gulf of Mexico. An abundance of individuals of managed reef fish 
species have come to associate with these structures over the past 
several decades. Fisheries, both recreational and commercial, have come 
to utilize these platforms as sites to catch these fish and the habitat 
provided by these structures may be necessary to support viable fish 
populations and associated fisheries. Artificial reefs are inhabited by 
a number of federally managed species and may provide important habitat 
necessary to fish for spawning, breeding, feeding or growth to 
maturity. The purpose of this action is to consider the role of this 
habitat as essential fish habitat (EFH) in accordance with the 
regulations at 50 CFR part 600 subpart J. This generic amendment is 
intended to modify seven of the Council's FMPs through the modification 
of the Generic Essential Fish Habitat Amendment. These include FMPs 
for: Reef Fish Resources, Coastal Migratory Pelagics, Shrimp, Stone 
Crab, Coral and Coral Reef Resources, Spiny Lobster, and Red Drum. 
Currently, there are no oil and gas structures in any U.S. waters 
designated as EFH, and the Gulf Council has not previously identified 
artificial structures as a separate habitat type for EFH identification 
purposes or included them in their definition of ``hard bottoms.'' In 
order for the National Marine Fisheries Service to approve the Gulf 
Council's proposal to designate oil and gas structures as EFH, the Gulf 
Council must demonstrate, using the best available scientific 
information, the necessary linkage of the habitat functions to major 
life history stages of species managed under the Magnuson-Stevens Act 
in accordance with the EFH regulations.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   01/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BC47

165.  Amendment 28 to the Fishery Management Plan for the 
Snapper Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801
    Abstract: A limited red snapper fishing season was established in 
2012 through an emergency action under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act. The South Atlantic Fishery Management 
Council (Council) determined that some directed harvest could be 
allowed without compromising the rebuilding of the red snapper stock to 
target levels, and they saw the limited harvest as an opportunity to 
collect additional data on red snapper. Through Amendment 28, the 
Council intends to establish a process that would allow this type of 
limited harvest for red snapper in 2013 and in the future, depending on 
the projected mortalities (landings and discards) for the current 
fishing year and the amount of harvest from the previous year. The 
proposed actions would benefit fishermen and fishing communities that 
utilize the red snapper portion of the snapper grouper fishery.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   01/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BC63

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Proposed Rule Stage

National Marine Fisheries Service

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

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The purpose of this fishery management plan (FMP) is to 
develop a regional permitting process for regulating and promoting 
environmentally sound and economically sustainable aquaculture in the 
Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) exclusive economic zone. This FMP consists of ten 
actions, each with an associated range of management alternatives, 
which would facilitate the permitting of an estimated 5 to 20 offshore 
aquaculture operations in the Gulf over the next 10 years, with an 
estimated annual production of up to 64 million

[[Page 1541]]

pounds. By establishing a regional permitting process for aquaculture, 
the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will be positioned to 
achieve their primary goal of increasing maximum sustainable yield and 
optimum yield of federal fisheries in the Gulf by supplementing harvest 
of wild caught species with cultured product.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   06/04/09  74 FR 26829
NOA Comment Period End..............   08/03/09
NPRM................................   03/00/13
Final Action........................   07/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-AS65

167. 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 plans to revise the 
Federal American lobster regulations for the Exclusive Economic Zone 
(EEZ) associated with effort control measures as recommended for 
Federal implementation by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries 
Commission (ASFMC) and as outlined in the Interstate Fishery Management 
Plan (ISFMP) for American Lobster. This action will evaluate effort 
control measures in certain Lobster Conservation Management Areas 
including: limits on future access based on historic participation 
criteria; procedures to allow trap transfers among qualifiers and 
impose a trap reduction or conservation tax on any trap transfers; and 
a trap reduction schedule to meet the goals of the ISFMP.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   05/10/05  70 FR 24495
ANPRM Comment Period End............   06/09/05
Notice of Public Meeting............   05/03/10  75 FR 23245
NPRM................................   12/00/12
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-AT31

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

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Intent to prepare an         08/05/09  74 FR 30963
 Environmental Impact Statement.
Notice of Intent....................   08/05/09  74 FR 39063
Comment Period End..................   09/04/09
Notice of Intent....................   05/13/10  75 FR 26920
NPRM................................   12/00/12
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-AY12

169. 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................................   12/00/12
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

170. 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 US EEZ of the western Pacific. The objective of this 
action is to appropriately balance the needs and concerns of the 
western Pacific pelagic fishing fleets and associated fishing 
communities with the conservation of tuna stocks in the western 
Pacific.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

171. 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:

[[Page 1542]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental Notice of Intent.......   12/28/09  74 FR 68576
NPRM................................   12/00/12
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

172. 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 part 679 to recover the administrative costs of 
processing applications for permits required under those plans.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   01/00/13
Final Rule..........................   03/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

173. 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................................   02/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

174. 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................................   02/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

175. Amendment 6 to the Golden Crab Fishery Management Plan of the 
South Atlantic

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: Golden Crab Amendment 6 examines alternatives for a catch 
share program to limit participation in the golden crab fishery.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Intent....................   01/03/11  76 FR 98
NPRM................................   12/00/12
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

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

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    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 will implement measures, as needed, to comply with the 
Endangered Species Act.
    Timetable:

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

    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

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

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1853
    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% 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.

[[Page 1543]]

    Timetable:

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

    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

178. Amendment 18B to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan of 
the South Atlantic Region

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: Amendment 18B to the Fishery Management Plan for the 
Snapper Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region may: limit 
participation in the golden tilefish portion of the Snapper Grouper 
fishery; establish initial eligibility requirements for a golden 
tilefish longline endorsement; establish an appeals process; allocate 
commercial golden tilefish quota among gear groups; allow for 
transferability of golden tilefish endorsements; adjust the golden 
tilefish fishing year; modify the golden tilefish fishing limits; and 
establish trip limits for fishermen who do not receive a golden 
tilefish longline endorsement.
    Timetable:

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

    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-BB58

179. Amendment 89 to the GOA FMP Area Closures for Chionoecetes Bairdi 
Crab Protection in Gulf of Alaska Groundfish Fisheries

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1540; 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 
3631 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq.; Pub. L. 105-277; Pub. L. 106-31
    Abstract: This action, Amendment 89 to the GOA FMP Area Closures 
for Chionoecetes bairdi, will provide crab protection in Gulf of Alaska 
Groundfish Fisheries. This action would close a portion of Marmot Bay, 
northeast of Kodiak Island, to the use of pot and trawl gear (with the 
exception of pelagic gear used to target pollock) in groundfish 
fisheries year-round and require additional observer coverage (100 
percent for trawl vessels and 30 percent for pot vessels), in two areas 
east of Kodiak Island: the Chiniak Gully and State of Alaska 
Statistical Area 525702. This action is necessary to protect stocks of 
Tanner crab near Kodiak Islands from the effects of using non-pelagic 
trawl and pot gear used to target groundfish in Marmot Bay and to 
provide improved estimates of the incidental catch of Tanner crab in 
two areas east of Kodiak Island by vessels using non-pelagic trawl and 
pot gear and to accomplish the goals and objectives of the Fishery 
Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska. The intended 
effect of this action is to conserve and manage the fisheries resources 
in the GOA in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation 
and Management Act.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proposed Rule.......................   12/00/12
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BB76

180. Amendment to the Vessel Ownership Requirements of the Individual 
Fishing Quota (IFQ) Program for Fixed-Gear Pacific Halibut and 
Sablefish Fisheries in and Off of Alaska

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 3631 et seq.; 16 
U.S.C. 773 et seq.; Pub. L. 108-447
    Abstract: This action amends the vessel ownership requirements of 
the Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Program for fixed-gear Pacific 
halibut and sablefish fisheries in and off of Alaska. This action 
requires initial recipients of certain classes of quota share to have 
held a minimum of 20 percent ownership interest in the vessel for at 
least 12 consecutive months prior to the submission of an application 
to hire a master for the purposes of fishing an IFQ permit. This action 
also temporarily exempts from the 12-month ownership requirement an 
initial recipient whose vessel has been totally lost, as by sinking or 
fire, or so damaged that the vessel would require at least 60 days of 
shipyard time to be repaired. This action is necessary to maintain a 
predominantly owner-operated fishery.
    Timetable:

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

    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-BB78

181. Pacific Coast Groundfish Trawl Rationalization Program 
Reconsideration of Allocation of Whiting (RAW 2)

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: On February 21, 2012, Judge Henderson issued the remedy 
order in Pacific Dawn, LLC v. Bryson, No. C10-4829 TEH (N.D. Cal.). The 
Order remands the regulations addressing the initial allocation of 
whiting for the shorebased individual fishing quota (IFQ) fishery and 
the at-sea mothership fishery of the Pacific Coast Groundfish Trawl 
Rationalization Program (program) ``for further consideration'' 
consistent with the court's December 22, 2011 summary judgment ruling, 
the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), and 
all other governing law. Further, the Order requires that the National 
Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) implement revised regulations before 
the 2013 Pacific whiting fishing season begins on April 1, 2013. This 
action would implement revised regulations, as appropriate, including a 
reallocation of whiting and potentially some related species. This 
action may include a Paperwork Reduction Act package to clear 
application forms, and any other necessary documentation.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   04/04/12  77 FR 20337
Proposed Rule.......................   12/00/12
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Frank Lockhart, Program Analyst, Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand

[[Page 1544]]

Point Way NE., Seattle, WA 98115, Phone: 206 526-6142, Fax: 206 526-
6736, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BC01

182. Framework Adjustment 5 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and 
Butterfish Fishery Management Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action will expand the list of marine surveyors 
allowed to complete a fish hold volume certification for vessels issued 
a Tier 1 or Tier 2 limited access mackerel permit. Currently only 
individuals credentialed as marine surveyors by the Society of Marine 
Surveyors (SAMS) or the National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMS) 
are allowed to complete fish hold measurements for such vessels.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/12
Final Action........................   02/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Daniel Morris, Acting Northeast Regional 
Administrator, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone: 
978 281-9311, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BC08

183. Generic Amendment to Several Fishery Management Plans in the Gulf 
of Mexico and South Atlantic Regions To Modify Federally-Permitted 
Seafood Dealer Reporting Requirements

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The purpose of this generic amendment is to change the 
current reporting requirements for those individuals or organizations 
that purchase species contained in fishery management plans managed by 
the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils. 
Changes are proposed to the method/frequency of dealer reporting and 
the species that must be reported. To ensure landings of managed fish 
stocks are below annual catch limits, improvements are needed to the 
accuracy, completeness, consistency, and timeliness of data submitted 
by federally-permitted seafood dealers. This action will aid in 
achieving the optimum yield from each fishery while reducing (1) undue 
socioeconomic harm to dealers and fishermen and (2) administrative 
burdens to fishery agencies.
    Timetable:

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

    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-BC12

184.  Amendment 4 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef 
Fish Fishery of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands: Parrotfish 
Size Limits

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: At the December 2011 Council meeting, the Caribbean 
Fishery Management Council decided to amend the Fishery Management Plan 
for the Reef Fish Fishery of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to 
address size limits for parrotfish. These proposed regulations would 
allow juvenile parrotfish to mature into reproductively active females, 
and have a chance to spawn prior to harvest. Reproductively active 
females are a necessary component of a healthy, sustainable population.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BC20

185.  Comprehensive Ecosystem Based Amendment 3

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: Actions in Comprehensive Ecosystem-Based Amendment 3 (CE-
BA 3) address improvements in data collection methods in the South 
Atlantic. Measures include improvements in data collection methods in 
commercial, for-hire, and recreational fisheries.
    Timetable:

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

    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-BC22

186.  Amendment 42 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering 
Sea/Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; Pub. L. 109-241; Pub. L. 
109-479
    Abstract: NMFS proposes regulations to implement Amendment 42 to 
the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and 
Tanner Crabs (FMP). Amendment 42 revises the economic data reports 
(EDR) for catcher vessels, catcher/processors, shoreside processors, 
and stationary floating processors that are submitted annually by 
participants in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Crab 
Rationalization Program (CR Program). These revisions are proposed 
through a general description in regulation of the collection of data, 
and a detailed description for data collected for approval by the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act 
(PRA). This action is necessary to prevent redundancy, increase 
consistent reporting across respondents, and reduce excessive costs 
associated with the data collection. This proposed action is intended 
to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) and the FMP.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/12
Final Action........................   05/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BC25

[[Page 1545]]

187.  Framework Adjustment to the Northeast Multispecies 
Fishery Management Plan for 2013-2014 Annual Catch Limits (ACLS) and 
Other Management Measures

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This framework adjustment to the Northeast Multispecies 
Fishery Management Plan, likely to be enumerated Framework Adjustment 
48, would set specifications (i.e., catch allowances and management 
measures designed to ensure those allowances are not exceeded) for 
fishing year (FY) 2013, 2014, and possibly 2015. This action would also 
adopt total allowable catches (TACs) for the U.S./Canada Management 
Area, consisting with the U.S./Canada Resource Sharing Understanding. 
In addition, the framework adjustment may revise the status 
determination criteria for the Gulf of Maine and Georges bank cod 
stocks and white hake. The action will likely include comprehensive 
modifications to the operations of sectors in the Northeast, designed 
to improve efficiency, monitoring, and catch accounting. The New 
England Fishery Management Council is expected to take final action on 
the measures to be included in the action in November 2012.
    Timetable:

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

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael Ruccio, Department of Commerce, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, 
Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone: 978 281-9104, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BC27

188.  Amendment 43 to the FMP for BSAI King and Tanner Crabs 
and Amendment 103 to the FMP for Groundfish of the BSAI

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801
    Abstract: Amendment 43 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering 
Sea/Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs revises the current 
rebuilding plan for Pribilof Islands blue king crab (PIBKC) and 
Amendment 103 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the 
Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area would implement 
groundfish fishing restrictions. A no-trawl Pribilof Islands Habitat 
Conservation Zone (PIHCZ) was established in 1995 and the directed 
fishery for PIBKC has been closed since 1999. A rebuilding plan was 
implemented in 2003; however, PIBKC remains overfished and the current 
rebuilding plan has not achieved adequate progress toward rebuilding 
the stock by 2014. The proposed rule would close the PIHCZ to all 
Pacific cod pot fishing in addition to the current trawl prohibition. 
This measure would help support PIBKC rebuilding and prevent exceeding 
the overfishing limit of PIBKC by minimizing to the extent practical 
PIBKC bycatch in the groundfish fisheries.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   01/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BC34

189.  Amendment 38 to the Fishery Management Plan for Reef Fish 
Resources in the Gulf of Mexico

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: Amendment 38 consists of two management actions. The 
first action would revise post-season accountability measures for 
shallow-water grouper species. Currently, the accountability measures 
include in-season closures, post-season adjustments to the length of 
the recreational fishing season, and overage adjustments for overfished 
grouper stocks. This action modifies the specific post-season 
accountability measure that reduces the length of the recreational 
season for all shallow-water grouper in the year following a year in 
which the annual catch limit (ACL) for gag or red grouper is exceeded. 
The modified accountability measure would reduce the recreational 
season only for the species that exceeded its ACL. The second action 
would modify the reef fish framework procedure. The addition of 
accountability measures to the list of items that can be changed 
through the standard framework procedure would allow for faster 
implementation of measures designed to maintain harvest at or below the 
ACL. Additionally, more general language would be added to the 
framework to accommodate future changes in naming of the Councils 
advisory committees and panels.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   01/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BC37

190.  Amendment 4 to the U.S. Caribbean Coral FMP: Seagrass 
Management

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: NOAA Fisheries and the Caribbean Fishery Management 
Council propose Amendment 4 to address the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act requirement to establish annual catch 
limits (ACLs) and accountability measures (AMs) for seagrass species in 
the Corals and Reef Associated Plants and Invertebrates Fishery 
Management Plan (Coral FMP). ACLs and AMs were not established for 
seagrass in the 2011 Comprehensive Annual Catch Limit Amendment.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BC38

191.  Amendment 95 to the Fishery Management Plan for 
Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action implements Amendment 95 to the Fishery 
Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (FMP). This action 
modifies halibut prohibited species catch (PSC) management in the Gulf 
of Alaska (GOA) to (1) Establish the GOA halibut PSC limits in federal 
regulation; (2) reduce the GOA halibut PSC limits for the trawl, hook 
and line catcher/processor and catcher vessel sectors, and the hook and 
line demersal shelf rockfish fishery in the Southeast

[[Page 1546]]

Outside District; and (3) allow two additional options for vessels to 
better maintain groundfish harvest while achieving the halibut PSC 
reduction of this action. This action is necessary to reduce halibut 
bycatch in the GOA. This action is intended to promote the goals and 
objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management 
Act, the FMP, and other applicable law.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   01/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BC39

192.  2013 Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery 
Specifications and Management Measures

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: These specifications are for the 2013 fishing year for 
Atlantic mackerel, squid, and butterfish (MSB). Regulations governing 
these fisheries require NMFS to publish specifications for the upcoming 
fishing year and to provide an opportunity for public comment. The 
intent of this action is to fulfill this requirement and to promote the 
development and conservation of the MSB resources.
    Timetable:

 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Lindsey Feldman, Department of Commerce, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, 
Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone: 978 675-2179.
    RIN: 0648-BC40

193.  Management Measures for Pacific Bluefin Tuna in the 
Eastern Pacific Ocean

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 951-961 et seq.
    Abstract: At its annual meeting, the Inter-American Tropical Tuna 
Commission (IATTC) adopted Resolution C-12-09, Conservation and 
Management Measure for Bluefin Tuna in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. This 
rule will implement that resolution for U.S. commercial fishing in the 
Eastern Pacific Ocean for 2012 and 2013 by preventing further 
commercial retention of bluefin tuna after (1) the commercial catches 
of bluefin tuna by the international fleet reaches 10,000 metric tons; 
(2) the commercial catch of bluefin tuna by the international fleet 
reaches 5,600 metric tons during the year 2012. Notwithstanding these 
restrictions, the United States commercial fishery may take a catch of 
up to 500 metric tons of pacific bluefin tuna in 2012 and 2013. The 
pacific bluefin commercial catch limitations are not expected to result 
in a closure of the United States fishery because catches from recent 
years have not reached the 500 metric ton limit. The last time the 
United States exceeded 500 metric tons was in 1998.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/12  .......................
Final Action........................   03/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Mark Helvey, Assistant Regional Administrator for 
Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 501 West Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 
90802, Phone: 562 980-4040, Fax: 562 980-4047, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BC44

194.  Proposed Rule; Regulatory Amendment To Implement an 
Exempted Fishery for the Spiny Dogfish Fishery Off Cape Cod, MA

    Legal Authority: sec 303(b)(6) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act
    Abstract: NMFS proposes to modify the regulations implementing the 
Northeast (NE) Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP) to allow 
vessels to fish with gillnet and longline gear from June through 
December and with handline gear from June through August in a portion 
of inshore Georges Bank (GB) each year, outside of the requirements of 
the NE multispecies fishery. This action would allow vessels to harvest 
spiny dogfish and other non-groundfish species in a manner that is 
consistent with the bycatch reduction objectives of the FMP.
    Timetable:

 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proposed Rule.......................   01/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Travis Ford, Department of Commerce, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, 
Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone: 978 281-9233.
    RIN: 0648-BC50

195.  Framework Action To Set the Annual Catch Limit and 
Optionally the Annual Catch Target for the Gulf of Mexico Vermilion 
Snapper Stock

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The current vermilion snapper annual catch limit (ACL) is 
3.42 million pounds (mp). A 2011 stock assessment indicates vermilion 
snapper are not overfished or undergoing overfishing. Based on the 
assessment, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council's (Council) 
Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) has recommended an 
acceptable biological catch level much higher than the current ACL (> 1 
mp). This framework action evaluates different options for setting the 
ACL and (optionally) an annual catch target consistent with the SSC's 
recommendation while minimizing the risk of overfishing. The Council 
has requested a subsequent emergency rule that will increase the 2012 
ACL to avoid a closure of the vermilion snapper component of the Gulf 
of Mexico reef fish fishery.
    Timetable:

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

    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-BC51

196.  Amendment 9 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Shrimp 
Fishery of the South Atlantic Region

    Legal Authority: Magnuson Stevens Act
    Abstract: Shrimp Amendment 9 would streamline the process by which 
States request concurrent closures of Federal waters to protect 
overwintering shrimp species. The amendment would also update the Bmsy 
proxy for pink shrimp.
    Timetable:

[[Page 1547]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proposed Rule.......................   12/00/12  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 3370, Phone: 
727 824-5305, Fax: 727 824-5308, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BC58

197.  Regulatory Amendment 15 to the Fishery Management Plan 
for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (Section 
610 Review)

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801
    Abstract: The regulatory amendment contains the following two 
actions: (1) Modify the current yellowtail snapper ABCs and ACLs 
according to a new stock assessment. In addition, consider changes to 
the January 1 commercial start date and consider establishing a 
commercial spawning season closure in order to promote beneficial 
biological effects to the yellowtail snapper population by protecting 
fish during spawning periods. Actions are intended to also promote 
beneficial socioeconomic effects to fishermen and fishing communities 
that utilize the yellowtail portion of the snapper grouper fishery by 
increasing the probability of a year-round fishery and minimizing the 
probability of closures during peak harvest times. (2) Modify the 
existing commercial AM for gag grouper in order to reduce adverse 
socioeconomic effects to fishermen and fishing communities that utilize 
the shallow water grouper portion of the snapper grouper fishery.
    Timetable:

 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proposed Rule.......................   01/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BC60

198.  Framework Action To Set the 2013 Gag Recreational Fishing 
Season & Bag Limit & Modify the February-March Shallow-Water Grouper 
Closed Season

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: Gulf of Mexico gag is overfished and the stock currently 
in a rebuilding plan. The rebuilding plan is scheduled to increase the 
recreational annual catch target from 1.031 to 1.287 million pounds in 
2013. The current recreational gag season is July 1 to October 31 and 
was designed to limit the harvest to the 2012 recreational annual catch 
target of 1.031 million pounds while providing the longest possible 
recreational season. One purpose of this framework action is to 
establish a 2013 gag recreational fishing season consistent with 1.287 
million pound annual catch target, but to modify the season opening to 
provide greater socioeconomic benefits to the recreational community. 
Moving the season to a time when there is greater fishing effort will 
reduce the number of days available to fish. To counteract this, this 
framework action also considers setting a one fish bag limit for gag 
rather than 2 fish. The current recreational shallow-water grouper 
closed season of February 1 through March 31 was developed partly to 
protect gag spawning aggregations. However, because a separate 
recreational gag season has been developed as part of the gag 
rebuilding plan and other shallow-water grouper stocks are considered 
healthy, the utility of the shallow-water grouper closure has been 
questioned. Therefore, a second purpose of this framework action is to 
evaluate the shallow-water grouper recreational closure to see if it 
should be modified or eliminated. The underlying need for this action 
is established by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act which requires NOAA Fisheries Service and regional 
fishery management councils to prevent overfishing, and achieve, on a 
continuing basis, the optimum yield from federally managed fish stocks.
    Timetable:

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

    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-BC64

199. 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 Comment Period End............   12/13/07  72 FR 58279
NPRM................................   05/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Helen Golde, Department of Commerce, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Marine Sanctuaries Division, 
1305 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 427-8400, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-AV82

200. 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

[[Page 1548]]

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................................   02/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Helen Golde, Department of Commerce, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Marine Sanctuaries Division, 
1305 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 427-8400, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-AY61

201. Reduce the Threat of Ship Collisions With North Atlantic Right 
Whales

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.
    Abstract: NMFS may renew a 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................................   02/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Helen Golde, Department of Commerce, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Marine Sanctuaries Division, 
1305 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 427-8400, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BB20

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

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531-1544
    Abstract: We, the National Marine Fisheries Service, are proposing 
critical habitat designations for lower Columbia River coho salmon and 
Puget Sound steelhead, currently listed as threatened species under the 
Endangered Species Act. The areas under consideration include 
watersheds in the lower Columbia River basin in southwest Washington 
and northwest Oregon, as well as watersheds in Puget Sound and the 
Strait of Juan de Fuca in Washington. This rulemaking identifies the 
areas proposed for designation and solicits comments regarding them as 
well as the supporting economic, biological, and policy analyses.
    Timetable:

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

    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

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

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 1531 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). This action amends 
the BDTRP to reduce serious injury and mortality of bottlenose dolphins 
in the Virginia pound net fishery (Category II). The need for the 
action is to ensure the BDTRP meets its MMPA mandated short- and long-
term goals. NMFS examined 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................................   12/00/12  .......................
Final Action........................   04/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

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

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    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 timelines for review and approval of fishery management plans and 
plan amendments. They must also integrate applicable environmental 
analytical procedures, including the timeframes 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

[[Page 1549]]

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 revises and updates 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........................   04/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Steve Leathery, Department of Commerce, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 713-2239, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-AV53

205. 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 non-directed fisheries using smaller mesh sizes, 
from 150 pounds to no more than 100 pounds per day or trip, whichever 
is longer in duration. In addition, it would impose a one fish 
possession limit on recreational fishers.
    Timetable:

 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/12/10  75 FR 26703
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/11/10  .......................
NPRM Comment Period Re-opened.......   06/16/10  75 FR 34092
Comment Period End..................   06/30/10  .......................
Final Action........................   01/00/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

206. 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 Rule..........................   12/02/11  76 FR 75492
Final Action........................   12/00/12
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BA64

207. 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 Rule..........................   08/08/12  77 FR 47303
Correction..........................   01/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

208. 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

[[Page 1550]]

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................................   07/30/12  77 FR 44572
Final Action........................   12/00/12
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BB06

209. Framework Adjustment 47 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery 
Management Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: Framework Adjustment 47 to the Northeast Multispecies 
Fishery Management Plan (FW 47) would set specifications for fishing 
years (FY) 2012 through 2014. FY 2012 specifications for 12 stocks last 
assessed in 2008 would be those previously specified in FW 44 and FW 
45. No specifications for these stocks would be made for FY 2013-FY 
2014. For stocks recently assessed, or assessed with an index-based 
assessment, specifications would be set for FY 2012-FY 2014. FW 47 
would also adopt total allowable catches (TACs) for the U.S./Canada 
Management Area, consistent with the U.S./Canada Resource Sharing 
Understanding. In addition, FW 47 would revise the status determination 
criteria for the three winter flounder stocks and Gulf of Maine cod. FW 
47 would also modify management measures for Southern New England/Mid-
Atlantic winter flounder as well as modify accountability measures for 
five stocks. FW 47 would modify restrictions on yellowtail flounder 
catch by the scallop fishery in the Georges Bank (GB) access areas, 
modify the administration of the scallop fishery yellowtail flounder 
catch limits, and create a mechanism to re-estimate the expected GB 
yellowtail flounder catch by scallop vessels mid fishing year.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proposed Rule.......................   03/27/12  77 FR 18176
Final Action........................   05/02/12  77 FR 26104
Interim Final Rule..................   06/25/12  77 FR 37816
Final Action........................   01/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Daniel Morris, Acting Northeast Regional 
Administrator, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone: 
978 281-9311, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BB62

210. Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Amendment 34: Commercial Reef Fish Permit 
Requirements and Crew Size on Dual-Permitted Vessels

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The purpose for this amendment is to modify or eliminate 
income qualification requirements for the renewal of commercial permits 
and to address maximum crew size regulations for dual-permitted vessels 
when fishing commercially in order to consider the safety issues 
associated with spearfishing under the maximum crew size rule. The need 
for this amendment is derived from National Standards 8 and 10. 
Standard 8 states that, ``Conservation and management measures shall, 
consistent with the conservation requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens 
Act (including the prevention of overfishing and rebuilding of 
overfished stocks), take into account the importance of fishery 
resources to fishing communities in order to: (1) Provide for the 
sustained participation of such communities.'' Standard 10 states that, 
``Conservation and management measures shall, to the extent 
practicable, promote the safety of human life at sea. Fishing is an 
inherently dangerous occupation where not all hazardous situations can 
be foreseen or avoided. The standard directs Councils to reduce that 
risk in crafting their management measures, so long as they can meet 
the other national standards and the legal and practical requirements 
of conservation and management.''
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   07/10/12  77 FR 40561
NPRM................................   07/18/12  77 FR 42251
Final Action........................   12/00/12
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BB72

211. 2012 Gulf of Mexico Gray Triggerfish Annual Catch Limits and 
Annual Catch Targets for the Commercial and Recreational Sectors; and 
In-Season Accountability Measures for the Recreational Sector

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801
    Abstract: At their February 2012 meeting, the Gulf of Mexico 
Fishery Management Council (Council) requested NOAA Fisheries Service 
implement an interim rule under procedures of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. 
The Gulf of Mexico gray triggerfish stock was determined to be 
overfished and undergoing overfishing based on the results of the 2011 
update stock assessment. In addition, the assessment indicated the 
stock was not recovering at a level consistent with the stock 
rebuilding plan. The Council is currently developing Amendment 37 to 
the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of 
Mexico to address these issues. However, management measures proposed 
in this amendment will not be ready for implementation in the near 
future. The interim rule sets the commercial and recreational annual 
catch limits and annual catch targets to reduce overfishing and would 
establish an in-season accountability measure to close the recreational 
sector when the annual catch target is projected to be caught.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Rule..........................   05/14/12  77 FR 28308
Final Action........................   12/00/12
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BB90

212. Amendment 35 to the Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan Addressing 
Changes to the Greater Amberjack Rebuilding Plan and Adjustments to the 
Stock Annual Catch Limit in the Gulf of Mexico

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

[[Page 1551]]

    Abstract: The purpose of this amendment is to adjust the greater 
amberjack rebuilding plan in response to results from the 2011 Update 
Assessment and subsequent Scientific and Statistical Committee review 
and recommendations for acceptable biological catch (ABC). Following 
review of the 2011 Update Assessment the Scientific and Statistical 
Committee recommended an ABC of 1,780,000 pounds whole weight (ww). The 
need for this amendment is that the current Stock ACL (equivalent to 
the total allowable catch (TAC)) of 1,871,000 pounds ww established in 
Amendment 30A exceeds the ABC recommendation. Further rationale for the 
need of this amendment is based on a section 600.310(g)(3) of the 
National Standard 1 annual catch limit (ACL) and accountability measure 
(AM) guidelines (NS1) which states, ``If catch exceeds the ACL for a 
given stock or stock complex more than once in the last four years, the 
system of ACLs and AMs should be re-evaluated, and modified if 
necessary, to improve its performance and effectiveness.'' The greater 
amberjack Stock ACL has been exceeded twice in the last three years; 
therefore, this document includes a range of draft alternatives for 
adjusting the Stock ACL (equivalent to TAC), as well as subsequent 
recreational and commercial management measures to improve 
effectiveness of the Stock ACL and benefits to the greater amberjack 
stock in the Gulf of Mexico.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   07/03/12  77 FR 39460
NPRM................................   07/19/12  77 FR 42476
Final Action........................   12/00/12
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BB97

213. Framework Adjustment 6 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid and 
Butterfish Fishery Management Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This framework adjustment clarifies the Mid-Atlantic 
Fishery Management Councils (Council) risk policy, which is used by the 
Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) in conjunction with 
acceptable biological catch (ABC) control rules. The risk policy 
ensures that the Council's preferred tolerance for risk of overfishing 
(40 percent or lower) is addressed in the ABC development and 
recommendation process. The regulations that implement the Council's 
risk policy went into effect on October 31, 2011, as part of the 
Council's Omnibus Amendment to implement annual catch limits and 
accountability measures. One component of the risk policy states that, 
``If an overfishing limit (OFL) cannot be determined from the stock 
assessment, or if a proxy is not provided by the SSC during the ABC 
recommendation process, ABC levels may not be increased until such time 
that an OFL has been identified.'' This was designed to prevent catch 
levels from being increased when there are no criteria available to 
determine if overfishing will occur in the upcoming fishing year. 
Following one of the first applications of the risk policy for the 2012 
fishing year (2012 butterfish specifications), the Council found that 
there are limited circumstances in which the SSC may have the 
scientific justification for recommending that the ABC be increased for 
stocks without an OFL without resulting in an unacceptably high risk of 
overfishing. This framework alters the risk policy by outlining the 
specific circumstances under which the SSC may recommend an ABC 
increase in the absence of an OFL.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/28/12  77 FR 38566
Final Action........................   12/00/12
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Aja Szumylo, Department of Commerce, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, 
Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone: 978 281-9195, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BB99

214.  Georges Bank Yellowtail Flounder Emergency Action To 
Provide a Partial Exemption From Accountability Measures to the 
Atlantic Scallop Fishery

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action, requested by the New England Fishery 
Management Council, exempts the Atlantic sea scallop fishery from any 
accountability measure specified by the fishery management plan for 
catch of Georges Bank yellowtail flounder exceeding the revised sub-
annual catch limit (ACL) of 156.9 mt up to the initial sub-ACL level of 
307.5 mt. The emergency rule is needed to respond to an unanticipated 
situation. The scallop Georges Bank yellowtail flounder sub-ACL was 
adjusted downward based on a projection of catch which indicated the 
scallop fleet would take much less than 307.5 mt. This revision process 
is outlined in regulation and may be performed at any time in the 
fishing year; however, such an adjustment is typically contemplated 
late in the fishing year when a large amount of yellowtail flounder 
catch in the scallop fishery data is available. The revision occurred 
earlier in the fishing year than anticipated by the scallop fleet in an 
effort to provide an immediate, greater harvest opportunity to the 
groundfish fishery. This revision modified the scallop sub-ACL by 49 
percent and as a result, scallop fishing practices may require 
substantive change to ensure the sub-ACL is not exceeded. If 
accountability is maintained at the adjusted, lower sub-ACL there is a 
higher likelihood that a Georges Bank yellowtail flounder overage by 
the scallop fleet could occur resulting in accountability measures with 
substantial implications for the upcoming 2013 scallop fishing year. By 
exempting the scallop fleet from accountability measures at the lower, 
revised 156.9 mt sub-ACL but maintaining accountability at the 307.5 mt 
level initially set for the fishing year, there remains a need for the 
scallop fleet to mitigate yellowtail flounder catch but to do so within 
the context of the initial level established for the fishing year. 
There is also accountability at the fishery level that remains 
unchanged by this action.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   10/01/12  77 FR 59883
NPRM Comment Period End.............   10/31/12
Final Action........................   02/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael Ruccio, Department of Commerce, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, 
Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone: 978 281-9104, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BC33

215.  Interim Final Rule for 2012 Butterfish Specifications

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

[[Page 1552]]

    Abstract: The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) met 
on September 14, 2012, in response to public comments that the current 
2012 acceptable biological catch (ABC) for butterfish (3,622 mt) is too 
conservative, and that the butterfish mortality cap on the longfin 
squid fishery derived from this ABC may close the longfin squid 
fishery. There has been anecdotal evidence of unusually high longfin 
squid abundance this fishing year, and the Council is concerned that 
closing the longfin squid fishery early would result in economic harm 
due to forgone harvest. The Council requested that its Scientific and 
Statistical Committee (SSC) reconsider its 2012 butterfish ABC 
recommendation in light of its higher (8,400 mt) butterfish ABC 
recommendation for 2013. The SSC revised their 2012 butterfish ABC 
recommendation to 4,200 mt and noted that the additional mortality at 
the end of the 2012 fishing year should not result in overfishing of 
the butterfish resource. Accordingly, the Council recommended an 
increase of the butterfish ABC to 4,200 mt for the remainder of the 
2012 fishing year, a decrease of the butterfish quota to 872 mt, and an 
increase of the butterfish mortality cap to 3,165 mt. NMFS will 
implement this action through an interim final rule, with publication 
as soon as possible.
    Timetable:

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

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Aja Szumylo, Department of Commerce, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, 
Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone: 978 281-9195, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BC57

216.  Emergency Rule for a Temporary Action To Adjust the 
Commercial ACL for Yellowtail Snapper in the South Atlantic Snapper-
Grouper Fishery

    Legal Authority: Magnuson Stevens Act
    Abstract: This temporary rule for an emergency action would adjust 
the commercial ACL for yellowtail snapper according to a new stock 
assessment recently completed by the State of Florida. This rule would 
allow snapper-grouper fishermen in the South Atlantic to continue to 
harvest yellowtail snapper until the new ACL has been met.
    Timetable:

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

    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-BC59

217.  Emergency Rule To Set the 2012 Annual Catch Limit for the 
Gulf of Mexico Vermilion Snapper Stock

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The current vermilion snapper annual catch limit (ACL) is 
3.42 million pounds (mp). A 2011 stock assessment indicates vermilion 
snapper are not overfished or undergoing overfishing. Based on the 
assessment, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council's (Council) 
Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) has recommended an 
acceptable biological catch level much higher than the current ACL (> 1 
mp). The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) requested 
NOAA Fisheries Service to promulgate an emergency rule to increase the 
vermilion snapper ACL. Landing projections for 2012 indicate the 
current ACL may be caught before the end of the 2012 fishing year 
(December 31). If the ACL is met, accountability measures would close 
vermilion snapper fishing for the remainder of the 2012 fishing year. 
Therefore, the Council asked for an emergency rule to increase the ACL 
to 4.19 mp. This new limit is consistent with the management advice 
from the Council's SSC.
    Timetable:

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

    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-BC65

218. 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 non-regulatory 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........................   12/00/12
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Helen Golde, Department of Commerce, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Marine Sanctuaries Division, 
1305 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 427-8400, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BA30

219. 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

[[Page 1553]]

vegetation to its deepest extent inland, lagoon waters, inner reef 
waters, and ocean waters out to a depth of 200 m. 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 
towards 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
Other...............................   06/25/12  77 FR 37867
Final Action........................   12/00/12
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Dwayne Meadows, Department of Commerce, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 427-8467, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BA81

220. Mandatory Use of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in Skimmer Trawls, 
Pusher-Head Trawls, and Wing Nets (Butterfly Trawls)

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1533
    Abstract: NMFS is proposing to withdraw the alternative tow time 
restriction at 50 CFR 223.206(d)(2)(ii)(A)(3), and require all skimmer 
trawls, pusher-head trawls, and wing nets (butterfly trawls) rigged for 
fishing to use turtle excluder devices (TEDs) in their nets.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/10/12  77 FR 27411
Proposed Rule Correction............   05/18/12  77 FR 29586
Miami Public Hearing................   06/22/12  77 FR 37647
Port Orange Public Hearing..........   06/27/12  77 FR 38266
Final Action........................   02/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BC10

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Long-Term Actions

National Marine Fisheries Service

221. 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 non-
releasable animals and for authorizing the retention of releasable 
rehabilitated marine mammals for scientific research, enhancement, or 
public display. This action will be analyzed under the National 
Environmental Policy Act with an Environmental Assessment.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   01/31/08  73 FR 5786
ANPRM...............................   01/31/08  73 FR 5786
ANPRM Comment Period Extended.......   03/28/08  73 FR 16617
NPRM................................   12/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Helen Golde, Phone: 301 427-8400, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0648-AW22

222. 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................................   01/00/14
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul, Phone: 978 281-9200, Fax: 978 
281-9117, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BA50

223.  Development of Island-Specific Fishery Management Plans 
(FMPs) in the Caribbean: Transition From Species-Specific FMPs to 
Island-Specific FMPs

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: NOAA Fisheries and the Caribbean Fishery Management 
Council will develop island-specific FMPs to account for differences 
among the U.S. Caribbean Islands of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin 
Islands with respect to culture, markets, gear, and seafood 
preferences. The development of these customized FMPs will recognize 
the unique attributes of each of the U.S. Caribbean Islands.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/00/14
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BC17


[[Page 1554]]



DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Completed Actions

224. Allowable Modifications to the Turtle Excluder Device Requirements

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.
    Abstract: NMFS revises the Turtle Excluder Device (TED) 
requirements to allow new materials and modifications to existing 
approved TED designs. Specifically, 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
NPRM................................   03/16/12  77 FR 15701
Final Action........................   05/21/12  77 FR 29905
Final Action........................   08/13/12  77 FR 48106
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Helen Golde, Department of Commerce, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Marine Sanctuaries Division, 
1305 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 427-8400, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-AW93

225. 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 fisherman.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/23/10  75 FR 51741
Final Action........................   05/18/12  77 FR 29556
Final Action Effective..............   06/18/12
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-AX91

226. Generic Amendment for Annual Catch Limits

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801.
    Abstract: The generic amendment modifies 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 developed 
these Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) in co-operation with the Scientific 
and Statistical Committee and the Southeast Fisheries Science Center. 
NMFS, in collaboration with the Council, also developed 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
Notice of Availability..............   09/26/11  76 FR 59373
NPRM................................   10/25/11  76 FR 66021
Final Rule..........................   12/29/11  76 FR 82044
Final Action--Final Rule Correction.   04/20/12  77 FR 23632
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

227. 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 Grouper species as ecosystem component species; considering 
multi-species groupings for specifying ACLs, ACTs, and AMs; specifying 
allocations among the commercial, recreational, and for-hire sectors 
for species not undergoing overfishing; and modifying management 
measures to limit total mortality to the ACL.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   10/20/11  76 FR 65153
NPRM................................   12/01/11  76 FR 74757
Amended Proposed Rule...............   12/30/11  76 FR 82664
Final Rule..........................   03/16/12  77 FR 15916
Final Rule Effective................   04/16/12
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-AY73

228. Amendment 20A to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan of 
the South Atlantic Region

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

[[Page 1555]]

    Abstract: Amendment 20A 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. The proposed actions 
would: (1) Define and revert inactive wreckfish shares; (2) 
redistribute reverted shares to active shareholders; (3) define a cap 
on the number of shares one entity may own; and (4) establish an 
appeals process for share redistribution.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   01/12/12  77 FR 1908
NPRM................................   03/30/12  77 FR 19165
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/30/12
Final Action........................   09/26/12  77 FR 59129
Final Action Effective..............   10/26/12
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-AY74

229. 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 two years of 
notification.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Intent....................   01/03/11  76 FR 99
Notice of Intent Comment Period End.   02/14/11
NPRM................................   03/30/12  77 FR 19169
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/30/12
Final Action........................   06/11/12  77 FR 34254
Final Action Effective..............   07/11/12
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

230. Regulatory 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:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/20/11  76 FR 78879
NPRM Comment Period End.............   01/19/12
Final Action........................   05/10/12  77 FR 27374
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

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

    Legal Authority: 118 Stat 110; 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 
3631 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq.; Pub. L. 108-199
    Abstract: This action limits Chinook salmon prohibited species 
catch (PSC) and increases monitoring in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) 
pollock fishery. A 25,000 lb Chinook salmon PSC annual limit is 
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 close. To provide better information on the quantity and 
source of salmon incidentally caught in the pollock fishery, this 
action also would increases observer coverage on vessels less than 
sixty feet in length overall and require full of salmon.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   11/23/11  76 FR 72384
NPRM................................   12/14/11  76 FR 77757
NPRM Comment Period End.............   01/30/12
Final Rule..........................   07/20/12  77 FR 42629
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

232. Implementation of Comprehensive Ecosystem Based Amendment 2

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This Comprehensive Ecosystem-Based Amendment 2 specifies 
the annual catch limit (ACL) for octocorals in the South Atlantic 
region. The South Atlantic Council is 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 reducing the management unit for octocorals, the South 
Atlantic Council is also considering an action to set the ACL at zero. 
CE-BA 2 amends 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 action amends the Council FMPs as needed to designate new 
or modify existing EFH and EFH-HAPCs.
    Timetable:

[[Page 1556]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Availability..............   09/26/11  76 FR 59371
NPRM................................   11/08/11  76 FR 69230
Final Rule..........................   12/30/11  76 FR 82183
Final Rule Correction...............   01/30/12  77 FR 4495
Final Action Effective..............   01/30/12
Final Action; Correction............   05/18/12  77 FR 29555
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

233. Emergency Rule To Increase the 2011 Catch Limits for the Northeast 
Skate Complex

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: The temporary emergency rule increases 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
Temporary Rule......................   10/28/11  76 FR 66856
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

234. 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 will 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 Action........................   11/10/11  76 FR 70064
Final Action Effective..............   12/12/11
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

235. 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 Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement analyzes 
the impacts of a range of alternatives for two potential management 
actions for the spiny lobster fishery, including 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Intent....................   09/19/11  76 FR 57957
Notice of Availability..............   04/27/12  77 FR 25116
NPRM................................   05/15/12  77 FR 28560
Final Action........................   07/27/12  77 FR 44168
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

236. Framework Adjustment 23 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery 
Management Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801
    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 FMP. 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proposed Rule.......................   01/03/12  77 FR 52
Final Action........................   04/06/12  77 FR 20728
Final Action Effective..............   05/07/12
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

237. 2012 Pacific Halibut Fisheries; Catch Sharing Plan

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq.
    Abstract: Each year, the Pacific Fishery Management Council 
(Council) reviews and receives public comment on its Pacific Halibut 
Catch Sharing Plan (Plan) to determine whether revisions are needed to 
achieve management objectives for any of the

[[Page 1557]]

West Coast halibut fisheries. Washington treaty tribes that fish for 
halibut hold a directed commercial fishery and a ceremonial and 
subsistence fishery off the Washington coast. Non-treaty fishers 
operating off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California 
participate in one of three separate commercial fisheries, and/or in 
one or more of the six separate recreational fisheries for halibut. For 
2012 and beyond, the Council has recommended minor changes to the 
portion of the Plan covering the sport fisheries for the Washington 
South Coast Area, the Columbia River subarea and the Oregon Central 
Coast Subarea. The changes to Washington South coast subarea include a 
slight modification in the opening day, the changes to the Columbia 
River subarea include an adjustment to the state contributions to the 
subarea allocation, and finally the changes to the Oregon Central Coast 
subarea include revisions to the allocation to the nearshore portion of 
this subarea and an adjustment to how quota may be moved inseason 
between the spring, summer, and nearshore fisheries within this 
subarea. These recommended changes to the Plan are implemented through 
the annual regulations. The annual regulations also include the 2012 
halibut quota for the West Coast fisheries as recommended by the 
International Pacific Halibut Commission.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/03/12  77 FR 5473
Final Action........................   03/22/12  77 FR 16740
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BB68

238. 2012-2013 Specifications for the Northeast Skate Complex

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This action specifies for the Northeast Skate Complex 
fishery an annual catch limit (ACL), annual catch target, total 
allowable landings, and possession limits for the 2012-2013 fishing 
years. It also makes minor modifications to overfishing definitions and 
fishery monitoring. These measures are based upon the recommendations 
of the New England Fishery Management Council, reflecting the best 
available scientific information on the status of the skate stocks. 
Recent increases in the biomass of winter and little skates support 
increases in catch limits and quotas. The ACL (50,435 mt) represents a 
23-percent increase from 2010 levels (41,080 mt). The measures are 
largely consistent with the skate catch levels implemented by 
Secretarial emergency action during the 2011 fishing year. Maintaining 
the catch limits at these higher levels is expected to continue 
positive economic impacts for the fishery, while simultaneously meeting 
the conservation objectives of the Northeast Skate Complex Fishery 
Management Plan.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/22/12  77 FR 10643
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/23/12
Final Action........................   04/27/12  77 FR 25097
Final Action Effective..............   05/01/12
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Daniel Morris, Acting Northeast Regional 
Administrator, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone: 
978 281-9311, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BB83

239. 2012 Tribal Fishery for Pacific Whiting

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq.
    Abstract: NMFS issues this rule for the 2012 Pacific whiting 
fishery under the authority of the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery 
Management Plan (FMP), the Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), and the Pacific Whiting Act of 
2006. This rule establishes a tribal allocation of 17.5 percent of the 
U.S. total allowable catch (TAC) for 2012. The regulations also 
establish a process for reapportionment of unused tribal allocation of 
Pacific whiting to the non-tribal fisheries.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/22/12  77 FR 10466
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/23/12
Final Action........................   05/15/12  77 FR 28497
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BB85

240. Regulatory Amendment To Revise Fall Recreational Closed Season and 
Set Annual Catch Limit for Red Snapper

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801
    Abstract: The actions in this amendment revise the fixed 
recreational red snapper closed season of October 1-December 31, and 
set the 2012 and 2013 annual catch limit (ACL) for the red snapper 
fishery in the Gulf of Mexico. The previous regulations limit the 
ability to achieve optimum yield for the recreational sector due to 
restrictive season timing and fixed closure dates which limit the 
ability to reopen the recreational season through normal rulemaking. 
This regulation gives the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and 
the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) more 
flexibility to manage the red snapper recreational fishing season. 
Providing management mechanisms with more flexibility would increase 
the likelihood of achieving optimum yield and, in turn, benefit the 
social and economic environments while reducing the burden on the 
administrative environment. Results from the red snapper update 
assessment in 2009 and the recent update indicate that the red snapper 
stock is no longer undergoing overfishing and that annual catch limits 
can be increased. Management measures considered in this amendment 
adjust the red snapper annual catch limit for 2012 and for 2013. 
Increases in 2013 would be contingent on the annual catch limit in 2012 
not being exceeded.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/12/12  77 FR 21955
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/27/12
Final Action........................   05/30/12  77 FR 31734
Final Action Effective..............   06/29/12
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BB91

[[Page 1558]]

241. Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Silky Shark Management Measures

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.
    Abstract: This action implements Recommendation 11-08, which was 
adopted at the 2011 annual meeting of the International Commission for 
the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), consistent with both the 
Magnuson-Stevens Conservation and Management Act and the Atlantic Tunas 
Convention Act. Recommendation 11-08 prohibits the retention, 
transshipping, or landing of silky sharks (Carcharhinus falciformis) 
caught in association with ICCAT fisheries.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/22/12  77 FR 37647
NPRM Comment Period End.............   07/23/12
Final Action........................   10/04/12  77 FR 60632
Final Action Effective..............   11/05/12
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BB96

242. 2012 Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Recreational 
Harvest Measures

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    Abstract: This rulemaking implements management measures to achieve 
recreational harvest limits for the 2012 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................................   04/30/12  77 FR 25394
Final Action........................   05/23/12  77 FR 30427
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Daniel Morris, Acting Northeast Regional 
Administrator, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone: 
978 281-9311, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-BC07

243.  Temporary Rule Through Emergency Action To Allow Harvest 
of Red Snapper in the South Atlantic Region in 2012

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801
    Abstract: In a letter dated June 19, 2012, the Council requested 
NOAA Fisheries Service to allow harvest and possession of red snapper 
in 2012 through emergency regulations. At their June 11-15, 2012, 
meeting, the Council reviewed new information in the form of red 
snapper rebuilding projections, 2012 acceptable biological catch 
levels, and 2012 discard mortality levels. After accounting for the 
2012 discard mortalities, the Council determined that directed harvest 
could be allowed without compromising the rebuilding of the stock to 
target levels. The Council decided to send the request for emergency 
regulation by a 12 to 1 vote. As outlined in the letter, the Councils 
request is centered around the following items: (1) Red snapper annual 
catch limit (ACL) of 13,067 fish; (2) recreational ACL of 9,399 fish; 
(3) commercial ACL of 3,668 fish or 20,818 pounds gutted weight; (4) 
for the recreational sector, three-day weekend openings of which the 
number of weekends would be determined by the agency and the opening 
dates would be subject to modification based on weather conditions; (5) 
for the commercial sector, seven-day mini-season increments subject to 
the remaining quota; (6) open the seasons as soon as possible; (7) 
recreational bag limit of one fish per person per day with no size 
limit; and (8) commercial 50-pound trip limit with no size limit.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Action........................   08/28/12  77 FR 51939
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BC32

244. 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
Final Action--ANPRM Comment Period     03/19/07  72 FR 12749
 Extended.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Helen Golde, Department of Commerce, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Marine Sanctuaries Division, 
1305 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 427-8400, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0648-AV04

245. 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,

[[Page 1559]]

as well as other updates supporting the objectives of the BDTRP.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/12/12  77 FR 21946
NPRM Comment Period End.............   05/14/12
Final Action........................   07/31/12  77 FR 45268
Final Action Effective..............   08/30/12
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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-BA34

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)

Final Rule Stage

246. Setting and Adjusting Patent Fees

    Legal Authority: 35 U.S.C. 119; 35 U.S.C. 120; 35 U.S.C. 132(b); 35 
U.S.C. 376; 35 U.S.C. 41; 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; Pub. L. 112-29
    Abstract: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (Office) 
takes this action in accordance with the Leahy-Smith American Invents 
Act to set and adjust certain patent fee amounts to provide the Office 
with a sufficient amount of aggregate revenue to recover its aggregate 
cost of patent operations. This action also helps the Office implement 
a sustainable funding model, reduce the current patent application 
backlog, decrease patent pendency, improve patent quality, and upgrade 
the Office's patent business information technology capability and 
infrastructure.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   09/06/12  77 FR 55028
NPRM Comment Period End.............   11/05/12
Final Rule..........................   02/00/13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Gilda Lee, Economist, Department of Commerce, 
Patent and Trademark Office, 600 Dulany Street, P.O. Box 1450, 
Alexandria, VA 22313-1450, Phone: 571 272-8698, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 0651-AC54

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)

Completed Actions

247. Changes To Implement the Supplemental Examination Provisions of 
the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act and To Revise Reexamination Fees

    Legal Authority: 125 Stat 283; 125 Stat 319; 35 U.S.C. 2(b)(2); 
Pub. L. 112-29
    Abstract: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (Office) is 
amending the rules of practice in patent cases to implement the 
supplemental examination provisions of the Leahy-Smith America Invents 
Act (AIA). The supplemental examination provisions permit a patent 
owner to request supplemental examination of a patent by the Office to 
consider, reconsider, or correct information believed to be relevant to 
the patent. The Office is also adjusting the fee for filing a request 
for ex parte reexamination and setting a fee for petitions filed in 
reexamination proceedings to more accurately reflect the cost of these 
processes.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   01/25/12  77 FR 3666
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/26/12
Final Rule..........................   08/14/12  77 FR 48828
Final Rule Effective................   09/16/12
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Raul Tamayo, Department of Commerce, Patent and 
Trademark Office, 600 Dulaney Street, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 
22313, Phone: 571 272-7728, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0651-AC69

248. Rules of Practice for Trials Before the Patent Trial and Appeal 
Board and Judicial Review of Patent Trial and Appeal Board Decisions

    Legal Authority: 125 Stat 284; 125 Stat 289; 125 Stat 290; 125 Stat 
299-313; 125 Stat 329-331 (2011); 35 U.S.C. 135; 35 U.S.C. 2(b)(2); 35 
U.S.C. 21; 35 U.S.C. 23; 35 U.S.C. 311-319; 35 U.S.C. 321-329; 35 
U.S.C. 41; 35 U.S.C. 6; Pub. L. 112-29
    Abstract: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (Office) 
amends the rules of practice to add new parts 42 and 90 to implement 
the inter partes, post grant, and covered business method review of 
patents and derivation provisions of the Leahy-Smith America Invents 
Act (LSAIA). The review provisions permit a third party to request 
review of a patent by the Office. The derivation provisions permit a 
patent applicant to file a petition seeking to institute a derivation 
proceeding with another party's application or patent.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/09/12  77 FR 6879
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/09/12
Final Rule..........................   08/14/12  77 FR 48612
Final Rule Effective................   09/16/12
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael Tierney, Lead Administrative Patent Judge, 
Department of Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, 600 Dulany Street, 
P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450, Phone: 571 272-9797, Fax: 571 
273-0053, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0651-AC70

249. Changes To Implement Inter Partes Review Proceedings

    Legal Authority: 125 Stat 284; 125 Stat 299-313; 125 Stat 329-331; 
31 U.S.C. 311-319; 35 U.S.C. 2(b)(2); 35 U.S.C. 21; 35 U.S.C. 23; 35 
U.S.C. 329-331; 35 U.S.C. 41; 35 U.S.C. 6; Pub. L. 112-29 sections 6, 
18
    Abstract: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (Office or 
USPTO) is revising the rules of practice to implement the provisions of 
the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (AIA) that create the new inter 
partes review proceeding, post-grant review proceeding, and 
transitional post-grant review proceeding for covered business method 
patents, to be conducted before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board 
(Board). These provisions of the AIA will take effect on September 16, 
2012, one year after the date of enactment.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/10/12  77 FR 7041
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/10/12
Final Rule..........................   08/14/12  77 FR 48680
Final Rule Effective................   09/16/12  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael Tierney, Lead Administrative Patent Judge,

[[Page 1560]]

Department of Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, 600 Dulany Street, 
P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450, Phone: 571 272-9797, Fax: 571 
273-0053, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0651-AC71

250. Changes To Implement Derivation Proceedings

    Legal Authority: 125 Stat 284; 125 Stat 289-90 (2011); 35 U.S.C. 
135; 35 U.S.C. 2(b)(2); 35 U.S.C. 21; 35 U.S.C. 23; 35 U.S.C. 41; 35 
U.S.C. 6; Pub. L. 112-29, sec 3(i)
    Abstract: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (Office) 
amends the rules of practice to implement the derivation provisions of 
the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (LSAIA). The derivation provisions 
permit a patent applicant to file a petition seeking to institute a 
derivation proceeding with another party's application or patent.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/10/12  77 FR 7028
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/10/12
Final Rule..........................   09/11/12  77 FR 56068
Final Rule Effective................   03/16/13  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael Tierney, Lead Administrative Patent Judge, 
Department of Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, 600 Dulany Street, 
P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450, Phone: 571 272-9797, Fax: 571 
273-0053, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0651-AC74

251. Transitional Program for Covered Business Method Patents--
Definition for Technological Invention

    Legal Authority: 125 Stat 284; 125 Stat 329-331 (2011); 35 U.S.C. 
2(b)(2); 35 U.S.C. 21; 35 U.S.C. 23; 35 U.S.C. 321-329; 35 U.S.C. 41; 
35 U.S.C. 6; Pub. L. 112-29
    Abstract: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (Office) 
implements the provision of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act that 
requires the Office to issue regulations for determining whether a 
patent is for a technological invention in a transitional post-grant 
review proceeding for covered business method patents.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/10/12  77 FR 7095
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/10/12
Final Rule..........................   08/14/12  77 FR 48734
Final Rule Effective................   09/16/12
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael Tierney, Lead Administrative Patent Judge, 
Department of Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, 600 Dulany Street, 
P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450, Phone: 571 272-9797, Fax: 571 
273-0053, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 0651-AC75

[FR Doc. 2012-31489 Filed 1-7-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-12-P